OI

All Tunnel Sensors instruments are designed with “stand alone” capability (i.e. it they have no need for a control unit), so they simply require power in, and provides outputs out – directly from the sensor heads.

However our goal is to offer a complete range of products that offer the flexibility to meet the individual requirements of specific tunnels, and we understand that the “stand-alone” philosophy is not suitable for everyone.

We have therefore developed the OI (Operator Interface) which can be installed in conjunction with any of our sensors to provide a more conventional control unit with keypad, display, and a full range of industry standard interface outputs such as: 4-20mA analogues, relay alarm contacts, and a choice of serial comms, including ModBus, Profibus, DeviceNet, Ethernet etc.

In a rugged IP65 enclosure the OI is suitable for mounting in either the control room or local panels within the tunnel bore.

Using RS485 to communicate with its parent sensor the OI can be located up to a kilometre away from the sensor (or even further using repeaters), allowing the OI to be used a as a true remote controller. However, the low cost and simplicity of the OI means that it is equally suitable as a ground level instrument interface within the tunnel itself.

Like all components of the Tunnel Sensors system, the OI has its own RS232 socket for walk-up/plug-in communications with a laptop PC. The OI has a “pass through” functionality which allows the operator to use the free utility software supplied with each of our instruments, to set-up and control individual sensors through the OI. This further empowers the OI as a ground level interface.