In late 1997, Metra Corporation ceased supporting & repairing the OITs (Operator Interface Terminals). Metra sold the support and manufacturing division to IES based on the past relationship between the two companies. Metra knew that IES could offer superior repair and support services as well as conversions to other OIT platforms and to PC-based MMI software packages.

IES has experience with most OIT's on the market today such as Allen-Bradley PanelView, Eaton IDT PanelMate, TCP QuickPanel and various other manufacturers. We also maintain a development software database for these OIT platforms.

Another option is to upgrade the Metra to a HMI (Human Machine Interface) software package such as WonderWare, Allen-Bradley's RsView, or Intellution's iFix. By combining an HMI with a standard desktop computer the price of upgrade can be minimized. For applications where a computer is required on the plant floor a industrial computer with a touch screen built in can be installed in existing enclosure.

System Repair

IES is the only company to provide a factory quality repair. IES maintains inventory of parts to repair the Metra. We will take your existing Metra and do a full diagnostic to find the problem and then repair it to proper working conditions. We also test the Metra in a plant environment to help find existing problems. Most often we can you have your Metra checked out, repaired and back to you with-in two weeks. If you do not have a backup, IES has Metra's in stock for rent while yours is being repaired to minimize your downtime.

Many of the parts for the Metra have become obsolete which makes repairs impossible on some models. If you are thinking about upgrading, time may be running out. The last thing you want to wait for is a system to die and have no replacement. The following is a list of parts availability

System Upgrades

Upgrades to a PC based HMI software package in most cases can be configured to duplicate the graphics and functionality of the existing Metra application. In this PC based environment, the user is not restricted to the proprietary software and high repair cost currently encountered with the Metra equipment. With IES understanding of the PLC and Metra systems, IES can convert your application in any of several capacities. A typical conversion would be:

1) The user sends his application to IES either by email or regular mail. 2) IES loads the application into a Metra and reviews the application. 3) IES and the user negotiate a price for the conversion. 4) IES purchases the hardware and software to be installed at the use site. 5) IES converts the application and installs it on the system for the user. 6) IES completely tests the system and ensures that it duplicates the Metra application, in most cases this is done with a PLC like the customer is using 7) IES ships the hardware and software to the user for installation. 8) IES can provide on-site start up assistance at the request of the customer.

For information on upgrading your applications to a either PC-based MMI software system or an updated OIT, please contact IES for a proposal. To prepare a quote for your application, we will need the following information:

Type of Metra: 1010CTM, 1010XE, 1010BT, 2001XE, 2002XE, 2002BT

The VAR file. This file is the list of variables that are read from the PLC for use in the Metra.

The MSG file. This file contains the text messages that appear on the screen and in the alarm area at the top of the screen.

All of the PAG files. These are the actual screens that the operator uses to control the system.

The OPT file. This files defines what PLCs are connected to which port and the communication options used by the Metra.

The information can be sent to IES on diskette or by E-mail. For more information and a list of references, please contact us.

Contact Byron Lynch at (334) 281-1616.