September 2010 -- Monitoring the storage and security of precious and vulnerable samples is an essential part of Good Laboratory Practice, often requiring a solution unique to the individual laboratory. IKS International (Rosmalen, the Netherlands) have developed two new communications modules to make their market-leading Xiltrix® monitoring system even more flexible, reliable and easier to install.
The new multifunctional Calypso module provides the central link between the controlling webserver and the monitoring system. Communication with the webserver can be via RS232 or intranet, and connection to the sensor substations can be hardwired or wireless. This optimises flexibility, and allows choices to be made that reduce the risk of communication disruption when very sensitive products are being monitored. A built in watchdog monitors communication with the webserver and provides an independent alarm function in the event of communications failure. Up to 4 alarm relays can be independently activated for different alerts i.e. building management systems, flashlights, sirens or diallers. This is all supported by a rechargeable battery backup that will maintain functionality for up to 24 hours in the event of a power failure.
The Calypso can be interfaced to the well established, hardwired XiltriX® Titan substation and to the brand new Telesto substation, which provides either hardwired or wireless connectivity. The wireless range is up to 100 m, making it possible to locally move equipment around. Telesto supports either two Pt100 or two 4-20 mA monitoring inputs and up to four digital inputs for functions such as door opening or external instrument alarms. A built-in power failure monitor is supplemented by a rechargeable backup battery. The Telesto operates in real time, and is as fast as the hard-wired Titans, so measurements are available on the user’s screen instantaneously.
IKS Product Manager Han Weerdesteyn said, “The expanded XiltriX product family is real value for money and should appeal to every lab that has monitoring needs. With the newly launched real time wireless Calypso and Telesto, the system is even more flexible. The combination of hardwired, networking and wireless communication means there is no monitoring challenge too difficult for XiltriX.”
For more information on IKS products and XiltriX monitoring systems contact IKS International on +31(0)73 52 12 229, e-mail Info@iksbv.nl or visit www.xiltrix.com
IKS International Kievitsven 54 5249 JK Rosmalen The Netherlands
For media enquiries, please contact: Paul Carter at Phoenix MarCom Ltd. Tel: 01223 873318, Fax: 01223 874173, Email: paul.carter@phoenixmarcom.co.uk
Information for Editors IKS International is a highly skilled and experienced organization based in Rosmalen, near ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. IKS supplies a comprehensive range of advanced products and services to clinical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and microbiology labo¬ratories world-wide. The company specialises in integrated, total laboratory solutions ranging from supplying goods to calibration and maintenance services.
Many well-known international brands of laboratory equipment are represented on an exclusive basis by IKS. Another range of products comes from IKS’ own development and manufacturing division and is distributed worldwide. The flagship of this range is the XiltriX® registration, monitoring and alarm system. XiltriX® is the result of more than 20 years of continuous development, and has become the market leader in its home market and now has an expanding distributor network and user base outside the Netherlands. A comprehensive Instrument Calibration Service offers traceable, fully accredited calibration for a wide range of instruments and sensors, backed by an in-house service operation with a full range of service and maintenance options.
