Here are four resources to help you find out more about the Argus Titan control system:

1. Click here to download a copy of our new Titan brochure.
2. Take a slide tour of the Titan System.
3. Read the Titan System Description below.
4. Please contact us anytime for more information.

Titan System Description

INTRODUCING TITAN

The Argus Titan system is a user-programmable, real-time control system with dedicated distributable hardware. It has been specifically designed to accomplish three objectives within a single platform:

• automated equipment control
• monitoring and alarms
• data acquisition

Some Background

Argus has been a pioneer and major manufacturer of greenhouse climate control systems for over 25 years. Many of the world's premier commercial horticulture production and research facilities use Argus systems for integrated environmental control, irrigation, and nutrient delivery. Horticultural production environments are particularly demanding in the range of equipment types that must be controlled, the rapidly changing light and temperature conditions due to external weather influences, and the narrow climate tolerances required to maintain healthy disease free crops.

To meet these challenges, Argus needed to develop a control system with sufficient flexibility to handle the broad scope of equipment, structures, and climate control strategies used in horticulture production and research. This approach has proved so successful that our systems, though originally intended for horticulture, have proved their value in a wide variety of control applications. Titan represents the next step in the evolution of the Argus system by further increasing run-time programmability flexibility of control for both standard and non standard applications. For horticulture this means an unparalleled ability to fit the control system to your facility, no matter how simple of complex your requirements. This includes the capability to distribute the hardware 'close to the action' for ease of access as well as substantially reducing wiring and installation costs. As a result, the Titan system is more suited than ever for both horticulture and non-horticulture applications. It contains a suite of run-time programmable control modules that can be easily linked together to provide amazingly powerful and sophisticated control automation.

System Overview

The system gathers information from sensor devices such as temperature, wind speed, tank levels, pH, vent position, humidity, light, CO₂ etc. It then uses this information, in conjunction with sophisticated internal algorithms and user-defined parameters to control target processes such as air temperatures, humidity levels, soil moisture levels, and nutrients supplied by irrigation. The system is highly modular and expandable, so you only purchase the components you need when you need them. All components are linked together by simple network wiring. Since the control modules can be located nearly anywhere in your operation, you can substantially reduce the length and cost of wiring runs (when compared to more centralized control systems) for your sensors and controlled equipment.

Our systems are extremely flexible, designed to work with the equipment you already have. They are also designed to provide the highest degree of durability, reliability, and flexibility in both hardware and software while still achieving powerful control objectives. Wherever possible, critical control functions are designed to be failsafe. In cases where the physical design of the controlled equipment does not allow failsafe or fail-soft design, we provide appropriate user configurable alarms combined with a fall-back to manual control override for additional safety. In most cases, your Argus system will arrive from the factory fully preconfigured to your exact requirements complete with a custom set of navigation screens that match the names and layout of your controlled equipment and locations. One of the strengths of the Titan system is the modular building block approach that we use to configure our control applications. With it, we can construct increasingly sophisticated applications by combining simpler generic control modules. The end result is shaped into the custom applications that you use for day-to-day control. If at any time your requirements change, we can usually adapt the control logic by simply reconfiguring the underlying control programs to suit your new requirements. In most cases there is never a need to revise the underlying program code to accomplish this. This ability to rapidly and economically adapt our software to your changing requirements is what sets the Argus system apart from our competition.

The Argus Advantage

The Argus Titan system has been specifically designed to provide you with these benefits:

• The most powerful and flexible control capabilities in its class.
• Maximum system reliability and stability.
• Full featured control programs complete with safety limits and overrides tailored to your applications and the capabilities of your equipment.
• Distributed processing hardware for improved on-line redundancy.
• Modular ‘plug and run’ hardware design.
• Easy ‘no wire’ module replacement courtesy of the included backplane design.
• Self-diagnostics and simplified trouble shooting.
• Fully integrated monitoring and alarms.
• Flexible, high-end data filtering and data logging capabilities.
• Full-featured graphical trend analysis tools.
• Minimal on-site wiring costs.
• Superior electrical isolation and lightning protection.
• A variety of integrated panel and line voltage interfacing options.
• High resolution sensor measurement and accuracy.
• Simplified, economical sensor interfacing.
  Full remote operation capabilities and support via on-line system access.
• Minimal requirement for on-site service.
• Fully customizable user interface.
• Extensive password protection and configurable user permissions.
• Argus’ legendary service and support.

Three Complete Systems in One

The Argus system provides the capabilities of three full featured management systems in a single platform:

A Real-Time Equipment Control System

The system gathers continuous input information from sensor devices (temperature, wind speed, tank levels, pH, vent position, humidity, light, CO2, soil moisture etc.). It then uses this information, in conjunction with sophisticated internal programs and user-defined control parameters to automatically operate the equipment under its control.
Integrated control enables the coordination of multiple equipment systems, and the possibility of a variety of control strategies for each device. Systems are engineered to meet the specific requirements of each application while providing automatic compensation for the effects of weather and other dynamic environmental variables. This reduces the need for constant human monitoring and adjustment.

A Data Recorder

Whether you need data recording for general management purposes or as an integral component for research, the Argus Titan system provides extensive data collection capabilities. Each system functions as a complete user-configurable recorder that can be used for collecting, displaying, and analyzing real-time and historical data in graphical, tabular, and summary formats. All collected data can be viewed online, from any location as well as exported to other applications for further analysis. The Titan system’s unique data filtering and compression methods make it possible to record hundreds of items at selectable sampling frequencies, including all sensor readings and equipment positions.

An Early Warning Alarm System

The word Argus is synonymous with watchfulness. It comes from the many-eyed creature of Greek mythology who, even as he slept, could always keep at least one eye opened. Accordingly, we have always included monitoring and alarm features as an integral part of our systems. You can monitor virtually any measured and controlled control condition and configure the appropriate alarm thresholds and annunciation methods. Not only can you use the system to watch over its own controlled processes, but any measurable conditions within your operation.

Your system will arrive with many preconfigured alarms. You can also configure as many additional alarms as you need. Selectable alarm priorities and annunciation methods enable you to set some alarms to warn you immediately of critical conditions such as low or high temperatures, and other non-critical alarms for management purposes, such as tracking the operational hours of controlled equipment for preventative maintenance purposes. You can even configure ‘smart’ alarms that warn you only when a combination of events occurs. For example, if you lose heating and there are low temperatures outside you can set a critical alarm where someone needs to be alerted immediately. On the other hand, if there is a heating system problem while the temperatures are warm outside, you might want to set this as a non-critical alarm (no need to get you out of bed!).

What Can a Titan System Do?

An Argus system can manage and monitor every aspect of environmental control. It can co-ordinate and integrate the activities of all controlled equipment ensuring that they operate efficiently and in harmony with the current control objectives. It accommodates changes in the crop and weather, monitors, records, and reports on current conditions, and raises alarms if things go wrong. When matched with the right structures and equipment, an Argus system can create and maintain a precision growing environment despite constantly changing external conditions such as outdoor temperatures, winds, humidity, and light.

