e-Report

November 2007

Wireless Mesh Technology: Netting Applications Across the Board
Mesh networking offers a new model of seamless mobility that is already transforming wireless data and voice communications for police work, at the scene of fires, in industrial settings, and anywhere instant, wireless information access can provide both economic, quality of life and safety benefits. From initial military, first-responder and municipal applications, mesh networks are being quickly adopted in several vertical markets such as mining, manufacturing, transportation, and other enterprise or industrial settings.

Click here to read the entire article

Telsource Corporation Introduces PremGate™ Remote Access Manager

PremGate Remote Access Manager Offers:

• 24/7 proactive monitoring to minimize service outages and increase system availability
• Secure password-protected, 24/7 remote access to systems and devices for rapid problem diagnosis
• Extended visibility into remote site environmental conditions via three contact closures for contact alarms
• Monitoring for up to six serial connected devices including legacy systems
• Redundant e-mail alarm notification via dial-up connection in case of IP network outage

Effectively managing remote systems and devices to prevent service outages is critical, yet challenging for enterprises. Telsource’s PremGate Remote Access Manager provides integrated in-band and-out-of-band access to remote systems and devices to help you securely, reliably and flexibly manage them. It proactively monitors systems and devices and offers real-time alerts to rapidly detect critical problems and, ultimately, increase system availability and reduce opportunities for lost revenue.

With PremGate, you can remotely access up to six devices directly connected to serial interfaces via an Ethernet interface or modem. Because it is managed remotely through serial interfaces, access is not contingent upon the availability of an IP Network. PremGate also provides three contact closures for connecting contact alarm devices, allowing you to remotely monitor physical and environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, power, physical security and others.

Telsource is a leading manufacturer and provider of comprehensive network technology solutions nationwide for multi-location environments. Since 1984, Telsource products and services have enabled fast, reliable deployment of voice, data and information technology, simplifying management of your network and technology systems. Network maintenance, monitoring and security services maximize uptime, utilizing the Telsource 24/7 Network Management Center and certified field engineering team.

To learn more about PremGate Remote Access Manager and Telsource Corporation, please visit www.telsource.com or call us at 888-835-7687.

GE Energy Releases Digital Cellular Metering Technology for Utilities

GE Energy has introduced its polyphase metering platform, equipped with digital cellular technology to help utilities meet the ruling from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog network (AMPS).

Some of the key characteristics of the kV2c+ meter with Trilliant Networks CellReader include on demand, two-way AMI communications, factory installed under the cover of the kV2c+, full MeterMate support and direct communication with MV-90 meter data collection and processing application. Additionally, the kV2c+ meter has the ability to operate on any public North American network such as Verizon Wireless, Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, Sprint PCS, Rogers Wireless, T-Mobile, ATT Wireless and Motorola private and Sprint/Nextel public iDEN.

Trilliant Networks CellReader products were one of the first underglass standards-compliant two-way advanced meter communications products for commercial electric meters and advanced gas meter instruments. These devices deliver time-sensitive energy data at nearly any time, supporting the growing need for advanced rates (e.g. real-time pricing) and demand response.

GE Energy’s kV2c+ meters provide efficient revenue metering, real-time instrumentation, high-quality power monitoring and cost-effective service measurements. Configurations can meet a wide range of metering requirements from metering energy rates and collecting critical quality of service to collecting load analysis information.

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech has introduced the EKI-2741 family of Gigabit Industrial Ethernet Media Converters. By combining the high speed of gigabit (1,000 Mbps) Ethernet with EMI/RFI noise immunity and electrical isolation of fiber optic cable, the EKI-2741 allows gigabit Ethernet connections spanning nearly 70 miles.

The EKI-2741SX supports 1000Base-SX fiber connections over multimode fiber up to 1,800 feet. The EKI-2741LX supports 1000Base-LX fiber connections over 6.2 miles. For added flexibility, the EKI-2741F supports an innovative Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) slot for optional industry-standard fiber optic transceiver modules, supporting connections up to 70 miles. All units include Link Fault Pass-through (LFP), which allows cable breaks or power failures to be signaled to attached devices, enhancing network integrity, while simplifying network maintenance and management.

