Contact:
Michelle Sparks

Data-Linc Group
(425) 882-2206

For immediate release

Data-Linc Group Partners with California Water District to Improve System Communications

Radio Modems are Instrumental in Reducing Costs and Optimizing Data Communications

Redmond, WA–September 20, 1999- Data-Linc Group, a leading manufacturer of industrial data communication solutions, announced today that Camrosa Water District has reduced annual costs by $24,000 by utilizing Data-Linc radio modems.

Camrosa Water District, Ventura County, California, serves approximately 26,000 customers. The District encompasses 31 square miles and produces approximately 30% of its water supply through five wells and purchases the remaining 70% from water agencies via meter stations. Camrosa Water District is located near a military base which generates high volumes of radio frequencies (RF).

Camrosa was using a SCADA system for remote monitoring and automated control of its 11 tanks, six stations and 12 meter stations, spread over a seven-mile radius. This system required the use of analog phone lines for communication with remote locations. Cost of the leased phone lines was nearly $24,000 annually. Further, when any phone line malfunctioned, the telephone company was unable to immediately expedite repair.

A project commenced to replace the existing SCADA with an HMI/PLC system. "The goal was to eliminate the monthly phone line charges, reduce labor charges and increase reliability," said Tony Stafford, superintendent of operations at Camrosa. "We also wanted in-house control of the system."

After implementing the new HMI system, Camrosa chose Data-Linc SRM6000 radio modems with Smart Spectrum™ frequency hopping technology for RF communications. Two Master SRM6000s were installed at their central office, which split east and west remote locations between two serial ports on the HMI PC.

Camrosa then installed four SRM6000s as Repeaters to negotiate obstructions through the rugged terrain. In over a year, 29 SRM6000s and PLCs were installed, replacing each RTU. This eliminated the need for the leased phone lines.

Should the Master PC fail, the PLCs are programmed to operate as stand-alone units. The District’s field technicians can also dial into the HMI system from any laptop and monitor the PLC status and radio communications online without traveling to remote sites.

"By using Data-Linc, we’ve greatly enhanced our communication reliability and increased system operating efficiency," said Stafford. "We’ve eliminated all phone line charges, reduced labor costs and now we’re in control of the system."

"Data-Linc is pleased to have partnered with Camrosa Water District on this project," stated Michel Maes, president of Data-Linc Group. "We expect that the SRM6000 radio modem will continue to perform flawlessly, providing Camrosa Water District with reliable data communication."

About Data-Linc Group
Founded in 1988, Data-Linc Group is the leading provider of industrial data communication solutions. Data-Linc designs and manufactures high performance, superior quality modems for a broad range of industrial applications. Their complete line of industrial grade modems and networking products consistently provide reliable, robust data communications even in the most demanding environments. For more information, please contact us via , visit www.data-linc.com or call (425) 882-2206 Pacific Coast Time.

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Data-Linc Group
3535 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite 100 • Bellevue, WA 98006 USA
Tel (425) 882-2206 • Fax (425) 867-0865 •