A Real-time Data Collection, Analysis, Alarm and Control System

NovaStar Base Station SoftwareNovaStar Base Station Software

NovaStar Software PlatformNovaStar Software Platform

UNIX (QNX) Operating System PlatformHighly Reliable, Compact OSRich Posix Compatible Command SetNetworked GUI for Setup and Display Text API for Telnet and Modem Access

Secure Multi-User, Multi-Level Access

Intranet and Internet Connectivity

Data Collection FeaturesData Collection Features

Real-Time Data Collection on Multiple PortsData Collection for Multiple FormatsConnects by Modem, Network or RadioAccepts Self Reporting Data from RemotesAutomatic or Manual Station PollingPolling of single or multiple data samplesPolling for current or logged data

Data Storage FeaturesData Storage Features

Data Storage of Analog, Counter, Encoders with Rollovers, Wind, Digital Status.

Automatic Data Validation using Change, Upper and Lower Limits

Unlimited Online Data Storage Data Storage Time Resolution to 1 SecondAutomated Historic Offline Data ArchivingAutomated Backup of File System

Data Calibration FeaturesData Calibration Features

Raw or Calibrated Data StorageRemote Data is Stored As ReceivedTime Based Data CalibrationAutomatic Re-calibration of Rollover Data

Data Analysis FeaturesData Analysis Features

Statistical Analysis of DataStatistical EquationsReal-Time Data EquationsReal-Time Basin AveragingTable Lookup with Time Based AssignmentNormal and Inversed Table LookupTable Shift Prorated Over Time

Statistical Analysis of DataStatistical Analysis of Data

Maximum, Minimum Over PeriodMean and Sum Over PeriodRainfall Storm TotalRainfall Intensity Based on Time of ReportDigital Status RuntimeChange Over TimeRate of Change

Real-Time EquationsReal-Time Equations

Temperature DewpointTemperature WetbulbVapor PressureEvapo-transpiration Demand

Database Management FeaturesDatabase Management Features

Data Report EditingDatabase Structure CheckingDatabase CompressionUnlimited Number of SensorsProgrammable Sensor Types

Alarm FeaturesAlarm Features

Upper, Lower, Change, No Report LimitsMultiple Limits for Alarm TypesProgrammable Alarm ActionAlarm PagingExpert System for Multiple Point Alarm

Analysis

Data Display FeaturesData Display Features

Scrolling Display of Reports ReceivedDisplay of Time Analysis DataCustom Report DevelopmentData Overlays on Map BackgroundsMap links to Maps or CommandsTrend Charts with Overlaid Sensor DataDisplays Show Current or Historic Data

Web Page FeaturesWeb Page Features

Web Page Server Onboard or on NetworkDisplay of Current or Historic DataHyper-links to CGI ScriptsScripted Web Page Display of Maps,

Reports and Trend Chart Data.Reduced Priority Internet Access Prevents

Interference with Local Operations

Programmable SystemProgrammable System

Automatic, Scheduled System ActivitiesCustom Command ScriptingProgrammable MenusUser Dependent Menus and Desktops

NovaStar Database StructureNovaStar Database Structure

Multi-file Indexed Link List DatabaseLast In First Out Data StorageDynamic Record AssignmentFile Bitmaps Show Records Used and FreeForward and Backward Record LinkingRecord Ownership

Database File List and IndexDatabase File List and Index

File List Holds Record Size, Caching and Bitmap Flags

Header Index Defines Device Ids, Identification, Data checking, Storage Limits, and Links to Alarm, Calibration, Data Reports and Table Assignments

Device Type ListDevice Type List

Space Delimited Text FileOne Line per Device TypeDevice Types Indexed by Device Type

NumberDigital Status Line Parameter Link in File

Data Calibration RecordsData Calibration Records

One Calibration per RecordMultiple Calibration Records per DeviceNewest Calibration Linked to HeaderRecord Contains Divisor, Base Value, Data

Type Flag, Effective Time of CalibrationRecords are Time Ordered

Database Data ReportsDatabase Data Reports

Multiple Page Linked Records First Page Holds Newest Data100 Data Reports per PageData Report Contains Value, Time, FlagsReports are Time Sequenced with Newest

Report on Top

Database Alarm RecordsDatabase Alarm Records

One Alarm per RecordMultiple Alarms per DeviceAlarm Records Contain Alarm Limit,

Condition, State and Action

Historic Alarm LogHistoric Alarm Log

One Record per Alarm LoggedRecord Contains Type of Alarm, Alarm

Information, Time and User Acknowledged and Time of Rest

Links to Alarm NotesNew Alarms are Appended to End of File

Database StationsDatabase Stations

One Record per StationRecord Contains Station ID, Identification,

Type, Location, Elevation, Polling Parameters, Devices Assigned to Station

Table Assignment RecordsTable Assignment Records

One Table Assignment per RecordMultiple Table Assignment per DeviceNewest Assignment Linked to HeaderRecord Contains Table Assigned, Effective

Time of Assignment, Index and Opening Ids, Table Access, Shift Parameters

Records are Time Ordered

Rating TablesRating Tables

Up to 100 Table Pairs per Table RecordMultiple Records Linked for More PairsMultiple Records Linked for Variable

