e-Report

December 2007

A Wireless Way to Unleash the Power of HART Data
Wireless technology has had a significant impact on the way business is done globally. It enables a greater degree of connectivity among devices, enhanced monitoring and utilization of existing assets. It also has led to the development of new applications that improve productivity, uptime and overall business performance. The rapid adoption of wireless technology is being driven by the emergence of new standards.

Click here to read the entire article: www.remotemagazine.com/whitepapers/airsprite.pdf

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.

Operations Centers for Digital Oilfields of the Future

Moblize has officially released the Witsml complaint Kanak3.0 software to enable Real time Integrated Operations Centers (RTOCs) for operators and Energy Service companies. Kanak 3.0 software provides a complete picture of drilling offshore/onshore rigs and production sites. Simply put, it can sit at the field site, or office, aggregate data from multiple individual applications like SCADA, Well loggers, PLC, RTU and EFMs simultaneously and then deliver it in real time to any 3rd party surveillance and decision support applications.

Kanak3.0 software merges technology, human element and work processes to help run “Fields a Factory” in real time a key for Digital oilfields. This in turn, leads to better and faster decisions and enables collaboration between people across various disciplines, various locations, access real time relevant data via web and use any vendor software tool to perform real time analysis and modeling.

“Business impact of Real time Integrated Operations Centers in place today is significant” said Amit Mehta, Principal Moblize. “Numbers don’t lie and CERA analysis on implementation of Real time Integrated centers reveals the following: 2 to 10 percent increase in production rate, 2 to 6 percent increase in reservoir recovery, 15 percent reduction in operating costs. We already have over 100 plus real time centers in drilling market and 10 plus in production and counting, he further added.”

CorrTran MV Corrosion Detection Monitors Receive ATEX Approval

Intrinsic safety versions of Pepperl+Fuchs CorrTran MV Corrosion Detection Transmitters with multivariable outputs are now ATEX approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

“CorrTran MV is truly unique in its ability to allow users to monitor online and in real time general and local corrosion rates, as well as conductivity, as they would with any other process variable,” said Jack Lehner, Business Development Manager.  “With ATEX approval, CorrTran MV can now be utilized in explosive atmospheres to help users determine the effectiveness of their corrosion inhibitors, and detect and correct corrosion issues through upkeep and preventative maintenance before they become a costly problem.”

CorrTran MV transmitters can be located in both general purpose, intrinsically safe, explosion/flame proof and Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations and are suitable for direct or remote mounting.  New models feature the same design and dimensions as earlier versions, and can be retrofitted to older units.

Dual LAN redundancy involves two separate physical networks that connect a PC host to the terminal server. On the CN2610, the two networks are connected using two built-in LAN ports. On the PC host, two LAN cards will be required. When dual LAN redundancy is implemented, the PC host will have continuous access to serial devices attached to the CN2610, even if one of the networks fails.

The CN2610's Redundant COM mode is specially designed for redundant LANs between serial devices and a host computer. Using the two built-in LAN ports on the CN2610, the host computer connects to the terminal server over two independent LANs.  If one LAN fails, data will continue to be transmitted between the serial devices and the host using the other LAN.  The main advantage of MOXA’s Redundant COM mode is that the LAN switchover happens instantly. Data transmission between the host and the serial devices will not be interrupted or delayed, even if one of the LANs fails.

The CN2610 can also be used to set up "dual host” redundancy, in which two separate hosts connect to the serial devices over two separate networks. If there is a failure at one of the hosts, data will continue to be transmitted between the serial devices and the other host over the other LAN.

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

Digi International has introduced the Digi DialServ, a phone line simulator that integrates with Digi's cellular gateways to allow legacy devices with built-in modems to easily drop-in to cellular IP networks. Remote legacy devices with built-in modems include devices like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), security panels, automated teller machines and point-of-sale devices. 

Digi DialServ extends the life of existing remote equipment by allowing devices to communicate with a centralized location as if they were TCP/IP devices. Replacing old phone lines with IP communications eliminates the cost of additional phone lines and speeds transaction times.

