See Archive Page for earlier news.

31/5/02

• High-integrity manifold range launched - Parker Instrumentation has unveiled a comprehensive range of high-integrity manifolds, designed to meet the growing demand for new levels of safety and performance for instrumentation systems used in oil, gas, chemical and other process plants. The range integrates product portfolios and intellectual property from Parker and leading manifold designer Ives Valves, acquired by Parker in 2001, and reflects a multi-million euro investment in machine tools and product development.
• Independent opinion - Andrew Bond, publisher and writer of the invaluable monthly Industrial Automation Insider makes a pertinant point when talking about the Emerson's Manufacturing Excellence forum held recently. "In the end, it's yet another demonstration of the paradox that the more the automation industry professes to embrace open systems, the more closed and introspective its major players become."
  He also has a perceptive report on Drives & Controls 2002
  Our own report on this event may be found here.
  If you don't already receive Industrial Automation Insider you can hardly claim to be really informed on what is going on backstage in the automation world on this side of the Atlantic. Order your copy now and tell Andrew that Read-out sent you!
• Evaluation of FF for use by German chemical and pharmaceutical Industry - The Fieldbus Foundation/Europe today announced that they are cooperating with Infraserv Hoechst, an independent consultancy in Germany that has grown out of the former Hoechst engineering division, in an evaluation of Foundation fieldbus technology.
  More on our Fieldbus News Page.

30/5/02

• Free precision motion control compendium - Baldor has published a major new compendium for machine builders implementing precision motion control. Covering the spectrum of products for this application sector, combined with helpful 'how to' notes including guides to sizing servo and linear motors and specifying different drive arrangements, the free 366-page guide is a valuable addition for every automation engineer's data shelf.

28/5/02

• MPEG analysis raised to new levels - Tektronix, a world leader in MPEG-2 compressed digital video test and measurement equipment, has enhanced one of the products in its Emmy award-winning MPEG Test System portfolio to provide more in-depth analysis capabilities and also include functionality that will enable the development of interactive television (iTV).

27/5/02

• Get visible with extra large display - With its new EPAX, 5 Digit Extra Large PAX Display, Red Lion now offers a 4" high LED display which is readable from up to 180ft away. EPAX is a versatile unit that can increase productivity by providing the plant floor or production area with a large visual display of the current production status or output. The unit is designed to accept various analog inputs, through the use of input modules, allowing it to adapt to almost any application. The input modules cover voltage, current, process, temperature, or strain gauge inputs.
• New network mount racks and cabinets to save floor space - Hoffman has announced a line of new 19inch waIl-mount racks and cabinets designed to accommodate network equipment in sites where floor space is limited. The new EIA 31 O-D industry standard racks and cabinets include five different models available in a total of 18 different configurations. Typical applications for wall-mount racks and cabinets include telephone and voice mail equipment, switches, patch panels, punch-down blocks, small routers and fiber-to-copper connectivity.
• Induction pressure sensors for low cost heater safety systems - Manufacturers of flue-type heaters can reduce the cost of CO monitoring and safety shut-off systems using the Omron D8M-R micro pressure sensor. As a lower cost alternative to installing CO sensors in the flue output, the D8M-R is capable of measuring minute changes in the intake air pressure to sense abnormal combustion. The sensor allows the system to conform to the ANSI Z21.86b flue-block standard, which specifies a maximum carbon monoxide density in the exhaust of forced or induced draft wall furnaces. Instead of detecting carbon monoxide directly, using relatively expensive CO sensors, the D8M-R displays a capacitance proportional to the flue intake pressure and outputs a signal whose frequency increases linearly with air pressure. This also allows the fuel flow to the furnace to be easily modulated in order to restore combustion efficiency.

24/5/02

• Support for embedded system - Concurrent Technologies now provides support for the Windows XP Embedded operating system across the company's range of high performance CompactPCI and VME boards, including the latest 1.2GHz Pentium III processor-M based products with Gigabit Ethernet.

23/5/02

• Exhibitor registration on the net - The 16th INTERKAMA is due for February 2004 and invitations have been issued alraedy. Exhibitors may also register on-line at www.interkama.com. Click on Exhibitor Service and Registration where the user friendly Online Registration form may be found. Prices for exhibitors remain fixed at 2001 levels and an extra enticement to participate in the 2006 show is that those booking for 2004 and 2006 now will benifit from the same price level.
  See our Interkama Report

