Interesting manufacturer commentary

[sysint]

We feel, the market is going back-upwards: Back, because its moving towards more centralized concepts (away from the "sea of Neurons" as I call it).
Forward, because these DDC-like stations have standardized open communication protocols (LonWorks "native BACnet").

Thoughts?

[bradtech]

A few thoughts,

My old mentor would describe how being able to read a controller's code without special software (ie hyperterminal, drum code, and Andover AC 256) was an advantage, compared to the issues with needing an LNS database, and uncompiled versions of controller's code (ie Circon basic). In this age of imbedded web pages to configure everything, from the $20 D Link router to the newest Internet Sony TV, will DDC go this way? There are already HMI programs that allows editing of graphics via a web session, without needing client software loaded (other than the Internet browser). So how about the next generation controllers having a web functionality to allow management and configuration? I can see how this would still be coordinated through an LNS server, to keep all the functionality on the same page, as it were. ]

The industrial controls industry, represented by ISA, recognizes IEEE standardized programming environments (ladder logic,function block, instruction list) that allow users to have freedom to select to some degree both the hardware and software. Imagine a baseline software package for the next gen lonworks included with the hardware, with options for 3rd party applications (sounds alot like the i-lon 100 e3, with the option of Macromedia Vision, eh? And yes, I AM CANADIAN!)

Thoughts, anyone?

[sysint]

I think this manufacturer was leaning to IP852 nodes.

Another comment: "single data base for all engineering phases in order not to touch a data point several times"

There are already HMI programs that allows editing of graphics via a web session, without needing client software loaded (other than the Internet browser).
I have a drag/drop type web based graphical interface for another company. It could easily represent code to be compiled to a controller without any software by the user other than a browser. So, it can be done. I especially think this would be the advantage of an IP852 node or a combination IP852/EIA709 node whereby you still have the benefits of an open LNS database.

[bradtech]

Sysint,

An LNS server residing on a box managed using a network management tool via thin client sessions would do away with some of the problems of having a PC on smaller sites, ect. The hardware specs for an i-lon 100 are somewhat minimal. Current hardware specs could easily have a product carry out all i-lon functions, and also be the LNS server.

I was talking to a Siemens PM this week, and he was very impressed with Tridium's functionality. What are your thoughts? He said that as Tridium is owned by Honeywell, there are still compromises. Again, any thoughts?

Siemens shows that while they embrace Lonmark where appropiate, LNS seems to be just a technology choice they choose to pass on.

[sysint]

There are other manufacturers that are ahead of Tridium in network performance with LON.

There is still a fair amount of time that goes into either setup. Everything needs to go faster/easier.