C-Central, C-Connect, & C-Link Wireless FAQ's

• What are some of the benefits of Choretronics C-Central?

• Ability to control and monitor Chore-Time Choretronics Controls remotely.

• Enables long term collection of data for management purposes.

• Can be enabled to continuously collect data on house conditions.

• Gives a quick "heads up" of current conditions and alarms.

• Features export and graphing of data (very useful for comparing houses / flocks). 

 

• What are some benefits of C-Connect & C-Link wireless?

• Improved lightening surge resistance.
• Eliminates the need for "on site" PC (about $600.00)
• No need for a phone line at the  farm ($30.00 - 50.00 per month.)
• NO need for "PC Anywhere" software (about $200.00)
• Ability to use internet for broader access if desired)
  

 

• What is the difference between C-Connect and C-Link?  What do they do?

• C-Connect is a hardware/software system that enables your Chore-Tronics controls to  communicate thru industry standard protocols instead of the Local Talk protocol used by ChoreTime.  This is usually located at the farm.
• C-Link is wireless network hardware designed to carry the information to your desired location.  This is located at the farm, at the residence, and may have intermediate "repeaters" if the link is long or obstructed.

• How far will this work?
  This is probably the most often asked and also the hardest question to answer clearly.
  Many things affect the ultimate range of a wireless link. Some of the most important factors include

• Terrain Topography between nodes: Is there a hill between?
• Obstructions: Trees, buildings, etc. between nodes will reduce the signal strength.
• Transmitter power and receive sensitivity: Higher power and more sensitive radio gear will improve range (and also increase cost).
• Interference: Background noise, microwave ovens, cordless phones can reduce link range.
• Weather: Rain, snow and ice can reduce signal strength.
• Antenna type and location: Directional antennas will dramatically improve the link range- properly locating and "aiming" the antennas are a must. The higher an antenna is located above the ground, the better. This is normally accomplished by mounting the antenna on a pole, tower, roof or feed bin.

The short answer depending on the above factors; a link of less than one mile is relatively easy. Increasing the link range beyond 1 mile will take a more "dollar aggressive" approach, but is attainable in many cases. In an optimum case, (for example level ground-no obstructions, etc.) a range of 4-5 miles is possible. We are aware of several links over 20 miles, but these are rare.

• What about greater distances...I live over 10 miles from my poultry operation?
  
  See the Internet access question below.
  
  
  
• What about Internet access?
  
  Many folks have asked us to provide a system that can be accessed from anywhere. Most likely they live too far away for a wireless link to function reliably. Or, they may travel and want the ability to view and control their Chore-Tronics from another location (or around the world). We are currently working on an upgraded wireless system that will have full Internet capabilities. If you currently have an internet connection and would like to participate in our 'beta' program, please call us at 803-473-3110.
  

• What about lightening susceptibility?
  
  Unfortunately nothing is "lightening proof".  We do believe that our systems are far more resistant to lightening than any other approach (i.e. using conventional telephone lines).  Many folks are concerned with placing an antenna " in the face" of lightening (i.e. on a tower, bin, roof etc.).  What is different with microwave antennas is that the entire antenna, including the active portion is typically "DC grounded".  For example, on a feed bin mounted antenna, this means that the antenna is no more apt to be hit by lightening  than the feed bin itself!  While this does not eliminate any possibility of a lightening strike, we've found thru experience that your chances are very much improved with this type of system.
  
  A little known fact- most so called "lightening strikes" are actually huge surges entering thru the telephone and/or utility power.  Most lightening strikes occur at the utility and phone lines, not the actual premises. For extra protection, an external lightening / surge suppresser is available. 
  
  
  
• What about virus, hackers, network security, etc?
  
  At the chicken house, our network system is not PC or "Windows" based and is therefore very secure.
  Can it be broken? Yes, but your odds of an automobile accident are much greater!  Consider that an attacker would be more likely to visit your farm in person.  Are all of the doors locked?
  
  At home, we'd advise a strong firewall to protect your computer (or use a firewalled router- i.e. FVS318).
  
  
• How much does wireless cost?
  
  Assuming you have Choretronics with C10 or higher firmware you will need to purchase the following:

• C-Central Package including SLT and software ($1350)
• "FNM" Data port for each house ($66.40).
• PSE "C-Connect" software ($450.00)
• PSE "C-Link" wireless package- (This varies and can be quoted based on your location/distance, etc and will start at about $850.00-$1000.00).  Longer distances will require more expensive wireless equipment and antennas.
  
  

• Can I install it myself?

Currently the C-link wireless system is only available from Palmetto Sales & Equipment installed.

 

• What about reliability?
  
  We expect the C-Link system to be extremely reliable .
  

• Are there any monthly fees?
  
  None!
  

• What kind of computer is required at the chicken houses?
  
  A computer is NOT required at the chicken house (although it CAN be supported if you wish).
  

• What kind of computer is required at home?
  
  IBM compatible PC running  Windows XP.
  You will need ONE of the following at your residence to interface to your computer.

• Wireless PCI or PCMCIA card.
• Wireless client bridge (requires Ethernet port on your computer).
• Wireless access point/router and wireless card(s) for each connecting computer.

• Who makes these products?

• Chore-Tronics® and C-Central are products  of Chore-Time
• C-Link and C-Connect are products of Palmetto Sales & Equipment Inc.

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