Model RFC-1/B

RFC-1/B Remote Facilities Controller (bottom) and RP-8 Relay Panel

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Features

Remote Facilities Controller

The RFC-1/B is probably 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 reliability.

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 panels can be used to expand the system to a maximum of 64 channels.

Cost Effective Transmitter Control

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 on/off or raise/lower operations. Channel readings can be programmed for on/off status indication or for analog readings with a decimal point and a unit word.

Automated Operations

In addition to being controlled manually by phone, the RFC-1/B can perform tasks automatically based on the date and time of day for events such as pattern changes. Up to 80 timed events can be programmed in the system.

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. In the event of more serious malfunctions the RFC-1/B can call to alert station personnel of the situation.

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 calling appropriate station personnel to alert them of the situation. Up to six different telephone numbers can be called by voice or pager.

System Options

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.

• AC Current Monitor model ACM-2
• Analog Data Converter model AD-8
• Audio Failsafe model AFS-3
• DC Telemetry Amplifier model DCA-2
• Modem Adapter model MA-2
• Parallel Printer Adapter model PA-2
• Intelligent Rack Adapter model RAK-1
• Relay Panel model RP-8
• Serial Data Adapter model RS-232
• Status Input Panel model SIP-8
• Surge Protector model SP-8
• Temperature Sensor model TS-1/ps

Configuration

Use the RFC-1/B product configuration utility to help select the appropriate parts and accessories 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 must be ordered separately. It contains channel 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. The RFC-1/B requires a single race space (1U) and each RP-8 requires two rack spaces (2U).

A telephone line terminated in a standard modular (RJ-11C) type connector is required for communications. This line will be used for both voice and data communications, if so equipped. Where land lines are not available, the RFC-1 can work with a wireless phone or other radio telephone device. The device must provide a connection that emulates a standard land line.

The RFC-1 hardware typically requires no modification when used with a wireless telephone in place of a land line. The wireless phone must be equipped with an RJ-11 connection that emulates a standard telephone line. Data transfer may not be reliable through a wireless link but voice communications usually work reliably.

A single line telephone is required for programming and local control of the RFC-1/B. Speaker phones are not recommended unless they are self-powered.

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.

Demonstration

Sine Systems maintains a demo transmitter site with an RFC-1 that works in both voice a data mode. Follow the link from the menu to the demo transmitter instruction page.

Audio Sample

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.

Play RFC-1/B Audio Demonstration

Here is a link to the audio file if the player does not load.

The sample file originates from a 22kHz, 8-bit, mono source. 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.