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| Sponsor: National Instruments |
Why Go Wireless: Benefits and Challenges of Wireless Remote Monitoring
Significant time and money has been invested in researching the use of wireless technology for remote monitoring. Yet, significant wireless deployments are just beginning to materialize in industry. As standards such as Wi-Fi and ZigBee continue to mature for use in wireless sensor networks, those challenges are being addressed. Download this white paper to learn about the advantages and considerations for designing wireless remote monitoring applications.
Download white paper.
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| Sponsor: Exele |
Exele TopView® software provides user-defined alarms, notification, and remote monitoring for process measurements from PLCs, control systems, SCADA, and historians. Immediate delivery of custom alarm messages via email, SMS, cell phone, pagers, and text-to-speech voice. Feature-rich and affordable.
Free download and online demo videos available.
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Our Portals organize information by topic and include new products, company news, articles, white papers, application stories, training, resources, events, and more.
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| From One Techie to Another |
We Could Learn from Scooby Doo
In the What’s New Scooby Doo episode called Big Appetite in Little Tokyo, Velma wins the grand prize for her science project, Dogbot. Her prize is a trip to Tokyo (with her friends of course) so she can present Dogbot to the well-known robotics expert, Dr. Okura Onodera. Dr. Onodera is so impressed with Velma’s project that he calls her "a Role Model for the next generation of Automation Engineers." This line caught my ear as my family and I were driving to our July 4th vacation destination. My two daughters absolutely love the Scooby Doo shows, and they chose to watch a few of the "new" episodes in the car. Who can blame them? Even today, I still love the Scooby Doo episodes.
Who says the world doesn’t know anything about automation? The writer of What’s New Scooby Doo sure does. It’s interesting to note that the writer’s "automation reference" is robotics. Robotics is probably the most well-recognized aspect of automation, simply because everyone (even pre-schoolers) can grasp the concept of a robot. Of course, you and I know there is a lot more to automation that just robotics.
Nonetheless, robotics is an important part of automation - so important that the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL) has asked for Automation.com’s assistance in identifying occupational experts (OEs) for the occupations of Robotics Engineers and Robotics Technicians. The USDL is sponsoring a program called Occupational Information Network (O*NET®). The O*NET Program serves employers, human resource professionals, job counselors, and labor market analysts across the country who depend on occupational information to perform their daily work. Individuals who are exploring and planning careers also use O*NET information.
In an initial discussion with an O*NET representative, I asked if they had plans to broaden their robotics focus to include other aspects of Automation. O*NET acknowledges that robotics is just one segment of Automation; and they are working with an industry organization to further define other automation-related occupations. Although O*NET did not reveal which organization they are working with, I suspect it must be ISA. As I’ve written in the past, ISA has been working very hard to increase our government’s awareness of the automation industry. Inclusion of the robotics occupation in O*NET is certainly a great step.
With the upcoming skills shortage in the automation industry, we are going to need all the help we can get to raise awareness and attract young professionals to this industry. Maybe O*NET chose robotics as the first automation-related occupation because it is a little easier to define and for most people to wrap their minds around. Plus, robotics is very cool to any young mind who might be considering a technical or engineering-type career. Regardless of why robotics was picked as an occupation, it is certainly a great start.
If you consider yourself a robotics expect or if you know someone who might be able to assist O*NET, I encourage you contact me. For more information on the O*NET program as it pertains to Robotics Engineers or Robotics Technicians, please see yesterday’s release - Robotics Experts wanted by the U.S. Department of Labor.
At a minimum, please push Scooby Doo’s Big Appetite in Little Tokyo episode on everyone you know - young and old.
Enjoy the rest of this Automation Weekly!
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher |
| Featured Article |
Honeywell 2008 Users Group - Heroes Gather in Phoenix
The 33rd annual Honeywell Users Group Conference was held June 15 - 19, 2008 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, AZ with over 700 customers in attendance. According to Honeywell Vice President/General Manager, "The conferences super hero theme, Power to Perform, highlights the heroic efforts of process industry professionals to perform well despite rising costs and resource constraints."