For horticulture applications, the Argus system can also meet the needs of the crop by controlling CO2 levels, irrigation, chemical treatments, and nutrients. It continuously monitors all growing environments and equipment operations and reports on the consumption and supply of resources such as water, electricity, heat, and chemicals and equipment operation hours. The system maintains a detailed history of your operation so you can get accurate reports whenever you need them.

The following sections explain some of the control capabilities and illustrate the direct connection between the control objectives, the physical equipment design, and the computer control strategies required. These examples are by no means complete, but should provide some insight into the approaches Argus uses to solve problems in greenhouse control.

The Argus system is very comprehensive and contains many features not found on other computer control systems. In all cases, the controlled equipment must be properly installed and serviced. In particular, there must be a good match between the capacity and response of the equipment and the tasks they are expected to perform.

In situations where other stand-alone equipment controllers are already in place, such as boiler control packages, PLCs, and nutrient controllers, the Argus System can often provide an interface to coordinate and integrate the operation of these devices with the rest of your facility. This not only helps you to better manage these systems, it also ensures maximum operating efficiency and effectiveness while avoiding potential equipment conflicts. Whenever you are selecting new equipment that is available with custom control options, you should check with Argus first. We can often manage your new equipment directly, providing convenient and coordinated central control and monitoring, while saving you money on redundant control hardware.

Climate Control

Argus configures each control system to your specifications and needs. Each controller is capable of managing several climates. However, the actual number of managed zones depends on:
the complexity of each climate

• the physical layout of the operation
• the number of controlled equipment systems
• the level of control separation and redundancy required

Climate control is one of the most common applications, and one of the most complex. The Argus system provides extensive climate control capabilities and features including:
 

Scheduling

Argus provides several ways to schedule climate targets in advance. Diurnal (24 hour repeating) and multi-day strategies can be used individually or in combination to program your growing environment for the changing needs of the crop over time. Any climate parameters can be scheduled including heating, ventilation, and humidity levels. To control energy costs, you can also define resource rationing limits for activities such as dehumidification.

Energy Balance Calculations

The Argus control system constantly evaluates greenhouse and outdoor conditions and grower established targets to develop the best possible strategy for control. It accurately predicts the energy balance for a greenhouse and manipulates the heating and/or cooling equipment to maintain this balance. The computer system ‘looks ahead’ and reacts to changes in conditions that will result in errors if not corrected. This is far superior to waiting until a deviation has occurred before making changes.

Temperature Management

Climate air and media temperatures must be controlled to produce the correct growing environment. Extensive heating and ventilation equipment control programs are available to manage all types of systems including:

• Central or distributed heating management
• Water or steam from central heating plants
• Forced air
• Infra-red
• Electric
• Heat exchangers
• Waste heat and geothermal sources
• Solar storage and recovery systems
• Heated/Chilled ground beds
• Compartmentalized heating zones and beds
• HVAC systems
  

During the configuration process, we work with you and your heating system supplier to make sure that your equipment is operated in the safest, most efficient manner, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Even if your heating plant comes with packaged controls, we can usually provide improved heating system management by interfacing these stand-alone systems with the heat distribution system.

Our flexible programs can be used for:

• Intelligent staging of boiler firing as a function of return water temperature relative to the design "Delta T"
• Pipe temperature management (mixing valve control)
• Modulating burner systems
• Return temperature limiting to protect against boiler shock
• CO2 extraction
• Heat storage and recovery
• Cogeneration (combined heat & power applications)
• High temperature cut-off in conjunction with boiler safety limits
• Control of cycle times to prevent excessive wear on equipment
   

Air Exchange

Air exchange strategies can be used to remove solar heat gain, to reduce relative humidity, provide fresh air, and to provide additional moisture absorbing capacity for evapo-transpiration and greenhouse evaporative cooling systems. Ventilation also supplies carbon dioxide for plant growth during daylight hours. All types of ventilation equipment are supported including:
 

Passive roof and sidewall vents

Capabilities include fully modulating, wind direction compensated control with safety limits and overrides for high wind speeds, and rainfall. To protect your vents, your structure, and your crop from the effects of strong winds, the control system constantly monitors the current outdoor conditions and will close or limit the vent openings in extreme conditions. To maximize air exchange and cooling precision, the system can compensate for the effects of wind speed and wind direction by managing windward and leeward vents separately. Features include:

• Full span modulating control (0 -100% opening)
• Reaction tables to accelerate or decelerate vent opening with respect to ventilation required
• Rain position opening limits
• Separate cooling and dehumidification settings
• Evaporative cooling position
• Wind speed lockout
• Wind lockout release rates
• Windward/leeward control
• Low temperature opening overrides for "winter freeze up" protection
• Time and position based vent movement
• Vent compensation settings to compensate for reduced air exchange when energy curtains are deployed
• Spray program overrides
• Minimum crack settings
• Additional overrides, limits, and operating logic as required

Exhaust Fans

Typical control capabilities include sophisticated staging and fan rotation programs for multiple fan applications. With the Argus System, you can use a variety of control strategies to operate ventilation fans. In climate control situations, the operation of the ventilation fans is coordinated with your heating system to maximize energy efficiency. For multi-fan applications, the Argus System regulates the operation of fans based on the current calculated ventilating requirement. Fans can be operated individually or in groups to achieve varied ventilation rates. Each fan can be controlled using a simple ON/OFF strategy, or with pulse width modulation (PWM). With PWM control, the control system regulates the on/off times as well as the numbers of fans operating to precisely match the current cooling or dehumidification requirements. This results in exceptional temperature control precision. Fan operation can also be coordinated with evaporative cooling pad(s) systems. Typical features include:

• Fully user customizable multi fan output grouping and staging
• On/Off control
• Multiple speed control
• Variable speed control
• Evaporative cooling settings
• Pulse width modulation (PWM) control
• Minimum on/off time fan cycling protection
• Spray program interlock settings
• Additional overrides, limits, and operating logic as required
   

HVAC systems (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning)

 Argus systems can provide full HVAC control of systems typically found in commercial buildings, and research facilities. In situations where other control systems are already in place (for example, providing central heating and cooling water resources), our systems are capable of signal interlinking for coordinated operation.

Humidity Management

The Argus Titan system can manage humidity levels in a wide variety of situations including enclosed environments, office buildings, and open field or shade house growing areas. All factors  that influence humidity management can be evaluated for control integration including:

• ventilation rates
• indoor/outdoor temperature differences
• transpiration
• evaporation
• short term temperature changes
• carbon dioxide burners
• effects of curtain systems

For enclosed crop production, control of relative humidity is extremely important. Greenhouse humidity may need to be controlled by use of heating and ventilation (to reduce humidity) and humidification systems to supplement the evapo-transpiration of soil and plants to help meet cooling temperature, vapor-pressure deficit, and relative humidity targets. The Titan system can selectively operate your heating and ventilating equipment to simultaneously manage temperature and humidity. At the same time, it can operate evaporative pad and fan systems, as well as misting and fogging equipment to achieve your humidification and cooling objectives. The control of these systems is integrated with your other climate management equipment to ensure coordinated operation of all devices.

