 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FastCounter by LinkExchange
to directly access this site.
Details of awards received by the Signpost are here.
All contents copyright © 2000 Readout Publications
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
 |
| | | | |
Instrumentation and Control News
Date of last update as at the top of the list.
Press releases from your company may be sent to any of the addresses shown on our Contacts Page.
See Archive Page for earlier news.
30/6/04
Express-delivery motors and drives catalogue - Baldor Europe has released a new 36-page catalogue overviewing its industrial motors and drives service - supported by large and comprehensive local stockholdings. Free on request, the catalogue details hundreds of DC and AC motors, drives and spares - with many small to medium power ratings available for immediate delivery - providing a valuable resource for automation builders and maintainers alike.
Subscribers numbers up to 25000 - Windmill launched "Monitor" in August 1998 and mailed it to just 42 people. Very soon after they started offering their data acquisition software suite free to everyone signing up. At that time it cost non-subscribers € 500,00 to purchase the software - so not surprisingly a great many people took advantage and tried the software for free. In fact, around 70% of subscribers still download the software and they've given away over 17000 copies of Windmill! Dedicated to PC-based data acquisition and control, Monitor is sent by e-mail every month.
Web server for production monitoring - Press-fit processes are frequently used joining techniques. However, subsequent nondestructive testing of these connections can be very problematic, virtually making in-process testing a must. CoMo Net, from Kistler, is ideal for this purpose, recording the interdependent measurands, e.g. joining force and displacement distance, and evaluating their functional relationship. The evaluation results can then be used to separate nonconforming parts for reprocessing or to divide production into different tolerance classes. Designed as a web server, CoMo Net can be easily integrated into existing Ethernet networks. A web browser running either on an existing visualization unit or on a PC is used for programming and visualizing the current process. The intuitive operating method guides the operator quickly and reliably through the setup procedure for the measuring process.
Intelligent mobile data network - Wyless plc, the Data Network Operator, announced today that it will partner with Sequoia Technology, leading UK supplier of Wireless Technology, who will offer Wyless services as part of its portfolio. As a wireless technology distributor, Sequoia Technology will complement its existing supply of wireless modules and modems with the unique services and capabilities of the Wyless data network. By providing capabilities such as fixed IP addressing, peer to peer connectivity and connection management the Wyless network enhances the development and usage of mobile applications based on GPRS. A Mobile is known as a Cellular Phone in the US, Fón phoca in Ireland and Handy in Germany.
Literature update! - The Automation 3200 brochure has just been updated to show additional features and capabilities available in Aerotech's award-winning Automation 3200 1-32 axis motion, vision, PLC, robotics, and I/O platform. The brochure includes information on the NServo, our digital controller module that can be used to retrofit existing systems with state-of-the-art controls, extending the life of your capital investment while at the same time expanding your control capabilities, all at minimal cost. 
The suicide of exhibitions! - News of the postponement of what has been one of the highest profile trade exhibitions in the world, Comdex in the USA, is, according to Chris Rand, Editor of Engineering Talk, "another sign of the changing way we do business." He goes on to say, and we must say that we agree with his viewpouint, "Regular readers will know that I've always disagreed with those who say the trade exhibition is dead, but equally I'm convinced that there's no longer a place for the most broad-reaching ones of all. This isn't contradictory, it's just the market (you and I, as visitors and even exhibitors) dictating what we want. Over the years, thanks mainly to the efforts of their organisers, exhibitions have forgotten that their real function is to be a place for an industry (sellers and buyers) to have a much-needed get-together, and instead have decided that exhibitions exist to sell things." The success of events such as Manufacturing Excellence in Europe and the ISA show/conference mix in the US would tend to support this viewpoint.
Let's communicate! - Another example of the way exhibitions are going the ProfiBus event in Ragley Hall - somewhere in England - Bob Squirral waxed lyrical about this event. "We had an absolutely fantastic Conference with much new material presented covering the latest developments in ProfiBus, ProfiNet, Profisafe, Profidrive and ProfiBus PA. Over 100 delegates attended, coming from over 20 countries including America, Trinidad and China as well as many countries in Europe." The event was so successful that they plan to host a sequel next year. The Conference Papers and Presentations together with photos of many of the highlights will shortly be presented on the PROFIBUS Group's web site
New Ethernet switch meets rigorous space requirements for automation - The overwhelming industry acceptance of Ethernet has driven Contemporary Controls to introduce an Ethernet switch for industrial automation systems. The EISK switch (dubbed "The Skorpion") is purpose-built for industrial needs, convenient installation, simple and reliable operation, low-voltage input power and above all, low cost. Their compact and rugged EISK5-100T addresses such needs.
Low-cost bench power supply has sequencing software - The EL302P from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is a digitally controlled version of the popular EL302 30 V/2 A laboratory bench power supply that can be remotely operated using a personal computer. The unit is supplied complete with Windows-based control and sequencing software which allows the user to build timed or triggered sequences of voltage and current settings and simultaneously view the status on a PC. A simple Visual Basic applet is also included for users wishing to write their own application or to incorporate this power supply into an existing test program.
