The NH-FV is part of PATLITE’s Network Monitoring Signal Tower Series. With functions such as cloud compatibility and digital inputs, the Signal Tower facilitates communication between a wider range of devices within your network. Additionally, it supports PING monitoring and is compatible with numerous protocols including HTTP, SOCKET (PNS, PHN), RSH, and SNMP TRAP. With its email alert feature, up to 8 different recipients can be notified in real-time when a specified event occurs, so that managers can immediately respond to the issue and optimize work efficiency.
The NH-FV Signal Tower can be connected directly to Microsoft Azure and AWS Cloud services without the need for external devices or gateways. The NH-FV that is connected to the cloud network receives commands to turn on/off its visual and auditory signals, enabling visualization of the cloud environment in real-time and from remote locations. Reversely, the NH-FV sends its status information to the cloud, which can be collected and analyzed to achieve predicative maintenance and increase OEE. The digital inputs of the NH-FV connect devices that are not compatible with the cloud and acts as a gateway, so that all your devices can be linked to the cloud.
The NH-FV Series is available in 2 sizes: 40mm and 60mm diameters. With a modular design, each of up to 5 LED units can be reconfigured per signal tower to fit your unique signaling needs. The NH-FV includes 10 pre-set alarms as well as an MP3 feature so that up to 60 custom sound files can be programmed to suit various applications or to alleviate alarm fatigue. By using its setup browser, users can easily configure settings of the NH-FV including signal tower controls and uploading of custom MP3s. The NH-FV Network Monitoring Signal Tower is the versatile and reliable solution for networking your devices to ensure that you never miss a signal!
Monitoring Printer Statuses
This production facility implements several printers that are used to print different types of product labels. They are using the NH-FV Signal Towers to visualize the statuses of their printers to make it easy for workers to keep track of operations while the printers are running at the same time. Each of the 3 LED tiers on the NH-FV is designated to a specific printer, and shows its real-time operational status. When the light is OFF, it indicates that the printer is operating normally. Flashing pattern 1 indicates that the printer is out of ink, and flashing pattern 2 tells workers that the printer is out of paper. A continuous ON light shows that the printer is offline. To ensure that the workers can attend to the issue promptly, the NH-FV also plays programmed voice recordings that verbally notify workers about the printer error. Additionally, email alerts are sent to every worker to give real-time notifications in case they are away from their work area.
Ensuring a Secure Workplace
At this power plant facility, a face recognition system is implemented to ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed entrance to their hazardous locations. The face scanners at the facility entrance scan every employee and visitor that tries to enter. The scanned information is sent to the AWS cloud-based face recognition software and processed to see if that person is permitted to enter the premises. The cloud system sends commands to the connected NH-FV Network Monitoring Signal Tower, activating its visual and auditory alarms. This enables managers both at the facility and in remote locations to monitor real-time traffic and dispatch security right away if an unauthorized or suspicious person tries to enter. Additionally, email alerts are sent to the managers when an abnormal event occurs, so that they are notified instantly even if they are away from their workplace.
Connecting All Your Devices to the Cloud
This packaging facility implements a Microsoft Azure Cloud service to monitor and collect real-time statuses of equipment within the production system. Proximity sensors are a crucial part of their system, which is used for foil seal detection to ensure that each item is sealed properly. Because the sensor is not directly compatible with the cloud, they connect the sensor to the digital I/O of the NH-FV Signal Tower. Whenever the proximity sensor detects levels surpassing its predefined parameters, the NH-FV will alert the workers with its visual and auditory signals so that the workers can reseal the item properly. The Azure IoT Central tracks the time, type, and duration of NH-FV alerts, and this data is exported for further analysis so that they can optimize their operations.
Tech Tips
Compared to our legacy signal towers which secured the light units with a center screw, our LR Series Signal Tower is designed with individual LED modules which can be configured freely to suit your specific signaling needs. These LED modules use a "twist and lock" mechanism in which each LED module is lined up and secured with the modules next to it. Removing and attaching the LED modules one at a time ensures the modules line up perfectly each time. Adversely, removing more than one module at a time can jam the mechanism, causing the modules to get stuck or break. Now that you know this, go out there and assemble with confidence!