22/5/02

• Most spectacular venue - Without doubt the most unique of all measurement exhibitions in the world this year - and perhaps every year - is Messtechnik Muenchen. The subtitle for the show is "Hightech auf dem Olympiaturm 2002" (Higtech on the Olympic Tower) tells us that this show, seminars, and other happenings are situated at the moving platform on the famous Olimpic City's highest landmark. The dates for those who plan to attend to mark into their diaries for 12th and 13th June 2002.
• New instrument Selection Guides now available - Choosing the best instrumentation for the job is time consuming and involves a level of risk. The latest in Evaluation International's (EI) selection guides is now available to help engineers and those responsible for instrument procurement make informed purchasing decisions more easily and with increased confidence. Guides now available include Ionising Radiation Monitors,Radio Telemetry, Open Channel Flowmeters, Water Samplers, Personal, Portable and Transportable Gas Monitors and Oil on Water Monitors

21/5/02

• New distributor of in-circuit emulators - Nohau UK and Ashling Microsystemss have teamed up, to distribute the Ashling range of In-Circuit Emulators in Britain. Although both companies manufacture In-Circuit Emulators, their two product ranges are in the main extremely complementary The partnership will mean that Nohau UK can now offer a very comprehensive array of 8- 16- and 32-bit development solutions.
• A new comprehensive range of PID controllers - Carlo Gavazzi has now widened its range of digital panel meters introducing a complete range of PID controllers. This new family offers ease of use and full PID functionality in several DIN housings. The PDI Series features Autotuning to automatically set the optimum PID parameters for your application. Additionally, unlike many other PID controllers, the P, I and D parameters can be individually adjusted for a more precise control.
  Marketed in Britain through Vydas
• Five star software - Cyco Software's AutoManager View 3.2 has received top honors from Cadalyst Magazines, a leading CAD/CAM/CAE publication in North America, with an impressive Five Star rating in its annual round-up of drawing viewers. The publication states that AutoManager View 3.2 is "Highly Recommended" to its audience of engineers, designers and other CAD professionals. Cadalyst's expert opinion praises AutoManager View's "viewing virtuosity" which is "fast," "very moderately priced," and offers "extensive support."
• Rugged TiIt-measurement Switches - Relec Electronics has announced the availability of the Elobau range of rugged tilt-measurement switches, available in both analogue and digital versions. Applications will include aerial platforms, drilling rigs, fire engine ladders, service platforms, and situations where monitoring of levels is required to meet safety limit

20/5/02

• New web-based parametric search tool - This powerful on-line product selector from Artesyn, accomodates diverse user requirements. It facilitates fast access to technical data on over 300 AC/DC power supplies and DC/DC converters.
• Wireless keypad eases data entry for 21 CFR 11 compliant pharmaceutical recorders - A new wireless remote-control keypad option has been introduced by Yokogawa to simplify data entry on its DAQSTATION DX1 OOP and DX200P range of paperless recorders for pharmaceutical applications. Not only does the new unit greatly speed the entry of text messages and control and setting parameters: it also offers enhanced security in applications govemed by FDA Regulation 2ICFR Part 11, since the users name, ID and password are not displayed on the recorders screen during entry.
  See also our Part 11 Page.
• Pinpointing nuclear material - BNC's new device allows for inspectors to pinpoint hot sources of nuclear materials using Tantalum shielding coupled with NaI detectors and new Time Slice technology. The instrument will now deliver accurate identification of mulitiple isotopes. Tests confirm that even when one isotope is 1000 times stronger than the second isotope, both are accurately identified. This is useful for detection of illicit transportation of nuclear materials in multiple cargo containers.
• New sensor technologies backed by design consultancy and international technical support - Sequoia has established a new business division with the goal of becoming a leading supplier of specialist sensors and precision passive components to European markets. The sensors division leverages new and exclusive partnership agreements with some of the worlds leading manufacturers with products ranging from high-speed photodetectors and sensor arrays, through high-current protection devices to precision heat flux sensors. It will provide customers with early access to new and emerging technologies, backed by a European centre of excellence encompassing technical and applications engineering support.

18/5/02

• New leasing agreements signed - Tektronix has signed authorised rental partner agreements with the two leading electronics rental and leasing companies in Europe: Livingston and Microlease.

