Barix IP Control Solutions Monitor Power Substations Across Singapore

Barionet devices allow operators to remotely monitor operations and security threats

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 4, 2009 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, today announced the installation of more than 1,000 Barix Barionet IP control devices to monitor power cabinets and substations throughout Singapore.  

Barix Barionet IP control products are network-enabled, remotely accessible devices ideal for automation and monitoring applications in buildings, industrial and IT systems.  The Barionets in the Singapore operation are used to remotely monitor substation security and integrity by supervising doors and cabinets; and to switch alarms and local control functions on and off.  Barix TS temperature sensors are also used to monitor the environmental condition of the cabinets.  These readings and notifications allow operators to react quickly in the event of impending or actual equipment failures and security threats.

The Barionets were supported and delivered by Avanca Technologies, the exclusive Barix distributor in Singapore; and installed by system integrator Willowglen Services, also of Singapore.  According to Mr. Cheong, Manager of Willowglen Services, the Barionets provided a reliable, low-cost solution with exceptional performance for remotely monitoring critical power systems in the field.  Most of the Barionets are exposed to harsh conditions, including many indoor installations without air conditioning, and some open air locations that offer limited protection from the elements.

“The very compact design of the Barionet makes it very easy to install the device in any kind of cabinet, and it is extremely reliable in harsh environments with limited or no air conditioning,” said Mr. Cheong.  “The Barionet is also very proactive compared to industrial controllers that simply wait for the server to collect readings instead of immediately forwarding that information.”

The Barionets are connected to D-Link or Linksys 3G routers for IP connectivity, sharing the connection with other IP-based equipment such as cameras.

“Barix control devices are now installed around the world under very challenging conditions, including all seven continents.  The Barionet family has proven extremely reliable in all types of climates, whether in Antarctica, the deserts in the Middle East, Hawaii or here in Singapore,” said Johannes Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG.  “This specific project has put more than 1,000 Barionets into service, and has become one of our 100 largest installations globally.”

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation; offer reliability through a PC-FREE design with no moving parts; and serve as a flexible platform for integration into virtually any operation requiring audio transport and delivery.   Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily tailor applications for specific needs.  Local control, audio relay, and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using the Barix BCL software environment.