FIELDSERVER PROTOAIR GATEWAYS
The ProtAir is a Full-featured, cloud-connected, field-programmable, wireless IIoT gateway that allows your device to integrate with just about any protocol. Don’t hesitate to CONTACT US for a free consultation. Below is a general overview of the ProtoAir family of products.
MSA Safety’s ProtoAir IoT Gateways are fully integrated with the MSA Grid cloud platform. The gateways enable integrators to easily connect new and legacy devices to the cloud. These gateways can connect Serial, Ethernet, and I/O devices to the cloud via wired (Serial and Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi and Cell Modem) installations. When Integrators have any common protocol, the gateway can be used to connect to the MSA Grid without additional engineering investment. MSA Safety IoT Gateways support 140+ common protocols. Typical protocols include: Modbus, BACnet, EtherNet/IP, SNMP, and many others. The end devices can instantly be cloud enabled to support secure remote device monitoring, control, data collection and alarming.
- Simple web interface to easily configure OEM devices using a browser on a PC or mobile device.
- MSA Grid - FieldServer Manager registration connects OEM devices to the cloud, allowing secure remote access for diagnostics, monitoring, alarming and configuration.
- Multiple OEM devices (in a single location) can be connected through one gateway.
- After installation, the gateway can be registered to the cloud in less than five minutes
- Secure communication from the gateway to the MSA Grid cloud platform is encrypted using the industry standard Transport Layer Security (TLS) v1.2. All web traffic sent to the cloud platform uses HTTPS on port 443 to ensure that data transmission remains encrypted.
- Secure data transfer to 3rd party business applications and analytics cloud packages through the MSA Grid RESTful API.
- Direct connection API’s are available for third party data clouds including ThingWorx
- Gateways provide protocol translation to popular building management protocols.
- No annual subsXcription to connect MSA Safety’s IoT Gateways to the MSA Grid cloud platform for 5 years.
ProtoAir Models
The FieldServer ProtoAir™ comes with support for Wifi and support for Wifi and Cellular.
ProtoAir: FPA-W44
ProtoAir FPA-W44 wireless gateways provides a cost effective interface to Building Management Systems (BMS) and an immediate IoT cloud interface. The ProtoAir enables OEMs to compete in a broader market by meeting specifications for BMS connectivity. Integrated Grid cloud platform support further enhances the ProtoAir’s value by enabling remote monitoring, control and data visualization. The only protocol wireless gateway with a no cost cloud interface, the ProtoAir dramatically improves time to market and remote site support for OEM field devices.
The ProtoAir has the unique ability to act as a Wi-Fi access point. Users can directly connect their mobile device to a ProtoAir without having to be on the facility's LAN or WAN to access the local applications.
A single ProtoAir wireless gateway can seamlessly connect one or many OEM devices into BMS networks including BACnet, Modbus, EtherNet/IP and others.
Cloud enabled devices change the game for Integrators. Users can view data via a configurable dashboard, download historical data and provide remote monitor/control for any connected device. Additionally, notification functions allow SMS/email for trouble or alarm conditions.
ProtoAir FPA-W44 Features and Benefits
- Multiple Connections, such as: Ethernet, RS-485/RS-232, RS-485 & Wi-Fi.
- Short time to market for BMS, industrial protocols and cloud connected devices.
- One ProtoAir connects multiple Serial and Ethernet devices to field protocol networks (BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, Metasys N2, SNMP, XML over HTTP, EtherNet/IP, DNP 3.0 and many others).
- Supports up to 10,000 device points.
- Can support OEM proprietary protocols to building management systems.
- Wi-Fi access point allows for direct connection from any mobile device without having to be on the facility's LAN or WAN to access the local applications.
- BTL certified.
- The optional embedded BACnet Explorer allows reps and OEMs to quickly validate that their product is working on BACnet MS/TP and/or BACnet/IP without needing a BMS Integrator on site.
- On-board diagnostics allow easy troubleshooting for both serial and Ethernet communications.
- FieldSafe adds a wealth of security options, including: web configuration page authentication (self-signed certificates), robust user and password management features.
- VPN support using OpenVPN.
- Supports up to 10 client connections to Wi-Fi AP.
