DNF Controls has launched the Universal Switch Panel (USP). The USP is a panel of multipurpose, configurable push-button switches with an easy-to-use interface designed to meet the wide range of control needs for broadcast, production, A/V, and industrial environments. The USP emulates the operation of mechanical push-buttons, while adding a high degree of flexibility and application-specific functionality not available in conventional push-button panels.
"Every product we create is designed to allow users to operate more reliably, precisely, efficiently, and comfortably when performing their work," said DNF Controls president, John Duggin. "The USP enables versatile control with each switch on the panel easily set to deliver critical functionality either in a stand-alone implementation or networked with other USP units within a facility."
The USP is available in a 1-RU housing unit and comes equipped with either eight (USP-8) or 16 (USP-16) front-panel switches (8/16 GPO and 16/16GPI respectively). The panel's isolated relay contact switch closure (GPO) simplifies the unit's interface, while an opto-isolated tally input (GPI) allows for real-time status of external devices. The USP is easily configured using an off-the-shelf Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, or other commonly available browsers. These configuration settings are retained in nonvolatile memory, and any changes are made effective immediately.
The face of each push-button switch features a backlit LCD display — capable of displaying red, green, and amber colors, flashing or solid — that displays "on" and "off" text legends and indicates tally status. Switch tally sources may be set for internal or external GPI. Options for switch closure action include momentary, latched, follow, or radio group, the latter allowing one or more switched closures to be interlocked. Additionally, users can control more than one switch closure from a button press, or drive more than one switch tally from an external device.
Ethernet support allows for configuration and interconnection of multiple USP panels across a facility so that the push of a local USP button can control a remote USP switch closure.
More information about the USP and other DNF Controls products is available at www.dnfcontrols.com.