Compact portable hygrometer for convenient spot checks. - The MDM50 portable hygrometer from Michell Instruments makes taking spot checks of dew point or moisture content down to -50°C dew point quick, easy and simple.

PLCopen Coding Guidelines. - The independent association PLCopen has recently released a set of coding guidelines for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This is the first time a standard for PLCs has officially been published in the automation industry and it will allow managers to test any and all PLC programs for quality and consistency reasons.

Collaboration between Robots and Humans - Today's pharmaceutical and medical technology production environments see robots and human operators increasingly working side by side. Mitsubishi Electric's integrated Robot Safety Solution helps manufacturers to boost productivity and lift human-machine collaboration by allowing the robot to continue operation, within tight constraints, while operators access its work cell.

Sensor for verification and inspection. - The new Boa Spot ID is a low cost identification vision sensor from Teledyne DALSA that combines 1D/2D code reading with OCR and verification tools for a host of product identification, verification and tracking applications. It can handle up to 45 parts/second. It is marketed by Stemmer.

James O'Brien has been appointed by Zenith Technologies to lead its manufacturing execution system (MES) business.

Connecting devices wirelessly by bolt! - HMS Industrial Networks has introduced The Anybus Wireless Bolt - a wireless access point designed to be mounted on a machine or cabinet to give it wireless access via WLAN, Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.

Highly reliable industrial wireless communications infrastructure. - Yokogawa has announced that it has received a Technology Award from the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE) for its achievements in the development of industrial wireless technology.

Housing allows two modules. - Han-Modular® Twin is a new connector housing that allows two modules from the Harting Han-Modular® range to be combined in a space-saving and flexible way. The new angular housing means that the system is now easy to use as a motor connector.

ATEX inspection tools for hire! - Responding to increased market demand for equipment that is certified for use in potentially explosive environments (ATEX), Ashtead Technology has become one of the first rental companies to heavily invest in the latest ATEX certified remote control crawlers and push-rod cameras.

Development of new gas detection technologies. - Edinburgh Sensors, has a dedicated R&D team which focuses on the development of new technologies in coperation with clients, pushing the boundaries for gas detection.

Upgrade helps keep energy flowing in Philippines. - Emerson recently upgraded automation technology to improve the reliability of the Malampaya operation, and by finishing the work ahead of schedule helped SPEX restore the supply of gas as planned so the Philippines would benefit from the continued use of reliable and cleaner-burning natural gas to power its economy.

Hygienic certification for sensors. - SKS Automaatio Oy has acquired a hygienic design certification for certain acid proof SKS Sensors® sensor types. This opens new sales opportunities for their sensors in Food industry, Pharmaceutical, Beverage manufacturing, Laboratory use etc.

Nuálaíocht Inbhuanaithe agus Oideachas Innealtóireachta. - Tá caint ar an ábhar seo le tabhairt ag Fionnbarra Ó Brolcháin, léachtaí de chuid Scoil GhnÓ Smurfit agus iar-ollamh airgeadais i DCU ag Cumann na nInnealteoirí i mBaile Átha Cliath an mí seo chugainn. (Deireadh FÓmhair 2016).
English: Talk on "Sustainable Innovation and Engineering Education."

Chromatography mass spectrometry event. - EFASIG, a special interest group within the British Mass Spectrometry Society will run a free workshop at WWEM 2016, the international Water Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring event that will take place in Telford (GB) this November.

Radar level transmitter. - The FMR10 and FMR20 free space radar level transmitters from Endress+Hauser measure liquid levels in storage tanks, open basins, open channels, weirs and canal systems.

Data acquisition and test stand automation using an OPC UA interface. - Delphin Technology has extended its Expert Logger range with the new type 400 model equipped with an OPC UA Client/Server interface. This enhancement to the independently functioning data logger system ideally equips it for the universal exchange of measurement data at field level and for the requirements of Industry 4.0.

