March 29, 2011
 By Ashok Bindra TMCnet Contributor
ITWatchDogs has released a new remote power monitoring device as an add-on accessory for its environmental monitors for the data center. The new Remote Power Manger X2 (RPM X2) brings remote power monitoring and switching capabilities to any of ITWatchDogs' environmental monitors sporting a digital sensor port, including the MiniGoose II, MiniGoose XP II, WeatherGoose II, SuperGoose II, and RelayGoose II.
The add-on accessory presents real time logging and graphing of voltage, amperage, real power, apparent power, power factor and kilowatt-hour to provide trend analysis and power metrics for future planning. In addition it enables users to set alarm thresholds for above mentioned measurements and remotely reboot locked systems or control system power via the secure user interface from anywhere in the world, said ITWatchDogs.
To help keep an eye on overall energy usage and prevent overloading of power circuit breakers, the RPM X2 determines how much power a specific device or power strip is consuming. Subsequently, alert notifications via SNMP traps, e-mail, SMS and voice call (auto-dialer required) can be set when current starts to reach capacity or crosses a threshold.
With the RPM X2, facility managers are further given the ability to measure energy usage per individual client by setting friendly names per outlet, the manufacturer said. To achieve accurate results, amount of electricity used is measured and logged without the burden of continuous polling. Kilowatt-hour usage can easily be obtained per specified time frame, added ITWatchDogs. Key features include plug and play capability providing quick and easy installation, an LCD display for local current monitoring, a resettable kilowatt-hour meter and the ability to set alarm thresholds via the environment monitor. Also, the unit comes equipped with an extra digital sensor port. When the RPM X2 is plugged into another environmental monitor, it retains outlet friendly names, kilowatt-hour hours and each outlet's on/off state.
The unit is UL and c-UL listed per UL 60950 safety specifications, while global configurations carry the CE mark for low voltage and emissions directives and FCC (News - Alert) Part 15 class A regulation. The company offers standard off-the-shelf, modified and custom systems to meet client specifications. ITWatchDogs said that the RPM X2 will be available in a number of variations meeting specific voltage, receptacle and plug type needs. It is priced at $229.
Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Patrick Barnard |
