This SMS Lite was purchased in early 2014 and is the first generation of the product.
Our customer has been using it consistently since then and it has proven to be reliable and worked well. We are truly delighted that our engineering design and robustness of the product has delivered a life span of 10 years.
Deployed in a harsh real-world installation, it managed to outlive the 3G cellular network it was connected to.
The SMS Lite was used to monitor four signals in the electrical switchboard and it sends text message alerts when faults occur.
However, with the 3G networks closing (or already closed), our customer needs to upgrade to the 4G SMS Lite.
The SMS Lite continues to be developed and enhanced by our partner QTech in New Zealand.
The current generation 4G SMS Lite has many more features than the original version.
In August 2024 firmware version 4.10 was released which includes:
Field Upgradable firmware via USB
Support for more phone numbers
Configurable escalation times
Notification only mode – no need to reply or acknowledge
Broadcast mode – send alerts to multiple phones
Uses QTech Workbench software for advanced configuration options
Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are part of a backup power system. They provide a smooth changeover to generator power when a mains power outage occurs.
A local generator supply company contacted us wanting to use our SMS Lite as a notification and remote control override for their existing Genset ATS systems. Many of these systems are installed in remote properties used for Airbnb type accommodation.
The electrical changeover system runs a 2 Wire Start from the ATS to the generator (close to start & open to stop). Within the ATS module there is often a wiring terminal for an Aux shut down option.
The customer requirement for the SMS Genset ATS project included:
When the mains power fails, the ATS starts the generator as usual.
The generator will now run until mains power is restored as usual.
We then want an SMS text message to be sent to the designated owner notifying them the generator is running.
The designated owner can then decide to stop the generator running if it is not required. Good examples are if it is late at night, the rental property is not occupied, or heating/refrigeration are not currently required. Minimising the time the generator runs will help reduce fuel usage.
When mains power returns the ATS will return to standard operation.
The team established a practical solution that sends the owner a text message “GENSET has turned ON”.
The owner can then turn off the generator if needed, by sending the text message “ON GENSTOP” to the SMS Lite.
The SMS Lite can also turn the generator off for a fixed time.
Sending the text “PULSE GENSTOP 2 HR” stops the generator for 2 hours and then turns it back on. This would be useful to conserve generator fuel whilst preventing appliances like heaters being off for too long and allowing the temperature to drop significantly.
The Kohler VERSO ATS are a compact solution and are a popular choice in Australia and New Zealand. The SMS Lite interface and solution could also be applied to other ATS.
The SMS Lite provides N/O dry relay contacts rated up for 30V 2A loads. For this application these would drive a similar relay but with an N/C contact. Turning on RLY1 output on the SMS Lite would then open the connection on the slave relay and turn off the unit. This needs to be powered from a stable 12-24V DC (250mA) power source available at all times.
Our engineers were able to sketch this initial wiring design during the discussion with our customer.
September 2024 features include: North East Link alarms, Feral Pig trap monitoring, Remote pump control, 3G networks update, Troubleshooting by QR Code and New YouTube videos
Feral pigs are a significant threat to our agricultural industry and Australia’s unique environment and cultural sites.
The 4G SMS Lite from DATRAN Australia can be used to help with feral pig trapping.
Using the SMS Lite will help reduce the time you spend checking feral pig traps. It will also show that you are responding in a timely manner to reduce animal stress prior to the kill.
The SMS Lite uses the 4G cellular network and is low power, making it ideal for solar panel use in rural areas.
They have a comprehensive plan and useful resources to both minimise and eradicate the problem.
A key tactic of the plan is the trapping of feral pigs, and this is where the SMS Lite can help.
The feral pig trap encourages the animals into an enclosed area and then secures them in a humane way. There are several trap designs, including drop gate, panel gate and silo style.
The SMS Lite can be used with any trap which has a micro switch connected to the gate mechanism. The SMS Lite sends a text message to the hunter’s cell phone confirming the trap has been activated when the micro switch closes.
