Knowing what your wastewater pumps are doing is important!  A recent study by the Department of Energy indicated that one operator saved on energy costs by using a smaller primary pump.  Not only did they save on energy, they also improved overall efficiency and reduced operating costs!  We found this interesting as it demonstrates another example of how new technology forces us to change traditional thinking.

We don't know a lot about pump efficiency and fluid dynamics, but we do know something about wireless control systems.  We don't know all the EPA or ADEM regulations, but we understand they get awfully upset when there is a sewage overflow (not to mention local residents).  We know there are several different approaches to providing an alert to an overflow condition. 

The old wired systems terminating into an alarm panel are both expensive and inefficient after normal business hours. 900 MHz, and more recently, 2.4 GHz SCADA systems have proven to be not only expensive initially, but expensive to maintain.  Some operators have turned to cellular technology with dial up notification but the monthly charges are excessive in relation to the function.  The majority of operators that we surveyed were using NOTHING, other than calls by the public, to alert them to lift station problems.  So, the question is -  What IS the preferred solution?

Obviously there is no perfect solution for everyone, but in general, wireless alarm reporting using frequencies in the VHF or UHF frequency range have proven to be the most efficient and cost effective.  We offer a system that can connect to your lift pump switches to send a signal by VHF or UHF radio to an office alarm panel and then forwarded to the operators 2-way radio, pager, or cell phone.  The problem is cost.  These systems have not been widely accepted because the majority of potential users have simply rejected the technology because of cost.  Clearly, there had to be a better alternative.  There is!  It's called The Quick Talk Reporter!

The device shown above connects directly to your pump control switch.  Normally, The Reporter would be connected to the backup pump.  When the backup or auxiliary pump comes on, The Reporter broadcasts a message directly over your 2-way system with a user programmable voice message such as - Backup operation on at pump fourteen.  When the pump switches off, a second message can be sent, such as - Normal operation restored at pump fourteen. If desired The Reporter can be connected to virtually any sensor with contact closures available.

Since The Reporter can operate on conventional VHF or UHF frequencies commonly used by rural water operators and/or the municipality served; the calls can be sent to the dispatch center or on-duty first responders (fire, police or both), or to off duty operators.  The Reporter is available for either AC, DC, or battery operation as desired and the cost is LESS THAN $500!  Best of all THERE ARE NO MONTHLY CHARGES AND VIRTUALLY NO MAINTENANCE!

The Reporter is completely waterproof and is easily installed.  If desired, calls can be sent to an optional dial up device that can send alert messages to cell phones, pagers, or 800 MHz trunked systems.  Call us for additional information or a demonstration.

Thanks for visiting with us!

The USA Radio Team
At your Service!

Copyright 2007 - USA Radios of Alabama Inc.
This page was last updated on 10/27/2007

 
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