Typical dehumidification options include:

• Selection of heating, ventilation, or a combination of strategies
• Heating and ventilation energy resource allocation to restrict control dehumidification costs

Typical humidification and cooling control options include:

• Time windowing
• Operator configurable diurnal humidity and fixed VPD (vapor pressure deficit) setpoints
• Intelligent integration of evaporative cooling with standard ventilation techniques
• Minimum on and off time matched to your equipment operation specifications
• Evaporative cooling opening limits on roof vents
• Integration with other climate control equipment systems
   

General Equipment Operation

Each equipment system has operating requirements imposed on it by its design or the way it must interact with other equipment. These requirements often limit the ability of the control system to instantly execute corrective measures. However, they must be recognized and dealt with to protect the equipment. The Argus system not only addresses direct safety problems with proper equipment installation and wiring, but also includes additional settings to further protect and improve operation. These include:

• Minimum “on” and “off” times prevent short-cycling and premature wear of equipment.
• Power-up delay times will delay and stage load operations upon return from power failures or drop outs. This feature is much appreciated by either your generator or the electrical company, as the case may be.
• Event records and data recording provide summaries of equipment operating frequency and duration as well as a continuous operating audit. This information is very important when evaluating performance or maintenance and service requirements.
• Multiple operating limits, and safety overrides can be configured to ensure the safest operation, and extend the operating life of your equipment.
• Modulating control - the Argus system contains programs to manage modulating equipment such as hot water heating systems and ventilation systems. These systems are capable of delivering a wide range of output levels. The computer can calculate and then directly deliver the correct output, after evaluating a range of operator set limits.
• Pulse-width modulation - most on/off equipment is either too effective when on or not effective enough when off. Unfortunately, most equipment responses required are somewhere between these two extremes. Staging of multi-unit systems like cooling fans can provide some intermediate steps, but these are not sufficient for full smooth control. The Argus system can cycle a piece of equipment on and off in proportion to the required response and achieve a very full range of control. The inertia of the greenhouse environment can absorb these operating pulses quite effectively and smooth out the “bumps”. For example, the computer will turn a unit heater “off” after the calculated heat requirement has been delivered, regardless of the current air temperature. The longer term air temperature average will include the pulse of heat and future heat pulses will be adjusted to give greater or lesser response as required. This control strategy greatly reduces temperature overshoot, resulting in lower energy costs and a better growing environment without increasing the total number of equipment operations (cycling). It is particularly effective when managing fog and mist systems.
   

Specialty Equipment Control

The following sections describe in detail how the Titan controls the types of equipment systems typically found in greenhouses:

Curtain Systems

Air Circulation Control

Lighting Control

CO2 Enrichment Control

Evaporative Cooling and Humidification Control

Heat Storage Control

Control of Ventilation Fans

Irrigation Control

Hot Water Mixing Valve Control

Nutrient Control

Special Control Applications

Modulating Vent Control

Physical Plant

Multiple Heat Source Systems

Natural gas is a clean, economical, reliable, and easily managed energy source, but there are other energy sources that can be used to improve the performance and economics of the greenhouse operation. Some sources such as solar energy are “free” to the extent that greenhouses naturally trap and use it. Others such as waste cooling water or alternate fuels (sawdust, waste oil, etc.) may be relatively inexpensive but not continuously available, nor in sufficient supply for all conditions. Control strategies can be optimized for energy conservation by using cheap energy when it is available and minimizing expensive natural gas usage.

Boiler limiting

The Argus control system arbitrates between the heat requirements of the greenhouse and the ability of a boiler system to reliably and safely deliver this heat. The program eliminates thermal shock and condensation problems when used with properly designed equipment. A direct benefit of this type of program is the need to only size the boiler system for average heating requirements rather than short term peak requirements.

Co-generation (Combined Heat and Power)

Co-generation is potentially very useful to greenhouse growers, assuming that adequate use can be made of all components of energy output. Modern computer control systems coupled with properly designed physical systems, can handle most of the arbitration required to make the highest and best use of each energy component. The computer system can select the best use for the recovered heat and schedule operating periods for maximum benefit.

Thermal Storage and Heat Buffering

Argus has sophisticated control programs for operations that need to recover stored heat energy produced by activities such as CO2 generation from natural gas. Surplus heat energy can be automatically stored and recovered seamlessly, in harmony with the primary heating source.
Heat storage systems are used in situations where the heat energy produced by a heating plant is in excess of the current heating demand. For greenhouse operations, heat storage is often used for daytime CO2 generation from natural gas or propane, and in other situations such as combined heat and power generation (cogen) where the heat energy created to produce electricity occurs at a time when it is not needed. The reservoir of hot water that accumulates is typically used at night when the greenhouse requires heat.
Without a managed storage system in place, the heat generated by these processes would otherwise be wasted since it is not immediately required. Therefore, a properly engineered heat storage system has the potential to generate considerable energy savings.

The Argus System can manage the somewhat complex equipment configurations required to store and recover surplus heat efficiently. This includes precision management of zone heating, heat storage, & heat recovery as well as intelligent transitioning between these operational phases. Argus can configure a control design to match your specifications including:

• CO2 extraction and optional condenser heat recovery
• Cogeneration heat extraction
• Boiler operation (storage & heating modes)
• Heating system supply and return valves
• Hot water storage mixing control
• Hot water storage pump control
• Hot water recovery mixing valve control
• Monitoring and data recording of all storage system sensors and relays
• Hot water storage tank status & stratification monitoring
  

Custom Equipment Control Programs

In situations where specialized equipment systems require additional or non-standard features, Argus has a powerful set of  programs that can be configured to meet the control objectives of the most demanding applications. These powerful and flexible program modules are adaptable to almost any situation and unlike many alternative systems, they are user-configurable without the need to learn a complex computer programming language. Features include:

• Evaluation and relationship definitions for multiple conditions
• Minimum on and off times
• Full and partial span control of modulating devices
• Pulse Width Modulation for on-off devices
• Sophisticated control equation and cycle logic settings
• Time windowing
• Program chaining and latching
• Integrated event counting and timing

Equations

The Equations program is the “Swiss Army Knife” of generic decision programming on the Argus Titan system. It is a flexible, comprehensive, and general-purpose control program that you can use anytime you need to specify one or more rules or conditions for controlling an output response. You can also use it to generate custom alarms and keep track of control events. It is possible to configure an entire equipment control application including alarms, and event records using just one Equations program. For more complex applications you can chain several Equations programs together, or use them in conjunction with other specialty programs such as the Diurnal Setpoints program or the Climate-Energy Balance program. With each Equations program you can:

• Define up to eight conditional control Equations for on-off or proportional control
• Define complex relationships between individual Equations
• Use Time Windowing (day of the week and active hours during the day) to control when each Equation can be active
• Set independent Prove Times for each Equation to delay an output response
• Set independent Hold Times for each Equation to keep an output response active for a specified period of time
• Define special operational rules that determine how each Equation is activated and cleared
• Set the results of designated Equations to regulate or limit the output from other Equations
• Configure up to eight alarms based on Equation states, six additional alarms based on Equation Block Operations, and 1 overall program state alarm
• Configure up to eight counters and accumulators based on Equation states

Typical Applications

You can use the Equations program whenever you need to do one or more of the following:

Output Control - Produce an equipment control response in relation to specified changes in measured conditions: Whenever you need your control system to make decisions based on changing conditions or calculated targets, you can use the Equations program to define the rules of operation. The program can be used to operate both ON/OFF style, and fully modulating equipment, where the degree of output response is proportioned over a defined span in relation to the difference between a test threshold value and a measured value (proportional control). For example, a variable-speed cooling fan can be operated at slower speeds when the measured temperature is just above the target value, and at increasing speeds the more the measured temperature deviates from the target. This provides a proportioned output response in relation to the magnitude of the control error.

