eNewsletter

January 2009

Getting the Most from Your Remote Site Security Investment
James Kasperek, Bosch Security Systems, Inc.

Remote sites pose a unique security challenge as they are often unattended for large periods of time – with only occasional occupancy by traveling technicians or other company personnel. While unoccupied by employees, they often house mission critical equipment – such as communications systems that are required for proper functioning of public safety, commercial, Internet or cellular voice and data communications.

Continue Article in PDF Format here: www.remotemagazine.com/images/bosch.pdf

Anybus RemoteCom Simplifies Remote Device Management and Control
With Anybus RemoteCom, HMS Industrial Networks introduces a new product family for remote management and control of automation devices. Anybus RemoteCom is equipped with an internal Web server for remote access of device data including logged data and trend graphs. The integrated alarm and status handler automatically notifies remote supervisors via SMS or e-mail or SNMP if pre-defined events are triggered. Typical applications include remote management and supervision of factory and process automation devices, power generation equipment, as well as heating and ventilation systems in building automation.

As an additional service, a secure central Web server expands the functionality of Anybus RemoteCom. The central server collects and stores logged data in one central location. Storing the data centrally makes it easier to browse through the data from several devices without the need to establish an individual remote connection for each.

Anybus RemoteCom connects locally to any automation device that is equipped with a standard serial Modbus-RTU interface or an Ethernet Modbus-TCP interface. It features RS-232 and RS-485 serial ports. The remote connection is made through the Internet/Intranet via the integrated Ethernet interface. Alternatively, an optional GSM/GPRS network interface can also be used. The RemoteCom can also be connected to an external GPS receiver for geo-tracking of mobile equipment.  The device is set up through the built-in Web interface that can be easily accessed from any standard Web browser with no additional software licenses.

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms Adds Profibus to 8000 Process I/O
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has introduced a new Profibus-DP bus interface module (BIM) for its line of 8000 general purpose and intrinsically safe I/O.

The new Profibus BIM supports the pass through of HART variable and status data with eight-channel HART AI or AO modules. Communications to popular instrument management software, including AMS and FDT-based packages, is over Ethernet. The FDT applications are supported through DTM software provided by GE Fanuc. Through this interface, access to all of the smart features of HART devices, calibration and maintenance history for individually addressable devices, and an instrument database, are available to instrument management software packages.

Trio Datacom Releases J Series Ethernet Industrial Data Radio
Trio Datacom has introduced its J series frequency hopping data radio for industrial Ethernet communications in the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz license free ISM band.

Designed around a 1 watt transmitter output power (900 MHz version) and ultra sensitive receiver, these radios are suitable for the large distances required to be covered in SCADA systems for both point to point and point to multipoint (MAS) applications. 

Each radio includes a wide range of features such as dual independent Ethernet ports and support for legacy RS-232 serial communications. They are suitable for Ethernet/IP protocols (including UDP, TCP, DHCP, ARP, ICMP, STP, IGMP, SNTP and TFPT) and includes a 10/100 auto-detecting interface with MDS/MIDX auto sensing. 

Users of license-free wireless communications are no longer constrained by previously limited operating ranges. The versatile J series data radio can be configured as an access point, remote, bridge or repeater, and there are no limits to the number of repeaters in Point-to-Multipoint and Point-to-Point systems. Other features include a high throughput low latency repeating mode and the ability to use dual high gain directional antennas where a single omni-directional antenna at the repeater cannot provide the desired range.
 
Either Ethernet port can be used for diagnostics and re-programming. Network management includes all configuration via embedded HTML interface and diagnostics compatibility with Trio Datacom TVIEW+ for stand alone network management. Network Management and remote diagnostics are available using an embedded HTML interface, which requires no software other than a standard Web browser.

EnerSys Adds 800 WPC Model to Its DataSafe 16 V Front Terminal UPS Battery Line
EnerSys has added a new product to its DataSafe 16 V Front Terminal UPS Battery line, the 16HX800F-FR. The DataSafe16HX800F-FR is a valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery that produces 800 WPC for 15 minutes to 1.67 volts per cell at 77ºF. DataSafe 16 V are VRLA batteries that provide more power than 12 V batteries and use less space. They are specially designed to back up the primary power system for UPS applications and supply power for 15 minutes until the backup generator is fully operational.

