The WatchMan500™ node is an intelligent, configurable, expandable, sensor I/O platform with two-way communications, designed to be deployed in any location, including remote and rugged environments for long term operations. The WatchMan500™ node was designed as the new generation of payload for the AXYS marine buoy and terrestrial weather information systems to provide desktop to sensor monitoring and control including dynamic onboard control and data storage capabilities. This platform is the ideal solution for any application requiring data monitoring, collection, control, processing, or remote system management. It can interface with custom or commercial off the shelf sensors, equipment, software and telemetry.
The WatchMan500™ node is an open architecture system from both a software and hardware point of view. The system accepts sensors from virtually any manufacturer, is easily configured using any terminal interface or the AXYS Technologies Inc. (AXYS) DMS software. Data packets can be tailored to your requirements and are easily imported into your database allowing users to view important sensor information in virtual real time.
"I am really impressed with what the WatchMan500™ can do. Parse all those different
data strings, sample each channel optimally, and output calculated quantities.
Really a great product! "
- James D. Irish, Oceanographer Emeritus
Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
The WatchMan500™ node was also designed with expandability in mind. The individual modules measure approximately 1X4X4.5 inches and attach to a standard DIN rail. Each module accepts up to 16 analog, 8 digital and up to 5 serial I/O. You can expand with up to 128 modules within one system allowing for hundreds of potential sensors to be connected to one DIN rail based system in a single NEMA 4 enclosure using a single communications link and power source. The WatchMan500™ node supports analog, digital, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CANBUS, SDI-12 and PUCK sensor interfaces.
The ultra-low power processor in the WatchMan500™ node allows for the system to be used in remote locations where alternative power sources are required. The processor can be scaled from 0.25MHz to 32MHz processing speed either by remote control or by using on-board intelligence to dynamically control sensors and process information. On board data logging and storage is expandable to 8MB and additional storage using Compact Flash for expanded datalogging capabilities (16GB).
The WatchMan500™ system has been developed to allow network and site operators to use a single, expandable and reliable data collection system to monitor and provide data from any number of sensors. This system is able to monitor and manage any number of weather monitoring, environmental monitoring and control devices without the need for multiple dataloggers or specialized interface hardware. At the end of the day, all this is available with the ability to control and manage the complete site, system and connected devices directly from your office.
AXYS offers the WatchMan500™ node as a fully customized operational network including sensors, installation and support or if you want to build your own systems/networks, it can be provided as a module with various levels of supporting software. Currently we are pursuing partners to integrate the WatchMan500™ node into their product lines.
Data Sheet
WatchMan500 Node (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Case Study
UNH Center for Coastal Ocean Observation uses the WatchMan500 Data Acquisition System
Video
Watch a video to learn more about how the WatchMan500 Data Collection Platform works