New FlexMaster conveying control system from Novatec, Inc., Baltimore, is designed for easy expandability at low cost and with minimal wiring. At the heart of the system is a wall-mounted color touchscreen PLC controller. In its basic configuration, it is hard-wired to as many as five vacuum pumps, 32 receivers, and 25 purge valves. Expanding the system involves connecting communication modules (called FlexXpand) to additional local groups of components and then connecting the modules to the FlexMaster controller via a simple NovaNet communication cable. As many as 23 modules can be added, allowing addition of up to 88 more receivers, 15 pumps, and 64 purge valves to the original configuration. FlexMaster can be accessed remotely via Ethernet connection. From a PC anywhere in the world, you can view the controller screens and change settings. The system can also be programmed to e-mail alarms to any PC, PDA device, or smartphone.