16/5/02

• New MD for UK & Ireland - Steve Brown is the new Managing Director of Emerson Process Management for the UK and Ireland. Primary Emerson operations are based at Leicester, Bognor Regis, Stockport and Cork. He is to provide direction for strong business growth and implement continuously improved processes to ensure that customers receive the very best levels of sales support and service. He comments, "Emerson Process Management has built and reinforced leadership positions in many areas of automation and instrumentation solutions for the process and allied industries in recent years. I look forward to building on that success and working with the team to provide the highest levels of service and support for our customers."
• Beat the hackers! - Industrial companies and government agencies seeking to thwart hackers bent on disrupting IT networks are going to B.C. Institute of Technology's Internet Engineering Lab (IEL) for security solutions. A Canadian Security Intelligence Service report issued May 6 outlines the present dangers of destruction of information or infrastructure and the manipulation of information for political, economic or military purposes. Such computer-based threats are defined as Information Operations (IO). According to the CSIS report, extremists, criminal groups and governments are acquiring IO expertise as quickly as technological change occurs. CSIS points to an incident in Australia in 2001 in which a man was found guilty of using wireless technology to hack into computers at a sewage plant. Sewage was released into local water systems as a result of the hacker's activities.
  Oh yes the IEL does have a page and eventually you will find it at http://www.tc.bcit.ca/gait/iel/ but it is not well flagged on the home page!!!
• Milan in November! - BIAS 2002, the 30th International Automation, Instrumentation and Microelectronics Conference and Exhibition, based in Milan, is scheduled for 19-23 November, 2002. With 2,512 exhibitors from 32 countries, and 56,731 qualified visitors from 70 countries, Bias, with its automation and microelectronics sections, was the main exhibition worldwide in 2000. This international scope makes Bias a reference event in Europe. This is expected also in 2002, as it opens up the exhibition not only to the promising markets around the Mediterranean. Countries such as Greece, Turkey, Spain, Israel, Croatia, Morocco, Slovenia, Egypt; but also Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland etc) as well as the markets it usually serves (India, Russia, China and Western Europe).

15/5/02

• New field dual-channel modules take Type J and K t/c measurements - With the NI FP-TC-J and NI FP-TC-K dual-channel thermocouple modules from National Instruments, engineers and scientists now have a new option for taking type J and K thermocouple measurements. These dual-channel thermocouple modules expand the line of FieldPoint distributed I/O and are for use in industrial applications that require temperature monitoring and control.
• HART loop interface module unlocks the full potential of new and in-place smart HART transmitters - With no additional process penetrations or wiring, Moore Industries' new HIM Smart HART Loop Interface and Monitor allows up to three additional analog process measurements from smart HART multivariable mass flow, level, pressure and pH transmitters. For a multivariable mass flow transmitter, this may include pressure, differential pressure, process temperature, flow rate, flow total and sensor temperature.

14/5/02

• Programmable controller targets OEMs - SPLat MMi99 is a programmable controller targeted at OEM embedded control applications. It features 8 digital inputs, 8 400mA digital outputs, 2 analogue inputs and 2 analogue outputs. The analogue inputs can directly measure temperatures with a low cost thermistor, or be used in conventional voltage or current modes. There is also an onboard operator interface with 5 push buttons, 7 indicator LEDs, a beeper and optional LCD.
• Pressure transducer in the fast lane - Keller's latest Series 21 SC pressure transducer has been designed for the demanding world of autosport. With its low mass and construction to withstand the tough conditions, the transducer is ideal for measuring engine, brake and gearbox pressures on all types of racing vehicles.
• New power conversion product catalogue - Artesyn Technologies has published a new short-form catalogue, detailing the company's extensive range of power conversion products. Now in its second edition, this 16-page product guide covers both AC/DC power supplies and DC/DC converters, and is an ideal reference source for electronics design engineers and system integrators. As one of the world's leading suppliers of power conversion products, Artesyn operates an aggressive R&D programme and continues to bring highly innovative products to market; this catalogue introduces no less than 24 new products, including 17 open-frame DC/DC converters.

13/5/02

• A first for Hungary - National Instruments celebrates the official grand opening of its Hungarian manufacturing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception. Speakers at the ceremony include Victor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary and other local and US dignatories with Dr. James Truchard, NI President and CEO. NI chose Hungary as the home for its new facility, its first outside of North America, because of its close proximity to their European markets, the well-educated workforce, and the favourable business environment. The 13,400 square meter facility has been operational since October of 2001.
• Revolutionaty network-enabled soflware system unleashes powerful fleldbus diagnostics - Smar has announced the introduction of AssetView, the first online, network-enabled plant asset management system designed according to the NAMUR NE9I standard and taking full advantage of Foundation Fieldbus powerful diagnostics.
• New laboratory for BBC - Tektronix has provided video test equipment to BBC Training & Development's Wood Norton Training Centre for a dedicated Tektronix learning laboratory. The instruments will be used in conjunction with engineering and technology courses taught at the centre, located in Worcestershire, England. The Training Centre offers industry-standard studio, post-production, and location facilities, which can be booked for classroom-based sessions and hands-on practice. The new Tektronix Laboratory features video test equipment that is used throughout the industry, including analogue, standard-definition and high-definition digital video test instrumentation, as well as the latest MPEG test platforms. Students attending Broadcast Engineering Foundation, Broadcast Engineering Consolidation, and TV Technology 1 and 2 courses will gain experience in using the equipment in real situations.
• Paper call - 25th September is the final date for papers for the two parallel Nuremberg shows, Test 2003 and Sensor 2003. Details from www.sensorfairs.de.

