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The ASE DS series of sensors and controllers provide a balance between price, sophistication, and control capabilities and capacities. From the inexpensive DS-2B up to the powerful DS-4, all share common design features that increase reliability and reduce downtime.

Each unit is housed in a sturdy NEMA 3R enclosure rated for outdoor use. All internal electronic components are spec'ed for -40^oC to +85^oC operation. The DS-2B, DS-4, DS-5, and DS-8 are UL Listed and European CE EMC directives have been achieved, opening the door for both domestic and overseas use.

If you are tired of throwing old sensors away with no possibility of repair, take a look at the DS series. Unlike "potted" sensors and controllers, every DS unit offers full accessibility to the sensor electronics. This unique design allows configuring the unit and replacing sensor fuses and precipitation sensors in the field. Why replace the whole unit when a $15 precipitation sensor may restore your system to "like new" performance? When transients hit, a 25 cent fuse makes more sense than a $100 sensor replacement.

Tired of stocking 10 different part numbers for the same basic sensor? At ASE, we exploit our microcontroller design to the fullest. Every high voltage DS unit can be set in the field for 120VAC or 240VAC operation. And low voltage companions for the DS-2B (DS-224) and DS-8 (DS-824) are available. All options and adjustments for each unit are also field selectable. This allows covering all of your requirements while keeping your stock low and lead times short. With our socketed microcontroller design we can provide custom operation with "off the shelf" speed. This also allows field upgrades for those "special" sites where conditions just don't follow the norm.

All DS sensor/controllers should be specified with optional interface cables. You may select from one of the standard cable sets (see the cable sets list) or specify your own cable set requirements for termination to your existing wiring.

In all cases the DS series provides the maximum in flexibility, reliability, and ease of installation. Select a link to find the DS sensor/controller that fulfills your requirements.

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All DS units operate by detecting temperature through a base mounted thermistor and precipitation using a precipitation sensor. This sensor consists of a printed circuit board etched with interleaved traces mounted in a conduit fitting. The sensor is heated using a self-regulating thermistor. When rain or snow land on the sensor the traces are bridged and a closure is detected. The heater then rapidly evaporates the moisture, clearing the sensor. The sensor for the DS-2B, DS-224, DS-4, and DS-5 simply screws into the top of the controller enclosure. The DS-8 and DS-824 sensor is intended for remote mounting, either on a feed boom for satellite antenna deicing or in a gutter or downspout for roof deicing.

These signals are then supplied to the microcontroller. Depending on the way the user has configured the sensor the microcontroller determines the appropriate action to perform. For example, the DS-4 contains two control relays. Using the profile selection switch (see the DS-4 page for more information) the controller can close one relay for low temperature detection and the other for precipitation detection. It can also be configured to close one relay when rain is detected and the other when snow is detected. It can also close both relays only when snow is detected, allowing control of larger loads.

The difference between "sensor" and "controller" denotation involves the "Delay Off" time provided by each configuration. "Delay Off" time is the amount of time the sensor/controller will hold the load control relay(s) closed after the last detection of rain or snow. A sensor is normally considered a device that indicates to another control unit that rain or snow is occurring. The attached control unit is then expected to activate and operate the deicing system as required for the application. Therefore, a sensor has a short delay off time, typically 20 seconds to 2 minutes, in order to provide timely indication of detection without excessive latency or retriggering. A controller is expected to not only detect trigger conditions but also to directly control the equipment. A DS series unit set as a controller provides a longer delay off time, typically 30-90 minutes, allowing the heating system to dry the surface and prevent refreezing.

All DS units provide a remote "control/monitor" interface, a point where ASE or customer supplied devices can be connected to remotely monitor activation of the system and/or manually activate or disable the controller. Some units also feature a built-in switch to perform these same control functions directly from the sensor. The rack-mounted DP-7 series Remote Control/Status Panels may be directly connected to any DS series sensor/controller in order to provide both remote control and monitoring of DS sensor/controller operation. The CDP-2 Snow Sensor Control/Display Panel provides an easy, inexpensive method of controlling and monitoring pavement, roof, and gutter deicing in a residential or commercial environment. It can directly connect to the DS-2B, DS-224, DS-5, and DS-8.   

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The following table lists the features of each of the DS series family. Check below for sensor recommendation by application.

Feature
100-120/200-240 VAC Operation
24 VAC/VDC Operation
Replaceable Precipitation Sensor
External Control/Monitor Capability
Sensor Override Control Switch
Operational Modes	8	8	16	8	1	8
1-30A SPST Load Contactor
1-30A DPST Load Contactor
2-30A SPST Load Contactors
4-30A SPST Load Contactors
Integrated Precipitation Sensor
Remote Precipitation Sensor
Adjustable Trigger Temperature
Adjustable Delay-Off Timer
Adjustable Sensitivity
Power/Activation LED

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The following table lists possible sensor choices to meet your application requirements. ASE can always be contacted to discuss your individual requirements and help with your final selection.

Application
Pavement Deicing < 30A 1 Zone
Pavement Deicing < 60A 2 Zone
Pavement Deicing/Hydronic
Pavement Deicing/Separate Controller
Low Voltage Control/Operation
Roof & Gutter Deicing
Satellite Deice Control < 30A
Satellite Deice Control < 60A
Satellite Deice/Separate Controller
Satellite Deice & Rain Diversion
Satellite Rain Diversion Only
Observatory Roof Closure
Broadcast Tower Deicing
Irrigation Control
Control Tower Rain Wipers
Control Tower Rain/Defog/Defrost

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For More Information, Contact
Automated Systems Engineering, Inc.
2519 E Saint Vrain Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA 80909
Phone: 719-599-7477 FAX: 719-599-7482
info@goase.com

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Last Update: 04/11/08