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Argus
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Others
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Control Software
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Argus supplies complete and comprehensive software. When you buy a version of
the Argus software you get everything you need to implement your control
strategies. All programs are provided with unlimited re-use capabilities within
your system. |
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Other systems may be modular, requiring
you to purchase additional software components when new applications are
required. Some equipment control programs may cost extra and there may be a
limit on their use. |
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Multi-user Access
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The Argus operator program is available with an option enabling
multiple users to access the Argus Control system simultaneously through
any TCP/IP-enabled network, including local and wide area networks (LANs
& WANs), and the Internet. Program features include fast,
concurrent, multi-user system access. Data is synchronized
across all Clients and the multi-use license allows an unlimited
number of Argus Clients to access an Argus System. |
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Other systems may not offer multi-user
capabilities. Simultaneous system access by multiple users may not
be supported. Remote access capabilities may be limited or not
available. |
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Custom Data Streaming and Extensive Graphing Capabilities
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You can record any data
point from your control system at a sampling interval that you
specify. You can also graph, compare, and analyze
your real-time data from within the Argus Operator program, taking advantage of
interactive zoom capabilities and custom time and date ranges. |
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Other systems may not offer data recording, or may
offer limited recording options. They may require "add-on" or
third-party products for graphing and analysis, or may only feature
rudimentary graphing of a limited number of data channels.
In Argus, the sampling
intervals are user defined. For example, you can sample fast-changing
events every few seconds, whereas a non-critical or slow to change measurements can be
sampled every 10 minutes.
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Remote Access
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Every Argus system is equipped for access via modem
or Internet for
offsite management, customer support, and troubleshooting. Remote users
have full systems access (with secure password protection). Remote PCs running the
Argus software can access an Argus System over any TCP/IP network, including wired and wireless LANs,
and the Internet. With Argus' unique file synchronization capabilities,
remote access is comparatively fast, even at dialup speeds. |
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Other systems may not offer remote access or may
offer limited third-party solutions such as PC Anywhere, that do not provide
simultaneous, multi-user access. They are also comparatively slow. Some systems may provide only limited
remote access to
a few control functions or readings. PC-dependent systems cannot be accessed when the
local PC
is down. Argus systems are supplied with direct modem access to the
controllers for this contingency. |
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Suitability
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Argus systems are designed specifically to control
the highly dynamic climate variables common in horticultural production
buildings. They contain specialized programs for control of
horticultural equipment, such as fog systems, roof vents, CO2,
HID lighting, shading, irrigation, nutrients, etc. |
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Non-horticultural control systems, such as building
control systems, lack these specialized control capabilities. |
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Distributed Control
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Argus was the first greenhouse controls
manufacturer to offer distributed input and output control.
Controllers and expansion devices can be placed close to the equipment
they are intended to control. This helps minimize expensive equipment wiring costs. In
addition, by distributing control over several controllers, the scope
of any hardware failures is limited. |
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Some systems rely upon a single, central processor
for control. A single hardware failure will result in a total system
shutdown.
Greenhouse equipment such as vent motors and fans
are typically spread across the greenhouse. The costs to wire this equipment
to a single central controller can be high. |
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Dedicated Control
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Argus uses dedicated controllers that operate
independent from of your personal computer. Personal computer systems
are not designed for real-time control since they are relatively
unstable, lack watchdog timers
and automatic reset capabilities. Distributed, dedicated control
provides a high level of safety, reliability, and redundancy. |
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Some systems use a personal computer as the
controller. Control ceases when the PC fails or is offline. |
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Communications
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For maximum safety and speed, Argus uses a dedicated
wiring network for all controller communications. |
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Other systems may share communications bandwidth
with other systems, or "piggyback" onto line voltage
conductors. |
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Speed
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Argus reads each sensor once every second.
This ensures the fastest response to critical conditions, such as wind
gusts, rain, nutrient dosing, and other situations where quick control
action is required. System performance is not affected no matter how many
sensors are connected. |
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Other systems may take many seconds or even several
minutes depending on the number of sensors that are connected. |
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Lightning Protection
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All Argus control panels are equipped with
lightning protection devices to prevent or minimize lightning damage.
Optional fiber-optic communications are available for high lightning
areas. |
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Other systems may not have lightning protection. |
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User Customization
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The Argus for Windows operator program provides unprecedented
flexibility for viewing and configuring custom system screens,
complete with graphics, line drawings, custom text, and multi-window capabilities. |
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Many systems still offer non user-customizable
program screens. |
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Flexibility
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Argus is the system of choice for challenging and
unusual control applications. The built-in flexibility of the Argus
System has enabled many growers and researchers to control their
facilities in highly innovative and imaginative ways. |
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Many competing systems are limited to standard
control situations and equipment types, with little or no built-in
flexibility. |
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Room to Grow
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Argus systems offer almost unlimited expansion
capabilities. |
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Other systems may not be expandable, or are
limited in their capacity to expand. |
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Customer Service
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Argus provides extensive telephone and Internet based
support. With our remote access
capabilities, we can solve most problems online. Toll-free telephone
support is available in the U.S. and Canada.
Customers who have experience with other systems
tell us that we have the best hassle-free support and service in
the industry!
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Lack of online support
and customer serviceability may require expensive on-site service visits. |
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System Maintenance
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Argus systems are designed for maximum
reliability and low maintenance. Our systems are designed to be
installed and maintained by users! All systems are supplied with
complete custom wiring diagrams and all wiring terminals are clearly
labeled. The modular design of our equipment makes most service issues a
simple matter of do-it-yourself parts exchange. |
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Many competing systems can only be serviced by
factory authorized technicians. |
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Ease of Installation
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Argus systems are fully pre-configured and prewired,
and they are supplied with custom wiring diagrams and detailed installation
instructions. The modular nature of Argus systems makes them so easy to
install that many customers do it themselves!
Modular parts are field replaceable so there is
rarely ever a need for a service technician to go onsite. |
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Many competing systems cannot be installed or serviced by the
end user. This can add substantial cost to your control system purchase. |
