Introduction
The latest innovation from Comtrol is a real-time server based around serial port technology. But the capabilities are expanded dramatically by enabling remote port or device monitoring, configuration, and an application software platform for local processing.

Significantly reduce cost of ownership by replacing PC servers or PLC's with a product from the DeviceMaster range.

Remote Support, Maintenance & Monitoring

When general-purpose servers are used for device connectivity and application processing, they carry with them a big price tag in configuration and local support. Engineers are required to install and configure the system. If there is a fault then technical professionals have to be dispatched to site for analysis perhaps reinstallation or even a simple reboot. DeviceMaster RTS offers solutions for these problems.

• System Reliability With no moving parts, DeviceMaster won't crash due to hard
  drive system failure. The dreaded "Blue Screen" will never appear because the
  R system uses a very reliable embedded real time operating system.
• Real Plug and Play Once the unit is connected to the Ethernet hub (a simple
  operation, little or no training required) the unit can be configured over a LAN and
  monitored over a WAN or the Internet.
• Watchdog and Reset If a fault in the system occurs, the built in "watchdog" circuit
  can automatically restart the system.
• Event Notification Configuration Options provide event notification capability, so that
  when certain events happen, particularly failure on a device an e-mail can be sent to
  a designated engineer.
• Network Monitoring and Software Download or Upgrade When the system is
  connected to the network, the performance can be monitored over the Internet using
  a Web browser. If the software on the system requires upgrading or re-installing this
  can also be done over the Internet, saving engineer travel time and expense.

Application Server Replacement

If you are using a general-purpose Microsoft Windows ® or Linux server to enable device connectivity, control, or local processing, you can save money! By utilising the DeviceMaster's application platform, there is no need for PC Server's and the associated expense, once again lowering the cost of ownership. Typical Applications

• Data protocol conversion
• Data routing
• Data validation
• Data tagging
• Data logging
• And much more

Embedded Real Time Systems

Device connectivity takes a giant step forward with the release of the DeviceMaster RTS. Using Comtrol's developer kit the DeviceMaster can be programmed to do local processing including handling any real-time events. The unit is pre-loaded with eCos supplied by Red Hat. It can serve Java applets and can be configured to email notifications on specified events.

Software & Drivers

DeviceMaster is supplied with NS-Link ™ the industry's first and best Network Port Extender. Unlike competing Port Extenders that have difficulty supporting high-density data communications traffic NS-Link performance does not degrade as ports are added, making it today's performance leader. NS-Link provides transparent COM or TTY ports across Ethernet enabling applications to interact with ports as though they were directly attached to the server. NS-Link works with Windows and Linux.
DeviceMaster can be configured to use a MAC address or TCP/IP address. In addition when using TCP/IP a port address (sockets) can be allocated to each serial port on a DeviceMaster to allow monitoring of a specific attached device over the Internet.

The DeviceMaster ports can be configured to RS232, RS422 or RS485 this is done by software using Comtrol's "Software Toggle". Gone are the days of setting jumpers or dip switches, each port can be configured uniquely to any of the above standards.