Automation.com e-News - October 19, 2005

Steeplechase VLC 7.0 Control Software

With more power, flexibility and control capabilities than ever, Steeplechase VLC 7.0 control software is now available from Phoenix Contact. With major enhanced usability features, Version 7.0 lets users create their control projects easier than ever through improvements like the Connection tree and Connection Editor-an entirely new method for defining devices-that simplifies device and I/O definition and maintenance. This new technique is completely backwards compatible with projects developed using older versions of the Steeplechase VLC Control Designer.

Steeplechase VLC 7.0 is now available on ILC 350 and S-MAX series of embedded controllers from Phoenix Contact. Users now have complete scalability with one control environment-from simple ILC 350 VLC blind nodes, to blind and integrated panel S-MAX VLC controllers that support both Citect HMI and Iconics MachineWorX, to full PC-based control using the latest industrial PCs. With Target Manager, another breakthrough feature added to Version 7.0, users can implement one version of a control project and target it to different systems.

Find out more at: www.phoenixcon.com/software



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October 19, 2005 - Volume VI, Issue 42
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In this Issue	Our Sponsor
From One Techie to Another: Human Networks May be Closer than You Think Featured Article: The World is Flat What's New on Automation.com AutomationDeck Product & Company News Featured Engineering Guide: 2006-2007 Engineering Guide to Machine and Process Safeguarding Featured Products: Color Process Display Stepper Motor Terminals Wireless Web-enabled Relay Output EnduroFLEX® ERP Power Cable New Job Opportunities Featured Book: Pinto's Points – How to Win in the Automation Business New Auctions & Classifieds Dilbert Pick of the Week	Steeplechase VLC 7.0 Control Software With more power, flexibility and control capabilities than ever, Steeplechase VLC 7.0 control software is now available from Phoenix Contact. With major enhanced usability features, Version 7.0 lets users create their control projects easier than ever through improvements like the Connection tree and Connection Editor-an entirely new method for defining devices-that simplifies device and I/O definition and maintenance. This new technique is completely backwards compatible with projects developed using older versions of the Steeplechase VLC Control Designer. Steeplechase VLC 7.0 is now available on ILC 350 and S-MAX series of embedded controllers from Phoenix Contact. Users now have complete scalability with one control environment-from simple ILC 350 VLC blind nodes, to blind and integrated panel S-MAX VLC controllers that support both Citect HMI and Iconics MachineWorX, to full PC-based control using the latest industrial PCs. With Target Manager, another breakthrough feature added to Version 7.0, users can implement one version of a control project and target it to different systems. Find out more at: www.phoenixcon.com/software
From One Techie to Another
Human Networks May be Closer than You Think After reading our featured article this week, The World is Flat by Jim Pinto, you will realize how technologically far we've come in the last ten years. How did we ever function without e-mail and the Internet? Communications and broadband connections allow us to work anytime, anywhere and share information instantly. The world has become flat and boundaries have been removed. Individuals around the world can now compete with anyone, anywhere. Now look ten years into the future. How about 20 years? What do you see? It's hard to wrap your mind around what could be. Micro- and nano-technology already allow us to embed media, communications and network devices in clothing. This is being done by one clothing company in Germany, called Interactive Wear. Here's a recent news release that just came across my desk: Interactive Wear Selects austriamicrosystems’ Multimedia Chips for Wearable Electronics Applications. Applications for this technology now include sports, medicine, health and safety. You don't have to take a great leap to see how this technology can be expanded to other areas. The medical community has finally joined the 21st century. I recently had a doctors appointment and they set me up with an account to check test results online. Now, I can renew prescriptions, make an appointment, review my medical history and even send an e-mail to my doctor...all online. Wouldn't it be cool if I could carry my medical history with me, on me, no matter where I go? Wireless sensor networks are currently being developed and deployed. What about networks for us? What if each one of us had a unique network IP address, not on our PC, but in us? We could put on a pair of glasses with an embedded nano-PC and surf the internet, check e-mail, connect with anyone, anywhere. Now incorporate a GPS system and we could always know where our kids are. We each have a unique finger print and retinal scan. What if one of those could be tied to a global database linked to individual passport information, bank accounts, or any other information? We wouldn't need to to carry money, IDs or those silly insurance cards that we have to show every single doctors visit. Does all this sound a little too "sci-fi" or "big-brotherish"? Of course, there are security and social issues with these technologies, but those issues already exist. Many of these technologies exist today and are waiting to be applied. And, if it doesn't exist, you can bet it will in the near future. No more barriers. Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel
