• New customer services director - Tundra Semiconductor has announced the appointment of Nancy Hawkins to the newly created position of director of customer service. Ms. Hawkins reports to Ed Hacker, vice president of sales.
• Name change - Alex Bobovitch tells us that The Academy of Airspace Instrumentation (St.Petersburg,Russia) is now the State University of Airspace Instrumentation (SUAI) now.

• Flowmeter Finder - This is the beta test version of the FlowMeter Finder!Ê Not all of the "device sheets" are finished yet, but they will be very soon. Try it out and give them feedback and suggestions for improvement! With the FlowMeter Finder, you can go directly to information about the type of flow meter you are interested in... or you can use the interactive selection tools to help you choose the best flow meter for your specific application. Although provided by Seametrics the finder is completely non-proprietary.
• New version boosts test performance - LabWindows/CVI, from National Instruments, now improves program execution with instrument driver enhancements and multithreaded execution technologies. LabWindows/CVI also automates code development throughh new interactive wizards. The new automated instrument driver development tools generate drivers that improves performance by up to 50% for GPIB, VXI, and PXI test systems.
• Bulky pipework substituted - Parker Hannifin IPD has released a range of compression tube fittings in larger sizes up to two inches, bringing the advantages of compact, lightweight tubing to a much wider range of industrial fluid processing and instrumentation applications. Compared with the use of conventional threaded pipework, Parker estimates that the new range will allow users to save up to 50% or more in material and labour costs, and space - while dramatically boosting the reliability of installations.

• The "Celtic Tiger" roars ahead - - August production figures issued by the Irish Central Statistics Office disclose an increase of 21.6% for the month compared with the same period last year. After taking account of seasonal factors, the August figure was 5.3% greater than the seasonally adjusted figure for the quarter which ended in May this year.
  The IE Professional.

• Suck-it and see or Charity on the WWW! - Klinkmann have placed a wide selection of 1-hour software on their site for free downloading. All the packages are fully functional - operating time being the only only limiting factor. Packages available include most of the leaders, ABB, F&P Micro DCI, Interbus, Modicon, Profibus, Valmet etc etc.
• Embedded software communications advance - In keeping with its stated mission to improve user-to-vendor communications in the embedded computing industry, theEmbedded Software Association (ESOFTA has announced that its first forum for technical discussions is now operational. With this Web-based reflector in place, users otr potential users pf embedded products, particularly of software and software tools, can seek answers or advice from the expert creators of such products. Details for subscribing to the industry-wide discussion forum will find details on our Newsgroup & Mail List Page
• Lloyd's approval for IS products - The MTL5000 Series galvanic isolators from Measurement Technology have been given Lloyds Register approval, joing the MTL700 Series of shunt-diode safety barriers already on the list. This is the first time that galvanic isolators have achieved this approval and it makes the series ideal for use on oil and gas production platforms, oil tankers and FPSOs (Floating production, storage and offloading vessels).
• Smart bridge! - Solartron is supplyig the on-line structural measurement scheme that will form part of the Smart Bridge monitoring system being installed for a new bridge been constructed over the river Dee in North Wales (GB). The companied ruggedised Isolated Measurement Pods (IMPs) will collect data from sensors, including anemometers, thermocouples, strain gauges, corrosion probes and accelerometers, for transmission to a PC installed inside one of the bridge towers and then onwards to the local authority for detailed analysis.

• Free catalogue - National Instruments has just announced its new, full colour 1998 Instrumentation Catalogue, 864-page catalogue detailing more than 600 software and hardware products that engineers and scientists use to develope integrated, computer-based systems for measurement and automation applications.
• New Literature - Amplicon Liveline has announced the availability of its 1997 Vol 2 320+ page catalogue.

• HS488 - The consequences - After more than two decades of use in many thousands of thoroughly tested instrument applications, a significant change is being submitted to the American IEEE for final approval and modification of the world-wide Standard 488.1. This proposed " enhancement" has been called HS-488, and it is instructive for us all to examine some of the elements of this proposal as it applies to users, designers, and developers of GPIB systems. Thus starts an article by John Pieper, an independant consultant based in the Netherlands.

