November 2005
PR 0805
For Immediate Publication
Modbus added to Intrinsically Safe Serial Text Displays
BEKA associates have recently enhanced their BA484D and BA488C intrinsically safe serial text displays. These instruments, which display process variables, text and simple graphics in a hazardous area, now include Modbus protocol and nine standard format display screens showing one, two, three or four variables with optional bargraphs.
The addition of Modbus protocol allows the BEKA serial text displays to be easily interfaced with the vast range of process instrumentation having a Modbus port. Most applications can be satisfied by one of the nine new standard display screen formats which include units of measurement, tag identification and optional bargraphs, thus eliminating the need to design a custom screen.
For application requiring a dedicated display screen, BEKA protocol enables text to be written anywhere on the screen in five different font sizes, together with lines, boxes and simple bitmap graphics. A free instrument simulator which will run on a personal computer demonstrates the capabilities of the serial text display and the associated programming utilities enable application software to be developed without any additional hardware.
The recent enhancement also includes the addition of two advanced features, pattern matching and scripting. Pattern matching enables ASCII data from instruments such as weighing systems and barcode readers which is primarily intended for printing, to be decoded and displayed by the text display. Scripts are a sequence of commands down-loaded and stored in the serial text displays non-volatile memory that can be executed without intervention from the host.
Both serial text displays have ATEX Group II Category 1G (EEx ia IIC T5) certification and are ideal for simple machine and process control applications. The instruments include push-buttons which may be used for returning operator acknowledgements.
The field mounting BA484D has an IP66 GRP enclosure and has been certified for use in both flammable gases and combustible dusts. The panel mounting BA488C has an IP66 front panel and has been certified for use in flammable gases.
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Notes for editor:
Associated image may be downloaded from: beka.co.uk/assets/img/fieldbusindicators.jpg
Our company name should be shown as BEKA associates or BEKA associates Ltd.
For further Press Release information please contact: Chris Burkitt, BEKA associates Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1462 438301.
For further Press Release information please contact: Chris Burkitt, BEKA associates Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1462 438301.