The DataSafe16HX800F-FR can produce the necessary power to handle the runtime for large UPS systems without having to use smaller 12 V batteries that require more strings and therefore drives up the system cost. They have up to 50 percent fewer connections which simplify wiring and helps reduce costs. The high power rating of the 16 V batteries also give users a more economical and space efficient option to large single cell VRLA batteries in high power rated UPS systems.

With the addition of the DataSafe16HX800F-FR, EnerSys offers the 16 V VRLA batteries in three sizes: 500 watts per cell (WPC), 800 WPC and 925 WPC. They require only 44 sq. ft. to support a typical 750 kVA UPS system with a full 15 minutes of runtime.

The Alpha Group Extends Power For Mission Critical Applications
Alpha Energy has introduced a next generation solar power hybrid AC/DC power plant, designed to extend power to remote mission critical applications.

Alpha stocks a 200 amp DC system featuring a Cordex DC controller, 1.8 kW Cordex rectifiers designed for 120/240 VAC input, one battery string with 100 Ah of energy storage and an Apollo T80 MPPT charge controller. This system accepts 4 kW of PV input power on the single charge controller. With 120 VAC input, the rectifier bank can be powered by a small, energy efficient generator with no loss of charging capability.

This custom configurable DC system is a joint effort between Alpha Group members, Alpha Energy and Argus Technologies. Each group brought their expertise to create this hybrid powering solution featuring a remote monitoring computer interface that can be used locally or remotely. Additionally, Cordex rectifiers can be hot-swapped, and rectifiers and inverters capacity can be expanded if the load requirements increase.

VK-64/VK-16 Version 2.0 Network Video Monitoring and Recording Software
Canon has released version 2.0 of its VK-64 and VK-16 network video recording software. In addition to being able to store, manage, archive and access security video, this software offers new features, including enhanced camera control, multiple recording options/modes including MPEG-4, support for audio recording and full compatibility with all Canon network cameras.

The VK-64 version 2.0 network video monitoring and recording software has a suggested list price of $2,499, and the VK-16 version 2.0 network video monitoring and recording software has a suggested list price of $999.

GridWise Alliance Releases Smart Grid Jobs Report: 280,000 New US Jobs Tied Directly to Smart Grid
In a Smart Grid Jobs Report released by the GridWise Alliance, it is estimated that up to 280,000 new jobs can be created directly from the deployment of smart grid technologies. The report explains that Federal investment in a smart grid could act as a catalyst for these planned and immediate direct jobs as well as spawn many indirect jobs.

The Smart Grid Jobs Report was written by GridWise member company, KEMA, Inc.  In addition to the 280,000 direct jobs, the report notes that a smart grid will drive a substantial number of indirect jobs as it enables the deployment of new technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, distributed renewable energy resources such as solar, smart appliances, home automation software and hardware and wind energy generation.  The report does not quantify the number of these indirect jobs. 

"Increasingly a smart grid is seen as a key enabler for the new energy economy and as such, is foundational for the millions of 'green collar jobs' President-Elect Obama is aiming for," said Guido Bartels, chairman of the GridWise Alliance and General Manager Global Energy & Utilities Industry at IBM.

The report projects that a $16 billion Federal investment in smart incentives over the next four years would drive $64 billion in smart grid related projects resulting in approximately 280,000 new direct positions across various categories. 

Mobile Satellite Ventures Changes Name to SkyTerra
Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) has changed its name to SkyTerra.  SkyTerra, presently the name of MSV's parent company (SkyTerra Communications, Inc.) has become the name for all MSV-named entities operating in the US and Canada.

MSV's Canadian joint venture partner Mobile Satellite Ventures, (Canada) Inc. is also changing its name to SkyTerra, (Canada) Inc. to coincide with this change. Since the partners provide mobile satellite services on a North American-wide basis, this will facilitate a harmonized approach to the provisioning and branding of services on both sides of the border.

Axeda Acquires Questra
Axeda has acquired the technology and related assets of Questra Corp. The combination of Axeda and Questra creates the one of the largest software companies dedicated to delivering remote service solutions.