First all-electric control valve designed for low-power applications - Woodward Industrial Controls today announced the introduction of the GVP-100, an advanced, fully integrated, electrically actuated control valve system. The GVP-100 is the first control valve specifically designed for low-power, remote gas flow control applications, such as remote monitoring in gas production fields.
Industry's highest-density PXI switch module Automated test engineers now can create ultrahigh-density switch systems in a single PXI chassis by using the industry's highest-density PXI switch module from National Instruments combined with NI Switch Executive switch management software. The new NI PXI-2532 ultrahigh-density module offers 512 crosspoints - the largest matrix density available for a single 3U PXI slot. With the new module, engineers can create an up to 4x2176 1-wire matrix in a single PXI chassis.
Nanofactor in flotation! - The huge potential of the nanotechnology business sector was a key factor in the recent successful flotation of Polaron on the London stock market. Oxford nanoScience Ltd is part of Polaron's Nanotechnology division and has the largest installed base of 3-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) systems worldwide. Oxford nanoScience's 3DAP system offers unique materials characterization capabilities by allowing both visualisation and analysis of materials at the atomic scale and has a leading role to play in both nanotech product development and in-process material assessment. Their managing director, Richard Davies, said: "The Nanotechnology division is one of four profitable divisions that make up Polaron. Polaron has been in business for more than 40 years and recorded a turnover approaching £12 million in 2003. The next few years are going to be very interesting as we expand the Nanotechnology division by organic growth of Oxford nanoScience and the acquisition of other instrument related companies involved in Nanotechnology."
Nanometre spatial resolution for analysis - Outstanding spatial resolution at the nanometre level can be achieved on chemical element mapping in the HD-2300 scanning transmission electron microscope from Hitachi High-Technologies. Mapping and analysis can be achieved using either Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) or Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) systems. In addition to the ability to produce elemental maps at 2 nm spatial resolution, the EELS system also has excellent energy resolution, which makes it possible to resolve adjacent peaks that cannot be adequately separated by EDX methods. EELS is particularly sensitive for detecting trace quantities of transition elements, rare earth elements and low atomic number elements.
Force and torque - A new catalogue on force and torge measurinmg instruments has been issued by Andilog Technologies. The range includes digital force and torque gauges as well as associated manual or motorised stands and software and grips and fixtures.
Extended choice for remote environmental monitoring - Jekyll's newly extended range of Telemodem2 industrial modems is ideal for users and organisations who want to introduce a reliable, remote monitoring capability to environmental monitoring equipment. Flexible data port and interfacing configurations enable the Telemodem2 to link up to a variety of units such as air quality analysers, emissions monitors, water quality analysers, weather stations, tidal gauges, roadside data loggers and water treatment systems. Working from a single location, users are able to save time, effort and costs by communicating directly to a network of remote monitoring equipment without having to visit each individual site station.
UPS installation and troubleshooting made easy - The latest Fluke ScopeMeter 190 Series of industrial handheld oscilloscopes provide the ideal solution for installing and maintaining UPS systems. A downloadable Application Note from the Fluke web site explains how to use a ScopeMeter to easily record the entire switching and investigate it in detail afterwards, avoiding difficult triggering methods. The ScopeMeter 190 Series of monochrome and colour oscilloscopes are truly integrated test tools, combining the three most frequently used service tools - a two channel oscilloscope with bandwidths from 60 MHz to 200 MHz, a true-rms multimeter, and automatic capture and replay of as many as 3000 waveform samples per channel, all in one affordable, easy to use instrument.
Programmable display speeds evolution of vessel control technology - A new generation of programmable displays from TeleflexMorse is helping the leading marine engine supplier, Volvo Penta, to evolve its ground-breaking EVC electronic vessel control system. EVC enables a boat's engine, control systems and instruments to communicate and exchange information via a CANbus network. The display's role is to provide virtual gauges and alarms for a boat's single or twin engine propulsion system, as well as a platform for displaying user interfaces for other networked electronic modules such as helm control and navigation systems.
Conference calls for sponsors and papers - CAN in Automation (CiA) is organising the 10th international CAN Conference (iCC) in Rome (I) from March 8 to March 10, 2005. The event includes two days of conference, one day of workshops and a table-top exhibition. Currently the CiA users and manufacturers group is looking for sponsors of the event. The call for papers runs until November 1, 2005.
Linear motor based part retriever accelerates motor production - Baldor has developed a high performance part retriever for use at the company's stamping plant in St. Louis, Missouri. Based on a new industrialised version of Baldor's LSE linear motor stage, controlled by a MintDrive intelligent single axis servo drive, the retriever accelerates the manufacturing process and provides a more flexible and robust automation solution than the standard mechanical retrievers on the market. The retriever takes motor lamination blanks out of a stamping press, and was initially developed to handle 57cm diameter parts for one of Baldor's series of large frame size motors.
