e-Report

February 2008

Wireless Data Logger Available to Utility Managers Monitoring Temperature and Humidity

Dickson’s Wireless Wizard is now available to utility and other energy industry managers monitoring temperature and/or humidity, in a 30-day no obligation trial offer. Dickson’s Wireless Wizard data loggers can be monitored in real-time from a desktop PC or other computer workstation and eliminate the delays for data downloading and cumbersome cabling of other temperature and humidity data logger technology.

For data storage, the Wireless Wizard features the Dickson Data-Keep system. If data transmission is blocked, the transmitter stores information for up to 9 days and alerts users immediately at their desktop to re-test and re-establish networking conditions.

Setup and network monitoring of the system is eased with the Wizard Signal Sensor. This handheld unit allows users to complete logger setup in minutes and checks the signal strength of logger’s wireless connections at any point in the facility. Additionally, users set up loggers once and never have to move them.

GarrettCom, Inc. and Bow Networks Inc. have released a solution to cyber security threats at remote facilities such as power utility substations. Named the CrossBow Secure Access Manager, the unit is based on proven remote access software solutions from Bow Networks integrated with the security and management features of GarrettCom’s hardened remote networking and security devices. 

This combination provides an Electronic Security Perimeter and auditable secure remote access to intelligent electric devices (IEDs) and other industrial devices and provides electric power utilities with a compliance solution for NERC CIP cyber security standards.

GarrettCom and Bow Networks have entered into a marketing and technology agreement whereby GarrettCom is the exclusive distributor of CrossBow to power utilities in North America. The two companies will continue technology development to enhance the CrossBow Secure Access Manager and CrossBow features embedded in GarrettCom network devices in order to meet evolving cyber security threats and compliance requirements.  Bow Networks is the primary developer of CrossBow server software. 

“With NERC CIP compliance deadlines looming, power utilities are looking to vendors to provide cost-effective solutions, rather than individual products,” said John Shaw, GarrettCom EVP.  “CrossBow provides a complete, easy-to-deploy answer to perimeter and remote access security requirements using proven software from a proven partner.  CrossBow is not only well integrated with GarrettCom products, but has an open architecture that today supports market-leading dial-up gateways and other embedded networking products.”

New Wireless Telemetry System from Ram Technology

Ram Technology, Inc. has introduced a new wireless telemetry system that features 902 to 928 MHz, or 2.4 GHz, frequency hopping spread spectrum technology. No FCC license is required, and the unit is virtually immune to interference. By using a wireless telemetry system, users eliminate costly hard wiring between field installed transmitters and the control system.

The new unit is a multi-process system that can transmit and receive data from any 4 to 20 mA transmitter including gas detection, temperature, humidity, flow, pressure, pH, conductivity, level, weather stations and more. Meanwhile advanced data recognition ensures data realiability and integrity, while simple addressing provides identity for each transmitter.

Extreme CCTV has released its new EX85, which combines dual CMOS megapixel sensors, IP Infrared Imaging ( I3) design and Black Diamond night vision technology.  The result is an advanced level of imaging performance for critical security applications.

Features include detailed 3.1 million color pixel resolution by day, and high-fidelity Black Diamond night vision to 420 ft., by night. The EX85 incorporates Bit-Reduce technology, helping to stabilize networks by minimizing bandwidth requirements and Extreme’s ruggedized outdoor enclosure, field-proven for reliability in harsh environments.  

Digi Cellular Router Replaces Cellular Modems in Low-Speed Applications

Digi International has introduced the Digi Connect WAN GPRS, a second generation (2G), commercial grade, GSM GPRS Class 10 cellular router that provides secure connectivity to remote sites and devices. The router is well suited for applications requiring connection speeds of up to 40 kbps such as remote asset monitoring, meter reading, vehicle tracking, security and many more.

The Digi Connect WAN GPRS provides GSM wireless TCP/IP data communications via cellular networks for primary connectivity to remote sites and devices. It enables drop-in networking to devices that are hard to reach or do not have convenient access to wired connections.

The Digi Connect WAN GPRS features one Ethernet port, one serial port, Digi SureLink for persistent connections over wireless networks, and Digi Connectware Manager for easy setup, configuration and maintenance of large installations. It also supports Python, an object based, free, open-source programming language for developing customized control applications. Python allows application developers to easily use the powerful processing capabilities of the Digi Connect WAN GPRS.

Motorola Selects IdaTech Fuel Cell System to Power Telecommunications Installation

IdaTech plc was selected by Motorola to install and operate the ElectraGen5 XTR system in the Motorola “Real World Showcase” exhibit at the GSMA Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona, Spain. The IdaTech fuel cell solution powered Motorola’s telecommunications equipment for the duration of the event. 