Alarms - Define the test conditions that will produce an alarm state: For example, you might want an alarm to become active whenever the temperature in a controlled climate zone falls too far below the control heating target.

Counter Accumulator - count the number of occurrences, or accumulate the active time of a measured event: For example, you may wish to record the total hours that a unit heater has been active for maintenance and fuel consumption purposes. In the Equations program, you can configure event counters or accumulators to run continuously or reset at regular intervals. The current and last recorded counter values are always displayed for comparison purposes and you can also use data recording to preserve these values for long-term comparisons. You could choose to record the total running hours of a specified piece of equipment at daily, monthly, or yearly reset intervals. You could also record the number of ON/OFF cycles for the same intervals.

Sequencer (Virtual PLC)

This feature emulates the functions of a PLC (programmable logic controller). It provides a general method for solving a variety of control problems without resorting to stand-alone PLCs for isolated equipment control operations such as batch water treatment, tank level management, or any process involving a series of steps and conditional branches. You can simply use the Argus system to achieve the same functions.  The Sequencer program is designed to execute successive instructions. Similar to 'ladder logic', each line in the Sequencer represents an instruction and there are 78 discreet instruction types that can be selected. Whenever you select an instruction on a line, the appropriate operands for that instruction will also appear, and status messages assist you in completing the necessary inputs for each instruction. Syntax errors are prevented through the instruction selection process. Multiple 'Virtual PLCs' can be operated from a single controller.

There are several advantages when using the Argus system for PLC functions. You can integrate equipment operations that would be otherwise isolated by stand-alone hardware. You also have all of the standard data recording, monitoring, diagnostics, and alarm features that are built in to your Argus system, as well as the convenience of central and remote PC access.

Spray and Universal Override Programs

The Argus system is capable of producing a coordinated response across multiple equipment systems to a single triggered event. For example, a system-wide spray program enables integrated management of pesticides and other types of spray systems typically used in greenhouse compartments. Whether or not you use automated spray systems, you can still use the power of the spray program to automatically manage your other equipment systems while you are spraying. For example, if you intend to use manually operated spray equipment you can use these settings to automatically manage all of your vents, HAF fans etc. while you are spraying, and immediately afterwards by simply setting up the proper spray cycle times and triggering a spray cycle before you begin spraying. Similar strategies can be employed for other triggered events.  

Features include:

• Separate trigger settings for before, during, and after the designated events
• Individual override states can be configured for each controlled output
• Automated management of other equipment systems such as C02, lighting, vents, mixing valves, shade, fan, and multi-output programs while the specified events are underway
• Programmed start or manual initiation

PID Equations

PID (Proportional, Integral, and Derivative) functions are supported in a variety of programs including a stand-alone program that consists of eight independent PID Equations. They can be used as a generic 'plug-in' tuning feedback loops.

Filters

This feature provides a table of up to 32 independent filters that can be applied in control applications. They can be used whenever you need filtering to control the rate of change of a control variable or to control the upper or lower limits that a variable can attain. Most often, these filters are used to manage the behavior of inputs and outputs in control programs. They can also be used to manage intermediate values in decision-making programs. Filters can be used for a variety of purposes:

• remove unwanted parts from the input such as random "noise"
• extract useful parts of the input
• control the upper and lower limits of the output
• numerically change the output to compensate for non-linear effects
• feather, delay, or dampen the output for smoother equipment control

Applications include:

• smoothing or debouncing transient instabilities in sensors
• controlling the range of values that an input or output can produce
• controlling the rate of change for a proportional output
• reducing excessive equipment movements
• applying a linear output response to equipment that produces a non-linear effect

Math Matrix

This program is used whenever math operations need to be performed. With the Math Matrix program, you can define basic mathematic relationships between a number of system variables such as sensor values or output responses. It allows you to manipulate up to 16 system variables or constants (locally entered values) in as many as 16 mathematical operations. You can use the operations to scale, average, sum or perform an array of mathematical functions on selected groups of variables. Up to 16 separate mathematical operations can be performed within the program, each producing a result that can then be mapped into control programs such as Equations or recorded for analysis.

Sensor Multiplexer

This program is used for sequenced sampling applications that share one or more sensors. For example, a sampling manifold may be designed to draw air sequentially from several compartments (up to 16). Each sample may be exposed to up to four separate sensors (CO2, oxygen, nitrogen, etc).

Alternate Clock

This program is designed to provide alternate time and geographic values. It can be used for emulating the diurnal (sunset/sunrise) conditions of almost any location on the planet. For example, if you are managing an artificial climate in Ohio, but wish to emulate the conditions near the Amazon, you can use this program for regional settings. Instead of using the local time values from the Broadcast Information program, you would use these values to operate the equipment control programs needed to produce the artificial climate.

User Scales

The User Scales program is used to enter linearization data to convert the signals from non-linear sensors into a linear scale for display. For example, an infra-red temperature sensor that produces a non linear voltage signal can be scaled to produce linear output in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. This allows you to use non-standard sensors in custom applications.
Each User Scales program consists of eight separate linearization tables.

Data Recording

With Argus, data logging is a integral part of automated control. Normally, your preconfigured system will arrive with with the many parameters already set for continuous recording. You can record almost any parameter on your system including:

• sensor measurements
• operating settings
• calculated values
• control values and targets
• system diagnostics and alarms
• equipment operating timers
• equipment operating counters
• equipment status

With the Argus Titan system, you can record as many items as you need. Data recording is accomplished seamlessly by using special data logging features of each controller. The recorded data is temporarily stored in memory buffers of each controller and is automatically transferred to the Local Argus Server PC whenever the Argus Operator program is running. These buffers can store enough data to last from a few hours to several days depending on the number of channels you are recording on each controller, the frequency of the sampling, and the rate at which the data is changing. To prevent loss of recorded data should the memory buffers on the controllers become full, we recommend that you leave the Argus program running continuously on your Local Argus Server PC. It’s fine if you need to shut the operator program or the PC down for a while, as long as the memory buffers do not become full, no data will be lost. If they do become full, the oldest stored data will be overwritten by the most recent information. This way, you will always have the most recent recorded information even if some data is lost.

The easiest way to keep track of the complex interactions between equipment operations and controlled climate variables is to record important parameters and study their relationships. Recording your control data over time and viewing it in graphs and tables can be very useful to help you visualize the dynamics of your controlled environments. It's important for you to understand these relationships when making changes to the settings.

