Have you ever run into a project where an off-the-shelf Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) or Power Distribution Unit (PDU) just doesn't cut it? Maybe you've got weird dimensions in your cabinet or you need that one special feature that never comes standard? It can be tough to know what to do.

For most applications, standard network monitoring and power control gear will do about 80% of what you want - maybe more. That's great until you bump into that final 20% and realize that the "one-size-fits-all" approach actually fits no one perfectly. That's where I can help you build something custom, so you don't have to settle.

Why Generic Devices Can Often "Miss the Mark"

I've worked with plenty of clients who start with a stock solution, only to find out later that it's missing something they need. Sure, you can force something to fit, but you'll be sacrificing something. As one client of mine once said of some wire termination they didn't like, "That way of doing things has run its course. It's sloppy."

Here are the usual suspects:

• Physical Constraints: Your cabinet space is tight, and standard gear won't fit nicely. You might need something to integrate seamlessly with third-party gear. One client even told me, "We're trying to optimize and make a very clean install on this new build." They needed a custom form factor.
• Function Gaps: Maybe you need SNMP-enabled power cycling or dual power feeds (AC and DC) in one box. Off-the-shelf just doesn't usually come with that type of combo.
• Inefficient Solution Stacks: If you're stuck using multiple devices to do the job of one, that's more wiring, more clutter, and more points of failure. After a while, it's just not worth it.

How We'll Start: A 30-Minute Web Meeting About Your Project Specs

When you call me, my first step isn't to push you toward a product I already have. I can absolutely give you an overview of all DPS products, but it's my hope that you have some specific project specs to share.

You tell us what you're trying to accomplish - your goals, constraints, and "nice-to-haves." We'll talk about what's bugging you about the current "not good enough" solution.

Then we translate your vision into a practical design that's informed by our decades of experience. Because we handle engineering in-house, we can quickly iterate, making sure we're addressing your key challenges without endless back-and-forths or prolonged wait times.

The philosophy here is simple: You should never have to give up comprehensive network visibility or pay through the nose just because you need a custom feature. At DPS, your request isn't a nuisance. It's an opportunity to create a better solution for you and, quite possibly, for others facing a similar challenge down the road.

One time, a client came to me needing a DIN-mount RTU that could handle AC and DC power plus terminal server capabilities, all in a super-tight space. That's not something you'll find sitting on a warehouse shelf. Instead, I worked with them to hash out every detail. Then I hopped over to our Engineering team to confirm what was possible...

(Virtually) Prototyping Before We Build Anything

(Take a minute to understand the "virtual prototype" concept, since it will be important in the next section.)

Here's one of my secret weapons: I create a virtual prototype for you. Think of it like a photorealistic mock-up of a device that doesn't exist yet.

With a few clever design tools, I can take an existing RTU or PDU, stretch it, shrink it, rearrange ports, and basically morph it into the perfect form factor you've been describing.

"We put something together, shared that with the client saying, 'This is what we're envisioning. How's that match up with your expectations?'"

Once you see that virtual prototype, it's easier to spot potential issues. Maybe a port's too close to a big connector you plan to use. Maybe you'll look at it and say, "Can we rotate it 90 degrees so the cables run cleaner?" We can handle all that in the design stage before we cut the aluminum box or build the circuit board.

A Real-Life Example: The Custom DIN-Mount PDU

Okay, let's get back to our example:

A utility company needed a device that integrated AC plugs for test gear, DC outputs for critical devices, and a terminal server for remote access. Oh, and it needed to fit into a space just a few inches wide. Easy, right?

Starting from a NetGuardian DIN as a baseline, I virtually "stretched" the chassis, added the needed AC and DC connectors, and mocked it all up in a neat, photorealistic image. After the first review, the client said, "This looks good, but can we improve heat dissipation and rearrange some ports?" Sure thing - no problem.

The second revision was a winner. It fit their constraints perfectly and included every feature they needed, all in a tidy package that saved them time, money, and rack space.

That Was Just One Example. What Do You Need?

Obviously, you're not likely to need exactly the same device as another organization.

