StaRTU is our revolutionary, one-of-a-kind software which allows you to easily configure your SCADA system through a simple user-friendly interface.
StaRTU isn’t just a simple way to configure an RTU, but rather it provides a set of tools to deploy, change, and troubleshoot the SCADA field computers (i.e. RTUs) during the entire life cycle of the SCADA system. It entitles O&M with some “ownership” on the SCADA system, so operators can change and troubleshoot the infrastructure instead of a SCADA team. StaRTU does not require SCADA developers to keep the system up-to-date and it increases customers’ self-sufficient.
Moreover, advanced logging capabilities of communications and events will enable maintenance teams to troubleshoot the system quickly and efficiently. StaRTU is a powerful, feature-rich, yet simple-to-use application, designed to significantly enhance the usability, predictability, and reliability of a MOTOROLA RTU based system’s operations. StaRTU takes full advantage of the MOSCAD and ACE 3600 RTU OS features and offers the following benefits.
StaRTU Features:
Local I/O (Tag) Definitions
As in full-fledged SCADA and HMI software, StaRTU allows extensive data definition of local I/O points including names, scaling and calibration values, and other. This information is essential for supporting local processes and HMI, as well as reducing the configuration and data definition efforts of the SCADA software.
Flash Data Storage
While other systems’ ladder diagram data is stored in RAM only, StaRTU saves totalizer (runtime, starts, flow totals) data in local flash memory (firmware version 9 and higher), and restores it following power-loss and/or new application download. This feature virtually eliminates the risk of losing totalized RTU data.
I/O & Data Maintenance Statistics
StaRTU maintains diagnostics for all I/O points monitored. These diagnostics include daily and monthly counters, max and mins, and other information. The statistics can be viewed with standard toolbox software and are instrumental in system troubleshooting.
Hassle Free Upgrade
New StaRTU firmware releases are fully compatible with existing programs. When new features are released, users need only download the new C file into the RTU, and it is fully compatible with the existing application, including any changes made to the user process.
No Impact on Operational Process – Make Changes on the Fly
StaRTU allows the user – Motorola RTU customer – create, modify, customize, and maintain a user process with minimal complexity. The user may take the standard, simple ladder file and add processes, variables and logic to customize the application without impact on the core functions.
Compatible with Existing Systems
StaRTU fully leverages the MOSCAD and ACE RTU operating system features and offers countless valuable benefits.
Simplicity
A typical StaRTU system consists of a single site configuration, a ladder (C) application, and then small site-specific customization text files. The user does not need to define the I/O modules, as the system can determine what is physically installed. There is no need for users to link and compile different configurations and files! StaRTU provides essential inventory and version control reporting features. The RTU firmware version, RTU type, I/O module configuration, and other information are reported directly to SCADA. This feature enables convenient tracking of system and software changes, as well as serves as a helpful asset management tool.
Compatibility
StaRTU fully leverages the MOSCAD and ACE RTU operating system features and offers countless valuable benefits. The StaRTU can run on any Motorola ACE (3600 or 1000) or MOSCAD / MOSCAD-L CPU (except for CPU200). In the near future, StaRTU will be developed for use on other manufacturers of PLCs and RTUs.
- plx for MC-EDGE
- fls (MOSCAD-L / L-20 / MOSCAD CPU 400/420)
- plz (ACE 3610 / 3640 / 3680)
- fls (MOSCAD CPU 300)
Inventory & Version Control Management
StaRTU provides essential inventory and version control reporting features. The RTU firmware version, RTU type, I/O module configuration, and other information are reported directly to SCADA. This feature enables convenient tracking of system and software changes, as well as serves as a helpful asset management tool.
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership
A StaRTU System reduces total cost of ownership in several ways. It can increase the overall uptime of the system by allowing changes to happen on the fly without needing to restart RTUs in the field. The general cost of maintenance is reduced by providing communication information that has never been tapped before and it’s provided conveniently at the server. Faster and more efficient troubleshooting is possible with this information. Imagine the possibility of being able to predict failure and operating in a proactive manner vs. a reactive manner.
Security
The team at Star Controls is skilled at implementing a higher level of cyber security using the StaRTU and ACE 3600 models. The Motorola ACE 3600 supports added security levels, and the StaRTU makes full use of this. Cyber Security MUST be considered when implementing any SCADA system.
Standard Support for Touchscreens
All RTUs information is clearly displayed and can be modified using a standard application for Touch Screens, such as from Beijer and Maple Systems.