Read full article by Bill Lydon, Contributing Editor
Browse Portals for more articles, white papers and application stories by topic |
| My.Automation.com Forum Post |
Unity PRO XL programming
Can anyone give me a hint on how to program a difference equation (a digital filter) on Schneider's Unity? Or in any brand of PLC? I don't have any experience with PLCs, so it's a little confusing for me. I have only used PCs and Microcontrollers to do that job, in C language...but not in Ladder, FBD, or SFC.
Respond to this forum post (Site registration required) |
| Product Announcements |
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Control Microsystems announces SCADAPack 300 USB storage device
Using removable USB storage such as Flash memory sticks, SCADAPack 300-Series controllers can log to internal memory or external mass storage devices.
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Phoenix Contact releases ILC 150 VLC Controller with Steeplechase VLC 7.2
ILC 150 VLC embedded control platform has an EtherNet/IP port and Steeplechase Visual Logic Controller (VLC) flowchart-based programming tool.
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Emerson announces Model 410VP four-electrode conductivity sensor
The wide dynamic range of the sensor (1 uS/cm to 1400 mS/cm), makes it suitable for clean-in-place (CIP) monitoring.
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Control Microsystems announces SCADAPack 330 and 334 controllers
Both units are programmed with TelePACE ladder logic, ISaGRAF (IEC61131-3) and C/C++, and support up to 32 independent C++ applications. |
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Opto 22 introduces SNAP TEX wiring accessories
SNAP TEX mounting and wiring accessories include terminal extender cables, breakout boards, wiring harnesses, and other components for mounting and wiring automation, control and I/O systems. |
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Siemens introduces Scalance W784 wireless LAN access points
Scalance W784 IP30 rated wireless LAN access points offer data security, deterministic control to prioritize client traffic and the flexibility of IEEE 802.11b/g/a open standards. |
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ASI announces IMHD D-Sub Connector interface module
The transition from a high density D-Subminiature to individual wires is simplified with IMHD interface module. |
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Contemporary Controls Introduces BAS Remote Expansion Module
The BASR-8M can be expanded to a total of 32 Universal I/O points and 8 relay contacts to suit any building automation installation. |
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GE Fanuc adds Formulation Management to Proficy
Batch Formulation Management allows users to create variations of a product based on a single Master Recipe, reducing the number of Master Recipes needed to be maintained on the production line. |
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Phoenix Contact releases bus couplers for EtherNet/IP
Inline bus coupler connects up to 61 IP20 modules, while the Fieldline bus coupler connects up to 16 IP65/67 modules.
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Westermo adds redundancy to Wolverine Ethernet switches
DDW-221 and DDW-222 Ethernet extenders provide redundant rings support. The redundant protocol can be used on the SHDSL interface or on the built-in Ethernet switch. |
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AutomationDirect expands Micro-Graphic Panels
C-more Micro-Graphic panel line now includes six-inch display models. |
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GE Fanuc announces V7812 6U VMEbus Single Board Computer
V7812 provides the quad-core processing performance of the Intel Xeon processor and the advanced capabilities of the ATI Radeon M72 graphics module. |
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For MORE of the latest product announcements, go to our Daily News Headlines page.
Product & Supplier Search
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| Resources & Literature |
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SIXNET publishes Product CD
Free CD features the entire product line from Sixnet's Automation, Industrial Connectivity and Wireless Connectivity divisions. |
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Contemporary Controls publishes BACnet brochure
The four-color brochure discusses the BAS Remote family of remote I/O products that allow expansion of BACnet systems in the field.
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Pepperl+Fuchs introduces FieldConnex Cordset configurator
Online configuration tool allows users to design FieldConnex fieldbus Type
A/ER cordset and extension cables in 10 easy steps.
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Sierra provides On-line Flow Meter Selection tools
Flow Meter Selection Tools help research and identify the best Sierra flow meter for gas, liquid or steam applications quickly and efficiently.
