The first step in selecting a Sensaphone is to determine how many inputs you need. Each different condition that you wish to monitor requires its own input. Look at the number of inputs available on each Sensaphone, but also consider your future requirements.

You can plan ahead by selecting a model with more inputs than you currently need, or select a model like the Express II or the SCADA 3000 that can be expanded in the future.

Depending on what conditions you plan on monitoring, you may need to select a Sensaphone that supports special input types. For example, if you need to monitor very low temperatures you will need a product like the 1400 or 1800 that can measure down to –85°C.

If you are planning on using industrial 4-20mA transducers, you will need to select a Sensaphone that supports 4-20mA inputs. Some of the Sensaphone products like the STATIONSitter and the SCADA 3000 even have a 24VDC power supply to provide battery backed loop power for the 4-20mA transducers.

Next is the enclosure. If your application is inside a home or inside a clean, indoor environment, you can use a product like the 1104 or 1108. But if you need to install your Sensaphone outdoors, or in a not-so-clean environment like a barn or a shop floor, you many need a more rugged, sealed enclosure. In this case, look for a product with a Nema-4 enclosure like the 1400, 1800, or Express II.

Other enclosure options are a panel mount, found on the 2000, 3000, and STATIONSitter, or a rack mount design as the IMS-4000 series has.

Some of the Sensaphone products have special functions that you may need in your application. For example, if you need data logging and trending, you should look at the 2000 or SCADA 3000.

For duplex pump control, consider the STATIONSitter, or for more complex control consider the SCADA 3000. If your monitoring location does not have a phone line to use, take a close look at the Skymetry product which communicates wirelessly. Or, if you need a product that connects directly to your local Ethernet network, then the IMS-4000 is the product for you.