DNF Controls releases the Universal Switch Panel

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.