September 27, 2012 — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) introduced SEL-2924 and SEL-2925 Bluetooth Serial Adapters, which provide secure wireless links to remote laptops and smartphones, reducing exposure to harsh and dangerous environments for technicians and engineers. By installing a wireless SEL serial adapter on a serial port, personnel can communicate exactly as if they were connected with a serial cable. They avoid having to enter a hazardous or crowded area, suiting up in arc-flash protective clothing, diverting traffic, or introducing tripping hazards. Both serial adapters are always secure from cyber intrusion, using Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR security, and require an 8- to 16-character encryption PIN.
SEL-2925 Bluetooth Serial Adapters are designed for permanent installation on the serial port of a meter, protective relay, controller, or other device, enabling wireless access over 100 meters (>300 feet). SEL-2924 Portable Bluetooth Serial Adapters are ideal for temporary use and include rechargeable batteries to support operation for over 8 hours without other sources of power. The SEL-2924 can communicate over 10 meters (>32 feet). Both of the new SEL Bluetooth Serial Adapters have a base price of $129. The base SEL-2925 includes an indoor antenna; an SEL-2925 equipped with an antenna that mounts on an outdoor cabinet is priced at $159.
SEL designs and supports the serial adapters in Pullman, Washington, and manufactures them in Lewiston, Idaho, with a ten-year, worldwide, no-questions-asked warranty and immediate no-charge technical support.