Featuring compact and thin DIN-rail mount metal chassis, the EKI-2741 Media Converters are well suited where panel space is limited. They are also ruggedized for industrial applications with dual 12 to 48 Vdc power inputs, 4,000 V Ethernet ESD protection, power line surge protection of 3,000 V and feature an operating temperature range of -10°C to 60°C to ensure system uptime. All modes are cUL (UL/CSA), FCC, CE and RoHS/WEEE certified.

Digi Provides Migration Path for Analog Modem Devices to Cellular Data Networks

When used with Digi cellular gateways, the Digi DialServ works with both dial-in and dial-out applications by simulating the Telco network and converting the requested phone number to an IP address. It makes the device think it is still communicating over Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). When coupled with a Digi cellular VPN gateway/router, the Digi DialServ is able to create a secure connection, even across public networks. The Digi DialServ is easy to deploy and requires minimal configuration.

Digi DialServ is designed to integrate with the Digi Connect WAN family, ConnectPort WAN VPN and ConnectPort X family of cellular gateways. By facilitating wireless IP connectivity to legacy devices where wired connectivity no longer satisfies customer needs, the Digi DialServ also intelligently integrates with Digi's Drop-in Networking solutions.

The Magnum DX900 industrial router from GarrettCom, Inc., enables plant engineers and IT departments to link remote, harsh-environment industrial sites to central systems and operations centers using digital WAN services. The DX900 industrial router supports public or private digital facilities, frame relay services and new MPLS-based IP services. The DX900 is suitable for small to intermediate sized locations such as power distribution substations, transportation systems and water/waste water and pipeline operations.

Industrial networking applications require products that withstand challenging physical environments. The DX900 operates in extreme temperatures from -40 to 85º C without fans or open venting. The DX900 has rigorous electrical surge and electromagnetic immunity, meeting strenuous specifications for power substations. Conformal coating is available for deployment in high humidity or harsh atmospheres such as with refineries and pipeline operations.

The DX900 measures 9 by 9.5 by 1.75 inches and is available with panel or DIN-rail mounting for remote enclosures, as well as rack mounting for larger installations. Internal auto-ranging DC or AC power supplies and integral DDS or T1/E1 CSU/DSUs also minimize the physical footprint and reduce wiring requirements.

The DX900 is a multi-function product that provides a high degree of flexibility as site requirements grow and evolve. The DX900 integrates digital WAN access, IP routing, Serial-IP terminal services, Ethernet switching and firewall features in a single product that consolidates a mix of local serial and Ethernet-based industrial devices over a single Digital WAN access facility.

The DX900 extends the realization of GarrettCom’s Magnum Secure Network Framework (MSNF), integrating networking and security functions over a Digital WAN. Among other elements, it integrates the electronic security perimeter and system management security features required by NERC CIP and other security initiatives. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has developed mandatory Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards for North American power utilities.

Extreme Releases WZ45 Series Day-Night Dome Cameras

Extreme CCTV has expanded its WZ series product family with the release of the WZ45 series Integrated Day-Night cameras. Constructed of robust aluminum, the WZ45 and WZ45N deliver video vigilance amidst the most brutal attacks.

Designed to minimize halo effects common in standard dome cameras, the WZ45 series provides effective surveillance in low-light conditions. A 1/3 inch CCD with Mechanical Filter technology produces 520TVL images while a 3 to 12 mm varifocal auto-iris lens enables increased field of view versatility.

The WZ45N incorporates active-infrared capability to produce 60 ft of evenly distributed night vision. IP66 certified for performance in extreme weather conditions, the WZ45 series is well suited for a variety of security applications.

Portland General Electric Selects Sensus FlexNet AMI

Portland General Electric Company (PGE) and Sensus Metering Systems have entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase of Sensus’ FlexNet advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution. PGE’s current plans call for deployment of the system to approximately 850,000 residential and commercial electric customers between 2008 and 2010, subject to approval by the Oregon Public Utility Commission and PGE’s board of directors.