First perimeter protection appliance for industrial operations - Industrial Defender Guard, the first perimeter protection appliance for mission-critical industries designed to provide control systems and networks with complete protection against cyberattacks has been announced by Verano. Guard is the second component of the Linux-based Industrial Defender security suite, originally launched in June 2003. The Guard intrusion prevention appliance is fully integrated with the Industrial Defender monitoring, detection and notification system, adding several security features, including anti-virus filtering, intrusion prevention and a patent-pending Dynamic Lock-Down feature, tied to security threat levels such as those determined by the Department of Homeland Security, providing plants a simple and efficient means to secure mission-critical systems in times of heightened alert-all from the same simple operator-friendly interface.
World's first wide-input 100W eight-brick DC/DC converters - Artesyn Technologies has extended its leadership Typhoon(tm) family of board mounted power with the addition of a new 100W series of eighth-brick DC/DC converters. Known as the 'ultra' series, which push eighth-brick performance to unprecedented levels, the new converters provide single isolated outputs of 2.5V, 3.3V and 5.0V, with continuous current ratings of 40A, 30A and 20A respectively. All three converters provide exceptionally high efficiencies and power densities - the 5.0V model, for example, has a typical efficiency of 92% and achieves in excess of 160W/in3 (9.8W/cm3). The 100W 'ultra' series provides a 35% improvement in power capability over second generation, eighth-brick products and up to 200% improvement over earlier first generation competitor offerings.
Web seminar series on alarm management - World Batch Forum, the worldwide, non-commercial organization dedicated to the advancement of batch process manufacturing, will present a two-part webcast series on alarm management on Wednesday, July 14 and Wednesday, August 11.
World Batch Forum (WBF) members can attend the webcast free of charge. Anominal fee which includes a one-year individual WBF membership. The seminars each last approximately one hour and begin at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1630 GMT).Secure, online registration is available at the WBF website. Click on the "Webcasts" link in the index on the left side of the home page and follow subsequent links to the online registration page.
And the winner is ... - The June issue of EDN Europe listed National Instruments as winner in the T&M catagory in its 14th annual Innovations of the Year, recognising thhe best in the electronics industry. Their new LabView 7 Express graphical development environment was the development that caught the eyes of the adjudicators.
Excellence deep in the Forest of Arden - As usual Read-out has produced a report of impressions from the Manufacturing Excellence conference and this has been published, with pictures, on our web site. This conference is part of a worldwide series organnised by a group of companies including, Huntsman International, Aker Kvaerner, Emerson Process Management, the IEE and BASF IT. Here is our ME Report.
Instrument for hygienic product blending skids - Micro Motion and Rosemount instrumentation from Emerson Process Management are specified by Axflow, a leading supplier of hygienic product blending skids based in The Netherlands. Axflow has engineered pumping and dosing skid solutions for demanding customers for the last 20 years, particularly for supply to food and pharmaceutical applications. A typical recent project involved measurement of pulsating flow from a dosing pump, which is required to deliver an accurate percentage concentration of a viscous dye into a gel product base. Micro Motion Coriolis meters were chosen for accurate dye measurement, previous Axflow experience having shown the meters suitable for this dosing pump application. The main gel flow delivery was measured using a Rosemount hygienic magnetic flowmeter in a 2" line size, fitted with Tri-Clamp connections to suit the requirement. For the future, Axflow noted the smaller space that would have been needed by using the IDF hygienic connections incorporated in the Rosemount meter body itself, which would result in cost savings and a smaller overall skid size.
CAN Bus analyser and exerciser with data-logger, control and display functions - The new PCAN-Explorer CAN Bus analyser and exerciser from Computer Solutions is a flexible Windows program for showing what is happening on the CAN bus and for controlling and interacting with CAN systems.
Arbitrary waveform generators offer up to four channels - The TGA1242 and TGA1244, new from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) are multichannel arbitrary waveform generators with a maximum waveform clock speed of 40 MS/s. Both 2- and 4-channel versions are available. The generators are capable of producing up to four waveforms, which can be either fully independent or linked using simple or complex relationships including full inter-channel triggering, summing and phase control.
WBF seeks papers for European conference - World Batch Forum (WBF), a worldwide, non-commercial organization dedicated to the advancement of batch process manufacturing, is seeking papers for presentation at its European conference, Oct 11-13 2004 in Mechelen,(B). "We're particularly interested in receiving submissions covering data integration using the ISA S95 standard; application of the ANSI/ISA S88 batch standard and data security issues," says Charlotta Johnsson, conference co-chair. "However, papers addressing any batch manufacturing issues will be considered."Deadline for submission of abstracts is July 6. All submissions should be sent electronically, in Microsoft Word .doc format, to info@wbf.org. WBF will notify authors regarding acceptance in late July. Full papers must be submitted to WBF for review by August 24. Please note that the all papers and presentations must be in English.
