Tracer Summit, Tracer-Access, and Building Management Network are the three options available for high level operator interface.

Operator interfaces provide global control and serve as a communication link between the operator and the building management panels. These operator interfaces use a distributed processing architecture, which shares information with building control panels and unit controllers — the other two levels of a building automation system.

Tracer Summit PC Workstation

The PC Workstation is the primary operator interface for the Tracer Summit system. Each PC Workstation provides a graphical interface to system information. The operator has the ability to create and edit system databases, view current and trended information, acknowledge alarms, and perform operator overrides and other operator transactions from the PC Workstation.

ICS Capability

The PC Workstation and the Tracer Summit software serve as a communication link between the operator and the Building Control Units (BCUs) and other equipment. PC Workstations can be connected and disconnected on the ARCNET local area network (LAN) as needed. System operation is not dependent on the PC Workstation.

The Tracer Summit system uses an object-oriented database that resides in the BCUs. Each PC Workstation contains a backup copy of the fully distributed database. The system is scanned at regular intervals to update the database with changes made from any PC Workstation.

Operators have the ability to view the current setup and configuration for all unit controllers, inputs, and outputs for a selected site. This  information can be accessed by a PC Workstation onsite or remotely via a modem connection. Operators with the proper security access can edit, add, or delete objects. Each editor uses a graphic interface that allows for quick and easy revision to setup and configuration values.

Graphical Operation

As a graphical interface, Tracer Summit uses icons and other visual cues to help the operator perform standard functions. Custom graphic displays can be created by the operator to provide a  dynamic visual interface to the software. Graphics from other software packages such as AutoCAD and Micrografx Designer can be used by Tracer Summit. Graphic objects can be linked together to provide a logical, visual progression through the system.

Tracer Summit system communication is based on ASHRAE/ANSI BACnet Standard 135-1995 which standardizes communications between the PC Workstation, BCU, and other BACnet-compatible devices. This enables interoperation with non-Trane building management systems and subsystems.

Application Programs

Tracer Summit offers the following capabilities:

• Time of day scheduling controls schedules for equipment for each weekday, holidays, and exception days. Using time of day   schedules, the operator can define equipment start and  stop times, optimal start and optimal stop times, and night economize times. Each daily schedule can contain multiple actions. Time of day schedules are easily copied from one day to another, or from one area to another.
• Area control allows the operator to coordinate HVAC equipment and lighting in specific areas of a building with the time of day scheduling application. Unit controllers and binary outputs can be assigned as members to an area; the area is then controlled instead of each member individually-making setpoint changes, scheduling, and operator overrides easy and efficient.