October 1, 2026 | Company NewsProduct News
If you’re using a Eurotherm/Chessell 6100 Series recorder or specifying a new digital recorder, there’s an important product change to be aware of: the 6100 Series is being phased out and replaced by the Watlow EPM Data Management platform.
So, what does that mean for your application? And why would you need a recorder in the first place?
Watch our video with Mark Pfender and Hugh Davison for a quick overview of digital recorders, why they’re still important in modern control systems, and what’s new about the Watlow EPM.
What Does a Digital Recorder Do?
Simply put, a digital recorder stores process data so you can go back and review it later.
This can be important for applications where you need to document a process, meet regulatory requirements, troubleshoot an issue, or simply understand what happened during a process.
As Hugh explains in our video, having access to a process value in the moment isn’t necessarily the same as having a historical record of that data.
Why Use a Recorder If You Already Have a PLC or Control System?
This is a common question.
A PLC or control system reads inputs, processes information, executes control logic, and communicates with other devices. But depending on the system, that doesn’t mean the process data is automatically being stored for historical review.
Seeing data isn’t the same as storing data.
A recorder such as the EPM can be dedicated to collecting and retaining that process history. It can also receive data through communications, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be connected directly to every measurement being recorded.
A simple way to think about it:
PLC / Control System: Controls the process
Recorder: Documents the process
Of course, PLC and SCADA systems can also be designed to store historical data. The right approach depends on the application and what the historical record needs to accomplish.
Is a Recorder Difficult to Configure?
Compared with programming a PLC, configuring a dedicated recorder can be relatively straightforward.
With the EPM, you identify the input, select what type of signal it is, configure the scaling, and you’re ready to record. For example, you can configure inputs for thermocouples or 4–20 mA signals without building the control logic required for a PLC.
The EPM can be configured from the front panel, and Watlow also provides configuration software for the device.
What’s New About the Watlow EPM?
The EPM brings several changes to the traditional recorder platform.
Modular, Hot-Swappable I/O
One of the biggest differences is the expandable I/O architecture. The EPM uses individual I/O modules that can be added or removed as the application changes.
The modules are hot-swappable, allowing I/O to be added or removed without taking the entire recorder offline when the appropriate procedures are followed.
Built for Expansion
The EPM-07 provides 9 I/O slots, while the EPM-15 provides 18 slots. Available modules include universal analog inputs, analog inputs, digital inputs, and relay outputs.
And the platform is designed to do more than basic data recording. Watlow’s EPM platform includes capabilities such as math functions, alarms, timers, counters, totalizers, batch recording, and communications.
Watlow has also indicated that future firmware updates will introduce additional capabilities, including programmable logic control and power control.
What If I Already Have a 6100?
If you have a 6100 Series recorder operating today, obsolescence doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace a functioning unit immediately.
But when it’s time to replace an existing recorder or specify one for a new application, the Watlow EPM is the platform to consider going forward.
Watlow also provides a migration process for moving existing 6000 Series configurations to EPM, which can help simplify the transition.
The right replacement will depend on your existing I/O, configuration, communications, panel, and recording requirements.
Need Help Replacing a 6100?
At Neal Systems, we can help you determine what you actually need from the replacement rather than simply matching the old recorder.
We’ll look at questions like:
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What signals are you recording?
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How many channels do you need?
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Where is the data coming from?
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How long does it need to be retained?
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How is the data accessed?
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Can the existing configuration be migrated?
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Can the existing panel be reused?
Watch our video with Mark Pfender and Hugh Davison for a quick overview of digital recorders, why they still matter in modern control systems, and what’s new with the Watlow EPM.
Have questions about replacing a 6100 Series recorder? Contact us to discuss your application.
September 25, 2026 | Company NewsProduct News
The most popular controllers are now on our shelf and ready to ship.
Neal Systems now stocks some of the Eurotherm and Watlow controllers our customers use most often. By keeping these products on the shelf, we can get commonly needed controllers to our customers quickly instead of waiting on standard lead times.
