The Read- Out Instrumentation Signpost
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
Meaán Fómhair 2010 September
30/9/2010
T&M acquisition announced - Danaher Corporation and Keithley Instruments announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement
Automation scholorships -
The International Society of Automation (ISA) is now accepting applications for its 2011 ISA Educational Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students worldwide in two- and four-year colleges and universities, and graduate students, who demonstrate outstanding potential for long-range contribution to the fields of automation, instrumentation, and control.
29/9/2010
28/9/2010
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gW6m-AmYrqo/TKIQOutCGNI/AAAAAAAADhA/3HSeV5lat9w/s400/REMorley.jpg) Morley unplugged -
The International Society of Automation (ISA) tells us that Dick Morley, father of the programmable logic controller (PLC), will be the featured speaker at its dinner event, “Morley Unplugged: An Evening of Music, Fun and Semi-Tall Tales.” at Automation Week in Houston Tx US 6th October 2010>
OPC Server for LonWorks maximizes security and interoperability in building automation - MatrikonOPC™ has released its newest OPC Server for LonWorks. This OPC Server provides open connectivity for real-time data access between LonWorks—a control networking technology platform—and other control system components such as HMIs, historians and ERP systems.
New family of I/O boards - GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the first in a new family of VME multifunction I/O boards designed specifically to address the problems caused by growing constraints on size, weight and power
Semiconductor testing - Keithley Instruments has announced a new release of its ACS Basic Edition Semiconductor Parametric Test Software for semiconductor test and measurement applications. ACS Basic Edition Version 1.2 adds new levels of usability, convenience, and productivity in the characterization of component or discrete (packaged) semiconductor devices
Web-configurable and network-controllable -
NI GPIB-ENET/1000 Gigabit Ethernet-to-GPIB Controller Transfers Data up to 4X Faster
National Instruments has announced their GPIB-ENET/1000 Gigabit Ethernet-to-GPIB controller along with new instrument control software including enhanced features in LabVIEW 2010, VISA 5.0 and new instrument drivers.
Space saving dual bridge load cells -
Where data integrity is an essential requirement and space limited, then dual bridge load cells from transducer specialists RDP Electronics Ltd can offer an effective answer.
Hygienic level switch for high temperatures - Baumer’s level switch LFFS, which will be on display at the Brau Beviale show in November (hall 4, stand 338), is suitable for high process temperatures of up to 200 °C. A bright blue light on top of the switch shows when a media is detected.
Interconnect backbone -
Mistral Solutions has announced the availability of Curtiss Wright's new OpenVPX™/VITA-65 compliant VPX6-6902 Serial RapidIO® (SRIO) switch card.
Secure wireless approval -
Dust Networks® and Emerson Process Management have announced that Emerson's Smart Wireless solutions, using Dust Networks' SmartMesh® IA-510 wireless sensor networking, have been certified by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to meet US government Federal Information Processing Standard-197 (FIPS-197) requirements.
27/9/2010
24/9/2010
23/9/2010
Gearshift indication in racing -
West Surrey Racing choose Variohm cable-extension transducers for neat gearshift indicator solution
When West Surrey Racing (WSR) needed a rapid solution to improve the gearshift indicator system on its FIA World Touring Car Championship BMW 320si, they chose MTA series cable-extension transducers from motorsports sensor specialists Variohm EuroSensor.
Wireless first with vibration spectrum for detailed machinery analysis -
Emerson Process Management has expanded the capabilities of its CSI 9420 Wireless Vibration Transmitter to deliver more detailed information for machinery analysis.
S-Type Load Cells -
The STA series of S-Type tension/compression load cells from LCM Systems provide the perfect solution for measuring both tensile and compressive forces.
Security track at October show -
The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the offerings of its Security Track at ISA Automation Week 2010 (#ISAwk).
Digital monitor provides accurate internal & remote temperature measurements - Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC2990, an I²C temperature and voltage monitor for 3V and 5V systems.
Rapid oxygen analysis -
Hach Lange will demonstrate a range of advanced technology for the brewing industry at this year's International Brewing Convention.
22/9/2010
Thai oil contract signed -
Invensys Operations Management has signed a five-year, multi-million dollar contract to deliver a comprehensive refinery-wide optimisation solution for Bangkok-based Thai Oil Public Company Limited, one of Asia Pacific's leading refining and petrochemical companies.