Today, more than 100 of the world’s leading product manufacturers rely on Axeda and Questra to power their remote service initiatives. This critical mass of customers is indicative of the trend away from costly break / fix service toward delivering products with smart services built-in.

The acquisition also brings together an extensive array of strategic partnerships developed by both companies, highlighted by Oracle and SAP. Axeda’s partnership with Oracle and Questra’s partnership with SAP demonstrates the importance of enterprise applications as part of a complete remote service solution.

Poudre Valley REA Selects Landis+Gyr for Advanced Metering Solution
Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association has selected Landis+Gyr for an advanced metering solution covering its northern Colorado service territory. Over the next three years Poudre Valley will deploy a two-way network combining RF Mesh and TS2 power line carrier (PLC) systems operating on a single software platform.

This unique solution provides optimal coverage for meters in the utility’s suburban centers, as well as the mountainous and remote areas better suited to PLC technology. Myles Jensen, Poudre Valley’s Member Services Manager, said the utility’s 14-year relationship with Landis+Gyr was one of the deciding factors in the selection process, as was the company’s ability to deliver a blend of proven advanced metering technologies to provide reliable coverage of all of its member accounts.

Based in Fort Collins, Colo., Poudre Valley provides electric service to an area covering 5,760 square miles between Boulder, Colo. and the Wyoming border. While portions of Poudre Valley's territory are already equipped with the Landis+Gyr TS1 PLC system for automatic meter reading, the installation of an advanced two-way communications network will allow them to move forward with load management and power quality initiatives, including time-based pricing, load control and outage detection. As distributed generation becomes more prevalent, the solution will also provide net metering capabilities and help the utility offset rising power costs by reducing peak loads. Landis+Gyr’s RF Mesh infrastructure also provides a communications backbone for distribution automation and home area networks.

Perpetual Energy Systems Launches 422 kW DC Solar Energy Project In Northern California
Perpetual Energy Systems (PES) has launched its newest project hosted at the City of Willits Water Treatment Plant. The project guarantees a reduction in energy costs and has the capacity to generate approximately 530,000 kilowatt hours AC (kWh) per year to meet 100 percent of the plant’s current power needs.

Buy Your Remote 2008 Conference Proceedings Show CD Today!
Were you unable to attend the Remote 2008 Conference and Expo?  If so, now is your chance to learn about the latest advancements in remote monitoring, networking, onsite power, security and remote smart services from the comfort of your office chair.

The Remote 2008 Conference Staff is offering the show’s proceedings CD for a small cost of $290. Check out the presentations in PDF format, learn about our sponsors and exhibitors and view video of a select number of show presentations. All on one CD, act now!

Visit Webcom’s Online Store to Purchase the Remote 2008 Conference and Expo Proceedings CD: www.infowebcom.com/conf_cdorder2008.php

January 2009
21-22, Solar Power Generation USA, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.greenpowerconferences.com

February 2009
1-6, 2009 Life of a Transformer Seminar, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Contact www.doble.com

3-5, Utility Products Conference and Expo, San Diego, Calif. Contact www.utilityproductsexpo.com

3-5, DistribuTech 2009, San Deigo Caif. Contact dt09.events.pennnet.com/fl/index.cfm

23-26, NATE 2009, Nashville, TN. Contact www.natehome.com

23-24, World Meter Design Congress 2009, San Francisco, Calif. Contact
www.spintelligent-events.com/wmdc09/en/index.php

2nd Annual World Meter Design Congress
February 23-24, 2009
San Francisco, CA, USA

The first World Meter Design Congress has shown that the metering industry is undergoing a transformation – the emergence of the smart grid, new communications technologies, new standards, the rise of advanced metering, increased meter data, energy efficiency, end-customer issues, new component solutions, and globalisation – these developments are all shaping the way meter systems are architected, designed, styled, packaged and manufactured.

This international event provides the only meeting place for the worlds meter design engineers, system architects, research engineers and production professionals to gain insights into the new requirements and opportunities shaping the design and development of next generation metering systems.