The FlexNet system provides PGE with two-way communications to Sensus iCon electric meters; enabling on demand reads, remote connect/disconnect services, outage verification and remote firmware upgrades. FlexNet also establishes the platform for additional customer and systems-related benefits in the future.

“We evaluated many vendors during our multi-year selection process and believe that Sensus is the vendor best suited to meet our AMI needs,” said Bruce Carpenter, PGE general manager for revenue operations. “With FlexNet, PGE customers are expected to benefit from expanded services, increased efficiencies and operational savings. Sensus delivers the single technology solution we require for urban and rural coverage, with the power and flexibility for future advanced applications.”

Neoptix Inc. and Qualitrol Company LLC have made plans to develop and produce new solutions for on-line condition monitoring for the electric transmission and distribution markets. The two companies announced a set of broad business and technical agreements to build, market and support a series of new solutions. Initially, Qualitrol and Neoptix plan to work together on issues concerning the integration of data collected simultaneously from traditional methods of temperature measurement and from optical direct hot-spot sensors. Data integration is a key issue facing organizations that want to take advantage of both technologies in order to monitor and optimize their large power transformers. Subsequently, the joint development team will concentrate its efforts on this key challenge.

This new association between the two companies has been well received by customers and partners. “We are very pleased about their working together,” said Rene Bray of Manitoba Hydro, HVDC . “Both Qualitrol and Neoptix have demonstrated their capacity to develop exciting new products and we only see their teaming efforts as positive for us,” adds Rene.

Telvent Miner & Miner has partnered with the City of Burbank Water and Power (BWP) to integrate Responder, the GIS-based outage management solution (OMS) with OASyS SCADA. As both systems are part of the Telvent offering, BWP will benefit from their integration to improve operational efficiency and provide for more timely and accurate data to feed the Responder OMS.

Responder OMS integration with OASyS will leverage BWP’s existing investment in the GIS by providing dispatchers and key management immediate notification while effectively managing outage incidents. BWP implemented ArcFM utilizing ESRI’s ArcGIS technology several years ago, and Responder was another strategic step in taking advantage of their enterprise GIS.

This modern, GIS-hosted Responder system, coupled with Telvent’s OASyS DNA distributed open architecture platform that includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), historical archiving, and web services, will improve BWP electric operations and greatly reduce their system’s restoration time in the event of an outage.

“The OMS implementation and SCADA upgrade will help the company achieve increased operational efficiency and improved reliability, which in turn will contribute towards reduced annual operating expenditures and improved quality of service for the Burbank residents,” Larry Wilke, BWP’s Facilities Technology Coordinator.

ISA has entered into an agreement with the HART Communication Foundation (HCF) to collaborate and investigate opportunities to develop a single wireless standard for process measurement and control applications. HCF publishes the HART protocol, a communication technology for intelligent process measurement and control instrumentation.

As part of the agreement, ISA has granted a copyright license to HCF allowing access to all ISA100 documents at all stages of development. HCF has also granted a copyright license to allow the ISA100 committee on wireless systems for automation access to the HART protocol specification, including WirelessHART. A joint technical committee has been formed to assess the WirelessHART technology for meeting ISA objectives and recommend possibilities for incorporation into the ISA100 family of standards.

“ISA100 has always been guided by the user community in their desire for a single wireless standard,” said ISA100 Co-chair Wayne Manges of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “The level of cooperation now possible re-invigorates that effort. The advantages to the industry, if a single standard emerges, will be reflected in lower cost, increased flexibility, more options, and improved long-term vendor support. Both ISA and HCF agree the goal is a worthy one, and both parties are now working hard to determine how it can be accomplished.”