LIMS in Northern Ireland - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that Northern Ireland Water (NI Water), the sole provider of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, has standardized on Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS (laboratory information management system) across its laboratories as part of its continuous focus on improving sample management and maintaining the highest quality water.
Project will investigate turning used electric car batteries into energy storage devices -
ABB and General Motors have signed a non-exclusive memorandum of understanding to cooperate on a research and development project that will investigate uses for electric vehicle batteries once their useful life in the vehicle is over.
Complete solutions for advanced physics applications - National Instruments is collaborating with Vitrociset, a leading European technical services provider for highly complex systems, to offer complete solutions for big physics applications such as particle accelerators and fusion devices.
21/9/2010
![NEWS](http://read-out.net/nuacht.gif) Stuxnet - not from a bored schoolboy prankster! - After further investigation from Nick Denbow (IAI) he reports that Stuxnet malware is worse than expected. It hides injected code on a PLC and thus all automation control systems are at risk!
Keeping trains in train! -
Anticipating European rail transport's new demands, LEM has created a measurement technology that enables unprecedented levels of accuracy in on-board monitoring of train power consumption.
Fit-and-forget protection for low-pressure systems -
A versatile new pressure relief valve for low pressure instrumentation applications up to 400 PSI (27.6 bar) has been launched by the Instrumentation Products Division of Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies.
Reagent recycling scheme awards 'green' companies -
In recognition of their outstanding commitment to recycling, HACH LANGE has awarded two companies with silver bars made from recycled chemical test reagents.
New SCADA platform -
ELUTIONS has launched ControlMaestroTM 2010, the new version of its application and automation development software which dramatically improves efficiency and effectiveness for developers and users.
$1.5m for advanced research programme -
Intel Corporation has given details of a 3 year, $1.5million advanced research collaboration signed with Ireland's leading ICT research Institute, Tyndall National Institute. agreement will provide Intel with a commercial exploitation license to technology created through the collaboration with Tyndall.
GPGPU-based digital signal processing applications -
GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the latest addition to the AXISLib product family.
OPC Firewall shipping -
Earlier this month we reported on Byres Security's Tofino OPC Enforcer, a rather revolutionary firewall technology. This is now available and shipping. This new module is designed specifically to secure industrial systems using OPC Classic.
20/9/2010
Universal connectivity -
MatrMatrikonOPC™ has released the OPC Universal Connectivity Server, which allows vendors and OEMS to provide secure connectivity to every major control system and application on the market.
Compact package data recorder/controller - Invensys Operations Management has formally introduced its Eurotherm nanodac™ recorder/controller which offers unprecedented capabilities in a compact package.
Smallest strain sensor with highest resolution -
With the strain sensor DSRT, Baumer offers a sensor for indirect force measurement which can be used in the packaging industry, engineering, wind energy plants and many other industrial applications.
In-vehicle communication - The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) promulgates the IEC 61375 series train communication networks (TCN).
Validated for Wi-Fi -
Anritsu's MT8860C WLAN Test Set is now validated as part of the overall test system for Wi-Fi CWG (Converged Wireless Group) Certification Testing.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gW6m-AmYrqo/TJcIVi_i3LI/AAAAAAAADcg/LyfgxiTrIcY/s200/thannon.jpg) New man in Ireland -
Thomas Hannon became the principal representative for Alfa Laval in Ireland as from September 1st 2010
17/9/2010
New wireless std improvements -
The HART® Communication Foundation has announced new improvements to the WirelessHART® Test System--Wireless Test System v1.4 and Wi-Analys Software v1.3. The new updates improve test performance, tool usability and technician productivity
Safetytrack at Automation Week -
The International Society of Automation (ISA) announced today the offerings of its Safety Track at ISA Automation Week 2010: Technology and Solutions Event, Tuesday, 4-7 October 2010 in Houston, Texas, USA.
Tempearture data logger -
MadgeTech has released the HiTemp150-PT, a submersible temperature data logger with a 24", flexible stainless steel probe. What makes this probe unique is its extreme durability
Touch-screen oxygen analyser -
Michell Instruments has updated and improved its XZR400 range of oxygen analysers, which now include an easy-to-use touch-screen interface, to improve operation.
