ChipWare wireless solutions enabled by Wavecom wireless solutions

ChipWare Technology, a Centurion-based company specialising in the development of wireless solutions for industrial applications, has developed a range of wireless products ideal for the African market, with Wavecom wireless modules from Trinity Telecomms.

"As a technology company, clients approach us with ideas to solve their business challenges and we design and develop the solution. We have had an increasing number of requests for wireless solutions for a wide range of applications," explains Vernon Viviers of ChipWare.

"The Wavecom wireless modules are perfect for these applications, providing both wireless communications via the cellular network, as well running embedded application software itself. We have currently standardised on the Q24 PLUS which offers us GSM/GPRS communications for data and SMS."

The ABBACUS Energy Metering (Management) solution is the first of these solutions, offering intelligent meter reading and GSM/GPRS communication. This unique dual capability meter is remotely switchable between credit-based and prepaid metering.

Single and three phase power meters can communicate the reading to a back-office server via the cellular network, without needing to send personnel on to the property. The ABBACUS Energy Meter has a built-in switch that can be controlled remotely, connecting and disconnecting the user from the power grid. Designed for use by property management companies, it is ideal for residential bodies corporate, factory and office park management companies, as well as time-share establishments.

PowerWatch is another solution used in conjunction with the ABBACUS System. It is a wireless electricity switch for utility providers, bodies corporate and other suppliers of power, enabling them to remotely switch the power off in a particular location by means of an SMS. This eliminates the need to send personnel to the site, which is expensive and can be dangerous in some situations. Gaining access can also be difficult due to people being at work during the day, or even refusing access.

Says Viviers: "The PowerWatch is useful in the case of non-payment, as well as for bodies corporate and time-share situations where there are frequent changes in occupancy. Distinct cut-off dates and times are relatively simple to arrange and execute for more accurate and prompt billing."

In order to extend the solution even further to the actual payment for the utility, specifically in the case of pre-paid metering, ChipWare has partnered with a South African company, TouchPay, in order to provide a bank switch for the automatic deduction of the authorised prepaid amount from the client's bank account. The system also provides several other methods of purchasing credits remotely: point of sales (both manned and unmanned), cellphone credit purchase and roaming agents.

Another wireless application developed by ChipWare is a Fuel-Tank Level Monitoring System for service station forecourts.

"Fomas approached us to assist with their forecourt management system, their primary requirement being to manage their clients' fuel stock. We developed a wireless system for the underground petrol tanks, which measures the pressure in the tank and converts it to a volume reading. This reading is sent via the GSM/GPRS network to the back-office monitoring system," explains Viviers.

"Whenever critical volumes are reached, the system is able to send an SMS to the operations staff responsible, so that an order can be placed."

With the increase in laser therapy in the beauty industry, ChipWare has also developed a wireless Laser Device Monitoring Solution, which is able to send data on device usage and location. The Wavecom modules provide the GSM/GPRS connection with the laser device in the salon, as well as with the roaming devices. This monitoring solution can be adapted to track usage on many other kinds of high cost mobile equipment.

The AquiWare telemetry system enables remote water level monitoring. It has been implemented in a water purification plant north of Pretoria, where the reservoir is monitored. When the water level gets below a predetermined level, the wireless controller sends a message to the application server in Pretoria, which then sends an SMS to the pump (about 9km from the reservoir) to turn it on. All of this is an automated process, without the need for human intervention. Exceptions, such as power and pump failures, are reported to personnel on duty.

Another RFID-based application is the tracking of meat stock both within the abattoir, as well as on the trucks dispatching the meat to various locations. With the high price and desirability of meat, stock shrinkage is a significant problem, especially from the vehicles en route to their destinations. By using inexpensive RFID tags, the meat can be tracked and random stock counts can be taken on vehicles, both on dispatch and arrival, and discrepancies reported.

Viviers concludes: "We have the in-house capability to develop both the hardware and software for a multitude of applications. With the Wavecom wireless modules we are now able to add communications functionality to all our solutions, enabling remote monitoring and control for a wide range of applications. This is an exciting field to be working in and we hope to grow our market both in South Africa, as well as north into Africa and the Middle East - wherever there is a wireless GSM/GPRS network."

For further information, please contact ChipWare on (012) 345-3325 or info@chipwaretch.com.

Wavecom modules are available from Trinity Telecomms: 011 465-7377, enquiries@trintel.co.za, www.trintel.co.za.