IRACS Console
The
Controller
is a console unit
powered from a normal a.c. mains supply via a small external power
unit. Since the Console will not operate without power, it is
important that the mains supply is not interrupted during use. It is
likely that the A.C. mains will be supplied by a fused spur
connection, rather than a standard mains plug and socket, but this is
not essential.Every Controller has a unique embedded System Number, which is replicated in every Transmitter belonging to it. Improperly associated Transmitters, such as those belonging to another IRACS, will not operate the wrong system.
Even if power is interrupted, when reinstated IRACS will continue to operate with no loss of function.
Alternatively, a built-in rechargeable battery back-up unit will power the complete IRACS (but not the Lift/Elevator/Gates) for up to 2 hours.
The Controller is the 'heart' of IRACS. It provides power to up to six Receivers, and accepts their signals, representing Transmitters. These signals are verified for integrity, then decoded and compared against entries in a table of values stored within the Controller.
This table identifies whether any of the 999 transmitters that can belong to this installation is allowed to operate the lift (or gate), or if it is unknown or specifically disallowed.
The result is combined with the identity of the Receiver itself and, if Allowed, a signal is produced which is equivalent to pressing a level-selection button on a normal lift.
Each Receiver is mapped to a particular equivalent button or buttons. Normally each Receiver represents a specific single lift call level, but any combinations are allowed. This is most useful if two receivers are needed in order to get sufficient coverage; both can call the lift to the same level.
The Controller has a small keypad and display, which are used to change the Allowed or Blocked transmitters, adding or deleting them. Access is controlled by means of passwords, which must be entered correctly from the keypad before changes to parameters can be made.
The
display shows running information on received signals when no-one is
logged in.On the rear of the Controller console is a sounder, which warns of the loss of mains power. If the optional Backup Battery unit is fitted, the sounder operates for a second. If no Backup Battery unit is fitted, the sounder operates for a short time.
IRACS Controller provides for an audit facility by sending logging data for all significant events. These data can be captured using, for example, a PC running suitable software (which can be supplied).
When an IRACS Console is fitted with the optional internal Backup Battery, IRACS will continue to operate even if the mains supply fails. The battery is re-charged when power resumes. When fully charged, IRACS runs for up to two hours from the battery (this does not include the lift or gates, which are powered independently).