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RTR Software

Real Time Recorder Software for Dynamic Containment Applications

High-performance Modbus middleware for grid frequency services
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What is RTR Software?

RTR – Real-Time Recorder is a specialised Modbus polling engine developed by Hitec Instruments  software team. Designed for high-speed interrogation and data collection from SATEC meters and other Modbus-compatible devices, it is suitable for building cost-effective solutions that meet the demanding requirements of National Energy System Operator (NESO). 

This robust application is optimised for minimal processor power and RAM usage, ensuring efficient operation even on less powerful hardware. It supports multiple CPU architectures and operating systems, making it equally at home on enterprise servers and low-power industrial embedded computers. 

RTR is not a SCADA system or a general-purpose data logger. It is the dedicated middleware layer positioned between your metering devices and the systems that consume their data whether that is a SCADA platform, a database, an API, or a cloud environment ensuring data arrives fast, complete, and reliably. 

As the developers of RTR, we also offer custom-built solutions that can accommodate diverse project requirements and operating environments from software-only deployment through to fully integrated hardware and software packages. 

10 ms Polling · Windows & Linux · x86 & ARM · Modbus RTU & TCP · NESO Ready · FCAS Compatible

Key Benefits

High-resolution data capture
Polling at rates down to 10 ms ensures fast-moving grid events are recorded with the resolution that compliance and analytics require.
Grid compliance confidence
Built-in support for Dynamic Containment, G100, and FCAS removes integration uncertainty at the compliance stage.
Continuous waveform recording
128 samples per cycle across 6 channels in real time, without consuming meter memory previously only available on premium platforms.
Long-term site reliability
Minimal CPU and RAM usage on embedded hardware. RTR runs continuously for years without maintenance, reboots, or intervention.
Flexible data delivery
Outputs in your preferred format and transmits via the channels your infrastructure already uses no vendor lock-in.
Full meter capability realised
Built by our experienced developers RTR exploits the full communication and recording capability of the hardware, not a fraction of it.

Where Standard Integrations Fall Short

Hitec Instruments meters are engineered to poll at rates as fast as 10 ms. Most SCADA and general-purpose polling tools are not configured or built to make use of that capability. The result is a persistent gap between the hardware’s potential and what is actually delivered on site.

Common limitations of generic integrations:

  • Polling intervals typically limited to 1–5 seconds
  • Fast communication protocols left unused
  • No continuous waveform recording capability
  • No built-in support for G100, Dynamic Containment, or FCAS
  • Unable to satisfy National Grid ESO's 20Hz/50 ms acquisition requirement

How RTR addresses each of these:

  • Configurable polling from 10 ms, matched to SATEC meter capabilities
  • Fully exploits SATEC fast Ethernet and RS-485 communication
  • Continuous waveform recording without impact on meter memory
  • G100, Dynamic Containment, and FCAS workflows fully integrated
  • Meets National Grid ESO 50 ms data acquisition requirements

Key Features

#1

High-Speed Polling

Configurable polling intervals down to 10 ms for grid frequency services, continuous monitoring, and high-resolution analytics. Ten configurable intervals to match the precise requirements of each application: 10 ms · 20 ms · 40 ms · 50 ms · 80 ms · 100 ms · 200 ms · 400 ms · 500 ms · 1000 ms

Low Resource Consumption

#2

Optimised for minimal processor power and RAM usage. Proven on embedded platforms such as the MOXA UC-2101 (600 MHz). No memory leaks. Designed for continuous, unattended operation no reboot or maintenance required.
Continuous Data Logging and Waveform Capture

#3

Real-time waveform recording at 128 samples per cycle across 6 channels, without consuming meter memory. A capability previously associated only with premium platforms— now accessible with SATEC hardware.
Multi-Platform Support

#4

Compatible with Windows and Linux on x86 and ARM architectures, 32-bit and 64-bit. Suitable for server environments and low-power embedded controllers alike. Configured via plain-text file, operated via command line no vendor lock-in or proprietary dependencies.
Flexible Output Formats and Transmission

