Simple, versatile, robust. The Sontex Supercal 5 ticks all the boxes and there’s no better way to sum up this new award-winning metering unit.
In this review, we’ll be looking at why the Supercal 5 has been dubbed the “future of energy metering” and what impact it’s going to have on the data reading and collection industry.
We’ll be looking at:
Design
Functionality
Environmental & Sustainability
Design
Let’s start with the overall design, following on from their predecessor (The Supercal 531), the Supercal 5 has had a huge facelift.
It’s more spacious yet lighter and more user-friendly, but what we will say is that every aspect of the design, from the user interface to the simplicity in functionality – as well as everything else we’re going to touch on – has been meticulously well-thought-out.
There is more space for wiring internally, three different options for mounting the device to the wall or flow meter and the ability to customise the unit with branded logos and more.
The options for Data logging has massively improved too, previously data was collected and stored on a 30 day rolling period and overwritten every 15 months. This has now been improved to have data logged on a daily basis and stored on the device, capable of lasting 25 years plus! There are numerous communication output options as well.
The display has improved too, whereas before you could only read one row of information, now you are able to read across several rows, diagnosing any issues there and then.
The handy backlight on the enhanced display, allows you to see the LCD display on the device without the need for a torch.
Functionality
Opening the unit has never been easier, inside you’ll see more space for various wires and components.
In a more structured manner, they’re easier to track to know which wire goes where with the mains wire keeping out the way, looping around the interior of the device.
It’s clear to see that the ease of use, simplicity factor has certainly been taken into account. And has never been easier for installers who are multi-tasking and don’t have enough hands, to install the Supercal 5 in a short amount of time.
Gone, are the many wires needed to connect from a laptop to the unit and instead, you’re able to connect via NFC to your smartphone through a special Sontex app (currently only available on Android phones).
Of course, the option to still plug into the unit via a laptop, tablet or other device is still supported.
However, the sleek, simplistic nature of connecting to your smartphone and controlling everything through the app, is a true game-changer.
The Supercal 5 also doubles up as both a heating and cooling calculator, whereas other units don’t have this capability and instead, installers need to buy one for heating and one for cooling.
Furthermore, the device is IP65 classed, as it can be used outdoors and is able to withstand rain, snow, hail, and any other type of weather and still continue to function at 100%
The overall simplicity yet ruggedness of this unit means it will last a lifetime and is arguably future proof.
Environmental & Sustainability
The environmental and sustainability factor plays a huge part in the overall design and construction of this metering unit.
Firstly, everything is locally sourced in Europe and made in Switzerland, compared to most competitive devices out there which are manufactured outside Europe.
This makes the Sontex Supercal 5 environmentally friendly as there is no importing, saving on fossil fuels and air mileage being clocked.
Quality testing is done in house and to a high standard so that any issues are diagnosed and improved before being dispatched. Because of all this, the Supercal 5 has an enhanced lifespan compared to other devices on the market.
As the UK Government and other Governments across the globe start to become more aware of the impact climate change is having, you have to say that the Supercal 5 is innovating and leading the way for a smarter, sustainable future in energy efficiency and energy consumption.
The Bottom Line
Looking at the features compared to its predecessor, taking into account the LoRaWAN capability for the future of metering reading and data collection, you have to say that the Supercal 5 is truly the next-gen in metering units.
Not to mention the Sontex Supercal 5 is already winning awards.
The “Plus X Award” is the world’s largest innovation prize for technology, sports and lifestyle and the Supercal 5 excelled in all category’s innovation, high quality, ease of use and functionality.
With the previous model being discontinued in 2023, DMS Metering Solutions advises installers to start migrating over to the newer model.
However, DMS will continue to offer technical support for at least 5 years after the previous model has been discontinued.
Overall, taking into account the design, the functionality, the environmental and sustainability factor, it all comes together in this well-refined, harmonised metering unit which could change the future of our industry.
