Building on Open Control
Pi Day is here again! March 14th is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π, observed by scientists and engineers – since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. This day is also observed by tens of millions of hobbyists, makers, electronics and software engineers, automation engineers, and computer…
Continue ReadingNetworking and automation equipment in the HVACR classroom/lab has always been important because instructors rely on it to provide experiential evidence for theoretical knowledge. Modern HVACR classrooms use technology to network, control and analyze automation processes and require equipment which is intuitive and easy to use and understand by students. Equipment which is difficult to…
Continue ReadingContemporary Controls offers two BASstat — BACnet-networked communicating thermostat models that provide customers with flexibility when installing a distributed zone thermostat control system. Depending on parameters such as building zone layout, existing EIA-485 cabling, Wi-Fi routers in place, and connection distance requirements between BASstat thermostats and BASview3 supervisory device, each BASstat model offers distinct benefits…
Continue ReadingWhat is new and different with Wi-Fi 6? Well, first let’s start with what is still the same – there are still the traditional Wi-Fi clients and access points (APs) which they connect to. Physically, the hardware for Wi-Fi 6 is actually pretty similar, so device manufacturers can lean on the antenna design experience they…
Continue ReadingIBM’s edge computing definition: “Edge computing places networked computing resources as close as possible to where data is created. Edge computing is an important emerging paradigm that can expand your operating model by virtualizing your cloud beyond a data center or cloud computing center. Edge computing moves application workloads from a centralized location to remote…
Continue ReadingAs any new technology that disrupts the way we do things makes its way into our lives, we are faced with adopting to the rapid changes it introduces. As new ground-breaking tech enters an industry, it will “shake things up” and possibly create entire new industries around it. This is the case with cloud computing….
Continue ReadingNasser Dollah, an instructor from Triton College in Melrose Park, IL part of IUOE Local 399 was recently invited to IUOE’s (International Union of Operating Engineers) brand new International Conference and Training Center in Cosby, Texas to develop and teach a 4-day course on Building Automation Systems (BAS). This world-class facility is the largest and…
Continue ReadingContemporary Controls is releasing a new product this year! You get to have a sneak peak in this article. Consolidate your EnOcean wireless sensor and switch data to BACnet systems with the Contemporary Controls BASgateway EnOcean. EnOcean wireless energy-harvesting devices are freely-positionable, self-powered, and suitable for retrofits and newly constructed buildings. EnOcean technology provides high…
Continue ReadingWe see the BAScontrol series used in commercial HVAC applications all of the time, but not so often in home automation. This Heat Pump w/ Woodstove Preheat home automation application uses the rugged BAScontrol22 for control and a Niagara JACE for supervision over BACnet/IP. Thanks to its unrestricted, unlicensed nature, free software tools,…
Continue ReadingDesigned for home automation enthusiasts, HVAC students and the maker community in general, the Contemporary Controls DIY products are not toys, but truly open controllers built on both open software and open hardware. Using the latest micro PCs and resident control software, these products allow the user to create next generation Internet of Things (IoT)…
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