#5

Saves collected data in CSV, XML, JSON, and SQL/NoSQL databases. Files can be saved locally and/or transmitted to FTP/SFTP servers, over HTTP/HTTPS, gRPC, or via custom API. Custom data format development is available for projects with specific requirements.
Full Modbus Read/Write and Advanced Automation

#6

Bidirectional Modbus RTU and TCP across multiple devices simultaneously enabling both data collection and device control from a single integration layer. Includes email alerting, error logging, clock synchronisation monitoring, derived parameter calculations, and bay control automation.

Key Features

Technical Specifications
Feature Details
Polling Rate Up to 10 ms (10 · 20 · 40 · 50 · 80 · 100 · 200 · 400 · 500 · 1000 ms)
Processor Compatibility x86 and ARM, 32-bit and 64-bit
Operating System Support Linux, Windows
Interface / Configuration Command line; configuration via plain-text config file
Saved Data Formats CSV, XML, JSON, SQL, NoSQL
Data Transmission Local storage, FTP/SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS, gRPC, custom API
CPU & RAM Usage Optimised for low processor and RAM demand
Communication Ports Ethernet, RS-485
Communication Protocol Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP (read and write)
Waveform Recording 128 samples per cycle, 6 channels, real-time — no meter memory consumed
Stability High stability for continuous 24/7 operation, no memory leaks, field tested
Grid Compliance National Grid / NESO (50 ms), Dynamic Containment, G100, FCAS
Installation Simple installation. No ongoing maintenance required.

Data Formats & Protocols

  • CSV
  • XML
  • JSON
  • SQL / NoSQL
  • FTP / SFTP
  • HTTP / HTTPS
  • gRPC
  • Custom API
  • Custom Format
  • Modbus RTU
  • Modbus TCP

Applications

  • Dynamic Containment (National Grid NESO)
  • Frequency Control & Monitoring (FCAS)
  • G100 Export / Import Limitation
  • Metering data collection
  • Bay control & automation
  • Utility-scale PV plants
  • Continuous Waveform Logging
  • BESS & hybrid energy systems
  • Metering Data Archiving
  • DC metering aggregation (PV / BESS)
  • EV charging infrastructure
  • Embedded edge-metering applications
Dynamic Containment requires data acquisition at 50 ms intervals a hard technical requirement, not a guideline. Meeting this reliably demands both fast metering hardware and software specifically engineered for the task. RTR was designed to do precisely that.

For SATEC Agents & Specifiers

Stronger hardware specification

Project developers gain confidence that SATEC’s hardware performance will be fully realised on site not constrained by an integration layer that cannot keep pace with the meters it is reading.

Eligibility for demanding grid services

Dynamic Containment, G100 compliance, FCAS, and continuous waveform recording were previously achievable only with more expensive metering platforms. RTR makes these capabilities accessible with SATEC hardware.

A complete, integrated solution

Specifying SATEC alongside RTR means presenting an end-to-end solution hardware, middleware, compliance tooling, and bespoke development capability across the full project lifecycle.

Deployment Options

Option 1
Software Licence

Deploy RTR on your own hardware. Straightforward installation, configuration via plain-text file, command-line operation. A free demo version is available on request.

Option 2
Software with Technical Support

The software licence with email and telephone support, comprehensive documentation, and access to regular updates from the development team.

Option 3
Bundled Hardware and Software

We can supply and pre-configure cost-effective embedded hardware — such as the MOXA UC-2101-LX — with RTR installed and ready for site deployment.

Option 4
Bespoke Integration Service

As the team behind RTR, we can develop custom solutions tailored to your specific application, operating environment, and data architecture requirements.

Get Started

A free demo version for SATEC METER INTERROGATION is available on request. For project-specific enquiries, integration consultations, or information about bespoke development, our technical team is available to assist.
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