MES implimented - Camstar Systems, leading provider of enterprise manufacturing execution and quality management systems, today announced that Industeel, part of Arcelor Group, has implemented Camstar's InSite manufacturing execution system (MES), in association with Novotek, a strategic Camstar solution partner and distributor in Europe, to manage its internal supply chain in its Charleroi (B), facility. Industeel, operating three complementary industrial plants in France and Belgium, specializes in manufacturing advanced technology carbon steel, alloy and stainless steel plates for customers in the process engineering, military facilities and special machine building industries.
New PC-Programmable temperature and signal transmitter - Moore Industries' new TMZ PC-Programmable MODBUS Temperature and Signal Transmitter delivers high input resolution and exceptional digital measurement accuracy. The unit accepts a direct signal from a wide array of sensors and analog devices including RTD, thermocouple, ohms, mV, current, voltage and potentiometer. The unit converts the inputs to the standard MODBUS RTU (RS-485) protocol ready for direct interface with
MODBUS-based monitoring and control systems.
New combination I/O module - The new SixNet EtherTRAK Combination I/O Module (model ET-MIX24880-D) has a "double density" design that provides twenty-four discrete inputs and/or eight discrete outputs, and eight analog inputs in one, compact module. The ET-MIX24880-D joins the family of EtherTRAK I/O modules while providing direct Ethernet and/or RS485 connection, which can be used as a redundant backup communication path.
Latest DMMs deliver accurate readings even on difficult adjustable speed drives - Fluke has introduced new and improved Fluke 80 Series V Digital Multimeters (DMMs) with enhanced safety features. The new series includes the 87 V, a test tool designed to deliver accurate readings even on difficult adjustable speed drive measurements. Their 80 Series V DMMs comprise the entry level Fluke 83 V, the Fluke 87 V which includes a plug-in Fluke 80BK temperature probe, and the Fluke 87 V/E Industrial Electrician Combo Kit. The 87 V/E includes an 87 V DMM, a SureGrip Silicone test lead set, a SureGrip Slim Reach test probe set, a SureGrip Alligator clip set, a Velcro strip with hanging magnet, and a convenient C800 hard carrying case. The new meters feature larger display digits and bright white backlights to enable measurements even in very low light environments. They now measure resistance up to 50MW, capacitance to 9999mF and frequencies >200kHz. The standard 87 V temperature probe measures from -40degC to +260degC, while other probes extend the range up to +1090ƒC.
Instrument Company's Hungary operation ranked 5th on annual list of best employers in Europe - Hewitt Associates recently ranked The National Instruments manufacturing plant in Hungary as number five on its third annual "Best Employers in Europe" list. The Pan-European study considered companies with between 50 to 500 full-time employees and was based on the following factors: high level of corporate vision, high level of engagement, clear focus on performance, long-term view and strategic agenda for human resources. The study consisted of an employee survey, a human resources audit and a CEO survey.
Multi-function timers operate 12VDC for mains or battery back-up applications - New Mini-D timers capable of operating from all AC or DC voltages down to 12V are able to run from any mains supply or battery backup in industrial or domestic applications world-wide. The new Carlo Gavazzi DMB51CW24 DIN-rail timers are 17.5mm wide to enable space-saving installation, with multiple timing modes to support virtuallyany process control requirement.
Gear-tooth sensor for automotive transmission applications - The new ATS643LSH from Allegro MicroSystems is a Hall-effect gear-tooth sensor module that is ideal for obtaining speed and duty-cycle information in automotive applications such as transmission speed sensing.
Free CD on temperature measurements- 
Keithley Instruments, a world leader in advanced electrical test instruments and systems, today announced that it is releasing an interactive, tutorial CD on making accurate temperature measurements. Understanding Measurements - Temperature offers insight into the techniques available for measuring temperature and choosing the best method for particular temperature measurement applications. The CD is available free of charge.
Plastics testing from start to finish at K - Lloyd Instruments is planning an exciting display of test equipment at K 2004 (Duesseldorf October). Five of the company's LFPlus test machines will take centre stage to show how to analyse the physical and mechanical properties of polymers at different stages of manufacture using the same machine. A simple changeover of grip or fixture enables a wide range of raw materials and finished products to be tested on the same Lloyd Instruments' test machine. This increases cost-efficiency without compromising on quality for any industry, whether in a quality control, research or training environment. Testing for compliance with international standards is essential in plastics manufacturing to ensure products meet customer and market demands.
New easy-assembly tube fittings handle deepwater pressures - At Offshore Northern Seas 2004 (ONS - Stavanger, 24-27 August 2004), Parker Instrumentation will show major innovations for offshore applications, which dramatically reduce the size and weight of pressure and flow instrument installations, and simplify deepwater applications.
