Universal Gauge Panel Provides Remote Data Logging To USB Memory For Industrial Diesel And Gasoline Engines

(PRWEB) November 30, 2009 -- Remote monitoring of heavy duty industrial diesel and gasoline engines is now possible with a new line of digital instrumentation panels from Chetco Digital Instruments. vGauge Pro™ is a multifunction color gauge system offering built-in data logging via a USB memory stick. User programmable sensor calibrations and display graphics allow vGauge Pro to work with just about any existing engine package while providing display and logging of engine tachometers, temperatures, pressures, fuel consumption, voltage levels, and more. The vGauge Pro includes an USB interface port to allow field upgrade of graphics and firmware. A limitless number of display themes and gauge graphic styles can be downloaded from the internet and copied directly to the unit. A serial interface port provides expansion options including remote switching and network interface for viewing and remote data logging. vGauge Pro offers many advanced features such as an integrated USB controller which allows common USB memory devices to be connected directly to the unit for long term data logging of all engine operational parameters. Remote logging provides a capability for continuous monitoring while equipment is stationed in the field. A single 4 GB memory stick can provide up to 100 continuous days of information and over 2400 work hours. Logged data can be easily viewed and graphed using popular spreadsheet and plotting programs.

One of the many uses for the instrumentation system is in remote monitoring of leased equipment deployed in the field. In a recent installation for a rock crusher used in quarry operations, the equipment owner wanted to observe how the equipment was being used and the type of load it was being subjected to. By adding boost pressure and exhaust gas temperature sensors to the existing gauge panel, engine load could be easily determined as different grades of rock material were processed. Engine hours could also be logged at both low and high RPM for billing purposes. “We were able to replace the existing analog panel with expanded functions including an industrial color display panel in only a few hours … enabling the leaser to meet the operators delivery schedule” commented Steve James, President of Chetco Digital.

In another application, a European based ferry boat being outfitted with new engines was equipped with the vGauge Pro system so the operator could monitor the dual diesels for warrantee and government record keeping purposes. The vessel was in service in a remote location so being able to log each ferry run directly to the memory sticks allowed a service technician to collect them in 3 month intervals while performing other scheduled service. “We worked with the customer to create a custom engine monitoring package that worked in parallel with standard government mandated equipment and provide automatic data collection for documentation purposes” said CTO, Joe Burke.

The large 8.4” color touch panel option has room to show all instrumentation required for dual engines on one screen. vGauge Pro gives users the ability to migrate to full color digital displays in existing power plants while keeping the original OEM senders. Integrated functionality allows for increased instrumentation by including fuel flow data in the same compact unit. Up to 10 user defined gauge arrangements can be designed with supplied PC software and downloaded to the unit for real time display. Individual High/Low alarms can be programmed for each gauge with both audio and visual indicators.

With the optional vSwitch relay module, customers can add remote switching for up to 12 circuits allowing alarm conditions to trigger switches and shutdown or activate equipment.

With concerns for high fuel prices, smart engine monitoring systems are becoming a popular method to increase performance and lower operating costs. Retro-fitting older diesel engines by replacing inoperative mechanical gauges with digital display panels are now possible.

Converting to digital instrumentation on older diesel systems can improve reliability by eliminating mechanical senders. Some mechanical oil pressure gauges for example, still perform measurements by piping oil and hydraulic fluid long distances from the engines to the operator station where breaks and leaks in the line are common. Single mode digital gauges require a bundle of wires to be run from the engine to operator panel which degrades readings. The vGauge Pro instrument panel improves on this by installing a 16 function remote sensor interface near the engine which converts all the engine data into a CAT5 network cable that can then be run to multiple display panels. Bluetooth and WiFi options even allow wireless transmission in industrial environments up to 300 feet

According to Joe Burke CTO for the company, “Remote monitoring of heavy equipment is becoming important as companies improve their asset monitoring and service policies. Previously, operators would manually record gauge readings in a log book that would then need to be transcribed.” “ Now we can provide a fully automated record keeping system that tracks several times per second for months at a time” he added. A large sunlight viewable color touch display and built-in electrical interfaces to tachometers and fuel flow senders give customers many additional features over existing OEM units. The sealed ABS plastic case and sensor cables resists the effects of moisture and exposure to the elements found in industrial environments.

The vGauge Pro is bundled with the company’s vDash software program which allows users to customize the unit by picking from a selection of graphic display options and arranging one of several pages quickly accessed via the touch panel interface. Using the software tool on a Windows XP or Vista platform attached via USB interface, users can compose summary instrumentation screens with additional more detailed formats as desired. The program provides for sensor calibration thereby allowing the system to fit into virtually any application.

Pricing starts at $1495 for the base color unit. Other configurations and network options are also available.

For more information on vGauge Pro™ and other Chetco Digital Instruments products, and where to buy, see our web site at www.chetcodigital.com, email sales@chetcodigital.com or call 1 541 661 2051

Contact

Joe Burke

###

Comment on "Universal Gauge Panel Provides Remote Data Logging To USB Memory For Industrial Diesel And Gasoline Engines"