Legacy Migration
Running Obsolete Workstations such as the Gecma Challenger , Gecma Explorer or Terminals from other manufactures exposes you to the risk of extended outage as spares and repairs are not available even for simple component failure. On site electronic repairs or repairs by anyone other than original manufacturer invalidates certification. In the event of such a failure a complete new solution will need to be deployed which may be on extended lead time and require expensive intrusive site work to modify mechanical installation, electrical and IT hook up and even structural architecture if Workstation in built into a wall.
The Gecma GWS series offers flexible solutions for such migrations where disruption is minimised and existing enclosures and cable installations may be re used. We have packages solutions available for multiple scenarios and bring the value of our experience in migrating hundreds of terminals over the last number of years.
Plan your migration strategy today with us.
Flexible Migration Strategies
Overview
There are multiple Hazardous Area Workstation Migration scenarios and we have a solution for all of them by leveraging the flexibility of the Gecma GWS Series Hazardous Area HMI terminals and reviewing your current and future needs. We manage all elements of mechanical design for enclosures and mounting systems to suit your existing installation, we can review your existing cabling and re use where possible and we fully review all elements of your IT set up, functional needs and any future needs (such as future DCS or PLC upgrades) to ensure our solution is relevant and serviceable well into the future.
Technology has moved on since your old legacy systems were installed and you can now avail of superior picture quality, functionality, ergonomics and wider application scope with the current GWS Modular series.
Gecma Challenger Migration
Thousands of Gecma Challengers were deployed in Zone 1 hazardous areas and many are still in service, repairs are no longer possible and spares are no longer available. Failure of any component will render your installation beyond replair
The Challenger Series was a remote KVM design which provided Screen, Keyboard and Pointer connectivity over copper to a safe area PC or TC connected through a safe area KVM unit. Unique to Gecma was the proprietary Intrinsically Safe coms between Field Terminal and safe area KVM unit. The advantage of this solution was that standard CAT6A or CAT7 data cable could be used with mechanical protection or armouring.
The GWS KVM Over Copper Solution also uses Intrinsically Safe transmission so re using cable is possible. This is unique and no other manufacturer offers this feature.
The GWS components will fit Challenger 18i series enclosure when 19” screen is selected, this is desirable when old enclosure is difficult to remove, integrated to building structure or equipment. If this is not the case then screen can be upgraded to wide format 22” or 24” screens supporting modern high resolutions.
Options to Migrate to our embedded Thin Client or PC solution where TC or PC are incorporated as a module into he field terminal. Copper, Multi Mode Fibre or Single Mode Fibre versions.
Our Product team would be happy to assess your obsolete stations and advise on a suitable migration path
Gecma Explorer Migration
Introduced after the Challenger Series the Explorer offered a Workstation solution with an embedded PC for service in the Hazardous Area. This solution was deployed in large numbers over the years and many are still in service today. Like the Challenger, the Explorer in no longer supported with spares or repairs and any failure will render the installation beyond repair.
The GWS Series offered in either Thin Client form or PC form is a direct replacement for these units. Our 19” Migration Pack permits the re use of existing enclosures where mechanical upgrades are not possible. We also offer 22” and 24” for higher screen resolution applications. The GWS Series offers IT Build flexibility in terms of processor, RAM and Disk Size and Operating Systems with multiple Windows Solutions as well as Thin Client OS such as IGEL.
Additional Hazardous Area Ports in both Exi and Exe formats for Serial and USB connectivity in the Hazardous can broaden your Workstation functionality through integration of 3rd Party peripherals such as Bar Code Scanners.
Our Product team would be happy to assess your obsolete stations and advise on a suitable migration path.
Non Gecma Terminal Migration
Several other manufacturers of Hazardous Area HMI terminals including old Purged solutions are still in service to this day. Repairing and sourcing spares for these is no longer possible and in the case of the purged solutions these continue to be energy intensive with constant air consumption.
The broad Modular nature of the GWS Series permits us to design a new sustainable solution for your application with our multiple screen sizes and resolutions, power options, keyboard and mouse options as well as the ability to select KVM based Thin Client or PC embedded systems. Our extensive hazardous area porting (Serial, USB, LAN) allow for the integration of peripherals such as Bar Code scanners.
Our Engineering resource enables us to provide solutions for your unique mounting requirements or to mate with existing mounting systems.
All our solutions are designed for optimal UX , safety and compliance and are delivered as fully Certified Solutions ready to deploy.
Zone 1/21 or Zone 2/22
Traditionally Gecma offered the Challenger and Explorer Series HMI terminals for all Zone 1/21 and Zone 2 /22 applications. The units themselves were certified for Zone 1/21 and therefore exceded requirements for Zone 2/22. This approach as taken by a number of other manufactures.
As you now consider your migration strategy it may present an opportunity to revisit the certification requirements and avail of our lower cost Zone 2/22 certified solutions if your area classification permits.