The Intelligent Rack Adapter is the ultimate upgrade for the Remote Facilities Controller model RFC-/B. This accessory package provides data communications and printing capabilities, a battery backed power supply, telephone line surge suppression and new front panel indicators in a sleek new rack-mountable aluminum chassis.
But perhaps best of all, the RAK-1 is available as an upgrade for existing RFC-1/B installations. This protects your investment in the RFC-1/B Remote Facilities Controller that you already own. Of course, if you don’t already own an RFC-1/B, the RAK-1 is offered on new systems, too. When ordered as the RFC-1/RAK, we’ll assemble and test the system at the factory.
Data Communications
The RAK-1 contains a 2400 baud ‘AT’ command set modem. The modem allows the RFC-1/B to be polled for telemetry data and controlled by an external computer at a remote site. The RFC-1/B can also log telemetry data and place alarm calls through the modem. The modem uses the same telephone line that is used for voice/DTMF operation so new lines are not necessary. The RFC-1/B firmware has the necessary intelligence to place outgoing data calls to log data without assistance from an external computer.
Parallel Printer Port
The parallel printer port allows an inexpensive parallel printer to be attached to the RAK/RFC system so that telemetry readings and/or system alarms can be logged to a local printer. Flexible programming in the RFC-1/B allows you to program how often readings will print. The printer must be a true parallel printer and not a ‘Windows Printer’ that uses a parallel interface. Windows printers lack some of the necessary intelligence to handle simple printing tasks.
Battery Backup
A set of batteries inside the RAK-1 allows the system to operate even when AC power is lost. Operating from the batteries, the RFC/RAK system can alert station personnel of the improper condition. When AC power returns, the batteries will recharge.
The time that the system will operate from the batteries varies according to the age and condition of the batteries and system programming. New batteries power the system for approximately six hours with factory settings.
Surge Suppression
Surprisingly, the vast majority of damage from lighting on remote control systems comes, not from telemetry sources, but through the telephone network. The RAK-1 uses a system of heavy duty gas surge arrestors, metal oxide varistors and self resetting fuses to suppress damaging electrical spikes before they can harm the system.
The system should still be protected from spikes that may pass through telemetry sources. For that, we recommend the SP-8/TO Heavy Duty Surge Protector—an inexpensive device that attaches to the relay panel and protects the eight telemetry inputs from damaging spikes.
System Requirements
The RAK-1 can be purchased with the RFC-1/B main board already installed or as an upgrade for an existing RFC-1/B installation. The existing installation must have firmware version 4.00 or later—this is also referred to as software in RFC-1/B documentation. An upgrade kit, model SU-5, is available for older systems that do not meet this requirement. To determine the firmware version, connect to the RFC-1/B and give the command ‘78’. The system will respond with ‘Software Version’ followed by the version number.
At least one RP-8 Relay Panel is required for system operation and it is ordered separately. The RP-8 supplies eight channels of telemetry and control I/O. If the RAK-1 is installed as an upgrade to a previously functioning RFC-1/B system, an RP-8 is already in service.
A single telephone line terminated in a standard modular (RJ11C) type connector is necessary for communications. This line will be used for both voice and data communications. A single line telephone is required for programming and local control of the RFC-1/B. Speaker phones are not recommended.
The RAK-1 requires a single grounded power supply outlet. The internal, battery backed supply replaces the 12 volt AC transformer that the RFC-1/B uses in a ‘stand-alone’ installation.