16/9/2010
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gW6m-AmYrqo/TJOLovRH5nI/AAAAAAAADbs/bT7PWZDP6Eg/s1600/IAnorthamerica.gif) Industrial Automation North America - Deutsche Messe has announced the launch of Industrial Automation North America, which will debut September 10-15, 2012, alongside International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2012 at McCormick Place in Chicago (IL US).
User conference to tour world - Invensys Operations Management will host a series of international events focused on enabling Operational Excellence with innovative technologies and strategies.
A&I solutions in power plants -
Moore Industries-International has released, "Automation and Instrumentation Solutions for Power Plant Applications," a new digital interactive line card.
New microphone sets concept -
G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration (G.R.A.S.) has announced the release of a new microphone sets concept where focus is on simplicity, reliability and robustness.
Tune cascade loops from a web browser -
ExperTune, now has the capability to tune cascade control loops directly from the web browser interface of the PlantTriage Loop Performance Monitor. This greatly streamlines the tuning process, according to ExperTune's Founder John Gerry.
Single board computer targets very low power consumption applications - GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the ACR301 rugged 3U CompactPCI® single board computer.
300 discounted products to US govt customers! -
Silicon Designs, Inc. (SDI) has announced the availability of more than 300 product models at discounted rates to U.S. government customers under a recently awarded U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) schedule contract.
Circuit card electro-pneumatic servo pressure regulators for OEMs - The Precision Controls Division (PCD) of Marsh Bellofram Corporation, a member of the Marsh Bellofram Group of Companies, has announced the global market introduction of Type 3110 and Type 3120, a series of single- (3110) and double-loop (3120) electro-pneumatic analog circuit-card servo pressure transducers, designed to provide compact, high-performance, economical air pressure monitoring capabilities within a variety of OEM applications.
15/9/2010
IMU launched in US -
Meggitt Sensing Systems has announced the North American market debut of the Sensorex model SX43040, a rugged, high-performance MEMS triaxial inertial measurement unit (IMU) with integral digital hybrid compensation, designed to provide current rate of acceleration, gravitational force and degree of freedom (DOF) measurements, including changes in roll, pitch and yaw, across three orthogonal axes
Asia Pacific wireless technology seminar -
The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute (WCI) reported outstanding results for its first Asia Pacific wireless technology outreach event, with more than 100 supplier and end-user professionals in attendance.
14/9/2010
13/9/2010
Reliable and cost saving shutdown protection in China - Emerson's Bettis PressureGuard self-contained emergency shutdown systems are protecting the Dazhangtou natural gas storage reservoir project in Tianjing, ChinChina National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has selected Bettis™ PressureGuard™ self-contained hydraulic shutdown systems from Emerson Process Management for installation on the Dazhangtou natural gas storage reservoir project in Tianjing, China.
Expanded PXI line for Munich - Geotest has recently expanded its digital test product line with the introduction of the GX5295 and GX5960 PXI digital instruments
New book simplifies cascade control -
Cascade control uses two controllers with a single control valve to provide faster, more accurate control response to upsets. This volume from George Buckbee will help understand it better.
10/9/2010
![Andrzej Gajosz](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gW6m-AmYrqo/TInz-kQfcSI/AAAAAAAADZI/MYxAe5vQgXk/s200/andrew.jpg) Control for vehicular and industrial markets - The latest addition to the Sensor-Technik team is Andrzej Gajosz (right), a fully qualified hardware design engineer with experience ranging from the IC/PCB level to industrial components and systems. |
Growth opportunities in power grid modernisation -
ABB has highlighted the significant growth opportunities it sees in the modernisation of the world's power grids, its expansion into the discrete automation sector, and the convergence of power and automation demand across its business portfolio.
![Education and Research](http://read-out.net/oid.gif) Radar level measurement best practice - The emergence of radar has been an important advance in the level measurement field. Radar represents a cost effective, accurate solution that is immune to density and other process fluid changes as well as most vapour space conditions. Emerson's Sarah Parker discusses best practice.
Combating Eyjafjallajokull! - Advanced visual inspection equipment hired from Ashtead Technology has helped an aviation engineering company to undertake vital aircraft examinations in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic ash eruption.
Virtual experience for US cabinet member -
Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of US Dept of Energy Energy, and Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), donned virtual reality goggles yesterday and experienced the future of clean-coal plant technology when they interacted with the EYESIM training simulator from Invensys Operations Management.
