eNewsletter

July 2009

The Next Frontier: A Look at the New Generation of SCADA
Steve Robb, Industry Architect, CygNet Software

If information is power, then today’s gas and oil production companies that are processing more than 500 million field data updates per day, are power brokers. But are they using that information to its fullest potential? Can they quickly make sense out of all the information, which may be locked up in remote devices or data centers scattered anywhere across the country, or even the world? And, with these numbers expected to head into the billions by 2010, is the industry prepared or will it drown in data?

Check HERE to Read the Entire Story

SixNet Introduces Device That Saves Users Over 80 Percent of Remote Monitoring and Control Costs
SixNet has introduced a new rugged real-time cellular remote monitoring and control solution. Known as R.A.M. (Remote Access and Monitoring), it allows data logging and SCADA operations to be monitored and controlled from remote locations anywhere in the world via existing secure cellular networks.
 
By leveraging existing secure cellular networks and carrier data rate plans, R.A.M. can save customers up to 80 percent of the cost of a truck roll to a remote site, or 60 percent of the cost of a traditional phone landline, required to access the data at the remote site. 

The R.A.M. is an industrial-grade solution that provides secure cellular data connectivity, as well as programmable remote terminal unit (RTU) functionally. Its Open Source Linux operating system makes it simple for the user to customize the software and integrate applications. The unit includes application tools for alarming, data logging and programmable control. For many users, the hassle free integration with a variety of North American cellular carrier services will be a welcome change from their previous experiences, same hassle free integration soon available worldwide. After setup of the R.A.M. is accomplished by running a simple wizard, the user will realize all the benefits of real-time remote monitoring and control. 

The R.A.M. solution has up to 26 I/O points, five Ethernet, two RS232 and 1RS485 ports. Optional 2G and 3G cellular technologies are available (EDGE, HSPA and EVDO) on a variety of carriers. The power input ranges from 120 to 240 VAC. It is packaged in a rugged wall-mount NEMA 4X enclosure. Its operating temperature range is -40ºC to 65ºC. The panel and its components are designed to meet UL (1604), Class I, Div 2 and other industrial standards.

Typical applications for R.A.M. are oil and gas (automate remote processes), water and wastewater management (remote control of operations), chemical plants (automate data logging), power utilities (monitor status and receive alerts) and energy companies (remote monitoring and control).

New AutoLog Radio and GSM RTU from FF-Automation
FF-Automation has released its new AutoLog RTU for remote monitoring and control. Suitable applications are oil & gas pipelines, cathodic protection, tanks, pumping stations, buildings, water treatment plants, environmental supervision, etc. In principle it can be used for any small to medium I/O quantity applications.

RTU has all the PLC features, PID controllers, clock/calendar controls, data logging, Modbus interface, etc. so users will not need additional automation controllers. AutoLog RTU allows many communication possibilities including radio modem, GSM, GPRS, WLAN, Internet, Intranet, RS-485 and TETRA. RTU’s application programs and configuration parameters can be changed remotely without expensive on-site visits.  

Operators can use traditional control room interface or web browser based interface or the combination of both. GSM phone can be also used as interface. FF-automation’s own ControlMan Internet service gives very flexible and cost effective operator interface for GSM-RTUs. Customer doesn’t need to invest on own server PCs, server room or maintenance personnel. Authorized users can just log in to the service using Internet browser from any PC, anywhere.

FreeWave Technologies LRS455 Licensed Radio Offers Improved Transmission Performance in Rough Terrain
FreeWave Technologies has released the LRS455. The newest licensed radio from FreeWave offers the low power consumption, improved transmission range and added receiver sensitivity. Due to extended RF propagation characteristics (430 to 470 MHz at 2 watts), the LRS455 is well suited for rugged and heavily treed terrain applications in oil and gas, water/wastewater, electric and municipality markets.

The LRS455 complements FreeWave's other licensed radios, the LRS-760 and LRS-140. It offers fast data rate and more noise, making it well suited for long-distance SCADA applications located within rough terrain or heavy tree coverage. The propagation characteristics at 430 to 470 MHz at 2 watts are significantly better than higher frequencies at 1 watt, making the LRS455 radio usable in areas with heavy interference.
The LRS455 provides new system and network management capabilities through the recently introduced FreeWave Tool Suite, an integrated software platform for all aspects of radio and network configuration and diagnostics.

Some of the additional key technical specs of the LRS455 include a 19,200 bps throughput on a 12.5 kHz channel and a 70 mile range with clear line of sight and the ability to extend through a repeater.

