You should know better than to lick chinese components by now... On Fri, Dec 22, 2017 at 12:44 PM, <[email protected]> wrote:
> Sometimes if I lick the chinese components my tummy gets upset... > > -----Original Message----- From: Robert Andrews > Sent: Friday, December 22, 2017 11:41 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Remote generator start options packetflux? > > Not a lot of pure hardware products that have virus problems... > > On 12/21/2017 03:22 PM, Chuck McCown wrote: > >> That is always a problem. And much more so if your product has software >> inside. My products I can put them into production, take them out, >> advertise, not advertise pretty much on a whim. >> When you have software you always have features, oddities, perhaps bugs, >> anomalies that need to be hunted down and killed. >> Software is born, lives and dies but is never done. >> When I was doing software dependent products I spent all my spare time >> adding features and killing bugs. I like this much better the way I do >> them now... >> *From:* Lewis Bergman >> *Sent:* Thursday, December 21, 2017 4:03 PM >> *To:* [email protected] >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Remote generator start options packetflux? >> Of course, that might lead Forrest back to the initial place in this >> thread which was "I didn't sell that many of them". Not saying he wouldn't, >> but he has mouths to feed and only one of him. As a result he tries to >> gauge interest before taking on projects. I'll bet he could tell you pretty >> quick if it seems like something he would be interested in. >> On Thu, Dec 21, 2017 at 4:06 PM Darren Shea <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> Well, I certainly understand that cheap and flexible tend to be >> opposites, which is why I would think the best way to do what I >> suggested would be to make the module a pricier option, not a >> default. A multi-purpose tool has the potential to be more useful to >> a wider range of people than something which is practically a >> uni-tasker. Having to shut off all the APs on a RackInjector to >> replace one is not fun – having to perform surgery on a deployed >> RackInjector while 7 fully-functional APs have to be shut off during >> the process is even less so.____ >> >> ____ >> >> Even as an internal add-on card with a bunch of cables to each of >> the jumper blocks could be a major factor in deciding how to >> build-out a new site. Front-swappable might also work (maybe each >> card could be in a drawer-like setting with a front-accessible screw >> or two to lock it down most of the time) if we’re keeping the >> jumpers for cost. Just brainstorming…____ >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> *From:*Af [mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of *George Skorup >> *Sent:* Thursday, December 21, 2017 3:32 PM >> *To:* [email protected] >> >> >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Remote generator start options packetflux?____ >> >> ____ >> >> Do you want PacketFlux injectors to cost what CMMs and CTMs do? No. >> And neither does Forrest. >> >> We've done several radio swaps year after year. I take a spare >> SyncInjector/PowerInjector/RackInjector/whatever and swap it. >> >> Yes, it would have been cool to see the cards for the RackInjector >> be easily front swappable like storage on a server. Again, >> complexity and cost.____ >> >> On 12/21/2017 2:40 PM, Darren Shea wrote:____ >> >> Forrest,____ >> >> That’s really interesting – am I jumping to conclusions, or does >> that modular design of the underlying architecture mean it would >> be possible to design a module which would replace the jumper >> options on the current RackInjector with a fully controllable, >> web-accessible, interface? Honestly, that’s the only reason we >> haven’t deployed ours – the fact we are mixing PMP450 and >> 450i/450m APs and ePMP 1000 and 2000 APs means that having to >> partially disassemble the RackInjector to change an AP is a >> statistically likely and pretty daunting task. Having a module >> to give the programmable flexibility of a LMG CTM-2M, for >> instance, without having to remove the unit from the rack, open >> up the case, and move around jumpers when switching AP types >> would be a big thing…____ >> >> ____ >> >> Thanks,____ >> >> __n__Darren____ >> >> ____ >> >> *From:*Af [mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of *Forrest >> Christian (List Account) >> *Sent:* Thursday, December 21, 2017 9:57 AM >> *To:* af >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Remote generator start options >> packetflux?____ >> >> ____ >> >> I'd like to explain where we are in the grand scheme of >> things. Getting the rackinjector out the door took pretty >> much all of our R&D engineering for the last year or so. BUT... >> there's a reason for this, and it is related to the technology >> which is underpinning the web interface on that device. And >> which is related to our fairly near-term future as far as >> packetflux goes...____ >> >> ____ >> >> The architecture underneath the rackinjector control system is >> far more layered and abstracted than it would need to be to >> provide just the web interface. Every piece of data is >> abstracted into a generic data format inside the unit, and the >> system is designed in a way to greatly simplify the addition of >> additional features. The overriding idea is an on-site system >> which is able to gather up status from the entire site and also >> be able to control an entire site. