Orbit is Solartron's RS485 network with Plug and Go compatibility. Devices can be used in any combination in any position and each is automatically given a unique address. Connection can be made to:

1. A PC using the Orbit Network Card
2. A PC or PLC using the RS232 Interface Module.

Orbit Network Card

Output from the transducer's PIE connector can be linked to a PC through the Orbit Network Card fitted into the expansion slot. It will accept up to 62 Linear Encoders, Digital Probes, Displacement Transducers or I/O modules. Up to 6 cards can be used together, giving a total capacity of 372 measuring points.

RS232 Interface Module

Devices in the Orbit Network can be connected to the RS232 port on a PC or PLC using the RS232 Interface Module. Up to 31 probes can be connected to one RS232 module and multiple modules can be used in a system.

Digital Input/Output Module (DIOM)

The Digital Input/Output Module enables the Orbit Network to interface with the outside world. The module provides eight general purpose input / output lines, housed in the standard Orbit Module case.

Happy Light

Connected on the last T-CON of the Orbit Network the Happy Light plug will flash to indicate when the network is functioning. It is highly recommended as an additional item to the Orbit Network.

Power Suppply Interface Module (PSIM)

For use with multi-channel systems needing more power than available from the computer. The power supply can also extend the network beyond the normal 10m per port up to 1km.

Software

Support software for Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT, Windows 3.x and DOS is supplied with the Orbit Network Card and RS232 Interface Module.

The Windows Support Software Disks include Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL's) for either 16 bit or 32 bit applications. The DLL's support applications written in C, Visual Basic and Delphi. Example programs for these languages are available on request.

The DOS Software Support Disk includes DOS driver for C, Pascal and Quick Basic. Example programs with source code are also included as well a DOS demonstration program showing outputs in numerical and column display formats.

Orbit Excel Support Pack

The Orbit Excel Support Pack enables the user to take readings from the Orbit Network and place values into the cells of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Systems Build

Orbit is a simple solution to building measurement systems without incurring the high costs normally associated with bespoke networks. The linear encoder PIE has a "D-Type" connector - which slots neatly into the "T-Con" connector. The "T-Con" is an ingenious accessory that can be used individually, daisy chained using standard computer cable, or banked together in blocks to form a multi-channel nest.

A positive locking mechanism on the T-Con prevents the PIE connector being accidentally dislodged while allowing instant removal and replacement.

Orbit is a trademark of Solartron Group Ltd.