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.

IEC 61131-3 PLC on an IC Chip Equals InstantPLC

Real Time Automation has released InstantPCL a complete IEC 61131-3 controller on an IC chip with integrated industrial networking. InstantPLC enables manufacturers of industrial and process industry products to immediately embed an industrial controller in their products with Modbus, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet and/or TCP industrial communications.

IEC 61131-3 is the worldwide software standard for programming controllers and is supported by PLC and controls manufacturers worldwide. The InstantPLC supports all IEC 61131-3 languages including Ladder Logic (IL), Instruction List (IL), Structured Text (ST), Function Block (FB) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC).  The initial offering is based on a 32 CPU with 8 Megabytes RAM, 4 Megabytes Flash memory and optionally SD memory card support.

Control system architectures are evolving into highly distributed systems and InstantPLC enables engineers to add control to a wide range of products and applications never considered until now.  InstantPLC solutions for OEM manufacturers, machine builders and system integrators are delivered on chips, small circuit board modules, packaged add-on modules, and control bricks to meet any control requirement.

VSI Meter Services Selected for Western Pennsylvania Metering Project

VSI Meter Services, Inc. (VSI) has been selected as the prime contractor for the West View Water Authority’s metering automation project in western Pennsylvania. The project consists of the automation of approximately 53,000 water meters in the authority’s service area with the Sensus’ FlexNet System, a wireless fixed based system.

This project also includes Sensus water meters. All meters and equipment are being supplied from Sensus Metering Systems through local distributor L/B Water Service. The authority will utilize the Sensus FlexNet system to obtain daily and hourly reads for all of the Authority’s water customers.

"Two of the determining factors in our selection were the overall life cycle costs of the system and the requirement to utilize an experienced, qualified installation vendor,” said Daniel J. Dannenmueller, West View Water Authority Service Superintendent. “West View Water Authority is confident we have made the right decision in the selection of VSI, Sensus and L/B Water Service for our automatic meter reading project. With the implementation of this project, we will achieve greater customer satisfaction and be able to provide a higher level of service and information to our customers.”

AMR Technology Helps Hickam AFB meet DoD Directive 4170.11

Hickam Air Force Base has chosen Advanced AMR Technologies’ (AAT) products to monitor energy usage for its housing and facilities buildings. This AAT solution provides remote end-point monitoring via a wireless mesh network without monthly communication costs. With 220 buildings covering close to 5 square miles, Hickam Air force Base (HAFB) is home to the 15th Airlift Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and PACAF Headquarters.

For many years the 15th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) has been searching for an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system to read the electric meters on base. After considering other options, Hickam's CES enlisted the services of John Lichti from PL Group (PLG) to perform the meter system installation using AAT products. PLG is a certified sales partner for AAT a Peabody, MA, based provider of wireless AMR and Energy Management solutions.

"The AAT system meets all the requirements set forth by the directives and will be completed long before the 2012 deadline," said Lichti.

There were many options to consider, but all options needed to meet the specific criteria set forth by the Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 4170.11 dated November 22, 2005 which states that by the year 2012, electricity, natural gas and water must all be metered with interval reading capabilities for all appropriate facilities.

"Hickam was not ready to take such a big leap to go with Power Line Carrier (PLC) technology for what they considered an unproven technology, said Lichti. “They also wanted something more convenient than a drive-by system, and security concerns related to internet based solutions was something they certainly did not want to deal with. They found cellular AMR systems to be too expensive and if the cellular tower should go down, you're dead."

SmartSynch and Burbank Water and Power Deploy World's First Wi-Fi Enabled SmartMeters

Because electricity reserve margins are diminishing and transmission grids are reaching their maximum load capacity, Burbank Water and Power (BWP), in collaboration with SmartSynch, has begun deploying Wi-Fi enabled SmartMeters, which will operate on a new municipal Wi-Fi network deployed by BWP. The utility serves 45,000 households and 6,000 businesses in Burbank, Calif., with water and electricity. Once fully deployed, the municipal Wi-Fi network will cover the entire city and SmartSynch's Wi-Fi enabled SmartMeters will monitor BWP's entire energy load.

