In response to customer demand for an easy way to connect together and power several of our digital Smart instruments, we have developed a new device specifically for this purpose; the Smart Hub. It comes in two versions, one to pass through power from an external DC supply and a ‘Powered’ version with a built-in high quality AC to DC power unit. Both are fully weatherproof for outdoor use.
What does it do?
The Smart Hub has input connections for up to six 2-wire RS-485 instruments and combines them into one output cable for connection to a host; such as a data logger, SCADA system or internet gateway. This reduces the number and length of cables needed. The Smart Hub also distributes power to the instruments and the host (if required) from an external 12 VDC or 24 VDC power supply.
The Smart Powered Hub operates from 100 to 230 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, and provides 24 VDC at up to 2.2 A internally to the connected instruments. This is sufficient to power a RaZON+, SOLYS2 or SOLYS Gear Drive sun tracker and measurement devices. These can be our SMP, SGR, SUV or SHP models, and compatible Modbus® RTU devices; such as a Lufft WS-UMB all-in-one weather station or a Ingenieurbüro Mencke & Tegtmeyer MB-type PV module temperature sensor.
SOLYS Smart Hub system
The Smart Hub allows you to build a fully digital SOLYS2 or SOLYS Gear Drive solar monitoring station; fitted with a SHP1 pyrheliometer for DNI, two SMP pyranometers for GHI and DHI and a SGR pyrgeometer for long-wave thermal radiation from the atmosphere and sky. An ideal host is the LOGBOX SE data logger to locally acquire and store measurement data.
UV Smart Hub system
Our new SUV range of instruments to measure ultraviolet radiation from the sun and sky are digital. A Smart Hub and LOGBOX SE with SUV-A, -B and –E (UV Index) radiometers will monitor and record all three types of UV radiation.
What does it look like?
The Smart Hub enclosure is similar to the LOGBOX SE, but larger. Both versions are 240 x 160 x 90 mm and have IP 65 ingress protection rating for dust and water. There is an accessory mounting to attach the enclosure to a pole.
Want to buy one?
If you have a need to concentrate your RS-485 measurement data and power the devices outdoors, then the Smart Hub could be just what you are looking for. All you need is an external DC power supply, AC for the Smart Powered Hub. Both versions are available to order now.