11/5/02

• Plant monitoring software upgrade to support the latest technology advances - GE Fanuc Automation has introduced Version 6.0 of CIMPLICITY HMI Plant Edition, delivering new product features and options which utilise recent Microsoft upgrades. Highlights include CIMPLICITY SQL 2000, VCR screen playback, ThinView for the Compaq iPAQ PDA, as well as screen, alarm and paging enhancements. "CIMPLICITY HMI Version 6.0 continues to keep pace with the latest Microsoft technologies," explained Mickael Desloges, GE Fanuc Visualisation Product Manager. "We have released CIMPLICITY SQL 2000 which incorporates Microsoft SQL 2000, and we now support the Windows XP Operating System. We have also added great new options and features as well."
• Manager for calibration and repair business - Yokogawa Martron Ltd., the British electronic test & measurement instruments subsidiary of the Yokogawa Electric Corporation of Japan, has appointed Peter Bavage as General Manager of its calibration and repair business.
• New handheld IR thermometer for quick, easy measurements when contact is dangerous or impractical - Fluke has introduced a new handheld infrared thermometer. Designed to meet the needs of electrical, process, plant maintenance, facility maintenance, HVAC/R and automotive professionals, the infrared instrument features a laser beam for easy aiming and is ideal for measuring rotating, electrically live, dangerously hot, or hard-to-reach objects. The rugged and reliable Fluke 61 Infrared Thermometer has a single front button and sleek ergonomic design. When the button is depressed and held down, the laser clearly illuminates the target position and temperature readings are continuously updated and displayed. The clear backlit, large digit, LCD screen enables easy reading even in the most inaccessible locations.

9/5/02

• Screw-fit pneumatic test probe - The new P404/G Series of pneumatic test probes from Peak Test Services features a completely new threaded (screw-fit) construction with the probe screwed into the receptacle which contains the pneumatic and electrical connections. The benefit of this approach compared with conventional pneumatic probes is the ease of replacement of the probe without the need to remove the air fittings and electrical wiring. A simple solder-tag clip is fitted onto the receptacle for the wire to be attached, which avoids wiring directly to the probe.

8/5/02

• Plenty of LEE-way on DICKENS of a web site! - Lee-Dickens, has unveiled a brand new web site providing end users, QEMS, designers and maintenance staff in industry with comprehensive on-line information about process instrumentation such as signal conditioners, RH, temperature, pressure and load sensors, and digital indicators. A special feature of the site is the new QUICK-LEE service, by which visitors can purchase a selected range of 'off-the-shelf' products for delivery within 24 hours, using a credit card for payment.
• Leaders in Europe - Frost & Sullivan, international strategic market consultants, has announced that Johnson Controls has been awarded with their Market Engineering Leadership Award. They referred to Johnson Controls' consistently strong, pan-European presence in their report, "The European Integrated Facilities Management Market", which assessed the performance of market leaders in seven of the eight European regions. The report revealed Johnson Controls currently leads the pan-European market with 8.7 percent of the total revenue share compared with nearest rivals which account for less than five percent. Johnson Controls has also achieved unparalleled rates of geographical expansion over the past two to three years, aided primarily through the provision of pan-European services to multinational companies such as IBM, Cisco and 3Com.
  Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control.

7/5/02

• Editor's choice - Stainless Valve Co has recently received the Editor's Choice Award from the Process Engineering Magazine.They received this award for their Big Screen, an automatic screen changer, which is used to screen out solids from fluids or gases and change the screen without interrupting the operation. The idea for this product was presented by Alexander Thibodeau from Mead and SVC developed the Big Screen in cooperation with him and with Steve Hogg.
• Hungarian portal - The Hungarian Instrument Portal is a well organised database for foreign instruments and their manufacturers - though we do hope that they will continue to visit the Signpost too. Hungarian customers no longer need to visit multiple web sites to find the instruments they are considering purchasing. Instrument manufacturers can register their contact data and product spectrum on-line direct from the portal

6/5/02

Seminar Report Read-out.net attended the recent manufacturing Excellence Forum in Warrington, England. Almost 300 delegates attended this unique event examining manufacturing excellence through automation and asset management. See what we thought of it. Click the logo on the right!

2/5/02

• Single Fieldbus Standard On The Horizon? - A new study by Frost & Sullivan, the international marketing consulting company, cites the high initial investment costs for fieldbus as the main stumbling block for the widespread adoption of this latest development in process automation. See more on our Fieldbus News

30/4/02