Plan according to your needs
Maple producers can build their Magika system at once or in phases. The 3 most common approaches are:
- Stations and equipment automation
- Vacuum monitoring
- The Total
Regardless of the approach chosen, remember that it is very easy to expend your system by adding new devices over time. Moreover, many Magika devices are designed to be expandable. This can allow you to add sensors to an existing device instead of having to buy one or several new units.
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In maple syrup production, high yield implies as few air leaks as possible. Magika's technology can help you achieve this with great efficiency!
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Vacuum at the end of the mainlines
If the head of your mainlines are relatively close (less than 250 ft), it is a great idea to consider units with 3 vacuum sensors as this will reduce the overall cost of your system considerably. For mainlines that are isolated from the others, a device with a single sensor is the way to go. The Magika software will allow you to associate the devices with your mainlines, analyse communications between the modules, and analyse the daily, weekly and yearly performance of each instrumented mainline.
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Vacuum at the pump
In order to detect leaks, we also need a way to determine the vacuum at the pump. There are 2 approaches:
let the Magika software estimate the vacuum at the pump based on the readings for the mainlines, or
install a device at the pumping station to measure the vacuum at the pump. This could be a device with a single sensor or one of the devices for stations that includes a vacuum sensor.
The first approach helps reduce cost and could be a good starting point. The second option provides a more precised analysis and allows other useful options to be integrated at the same time.
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Tired of the numerous trips to the stations or sugar house just to confirm that everything is running smoothly? A simple and affordable device such as the Econo-Station which provides the level of sap in the tank and the vacuum at the sap releaser can literally change your world during the maple season!
This is why producers who operate remote stations or assume other responsibilities during the sugaring season often starts by the monitoring and automation of their pumping stations and sugar house.
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Monitoring
In addition to modules that focus on vacuum and tank levels, one can also add sensors to detect when a door is opened, count the number of sap releaser dumps, the time between each dump, the temperature outside or in critical locations (equipment rooms), confirmation that a pump is running, sap quantity (flow meter), and so on.
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Automation
Automation allows you to remotely start and stop pumps or other equipment. It can also be used to remotely control the vacuum level.
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This option is for producers that want access to all the tools required to maximize their production. In this case, we combine the approaches for the stations and the monitoring of the mainlines to form a complete solution.
Doing it all at once is sometime advantageous, in particular if professional installation is required.
Regardless of the complexity of the project, do not hesitate to contact us. We will do our best to help you build the solution that best matches your particular situation.
How to build my system?
Choose the right equipment according to your needs.
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Choose your coordinator
The network coordinator, also called Master, is responsible to transmit information between the devices and the Magika system. It also helps perform various maintenance activities on your system and facilitates remote support. You will need one coordinator per site. Magika also recommends that you add one coordinator for each station that you want to automate. Each Master needs an internet access.
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Mainline monitoring
There are two options:
We recommend the model with 3 vacuum sensors whenever 2 or 3 mainlines are relatively close to each other (around 250ft or less). For isolated mainlines, it is best to use the model with 1 vacuum sensor.
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Station monitoring and automation
BASIC: the most economical approach to measure only the vacuum at the pump is to use a device with 1 vacuum sensor (REDBV1)
FUNCTIONAL: to monitor both the vacuum at the pump and the level of sap in a tank, select the Econo-station (LEVAV1)
AUTOMATION AND PERFORMANCE
For the most advanced automation needs, please consider the controller devices with 1 vacuum sensor (CTLAV1) or with 3 vacuum sensors (CTLAV3). In particular, you will need a controller device for optional functions such as:- control of your transfer pump
- monitoring of one or more tanks using tank level sensor(s) (LEVSND)
- control the level of vacuum remotely
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Devices for hard to reach locations
In general, structures (sheet metal, softwood, dense woodlands and snow banks), elements of the topography (slope, mountains, valleys) and long distance affect communication between devices. To strengthen communications, we need to add devices called repeaters (REDREP).
Although it is difficult to predict the exact number of repeaters required for a particular installation, a good rule of thumb is to plan one repeater for each building in which a device will be installed and 1 repeater per 4 devices for mainline monitoring (REDBV1 and REDBV3).
Remember that it is always possible to return an unused module (in its original condition and packaging) within 30 days from the date of purchase (see Privacy policy / Therms & conditions).
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Enhance your working conditions in the sugar house!
There are many devices that can help you be more efficient, avoid catastrophic incidents, and ensure smoother operations within the sugar house. These include:
- Tank level sensor with or without controller
- Visual indicator for your tanks level
- Status confirmation for pump, motor, and other equipment
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Need help with the installation?
Not everyone feels the same way about technologies. We are committed to make it work for all producers and this is why we offer a variety of approaches. Learn more.