Featured Article
The World is Flat Technology has changed the shape of the world. Cheap and abundant communications and broadband connectivity have made it easy for knowledge work to be done from anywhere in the world. This has created a "flat" global political, economic, and cultural playing field. Read full article by Jim Pinto. Other articles by Jim Pinto More articles and white papers on various automation topics More application stories using various automation products
What's New on Automation.com
AutomationDeck Last week we sent out the first issue of AutomationDeck, an electronic card deck of automation, process control and instrumentation products and services. Recipients of the card deck have the ability to scroll forward and backward through the cards using arrow keys. Each card in the deck offers a link to the advertiser's web site along with an information request mechanism. Information requests are immediately e-mailed to the advertiser so they can respond to requests quickly. Our e-newsletter subscribers will automatically receive AutomationDeck. Use the link at the bottom of this message to edit your e-mail preferences. To view AutomationDeck, please visit: www.automation.com/automationdeck/2005-october.htm. The next issue of AutomationDeck is scheduled for January 2006.
Product Announcements & Company News
Hear all about it...industry news is published on our site daily. Here are the latest news headlines for your review...use the following links to read the full article. Check out our Daily News Headlines page frequently to stay up-to-date on the industry events. Product Announcements: SIXNET Adds AGA Gas Flow Calculations to IPm RTU Controllers 10/18/05 ASI Introduces New Current Alarm Module 10/18/05 Sensor Synergy Introduces Sensor-to-Network Smart Interface 10/18/05 Horiba Announces ISA/ANSI SP76.00.02 Compliant Modular Sample Conditioning System 10/18/05 Danaher Motion Introduces New Profile Rail Linear Guides Catalog 10/18/05 TURCK's New versafast Cordsets and Receptacles Provide High Current in a Small Molded Body 10/17/05 HEIDENHAIN Introduces Newest Linear Encoder for the Press Brake Industry 10/17/05 AutomationDirect Introduces New Communication Modules for DL05/DL06 Micro PLCs 10/14/05 Scientific Technologies, Inc. Introduces 2006-2007 Engineering Guide to Machine and Process Safeguarding 10/14/05 Bosch Rexroth Introduces IndraMotion, Motion Logic Control System, for Food Processing and Packaging Applications 10/14/05 Flowserve Limitorque Launches The L75 Series Of Electric Valve Actuators 10/14/05 Cognex Announces Ease-of-use Software for DVT Vision Sensors 10/13/05 Omron’s New Compact S8VM Power Supply Features Undervoltage Alarms 10/13/05 Hirschmann to Introduce New Version of EAGLE Industrial Security System at SPS/IPC/DRIVES Exhibition 10/13/05 Computer Aided Solutions New Micro Web Server Module Delivers Web-based Data Collection and Control Applications 10/13/05 Bosch Rexroth Introduces IndraMotion Ready-Made Servo Gantry Solutions for Handling Applications 10/12/05 GE Fanuc Introduces Proficy™ Change Management 5.50 Tool to Manage Automation Systems and Protect Software and Engineering Assets 10/12/05 Emerson’s PredictPro Software (Embedded DeltaV Advanced Control Suite) Now Addresses Larger More Complex Applications 10/12/05 Contemporary Controls Offers $99 Five-Port Industrial Ethernet Switch 10/12/05 Carlo Gavazzi Introduces New SPD Series Switching Power Supplies 10/12/05 Intermec IF5 RFID Gen 2 Reader First to be Certified for Use with the SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure 10/12/05 Company & Organization News: National Instruments Acquires IOtech, Acquisition Strengthens NI Offering in Portable and Vibration Measurement Applications 10/18/05 Hoffman Prepares to Expand Thermal Management Product Portfolio 10/18/05 Modbus Conformance Test Laboratory Opens in China 10/18/05 Intermec Opens Shanghai Service Center 10/18/05 ISA Releases Second Edition of 'Bottom-Line Automation' 10/18/05 Philips Lighting and TAC Cooperate to Offer Complete Open and Integrated Building Automation Solutions 10/18/05 Innova Holdings, Inc. Joins Agile Robotics Alliance 10/18/05 ISA Announces Electronic Testing Initiative 10/17/05 Keithley Opens New Offices in Asia to Optimize Local Applications and Customer Support 10/17/05 Gemba Solutions Appoints Approved Implementation Partner for its OEE Lean Manufacturing Software 10/14/05 Square D Deploys Restoration Teams To Help Rebuild Gulf Coast 10/14/05 Modbus-IDA and ITEI Sponsor Four-City Tour of China for Modbus Device Suppliers 10/13/05 Honeywell Joins Cape-Open Laboratories Network 10/13/05 ISA Leads the Way in Manufacturing and Control Systems Security Standards 10/13/05 Omron Corporation Pledges 10 million yen to Aid Victims of the South Asian Earthquake 10/13/05 Application News: NI LabVIEW Reduces Development Time for Hardware-in-the-Loop Systems 10/18/05 Microsoft Selects National Instruments LabVIEW and PXI to Test Xbox 360 Controllers 10/18/05 Interactive Wear Selects austriamicrosystems’ Multimedia Chips for Wearable Electronics Applications 10/18/05 FKI Logistex Selected For Newspaper Industry Award for Newspaper Handling and Sortation System 10/17/05 Efficiency Technologies, Inc. Announces Successful Completion of Automated Chiller Data Collection Field Test 10/17/05 Y.E.S. Program Participants Use igus Energy Tube and DryLin R to Create 'Green Smog' 10/13/05 Voith Paper Automation Signs OEM Agreement With Rockwell Automation 10/12/05