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Parker publishes guide to Daedal positioning products
The 328-page, full-color guide covers linear motor-driven tables, screw-driven automation tables, miniature positioners, belt-driven automation tables and drives and controllers.
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Emerson offers liquid analysis application guide for metals extraction and processing
The guide outlines liquid analytical solutions for leaching and ore extraction, concentration and separation, finished product purification and waste disposal.
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Emerson publishes Pressure Regulator Application Guide
Application Guide provides information on the principles of various products and applications such as liquids, process gases, fuel gases, sanitary, and tank blanketing.
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| Other Resources & Literature:
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Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news. |
| Events, Seminars & Training |
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ATI holds machine tool seminars
August 21, 2008 Orion Township, MI
Seminars cover torque sensors, industrial fieldbus, toolchangers, and
robotic deburring.
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Upcoming Events & Training
- FDT Technical Seminars: Through October 28, 2008
- Free Data Acquisition Seminar: July 17, 2008
- 24th Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference: July 21-25, 2008
- Siemens Automation Summit 2008: July 23-25, 2008
- Emergency Power Supplies Conference: July 23-24, 2008
- MatrikonOPC User Group Asia-Pacific and Australia 2008: July 29, 2008
- NIWeek 2008 Graphical System Design Conference: August 5-7, 2008
- Configuration Tech Webinar: August 19, 2008
- Hands-On PLC Training Workshop: August 19-21, 2008
- MRP Software Training: August 20-21, 2008
- MEGA Symposium: August 25-28, 2008
- The WonderWorld™ 2008 Global Conference Series: Begins October 6, 2008
Go to our Calendar of Events to see other upcoming events. Add an event to our calendar. |
| Company & Organization News |
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Siemens building new plant in Illinois for its Drives Technologies business
The $20 million plant will be used for the assembly and testing of mechanical gear drives used in wind turbines. The new plant, expected to be completed in March 2009, will create approximately 350 new jobs. |
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Banner updates website
The site showcases Banner's offerings, including sensors, machine safety products, vision equipment, wireless devices and indicator lights. |
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John Medica Elected to National Instruments Board of Directors
Medica, former senior vice president for Dell and former senior director for Apple, was elected to the NI Board of Directors. |
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Wonderware announces Customer Support program
Customer First program offers support options including 24/7 support, dedicated technical account management, critical incident response, software updates and advice on software architecture and security. |
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Cold Fusion Expert to Deliver ISA EXPO Rimbach Lecture
Dr. David J. Nagel, Research Professor at The George Washington University, will present the Keynote/Rimbach Lecture on at ISA EXPO 2008 in Houston, Texas.
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Other Company & Organization News:
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| Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news. |
| Application News |
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Other Application News:
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Go to our Daily News Headlines page for the latest automation news. |
| New Jobs |
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com:
- Regional Business Development Manager: Genea - Yorba Linda, CA
- Sales: Zeller Corporation - Rochester, NY
- Process Controls Engineer: Hexion Specialty Chemicals - Louisville, KY
- Business Development Manager-Northwest Region: Border States Electric - Bismarck, ND
- Integration & Automation Engineer: Schweitzer Engineering Labs - Pullman, WA
- Control Engineer: B Braun Medical Inc. - Irvine, CA
- Field Application Engineer: Pro-face (Xycom Automation) - Milwaukee or Minneapolis
- Field Application Engineer: Pro-face (Xycom Automation) - New England Region, CT
- Designer-Power Systems: Alabama Power, a Southern Company - Birmingham, AL
- Controls Engineer: automationtechies - Charlotte, NC
- Mechanical Applications Engineer: automationtechies - West Hollywood, CA
- Electrical Engineer: automationtechies - Charlotte, NC
To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function. For recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com. |
| Humor of the Week |
Dilbert
Why it's hard to follow the specifications (Strip)
Things fall apart when you go on vacation (Strip)
Every company needs a cube farmer (Animated) |
I hope you enjoyed this Automation Weekly 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, Publisher
Automation.com
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