Maybe you need dual NICs for redundancy. We can add that for you.

Maybe you need a device that replaces three older devices, consolidating everything into one box to simplify your life. We'll do that.

Need to mount it in a very specific orientation to save rack space? We can change the layout, move the mounting screws, or make other changes you need.

We're able to do this because we've built in-house teams. We have CAD specialists, engineers, and manufacturing right under one roof, so tweaks can happen very fast. We're not waiting for another factory halfway around the world to adjust a drawing.

If you want a something changed, we can handle that now.

You Can Use Customization to Future-Proof Your Equipment Investment

Another thing I love about custom solutions is that they're built with (the foreseeable) tomorrow in mind.

Networks evolve. Power requirements shift. New protocols emerge. When you have a custom RTU or PDU built by DPS, you're not painting yourself into a corner. We design with contemporary standards and build in some room for you to grow.

Example: Integrating terminal servers, fiber connectivity, and RTU functionality all into one device means fewer headaches down the road when you expand. It's all in one box, ready for whatever the future throws at it.

"We added dual NICs because many clients have redundant networks. This ensures flexibility if one network goes down."

DPS In-House Manufacturing: Going From Idea to Reality

Once you sign off on the virtual prototype, Engineering creates a real CAD design and a physical prototype. We'll test it and ship it, and you'll evaluate it. If it's not perfect, we'll tweak it again.

The result is a perfect-fit device that makes your operations easier and more reliable - whether you're monitoring telecom networks, power substations, radio sites, or something else entirely.

DPS Devices are Built from "Building Blocks" You Can Customize

Think of DPS products like a box of customizable building blocks. Each block - whether it's a certain type of input, an environmental sensor, or a special mounting configuration - can be rearranged or combined to create a device that fits your exact scenario.

Over time, as more clients request new things, our library of available blocks grows richer and more versatile. This means that your request could lead to a new offering that helps the next client, just as their past requests are helping you now.

That's the heart of the DPS approach: We focus on your unique needs, rely on our in-house engineering to make custom development possible, and draw on a broad set of established building blocks.

No NRE Fees Required

At DPS, we've built our entire process around finding solutions that meet your exact specifications, all while eliminating non-refundable engineering fees that can destroy your budget (especially for smaller orders).

Because we don't want to charge you an NRE Fee, a typical minimum order for a new RTU or PDU is about 11 units. If you need "more than a handful" of something new, let's talk. We'll develop something for you without requiring a massive minimum order or charging you a huge development fee.

We also guarantee everything we build, custom devices included. We'll make you a first article that you can use to confirm the functionality in your own network. Once you approve, we'll build the rest. (And if you're not happy, just ship the first article back. We'll tear up your PO under our money-back guarantee.)

A 39-Year Legacy of Problem-Solving and Adaptation

Over the years, DPS has embraced an expansive range of client requests - from leading-edge capabilities that help you stay ahead of industry trends, to established technologies that have stood the test of time.

What really matters is that each solution is shaped by your needs. We're not just proud of the equipment we've built. We're also proud of the philosophy that guides our process.

As you consider what makes DPS different, remember that every product we have today started as someone's vision for a better fit. Some clients needed to integrate legacy protocols into a modern framework, while others wanted a blend of cutting-edge features they couldn't find elsewhere.

We listened, designed, built prototypes, tested, refined, and delivered. In doing so, we gradually expanded our catalog of building blocks and engineering techniques. The result is a portfolio that's not just... large. It's also exceptionally flexible.

Your custom request today could become an innovative new option tomorrow, benefiting the entire DPS community. We're not here to dictate a solution. We're here to discover it together with our clients. It's this collaborative spirit that drives us to create monitoring and control hardware that you won't need to upgrade prematurely.

Let's Build Exactly What You Need

Don't spend your time wrestling with off-the-shelf gear that almost does what you want. You deserve something that fits perfectly.

If you're ready to make that happen, just give me a call or send me an email.

Call: 559-454-1600
Email: sales@dpstele.com

Together, we'll create a custom RTU or PDU that fits right into your world.