Engineering and Upgrade Planning
GDS provides engineering review, bid specifications, equipment selection, and software architecture for new systems and existing installations. We identify the hardware, application changes, and field work needed before defining the upgrade scope.
PLC, RTU, and HMI Applications
Our programming services cover Motorola Intrac, MOSCAD, ACE3600, and MC-Edge RTUs, along with Allen-Bradley, Modicon, and AutomationDirect PLC applications. We adapt established control programs or develop custom logic for the process.
HMI work includes operator screens, alarms, history, and reporting in VTScada, Ignition, Wonderware (AVEVA InTouch), and Intellution iFIX, with testing planned around the retained field equipment. GDS is a Registered Integrator in the Inductive Automation Integrator Program. Our team includes an Ignition Core Certified engineer.
Field Services and Communications
RF surveys, FCC licensing, installation, and communications troubleshooting support both upgrades and installed systems. We also provide preventive maintenance, documentation, and operator training.
After-Hours Support
After-hours support is available for contract customers. We agree on contacts, response arrangements, and the systems covered when the support contract is set up, so your operators know who to call when a problem occurs outside business hours.
Motorola Repair Experience
Our repair-service work for the City of Chesapeake includes ACE power supplies, CPUs, and mixed I/O equipment. We review the equipment before quoting the available repair service, testing, price, and terms.
Upgrades for Existing SCADA Systems
For Medina County, GDS replaced the Wonderware HMI with VTScada while retaining the existing Motorola RTUs and field communications. We can help determine which software changes and field hardware work your upgrade needs.
Repair and Replacement Inquiries
For a parts or repair inquiry, provide the full model and part number, quantity, and a description of the fault or intended change. GDS can discuss repair and replacement options, including spares, and identify what additional system information is needed.
Common Questions
- What should accompany a repair or troubleshooting request?
- Include the full part number and revision, observed symptoms, when the fault occurs, supply voltage and any diagnostic messages. Photographs of labels and connections can help identify the equipment. Contact GDS for shipping instructions before sending hardware.
- How do you decide between repair and replacement?
- We consider the reported fault, equipment condition, available parts, compatibility and the role of the unit in the system. A replacement may also require changes to firmware, wiring or programming. The repair or replacement scope and timing are confirmed after review.
- Can a legacy system be modernized in stages?
- A staged upgrade may retain serviceable controllers or communications while changing the HMI or selected field sites. We review interfaces and dependencies to establish workable phases, including temporary configurations, test requirements and rollback steps.
- Does GDS provide a separate repair warranty?
- No. GDS does not provide a separate warranty on repairs or equipment. Applicable manufacturer warranty terms may cover new equipment. The quote identifies the proposed work and any manufacturer terms that apply; it does not promise a standard repair turnaround.