Featured Engineering Guide
2006-2007 Engineering Guide to Machine and Process Safeguarding STI introduces their 2006-2007 Engineering Guide to Machine and Process Safeguarding. The 850+ page guide features nearly 20 new products across a broad spectrum of safety technologies, including safety laser scanners, perimeter access guards, safety light curtains, resource modules, safety mats and area guards, safety interlock switches, and safety monitoring relays. Hydraulic press brake guards, safety contact strips and edges, two-hand controls, enabling switches, and process safeguards are also featured. New product categories include safety awareness signs, disconnect switches and motor starters, as well as cutting and turning machine safety. Additionally, more than 125 pages are dedicated to educational resource material, including fully illustrated articles on safety regulations and directives, risk assessment, types of protective measures, and background on safety technologies. Click here to Request your FREE Engineering Guide
Featured Products
Endress+Hauser's NEW Color Process Display with recording capabilities is paperless, and low-cost. More Information on Color Process Display Request Product CD or Endress+Hauser Assistance
Beckhoff KL2531 and KL2541 Stepper Motor Terminals are a compact and cost-effective I/O alternative to traditional stepper controls. More information on Stepper Motor Terminals Request Product Catalog or Beckhoff Assistance
Advantech Automation's new Wireless Web-enabled 6-channel Relay Output starting at $565. More Information on Wireless Web-enabled Relay Output Request Product Guide or Advantech Assistance
Northwire EnduroFLEX® ERP Power Cable is rated for exposed power trunk and drop runs on machinery up to 40 amps without conduit. More information on EnduroFLEX® ERP Power Cable
Product & Supplier Search Other Featured Products for October Find Products by Category Find Manufacturers & Suppliers
New Jobs
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com: Instrument/Control Engineer: Kansas City, MO - Black & Veatch 10/18/2005 Controls Specialist: San Antonio, TX - JMP Engineering Inc. 10/17/2005 Electrical Engineer: Barboursville, WV - SMC Electrical Products Inc. 10/14/2005 Manufacturing Engineer Automation: Sunnyvale, CA - Cepheid 10/13/2005 Applications Engineer: Pullman, WA - Schweitzer Engineering Labs 10/13/2005 Automation Engineer Manager: Cleveland, OH - Sifco Applied Surface Concepts 10/12/2005 Electrical Controls Engineer: Texarkana, AR - automationtechies 10/18/2005 Controls Engineer: Shakopee, MN - automationtechies 10/11/2005 To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function.
Featured Book
Pinto's Points – How to Win in the Automation Business Jim Pinto's new book is just in from the printer. If you need some insightful pointers on how to succeed in the automation business, or an overview of today and tomorrow's hot technologies, then this is the book for you. Pinto's Points covers management topics, globalization, sales and marketing, technology trends and futures, and far-out technology visions. It closes with whimsical humor and poetry which I hope you'll enjoy. It includes 174 brief "points" in 6 different parts, each introduced by an industry guru. Once again, Jim Pinto has gone beyond 'business as usual' to explore the implications of future technology and how it will change the global automation marketplace. Conveniently organized and with insights from other industry leaders, this book is a must read for every automation professional and a classic for your automation library bookshelf. Requeste more information or order Jim's new book at: www.automation.com/store/pdetails15051.php. Order both of Jim's books in a discounted bundle at: www.automation.com/store/pdetails15063.php
New Auctions & Classifieds
eBay hosts over 6500 auctions for industrial automation, control and instrumentation products. From PLCs to sensors, from motor controls to robotics...Use the links below to browse the latest new, used and surplus automation products by category: Control Systems & PLCs Drives & Motion Control Fieldbus, DeviceNet, Ethernet Instrumentation Operator Interface Panels Power Supply, Circuit Breakers Relays, Timers, Counters Robotics Sensors Switches Temperature Controllers Valves & Flow Controls Wiring, Connections & Cables Other
Dilbert Pick of the Week
When illegal tendency turns into flirtation.
I hope you enjoyed this e-news update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me. Rick Zabel Vice President Automation.com View our Privacy Policy For editorial and advertising inquiries, please contact Rick Zabel or see our Media Kit. For automationtechies recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com.