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> To sort of give you a glimpse, in the rackinjector, there is a >> module for gathering up data from a NMEA GPS stream (GPS lock >> status, etc), a separate module for measuring the timing of the >> PPS pulses, a separate module for the analog digital >> controllers, another module to pull data from sitemonitor >> expansions (the expansion cards in the rackinjector are running >> the same underlying protocol as the sitemonitor expansion cards >> are today), and so on. Each of these modules pull data from >> their information source and makes it available in a generic >> manner to the system. For instance, the number of satellites >> in view is accessed in exactly the same way internally as a >> voltage reading. This abstraction allows me to add additional >> modules to pull data quickly - all I have to do is to create a >> chunk of code to pull data from say a solar charge controller or >> pull values via SNMP from a radio. The difficulty varies of >> course based on how hard it is to access the data, but it's a >> lot easier than writing an entire stack for each device.____ >> >> ____ >> >> Today the rackinjector is running what we call internally the >> "DeviceManager" code on top of this. Generally what this is is >> a purpose-built web interface which is built on the underlying >> architecture. The web-interface actually pulls the data it >> needs from the underlying system using another generic chunk of >> code so it is relatively easy for us to add additional fields >> and support for additional devices. The "DeviceManager SNMP" >> module allows quick development of SNMP mibs again for specific >> purpose appliances. There's a few other tricks coming as >> well. Our intent with this code base is to build a set of >> specific-purpose appliances to pull data largely from one device >> or a couple of devices and provide it in a simplified manner to >> the user. For instance a Solar Charge controller monitor. Or >> a RackInjector controller. The key point here is that the >> DeviceManager codebase is designed largely to hide all of this >> from the end-user, while making it easy for us to build these >> products quickly.____ >> >> ____ >> >> Now, back to the main point: This same flexible architecture >> permits us to also build various automated control systems on >> top of the same underlying architecture. If you replace the >> fixed-function devicemanager interface with a programmable, >> scriptable, flexible interface, all sorts of things start to >> happen. Including all of the items we're discussing in this >> thread. We already sell all of the physical interfaces needed >> to get a generator controller running - you can plug a >> unregulated power supply into a voltage input to get a rough >> idea of the AC voltage, or can get the DC voltage using another >> voltage input. You have contact closures in the form of >> another sitemonitor expansion module. And so on. What is >> missing is some sort of on-site automation, and that's where >> we've been heading with this entire architecture for about 2 >> years now.____ >> >> ____ >> >> I don't know how quickly this is going to happen. The next 30 >> days I'm focused on 'finishing' the rackinjector - meaning >> shipping the cambium sync cards and the new 'either polarity' >> cards, and getting a new firmware out for it which has the >> "Devicemanager SNMP" code running in it. Once that is done we >> can re-focus on how to prioritize the future of this >> architecture.____ >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> On Thu, Dec 21, 2017 at 7:40 AM, Dave <[email protected]> >> wrote:____ >> >> >> Forrest, >> We had a discussion about this as we now have 4 generators and I >> have 3 of your standby controllers taking care of >> these sites without issue since we installed them. >> Would it be feasible to just remove the Transformers and just >> give a link for separate purchase ? >> My issue as with many would like to see a box with many inputs >> to monitor different things like AC,DC voltages, tempatures >> make and brake contacts. Also, the need for active outputs to >> turn on off things or just for a cycle with timer. >> A nice gui would be ok to be able to log in for manual control >> or configuration. >> >> There are some very expensive things out there to do all of this >> but I know with a little work it can be done with out much money >> involved. >> >> I have a very specific need to integrate a 26vDC generator with >> a site that is a 48v plant. I have everything installed and >> connected but I need some >> automation to start and stop when needed. >> The generator has a voltage sense on its output to detect if the >> battery bank is below 22vdc and if so it will kick on for an >> amount of time to restore >> charge. The problem with this is there is a 1000W converter >> between it and the 48v battery bank. >> >> Anyone with suggestions is welcome >> Dave >> >> >> ____ >> >> On 12/21/2017 03:18 AM, Forrest Christian (List Account) >> wrote:____ >> >> The short version: I never sold that many, and this >> particular product came up in discussions about product >> liablity insurance. Not that it was unsafe, just that there >> was some discomfort with the fact that I was monitoring the >> AC power line. To remedy this I would have either had to >> redesign to remove the AC monitoring hardware, or send the >> whole thing through UL listing. Based on the volume, I >> didn't really see any reason to spend a lot of R&D time or >> money doing either.