The Survivor
| History | Innovation | Specifics | Features |
History: the need for a better pipeline interrupter
Netcoast, Inc. had considered for a period of time the possibility of entering the pipeline interrupter marketplace. To this end, Netcoast had surveyed the field to solicit input from users of such systems. The results of the survey revealed that no interrupter stood out as a market place leader. The biggest complaint of the users of these systems was that none could operate reliably at temperature extremes; that is, at temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and at temperatures near zero degrees Fahrenheit. Other sundry concerns were batteries going dead before their expected life cycle, falling out of sync, storage, system noise, moisture leakage, and system disturbances caused by noise.
Innovation: how The Survivor solves a number of problems
The Survivor has incorporated specific designs and manufacturing techniques to overcome the problems listed above. Specifically, newer technology components, board layout, and assembly techniques allow The Survivor to exceed the operational temperatures of competing units; those with cooling fans and those without. Noise reduction techniques and noise isolation have eliminated disturbances caused by extraneous noise. An upgraded battery, battery charger, and a specific design have been included to resolve the early dead battery issue. More room has been included to allow storage of GPS units and power line cord. Surfaces have been improved with the selection of improved materials, as well as improved diagnostics. Moisture resistance has been overcome with better sealing of all entry points. Employing the latest GPS technology permits the user to assess the operation of The Survivor without shutting down the unit and opening its lid to determine the status.
The Survivor allows the user a more efficient reliable operational unit and should expect a long, uncomplicated life.
Specifics: what's inside The Survivor
The Survivor is a GPS-Based Interrupter (GPSI). It breaks high currents under the control of a microprocessor and can be synched with units of its own manufacture or those of other suppliers. A unique feature of the GPS is that it can be installed or removed while in the "hot" mode. That is, there is no need to turn power off/on while connecting the GPS unit--a real time saver for those working in the field. Additionally, GPS lock-on time has been significantly reduced to less than three minutes. Users need not turn on the interrupter prior to getting on site to lock-on. Thus battery power is saved and a more reliable location is achieved. The GPS antenna has been positioned and strengthened to enhance its ruggedness and survivability, as well as simplifying its connection/disconnection operation.
The Survivor provides Battery Level monitoring along with an automatic disconnect of the battery so as not to deplete the battery resulting in burnout, a common problem of existing units now being marketed. The battery and battery charger have been improved to provide more reliable and consistent operation for the user. The Survivor will operate either from 117 VAC primary line power, or from the internal sealed lead acid battery. Low battery indication will be shown on the LCD, and the battery will be disconnected if its voltage falls below eight volts. Battery replacement is a simple task, taking about five minutes. But with the new improved battery charging circuits, battery replacement should be less frequent.
The Survivor uses the same high current jacks that other commercial equipment uses. This allows interchanging of rectifier cables.
Noise reduction in The Survivor has been achieved by installing all operating components onto one board. The exceptions are the high current relay and the battery charger. The Survivor has noted no noise disturbances while in any operating mode. Additionally, this has simplified manufacture, assembly, and check out costs.
Competing units must include a compensation factor for relay pull-in and dropout time, typically based on a table within the instruction manual. The Survivor provides an Auto-compensation technique. This is implemented by means of a special test cable that is connected from the sync connector to the relay jacks. The relay actuation time is measured with high accuracy, and then the user enters these figures in the compensation parameter field. This feature overcomes the differences from relay to relay and any aging of the relay itself.
A Network port, RS232, is provided. Currently this is used for trouble shooting and updating programs. However, in the future, The Survivor will be able to communicate with modems, cellular or other, to download application programs as dictated by the user, from afar. In fact, the user with a laptop, or other external computer, may read and/or set up all operating conditions.
The user interface is located on the front panel. It includes a 2 line by 16-character LCD module, a 4x4-button matrix keypad, and two-charge status LEDs. A power switch will allow The Survivor to be turned off. While off, the battery may still be charged via the interruption cycle, duration/duty cycle, correction parameters for relay actuation, and examine the status via the front panel interface.
Another feature The Survivor provides the user is an LED indicator external to the box. The LED allows the user to check whether the unit is operating from afar without necessarily leaving the vehicle and shutting down the unit to open the lid.
Features: a summary of The Survivor's outstanding qualities
| The Survivor has demonstrated operating with competitive units. No need to "dump" your inventory. | |
| With an external RS-232 interface, The Survivor can be programmed externally, while in operation or not, and also from remote locations. | |
| Program may be predetermined and downloaded via a laptop computer through the RS-232 interface. | |
| Offers protection against the elements. The Survivor has demonstrated functional operation beyond those of competing units. | |
| Provides an indicator that the unit is operating. No need to access the unit and unlatch its cover to determine operation. Feature provides significant time saving for operators in the field. | |
| Using the latest technology, lock-on is achieved in minutes, providing less time on site. | |
| Increased battery size allows more on time if AC power is interrupted. | |
| Newest technology provides faster charge as well as current sensing to eliminate battery burnout. | |
| Along with programming and GPS data viewing, window material is hardened to reduce scratching and gouging. | |
| Room provided for AC power cord, GPS receiver, and GPS cable. | |
| The Survivor is a lightweight, compact, portable unit, easily stackable for transport to the field. This feature should make the operation more efficient and allow the user to make more productive use of their time. |