A sticky level situation mastered! - The Rosemount 5600 radar gauge from Emerson Process Management demonstrates reliable performance in the stickiest applications, using advanced signal processing and smart echo tracking features. Liquid phenolic resin is a viscous, sticky liquid - when heated to over 70 deg C and stirred! It also coats anything it touches, so level measurement in the 12 metre high tanks - in the presence of heating coils, agitator paddles and fill tubes - is a challenge for simple radar gauges, with many false echoes from these obstructions. The advanced signal processing technology used in the Rosemount 5600 software (Radar Master) enables reliable surface measurement in such difficult applications.
- IEC 61131-SER Ed. 1.0 (2004-04) Programmable controllers - ALL PARTS This pack contains all publications IEC 61131 available in April 2004 ICS codes: 25.040.40, 35.240.50 SC 65B 788 pages CHF 1,216.00 for a single-user license, and CHF 1,580.80 for a three-user network license
- IEC 61511-SER Ed. 1.0 (2004-03) Functional safety - Safety instrumented systems for the process industry sector - ALL PARTS This pack contains all publications IEC 61511 available in March 2004 ICS codes: 25.040.01, 13.110. SC 65A 301 pages CHF 507.00 for a single-user license, and CHF 659.10 for a three-user network license
- IEC 60044-SER Ed. 1.0 (2004-04) Instrument transformers - ALL PARTS This pack contains all publications IEC 60044 available in April 2004 ICS codes: 17.220.20, 29.180. TC 38 740 pages CHF 1,031.00 for a single-user license, and CHF 1,340.30 for a three-user network license
- IEC 60085 Ed. 3.0 (2004-06) Electrical insulation - Thermal classification Gives guidance on the application of international standards in assigning a thermal class to electrical insulating materials (EIM) or simple combinations of such materials (IEC 60216-1), to electrical insulation systems (IEC 62114) and to insulation for electrical devices. This new edition distinguishes between thermal classes for electrical insulation systems and electrical insulating materials.
The regular email newsletter is entiitled "Just Published." and available from the IEC Webstore.
Mobile equipment manufacturers gain essential test capabilities for latest generation of wireless devices - Tektronix, the leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, today announced the addition of High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) test capability to its series of Wireless Communications Analysers (WCA) for the development of next-generation mobile user and network equipment. The addition will enable designers and manufacturers to test their latest wireless device designs that incorporate HSDPA technology.
Rugged Ethernet and digital I/O PC/104 board lowers size and cost of
embedded systems - Diamond Systems Corp, leading supplier of embeddable computer and I/O boards, today announced the availability of the Mercury PC/104-Plus module. The board has been designed to integrate Ethernet connectivity with digital I/O, eliminating the need to purchase 2 separate boards for embedded computing applications.
International standards news - We receive an email newsletter on a regular basis informing us of updates and new standards availible from IEC. These standards are available through the IEC Webstore. Among standards recently released are:
Latest safety news - The latest email letter from Pilz features the following items: Article: SIL determination News: Plant Assessments Article: Safety and control News: 61508 training News: Safety seminar Update: Industrial safety Story: Ford presses Next Issue Links. It also mentions items other than Pilz only items such as a headline on Jon Severn's new free newsletter and web site for health and safety as reported some days ago on the Signpost. If safety is your bag then a subscription to this newsletter may be in order.
Optical module - New from Jobin Yvon is the VS-70, OEM Optical module consisting of a compact Spectrograph coupled with a multi-channel detector. The VS-70 is designed around an aberration-corrected type IV concave holographic grating with a 70 nm focal length and an f/2 aperture. The optical input is a SMA connector with an integrated slit. The standard unit is supplied with a slit of 100 µm width and 0.5 mm height. Other sizes of slit can be offered depending on the resolution required.
New class device advances second generation fieldbus technology - Smar International today announced that the High Speed Ethernet (HSE) controller employed by its best-in-class System302 enterprise automation system has been registered by the Fieldbus Foundation (FF), now to a greater level of sophistication known as "Class 42a2." Second generation FF systems are designed to utilize both H1 and HSE (fieldbus protocol on Ethernet) technologies.
Value of automation for SMEs emphasised at Limerick seminar - A seminar in Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) last week heard that automation has been driving increased industrial productivity and competitiveness for the past four decades. Andrew Bond, editor of Industrial Automation Insider, gave the keynote address at the event, which was organised by the Centre for Industrial Control Networks (CICN) in LIT and funded by the EU via the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly. He predicted that Ethernet and wireless technologies will bring even greater changes in the coming decade. The aim of the seminar was to increase the level of awareness and use of innovation within the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector at regional level. Patricia Byrne, knowledge enterprise director with Shannon Development, commented: "While we are making steady progress in our efforts to encourage SMEs to increase their expenditure on research and development, we would like to see higher levels of uptake in the future. This will only happen if there is greater interaction between industry and academia".
Full-Speed USB Device for JTAG/BDM Debugging - 2004-Macraigor Systems, a leader in on-chip debug (OCD) technology, today introduced the first full-speed mini Universal Serial Bus (USB) device for JTAG (IEEE Standard 1149.1) or BDM (background debug mode). usbSprite provides embedded systems developers with the smallest, most cost-sensitive, yet high-performance interface available for target OCD. The usbSprite applications programming interface is fully compatible with industry-leading software debuggers, including the GNU tools suite (GCC, GAS and GDB).