Data recording provides an excellent 'check' on system changes, helping you to see the effects of your settings and to make sure that any changes you make are having the desired effect. Regular analysis of your recorded data can help you to fine tune your system and pinpoint problem situations that can only be detected by viewing your sensor readings and control data over time.

Alarms

The Argus System includes comprehensive self-diagnostics and alarm capabilities. Specific alarm conditions can be configured for almost any variable. A variety of alarm priorities and annunciation methods enables instant notification for critical events and failures, as well as “management by exception” alerts to track events of lesser importance.
Some of the features available include:

High and low absolute alarms - alarmed value exceeds or falls below a set value. Examples of this type of alarm include: the “classic” high temperature or low temperature alarms.
High and low floating alarms - alarmed value exceeds or falls below another value that varies, for example, with time of day. Examples of this type of alarm include: an alarm that will activate whenever the temperature drops too far below the current heating set point. This type of alarm will “track” the heating setpoint automatically.
Linked alarm conditions - master alarm is raised when pre-defined combinations of minor alarms are raised. Examples of this type of alarm include: a low greenhouse temperature alarm that will activate only if it is also cold outside.

Deviation alarms - alarmed value exceeds a given deviation, plus or minus, from another value. Examples of this type of alarm include: applications where two sensors are used to “guard” each other. Excessive deviation might indicate a sensor or equipment failure.
High and low sensor failure alarms - sensor is producing readings that are outside of the possible range for this type of sensor.

All alarms have selectable priorities for annunciation, and programmable time delays to reduce false alarms. Alarms annunciate only while active and can be temporarily disabled to allow time to correct the problem before automatic re-arming of the alarm occurs. All alarms must be acknowledged by the operator, ensuring that no condition goes unnoticed, including those that correct themselves without operator intervention. Each control function can be programmed to take alternative action whenever associated sensor failures are detected. 

TITAN SYSTEM HARDWARE

Argus has drawn upon its many years of industrial control experience in developing the Titan system. It is designed to provide the highest degree of reliability while still achieving powerful, efficient control with maximum flexibility, scalability, and distributability.

The modular design of the hardware makes it equally suited to ganged panel applications or full distribution of the modules throughout the operation. Simple network wiring makes it easy to distribute the hardware to where the action is. I/O (Input/Output) modules can be located in the controlled zones and next to the equipment being controlled. In many cases this can substantially reduce the costs of wiring runs when compared to centralized control systems.  System network wiring consists of easy to install twisted pair communications wire, and installation of the panels is simple and straightforward.

The distributed network of controllers is treated as a single system. The activities of individual controllers can be coordinated to accomplish cross-module control objectives such as irrigation and the efficient distribution of heat from a central supply.

Typical Hardware components include:

• Argus Titan controllers
• Titan I/O modules (and any ‘Classic’ equipment on older installations and retrofits)
• Sensors
• Output relays
• Power supplies
• Local PC for operator access

Titan Controllers

Titan controllers perform all of the control processing functions for the system. Depending on your needs, your Argus system will have at least one, and perhaps several Titan controllers. These dedicated, interconnected, supervisory control computers can be distributed about your operation as the need requires. The system network is self-configuring and self-monitoring. All control programs are stored in and executed from the controllers. When you use the Argus operator program to access your system, you are communicating directly with these controllers. When you are not on line, the Titan controllers automatically operate all of your controlled equipment in accordance with your settings.

For maximum safety and redundancy, these controllers operate independently, and independent from the operator access PC(s). Each controller is equipped with power failure protected memory for settings and data storage, memory data integrity checks, program execution integrity checks (hardware watchdog), hardware memory protection, and protocols to prevent inadvertent corruption of critical settings and data. All programs execute from resident non-volatile program memory.

In addition, each controller contains protection against transient electrical noise and ground potential variations. Power supply fusing and transient clamping devices (varistors) provide further protection. The system constantly monitors the state of all controllers and peripheral Input/Output modules and automatically warns you should any component become erratic or fail. Should this occur, you can quickly restore normal operation without any rewiring using our plug-and-run replacement components. All systems are designed with temporary manual operation overrides in the event of an emergency.

The extensive features of the Titan Controller include:

• Uploadable Flash Memory - controllers can receive firmware revisions or updates from any local or remote operator workstation.
• Low Voltage Power Requirements (Class 2 - 24 volts AC)
• Real Time Clock – system performance does not degrade with load.
• Hardware and software ‘Watchdog’ Error Detection, correction, and message re-transmission to guarantee data integrity.
• LED Status Indicators – to indicate proper wiring and network operation and hardware status
• Easy Network Wiring & Setup.
• No-wire ‘Plug & Run’ module replacement courtesy of the included Backplane that accommodates all external connections.
• Fully User Programmable.
• Pre-built and user configurable Alarms.
• Independent Operation - each controller communicates on a peer to peer basis with other controllers on the network.
• Continuous Self Diagnostics, communication diagnosis, and diagnosis of all slaved components for maximum safety and reliability.
• All programs are executed Once Each Second.
• Integrated Data Acquisition & recording.

In most cases your controllers will arrive fully preconfigured from the Argus Factory. Each Titan controller consists of a powerful 32-bit RISC processor with a nonvolatile memory area for program storage. The extensive program features provide the most advanced flexibility and control capability in its class.

The job of each controller is to:

1. Process information from the sensor inputs located on various connected I/O Modules.
2. Execute the on-board control programs according to your current settings.
3. Make equipment control decisions for operating the physical outputs located on various connected I/O modules.

There are no on-board sensor inputs or equipment control outputs on the Titan controllers. All connections to the physical world are performed on one or more slaved I/O modules that perform the input sensing and output signal operations for each controller. This provides the highest degree of control safety, isolation, flexibility, and economy. Almost any type of equipment can be controlled, including hot water mixing valves and pumps, gas-fired unit heaters, exhaust fans, air circulation fans, modulating vents, thermal and photo period shading systems, HID lighting, CO2 enrichment, crop irrigation, nutrient mixing systems, HVAC equipment, etc.

Titan controllers are typically housed in powder-coated, white, heat reflecting aluminum enclosures, with a hinged, gasketed door that provides a dust and drip-proof seal. They may be mounted alone, or in combination panels along with input/output hardware such as Titan I/O modules, line voltage interfacing, and power distribution. The enclosures are suitable for mounting in almost any location, but should be protected from extreme heat and weather. In areas subject to frequent dripping, we recommend the installation of a protective drip shield above the enclosures.

Controller Backplanes

Each Titan controller fits onto a specially designed Backplane. There are different Backplane receptacles for different applications. For example, the controller that is connected to the Local Argus Server PC is provided with a backplane containing dedicated alarm outputs. All of the wires for connecting the controller to the power supply, and various communications pathways are connected to the Backplane. Should a controller ever need replacing, it can be removed without undoing any wires other than unplugging the power connector.