OpeningsRecords Contain Interpolation,

Extrapolation, Table Pairs, Display Units

Database MaintenanceDatabase Maintenance

Data Report CheckingDatabase Structure CheckingData EditingData Page CompressionData File Truncation

Security LevelsSecurity Levels

4 Levels Limit Program and Data AccessVisitor - Data Display OnlyOperator - Data Display and AlarmsSupervisor - DB Setup and MaintenanceManger - Full System Access and

Configuration

Menu and Desktop SecurityMenu and Desktop Security

Customize User Menu to Limit Program Access

Customize User Desktop to Eliminate Program Access

File PermissionsFile Permissions

POSIX Operating System File PermissionsOwner AccessGroup AccessOther AccessRead, Write, Execute Access

Data Report ArchiveData Report Archive

Data Report Archives Saves Data Reports in Off-line Data Files

Calibration and Table Assignments Saved in Archive Files

One Month of Data per Archive File in Month and Year Directory Tree Structure

Automatic Archives to Occur Daily

Data Report Archive FormatData Report Archive Format

Standard Archive File Format is Binary for Database Retrieval

Text Archive File Format Done by Data Export Programs

Put Text Archive Files in a Directory Tree for Internet Access

Data File BackupsData File Backups

Backups Copy Files to Off-line StorageBackup to Removable or Network DisksBackup Complete Database Directory to

Get All Database LinksNovaStar Database Backup Suspends

Database Modification until CompleteBackup After Change or Once a Month

Data ImportData Import

Import Ascii Data With the Ascii File ReaderCreate AFR Command Files to Simplify

Repeat ImportsTranslate Ascii Files from DOS to QNX

Format Before Importing

Data ExportData Export

Export ASCII Data with Export Programs:datadisp - Single Sensor Display Program dispdata - Time Based Analysis Display dispsers - Time Based Analysis Displaydisprpts - Report Based Display

Command Delimited FormatHTML Table Format

Data PrintingData Printing

Export Data Reports by Printing to a FileSelect DOS File FormatPrint to Local Public Access DirectoryPrint to Network Server Directory

ModelingModeling

River Forecast ModelsSSMA - Internal or External modelHEC1/1F - External model

Internal Models Run on NovaStar PlatformExternal Models require data export and

forecast import

Modeling Data RequirementsModeling Data Requirements

Calibration Requires Several Years of Data That Includes Wet and Dry Periods

Forecast Points Require Rating TablesBasin Size, Water Import, Water Export

Must Be KnownOperational Gages Should Be Located in

Basin and at Forecast Point

Modeling Data ExportModeling Data Export

Automated Data Export can Push Data onto the Forecast Model Platform

Model Data can be Saved on NovaStar Server and Pulled by Forecast Model

Simple Space or Comma Delimited Ascii File Export Work Well

Modeling Data ImportModeling Data Import

Forecast Data Can be Imported Using the AFR program

Forecast Data Can be Checked for AlarmsDisplay Forecast Data in Maps, Report and

Trend ChartsCompute Level Data with Inverse Rating

Table Lookups

Understanding Script FilesUnderstanding Script Files

The POSIX ksh Korn Shell Executes ScriptsScripts Execute UNIX/NovaStar CommandsUse Command Explains Command SyntaxInternal Variables are AvailableScript Files Must be made Executable

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingNo Data CollectionNo Data Collection

Check That Receive Data Program RunningCheck Power To Receive EquipmentCheck Receiver to Decoder CableCheck Decoder to Computer CableCheck Receive Data Port AssignmentCheck Receive Data Port Baud Rate

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingNo Data in Device ReportsNo Data in Device Reports

Check Database for Data Linkage ErrorsCheck Data Time Storage LimitCheck Display Program Time OptionsEdit Database to Check Validations

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingBad Data in ReportsBad Data in Reports

Check Device Data Checking ParametersCheck For Invalid Data CalibrationCheck Break Flags for Counter ResetsConsider Other Station Using Same IDTest Remote Station Signal Out

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingRecovering Lost DataRecovering Lost Data

Check Database to Repair Linkage ErrorsRetrieve Archived DataSearch for Lost Data Pages in Database

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingModems Do Not AnswerModems Do Not Answer

Check Modem PowerCheck Modem CableCheck Modem Port AssignmentCheck System Tasks to See if Modem

Process RunningCheck if Program Running on Modem with

stty command

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingQNX Native Networking DownQNX Native Networking DownCheck Node Status with aliveCheck that Net and Net.driver RunningCheck Node Licenses using sin infoCheck Active Licenses using licinfo -aCheck Network Mapping File

/etc/config/netmap

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingIntranet Networking DownIntranet Networking Down

Check that TCP/IP Socket RunningCheck Hostname for SocketCheck if SMB programs smbd and nmbd

are RunningModify /etc/smbstart to Increase smbd

Debug Level to check authentication

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingInternet Networking DownInternet Networking Down

Check that TCP/IP Socket RunningCheck Hostname for SocketCheck Domain and Name Server in

/etc/resolv.confCheck that Gateway defined in /etc/netstart

TroubleshootingTroubleshootingSystem LockupSystem Lockup

Turn Off Screen BlankerLogin and Change Priority to Higher LevelLook for Run Away Processes that are

Always READYRun Suspect Processes at Lower Priority

using nice or renice