The program includes specific technical focus areas including: AMI and meter design requirements to enable international AMI roll-outs; component technologies; HAN technologies; smart design for smart customers; international rollouts and meter design as well as breakfast roundtables discussing system requirements for smart grid applications (23 February 2009) as well as design for AMI on 24 February 2009. Please find additional information on www.metering.com/design or contact Julia Barton-Hill: julia.barton-hill@spintelligent.com

3rd Annual Remote Service Implementation
February 23-25, 2009
Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA

The 3rd Annual Remote Service Implementation Conference, February 23-25, 2009, at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA.

www.iqpc.com/us/RSI

Attend this year’s event and

• Improve your overall strategy for remote services by assessing all the steps needed to have an efficient remote service
• Increase remote services deployment excellence by integrating technology with back-office operations and your service workforce
• Increase the quality of your services by utilizing cutting-edge technology
• Decrease costs and increase the efficiency of your customer service by successfully tackling the complexity of security compliance and security standards implementation

IWCE
March 16-20, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.

IWCE is the pre-eminent integrated communications systems event for the working world. 

Having the ability to receive the right information has never been more important. If you are responsible for the dependability, reliability and interoperability of your organization’s communication system, then IWCE is your must attend event.  IWCE provides the applications and systems you need in order to communicate anytime, anywhere.

 Make connections with 355+ leading edge exhibitors and collaborate in an educational environment that delivers meaningful information that allows you to do a better job. 

From Land Mobile Radio…to Wireless Mobility…Voice…Video…Data…and everything in-between…Communications Technology is Changing…and so is IWCE.

Register by February 16, 2009 and SAVE!  www.iwceexpo.com

Metering, Billing/CIS America 2009
March 22-25, 2009
Miami, FL

In its 10th anniversary year, Metering, Billing/CIS America conference and exhibition will examine the changes and developments effecting the utilities industy. With four dedicated tracks (metering, grid, billing and water), a host of interactive breakfast smart sessions, comprehensive instructor-lead workshops, and a stand-alone MDM seminar, Metering, Billing/CIS America 2009 stands to deliver engrossing content in an excellent networking environment. For further details please contact ryan.matthews@spintelligent.com or visit our website www.meteringamerica.com

SATELLITE 2009
March 24-27
Washington, DC

SATELLITE 2009 is the premier conference and exhibition providing pertinent information, latest trends and actionable solutions to the satellite end-user community.  You’ll have unlimited opportunities to network with the entire satellite spectrum, including C-level executives, engineers and professional peers in communications, technology development, production, network operations and more!  At SATELLITE 2009, you’ll experience more than 280 exhibitors showcasing solutions and the most extensive conference focusing on the vertical markets of the satellite community.  SATELLITE 2009 takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on March 24 – 27, 2009.  Visit www.SATELLITE2009.com to register for the Conference and access to the Exhibition is free.

For more information, visit www.SATELLITE2009.com.

Globalcon
April 1-2, 2009
Atlantic City, NJ

For 2009, 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 2009 conference and expo on April 1-2, 2009 in Atlantic City, NJ. GLOBALCON 2009 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 2009 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 to network 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

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 Convention
April 1-3, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 event is where over 1,200 exhibiting companies and 40,000+ attendees from 125 countries will converge to do business, discuss innovation and exchange ideas.  Join us for four days to learn more about the emerging technologies that enable us to work toward the common goal of taking wireless and broadband communications to yet another level. Register now to be part of the Mobile Life! 

For more information, visit www.ctiashow.com.

ATA 2009
April 26-28, 2009
Las Vegas, NV

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 2400 attendees from all over the world are expected. Scores of new presenters will participate in ATA 2009, keeping your personal continuing education experience fresh and relevant.

Click Here for More Information.

2009 WBF North American Conference
May 4-6, 2009
Research Triangle Park, NC

Automation Engineers, Control Systems Engineers, Systems Design Engineers, IT Professionals, Manufacturing Directors, Manufacturing Managers, Systems Integrators:
Join us for the co-located 2009 WBF North American Conference and 2009 OMAC Integration Symposium! You’ll learn how the best in the industry have addressed the issues and used manufacturing as a competitive advantage.

Click Here for More Info.

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