• Fieldbus in pulp mill - The first commercial, multi-vendor Foundation fieldbus has been installed by Daishawa America Corp. at their Port Angeles, WA pulping facility. "Smar is pleased to be one of the first participants in a multi-vendor application of Foundation fieldbus," said Carlos Liboni, their vice-president of international sales.
• Smallest 150watt universla input power supply with harmonic correction - Computer Products' newest addition to the NLP family, the NLP150H, combines high density packaging and cost effectiveness, while adding input harmonic correction to comply with EN 61000-3-2.
• New web service - In response to the overwhelming demand for easy access to high-value market research information on the InterNet, Frost & Sullivan, the international marketing consulting and management training company, announced the introduction of their new service, Frost & Sulivan Online.
• A better way of measuring strain - By mounting tiny slivers of quartz on a shaft and electrically vibrating them, it is possible to measure applied torque to within a few parts per billion. All this, without any mechanical contact between the shaft and outside world. this is the technology behind Sensor Technology Ltd's Torqsense rotary torque measurements sensors.
• New UZF sensor heads for special applications - The established range of fibre sensors from Matsushita has been enhanced with the introduction of specialist fibre sensor heads. They now feature powerful and long range sensing amplifiers with an unprecedented array of heads for demanding applications. More details from Ian Purcell.
• Too much of a good thing? NT Overkill? - The SCADA systems equipment market is experiencing a driving force that is not necessarily welcomed by the end-user, namely the emergence of the Windows NT 4.0 operating system as the de-facto standard. They are disquieted by the speed with which this system is being promoted for control activities including some which are mission critical. Thus says a new strategic study from Frost & Sullivan.
• New rugged sensitive variable capacitance accelerometers - Endevco has introduced its model 7591 and 7592 variable capcitance Microtron accelerometers that are ideal for military, industrial and automative applications.
• Compact Pentium-based PCU - PEP Modular Computers has introduced the most compact and highly integrated Pentium-based CPU yet available on CompactCPI. The board with versions up to 166MHz istargeted specifically for industrial control applications, inncluding those in harsh environments, and requires only a single slot on the bus.

• New precision temperature transmitter - INOR has introduced a new, accurate DIN B in-head temperature transmitter with numerous features. IPAQ-H+ is designed for virtually any type of temperature sensor ranging from RTDs to thermcouples.
• Multi-layer display controller for demanding applications - Primagraphics, the Cambridge (UK) based graphics and image processing specialist, has introduced the LION card, a multi-layer display controller for its recently launched VME-based C.A.T. image processing and display system.
• Motion control smaller, faster and lower cost - GE Fanuc's PowerMotion operation has introduced its new DSM300 motion control module which the company says offers a complete motion control solution which is smaller, faster and lower cost.

• Single-Slot 233 MHz AMD-K6 based VME CPU - Concurrent Technologies Plc introduces its most powerful "Pentium" compatible product to date - aÊ 233MHz AMD-K6Ê PC Compatible VMEbus board - the VS SBC/PKx. The board provides the performance approaching that of a Pentium¨II processor, but in a single VME slot!
• Enhanced capabilities from turbine linearizer - EG&G Flow Technology has introduced a new version of its LinearLink turbine linearizer that provides enhanced capabilities for viewing the output from the company's high-accuracy turbine flowmeters.
• Servo training system - Recognising the importance of the MATLAB soft ware from The MathWorks Inc in control engineering training, Feedback has launched a range of educational control applications equipment for universities, colleges and training centres which supports the real-time implimentation of advanced contro methods using MATLAB tools.
• Easy to program servo drive and controller - A new brushless servo package from Digiplan (Parker Hannifin' Electro Mecahnical Division), combines programming simplicity with extensive data i/o facilities, making it ideal for semi-autonomous operation in PLC-controlled applications such as production equipment, materiels handling systems and machine tools.

• Achemasia'98 - The first ACEMAASIA was held in Beijing in 1989 so the tenth anniversary is being celebrated next year from 11th to 16th May. Details are on the Dechema the Frankfurt based exhibition organisation.

• Test drive - A multimedia demonstration that allows customers to "test-drive" A-B sensors has been introducd by Rockwell Automation. This demonstartion allows viewers over the internet see how safety switches, clear object detectors and photoelectric and capacitative proximity sensors operate. Their web site is www.ab.com.
• FF device interoperability - The interoperability of Fieldbus Foundation devices supplied by separate, independent developers has been demonstrated by Daishowa America Corp. in an application at its Port Angeles, Washington (USA) pulp mill.
• The latest Readout - The October/November issue of Readout has just been published and includes an interview with ETCI's Liam Mulligan on Profibus.

• IS approval - Germany's Technischer Ueberwachungsverein (TUV) has given its first approvals of Measurement Technology Ltd's isolators. The MTL4113 and MTL4114 are fail-safe, single-chennel proximity detector interfaces which enable fail-safe, safe-area loads to be controlled by fail-safe proximity detectors or switches located in the hazerdous-area.
• New editor - ISA Transactions has a new editor, Russell Rhinehart, Head of the School of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University (USA). Targeted for leading-edge industrial practitioners and applied researchers, ISA Transactions aims to be the respected journal of advances in the science and engineering of process measurement and automation.