Traditionally, BWP received electricity usage information from meters once a month. If electricity demand exceeded the supply, BWP would buy expensive power on the open market or conduct voluntary reductions. To overcome this problem, BWP has begun deploying the Wi-Fi enabled SmartMeters, which improve energy efficiency and generation margins and reduce impact on the environment and expenses.

The SmartMeters provide BWP with two-way communications that request and receive real-time energy usage information that enables resolution of energy supply issues and reduce expenses. Automating this process allows the distribution, collection and organization of detailed energy usage data from the SmartMeters over a municipal Wi-Fi network to provide greater ROI that traditional meter reading technologies. Additionally, giving customers a means to make informed decisions about their use of electricity helps reduce their impact on the environment, maintain generation margins for improved reliability and reduce the cost of energy.

To support SmartSynch's Wi-Fi-enabled SmartMeters, BWP is deploying a standards-based municipal Wi-Fi network. In contrast to proprietary networks, which some utilities have deployed, standards-based Wi-Fi networks are interoperable and deliver the robust bandwidth required to support the real-time delivery of energy usage data between Wi-Fi-enabled SmartMeters and utilities.

Toronto Hydro Surpasses 345,000 EnergyAxis System Smart Meter Milestone

Elster has announced that Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydro) has installed over 345,000 EnergyAxis System smart meters throughout its service area. Toronto Hydro selected the EnergyAxis System to meet the requirements of the Ontario Smart Metering Initiative.

“Toronto Hydro’s ability to install an advanced metering infrastructure so quickly has been impressive, said Jack Robertson, vice president and general manager of Elster Metering in Canada. “With the residential meters in place, collector meters can be easily added to the network to retrieve hourly interval data. We are pleased that the robustness and reach of the EnergyAxis mesh network has met Toronto’s expectations.”
Toronto Hydro is now extracting and collecting hourly interval residential data from the system daily. They are installing and reading interval data from thousands of additional Elster smart meters each week as part of their smart meter expansion plan.

With advance metering infrastructure (AMI), reading hourly interval data from all residential customers is just one of the things the system provides. Another smart grid enabled feature is the ability to retrieve voltage data from all endpoints. Toronto Hydro's success in reading their present volume of interval meters daily makes this deployment in Ontario, Canada the largest true two-way AMI system in the world bringing back hourly interval data daily from all points.

Remote 2008
November 5-6, 2008
Atlanta, GA

Remote Site and Equipment Management Magazine is proud to announce that the annual Remote 2008 Conference and Expo will be held November 5-6, 2008 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA.

The two-day international conference will serve equipment and facility managers, communications system operators, designers, developers and integrators interested in learning the latest capabilities and best practices in these rapidly advancing fields. This will provide an opportunity to network with peers, professionals and potential business partners involved in technology solutions serving a variety of applications. See the latest products, services and systems available and discover what's coming next.

New topics of discussion for 2008 will include a fourth session track dedicated specifically to cyber and physical security as it related to remote sites and equipment. Additionally, we will be expanding the topics of discussion of our Onsite Power section of the show by including power protection related topics.

For more Information About Sponsoring and Exhibiting Contact Scott Nash: Scottn@infowebcom.com

For more Information About Speaking Abstract Contact Nick Depperschmidt: Nickd@infowebcom.com

January
14-16, SCTE Conference on Emerging Technologies, Los Angeles, Calif.
Contact http://et.scte.org

22-24, DistribuTech, Tampa, Fla.
Contact http://dt08.events.pennnet.com/fl/index.cfm

24-25, Waste Management Finance Forum, London, England,
Contact www.euromoneyenergy.com

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. Optimizing and Securing the Remote Service Infrastructure February 6 - 7, 2007  Doubletree Castle Hotel, Orlando, FL The ability to monitor and repair equipment remotely over the Internet has changed the concept of service for manufacturers in key industries around the world. By increasing customer satisfaction with faster turnaround times and enabling concrete savings on service costs, the technology has allowed implementers to gain a competitive edge over those still using traditional service methods. IQPC is pleased to bring you, by popular demand, a conference dedicated to addressing the technical questions surrounding remote service.