Our stocked selection includes:
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Eurotherm 3200 Series
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Eurotherm 3504
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Eurotherm EPC3000 Series
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Eurotherm nanodac
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Watlow F4T
These are some of the highest-demand controllers across our customer base and are available for a range of temperature and process control applications.
Need something configured for your application?
Not every application calls for an off-the-shelf configuration. In addition to our stocked selection, NSI can configure and build controllers to order in-house.
Our team can help determine the right controller and configuration based on your application requirements, then provide a solution ready for your system.
Need a Eurotherm or Watlow controller? Contact us to check availability or discuss your application.
June 19, 2026 | Company NewsProduct News
The industrial sensing and tank gauging landscape continues to evolve as leading technology providers consolidate to better serve regulated industries like oil & gas, petrochemical, and bulk liquid storage.
Recently, Cognesense brought together two highly respected brands in this space, L&J Technologies and Varec, under a unified platform focused on measurement, monitoring, and industrial safety.
Both companies have long histories in tank gauging, inventory management, and liquid measurement systems used across terminals, pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities.
A Unified Platform Approach
By combining these legacy technologies under Cognesense, the goal is to create a more integrated ecosystem across:
- Tank gauging and level measurement
- Inventory and terminal management software
- Environmental and operational monitoring systems
- Safety and compliance-driven industrial applications
For operators, this consolidation is designed to improve long-term product alignment while maintaining continuity of existing systems.
What This Means for Oil & Gas Operators
For end users in the oil and gas sector, this transition does not remove or replace existing systems. Instead, it reinforces continued support for installed technologies while aligning future development under a single strategic platform.
Operators in:
- Pipeline infrastructure
- Storage terminals
- Refineries
- Bulk liquid handling facilities
can expect continued availability of L&J and Varec technologies with enhanced integration over time.
NSI’s Role: Continued Local Expertise and Distribution
Neal Systems is proud to announce that we are now an official authorized distributor for both L&J Technologies and Varec under the Cognesense platform.
This allows NSI to provide:
- Direct access to both product lines and 25+ other top-tier lines
- Application engineering support for system selection and design
- Assistance with upgrades, replacements, and legacy system integration
- Local expertise across the Mid-Atlantic
As the industry continues to consolidate, having a knowledgeable partner becomes increasingly important. NSI remains committed to helping customers navigate these changes while ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operations.
If you are currently using L&J or Varec systems or planning a new project our team is available to support your application needs.
April 28, 2026 | Company NewsProduct News
We’re excited to share that Neal Systems (NSI) is now the official representative for KELLER Pressure in Maryland and Virginia.
Over the past year, we’ve supported KELLER across the Northeast helping customers implement reliable pressure and level measurement solutions in real-world applications. Expanding into MD and VA allows us to bring that same level of service, responsiveness, and technical support to a broader region.
Why KELLER?
KELLER has consistently impressed us – not just on paper, but in the field.
Their submersible level transmitters, in particular, stand out for their:
- Reliability in demanding environments
- Accuracy you can count on
- Practical features, like re-ranging via RS485
Add in U.S.-based manufacturing in Virginia and fast turnaround times (often under a week), and it’s a solution that’s built to perform and keep your projects moving.
Request a quote here.
What This Means for You
If you’re operating in Maryland or Virginia, you now have direct access to:
- Local support
- Application guidance from engineers who understand your challenges
- A partner who stays involved beyond the initial install
Meet Your Local Resource
Supporting this region is Shaun Baines, Territory Manager for Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.
Shaun brings a unique background, including 20 years in aviation engineering with the U.S. Coast Guard, along with an MBA from Auburn University. He now leads NSI’s efforts in the region, working directly with customers to solve application challenges and deliver reliable solutions.
When he’s not working with customers, you’ll likely find him on his 40-acre farm in Louisa, VA – usually with a few projects (and animals) to keep him busy.
Visit his bio page here to contact him directly.
About Neal Systems (NSI)
We help customers solve real-world challenges across pressure & flow, wireless, data acquisition, RTUs, SCADA, and more.
Our goal is simple: be a true partner. That means responsive support, practical engineering expertise, and solutions that work in the field.
Visit our service and solutions page for our offerings or contact us here.
