There are a number of different components available for designing your EmpirBus™ system.
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Master Unit
The core component is the EmpirBus™ master unit. The EmpirBus™ master unit can be equipped with a number of different slave modules. The slave modules added to an EmpirBus™ master unit decides the functions that will be available on that particular unit. Up to four different slave modules can be equipped in one unit.
The EmpirBus™ master units is connected via a 1-pair bus cable. The bus is based on CAN, which is a widely accepted communication standard, known for safe operation even in very harsh environments.
Slave Modules
8DO-B-01 & 8DO-B-02 (Digital Output Modules)
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The output slave module is the power distribution component of EmpirBus™. The module has 8 outputs with automatic fuse functionality. Each channel can deliver up to 8A continously and several channels can be parallelled for large consumers. Any output in the system can be configured as a dimmer. The 8DO-B-02 is equipped with extra physical fuses for ABYC fuse regulation compliance.
8DI-B-01 (Digital Input Module)
The input slave module is used to connect regular switches to control functions in the system. The module has 8 inputs. Each input also has the capability to control LED lights for running indications.
8RO-B-01 & 8RO-B-02 (Relay Output Modules)
The relay slave module is used to simulate swithes to control different types of equipment. The module has 8 potential free relays.
4IS-B-01 (Window Wiper Module)
The window wiper slave module is used to control window wiper motors. The module has the capacity to control 4 different wiper motors in both low and high speed mode. There is also an interval and a parking feature. All wipers in the system will automatically synchronize in interval mode.
DU-B-01 (Dimmer Module for Running Indications)
The dimmer module for running indications is used to control the light level of the running indications of the input slave module. This module is NOT needed/used to dim standard lights. The dimmer feature of standard lights is built into the output module.
Stand Alone Modules
8MS-B-01 (Membrane Switch Panel)
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The EmpirBus™ membrane panel is a stand alone module (not inserted into an EmpirBus™ master unit). The panel has 8 switches and it can eliminate the need for both traditional switches and the EmpirBus input modules. The panel is connected directly to the CAN-bus making the connection very quick and simple.
Functionalities
EmpirBus™ is far more advanced than a conventional electrical system, thus enabling more functions since EmpirBus™ is designed to control all types of consumers through the I/O modules. The system is not only controlling the I/O’s, but is also, due to the built-in intelligence, able to handle many functions that before needed clumsy and more advanced installations.
EmpirBus™ manages these functions, among others, including the electric power distribution:
Fuses – The system has built-in fuses (0.5 – 8A) which are set in the EmpirBus™ software. Conventional fuses are omitted and less space is required.
Interlock function - Each channel, both inputs and outputs can be controlled by up to 8 other channels. This makes it possible to have one output channel controlled by two input channels, where both need to be activated to operate the output channel. This function is useful on consumers like a windlass where large forces are in motion and an accidental release or activation could be dangerous.
Delay functions – All input channels in the EmpirBus™ can be set with a delay. This feature makes it possible to turn out the light and having it lit for a set period of time. Long enough to lock and leave the boat with out having to stumble in the dark.
Default alarm – All the output channels on the bus are equipped with a functionality alarm. This makes a light emitting diode indicate if a consumer as a light bulb would stop working. Conventional ships are required to have this function on all its lanterns.
On/Off indication – The bus is equipped with a true running indication feature. This is activate, not only when the input channel is activated but when the output channel is delivering power. A dimming module could be used to decrease the light of the diode when navigating at night.
Modifications – EmpirBus™ makes it easy to modify and redraw the functions in a system. Since all the I/O’s are controlled by the bus they can be reconfigured in the EmpirBus™ software with out having to rewire any cables.
Circuit diagram – The EmpirBus™ software automatically generates a circuit diagram of the system. Changes could be printed at any time giving up-to-date installation diagrams to reduce errors.
Additional Features
The intelligent design of EmpirBus™ not only simplifies the installation of an electrical system but also enhance the functionality of the system. It is easy to incorporate other advanced functions to the bus due to the specific design of EmpirBus™.
- Remote control – A remote control can be connected to any input channel thus making it possible to control any output channel. The remote could be controlling the anchor lift, the radio or the deck lights. Useful when returning to the boat after a visit to the nearby restaurant.
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GSM-module – A GSM-module linked to the system could be set to send a message if any alarm is activated on the boat. It will also make it possible to send and receive messages to the boat, regarding battery power, temperature or position.