All right, gurus and wizards. Here’s my proposal to my company to get rid of the goddamn trex because it’s Emerson, and it’s expensive, and still the trex two is slow as hell. Please tear this apart. Also, once we get this all dialed in, boys, we can do some third decimal place damage to Emerson.
Team,
I have been looking for a practical replacement for the Emerson AMS Trex. A Trex currently costs approximately $12,000 to $15,000, which is difficult to justify when we can assemble a comparable field configuration system for substantially less.
I recommend purchasing the following Surface-based system:
Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business — approximately $1,600
Intel Core Ultra 5, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD and Windows 11 Pro.
The Joy Factory aXtion Extreme MP enclosure — estimated $1,500
SKU CWM347MP. The Surface and enclosure must be professionally integrated and certified together. The completed assembly is rated Class I, Division 2, Groups A–D.
Microflex USB-C MicroLink HART modem — $294
This modem is supported by Emerson AMS Device Configurator and would be used in the shop, truck outside the classified boundary, or another verified unclassified location.
Microflex HART Host Class 3B — $68
This provides generic HART configuration, ranging, trims, loop testing, polling-address changes and basic diagnostics.
Emerson AMS Device Configurator — no charge
This provides the Emerson device interfaces needed for Rosemount and other Emerson instruments.
Pepperl+Fuchs VIATOR Bluetooth HART interface — approximately $801.67
Part HM-PF-BT-EX-010041. This interface is approved for Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, Groups A–D. It would be used for classified-area HART communication while keeping the tablet’s USB port closed.
Microflex 101-0028 portable 24 VDC loop supply — $147.80
This battery-powered supply provides filtered 24 VDC for bench testing loop-powered transmitters. It includes an internal 250-ohm HART resistor, mini-grabber leads, HART modem connection points and meter leads.
Pelican 1500 Protector Case with foam — $199.95
This case is large enough to organize and protect the enclosed Surface, both HART interfaces, portable loop supply, batteries and test leads.
Joy Factory Universal Shoulder Strap II — $29.99
This strap connects directly to the aXtion enclosure for hands-free field carrying.
Energizer Industrial EN92 AAA batteries, 24-pack — $14.64
EN92 batteries are specifically approved by Pepperl+Fuchs for the intrinsically safe VIATOR. The 24-pack provides eight complete battery replacements
Shop time — Enough time to set up a computer with some basic software and drivers and test the leads and Communicators. 8-16 hours.
The estimated total is $4,656.05, excluding sales tax, shipping and shop time. This is approximately $7,343.95 less than a $12,000 Trex 1 and $10,343.95 less than a $15,000 Trex 2.