CLOSER LOOK |
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f you have heard of Red Lion’s Data Station, then you would know it’s been around for long time - since 2004 to be exact. It’s proven to be extremely popular because of its easy interface and ability to communicate with hundreds of industrial brands. This series is akin to both the Data Station and Modular Controller which allows for expandable IO modules but with added Cloud connectivity. However, this is not a Data Station, it is part of Red Lion’s new FlexEdge range. The two models in this range, the DA50D and DA70D feature interchangeable communication sleds allowing customisation for any application. In this road test we look at the smaller DA50D.
RE D LIO N FLEXEDGE
DA 50 D
first impressions Unboxing the DA50D we find it’s very light weight, built from a high temperature thermoplastic housing. Surprisingly, the DA50D tolerates temperatures up to +75°C degrees, and it’s super thin with a width of just 50mm (Din Rail) - much smaller than the Data Station prior. Mounting the DA50D, you’ll find a tool-less thumb sized lever to help secure onto Din Rail. Looking at the physical unit, you’ll notice there’s a blank rectangle sled covering the front, with dual Ethernet and serial ports. There is also this cool looking LED bezel that runs all the way around the front edge, that lights up blue, red or green depending on system status.
setting up Setting up we insert an ordinary SIM card into the 4G modem, an SD card and connect the programming USB and Ethernet to see the web page. Once powered, we immediately see the LED surround flash bright blue as it boots, then turns a very happy green to let me know it’s healthy and running. Nice. Now it’s time to download Red Lion’s Crimson 3.1 software.
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