Fish Barrier Telemetry and Control System

Each pulsator's output is controlled and monitored by the Fish Barrier Telemetry and Control System (FBTCS) via a fiber optic network. Pulsators are connected through a star concentrator so that should any pulsator in the system fail, the barrier will remain operational without disrupting communications with the remaining pulsators. A separate trigger loop keeps the pulsator's outputs synchronous as required.

The FBTCS system also has relay contacts for controlling external devices. The system can be expanded to monitor and/or control up to 256 devices by adding a custom interface board. The control system reports to remote monitoring locations via telephone modem or radio telemetry. The system can be programmed to call multiple telephone numbers in the event of a problem.

The FBTCS can also receive remote commands to re-configure the pulsators outputs via telephone or radio modem link. When connected by modem to a computer, the FBTCS system presents equivalent menus allowing remote control and monitoring. Passwords can be employed to prevent unauthorized tampering. The system software provides a status display, and a keystroke calls up the menus to give access to all functions. An event-history is maintained to record error conditions. The system can be interrogated at any time from a standard touch-tone phone, in which case the system will respond in clear spoken voice.

Typical Configuration

In the schematic below the system monitors water velocity, temperature and level sensors which can automatically adjust pulse characteristics to respond to changes in water conditions. The system sends an alarm if pre-set water parameters go beyond set limits. The system is capable of monitoring up to 256 inputs.