What are the AlarmAgent Wireless RTU Field Equipment Requirements?

With the Realtime data transmission method, the RTU assumes it is connected to the web site all the time. This allows the RTU to send small packets of data whenever it is required.

The WRTU shall have the following minimum complement of inputs and outputs:

8 Digital Inputs - 8 digital inputs monitoring dry (un-powered) contacts. These inputs shall be opto-isolated and surge protected, and shall also be drivable by five-volt logic outputs. Open circuit voltage shall be 5 volts; closed circuit current shall be 1.5 milliamperes. All digital inputs shall use a single common return.

2 Universal Analog/Digital Inputs - 2 analog 4-20 ma inputs shall be provided, with 10 bit resolution (0.125%), single ended and surge protected. Absolute accuracy shall be 0.5%. Independent High and Low set points shall be provided for each analog input. The current loop integrity shall be maintained even when the RTU is turned off. Loop resistance shall be nominally 250 ohms. The two analog inputs shall be user-configurable to serve as additional digital inputs in lieu of analog, without need for physical settings at the RTU.

Relay Contact Outputs - 2 Normally Open relays. Contacts shall be rated 1/2 ampere @ 120 VAC. These outputs shall be operable on an occasional basis from the web site, in either momentary or maintained mode.

LED Indicators shall include, both performance and diagnostic categories:

Performance:

  • RTU on/off
  • RTU Armed/Disarmed
  • Battery charge state
  • Transmitting state
  • Continuous Signal Strength Indicator: A 10-element bar graph shall provide continuous detailed indication of received radio signal strength without reliance upon counting LED flashes or similar schemes.

Diagnostic:

  • Input state for each digital input
  • Primary power input present
  • Output Relay(s) activated
  • Radio status
  • Account status
  • Alarm status
  • Violation status (an input is in violation but has not yet tripped into Alarm)
  • Suspended status
  • Test Button Ready status

Test Call Button
A Test Call Button shall be included on the RTU. After a test call phone number has been entered at the web site, pressing the Test Call Button shall result in a special phone call being placed to that phone number. The call shall include indication of the signal strength as received at the local cellular tower.

User Configuration
The basic RTU configuration items shall be performable via local switch settings on the RTU, or remotely via the web site.With all digital inputs in their non-alarm state, pressing an "accept" pushbutton on the RTU shall automatically set the open/closed alarm criteria for each input.The RTU shall at the user's option be configurable from the web site without need to visit the RTU.

"Over the Air" Firmware Upgrade Feature
Third generation AlarmAgent units how have the ability to receive "Over the Air" (OTA) firmware upgrades. For units running version 3.x or 5.x firmware, it is possible for RACO representatives to remotely upgrade a unit's firmware.

Wiring Connections
All wiring connections shall be via un-pluggable screw-clamp terminal blocks, which accommodate 16 to 26 AWG wire.

Power Requirements
The RTU shall operate on 12 to 24 VDC power input. With 12 VDC input, current shall be 1-ampere peak 200 ma average. With 24 VDC input, current shall be 0.5-ampere peak, 100 ma average. Surge protection shall be 1,500 watts peak. The fuse shall reset automatically.

The RTU shall be operable in a reduced solar power mode. Average current in this mode shall be 60 ma or less. The RTU shall not power down in the solar power mode, allowing it to be contacted by the web site at all times.

The RTU shall incorporate a sealed lead-acid backup battery contained within the enclosure. The battery shall be