Visit Our Social Media Pages for the Latest Happenings at TCS Basys Controls

You can find the most up-to-date information on TCS Basys Controls by visiting our various social media pages. Here is a listing of what you can find and where to find it:

New/Press Webpage -- critical updates regarding our controllers and Ubiquity

New/Press RSS Feed -- critical updates regarding our controllers and Ubiquity

Facebook Page -- all postings from TCS Basys Controls including information on our controls, software, and company in general, as well as, the critical updates mentioned above

Twitter Feed -- all postings from TCS Basys Controls including information on our controls, software, and company in general, as well as, the critical updates mentioned above

LinkedIn Page -- all postings from TCS Basys Controls including information on our controls, software, and company in general, as well as, the critical updates mentioned above

A couple quick updates.

Even though it is summer time, typically a time to relax and enjoy the great Wisconsin weather, here at TCS we have been very busy. Not only have we continued the development of our Wireless Controls Solution and added Performance Reports to Ubiquity, but we have managed to hold a training session (trainng recap to follow in a weeks or so) and add a couple other noteworthy feathers to our cap.

As of June 2007, TCS Basys Controls is proud to offer you ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats that save energy and help protect the environment, without sacrificing features or performance. Click this link for more information.

Taking a cue from another tech savvy manufacturer, we have produced a set of videos which should help explain the differences between a building that has a Ubiquity system installed and one that does "Not". Please stop by the site periodically as we will be releasing additional videos over the next few months.

Well, that is all for now. Please check back again in a few weeks to check out the latest Ubiquity videos. Have a great summer.

TCS Basys Controls releases wireless communications capability

One of the biggest issues in building management installations has traditionally been the cost associated with labor required to install network wiring, along with the associated disruption of the client’s business that installation often causes.

TCS Basys Controls has developed a wireless communication system that eliminates the need for network wiring. For multi-site banks and retailers, wireless results in faster roll-outs since installation time is reduced.

The Ubiquity Wireless Solution™ is compliant with ZigBee Standard 802.15.4, which is widely recognized as the standard protocol for wireless communication in the controls industry. The system utilizes the 2.4 GHz frequency range and allows wireless communication between controllers at distances up to 1,000 feet. The system is easy to install because it is both self-configuring and self-healing, automatically choosing wireless communication paths that are most reliable and efficient.

All current TCS Basys controllers are compatible with the Ubiquity Wireless Solution™ so rooftop units, central plant equipment, lighting and refrigeration can all be monitored and controlled wirelessly.

For more information about the Ubiquity Wireless Solution™ contact TCS Basys Controls at 800-288-9383 or visit http://www.tcsbasys.com/wireless.html.

March 12-14, 2007 Training Recap

Another great training session was held at the Inn on the Park, during a mid-March heat wave. This is the fifth session where we held concurrent Basic and Advanced classes. Both seminars are packed full of product updates, programming details, and live demonstrations. As a bonus, attendees got to experience a little "nice" weather, warm and mostly sunny, not what we would normally expect in Madison, WI in March.

In all our training sessions, we combine individualized experience with the TCS product line and a thorough introduction to our latest software solutions. All attendees learn through supervised instruction and personal "hands-on" experience how to handle routine tasks, as well as sophisticated programming through the Ubiquity Interface. This Fall's Basic session included several workshops (including applications, wiring and software), plus a complete tutorial on Ubiquity version 3. The Advanced session included an overview of Ubiquity version 3, advanced Ubiquity features/functions, and a thorough tutorial on our 2100 series controllers and corresponding HVAC sub-systems

Basic sessions included:

• Controller Selection and Application


• Network and Controller Wiring


• Basic and Advanced Monitoring


• Site and User Administration


• Programming and Global Programming


• Alarming and Global Alarming

Ubiquity version 3 highlights included:

• Expanded User Administration Functions


• Enhanced My Sites and Site Home Pages


• Site Level Points and Advanced Graphing


• Graphical Interface


• Functional and HVAC Sub-systems

Advanced training included:

• Overview of 2100 Series Controllers


• Programming of 2100 Series Controllers


• Advanced HVAC Sub-system Setup

Attendee Ratings on Training Topics (1=Worst 5=Best)

Topic ---- Avg. Rating
Basic Applications ---- 3.88
Basic Programming ---- 4.38
Basic Wiring ---- 3.88
Basic Revelation Professional ---- 3.63
Basic Ubiquity ---- 4.00
Advanced Controls ---- 4.33
Advanced Ubiquity ---- 4.83
Advanced Sales & Marketing ---- 4.40
Advanced Customer Forum ---- 4.40

Attendee Ratings on Training Accommodations (1=Worst 5=Best)

Accommodation ---- Avg. Rating
Accommodations ---- 4.34
Food / Entertainment ---- 4.57
Location of Seminar ---- 4.65

Basic TCS Training Class of March 2007

Advanced TCS Training Class of March 2007

If you are interested in finding out about any upcoming training, refer to our calendar section or contact your TCS account manager.