Suppliers honoured - National Instruments has announced the 22 recipients of the company's Global Supplier Awards for 2010.
Innovative short-stroke electric cylinder uses tubular linear motor - Festo has launched a highly innovative short-stroke electric cylinder which uses a patented tubular linear motor and end-position controller to provide exceptional dynamic performance.
Reporting software -
SyTech has announced the Team edition of the XLReporter product family. This edition is unprecedented reporting software that marries the most popular reporting product, Microsoft Excel, with the leading historians in the automation industry, resulting in easy-to-grasp reports from anywhere in the organization, while maintaining individualized security.
New profile issued for PLCopen -
The CANopen SIG (Special Interest Group) "Drives and Motion Control" of the CAN in Automation (CiA) international users' and manufacturers' group has released the CiA 542 profile for PLCopen Motion compliant devices.
Analysing waveform data - A new advanced utility option in Yokogawa's Xviewer waveform display and analysis software boosts the hard disk recording capability of the recently introduced DL850 ScopeCorder by allowing an engineer to pre-analyse waveform data while the acquisition is still in progress.
Tough going at W&W show! -
Marcus Pattison, one of the organisers of WWEM 2010 (Telford GB 10th-11th November) has issued a warning to visitors, urging them to plan their time at the event carefully.
Protect systems using OPC DA, HDA and A&E, the world's most widely used industrial integration standard - MTL Instruments has announced the new MTL Tofino OPC Enforcer Loadable Software Module (LSM), developed for MTL Instruments by Byres Security.
Pressure transmitter for railway applications - With the PBSR, Baumer's PB series includes a new pressure transmitter suitable especially for railway applications. It features a wide compensated temperature range from -50 °C to +85 °C with a total error band of only 1%.
9/9/2010
RMS clamp meter -
GMC-I PROSyS has introduced the CP41 AC/DC True RMS Clamp Meter, , a hand-held unit that combines simplicity of operation and convenience with non-invasive measurement of current to an accuracy of ± 1% of reading and resolution of 1mA.
Pilot for spool valves - ASCO Numatics has introduced an ultra low power pilot with flapper nozzle technology for its Series 551 Pilot Valves. This is ideal for use in explosive atmospheres or industries where harmful substances are present.
Automation programming standard course comes to England - CoDeSys V3 Basic is a 3-day training programme, developed and run by the German company, 3S Smart Software Solutions.
Compact modular power analyser delivers enhanced intelligence and performance -
The WM40-96 smart power quality analyser from Carlo Gavazzi delivers accurate measurements including current, voltage, power, energy and harmonics - with precise parametric analysis, control, data stamping and retransmission.
Solar PV inverters broaden support for renewable energy - Carlo Gavazzi is also extending its support for renewable energy installations with the introduction of grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Inverters.
8/9/2010
7/9/2010
6/9/2010
Presentation to aid Arctic research project! - Dr Simon Boxall from Britain's National Oceanographic Centre has been presented recently with one of YSI's new 'Castaway CTD' profiling instruments following a competition at this year's Oceanology International event.
Process information whenever, wherever! - Control See Ltd has released its U.C.ME-OPC™ software product version 2010. This new version introduces scheduling functionality to the existing functionality - Alarm notification (via SMS, Pager, Email)
3/9/2010
Another automation publication changes hands -
The leading Automation publication in Canada, Manufacturing AUTOMATION magazine, has been acquired from CLB Media Inc. by Annex Publishing & Printing, a business publisher based in Simcoe, (Ont CDN).
Safety features wins light order - Douglas Control & Automation has won a large order for STAHL's New Emergency Light Fittings which have additional safety features.
Multi-channel wireless sensor system -
Deeter Electronics has introduced a new Multi-Channel Wireless Sensor System for more complex installations. The new system permits the monitoring of greater numbers of remote devices than was previously possible and can display the state of up to eight analogue sensors and up to thirty two switched inputs.
Sensing for servo repairs -
When Wyko Industrial Services (now Eriks UK) set about building a test and calibration rig for its servomotor repair business they based their design on a non-contact torque sensor from Sensor Technology that could effectively be isolated from damaging shock loads.
Expanded range of programmable DC power supplies includes 800 V model - TTi Distribution are now distributing, in Britain, the Sorensen SG Series of programmable power supplies expanded to include a 0-800 V DC offering.
2/9/2010
1/9/2010
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