Connections on the controller backplane include:

• I/O Communication and Power Input - provides power from the power supply module and network communications to slaved I/O modules.
• System Network – for interconnection with other controllers.
• ‘Classic’ Network – for backwards compatibility with previous Argus I/O hardware.
• Battery Backup & Charger – for connection to a battery or UPS for continued controller operation during power outages.
• RS232 PC Connector – for serial connection to a server PC for operator access.
• Dedicated alarm outputs – four normally closed output pairs for connection to alarms bells, sirens, and auto dialers

Note: Backplane connections may vary between controllers since not all controllers require all features. Generally, only the controller that is connected to the server PC will have a backplane equipped with dedicated alarm outputs. 

Titan I/O Modules

Titan I/O modules are used to gather sensor information and to provide the physical outputs for equipment control. These robust modules contain a wealth of features for custom control and data acquisition. They can be located remotely, close to the controlled equipment and the connected sensors. Up to 32 I/O modules can be connected to each Titan controller via a simple, 2-wire network that also powers the modules. Each Titan I/O module has 7 analog inputs, 2 high speed frequency inputs, and 4 multi-use output connections providing up to 32 discreet outputs.

Major Features of the Titan I/O Module:

• Modular design can be adapted for many panel configurations
• No-wire ‘Plug and Run’ module replacement courtesy of the included Backplane that accommodates all external connections.
• Simple, economical network wiring to the controllers enables placement close to your controlled equipment and sensors.
• Inputs can be calibrated and configured in software for resolution, linearity, and accuracy.
• All inputs are scanned and updated approximately once per second. Scan rate does not degrade as a function of system size or load.
• High resolution (24-bit) A/D sample conversion. Analog raw resolution is at least one million parts over a 0-5 volt range (in 5-microvolt steps).
• Built in cross-channel interference protection.
• Analog sensor channels can be switched in the software between AC Impedance, DC Voltage, or DC Resistance.
• Up to 125 ma of 24-VDC on-board power for loop powered sensors, aspirating fans or other local power requirements.
• 0-5 Volts (4-20 mA and other input signals are accommodated with external signal conditioning).
• Digital frequency measurements up to 50,000 Hz.

Sensors

Each Titan I/O module has seven high-resolution analog inputs and two high-speed frequency inputs for connection of sensors and other input signals. Virtually any industrial sensor can be connected, although a few special types may require external signal conditioning.

With more than a million parts of resolution over a 0-5 volt span, the Titan I/O module can even accommodate direct connection of sensors that produce signals of only a few millivolts. This can help you save money on expensive signal conditioning circuitry as well as reduced wiring complexity. The Argus System provides on-board gain, offset, temperature compensation, linearization, display scaling, and other sensor specific calibrations to simplify sensor connections and allow the use of lower cost sensors. Many standard sensors used for control applications are available directly from Argus. These include:

• air, soil, water, and pipe temperature sensors
• relative humidity and vapor-pressure deficit (VPD) - wet bulb and solid state
• CO2 – multiplexers and stand alone
• pH
• electrical conductivity (EC)
• wind speed and direction
• rain/snow detection and measurement
• equipment position (potentiometer)
• flow meters (liquid & gas)
• light sensors (including photometric, radiometric, PAR, infra-red, UV)
• soil moisture
• weight scales, strain gauges

Sensor Input Features Include:

• On-board 125 mA, 24-volt DC power supply can be used to drive 4-20 ma loop-powered sensors such as pressure transducers, soil moisture tensiometers, CO2 Sensors, and remote infrared temperature sensors.
• Direct connection of isolated voltage source sensors in the 0 - 5 volts range without external signal conditioning. This includes sensors such as PAR and Pyranometers that produce full-scale output signals in the 10 – 20 millivolt range.
• The control software supports configuration of a wide range of custom sensor types and brands through generic linearization routines, slope, temperature, and other offset compensation routines.
• Thermocouple support - direct connection and configuration of thermocouple types: B, E, J, K, N, R, S, & P, resolvable to 0.1 degree C and +/- 0.1 degree ‘noise’ with short term filtering. Thermocouples can be referenced to an onboard temperature sensor or an optional high precision cold junction temperature reference installed on one input channel. Measurement accuracies are constrained by thermocouple limits and cold junction compensation temperature errors.
• Dedicated digital frequency inputs – two per module. These can be used for on/off pulse counting applications.

Outputs

Each I/O module contains 4 output connectors. Each of these connectors is addressable, and can be extensively configured for any type of output signal. Special output relay modules are connected to the outputs to provide the appropriate signal for the type of equipment being controlled. Depending on the application, each I/O module can operate between 4 and 32 discreet outputs. The I/O module software provides for precision calibration of each output. Once connected to the I/O Network, each I/O Module is operated by a corresponding I/O Module Program running on the Controller to which it is connected.

The Argus system uses specialized output signals tailored to the equipment being controlled. Output relay types are selected and configured according to your particular equipment configuration. All output control is designed to operate as Class-2 low-voltage equipment. This reduces wiring costs (and you can do it yourself) and is compatible with most greenhouse control equipment. Low-voltage wiring (24V, AC) is also safe, allowing you to safely open the enclosure and use the manual overrides in an emergency. Connectors on the I/O Module Backplane provide for simple configuration of output signals by using different types of plug-in Output Signal Boards. These boards include the appropriate field wire terminations, status indicators lights, and manual 0verrides.

Output Relay Module Types Include:

• Digital Control - This includes standard ON/OFF control as well as special relays for two-speed devices, and equipment that is operated by high or low frequency digital pulsing strategies such as pulse width modulation and pulse period modulation. Form ‘A’ and Form ‘C’ contactors are available. For simple digital applications such as irrigation valves, special relay boards are available to increase the number of addressable On/Off outputs to 32 per I/O module.
• Tri-State Floating Control - These relays provide safe, proportional, reversing motor control for equipment such as roof motorized vents, louvers, and shade curtains.
• Analog Control - Argus provides special analog output relays for equipment that requires variable current, voltage, or frequency signals.

Titan I/O Module Backplane

Each Titan I/O module fits into a specially designed backplane. All of the wires for connecting the I/O module to the I/O Network and power supply, the sensors, and the output relays are connected to the backplane. Should an I/O module ever need replacing, it can be removed without undoing any wires.
Connection points on the backplane include:

• Communication and Power Input
• Sensor inputs
  • Analog Inputs (7)
  • Frequency Inputs (2)
• Outputs (up to 32 configurable output channels):
  • Up to 8 standard digital outputs with manual overrides
  • Up to 4 tri-state floating (Open-Close-Stopped)
  • Up to 4 high resolution analog outputs (Frequency, Voltage, Impendence)
  • Up to 32 digital outputs (with no manual overrides).

I/O Power Supply Modules

Specially designed Titan power supply modules are used to provide combined module power and I/O network communications over a two-conductor twisted pair wire. These regulated power supplies feature intelligent fault detection and automatic reset capabilities. They automatically protect the controllers and I/O modules from short-circuits, faulty wiring, lightning, utility power surges, and brown-outs. This significantly enhances the overall robustness and reliability of your control system.

