PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES

摘要

A control system for remotely controlling the application of electric power to a plurality of electrical apparatuses (10) includes a radio transmitting device (20) at a central location, and a radio receiving device (22) and a control unit (16) at each electrical apparatus location. During set-up of an electrical apparatus, programming signals designating the operating protocol or mode and the location of the electrical apparatus are transmitted by a radio programming signal to the control unit (16) associated with each electrical apparatus. Subsequently, timing reference signals containing a multiple-digit computer generated code designating the time of day and the time of sunrise and sunset on a particular day within particular latitudinal zones are transmitted by radio to the control units (16) of all electrical apparatus (10). Each control unit interprets and responds to the timing signals in accordanc e with previously received programming signals to control the application of electric power to the electrical apparatus in accordance with a predetermined operating protocol. Each control unit is also provided with a two-way communication answer back capability to advise the c ontrol command center that previously sent messages have been received and to provide status report information.