Specifications
Sicon-8 Technical Manual CircuitWerkes, Inc.
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Introduction
The CircuitWerkes Sicon-8 is a value-priced, full-featured dial-up transmitter site controller with recordable voice
response and computer access capability.
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The Sicon-8 was designed with the user in mind, so all of the basic
functionality you need to control your site is included. No extra purchases are necessary to get your site up and running,
although several options are available to expand the capabilities of the Sicon-8.
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See the options list below for details or
ask your favorite CircuitWerkes dealer for more info.
With eight independent channels of telemetry, status, and
control, the Sicon-8 can handle any facility with basic to moderate
control requirements. If you need more channels, the Sicon-8
Expansion Module can be added to the system, giving a total of 16
channels each of status, metering, and control. Each telemetry
channel provides a self-calibrating, auto-ranging analog input
capable of handling anywhere from –12V to +12Vdc (referenced to
0Vdc). The eight control channels feature independent relays for the
raise and lower functions. The first six control channels consist of
two heavy-duty SPDT relays (one for raise/on, one for lower/off) that
can handle up to 2.5 amps at 30 VDC or 125 VAC. These relays
operate in momentary mode, making them ideal for controlling your
equipment. The last two control channels make use of two latching
or momentary DPDT relays each. These relays let you use the
Sicon-8 as an audio switcher and they can also be used for
standard equipment control as well.
The Sicon-8 has many features not found in similar remote controls. For instance, the Sicon-8 makes use of voice-
recordable technology, so you can record your own words and phrases in any language, although it comes with the most
commonly-used English phrases pre-configured. In addition, a cell-phone audio interface is provided, so any auto-answer
cell-phone can be used to provide control to out-of-the-way transmitter sites. NOTE: Some “cell phone services” severely
distort DTMF control tones resulting in unreliable control. If you plan to use the Sicon-8 with an auto-answer cell phone,
you may have to experiment with various service providers to get reliable control. The Sicon-8 can also communicate with
X-10 transmitter modules. X-10 modules communicate over a building's existing electrical wiring. They can be plugged in
around your site and equipment plugged into them can then be turned on or off by the Sicon-8 with no external wiring to
the remote locations.
With the Sicon-8, you're not limited to the dial-up telephone or cell phone interface. Using the included Windows®
interface software, “Sicontroller”, a local or remote computer can be used to program or operate your Sicon-8.
Programming the Sicon-8 using the software is as simple as following the menu prompts. Sicon-8 configurations can be
saved, recalled and loaded onto a single Sicon-8 or multiple machines with ease, making setup painless for multiple sites.
The Sicontroller software also allows your Windows based PC to control your facility. The computer can connect to the
Sicon-8 in one of several different ways. With no extra hardware, a local computer can communicate with the Sicon-8 over
a standard RS-232 connection. A remote connection can be made by connecting the built-in Ethernet port with Web
server to your LAN/WAN or Internet. Alternately, more complete control can be made using the Sicontroller software and
adding either a dial-up modem (to connect directly to the Sicon-8), or an Ethernet-to-serial adapter (see Note 1 below) to
access the device over a LAN or the Internet from within the Sicontroller software.
NOTE:
This manual contains preliminary information about the onboard temperature & silence sensors. Please check the CircuitWerkes Website for updated information.
NOTE: This technical manual & information presented within is subject to change.
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Computer access possible using a local computer (over RS-232/USB connection), a dial-up modem (sold separately), or a standard
Ethernet connection. Basic control via Web browser is done via on-board Web server. PC based setup of the Sicon-8 can be done
using the Sicontroller software via direct serial or USB connection to the unit. Remote configuration is not officially supported.
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Options available: 8-Channel Expansion Module (adds eight additional channels of status, telemetry, and control), Status Panel
(provides optoisolated status inputs, not ground referenced for driving individual statuses with voltage outputs.
• Voice recordable technology
• Internet capable with internal Web server
• 8 channels metering, status, and control
• Expandable up to 32 channels
• 2 heavy-duty SPDT relays per channel
• Self-calibrating, auto-ranging meter inputs
• Up to 5 alarms per channel
• Cell-phone interface
• Audio pass-through
• Free GUI software to monitor your site
• X10 capability for additional control
• Automatic logging kept in local text file
• Firmware is field upgradable
Key Features