Ethernet switches on trains! - To meet the growing need for more capacity in train communications networks, Westermo has introduced a new generation of Ethernet train switches that provide highly robust networks to support many end devices and high data rates. Specifically designed for train applications, the wide range of interoperable Viper switches delivers reliable and versatile solutions for train networks, enabling optimal configuration for every need.

Low-power compute module. - Mouser Electronics is now stocking the highly anticipated Intel® Curie™ module, a complete low-power solution designed for use in wearable devices and consumer and industrial edge solutions.

Touch control! - Kurz has developed plastic component decoration solutions that are tailored to the application of sensors. When metallic designs are employed, Kurz uses so-called NCVM (non-conductive vacuum metallized) films that do not interfere with the function of the capacitive sensor field.

Secure data access across DMZs. - Matrikon OPC DMZ Agent facilitates the transfer of real-time and archived automation data through DMZs in a secure and controlled manner.

Voltage transducers for the traction market. - The DVM series for insulated nominal voltage measurements in traction applications has been itroduced by LEM. This family of devices spans the range from 600-4200 VRMS and incorporates their proven and patented insulating technology.

No lab too small for a LIMS! - Matrix Express is Autoscribe's entry-level 'Out of the box' Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and provides all the key functions expected of a LIMS for smaller organisations.

Intelligent and Cyber Secure PSU. - Bedrock Automation has added an intelligent, standalone power supply to its growing line of simple, scalable and secure control technologies.

Spectrometers help developing infrared lasers. - One of Edinburgh Instruments' mid-IR fluorescence spectrometers is in the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (China). Here, materials for solid-state mid-IR lasers such as rare earth-doped silicate or Cr,Fe:ZnSe have been successfully developed with help from an FLSP920 Spectrometer.

Single hand held solution for fibre testing! - The new CPRI RF module installed in the Anritsu Network Master Pro™ MT1000A, will enable wireless carrier engineers and technicians responsible for optical fibre testing, and solving interference and PIM issues have a single handheld solution for accurate and efficient LTE CPRI testing and verification of the latest generation of tower mounted radios (Remote Radio Heads, RRH).

Not "completely normal" switches! - They look like "completely normal" compact position switches with standard dimensions according to DIN EN 50047. But the construction details of the light and robust Ex 97 switching devices with plastic housings now available from steute's business unit "Extreme" make these devices unique.

European test centre. - Rockwell Automation and Endress+Hauser have now inaugurated their first joint test plant for validation purposes in Europe.

Differential pressure transmitter now in Europe! - Yokogawa's EJXC40A digital remote sensor is now available in Europe. This is a newly developed DPharp EJX® series differential pressure transmitter. Equipped with two pressure sensors that are connected with an electric cable, the EJXC40A offers superior performance in the measurement of liquid levels in large tanks and large differential pressure with high-pressure fluids.

Core products for pneumatics available globally. - Festo is now offering more than 2,200 pneumatic actuators and drives, valves, sensors and accessories for factory and process automation as part of its 'blue star' core product range.

Training in control fundamentals. - Registration is now open for the ACTC Control Fundamentals Training Course being held on 11th - 13th October 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Portable optical tester enhancements. - A tri-wavelength OTDR module has been introduced for Anritsu's Network Master™ Pro MT1000A portable optical tester that provides field engineers and technicians with a comprehensive test tool to verify fiber lines in core, metro, and mobile networks.

Celebrating 25 and looking forward. - Wonderware Ireland and UK, divisions of SolutionsPT, are hosting a two day event at which it will exclusively reveal the next generation of Wonderware industrial automation software, including updates to its HMI and SCADA offerings.

Chilled mirror hygrometer. - Michell Instruments' S8000RS chilled-mirror hygrometer offers an accuracy of ±0.1 °C, with a wide measurement range of -90 to +20 °C dew point, making it the ideal choice for moisture control in a range of metallurgical processes, including sintering.