Hear Freewave Speak at the Remote 2009 Conference & Expo
Visit www.RemoteExpo.com  for more information

Digi’s New Cellular Router Enables High-Bandwidth Applications in Remote Industrial Environments
Digi International has introduced the Digi Connect WAN 3G IA, a third generation (3G) wireless WAN router for secure primary and backup connectivity to remote devices in severe environments. It supports industrial protocols and features 3G connectivity enabling high-bandwidth applications like remote video surveillance in harsh environments.  It is designed for utility, pipeline, traffic, industrial automation and other industrial applications.

The Digi Connect WAN 3G IA provides support for both HSDPA (GSM) and EVDO (CDMA) connections and features Class 1 Division 2 industrial certification.  It also includes Modbus TCP support for easy connectivity to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and other industrial devices.  Additionally, the Digi Connect WAN 3G IA includes both Ethernet and serial ports, a terminal block for 9 to 30 VDC power, a din rail kit for mounting in industrial environments, and an industrial temperature rating of 13°F to 167°F for GSM models and -22°F to 167°F for CDMA models.

The Digi Connect WAN 3G IA features built-in VPN with IPSec for creating secure connections over public networks. It also features 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 controlling applications.

iSee Video Single Channel Gateway Turns Analog Cameras To IP Based Units
Napco’s Single Channel Gateway marks a new era in remote video surveillance security. The ISEE-SCHGW works by converting any brand of analog CCTV cameras into Internet ready IP cameras. Plug-in Ethernet Over Power (EOP) modules simply plug into AC outlets and the unit instantly begins to send video data wirelessly. ISEE-SCHGW automatically configures to a network regardless of service and modem type.

With MPEG compression, ISEE-SCHGW provides video images with a maximum of 704 by 480 lines of resolution. Secure video can be viewed anywhere in the world through the iSee Video VideoAlert server on any computer or web-enabled device at up to 30 FPS. Our server’s main page (VideoAlert.net) can be customized with a company logo and contact info allowing end-users to associate a brand with their accounts. Strict security measures such as password-protection and scalability allow users to offer thier accounts with video clip storage flexibility (50 MB per camera).

Rockwell Collins Completes Acquisition of DataPath, Inc.
Rockwell Collins, Inc. has completed the acquisition of DataPath, Inc., a provider of satellite-based communication networks. Under the terms of the agreement, Rockwell Collins has acquired all outstanding shares of DataPath in a cash transaction worth approximately $130 million. DataPath, which includes SWE-DISH Satellite Solutions AB, will operate under the Rockwell Collins brand, with financial results reported as part of the company’s Government Systems business. In 2008, DataPath reported revenues of $243 million. The acquisition is expected to be neutral to Rockwell Collins’ fiscal year 2009 earnings.
 
“DataPath’s mobile multi-band satellite terminals, network integration expertise, strong customer relationships and highly regarded field personnel provide complementary capabilities to Rockwell Collins’ existing networked communication offerings,” said Al Caslavka, vice president and general manager, C3I Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “The result is a comprehensive portfolio that addresses the entire communications spectrum.”

SCADA Solutions and Landis+Gyr Partner to Provide SCADA Applications for the Renewable Energy Wind Industry
SCADA Solutions, Inc. (SSI) and Landis+Gyr have formed a strategic distribution partnership to provide a data communication solution for renewable energy through a SCADA application for wind turbine generators. This new application combines SCADA Solutions’ WindCapture SCADA software technology with the Landis+Gyr Gridstream RF network to deliver two-way monitoring, control and reporting functions for wind-powered electric generation.

“We’re excited about our growing relationship with Landis+Gyr, and the opportunity for SSI to incorporate advanced communication technology into the expanding wind industry,” said Mark Merhab, president, SCADA Solutions. “Reliable, fast and accurate data transmission for monitoring, control and reporting functions has become increasingly critical and this partnership is committed to providing end-to-end, advanced communications solutions that will empower the next generation of smart grid wind farms.”

SCADA Solutions and Landis+Gyr recently finalized a Software License and Reseller Agreement to support this partnership. SCADA Solutions’ WindCapture is a SCADA system used for monitoring and controlling, along with data collection and reporting for wind turbine generators. Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream RF network utilizes a peer-to-peer mesh technology.

Many projects will be utility-scale and NEMA companies may partner with or supply the utilities who will act as a project “host.” In some instances, such as in California and Colorado, the state utility commissions plan to hold expedited hearings, which will demonstrate official support utilities seeking DOE funds. NEMA has compiled a list of state Smart Grid dockets or stimulus efforts. The first round of applications will close July 29. Subsequent application due dates are anticipated in December 2009 and March 2010. Applicants, however, are encouraged to apply quickly as funds may not be reserved for future rounds.