ProtoAir LTE: FPA-C4X
The FieldServer ProtoAir LTE wireless gateway provides the Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) a cost-effective interface to Building Management Systems (BMS) and immediate IoT remote monitoring capabilities for all devices in the field at no extra cost.
Integrated MSA Grid cloud platform support enhances the ProtoAir LTE’s value by enabling remote monitoring, control, cloud-based alarm notifications (SMS or E-Mail) for trouble or alarm conditions and data visualization. MSA Grid - FieldServer Manager users can view data, download historical data and provide remote monitor/control for any connected devices. Additionally, a FieldServer Manager integrated ProtoAir LTE dramatically reduces the time for an OEM to implement their IoT cloud strategy.
The ProtoAir FPA-C4X uses LTE to securely connect devices to AT&T, Verizon or Vodafone networks. This cellular connection allows IoT applications to move machine data into the cloud for maintenance, management and troubleshooting of remote equipment. An embedded OpenVPN Server enables secure remote access and programming of the OEMs Ethernet devices in the field.
FieldServer ProtoAir LTE Features and Benefits
- Multiple Connections: 1 x Ethernet, 1 x RS-485/RS-232, 1 x Wi-Fi, 1 x Cellular-LTE > Supports AT&T, Verizon and Vodafone Cellular networks
- Short time to market for BMS, industrial protocols and cloud connected devices
- No configuration files need to be built in the field to support one or multiple of the OEM's devices
- One ProtoAir connects multiple Serial and Ethernet devices to field protocol networks (BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, Metasys N2, SNMP, XML over HTTP, EtherNet/IP, DNP 3.0 and many others)
- Supports up to 5,000 points for protocol conversion and 3,000 points for cloud data transfer
- Wi-Fi access point allows for direct connection from any mobile device without having to be on the facility's LAN or WAN to access the local applications
- On-board diagnostics allow easy troubleshooting for both serial and Ethernet communications
- FieldSafe adds a wealth of security options, including: web configuration page authentication (self-signed certificates), robust user and password management features
- Enabling OpenVPN allows remote connection to Ethernet devices in the field with management/configuration programs to perform diagnostics, download new firmware and reprogram the device without going to the site. Connection to webservers located on remote segmented Ethernet devices is also available
Newer Models of ProtoAirs
Please find generalized Hardware models of the ProtoAirs below:
ProtoAir Cellular (Serial, Ethernet, AT&T Cellular and
Wi-Fi)
FPA-C41-XXXX Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 1 x RS-485/RS-232, 1 x Wi-Fi, 1 x
Cellular-LTE
Points: 10000
ProtoAir Cellular (Serial, Ethernet, Verizon Cellular and Wi-Fi)
FPA-C42-XXXX Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 1 x RS-485/RS-232, 1 x Wi-Fi, 1 x
Cellular-LTE
Points: 10000
ProtoAir Cellular (Serial, Ethernet, Vodafone Cellular and Wi-Fi)
FPA-C43-XXXX Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 1 x RS-485/RS-232, 1 x Wi-Fi, 1 x
Cellular-LTE
Points: 10000
ProtoAir Wifi (Serial-Ethernet-Wifi) ProtoAir
FPA-W44Ports:
1 x Ethernet, 1 x RS-485/RS-232, 1 x RS-485 & 1 x Wi-Fi Points:
10,000
ProtoAir Hardware Specifications
Environment
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158oF)
- Relative Humidity: 10-95% RH non-condensing
Power Requirements
- Intput: 24VAC 0.125A, 9-30VDC 0.25A @12 VDC
- Max Power: 3W
Physical Dimensions
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 4 x 1.1 x 2.7 in (10.16 x 2.8 x 6.8cm)
- Weight: 0.4 lbs (0.2 Kg)
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
- Channels: 1 to 11 (inclusive)
- Antenna Type: MSA
- Encryption: TKIP, WPA2 & AES
Communication
FPA-W44:
- Baud: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115000
- Serial (Galvanic Isolation) Ports: 1 x RS485, 1 x RS232/RS485
- Ethernet Port: 10/100baseT, MDIX, DHCP
FPA-C4X
- Baud: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115000
- Serial (Galvanic Isolation) Ports: 1 x RS485, 1 x RS232/RS485
- Ethernet Port: 10/100baseT, MDIX, DHCP
Other
Web configuration
On-board diagnostics
DIN rail mount included
Cellular Frequencies Supported
