The RFC-1/B may be the most popular transmitter remote control system available. It is certainly the most affordable, full-featured system and it has a well deserved reputation for being reliable.
The minimum system consists of the RFC-1/B control unit and one RP-8 Relay Panel (ordered separately). The RFC-1/B is the “brain” of the system and the RP-8 is the interface to outboard equipment. The RP-8 provides eight channels of telemetry input and control output. Multiple RP-8’s can be used to expand the system to a maximum of 64 channels.
Dial-up Capabilities
The RFC-1/B installs completely at the transmitter site. Once in place, the engineer or other authorized personnel can take readings and make adjustments from nearly any telephone at any location including wireless phones. The only requirement is for the telephone to be able to produce DTMF tones, also known as Touch-Tones®. The RFC-1/B responds to commands that are issued by specific combinations of telephone keys. It responds with readings or other status information in a human sounding voice. Each channel has two output relays for raise/lower operations and can be programmed with a decimal point and a unit word for the telemetry reading.
Automated Operations
In addition to being controlled manually via telephone, the RFC-1/B can perform tasks automatically based on the date and/or the time of day such as pattern changes. Up to 80 timed events can be programmed in the system.
But perhaps most importantly, the RFC-1/B can perform tasks based on the condition of the transmitter or another device. For instance, if the transmitter power goes too high, the RFC-1/B can be programmed to adjust the power down to a normal reading. Perhaps a more serious malfunction occurs such as a loss of power to the transmitter. The RFC-1/B, operating from a battery backup, can be programmed to place a telephone call to alert station personnel of the problem.
Transmitter Monitoring
The monitoring and alarm system of the RFC-1/B is fully programmable. Up to eight telemetry channels can be monitored for out of tolerance conditions. When a channel exceeds the programmed limits, the RFC-1/B can react by trying to solve the problem or by simply calling appropriate station personnel to alert them of the situation. Up to six different telephone numbers can be called by voice or pager.
The RFC-1/B can be tailored to suit most any installation. The basic system can be expanded to include data communications, printing, tower light monitoring, temperature sensing and audio fail safe termination. The options are easily installed in the field and can be added over time as the equipment budget allows.
Many of these options are combined into one universal accessory called the RAK-1. This device combines a modem, printer interface, surge suppression and a battery backed power supply in an aluminum chassis with front panel indicators.
- AC Current Monitor model ACM-2
- Intelligent Rack Adapter model RAK-1
- Modem Adapter model MA-2
- Parallel Printer Adapter model PA-2
- Serial Data Adapter model RS-232
- Surge Protector model SP-8
- Temperature Sensor model TS-1/ps
Use the RFC-1/B product configuration utility to help select the appropriate parts for an RFC-1/B remote control system.
System Requirements
The absolute minimum system consists of the RFC-1/B and one RP-8. The RP-8 is not optional and is ordered separately. It contains selection and switching logic that are an integral part of the system. The RFC-1/B requires a single grounded power supply outlet for power. Rack mounting is not required but it does make for easier and cleaner installation. If rack mounted, the RFC-1/B requires a single race space (1U) and each RP-8 requires two rack spaces (2U).
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. The RFC-1 will work with a wireless phone (or other radio telephone device) at sites where a land line is not available. The RFC-1 hardware needs no modification when used this way, however, a one-time firmware adjustment may be required. The wireless phone, or adapter, must be equipped with an RJ11 connection that emulates a standard telephone line. Data transfer may not be reliable through a wireless link but voice communications are usually fully functional.
A single line telephone is required for programming and local control of the RFC-1/B. Speaker phones are not recommended.
For lightning protection we strongly recommend the SP-8 Surge Protector. It combines heavy duty surge protection on the telephone lines as well as on eight channels of telemetry.
If the optional PA-2 Parallel Printer Adapter is used, a parallel printer is required.
Demonstration
The RFC-1 uses a male voice that has been digitally recorded and stored in non-volatile memory. While the speech patterns may sound a little unnatural at times, readings are always clear and easy to understand.
Select a sound format that your browser supports from the samples below.
To keep size down, the sample files originate from a 22kHz, 8-bit, mono source. While these settings provide a reasonably accurate representation of the audio performance of the product, they may also introduce small amounts of distortion or other audible artifacts.
Sine Systems maintains a demo transmitter site with an RFC-1 that works in both voice a data mode.