Save the Date!
2008 Remote Conference
Nov. 5-6, 2008, Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis

For more information about sponsoring and exhibiting contact Scott Nash: Scottn@infowebcom.com

For more information about speaking or setting up a pre-conference workshop, contact Nick Depperschmidt: Nickd@infowebcom.com

November

13-14, Knowledge 2007, Austin, TX.
Contact www.knowledge2007.com

28-30, PowerGen International, Orlando, Fla.
Contact http://pgi06.events.pennnet.com/fl/index.cfm

December

11-13, Power-Gen International, New Orleans, La.
Contact http://pgi07.events.pennnet.com/fl//index.cfm

SCTE’s Conference on Emerging Technologies® 2008 Jan. 14-16 Los Angeles, CA Explore ‘Integrator or Pipeline? Transcending Transport in a Hyperconnected World’ at SCTE’s Conference on Emerging Technologies® 2008 Join top engineering and technology professionals for high-level technical discussions on issues that may transform the telecommunications industry in the next three-to-five years. ET 2008 features four hard-hitting sessions moderated by some of the leading technical experts in the industry, critical networking opportunities, the annual Emerging Technologies Awards luncheon plus much more! Beat the rush—pre-register by Friday, Dec. 21 to SAVE $$$. SCTE’s ET ∙ Jan. 14-16 ∙ Los Angeles, CA ∙ www.scte.org 2008 BICSI Winter Conference January 14 – 17, 2008 Orlando, Florida Join BICSI as we visit the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center near Orlando, Florida for the 2008 BICSI Winter Conference. A one-of-a-kind event for the wire and cabling industry and any information transport systems industry professional, the conference is specifically designed to engage your mind with highest quality educational sessions, exchange your ideas with fellow professionals and take advantage of vast networking opportunities, and expand your knowledge of new products and solutions with industry leaders in the Exhibit Hall. BICSI conferences always draw a diverse group of decision-makers from across the country and around the world who are actively seeking the latest solutions available in the market today. Visit the 2008 BICSI Winter Conference page for complete details. DistribuTECH January 22 – 24, 2008 Tampa, Florida Entering its 18th year, DistribuTECH provides more of the current resources, new industry technologies and fast-track networking opportunities than any other event in the industry. The Leading Annual T&D Event, DistribuTECH encompasses automation and control systems, IT, T&D engineering, power delivery equipment and water utility technology. Expecting 275 exhibitors representing 53 different product groups and 22 unique services and more than 4,500 attendees, DistribuTECH is the event for all your industry solutions. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this dynamic event! Visit www.distributech.com to register today.

NATE 2008 Conference & Exposition
February 11-14, 2008
Orlando, Florida

The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) is a trade association dedicated to providing a unified voice for tower erection, service and maintenance companies. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida will be the site for National Association of Tower Erectors' NATE 2008, the 13th annual conference and exposition dedicated to those who erect, service and maintain communications structures.

Contact: Paula Nurnberg, Operations Coordinator
Tel: 605-882-5865 (or) 888-882-5865
email: paula@natehome.com

www.natehome.com

Power-Gen Renewable Energy & Fuels
February 19-21, 2008
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada

Renewable energy’s potential to curb global warming, increase energy security and diversify the nation’s electricity generating portfolio makes today the perfect time to become a part of this fast-evolving industry.
2008 marks our 5th year as the premier all-renewables conference and exhibition covering the most important trends and issues impacting the industry. Bringing the wind, solar, biomass and alternative fuels, hydro and geothermal sectors together for three days of information exchange and fast-track networking, POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels attracts the biggest names in renewables to discuss technical, strategic, regulatory, structural and economic issues.
www.power-gengreen.com

World Meter Design Congress
February 20-22 2008
San Jose, CA, USA 
 

The World Meter Design Congress provides the only meeting place for the world's meter design engineers, system architects, research engineers and productions professionals to gain insights into the new requirements and opportunities shaping the design and development of next generation metering systems.

The technical program includes specific focus areas on globalization of metering, new systems architectures, utilities future requirements, specifications for smart metering, emerging standards, calibration, meter testing and lifecycle, reliability, packaging, meter communications technologies, interoperability, and open protocols.

For more information please contact Julia Former: julia@spintelligent.com
Phone: 888 559 8017 (USA) / +27 21 700 3524 (international).
Link to: www.metering.com/design

Submit editorial content to Nick Depperschmidt at
720-528-3770 X111 or nickd@infowebcom.com.

For more information on advertising or exhibiting contact Scott Nash at
800-803-9488 X114 or scottn@infowebcom.com.

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