Operating on a liquid fuel, the IdaTech ElectraGen5 XTR system provided a dependable and compact solution for Motorola with no requirements for onsite hydrogen storage.  By reforming and purifying HydroPlus, a mixture of methanol and water, the ElectraGen5 XTR system provides extended run backup power.  In field installations, the ElectraGen5 XTR system helps avoid traditional challenges associated with hydrogen delivery and storage, making it well suited for remote sites such as telecommunications towers where frequent hydrogen delivery is not possible.

During the October ISA100 meeting support formed to address the need for standards for wireless networks in environments in addition to the processing environments on which the first ISA100 standard focuses. The new interest group will be oriented toward factory automation, discrete parts manufacturing, high-speed machines and other non-process applications.

The interest group was formed to explore opportunities and requirements that are distinctly different from those currently under consideration in ISA100 working groups. The interest group will survey the market to define a broad scope of interest in the community, identify interested parties, and analyze current contributions from other organizations. The group will then consider if a standards effort led by ISA is warranted, based on use cases and current efforts underway with other organizations. If so, the group will develop the scope, purpose, deliverables, and schedule for a proposed new working group - which will then work to define and develop the standard for ISA and ANSI approval.

Control Microsystems has announced a new partnership with AutoSol. As part of the partnership, the AutoSol Enterprise Server (AES) will be offered with ClearSCADA 2007. ClearSCADA 2007 combines a online object-oriented database, multi-user development tools, a flexible data historian, alarming, and trending system and an integrated module for electronic flow measurement (EFM). The AutoSol Enterprise Server is an OPC/DDE server that communicates with different manufacturer SCADA and utility-metering devices in their native protocols, over a single or multiple telemetry circuits.

“With AES on-board we can now easily interface with an expanded range of third-party software and hardware systems, said Eric Schwantler, ClearSCADA product director, Control Microsystems. “From extending the service of legacy field devices, to providing the latest in SCADA management technology, ClearSCADA is a very capable host software for EFM and AMR systems.”

Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI) has been awarded a contract by the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) of Eugene, Oregon, for a new comprehensive SCADA system. EWEB is Oregon’s largest customer-owned utility and provides electricity, water and steam to more than 86,000 customers.

As an innovative and progressive utility, EWEB has chosen OSI’s technology due to its modern and flexible control system architecture, which better facilitates future upgrades of hardware and software, NERC Cyber Security requirements and offers a lower recurring maintenance cost. OSI’s monarch system will replace the company’s aging Siemens/Telegyr SCADA system.

The proposed system is based on OSI’s monarch distributed open architecture and includes SCADA, historical information system, calculation and trending subsystem, load shed restoration and disturbance data collection, as well as ICCP and DNP communications. The system also includes the provision for control area monitoring and a full generation control and dispatch implementation in a latter phase, once EWEB becomes an independent control area.

Comverge, Inc. has successfully launched the nation's first ZigBee enabled demand response program as part of a pilot sponsored by the Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies (CCET). Using ZigBee enabled demand response thermostats, named SuperStat, and digital control units (DCUs), Comverge successfully executed load control operations from its hosted data center in Atlanta, Ga. to selected residents in Houston, Texas.

The CCET pilot is designed to integrate demand response systems with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology. The Houston pilot is being conducted across 500 homes within the CenterPoint Energy service territory and includes retail electric provider participation from Reliant Energy, TXU Energy and Direct Energy.

The ZigBee enabled demand response system utilizes an AMI solution from Itron, integrated with Comverge's demand response technology. Itron's OpenWay Centron smart meters, currently being tested in a limited deployment by CenterPoint Energy, communicate with Comverge's SuperStats and DCUs to control central air conditioning systems and other high-usage residential appliances such as electric water heaters and pool pumps.

2008 Remote Conference and Expo Call for Presentations
 

No other industry conference brings together technology users that manage remote sites like the Remote 2008 Conference and Expo. This is your chance to speak with, and educate technology innovators and users from multiple industries, including utilities, power, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, water & public utilities, agriculture and facilities management.

Over 50 conference sessions will provide cutting-edge technology direction and application strategies from the companies and users driving the growth in SCADA, M2M, device networking, data communications, system & site security, emerging wireless technology, remote monitoring and automated control, and onsite powering of distributed equipment, networks and facilities.  

Subject areas include, but not limited to:

For more information about speaking please contact Nick Depperschmidt at: Nickd@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 x.111

For more information about sponsoring or exhibiting please contact Scott Nash at: Scottn@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 x.114

February

19-21, Power-Gen Renewable Energy, Las Vegas, Nev.
Cotact http://pgre08.events.pennnet.com/fl//index.cfm

20-22, World Meter Design Congress, San Jose, Calif.
Contact www.spintelligent-events.com/meter-design

25-28, Optimizing & Securing the Remote Service Infrastructure, San Diego, Calif. Contact www.iqpc.com

27-29, IWCE, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.iwceexpo.com/iwce2008

27-29, Electric West, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.electricshow.com/ew2008

28, SATELLITE 2008, Washington DC,
Contact www.satellitetoday.com/satellite2008/

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

Space is limited but there are seats still available  

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.