Gas detector provides natural gas discrimination. - Tyco Gas & Flame Detection has launched its new portable gas detection device. The Gasurveyor 700 (GS700) is a high-performance IR detector with a user-friendly interface that is suitable for all gas utility applications.

Oxygen moniter achieves SIL Level 2. - Customers using Servomex's OxyDetect life safety oxygen monitor can now be further assured of its reliability after the hardware attained Safety Integrity Level 2 certification.

Power analysis. - Yokogawa Europe has launched of the WT1800E power analyser. This new instrument introduces new standards of accuracy and flexibility in power measurement across a broad range of applications.

Thin-Film solar cells research grant!- imec the nanoelectronics research centre and Hasselt University, have announced that one of their scientists has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant. The grantee is Bart Vermang, researcher at IMOMEC, imec's associated lab at the Hasselt University.

Accreditation for calibration laboratory. - LotusWorks Management has recently extended the scope of the ISO 17025 accreditation in the laboratory and onsite at our customer facilities in order to further improve service to customers.

Roadsow on network installation and maintenance. - Anritsu Corporation are presenting the latest information regarding the future of Network Installation and Maintenance to engineers at 33 Roadshow events in 15 countries across Europe.

Packaged interconnection solutions. - Harting is now offering a wide range of M12 packaged interconnection solutions providing one of the most flexible and versatile product offerings on the market.

Innovation for Dublin. -

Entry-level PXI/PXIe platforms. - Adlink Technology has announced new entry-level PXI and PXI Express (PXIe) platforms for PXI testing system startup users. Computing performance and system bandwidth are increased by up to 50%.

Automation Lab opened in Limerick! - The Mitsubishi Electric Automation Laboratory, based in University of Limerick, was officially opened last month by Minister Denis Naughten T.D. of the Department for Communications, Climate Action & Environment.

Ex Floodlights. - The new 6125 series (for zone 1) and 6525 series (for zone 2) floodlights from R. Stahl are designed for challenging environments such as chemical, food and oil and gas extraction. Offering a service life is of 50,000 hours, they feature high corrosion resistance supported by a robust IP66/67-rated enclosure.

DCS worldwide - Analysis! - ARC Advisory Group has just completed fresh market analysis and associated research on the worldwide market for distributed control systems (DCS).

3-D profile sensor. - The new LMI Gocator 2100 Series of self-contained 3D profile sensors, from Stemmer, has been introduced to replace Gocator 2000 models. The Gocator 2100 Series combines improved VGA sensors with a host of other improvements in size, connectivity and measurement tools, at a highly competitive price point.

Installation tester special offer. - Until 31st December 2016, Fluke UK is offering its latest top of the range installation tester, complete with data management software at a special promotional price.

Brian J Curtis is one of the nominees for President-Elect/Secretary in the International Society of Instrumentation (ISA). He is a long-time member of the Ireland Section.

IIOT Security Guide for Design Engineers. - Icon Labs has published a resource for embedded designers working with Internet of Things (IoT) applications: a white paper focusing on "Device Security for the IIoT" (pdf).

Automation maintenace & reliability afloat down under! - Shell Australia has chosen Emerson to provide automation maintenance and reliability services for Shell's Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility.

Wireless torque measuring and monitoring. - TECAT Performance Systems is now shipping its new WISER 4000 wireless torque measuring and monitoring system for automotive, industrial, energy, and aviation applications. Featuring shunt calibration, TECAT's latest WISER system is designed to simplify instrumentation verification for users while allowing them to check calibration of the system in the field.

Pressure transmitters introduced! - The Viatran Model 24A/34A Series is a family of general purpose industrial pressure transmitters, designed for optimal application versatility and reliability.

Dairy producer reduces refrigeration energy use substantially! - A Belgium-based producer of dairy products is achieving minimum energy savings of at least 18% from its refrigeration process as a result of switching to Dyneo permanent magnet motor technology from Control Techniques & Leroy-Somer.

