Quatech Releases Wireless Data Acquisition Systems!

Akron, OH-August 16, 2000--Quatech, Inc, a leader in the communication, data acquisition and signal conditioning industries for over 17 years, has leveraged its extensive experience to provide a reliable, easily-configured, low-cost wireless data acquisition solution for industrial monitoring and control applications. Building on the popular QTM-8000 Series of remote data acquisition and signal conditioning modules for serial networks, the company's new QTM-8524 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) RF modem modules take the system wireless.

QTM-8524 RF modem modules operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band and can reach speeds up to 57.6 kbps. As a spread spectrum system they can be used alongside other radio systems with minimal signal conflict. Further, as the modules use GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) modulation, they have a very low bit error rate, which is ideal for use in factories and other high-noise environments. Additional advantages of the DSSS implementation are high throughput, and a noise-like signal that is particularly resistant to deliberate or accidental interception, demodulation and jamming. No license is necessary for operating wireless QTM-8000 systems.

QTM-8524 modules convert RF signals to serial RS-232 or RS-485 for communication with a PC or a serial network. They can be used to network two PCs, a PC and a PLC, or they can be used in conjunction with Quatech's QTM-8000 data acquisition modules to create a flexible, low-cost modular data acquisition and control system that is ideal for a wide range of process and monitoring applications. Analog and digital I/O modules are available for Voltage (V or mV) and current (mA) signals. Signal conditioning is provided for RTDs, thermocouples, and strain gages. Relay control and counter/timer modules round-out the series for complete system solutions.

Quatech's QTM-8000 Series offers a number of unique advantages: First is the high quality antenna choices offered with the QTM-8524 RF modules. Unlike the small, on-board antennas generally provided with modem modules, Quatech's standard package includes either an indoor/outdoor wall-mount swivel antenna or a ceiling- mount antenna. Both were carefully selected to compliment and enhance the QTM-8524 by providing flexible installation options and extending communication distance. Second, Quatech's QTMSuite software package brings the entire system together. It provides a Windows-based utility for configuring I/O parameters that also includes an easy ASCII-based interface for sending commands through the network. For more complex applications, QTMSuite supplies a DDE server, 32-bit Windows DLLs, ActiveX/OCX controls, a custom set of LabView Virtual Instruments, and a custom DASYLab Driver that integrates the QTM-8000 Series into the DASYLab programming environment. Other QTM-8000 Series advantages include implementing wireless communication with spread spectrum technology, dual watchdog protection designed to minimize damage should a portion of the network be compromised, the ability to simultaneously implement multiple modules operating at different baud rates with different data formats and at different frequencies, and the power to control the entire system with a single PC via its standard serial port.

Scheduled to begin shipping early fourth quarter, Quatech's QTM-8524 module, with choice of antenna, will list for $799. At least two QTM-8524 modules are required to implement a wireless system. QTM-8000 Series converters, repeaters, and I/O modules range from $99 to $239. For more information and a live system demonstration, visit Quatech in booth #1955 at ISA 2000 in New Orleans, August. 21-24. Complete specifications are available from their website at http://www.quatech.com. Call a Quatech sales engineer at 800-553-1170 or email sales@quatech.com for additional information.

Quatech, Inc., an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer of USB, PCI, ISA, and PCMCIA communication, data acquisition, and signal conditioning products for PC-based systems, is located at 662 Wolf Ledges Parkway, Akron, Ohio, 44311, USA.
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CONTACT:    Lisa A. Hephner, Media Manager
                 Quatech, Inc.
                 662 Wolf Ledges Parkway
                 Akron, Ohio 44311
PHONE: 330-434-3154
FAX: 330-434-1409
EMAIL: lhephner@quatech.com