Ctek's automation solutions provide you with a totally new way to look at an old problem. Monitoring and controlling remote industrial installations are among the most basic of all cellular applications. Until now that has usually meant integrating sensors, I/O modules, a PLC or RTU, a wireless device, and server based software, all from different vendors.
Our answer is an advanced automation control application that resides on a rugged Ctek SkyRouter and is fully integrated with our growing selection of I/O modules and communications capabilities, including Industrial 900MHz point-to-point and multipoint networking.
Ctek's wireless automation solution is designed to minimize the demands it places on cellular data plans. Rather than send periodic messages to a server application this solution reacts to events and readings that are outside of user defined tolerances while normal system operation is monitored through the web interface on an as needed basis. To accommodate machine-to-machine and server side monitoring an open XML interface with access to the full range of automation capabilities is also available. Overall this is an economical solution that scales across a broad range of automation applications.
Automation Controller Application
The cornerstone of Ctek's automation strategy is the Programmable Automation Controller application, a complete web based package for the administration and monitoring of analog, digital, and pulse I/O. The application converts physical sensor input values to more recognizable engineering units and assigns similarly recognizable names to control outputs. The I/O settings support minimum and maximum alarm thresholds and a log feature records input and output data oneither an periodic or event driven basis. Predefined and user created 
functions are used to implement control logic. Administrative access to all I/O parameters, functions, formulas, and controller settings is available through a browser interface, either over-the-air or locally.
Operation and management is also enabled through an over-the-air browser interface that provides access to a configurable dash board style control panel that manages the end-point application. Reports on system operation are provided on a user defined schedule and alarms are issued by SMS and email whenever an alarm set point is reached.
Is there a good reason why many automation protocols are proprietary and often based on circa 1980 serial transport? We don't think so. Ctek's XML interface embraces openness by offering users an automation communications toolset that is open, web oriented, and runs efficiently over modern wireless networks.
Ctek's open XML interface provides complete read/write control over SkyRouter and Automation Controller features at the lowest practical level. Inputs and outputs can be read individually or in a block operation. Likewise outputs can be set individually or in a multi-valued message. Another key component of the XML interface is the ability to perform the remote execution of functions (stored programs or scripts) on a target machine. Remotely executed functions can be combined with the built in logic of Ctek's Automation controller to provide a highly customizable application environment.
An open, standards based protocol at this level easily supports the development of web and GUI applications and is also useful to adapt the Ctek WPAC to existing protocols and applications. Currently Ctek's XML interface addresses core SkyRouter functionality and the full range of automation capabilities found in our Automation Control application. We will continue to extend the SkyRouter's XML interface across additional application areas as the demand arises.
- Open XML Interface for Automation Control
- Read/write access to I/O pins
- Remote Procedure Execution
- Efficient use of wireless resources
I/O Modules
Ctek's Integrated I/O modules provide the flexibility required to serve a wide range of automation applications. Our module selection includes 
analog, digital and pulse I/O, as well as industrial rated power control outputs. Ctek's I/O modules provide the control you need to manage everything from indicator lamps to motor start/stop operations, all under the precise control of the SkyRouter cellular Automation Controller application platform.
Choices include a 16-port multimode module, a 4-port relay module, and for applications requiring additional current capacity Ctek's SkyPower solution.
- 16 Port Multimode Module
- 8 Inputs - Digital, analog or pulse
- 8 Outputs - Digital or pulse
- 16 Port Output Module
- 16 Outputs - Digital or pulse
- 4 Port Relay Module
- 4 SPST relay circuits - 5 amps - 30VDC/240VAC
- SkyPower
- 1 SPST relay circuit - 15 amps - 30VDC/240VAC