2-Slot USB/LXI Modular Chassis. - Pickering Interfaces are launching their new 2-Slot Modular Chassis (model 60-104) which offers a small, lightweight form/factor ideal for portable, benchtop and space restrictive applications.

Automation priorities post Brexit: Survey Report! - GAMBICA, the Trade Association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology in Britain, has published a report that summarises the priorities and planned actions of its members following BREXIT vote to leave the European Union.

Lab Conference to focus on priority pollutants. - Laboratory analysts from around the world will congregate in Telford (GB) on 2nd and 3rd November to focus on the testing, monitoring and analysis of water, wastewater and environmental samples.

Best pharma solutions provider. - Werum IT Solutions has been named "Best Pharma Solutions Provider" at this year's Asian Manufacturing Award ceremony. With this, the deciding jury of industry experts acknowledged Werum's innovations and continuous advancement of its PAS-X Manufacturing Execution System.

Red Lion Controls has appointed Ron Salerno as Vice President of Strategic Marketing.

Online product configurator for power supply units. - Excelsys Technologies have redesigned their online power supply configurator to include the newly introduced CoolX series of 600W convection cooled power supplies alongside the very successful UltiMod, Xsolo and Xgen product ranges.

T/c simulator. - Pickering Interfaces has introduced their first Millivolt Thermocouple Simulator Module.

Rotation rate sensors win award! - Based on its recent analysis of the market for acceleration and rotation rate sensors in the rail industry, Frost & Sullivan has recognised Advanced Sensors & Calibration (ASC) GmbH with the 2016 European Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year Award.

Special offer for test & measurement kits. - Until 31st December 2016, Fluke UK is offering a T150 Voltage and Continuity Tester and an LVD2 Volt Light with a 15% saving over the manufacturer's recommended price, plus a free toolbelt, as part of its Autumn promotions campaign.

Rugged TFT display. - KOE have announced the introduction of a new 8.0-inch Rugged+ TFT display module. The TX20D203VM0BAA features WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) resolution, a 15:9 wide aspect ratio, extended operating temperature range and IPS (in-plane switching) technology which provides exceptional image quality when viewed at any viewing angle.

Clamp Multimeter. - The Beha-Amprobe ACD-14-PRO-EUR Dual Display 600 A TRMS Clamp Multimeter has been introduced. It has a large backlit LCD dual display that simultaneously displays voltage and amperage measurements to speed troubleshooting, including voltage drop tests.

Ball screw assembly. - Thomson Industries has released an educational video that demonstrates simple techniques to help design engineers identify ball screws assemblies.

Robust RFID reader. - Harting's new Ha-VIS RF-R300 UHF RFID reader is a highly flexible unit which combines extremely robust construction for use in the toughest industrial environments with flexible modular software that allows it to be tailored to a wide range of applications.

High-Performance Fanless Embedded Computers. - Adlink Technology has announced its new MXC-6400 Series of high-performance expandable fanless embedded computers, featuring 6th generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3 processors (codename Skylake) and the QM170 chipset.

Cable identification printer. - Brady's new thermal transfer BMP™61 Label Printer is designed for quick and efficient identification of wires, cables and components. With high performance materials that can handle the toughest industrial identification applications, the BMP61 Label Printer is a durable partner in the field and a dependable workhorse in the shop.

Analyser seected for Chinese PTA facility. - Servomex has been selected by Jiaxing Petrochemical Co Ltd to supply a complete analyser system for the second phase development of their purified terephthalic acid (PTA) production facility in Zhejiang province, China.

Housing components allow larger diameter connectors. - Harting has introduced a new range of housing components which allow the company's Han® 3A size connectors to be produced with larger diameters, enabling them to be used with cables up to 25% wider. As a result, customers will be able to use contact inserts with higher rated current and bigger cross-sections - such as the Han® Q series.