____ >> >> ____ >> >> I do expect the functionality in the generator controller >> will be able to be replicated as a side effect of planned >> technology to be incorporated in an upcoming product. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 8:23 PM, Lewis Bergman >> <[email protected]> wrote:____ >> >> Bummer. Guess there was not enough demand or to make >> variants? ____ >> >> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017, 5:18 PM George Skorup >> <[email protected]> wrote:____ >> >> Yeahbut Forrest doesn't make the generator control >> board anymore.____ >> >> ____ >> >> On 12/20/2017 5:01 PM, Lewis Bergman wrote:____ >> >> I think packetflux is likely the easiest with >> the most to offer our of the box. I know if one >> other out of the box solution that cost about 3 >> times as much. First can not only start it but >> he can use his shunt to make sure it is actually >> started and producing current.____ >> >> If you want to do it yourself you could work >> some coding and such but it doesn't sound like >> that is what you want to do. Arduino, raspberry >> pi, etc. Could do this but you have to build it >> all yourself. Not really fast but fun if you >> like that kind of thing.____ >> >> You would need some electronics knowledge if you >> don't want to spend a few days googling. I guess >> you still have to know enough to make Google >> work.____ >> >> Again, see Forest for his genset setup. I know a >> lot of people in this list use it.____ >> >> ____ >> >> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017, 4:39 PM Eric Kuhnke >> <[email protected]> wrote:____ >> >> assuming you have a generator that does >> auto-choke and is wired for electrical >> remote start, like the small generac units >> sold for RV use and similar... where all you >> need to do is turn on a relay for 4-5 >> seconds to crank a starter, then turn off >> the relay again. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> one of these: >> http://tinycontrol.pl/en/lan-controller/____ >> >> ____ >> >> and one of these: >> >> http://tinycontrol.pl/en/relays-board-10a-v3/____ >> >> ____ >> >> or a thing like this: >> >> http://denkovi.com/ethernet-relay-card-5-channels-snmp-http- >> xml-real-time-clock-din-box____ >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> there are quite a few different DIN mount >> relay-controllers with basic http interfaces >> to turn on and off things. Some support >> things like receiving an snmp trap to >> trigger a relay for automated scripting. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 2:30 PM, Brandon >> Yuchasz <[email protected]> wrote:____ >> >> We are looking at adding a remote start to a >> generator at an off grid site we have and I >> am gathering information on options at this >> point. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> Right now we are all Solar at the site. It’s >> a new site and if / when we draw down >> batteries beyond where we are comfortable we >> turn go to the site turn off the PV and >> start a generator manually and run a 48v >> battery charger on the bank. It’s a fairly >> low tech solution right now. We log in turn >> off the PV array and a guy goes out and >> pulls the rope on the generator and >> batteries start to charge. He then leaves >> and in three hours generator runs out of >> fuel and charging stops. Log back in turn >> the PV back on and that’s the end of the >> process. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> We are considering a few different options >> at the site and I don’t want to complicate >> this to much by offering to much information >> to start. Ill go into more details later but >> for now I am looking for a way to start a >> (different) propane generator remotely >> during the dark months. Most likely once a >> week in December and January. ____ >> >> ____ >> >> So assuming electric start is an options on >> the generator. What options do I have for >> throwing that “switch” from the office. I am >> positive I am not the first one of us to >> want to do this.____ >> >> ____ >> >> Thoughts everyone? I want to KISS so when I >> am not around others can do this with >> minimal training.____ >> >> ____ >> >> Thanks,____ >> >> Brandon____ >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> -- ____ >> >> *Forrest Christian*/CEO, PacketFlux Technologies, Inc./____ >> >> Tel: 406-449-3345 <tel:(406)%20449-3345> | Address: 3577 >> Countryside Road, Helena, MT 59602 >> >> <https://maps.google.com/?q=3577+Countryside+Road,+Helena,+ >> MT+59602&entry=gmail&source=g>____ >> >> [email protected] | http://www.packetflux.com >> <http://www.packetflux.com/>____ >> >> <http://www.linkedin.com/in/fwchristian> >> <http://facebook.com/packetflux> >> <http://twitter.com/@packetflux>____ >> >> ____ >> >> -- ____ >> >> >> >> ____ >> >> ____ >> >> -- ____ >> >> *Forrest Christian*/CEO, PacketFlux Technologies, Inc./____ >> >> Tel: 406-449-3345 <tel:(406)%20449-3345> | Address: 3577 >> Countryside Road, Helena, MT 59602 >> >> <https://maps.google.com/?q=3577+Countryside+Road,+Helena,+ >> MT+59602&entry=gmail&source=g>____ >> >> [email protected] | http://www.packetflux.com >> <http://www.packetflux.com/>____ >> >> <http://www.linkedin.com/in/fwchristian> >> <http://facebook.com/packetflux> >> <http://twitter.com/@packetflux>____ >> >> ____ >> >>
