Software or Other Tools used in Kiln Maintenance

[Roy]

Hi, i need some information, if you are around.

[TimothyD]

I was hoping to get some feedback on what tools, off the shelf or self developed, are being used to aid in performing kiln-maitenance and/or diagnostics.  As a developer of software tools, I am always looking for industry input on such things to aid in furture development projects.

Thanks in advance!
Tim

[Angus low]

Tim,
I would like to see more wireless networking tools to assist operators in this arena. I-Pads, and the like to allow onsite remote access to control systems. This type of thing would be ideal for monitoring in kiln moisture content from the seat of a forklift for instance. Having access without having to drop what your doing to run up to the control room to check your system frees an operator up to capitalize on other things to enhance your operation! We test our systems before each charge by running a "pre-fight" program which allows us to validate that each component is performing up to spec. prior to starting our next kiln charge. This insures optimum system performance and repeatable results. I believe the playing field is wide open for development of the untilization of the afore mentioned technologies.

[TimothyD]

Hi Angus,
Sorry, i just got notified of your post, or I would have responded sooner (still working out the post notification mechanisms).

I was very interested reading your post, because we have been looking at using "off the shelf" technologies where possible.  With smart phones, iPods/iPads allowing multi-tasking off the same platform, it really seems this idea is taking hold across all industries.

So, I think you can expect to see these sorts of "mobile apps" to support Wagner industrial moisture measurement systems in future product releases.  Do you have any experience with a "ruggedized" version of an iPad device?  I have been looking, and there appear to be acouple, and also some rugged "boots" to augment the otherwise somewhat "delicate" normal iPad.

Thanks for the input Angus, it is greatly appreciated!  When the time comes, I'll see if you are available for doing some Beta testing 

Tim

[wayne cunliff]

 I agree with angus on the wireless idea, I use a laptop an wireless card and a my pc program to run my kilns when im at home on the weekends or out and about i get a call on my phone from a sensaphone at work if there is a issue with the boiler or kilns, I tried useing my ifone to access my pc but there was not a app for that program yet

[TimothyD]

Hi Wayne, and welcome!

As I was reading your post, I was thinking, "Wayne works too hard." 

Seriously though, I hear you, and the world is definetly following your example as more and more real world control is happening remotely.  In fact, I am sitting in a meeting in Florida, connected to my PC in Oregon replying to your post! 

Moving forward and for awhile now, we have been discussing just how we can enable our tools and products in similar ways.  Always look forward to hearing more and more ideas.

Thanks for the input Wayne!

Tim

[Kierman Dimitri]

After reading the post on wireless monitoring I thought I would share a method I have been using. First I set up a remote access point to our company network then I installed an app on my i-pad and i-phone called irdesktop. I can now monitor and control our dry kilns remotely.

[TimothyD]

Thanks for sharing that Kierman!

I am going to check that out; it sounds very useful.

Tim

[SKieling]

I have been using a program called TeamViewer. They have an app for my Android phone. I can remote into any computer that has TeamViewer loaded on it. Now I can be anywhere with a cell signal and keep an eye on things. It also works great for troubleshooting vents, valves, ect.

[fbushaw]

After reading on this subject, I wanted to share what I do. I use a program called Logmein. I can log into the kilns remotely from my smart phone, or my laptop. This is a ver nice tool, especially when trying to train new operators!!

[TimothyD]

Thanks fbushaw,
I have heard of that program before, I think form our IT department.  It seems like there are a number of options out there to remote into a a remote location.  I think most are based on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and if your site is behind a firewall, you just need to get your IT people to open up a VPN connection for you to log into behind the firewall.  Our technical support department has been able to provide a great deal of remote support using these techniques, which saves many times over having to do an on-site visit.

Regards,
Tim