TCS Basys Controls releases first report in Ubiquity Reports Suite

The first of a planned series of reports generated by its Ubiquity enterprise building management system has been released by TCS Basys Controls.

The “Site Level Performance Report” is generated by Ubiquity, the TCS Basys Controls system for controlling and monitoring multiple remote buildings. The report provides valuable information about HVAC, lighting and energy performance for each building in a multi-building organization.

The report is the first of a series that will utilize the Composite Rating System (CRS)™, a proprietary system developed by TCS Basys Controls for measuring and comparing building performance. CRS allows users to set performance benchmarks for various factors including temperature set points, how well desired temperatures are maintained, energy use per square foot, heating or cooling runtime, and other factors. Users can also weight factors according to their importance to management.

Ubiquity calculates a CRS score for each building, allowing managers to see an “apples-to-apples” comparison between all buildings based on their own corporate benchmarks.

The Site Level Performance Report has a “drill-down” format, where the first pages of the report provide summary data, followed by pages of detailed information that managers can refer to if they require more in-depth information.

Also included in the report are specific recommendations based on actual performance. For example, if a particular HVAC unit has an unusually high amount of runtime, the “Recommendations” section of the report will suggest checking equipment sizing and operating condition in that building.

“This report is the first of many reports which will utilize the vast informational advantages that our central server approach provides,” I stated recently in a media interview, “Future reports will expand even further on our vision of providing facility managers with information that was never before possible to obtain.”

For more information about Ubiquity, contact TCS Basys Controls at 800-288-9383.

Daylight Saving Time Changes in 2007

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 specified that starting in 2007 daylight saving time will be extended. Beginning in March 2007, daylight saving time will start on the second Sunday in March and revert to back to standard time on the first Sunday in November (as opposed to the current first Sunday in April, last Sunday in October schedule).

This change will impact all standalone TCS controllers with 365-day clocks. We will accommodate the new daylight saving time schedule starting with version 1.5 and version 1.6 controllers (available now). For older model standalone controllers, we recommend disabling the "automatic daylight saving" feature and manually resetting the clock twice annually. Controllers connected to Ubiquity or a standalone QD2040 will automatically adjust to the new schedule; however, standalone QD2040's do require a software update. For more information, follow the links below or contat your TCS sales rep directly.

General Information -- www.tcsbasys.com/docs/daylight_saving.pdf

Technical Support Bulletin -- www.tcsbasys.com/docs/daylight_schd_change.pdf

Daylight Saving Time Info -- aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.html
-- webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/

TCS Contact Information -- www.tcsbasys.com/contact.html

To make matters worse, this change may only be temporary, as this "new" schedule is only in effect for a 2 year trial period. After that, the "real" schedule may revert back, stay the same, or be something completely different. Since no one can anticipate the government’s legislative whims, centralized control is a great solution. With centralized control, changing hundreds of thermostats in an enterprise is a simple automated function (a couple clicks of the mouse), as compared to a repetitive manual task which wastes hundreds of man-hours. For a personal tour of our centralized control solution, Ubiquity™, or for answers to other questions please use the contact info above.

AHR Expo 2007 Wrap Up

This year's AHR Expo was a tremendous success. Tons of attendees flooded the TCS booth with interests ranging from our long-lived programmable controls and sensors to our NEW Wireless Control Solution and Preferred Contractor program. Ben Shipley, VP of Enterprise Products and Services, gave a presentation on Monday regarding our enterprise-wide performance reporting capabilities for multi-site installations. Although hectic at times, it was a great show. We appreciate everyone who took the time to stop by and visit our booth. It was wonderful to renew old-friendships and make new acquaintances. We look forward to working with each of you in the coming year.

For additional general information, use these links. --
show updates -- www.ahrexpo.com
complete company info -- www.tcsbasys.com

For additional "featured product/program" information, use these links. --
wireless control solution -- www.tcsbasys.com/wireless.html
preferred contractor program -- www.tcsbasys.com/preferred.html
enterprise-wide reporting -- www.tcsbasys.com/reporting.html

For a personal tour of our enterprise management solution, please contact our Sales Department:
Tel: 800.288.9383 or 608.836.9034
Fax: 608.836.9044
Email: sales@tcsbasys.com

New Website Online

Our new website is now online! The new site attempts to serve our entire customer base in a more efficient and streamlined fashion while providing a look and feel more inline with our company brand. In addition to the cosmetic changes, we have provided a few tools to quickly access the information you need including standard navigational tools (header, footer, side bar navigation) and quick links to frequently used information.

For end users new to TCS, we have attempted to explain the benefits of using our enterprises management solution to realize both energy and operational savings. We also discuss how our systems are intuitive to use and can basically be self-managed after they are installed. Finally, we also provide a cross-sectional look at our customer base so potential customers can learn how our systems have helped large, multi-site companies take control of their energy use while maintaining the comfort of their employees and customers.