Remember that the traps need to be inspected daily and adequate shelter is to be provided.
Feral pigs destroy our crops, land and water sources. They spread weeds and diseases, kill livestock and have an impact on our sensitive biodiversity. We are proud that our 4G SMS Lite can help with feral pig trap monitoring systems.
The RSS01 solar system is the ideal power supply option for the SMS Lite, and our high gain cellular antennas are used to maximise cell reception in remote areas.
We are often asked if our cellular and radio products can be used for remote pump control.
Inevitably the answer is yes, they can. The SMS Lite and WP2P are frequently used to remotely start, stop, and monitor pumps remotely.
Pump control and pump controllers is a specialist area and there are many different types and techniques used. Pump control can include simply turning a small pump on and off, to more advanced controls for pump speed, output pressure and flow. Your electrician or system integrator needs to be consulted as they are likely to be involved.
Typical examples of our wireless and cellular pump control implementations include:
Irrigation Pump Control
This is usually the remote control of high power 415V 3 phase AC pumps. The pumps are often switched in a sequence to provide water to different centre pivot irrigators at different times.
The pump shed is often in a remote area of the farm and using WP2P radio remote control prevents the farmer having to drive to the pump shed.
Booster Pump Control (Flood Mitigation)
Often used to switch on a booster pump before the water level or stream flow reaches a dangerous level. The booster pumps are large and expensive to run, so it is important to only use when necessary.
Systems have been used which combine a WP2P radio link and a SMS Lite to give 4G text alerts.
Pump Fault Indication
Typical examples are monitoring the phase failure and sending the “pump fault” output from the pump controller as an SMS alarm. SMS alarms can also be sent from a low pressure signal, which would indicate a pump fault or potential leak. Using the pulse output feature of the SMS Lite is also a great way or performing a fault reset remotely.
Bilge Pump Monitoring
This popular SMS Lite application sends SMS alerts when a water level is detected in a boat and it provides on/off control of the DC powered bilge pump. The SMS Lite can use it’s spare I/O for boat security system or power supply monitoring etc.
Sump Monitoring
Similar to the bilge pump application but usually for buildings close to the water table. A recent example was the sump of a hotel elevator shaft which was close to the water table. The SMS Lite was used to text maintenance staff during weather events so the booster pumps can be operated to prevent spillage.
Bore Pump Monitoring
Used to provide confirmation that the bore pump is running and get warnings if the pump stops.
It was in a rural location and remote control was crucial to prevent extensive travel time for the owners.
Considerations for Pump Control Projects
Important considerations for the remote switching of your pump include:
Controller Outputs – Does the pump controller have relay outputs that can be connected to the SMS Lite or WP2P?
These are often provided for pump running, pump fault, high temperature, mains fail etc. Some controllers may have only a single output relay but its function can be selected.
Controller Inputs – Does the pump controller have auxiliary switch inputs for remote start requests?
Generally, if the controller has a digital panel this is likely and they are often found on an internal terminal strip. If the controller is an analogue type with knobs and switches, it is unlikely to support remote starts. Check with the controller manufacturer.
Relay Contacts – Our relay outputs are low power DC contacts that will need interface relays or contactors to operate high current and AC mains powered pumps.
Cellular coverage – Is there 4G network coverage at the pump location? Remote rural areas and hilly terrain often have limited reception and this may prevent the cellular SMS Lite option being considered. Check how many bars are shown on your phone to give an initial indication.
Line of Sight and range – If using WP2P radio systems, is there clear line of site between the pump and control? Click here for more detail. The wireless repeater can also be used to extend range.
Setpoint Changes – You will need the Analogue I/O version of the WP2P if a 4-20mA signal is needed for setpoint, flow or pressure indication.
Our powerful DATRAN SCADA system is also used by many local councils for the monitoring of their reticulated infrastructure. These systems include remote pump control of water, wastewater and storm water systems and uses the DATRAN XL4 Plus RTU.
