Digital Control Systems

7401 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR. 97219 USA

Toll Free: 1-877-468-6337

Phone: (503)246-8110

Fax: (503) 246-6747 

4.29.08 - Digital Control Systems, Inc. announces that most of its offerings are now compliant with the European Union's Directive on the Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). We recommend specifying that RoHS-compliant materials are preferred with your order. Devices used in some industries (such as medical) may be exempt. To find out more about RoHS click on the link below:

FAQ about RoHS

4.22.05 - Digital Control Systems Announces the New Affordable AirSense Model 307 CO2 Monitor

The AirSense™ Model 307 is Digital Control Systems most affordable CO2 Monitor yet. New calibration and safety features allow for simple installation and maintenance that will save contractors time and money.

(PRWEB) April 22, 2005 -- A unique metal-chromated sensor housing allows the one-point calibration AirSense™Model 307 to perform flawlessly in the most demanding HVAC environment, and the Model 307's ease of installation and classic finish design are specifically geared to the cost and style-conscious HVAC contractor's needs.

Technicians in the field can now easily calibrate the AirSense™ Model 307 using a simple one-step calibration procedure (patent pending): simply remove the port cap, attached the 2000 ppm calibration gas (available from the factory), and press a single button. A green LED indicates that the calibration process is complete.

The AirSense™ Model 307 has several major cost-saving benefits for the HVAC contractor, including:

• The Model 307 is designed to mount directly onto a standard electrical junction box in new construction projects, or it can be directly wall-mounted.
  
  
• The AirSense™ Model 307 can be installed with just two screws and none of the sensitive electronics are exposed during installation, eliminating costly accidents.
  
  
• The AirSense™ M307 is that it is designed so components won't be harmed if the unit is accidentally wired incorrectly.
  
  
• The AirSense™ Model 307's automated single gas verification makes field calibration a snap, and its superior design means significantly longer intervals between calibration.

The AirSense™ Model 307 provides ease of installation, built-in circuit protection, and the only one-point calibration system (patent pending) on the market. All of these cost-saving features are supplemented by a sleek design and flexible configurations, including and optional 4-20mA current loop module.

5.25.05 - Digital Control Systems Launches the New Model 90 PID Controller

The Digital Control Systems, Inc. Model 90 PID Controller is the latest evolution in the Multistat™ series of temperature controllers.  Designed for the global equipment market, the Model 90 PID Controller can operate from direct or alternating current power mains from 80 to 280 volts, so it can be used anywhere in the world without modification or adjustment.  “We developed the Model 90 in response to our customers who sell to the international market and who had to juggle the logistics involved with the various voltage requirements around the world -- in addition to flexible load and voltage requirements, the Model 90 is robust and reliable,” said Mike Mueller, CEO and founder of Digital Control Systems, Inc.

This single-channel PID controller will accurately control single electrical loads of up to 15 Amps.  All of the Model 90 control electronics and the user interface are built on a compact (13.5 x 6 cm) circuit board for easy mounting and integration into medical, laboratory, and industrial equipment. Large bright LED digits make the display easy to read from across the room.

Recognizing the considerable safety benefits to be gained from reducing high voltage wiring, Digital Control Systems, Inc, designed the Model 90 to feature a second smaller power module that can be located near the output.  This eliminates the need to run high current wiring to the front control panel. As an additional benefit, this power module is connected to the main circuit board with a low voltage cable.  A second power module can also be added to control an auxiliary load.

The Model 90 offers more options than similar controls in the Multistat™ family of temperature controllers. The extensive options offered by the Model 90 make it easy for OEMs to differentiate similar products. Some of the options include:

• audible alarm
• two pole alarm relay

• RS-232 inteface

• timer option

Any of these options can be added individually based on application requirements. 

The optional RS-232 interface feature enables remote operation and data logging.  “Rather than bundle all of the available features, we prefer to offer our customers options on a one by one basis, this way they aren’t paying for features they aren’t going to use”, adds Mike Mueller.

The Model 90 temperature controller works with a variety of inputs. For direct temperature control the Model 90 can be used with economical IC sensors (for operation below 100 °C), RTDs, or type ‘J’ and ‘K’ thermocouples. A direct voltage (5 volts Max) input configuration is also available for control of parameters measured by external sensors such as humidity or CO2.

Digital Control Systems Inc. is based in Portland, Oregon and has been designing and manufacturing a wide array of temperature controllers, motor speed controls, CO2 Sensors and Custom Products since 1984. The DCS family of products includes, the AirSense™ CO2 Monitor, Laboratory CO2 Sensor solutions, the Servomax™ DC Motor Speed Control, and the Multistat™ line of Temperature Controller products.  Technical information and brochures for the Model 90 and all of the Digital Control Systems products can be accessed online at www.dcs-inc.net.

6.10.05 - Applications for CO2 Monitoring Devices with Demand-Controlled Ventilation Systems

Background

Over the past ten years Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV) systems using carbon dioxide sensing have become increasingly more affordable.  This is due in large part to widespread adoption of CO2-based DCV systems.  While individual components of CO2 monitors have remained stable in price the economy of scale has allowed CO2 monitor manufacturers such as Digital Control Systems, Inc. to pass cost savings on to contractors. 

Product Development

The expansion of DCV systems has created demand for a wide variety of products on the CO2 monitor market.  Digital Control Systems, for example, offers a full line of CO2 sensors, from the very robust AirSense™ Model 310e, which comes with a digital display and multiple voltage output options, down to the latest release of the economical AirSense™ Model 307.  This variety has come about for two primary reasons; the variety of building spaces now employing DCV systems, and the various levels of air handling systems. 

In a school environment, for example, tampering and vandalism is a large concern so it is key to have a discreet case that discourages students from attempting to adjust the monitor.  Additionally some models of CO2 Monitors can be mounted directly into the duct so that all of the DCV controls are “behind the scenes.” 

Conversely, in a 2000 square foot building space where there may only be two monitors (California has revised building codes to require CO2 based DVC in all buildings housing 25 people or more per 1000sq ft. (see Federal Technology Report “Demand-Controlled Ventilation using CO2 Sensors” http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/fta_co2.pdf), the occupants may want a visible reading on the monitor.

Application Trends

The application of CO2 Monitors has become more efficient as more systems have been installed.  As a manufacturer Digital Control Systems, Inc. recognized that simplifying the wiring, mounting, and calibration procedures could drive down installation costs.  In the past, units that were wired incorrectly would be damaged, which is why the AirSense™ M307 was designed so that there is no damage done if the unit is accidentally wired backward, it simply won’t turn on, alerting the contractor to re-evaluate the wiring. 

There are multiple sources indicating that the return on investment for DCV systems using CO2 Sensors can be as short as 2-3 years.  A report by Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory cited five case studies in large office buildings with CO2 based DCV, all of which reported energy savings that resulted in payback times of from 0.4 to 2.2 years. (FEMP, “Demand-Controlled Ventilation using CO2 Sensors” pg8.  03/04).  Given the improvements to technology, the quick return on investment and widespread adoption, DCV using CO2 Monitors are projected to see continued growth rates of 25-30%.  Buildings where occupancy fluctuates widely have seen the best payback. Large office buildings, assembly rooms, auditoriums/gymnasiums, and shopping malls are top candidates for applying this technology. 

Demand controlled ventilation systems have become a staple in building design and with new low cost CO2 monitors like the AirSense™ Model 307 the trend doesn’t show signs of slowing.