Unbiased third-party seminars offer unique view of most-used flowmeters! - Spitzer and Boyes, will again present its unique series of seminars based on the "The Consumer Guide to..." series of books, authored by David W. Spitzer and Walt Boyes. Attendees at previous seminars commented: "helped with basic fundamentals" (flowmeter vendor); "learning how competitors and users view products" (international student); "enjoyed course, very informative" (US government end-user); instructor was "very knowledgeable about topics" (global instrument vendor) The upcoming seminars will be held in Northern New Jersey (US) from 25-29 October 2004.
The purest drop - Sad makes us Happy!! - The latest story on the Processing-Talk 
newsletter discussesw the important matter of genuine Whisk(e)y. Nick Denbow, it's editor says: "How do you tell a Scotch from an Irish? That's maybe not too difficult, but how do you tell that the whisky delivered in a shipment is the real thing? Well a Leeds-based company, maybe appropriately called SAD, has developed a portable instrument that does this, quickly, on only a 5 milliLitre sample. Appropriately its called the HAPI range of portable spectrophotometers. No self respecting spirit drinker should be without his HAPI unit from SAD to ensure he is getting the real McCoy, or even Bells." If you don't already receive this news letter you might find it useful - and tell Nick that we sent you. Sláinte! as we say in Ireland and Scotland. Oh yes if you want to test your tipple Heres how!
Latest multifunction tester checks phase rotation too -
The rugged Fluke/Robin 1650 Series of Multifunction Testers offer increased productivity for electricians and test engineers involved with fixed electrical installations in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. Both Fluke's latest multifunction testers the 1652 and 1653 verify conformity with the 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations all in one instrument however, the 1653 additionally offers a phase rotation test, PC download capability and Earth electrode test.
Solid level - Solartron Mobrey has launched a range of level products for dry materials. Developed as a direct result of customer demand throughout Europe, the range includes three switches and an ultrasonic non-contact transmitter for reliable control of dry materials used in industrial processes. Customers requiring both dry and liquid level measurement can now purchase products from one source, reducing time spent researching, ordering and maintaining new equipment.
Only one week left! - The Manufacturing Excellence conference sponsored by Aker Kvaerner, BASF, Emerson Process Management, Huntsman International, and the IEE. I understand they may be able to squeeze a few more delegates but it is important to register quickly to ensure your place at this important event.
Awards for instrument companies - Finnish company Vacon Plc has been named recipient of Frost & Sullivan's 2004 Industry/ICE (Instrumentation & Controls and Engineering) Company of the Year Award. The accolade recognises Vacon's unparalleled excellence in the global electric drives market.
They have also honoured Emerson Process Management with its Market Leadership Excellence Award in the European industrial flow sensors market. Emerson's complete range of advanced high-performance flowmeters has strong penetration across a broad spectrum of regional and application market sectors. Their flow technology, evident across multiple product ranges, and combined with impressive service focus and marketing expertise, have enabled Emerson to build its leadership position, reports Frost & Sullivan.
Several key global appointments announced - Richard Baars has been appointed as Commercial Manager of FCX Europe. Richard was the Deputy General Manager and a part owner of Ventil Valves & Controls before it was acquired by FCX in 2000. Since then he has made a significant contribution to the on-going success of FCX Ubel & Ventil as its Product and Marketing Manager. In the new role he will play an integral part in the planned development of FCX Europe. Darren Shepherd has been appointed as Sales Director for Industrial products with a remit for developing worldwide business opportunities for FCX's range of Maxseal and IVP commercial products principally through the network of FCX companies, but also through other associated distribution companies.
Alberto Aliani joined Orton in December 1998 as Sales Manager. He became Sales Director in 1999 and in February 2004 was appointed Deputy General Manager. Mr Aliani has an engineering background and many years experience in valve development and design.
Other internal appointments include Guy Leysen as the General Manager of FCX Prometal in Belgium; Francis Carpio as General Manager of FCX Truflo Rona, which is also located in Belgium and Eric Hermus, who has been appointed as Deputy General Manager of FCX Ubel & Ventil in Holland.
New interchangeable and replaceable probe tips are 90% less expensive tip solution - Tektronix, leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, today announced the availability of the P7380 active differential probe incorporating new Z-Active architecture, a probing solution that sets industry benchmarks for bandwidth to 8 GHz and superior signal fidelity with fast risetime and low circuit loading. The P7380 also uses new interchangeable Tip-Clip probe tips that enhance usability and connectivity for solder-in, 'fixtured' and handheld applications and are 90% more affordable than competing probe tip solutions.