• Irish Trade Board's suer site - Speaking at the launch of The Irish Trade Bord (An Bord Trachtála) Website chief executive Oliver Tattan urged more companies to go on-line and said: "Competitive advantage can be gained by Irish companies prepared to embrace new technologies and integrate electronic commerce into their marketing strategies". MR Tattan said that Irish companies, like their European counterparts, have been slow in the adoption of electronic commerce and are on average two years behind US companies in terms of Internet presence. However since the board's "Internet for Exporters" campaign began earlier this year there has been a 50% increase in the number of Irish exports with web sites. The board's Supersite is designed to provide international buyers with comprehensive access to the sourcing capabilities of Irish companies. The site contains a database directory of over 3,000 Irish export companies with links to their own web pages.
• BIAS'98 - The oldest Instrumentation Show in Europe will be held in 1998 at a new venue, the brand new Portello Pavilions in Milan, Italy. It will without doubt be the most important event in the I&C world in the year. since INTERKAMA has now scipped a year to 1999. Mark your diaries 24th to 28th November 1998. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
• VA meter introduced in UK - Flotech Solutions Ltd have announced the introduction of the 3810 metal tube VA flometer in the British market.
• Accelorometers at MACH 1.02! - The Endevco variable capacitance Microtron accelorometers were used last month in the World land speed record-breakin success at Black Rock Desert in Navada, US. Thrust SSC ultimately achieved an average supersonic speed of 736mph. Two lateral accelorometers, one at the front and one at the rear of the vehicle, measured yaw motions.

• Temperature Transmitter launched - A new DIN-rail version of Rosemount's HART-bsed temperature transmitter. The Model 644ER provides a 4-20mA analogue signal and offes the same performance as the head-mounted version, including 0.03% accuracy and a stability rating of 0.1% of reading, all housed in a compact unit designed to fit a standard DIN-rail.
• New publication - Penwell Publishing have recognised the vast changes being implimented in the European utility industry with the launch of Utility Automation Europe. This is a sister of the US publication Utility Automation launched some years ago.

• Silicon pressure sensors - The new EXAR silicon pressure sensors for barometric, medical, pneumatic and control applications feature inteh=grated, fully compensated and calibrated amplifiers, giving a compact rugged and reliable pressure sensor module which does not have to be calibrated by the user.
• Knowledgebase web site - Pentek announced today the expansion of their website. This expansion includes a variety of useful technical documents for engineers including an exclusive technical database called Knowledgebase, detailed product datasheets with specifications and block diagrams along with access to full product manuals.
• Fieldbus in space - Visitors to ISATech'97 last month had the opportunity to witness a futuristic demonstration of Fieldbus Foundation technology - the operation and control of a video camara that will be used for monitoring payloads on unmanned space missions.
• Laboratory data acquisition and analysis - National Instruments has announced BioBench software designed for physiological data acquisition and analysis, for use in research and academic environments. It is a low cost turnkey package for Windows 95/NT PCs, requiring no programming to get users up and running.
• Modular fieldbus I?O - MIDU, from Crouzet, is a powerful new range of modular remote industrial I/O units that provides local, intelligent interfacing to sensors and actuators around a plant or building and communicates via open Fieldbus protocols to a master PC or PLC. More details from Pam Gibson for more information.
• Call for papers - AMRA (Automatic Meter Reading Asociation) is accepting topic proposals and invites the submission of ideas for their annual symposium next September (13-16) in Washington DC, USA. Full details from AMRA.
• Gaining by training - Spirax-Sarco have produced a curriculum for their range of training courses in Britain which give recognised qualifications in steam systems.
• Multifunction handheld oscilloscope - Amplicon Liveline present whatt they call the ultimate in handheld storage oscilloscopes the "osziFOX" , the "smallest storage oscilloscope currently available, the 20MHz test instrument comes in a slim housing, scarcely longer than a pencil and about as thick as a man's thumb.
• Pollutec - More than 40,000 visitors attended the recent Pollutec exhibition in Paris at the beginning of the month. Over 1300 companies presente their products or services all linked to preserving the environment.
• Ultra-compact safety barrier - The new MTL7056ac shunt-diode intrinsic-safety barrier with three IS channels allows single-unit protection for 3-wire RTDs in hazardous areas. The barrier allows straightforward, cost-effective and space-saving installation as well as specific advantages over models with only two IS channels. Details from The MTL Group.
• Newsletter - WEB - the International Instrument Users Association have published the October issue of their newsletter giving information on policy, member focus, taskforce or study groups, and working party reports.
• Turquoise switches - The updated range of fully sealed snap action turquoise switches offered by Matsushita Automation Controls are ideally suited to applications to harsh environments. More details from Ian Purcell.
• New alarm logging software for networks - Windmill Software have introduced a major new Alarm Logger which is ideal for distributed systems. Running on Ethernet or LON networks, or on stand-alone PCs, the software handles a vast range of instruments and sensors from many manufacturers.
• New book - This mini-encyclopedia - hugely popular in German - contains everything you need to know about analytical chemistry in a highly readable pocket sized form.
  The Essential Guide to Analytical Chemistry Georg Schwedt published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

The Instrumentation Signpost has interesting pointers for the I&C Professional.