Visit www.metering.com/design to register, view the program or for additional information.

For more information please contact Julia Barton-Hill: julia@spintelligent.com
Phone: 888 559 8017 (USA) / +27 21 700 3524 (international).

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.

For 2008, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has teamed up with a powerful cross-section of cosponsors to address innovative energy management programs, distributed generation strategies, HVAC and building systems success stories, green buildings, the role of renewables, energy procurement updates, power quality solutions, and more at the GLOBALCON 2008 conference and expo on March 19-20, 2008, in Austin, TX. GLOBALCON 2008 offers more training flexibility than ever before with a multi-track conference program, intensive seminars, and an energy, power, and facility management expo. Featured topics this year are:

•Strategic Energy Planning •Profiting From Energy Management •Energy Management Success Stories •Distributed Generation & Power •Advanced HVAC Systems •Information Technology •Green Buildings •Energy Efficient Buildings

Visit the GLOBALCON 2008 exposition and discover the latest strategies to reduce costs, upgrade equipment, and improve operational efficiency. Access to this valuable expo is included with full conference registration. The expo offers the chance tonetwork with various equipment and service providers. We have also added a series of FREE workshops to help get you up to speed on the latest technologies and success stories. For full details on any of the events at GLOBALCON, visit the show website: www.globalconevent.com

Industry professionals rate ISC West the best security event in the nation.
That is why over 26,000 security professionals, including dealers and installers, integrators and distributors come to Las Vegas and discover thousands of the latest products and cutting-edge technologies. Find the most relevant security applications that will drive your sales and grow your business. Put yourself at the center of the security universe and find out what's hot today, and how to prepare for tomorrow.
Urban Security – Strengthen your capacity for the protection of our cities, public marketplaces and commercial properties with hundreds of products and services designed for the urban environment.
SmartHome@ISC – Expand your service offerings and grow your revenues by incorporating a multitude of new high-margin products for a fully connected and automated residence.
GLOBAL EXPO – See the latest security innovations from around the world as international exhibitors showcase their products at Global Expo.

http://www.iscwest.com/App/homepage.cfm?appname=180&moduleid=42

ATA 2008
April 6-8, 2008
Seattle, WA

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.

Discover "The Power of Collaboration"
Join over 2,500 of your peers April 29-May 1, in Houston, TX

at ABB’s premier customer event:  Automation World Conference and Exhibition.
Learn about products and services from ABB experts and users, meet with your industry colleagues to discuss their successes and business challenges, and talk directly to ABB development engineers and management.  Explore 40,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits and select from over 300 workshops.

All workshops, training and customer case studies are designed to deliver results!

Top 10 Reasons to Attend!

·        Learning & personal growth
·        Hands-on training with certificates
·        Become more productive & lower costs
·        Access to key industry experts
·        Meet with ABB product development experts
·        Minimize asset life-cycle costs
·        Learn about new technology
·        Get more from your current investment
·        Make great contacts and network with peers
·        Learn the power of collaboration

2008 Niagara Summit 
May 4-6, 2008
Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel, Florida 

The 2008 Niagara Summit is the largest gathering of industry professionals and practitioners developing applications and deploying solutions built around open, interoperability, integration and connectivity. At the Niagara Summit, attendees exchange ideas, discover the latest next-generation solutions and forge partnerships with end users, systems integrators, distributors and manufacturers that make up this dynamic community. 

From the enabling capabilities of Niagara^AX, oBIX and the soon to be released Sedona, to wireless, M2M, industrial, energy and residential applications, attendees will encounter the ultimate educational experience, in-depth presentations and peer brainstorming that provides thought provoking ideas and visionary insight for device-to-enterprise applications and automation infrastructure. 

        WHEN:        May 4-6, 2008 

WHERE:       Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel, Florida 

REGISTRATION: www.niagarasummit.com

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 9-11, 2008
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL
www.sensorsexpo.com

Sensors Expo & Conference is the leading sensors event in North America exclusively focusing on sensors and sensor-integrated systems. The conference program is dedicated to exploring the most up-to-date innovations in sensor technology including physical sensors, sensor networks, biosensors, MEMS/Nanotechnology, Instrumentation & Controls, Intelligent Systems, Machine-to-Machine communication, wireless sensing and IT technology. Sensors Expo & Conference identifies cutting-edge trends, explores them in an information-packed conference program and reflects those trends throughout the exhibit floor with new product announcements, technology focused tours, and a showcase of hundreds of products and services.

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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