Each power supply module can power up to eight control modules (up to eight I/O Modules, or one Titan Controller and 7 I/O Modules). Since they also provide the power to slaved I/O modules over the same communications wire, it is possible to locate I/O modules at a significant distance from line power sources. This can greatly simplify and reduce the installation costs for managing outdoor irrigation valves and locating remote sensor arrays such as weather stations.

Power Supply Feature Include:

• PON (Power over Network) technology to provide both power and communications to I/O modules and active repeaters over a 2-wire unshielded twisted pair communications cable.
• 60 watt output power
• Class 2 rating
• Short circuit protection: if the output is shorted, the power supply will switch off. It will automatically resume power when the short circuit condition has passed.
• Over-current protection: if the output current is too high the power supply will automatically shut down. It will automatically resume power when the over-current condition has passed.
• Delayed power up after power failure: the power supply will wait 20 seconds after input power has been restored before turning on. This helps prevent rapid on/off cycling during unstable power outage events
• Over-voltage shutdown: if the input voltage is above 40 volts, the power supply will automatically shut down. It will automatically resume power when the over-voltage condition has passed.

Local Argus Server PC

This is the PC that is directly connected to the control system via USB. It is the PC used for primary access and it acts as a remote connection data server for any other Argus client PCs connected via LAN, the Internet, or direct PC Modem dial-up. Although your control system does not require this PC for any active control functions, it is needed for long term data storage and for general operator access. This PC should be left running continuously so that there is no interruption in data collection or remote access from other PCs. Although other applications can be run simultaneously, we strongly recommend that this PC be used primarily if not exclusively for the Argus System.
 

PC System Requirements:

• Windows XP® Home or Professional
• Pentium IV class PC, (2 GHz or greater recommended)
• CD-ROM drive (CDRW or DVDRW recommended for backups)
• 256 MB RAM (512 MB or greater recommended)
• Video: 24-bit color, min 1024 x 768 display
• Min. 5 GB free hard disk space. (40+ GB free space recommended for archiving of recorded data)
• Network interface card - an Ethernet Card is required for optional multi-user access over local area networks (LAN) using the TCP/IP protocol.
• USB or Serial port (COM1, COM2, etc.). Serial ports must have 16550 UART or equivalent, with at least a 16 level FIFO buffer. Interrupt sharing should not be used. Contact Argus for details on tested devices.
• Internal or external modem for dial-up communications between a remote Client PC and a local Argus Server PC.
• Parallel port (LPT1), USB, or other printer connection port. Almost any printer that is properly installed under Windows® will produce good results. Monochrome and color printing are supported. (Note: a printer is optional, but recommended)
• Keyboard and Mouse
• Optional Sound Card and Speakers 

Communications Networks

PC Link

The Argus System is connected to the local Argus Server PC via a USB connection. Serial link options are also available. Other client PCs communicate with the control system through the Local Argus Server PC. Communication pathways for remote PC access include Ethernet LAN, Internet, and direct modem dial-up

System Network

The Titan System Network is used to connect Titan controllers. When installing the system network wiring, follow your installation wiring diagrams for wire specifications and layout. This network uses simple two- conductor unshielded cabling. The wiring scheme uses a bus topology, so you can connect a controller as a branch from any other controller. For longer networks, inexpensive active and passive repeaters can be used to extend the network length to several thousand meters.

In rare cases where a system network cannot be wired contiguously with dedicated wiring, the system is capable of domain bridging through wired or wireless standard protocols such as Ethernet or serial RS-485.

Titan I/O Network

The Titan I/O network connects an array of Titan I/O modules to each controller. Titan power supply modules are used to provide network power and communications. Consult your installation wiring drawings for details. The network uses inexpensive unshielded two-conductor cabling. The wiring scheme uses a bus topology, so you can connect an I/O module to any other I/O module (in-line power supplies are used to power and link additional modules). For longer networks, inexpensive active and passive repeaters can be used to extend the network length to several thousand meters.

Argus Classic I/O Network

Argus Titan Systems are compatible with hardware modules of previous Argus systems. If you are upgrading from a previous Argus system to the Titan system you may be able to continue using most of your original hardware. A Classic I/O Device Network Port on the Titan controller facilitates this type of connection. On new installations and upgrade expansions, these hardware modules have been superseded by the newer Argus Titan series I/O modules.
Commonly supported ‘Classic’ equipment includes:

• EX16 Expansion Module
• X100 Expansion Module (a CL100 controller board converted to operate as an I/O expansion device)
• SM12 Expansion Module

The ‘Classic’ Device Network is used for existing installations as a means of reusing existing hardware on the Titan system. Each controller can support up to 32 ‘Classic’ Expansion Boards in addition to its standard I/O Network. This network is a differential RS485 "daisy chain", operating at 9600 baud. A 2-conductor, 22 gauge, shielded cable connects the modules on the ‘Classic’ Device Network.
 

SOFTWARE FEATURES

Argus has always endeavored to make its control systems as flexible as possible without requiring users to learn programming languages. We try to provide the best of both worlds by offering a suite of pre-built control applications that have been designed to control specific equipment types such as mixing valves, shade curtains, and ventilation systems. These applications contain a large number of options for tuning the control responsiveness to the capabilities of your equipment. They also contain many safety limits and overrides to protect your facilities from improper operation.

In addition, we use an array of highly configurable generic programs for creating custom applications. If you have special control requirements that are beyond the scope of our standard modules, we can create custom applications from these generic programs.One advantage to using the Argus system for custom control applications is that all program setup and configuration is performed at run-time using our pre built, pre-tested logic modules. There is no need for off-line compilation and debugging. We can rapidly create custom control solutions with our software saving you money compared to the custom programming of PLCs and other control options. ‘Power Users’ can even create their own custom control solutions without needing to learn complex programming methods.

Although most customers may never need these do-it-yourself programming capabilities, you can take comfort that, should your requirements change, Argus can reconfigure your existing system quickly and economically using these same application development tools. In keeping with the flexibility of our control programs, the Argus Operator Program offers complete user customization capabilities. Unlike other systems that offer limited user customization capabilities, you can design all of your own overview screens and a navigation system that best suits your needs. Each user of the system can develop a personal screen system for managing the entire control system or their own sections of the controlled operation. In addition, a pre-built Factory screen menu system is always available to display all programs and parameters that are currently in use.
 

Controller Programs (Firmware)

The software responsible for real-time control resides in the Titan controllers. It includes standard, comprehensive modules for managing environments, irrigation systems, and nutrient control applications, as well as a powerful suite of generic programs for configuring custom equipment control. All our systems feature quick and easy configuration to match your requirements. The system is self-monitoring with an extensive array of fail-safe and fail-soft features for maximum safety and reliability.
Our equipment control applications are loaded with options such as alarms, and conditional safety limits and overrides to suit your situation. All programs are managed and continuously monitored by their respective controllers for the highest reliability and safety. Unlike PC based applications, program execution never degrades as a function of system load. This ensures that all time-critical sensor readings and output responses are performed instantly.

In most cases your system will arrive with the control programs already fully configured for your applications. Your system ships with a full set of control programs, including many that you may not currently need. Other than the labor for new or special configurations there are no piecemeal charges or licensing fees for individual control program use. Should your needs change, we simply adjust your program configuration on-line using the program set already provided with your controller.

