Power Socket Can Be Remote- and Temperature Controlled

Also, the present state of the socket (ie on or off) can be ascertained by text, and the temperature can be interrogated by text. APRS is available in two versions; ARPS-U has a form compatible with a UK 13 Amp plug, and will switch loads up to 13A, and the ARPS-S is for Schuko type plugs and sockets, as used widely in mainland Europe and elsewhere, and can switch a resistive load of up to 16A. A time delay of up to 720 minutes can also be programmed in. ARPS will operate from voltages between 100 and 250V. ARPS sends a text message in the event of a power failure and power resoration too.

The ARPS is supplied with a plug-in temperature sensor which measures the temperature within the range -10 to +50°C, and extension leads are available to allow the sensor to be located up to 10m away from the socket. ARPS may be programmed using a simple text message code to operate on high or low temperature limits, and may be set to switch off or on at these limits. The instantaneous temperature may be observed, also via a text message command.

ARPS may be configured with one master user and up to four secondary users. The master user receives copies of all texts sent by the unit when being addressed by the secondary users. Additionally, a Manual button is fitted so that the unit can be operated locally.

Roy Carter, Managing Director of Aptifirst, says, We are very pleased to add APRS to our range of instrumentation. It has many applications, including laboratories, store-rooms, cold rooms, quality assurance stores, libraries,archives, cellars, museums, and computer and server installations, and, moreover, is a very cost-effective way of introducing remote monitoring and control. The devices can be used to turn on heaters, coolers, water valves, lights, and so on. The user must supply SIM card with a suitable text message contract, and, of course, ensure that there is adequate service coverage in the proposed location of the ARPS unit.

Aptifirst offers a wide range of instrumentation, including radio telemetry, materials testing instruments, strain gauge conditioning amplifiers, weighing, temperature and process controllers, load cells, accelerometers, dataloggers, sapphire window probes, as well as offering a technical consultancy and advice service, and the design and build of special machines and instruments and associated software to control them.