These projects are different to the WP2P and SMS Lite projects. The XL4 Plus RTU is typically interfaced to the pump controller by an Ethernet or serial Modbus connection. The pump controller is usually an industrial PLC which is used to control the entire water treatment plant.
Our 4G SMS Lite cellular controller is part of the solution.
The NEL project is being considered as the ‘missing link’ in Melbourne’s road transport network. The project will ultimately connect the M80 motorway to the Eastern Freeway. This will connect important growth areas in the north and south-east of Melbourne. The NEL project involves upgrades to the Eastern Freeway, a dedicated Busway, more than 25 kilometres of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths, and improvements to community facilities including sports grounds.
The $11.1 billion major works contract is being delivered via a public-private partnership with an incentivised target cost (ITC), believed to be a first for Australia.
DATRAN Australia has contributed to this project using the SMS Lite cellular controller. This solution will monitor four signals in a plant room and will send alarms as text messages over the 4G cellular network.
We worked with Spark who are a multi-national consortium featuring world leading construction companies and they are one of the largest road and tunnel operators in Australia.
The popular DIN rail mount is also used to simplify installation in the control panel. High gain cellular antennas and DC power supplies were also provided.
The products and part numbers supplied for the project include:
A new customer asked this recently by so we decided to provide a summary of popular alarm examples.
In short, virtually anything can send an alarm with our SMS Lite and SMS Controllers – all we need is a switch or contact closure from the device to be monitored.
Please click on the titles below for more information:
Bird control and bird deterrent systems are important safety consideration for airports and runways. They are also extensively used in agriculture and farming to help prevent birds eating crops and seeds.
Our customer wanted to install a remote control option for an acoustic system at an airport runway. We were able to assist with the WP2P and SMS Lite solutions.
There are many different bird deterrent systems and distraction techniques available including acoustic, visual, and explosive options.
Acoustic bird deterrent systems use electronic recordings of predator birds (hawks, eagles etc) or distress calls from the target birds. Of course, bird breeds vary geographically, but we also discovered that their sound varies by country too. System controllers must have an “AU” sound chip to provide the correct dialect for the birds and relevant local predator sounds.
While the standard system controllers perform random sound activations between dusk and dawn, we needed a way to activate the sirens on demand. A good example is to disperse a flock of birds prior to an aircraft starting it’s decent, and not to wait for the next random sounder activation.
With a low power consumption and volt free relay outputs, the WP2P can be interfaced into almost any remote control application and is suitable for being solar powered.
The SMS Lite can also be used for remote control and these cellular control solutions are also used in animal welfare and safety scenarios.
If the power, ventilation or temperature monitoring sensors are activated, the SMS Lite sends text messages over the 4G cellular network giving advance warning of the fault and time to react.
Defend Fire group is an Australian company specialising in all types of fire alarm monitoring, fire detection and suppression systems. Many of their systems are installed in the remote rural communities of Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide.
Having a reliable and proven messaging capability is crucial for these applications – it provides advance warnings, power supply monitoring and reduces travel times and costs. The SMS Lite has four inputs and two relay outputs to give maximum flexibility to monitor status and operate remote equipment via your phone.
The function of the relays in the alarm panel is usually programmable for conditions including alarm has been triggered, mains power loss, tamper detection/panel open etc.
The SMS Lite is configured by text messages and secured with a unique PIN.
The SMS Lite inputs have a programmable “debounce” time to help prevent nuisance messages being sent, when activated.
With the 3G cellular networks closing, and the 4G networks being available in many rural locations, the 4G SMS Lite should be the first choice messaging system.
Please get in touch to discuss how our cellular products can provide you solutions.
If you are looking for Fire Systems Experts anywhere near Adelaide, Darwin or Alice Springs, go to: https://www.defendfire.com.au/
Defend Fire have offices located in Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs supporting operations throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory. Defend Fire are experts in all aspects of fire systems and equipment. Their services include installation, maintenance, inspection & testing and repair of commercial fire protection equipment and the team adheres to Australian Standards.