Open-Ended Applications

The unique architecture of the Argus hardware and software provides unparalleled flexibility in configuring custom control applications. Aside from the standard equipment control capabilities available in many competing systems, the Argus system contains a suite of generic control modules that make it easy to provide custom control logic and custom sequences of operations. Unlike other systems this can usually be accomplished on-line and at runtime without the need to recompile any code or understand arcane programming languages and no possibility of syntax errors and other program coding problems. With this ‘second tier’ programming architecture, real-time configuration and testing is possible, greatly speeding up applications development all in a plain language format.

Updates and Revisions

Minor revisions and bug fixes are always provided for free. Occasionally, Argus will release a major revision to our control program set. These upgrades are reasonably priced, and are always optional. We will update your entire control system using our on-line flash update procedures. This completely eliminates the need for changing out EPROMs and other hardware memory components.

Argus Operator Program

The Argus operator program is used to access the control system from a local or remote PC. The program contains a wealth of features for managing your control system and the equipment and environments that it controls. Whenever you launch the Argus Operator programs and connect to a control system, you'll begin at a Start Screen that has been customized to reflect the controlled areas of your operation. Therefore, your start screen will be different from the one shown below:

From this simple overview screen you can quickly access all of the readings and settings for each controlled area.

Control Application Screens

Application screens are designed to provide control information and settings in the context of your applications. They are a custom view of the relevant parameters from the underlying control programs running on the Argus controllers. We design these screens to make it easier for you to visualize what the control programs are doing, and the implications of the various setting changes and readings.

These screens are designed to represent the specific equipment and processes that you are controlling as well as the operating rules and control logic that are in use. Where appropriate, they will also contain shortcuts to the underlying setup screens, graphical reports of recorded data, and other related screens as an aid to efficient system navigation. In addition, with our suite of User Customization tools you can add your own information to these screens as needed. See the following section for details.
 

User Customization Features

Much like the Factory configured Application screens, User Screens enable you to set up your own Windows and fill them with any readings and settings you desire. If needed, each user on the system can create a personal set of custom navigation and information screens. Customization features include:

User Windows and Shortcuts

Create your own User Windows and add a custom background graphic;

You can place your own custom Shortcuts or ‘hyperlinks’ to any window, reading, or setting, displayed on your system. Shortcuts can be created as overlays onto any screens (Factory, Application or User) were there is room to place them. For example, when you make a shortcut to a reading on another screen, the value of that reading is then displayed in the shortcut parameter that you create. When you make a shortcut to another window, you can choose to have it displayed as either a menu entry shortcut that leads to that window, or as a resizable view port showing the contents of the target window.

Multi-Change Windows

- you can also create special windows that you can use to make simultaneous changes to a number of settings with just a single entry. For example, you could set a larger number of irrigation valves to Manual On or Manual Off with one setting. When a User Window is set to Multi-Change, all of the parameters in the window must be the same type

Line Drawing

The Line Drawing Editor is a simple yet powerful way for you to add graphic highlights to Argus Factory Screens, and User Windows. You can draw colored lines and boxes onto any screen. Use them to help draw attention to important parameters or to draw schematics of your equipment or controlled compartments. Complete your drawings by creating shortcuts in the appropriate places and you'll have customized graphics with 'live' information and controls.

The diagram below illustrates how the line drawing editor has been used to show the physical network wiring layout of a control system. Shortcut menu entries to each hardware device make it easy to see where each component is located and provide quick access to readings, settings, and other diagnostic information.

Argus Graph

The Argus graph is a full featured graphing utility for viewing and comparing recorded data from your control system.

The Argus Graph enables you to get the most from your recorded data. Featuring graphical and tabular views, not only can you visualize the effects of present readings and settings on your system, but you can see how these values are changing over time. You can track the cause and effect relationships between such environmental parameters as light, heat, and humidity, and the effects of the equipment control actions that your system is taking to achieve your targets.

Features of the Argus Graph

You can view any recorded data anytime, by simply starting the graph and selecting recorded parameters directly from your screens.
Jump to any date by using the Time Buttons and the Data Cursor. The Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly preset time scales have been retained.
Arrow ‘history’ buttons take you back to previous views and forward again.

• You can zoom and pan the timescale directly.
• You can make and save any number of custom Data Recording Reports. These are fully preconfigured graphs that you can recall at any time.
• Create Shortcuts to individual Data Recording Reports and place them anywhere on your system screens.
• Up to 64 parameters can be viewed and saved in each Report. The display of individual parameters in graph reports can be toggled 'on' or 'off'.
• There are numerous controls for manipulating graph data channels singly or in groups.
• Manual scaling values can be saved with reports.
• Autofit to data and zoom to fit data display options.
• Line and background colors can be configured and saved.
• The graph window is resizable. When a graph is opened it can float independent from the main Argus window.
• Graph values are updated automatically, based on the present zoom level.
• Interactive Data Cursor displays value and time for selected parameters.
• Optional Data Legend can be toggled on and off.
• Off-scale data icons help you to find data channels that are not visible in the current Y-axis view
  
  Graphed information can also be displayed in tabular form:

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION OPTIONS

Your Titan system can be configured in a number of ways:
 

Fully Configured Systems

Almost all Argus systems are delivered fully configured. We typically provide systems for commercial and institutional applications where a specific set of control requirements has been specified. These systems are engineered to provide an exact fit for your needs. We supply everything required to automate your operation. This includes all control hardware, sensors, and output relays tailored to your equipment and applications. Line voltage interfacing is also available in separate or integrated panels. Typically, the only items you need to supply are the interconnecting wiring between panels, equipment, and sensors, and one or more PCs used for operator access.
Your system arrives preprogrammed and ready to operate, and we back it up with our legendary on-line service and support. We provide complete instructions and detailed wiring diagrams for easy installation. Since your system is already custom configured to match your operation, you can begin using it immediately. All control information and settings are presented in plain language and there is no programming required and no computer languages to learn.

Although, your system may arrive fully configured, that doesn’t mean that it’s frozen in time. As your requirements change, your system can be modified or expanded as needed. Our highly flexible modular design makes it to easy to add new capabilities in small economical increments.

User Configured Systems

We can also supply control systems with partial or minimal Factory configuration. With User Configured systems, we provide the hardware and the software ‘toolbox’ and you construct your own control applications. This is intended for ‘power users’ who wish to develop their own control applications from our precompiled suite of flexible, control programs. These are the same programs that we use to provide the fully configured systems as described above. The unique architecture of the Argus system allows our program modules to be combined and interconnected in many ways to create highly sophisticated custom monitoring and control applications.

Hybrid Systems

Some systems may consist of a combination of applications, with some configured by Argus and some user configured applications as well. This typically occurs in situations where a fully configured system is initially delivered, and you subsequently decide to develop your own applications. You can either have us develop your new applications or you can do it yourself. This is easy with an Argus Titan system, so long as you understand the capabilities of your equipment, and the process being controlled.