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

The International Wireless Communications Expo
February 25-26, 2008
Las Vegas, NV

The International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) is the ONE place where all industries and communications IT professionals come together to share thoughts and ideas on wireless communications technologies.
If you are a:

• Enterprise User from industries such as security, utilities, transportation, construction, education, retail, healthcare and facilities management
• Public Safety Professional
• Wireless Service Provider
• IT Professional
• Dealer or Consultant

And you are responsible for planning and implementing your organization’s wireless technology future, then IWCE is your must attend event.
http://www.iwceexpo.com/iwce2008/public/enter.aspx

SATELLITE 2008 Conference & Exhibition
February 25-28, 2008
Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

SATELLITE 2008 Conference & Exhibition brings together military, commercial, broadcasting and corporate customers seeking valuable turnkey solutions for their communications networks.
SATELLITE 2008 has 8,500 delegates; more than 270 industry-leading exhibiting companies; a full conference program with more than 50 conference sessions and workshops and many networking opportunities. The event is February 25-28, 2008 in the Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Please visit www.SATELLITE2008.com to register for the FREE Exhibition or for more information about this year's event.

Electric West Exhibition & Conference
February 26-29, 2008
Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center


The Electric West Exhibition & Conference will take place at the Las Vegas (NV) Convention Center, February 26-29, 2008. (conference Feb. 26-29: exhibits Feb. 27-29. While power quality has always been  part of the event, this year Electric West will incorporate the Power Quality & Reliability Exhibition & Conference. There will be 20+ Power Quality Professional Advancement Courses, seminars and technical sessions, all of which will qualify for professional development hours (PDH) under the auspices of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES) and EC&M Seminars. Topics include “Stored Energy & UPS (1&2)”, Flywheel vs. Batteries: the Challenge Continues,” “Critical Operations Power Systems” and more. There will be a free keynote address on the Future of Power Quality. And an Ask the Experts panel discussion. Meet more than 200 exhibitors spotlighting thousands of products.

ATA 2008
April 6-8, 2008
Seattle, WA

ATA's Annual Meeting is the premiere forum for the healthcare industry to discuss clinical and business issues related to telemedicine. The meeting includes hundreds of presentations, posters, workshops and exhibits.

If you are involved with telemedicine technology solutions for healthcare, the ATA Annual Meeting is the single-most important event of the year. More than 2100 attendees from all over the world are expected. Scores of new presenters will participate in ATA 2008, keeping your personal continuing education experience fresh and relevant.  Find out more information in the ATA 2008 Preliminary Program

The American Telemedicine Association is the leading resource and advocate promoting access to medical care for consumers and health professionals via telecommunications technology. ATA seeks to bring together diverse groups from traditional medicine, academic medical centers, technology and telecommunications companies, e-health, medical societies, government and others to overcome barriers to the advancement of telemedicine through the professional, ethical and equitable improvement in health care delivery.

Established in 1993 as a non-profit organization and headquartered in Washington, DC, membership in the Association is open to individuals, companies and other organizations with an interest in promoting the deployment of telemedicine throughout the world.

2008 BICSI Spring Conference
April 28-30, 2008
Nashville, TN

Music City- Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for the 2008 BICSI Spring Conference. Join us as we host our Spring Conference for the Information Transport Systems (ITS) industry at the Gaylord Opryland. Engage your mind at educational sessions to increase your expertise and success in the ITS industry. Exchange your ideas with fellow professionals and take advantage of networking opportunities. Expand your knowledge of new products and solutions with industry leaders in the Exhibit Hall. Come experience the benefits of a BICSI conference in the great city of Nashville where the gracious hospitality and southern spirit will charm you. Visit the 2008 BICSI Spring Conference page for complete details.

ConnectivityWeek
May 20-22, 2008
Santa Clara

To learn more & to register visit: http://www.connectivityweek.com/contactus.asp

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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