Programmable Hall-effect switch ICs are chopper-stabilised for stability at high temperatures - New from Allegro MicroSystems Europe, the A118X is a family of two-wire, unipolar Hall-effect switch ICs designed for use in automotive and industrial high-temperature applications. The new devices use a patented high-frequency chopper-stabilisation technique in conjunction with Allegro's new DABIC5 BiCMOS wafer fabrication process to achieve magnetic stability and to eliminate the offsets which are normally inherent in single-element devices and can also result from harsh application environments.
Agreement to Deliver Economical Framework for Standardised Noise and Vibration Testing - MTS Systems Corporation and National Instruments have announced a long-term contractual agreement to deliver a low-cost framework for standardised noise and vibration testing. The companies will address the critical, unmet need for more cost-effective test solutions that engineers can use in exploratory testing and in standardising test procedures across facilities and among system suppliers. With NI engineering support, MTS is spearheading the development of this new noise and vibration test framework using its current products and NI's industry-standard software and hardware for test automation.
Configurable instruments provide rich information for vehicle/boat/plant OEMs & end users - TeleflexMorse Electronics has released a much-expanded version of its ready-to-use monitoring and display software for SAE J1939-compatible engine and transmission data. Compatible with a range of large-format LCD panels, the software automatically creates graphical instrument panels to display all key parameters and alarms - and adds support for GPS-derived speed data. The new software provides vehicle and boat builders, and plant equipment OEMs, with a ready-to-use instrumentation solution for modern diesel engine powered equipment.
Wideband modulation analyser for next-generation wireless technologies offers world's highest bandwidth - The new VN7100 wideband modulation analyser from Yokogawa Measurement Technologies features a maximum analysis bandwidth of 168 MHz - the world's highest for this product class - making it ideally suited to the development and evaluation of the next generation of mobile and wireless LAN systems. he instrument is designed to be upgradeable with software options so that it 'future-proofed' for addressing new wireless technologies as they emerge.
New organization reflects increased participation by industry members - The Fieldbus Foundation has formed an Indonesian chapter. The new Fieldbus Foundation Marketing Committee (FFMC) - Indonesia conducted its kick-off meeting on May 10, 2004, at which time it elected a pro-tem committee and planned for future activities.
Radar for solids' level measurement - The Eclipse Guided Wave Radar of Magnetrol International handles the most complex and extreme liquid level measurement applications. With its new single and dual flexible probes, it expands capability to effectively measure solids with dielectrics down to 1.9. The new probes are compatible with the Eclipse 708 amplifier, can resist pull down forces up to 1360 kg (3000 lbs) and cover measuring ranges up to 18m (60 ft).
Impressive track record for new projects director - Rail systems control company Transmitton has taken on a new Projects Director with an impressive track record spanning 14 years management experience in the British rail industry. Jason Wassermann's last role was Director of Resource Management at Carillion Transport, where he instigated and then led a 1m Stg investment project to deliver enhanced project management tools and significant operational savings.
New Ethernet media converter extends fibre optic distance to 15 km - Contemporary Controls has announced new capabilities for the media converters in its CTRLink line. The new EIMC-100T/FCS extends fiber distance to 15 km in full-duplex mode, making the single-mode fiber connection via SC-style connectors. This device is ideal for engineers looking to go beyond the traditional 2 km multimode fiber distance when converting between copper and fiber in industrial applications.
New men in Britain - Rob Stew recently left Verano to pursue other opportunities. However Matt Auer has joined Verano as a UK based employee and has hit the ground running. Matt has deep industry experience which may be immediately applied to the needs in the marketplace. Dan davis, Verano's new Vice President, Worldwide Sales (see 27th May News) also announced that Ian Buffey, well known in the RTAP world, also joined Verano last week and will be based in the Manchester, UK area.We understand that Rob Stew has joined Axeda as Channel Director for Europe. Axeda was formed by the merger of E-mation and Ravisent.
New laser product features compact, all-digital design; provides speed and accuracy regardless of presence of surrounding vapour and dust - K-TEK, leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid and bulk solids detection, has just announced the SureShot XP laser transmitter designed for measurement of dry bulk solids, opaque liquids, and slurries in challenging environments. The laser features virtually no beam divergence and is housed in an explosion-proof assembly with screw-on, glass cover for quick and easy access.
New online motion components solutions ordering program launched - More than 400 articles from PortesCap and DPM, DC micromotors BLDC slotted and slotless motors, Disc magnet and hybrid stepper motors, spur or planetary gearboxes, optical or magnetic incremental encoders, servo-drives for stepper, DC or BLDC motors, are all ready to be ordered on Delta Line.
Redefining accuracy and performance benchmarks to meet the exacting demands of high precision electronics, optical and nanotechnology manufacturing industries - Aerotech's ABR1000 ultra-high precision rotary stages combine air bearing technology and direct drive, slotless/brushless servomotors to provide unsurpassed error motion, wobble performance and velocity stability for high-throughput production and test applications such as MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems). MEMS is a specific area of Nanotechnology concerning the integration of sub-micron mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through various micro-fabrication techniques. This rapidly evolving technology demands enhanced-precision automated mechanical systems capable of providing highly stable, accurate and repeatable positioning platforms. The ABR1000 is also well suited to other demanding manufacturing and test applications such as wafer inspection/singulation, DVD mastering, disk drive test/servo writing, optical inspection and fabrication.