- NA AT&T LTE: 700(B17/B12/B13) / 850(B5) / AWS1700(B4) / 1900(B2)
- NA Verizon LTE: 700(B13) / AWS1700(B4) / 1900(B2)
- EU LTE: 800(B20) / 900(B8) / 1800(B3) / 2100(B1) / 2600(B7) Rx Diversity and MIMO DL 2x2
- Antenna Type: MSA
- Encryption: TKIP, WPA2 & AES
Approvals
- UL UL 62368-1
- BTL marked and PTCRB and UKCA compliant
- CE and FCC Class Part 15 C
- RoHS3 and WEEE compliant
- CE and FCC Class B & C Part 15
- DNP 3.0 and Modbus conformance tested
- ODVA CONFORMANT
How to purchase a ProtoAir
CONTACT US. The user can pre-select two protocol drivers to be configured on the ProtoAir as part of the base product. Common combinations of drivers include two or more of Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Metasys N2 by JCI, and SNMP. However, with support for more than 150 protocols, the integrator has ultimate flexibility.
ProtoAir units can be configured in the field, with all the necessary instructions and software being included with the ProtoAir. Configuration of the Gateways, especially mapping the points from one protocol to another can get a bit tricky if the user does not have experience configuring gateways, Chipkin offers and highly recommends custom configuration service. Over 90% of clients will require help with configuration. If the user prefers the unit to be pre-configured prior to delivery, we can also provide that service, but the client will need to provide us with the information required for configuration.
The ProtoAir is approved across a variety of standards, including UL 916, CE, and RoHS. Protocol certifications include the BTL Mark, LonMark, and DNP3 Conformance. These approvals and certifications assure our customers that we carry only the highest quality of standards-compliant products.
With multi-protocol flexibility, ease-of-use, wide deployment, and world-class technical support from Chipking, the ProtoAir protocol gateway is truly the Swiss Army knife of systems integration.
The whole industry can be a bit overwhelming, please CONTACT US, we are professionals and we will be able to point you in the right direction, even if it's not a product we support. Chipkin is proud to provide service and support for the products we sell. For technical support, sales, and customer service, please contact us at 1 (866) 383-1657.
BACnet for Field Technicians (Free!)
Learning about BACnet? Want to update your BACnet knowledge? This free EBook will guide you through basic and advanced BACnet topics.
You can purchase a hardcopy of this book from Amazon or you can download the BACnet for Field Technicians for free from our website.
FREE CAS BACNET EXPLORER WITH THE PURCHASE OF A BACNET GATEWAY!
Purchase a FieldServer or CAS Gateway from us that contains any BACnet protocol and we will help you test and document the BACnet interface by providing a free full license to the CAS BACnet Explorer and a hardcopy of the BACnet booklet.
The USB key and booklet ships with the product.
Thanks for choosing Chipkin’s protocol gateways, data clients, and integration services to meet your building and industrial automation requirements!
Chipkin™ is a building and industrial automation protocol expert. We develop, configure, install and support gateways (protocol converters), data loggers and remote monitor and controlling applications. Founded in October 2000, Chipkin provides expert solutions for converting BACnet®, Modbus®, and LonWorks®—to name just a few—and enabling interfaces for HVAC, fire, siren, intercom, lighting, transportation and fuel systems. The high-quality products we offer (including those from other vendors) interface with Simplex™, Notifier™, McQuay™, GE™ and many others—so you can rest assured that we will select the most appropriate solution for your application.
With Chipkin you are buying a solution. Our configuration expertise in this field combined with free BACnet and other tools ensure your success; and our customer support via phone, e-mail, and remote desktop tools means that we’re there when you need us. Chipkin is a small responsive company, and we live or die by the quality of our service—and with offices in two-time zones—we can provide support when you need it. Give us a call now!
Customer Support
Chipkin is proud to provide support for the products we sell. For technical support, sales, and customer service, please contact us at 1 (866) 383-1657