For contractors new to TCS, we have attempted to explain our approach to energy management and how our systems can be used as a new source of revenue. We discuss how our approach to controls allows both experienced controls contractors and newbies alike to provide cost-effective, simple-to-use solutions to their customers. Finally, the cross-sectional look at our customer base allows the contractor to compare possible markets for TCS controls to their current customer base to see how and where new costumers could be gained.

For our longtime customers, we have attempted to facilitate your finding the information you need. We added a product finder which lets you search by model #, category (thermostat, sensor, etc.), or application, and a contractor locator which lets you find local contractors to work on your projects. Finally, we have pulled many of the "frequently used" items into a single "Resources" page to give you once place to go to find most everything you need.

For more information or a personal tour of our new website, please contact our Sales Department:

Tel: 800.288.9383 or 608.836.9034
Fax: 608.836.9044
Email: sales@tcsbasys.com

New - Rev Pro version 2.4 available to download for FREE

As of Summer 2006, Revelation Professional version 2.4 has been available for general use. Since then, RevPro v2.4 could be downloaded after (1) requesting access and (2) receiving the download URL back in an email. Now in December 2006, TCS Basys Controls® has made RevPro v2.4 available directly from our website without requiring any form of registration or request for access. Simply use this URL -- http://www.tcsbasys.com/revpro_download.html -- to access the RevPro Download page -OR- use the links on our homepage or any of the product pages. Additional details on the new features in RevPro v2.4 and installation instructions can also be found on that page.

For More Information:

Sales Department
TCS Basys Controls®
2800 Laura Lane, Middleton, WI 53562 USA

Tel: 800.288.9383 or 608.836.9034
Fax: 608.836.9044

sales@tcsbasys.com
www.tcsbasys.com

2007: What to look for from TCS in the coming year

As we begin to wind down 2006, a number of our customers have begun to ask, “What’s TCS going to come up with in 2007?” We have a lot exciting things in store for the coming year – I’ll give you an overview of a few of the highlights.

Wireless Network Communications

We are well into our Alpha-testing for our new wireless networking communications system, and should complete Beta tests by the end of January, 2007. I expect official release of our wireless solution by the end of March, 2007.

The TCS Basys Controls Wireless Solution will eliminate the need for network wiring, reduce installation costs, provide faster installations and speed up return-on-investment. Our wireless solution is a state-of-the-art mesh network that is fully compliant with ZigBee standard 802.15.4 and operates at 2.4gH frequency. All those fancy specifications translate into a highly reliable wireless system.

Besides new controllers with wireless capabilities, TCS is working on a backwards-compatible add-on device that will be able to convert stand-alone Superstats into a wireless network. That’s exciting news for companies who were not networked on original installation but are now ready to take the step into Ubiquity central control and monitoring.

You’ll be hearing more about our wireless solution in the next couple of months.

Ubiquity Management Reports

Most of our Ubiquity customers are already aware of the benefits of a remote software/central server approach to building management. But early in 2007, TCS will unleash the most powerful demonstration of the Ubiquity advantage. A suite of reports, encompassing building performance, operations and energy are in development and projected for Q1 release.

The Ubiquity reports will provide multi-building businesses like banks, retailers and restaurants with a level of information and management control never before possible.

Imagine being able to compare each site in your enterprise based on HVAC runtime, temperature set points, and dozens of other factors. Managers will be able to use these reports to pinpoint trouble sites and take corrective action to avoid energy waste and protect building assets.

For the reports, TCS has developed a unique Composite Rating System (CRS) that allows managers to obtain a snapshot of how each building, or group of buildings, is performing based on certain criteria. Managers will be able to set their own benchmarks, making the reports customizable for any enterprise.

Watch for details on the reports in early 2007. If you are an end user, I welcome your input on reports, and would be happy to give you some sample copies to get your feedback. If you're interested, give me a call at 800-288-9383 ext 430.

Commissioning and programming via PDA

With more and more technicians using PDAs, TCS Basys Controls is developing commissioning and programming software specifically for use on PDAs. Tentatively named “Ubiquity Mobile,” the software will allow users to program controllers and entire networks from their PDA. Watch for details on this program in early 2007.

Preferred Contractor Program

Our Preferred Contractor Program got off the ground in 2006, and we plan to start building on our early success by filling in locations without coverage and providing more benefits to members. If you aren’t aware of the Preferred Contractor Program, it gives member contractors several advantages including:

- First option to bid on national account installation work in their market area
- Reduced prices on TCS factory training
- Recognition as a TCS preferred contractor
- Sales promotions and contests
- Free listing on the TCS web site contractor search

If you’re not in the program and would like to be, call me at 800-288-9383 ext. 430.

TCS continues to grow and develop high quality, innovative products and services. Watch for these and other new developments in 2007.