The Smart Grid Investment Grant Program was authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. NEMA provided input for both bills, and continues to advocate for grid modernization as a path to the nation’s climate, economic and security policy goals.

PAS Expands Partnership with Lang und Peitler Automation GmbH
PAS and Lang und Peitler Automation GmbH have expanded their partnership to include all of PAS’ Operations Effectiveness solutions. This relationship provides PAS a local presence throughout Europe as Lang und Peitler are a European company known in the area of process and production automation in Germany.

Lang und Peitler have previously completed dozens of installations of PAS’ alarm management software to major process industry companies in Europe. With the expansion of this relationship, Lang und Peitler will deliver alarm management training and services to plant sites in Europe using PAS’ seven-step methodology, which includes documentation and rationalization services, baseline assessments and philosophy development. Additional offerings include HMI graphic libraries, high-performance HMI services, and control loop performance software and services.

“The enhanced partnership provides an excellent opportunity to increase our customers’ safety, reliability and profitability by delivering PAS’ Operations Effectiveness solutions to them,” said Andreas Bieber, Lang und Peitler managing director.

Remote 2009 Conference & Expo IEC 61850/61400-25, DNP3 Workshop
The reality of the world-wide retiring process of the most valuable assets (the senior engineers in the utilities), the aging systems, the companies tightening budgets and lowering sales expectations - could bring some great opportunities for everyone involved in information management of local and remote devices and processes. Less people means less proprietary solutions could be supported. This is the time for a single, internationally standardized and accepted solution: IEC 61850.

In this comprehensive two-day workshop students learn the fundamental concepts and vision of the IEC 61850 standard series. Students compare traditional solutions like DNP3 and the new OPC UA to IEC 61850 and discuss the strength each method offers. All the IEC 61850 standards, their extensions, and many application domains are briefly discussed and the class delves into IEC 61850 real-time and client/server solutions.

Added Attendee Benefits:
Attendees will also receive access to Remote 2009 Conference & Expo morning keynote sessions, networking breaks, lunches, cocktail reception, and the show's expo hall.  

Learn More HERE

July
23, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Seminar, Albuquerque, NM, Contact www.appanet.org

27-29, 5th Annual Smart Services Leadership Summit, San Deigo, Calif.
Contact www.qualcomm.com

August 2009
4-6, 4th ISA Water/Wastewater Automatic Controls Division Symposium (WWAC), Orlando, Fla. Contact www.isa.org/wwac

20-26, APCO, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.apco2009.org

GridWeek
September 21-24, 2009
Washington DC

A realization is emerging that a new view of energy, beyond oil, coal and other fossil based fuels, will result in decentralized components of the electricity grid, a far cry from the central generation and structured system of the past. A smart information network—the Energy Internet—for the electric grid is seen as necessary to manage and automate this new world.

GridWeek provides the opportunity for organizations and businesses focused on Smart Grid to hold meetings and participate in collaborative sessions and learn from leading experts on Smart Grid.

GridWeek 2009, produced by Clasma Events Inc., brings together U.S. and international energy and environmental leaders; policy makers and regulators; utility and smart grid technology companies; the venture community and consumer advocacy stakeholders for a four-day forum from Sept. 21st through the 24th in Washington, D.C.

www.GridWeek.com

2009 Wireless Infrastructure Show
The Wireless Infrastructure Show is an annual opportunity for industry leaders to showcase their products and services, network, collaborate and exchange information. The 2009 event will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. from September 21-24.  It is expected to draw more than 1500 executives from the wireless industry and policymakers from all levels of government.   The Wireless Infrastructure Show offers you networking with industry decision-makers; educational sessions on a variety of topics including: 4G/LTE, Distributed Antenna Systems, Wireless Investment Opportunities, ARRA/Broadband Stimulus, Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Issues; lively interactive sessions moderated by top professionals; participation in special events; keynote speeches featuring industry leaders.  For more information, please visit www.wirelessinfrastructureshow.com.

INTERNATIONAL CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & ENTERTAINMENT 2009
October 7-9, 2009
San Diego Convention Center San Diego, Calif.

No matter what your business is - healthcare, entertainment, fleet management or financial planning - wireless can transform how you do business. International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment brings this possibility to life.

With a focus on applications, network architecture and technologies such as LBS, machine-to-machine and WiMAX (just to name a few), this international event brings a community of users, carriers, developers and manufacturers together to generate dialogue, share ideas and debate the economics of MOBILE BUSINESS.

Register now at www.CTIAShow.com!

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