New products

Paul Rohrs

We have been selling (wholesale) North Star water softeners for a couple of years now. They have had
a line out called the Ultra that has some very nice
features....and no, it does not have an aluminum block.

This demand regeneration softener builds a history of usage and does a real nice job softening water. The feature I most appreciate is the phone diagnostic capabilities. If the homeowner suspects there is a problem, they dial the 800 number posted on the unit and hold the phone up to the built in receiver and transmits the potential error code to the manufacturer.

Frankly, we have not had a problem with these softeners, but it makes me think that all of the new, state-of-the-art boilers should have the same built in logic. (?) Wouldn't it be nice to have a print out emailed or faxed to you (the closest registered contractor) before heading to the job site,listing the potential problem or error code?

Reading the October issue of Siggy's P&M article about Lonmark, Bluetooth, and BACnet type software, I think a meeting of the minds are in order with the developers of the current North Star computer chips.

http://www.pmmag.com/pm/cda/articleinformation/features/bnp__features__item/0,,109330,00+en-uss_01dbc.html

I keep thinking that controls (with skilled contractors) are the future of hydronics. I spend quite a bit of time learning new software and control ideas. Imagine what we will have to do to keep up within a few years. It boggles the mind.

Just a thought.

PR