The principle is simple: An inexpensive adapter is connected to either the serial or parallel port on a standard PC. The adapter allows connecting various sensors for different measuring purposes.

It is possible to connect up to 4 sensors to one port. The software supports ports COM1 through COM4as well as LPT1 through LPT3, which allows having up to 28 (!) sensors connected to one computer.

Alternatively our latest development, the Ethernetbox allows connecting 4 to 12 sensors.

Most computers nowadays are part of a network. Therefore it is no problem to access measurement results via IP-protocol over the network. MessPC software offers a multitude of access options from the web browser via a TCP port to XML-format. The MessPC software for windows can be uses as client and server application at the same time! The software is also compatible with SNMPView, Nagios, MRTG and RRDTools. These programs are free and offer along with the MessPC Software or an Ethernetbox monitoring of hundreds of measuring points. Instant data can be either recorded, or sent in form of alerts by e-mail, SMS, Syslog or SNMP traps. Measurements can also be easily transferred to WhatsUp or LabView. Software interfaces for data transfer from MessPC are documented, SNMP is supported. Additional information regarding data transfer can be found here can be found here.

          

That is not all: Even the physical network allows connecting sensors in independent rooms away from the computer running the MessPC Software. Sensor plugs are compatible with the common DV-cabling (RJ45). This allows using them in existing home networks to control measuring values in different rooms over the network.

Given these characteristics and cost/performance ratio the MessPC system is currently unique on the market.