It's all going to happen in Ragley hall - The World's leading experts are converging on Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, England, to attend and present at the ProfiBus
International Conference on the 22nd and 23rd of June. Representatives from over 20 of the 27 ProfiBus Competence Centres worldwide will join the Chairmen of some of the 40-plus Working Groups to share in and present a veritable feast of ProfiBus and ProfiNET education presented over the 2 days of the event. Following the Keynote Address from George Turnbull of Open Automation & Control entitled "Towards an Open Distributed System encompassing Acquisition, Control and Safety", the Conference splits into 3 streams. In the main conference hall, the line-up includes case studies such as Automating a Container Port with ProfiNET from Hutchison Port Holdings, ProfiBus in Wastewater Treatment from United Utilities and the use of ProfiBus in Vanguard Class Manoeuvering Room Trainers from Rolls-Royce Marine Electrical Systems.
Precision controller users can now choose between single, dual, quad and six channel products - Summit Microelectronics has announced availability of the SMM465 four-channel precision voltage controller offering margining, the industry's most accurate active control during ongoing operation (+/-0.2% guaranteed), cascaded sequencing , and monitoring. Summit's precision controller family is now comprised of the SMM105, SMM205, SMM465 and SMM665 - single, dual, quad and six-channel devices.
New executive director appointed - The board of directors have named Mike Milinkovich executive director of the Eclipse Foundation, effective June 1. Milinkovich's broad experience in business development, hands-on knowledge of object-oriented technology and responsiveness to the needs of the developer community led to his selection. Originally a consortium that formed when IBM released the Eclipse platform into open source, Eclipse is now incorporated as an independent, not-for-profit organization in Delaware. A vibrant open eco-system has formed around royalty-free Eclipse technology, a universal development platform.
New range of Bluetooth development and evaluation products for low cost/fast track implementation of wireless technology -
Merlin Systems, pioneer of robotics and automation technology has introduced a new range of Bluetooth development and evaluation products that enable fast and cost effective implementation of wireless technology into both current/legacy products and new product development. The range has been designed to allow complete evaluation within the user's application with no specific knowledge of Bluetooth technology required and with all necessary software and hardware supplied.
GSM telemetry oils the wheels of machinery - As a leading supplier of industrial monitoring equipment, Filtertechnik has developed a reputation with customers for delivering reliable products with a high quality service. The PC9000 is one system that monitors hydraulic and lube oils in all manner of machinery from earth excavators to wind turbines. Now, the PC9000 comes fitted with the latest Telemodem2 Mobile low power GSM modem from Jekyll Electronic Technology to offer customers a remote oil monitoring capability. The modem is designed to send a text message alarm to a designated mobile phone, pager or palm top, the moment oil pollution levels exceed a predefined limit during a continuous monitoring process.
Correlator plugs the gap in water leak detection - A new high resolution digital correlator that detects water leaks easily and accurately is being distributed in Britain by Mans International. The Correlux P1, manufactured by Seba KMT, has a reputation with water companies throughout the world for its ease of use, rugged design and rapid result performance.
New application profile for municipal vehicles is released - The CAN in Automation (CiA) international users and manufacturers group has released the CANopen application profile for municipal vehicles (CiA DSP 422), called CleANopen. The specification will allow designing manufacturer-independent components for municipal vehicles, such as garbage trucks. Using this standardized communication, the system designer of a garbage truck can integrate easily units from different suppliers.
Magazines and website change hands - Surprise news this month that Datateam Publishing has acquired eight long-established industrial magazines from Wilmington Media, (including Automation, Design Solutions, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Factory Equipment and Process & Control), together with their dedicated website This latest acquisition boosts Datateam's total number of publications to 32, spanning a cross-section of B2B markets ranging from catering to office equipment. Datateam is based in Maidstone, just a short distance from Wilmington's Northfleet offices, and it is understood that all editorial staff are moving with the titles. There is also a prospect of some editorial staff working from home.
Editor takes over - In an unrelated move, Jo Bennett has take over the editorship of Wilmington's Instrumentation in addition to that of Electronics. Above two items gleaned from the Fisher Marketing's "Technical Press Insider"
Celebrating research and development - Research and development is at the core Arup's success, and on Thursday 27 May, Arup held a party for clients and collaborators, celebrating 40 years since their commitment to R&D was formalised with the creation of Arup Research + Development. Almost every project Arup works on is a prototype and, on projects as
innovative as many of those worked on, R&D is required at every stage, from feasibility, through detail design, construction and throughout the whole life cycle. The role of R&D takes many forms, responding not only to the needs of individual projects, but also to the needs of designers and planners, exploring new techniques and developing new tools, to enable them to be continually at the cutting edge of their discipline.