[BC] optically-coupled tower light monitor

[Mark Humphrey]

Any thoughts on using ZigBee wireless modules (mounted in non-shielded
enclosures) for this purpose?  They're apparently reliable enough for
health care and building automation applications, so perhaps a pair
would do the job here.

A mesh network of high power Zigbee modules might also take the place
of RF contactor control/status wiring to each of the towers in a
directional array.

Mark

On Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 12:12 AM, Michael Patton <tech at michaelpatton.com> wrote:
> Folks, I need an off-the-shelf system for coupling 3 or so relay
> closures across an AM hot tower base to my remote control unit.  My
> client has an Austin Ring transformer, and just bought a fancy new tower
> light controller, which is on--and has to be, thanks to the Austin
> ring--the hot side of things.  What I am envisioning is a small box that
> can live in the TWR tower light monitor/control panel (there is plenty
> of room for a small box and a wall-wart PS inside the weatherproof box),
> and connects via a fiber across the base insulator into the building,
> talking to an "other end", also in a small box, that will give me relays
> or O.C. closures that I can hook up to my Gentner R/C unit.  It doesn't
> even need to be 2-way, as there is no communications needed in that
> direction.
>