TBox RTUs — How to configure Alarm Scheduling
by Vishal Prakash
TECHNICAL
BRIEF
When working with the TBox RTUs, it is possible to schedule the sending of alarms messages based on
time and date. The TBox is smart enough to even take programmed holidays into account.
The scheduling is part of the extensive alarm management system that is standard in every TBox RTU.
A brief summary of the alarm capabilities in the TBox RTUs:
• Detect alarm conditions based on user configurable conditions
• Send alarms to the “end point” without any SCADA intervention or master device
• Simultaneously send alarms of different types to multiple recipients
• Receive alarm acknowledgement via SMS or e-mail
• Ability to add a debounce filter to each alarm
• Send real time information as part of the alarm message
• Internal log of all alarms, regardless of the recipient that can be attached to a report
• CSV, TXT, or XML reports and Historical Trend Data as alarm message attachments
So, how do we do this and why is this useful? First, the “How do we do this?”
The following is an abbreviated step-by-step guide. It is assumed that the user has a working knowledge
of TWinSoft and TBox RTUs. The example in this document deals with sending an e-mail type SMS alarm.
Steps one through six summarize how to send a simple e-mail alarm message.
1. Open TWinSoft.
2. Ensure the correct model of the TBox RTU is selected.
3. Program to RTU as required.
4. Configure the SMTP Server under “IP Parameters → SMTP Server.” This allows the TBox to connect
to an external mail server and send the alarm.
Figure 1: Configuring the
SMTP Server in a TBox
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TECHNICAL BRIEF
5. Now, under “Alarms → Recipient,” configure the recipient who is going to receive the Alarm Message
when the condition is true/false. An alarm recipient group can be created, if appropriate.
6. Under “Alarms → Condition,” the user can configure the actual alarm condition and tie it to the “Recipient.”
Simple, isn’t it?
Now let’s take a real world situation — a treatment plant or a group of oil well pads, both of which would
require round the clock maintenance. Typically, multiple individuals or groups of individuals will be responsible
for the maintenance of such facilities during different times of the day.
In such instances, how does the TBox ensure that the alarm is sent to the right person or group?
Well, as it turns out, this is truly simple, like everything else in the TBox. Keep reading to see how this is
achieved with just a few simple clicks!
7. Go to “Alarms → Time Slices” to create Shift times. In the example below, there is a shift from 8:00 a.m. to
3:59 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., Midnight to 7:59 a.m. There are two additional shift times — in 12 hour slots.
See further below as to why these were created.
Figure 2: Time Slice
configuration — part
of Alarm Scheduling
8. Go to “Alarms → Holidays” to configure national, local holidays. This is optional and not required to enable the
alarm scheduling functionality in the TBox RTU. See example “Holiday” configuration below.
Figure 3: Configuring
“Holidays” in the TBox RTU
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TECHNICAL BRIEF
9. Go to “Alarms → Timetables” to link the time slice and holidays — see example below.
Figure 4: Example “Timetables”
configuration, which connect
Time Slices and Holidays
10. Now, go back to “Recipients” and tie-in the “Timetables.” See example below.
Figure 5: Binding in Recipient
and Timetables
Now to the second part — why is this feature useful?
Well, there are many obvious reasons as to why this feature is useful. So rather than talk about the obvious,
let’s continue looking into what else the TBox Alarm Scheduling can do for you, the user.
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TECHNICAL BRIEF
In four simple steps, we were able to configure alarm scheduling in the TBox. In the figures shown above there
is a “Runtime Parameters” tab. Configuration of parameters in this tab allows the user to access information
such as the shift hours, holidays, and alarm recipients dynamically on a TBox web page. This is immensely
useful and powerful. Why? A maintenance technician, with the proper login credentials, can make changes
without having to reconfigure the RTU. The authorized personnel do not need access to the programming
software — they simply bring up the web page and make the required changes.
A change made to the “runtime” parameters on a live system is maintained after power recycles which is
very useful.
There are many more advanced features — like configuring a delay in processing an alarm message,
automatically sending an alarm message when the alarm condition becomes false, replying back to an alarm
message, alarm escalation, using the retries to disable sending messages to a recipient, and many more.
For more information on any of the above, please refer to the online help in TWinSoft or call your local
Semaphore representative.
In the next issue, the focus will be, exclusively, on the power of the “Runtime Parameters” feature.
Please visit our website, www.servelec-semaphore.com/mytbox, (must be a registered user) for the latest
versions of the TBox manuals and TWinSoft programming software. The portal also contains other useful
information such as example programs, FAQ, and tips.
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