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Hawk, a leading global provider of level, positioning and
flow measurement technology, has begun using the HawkLink interface to
communicate with Hawk devices via cell phone networks or the Internet.
“We want people to know that we can help them with
commissioning and startup, and we don’t have to be physically at their
location,” said Jack Evans, President of Hawk Measurement U.S.A.
A HawkLink unit collects inputs from Hawk sensors and
switches, and relays them to Hawk’s central server. The connection between the
HawkLink and the server can be made via a cell phone network or over the
Internet. At the other end of the link, a technician can log onto the server
using a PC running GosHawk software and watch the inputs from the Hawk devices
changing in real time. The HawkLink can transfer data in both directions, so
the technician can also change the calibration and setpoints on the Hawk
devices.
“Recently we were working with a major steel manufacturer,”
Evans explained. “They use large amounts
of “carbon black” - it’s a very light powdered material. During filling, the air inside the tank
becomes extremely dusty, and it’s difficult to measure the level accurately. We
sent them a HawkLink unit, and we were able to watch the fill and draw cycles
from our office. If we had to send a man
out there for a week, that would have been expensive for us, or for our
customer. It’s a lot simpler to just send them a HawkLink.”
Normally, a HawkLink unit is used only during the
commissioning and setup of the Hawk sensors or controls. Each HawkLink unit is
configured before it is sent to a customer, so all of the details of the cell
phone or Internet connection are worked out in advance. To complete the connection
to the device being monitored, the customer needs to connect just two wires.
To communicate with the Hawk devices, the HawkLink can
handle signals via MODBUS/RS485. When connecting with the “outside world,” the
HawkLink can communicate using the CSD protocol over GSM and CDMA cell phone
networks. When connecting via the
Internet, the unit can use the GPRS protocol (TCP/IP) over a GSM system.
Evans noted that customers often want to keep a HawkLink in
place after the setup process is complete. “In fact, our biggest problem is
getting these back from our customers,” he added.
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