One of the extra things we do at MasTec, we have students that come to do their 3rd and 4th year Electronics and Biomedical practicuums (400 and 800 hours), which is a requirement by Universities, so they can complete their engineering degrees.
Over the years we have had many students come through and they have a great time. Often it is their first time ever to sit down for an extended period and actually do a project either build or program something very real, in the engineering sense.
It's a delight to have these people with us. We are not actually looking for anything particular from the students (it is nice to see completion but not essential), even though they are meant to be doing a so called project. We allow an open exploration and evolution of the task and all seem to flourish doing this. There is lots of innovation and growth and joy.
Do not believe that students now are any different than previous generations, they are here to have fun, explore, have more fun and eventually fit in to the big experiment called life, just like we have, they may just shift the rules a little. It has always been the same. Some are cleverer than others but that is not important, everyone has a role. I love watching them work in teams, they do it so well.
Our place seems like a great place for these minds to come to, as there are so many toys to play with, we are a wash with them and they usually master quite a few before they leave to ful time jobs. Some stay like Hitul Shah did.
Product and Service Info Short notes first, for new products
ZAP Free Rotary Encoders
Micronor solves many of the most difficult encoder problems, zapping, emi interference, cabling costs, cable and connector breakage and much more. ZAP free are optically coupled encoders with now electronics in the encoder except light. Easy interface, one optical cable. Also the encoder is very light and tough. Solves many many problems.USB DAQ
MCC DAQ: -Hard to believe but their are new prices for all the MCC USB range: The PMD-1208LS is now $230
Low Cost PLCs also Programmable Power Supplies and Loads
Array :- Super small but powerful PLCs and an amazing price.Signal Conditioners
Dataforth :- The new 8B Series are Lower cost, smaller size, Instrumentation grade, Isolated conditioners.Serial Server info
Quatech New paper on Serial Servers from Quatech, a good read. We also have Linux programmable Serial servers
Now the longer stories for the monthExpansion on last months info. This is a very important break through from Sheldon.
DSP/DAQ Controllers programmed with LV or VB from Sheldon.
Download a very good article on Sheldon's VB and/or LabVIEW programmed DSP and DAQ system by a European Mag.
PDF (It is large so be patient)
Sheldon is about to release the first true silicon programmable LabVIEW/VB DSP/DAQ engine.Program in LV or VB on a PC and then download via ethernet into this box which has a 1800MFLOP DSP engine, huge memories, with up to 64 high speed analog in and 16 analog out, digital, USB, serial and more.
This is real time LV or VB in its truest form, there is no OS in the way. Expect this Q1 2005. This can be used like an embedded system but it has total integration of DSP, DAQ, Comms in one box and will sink any embedded system around for real time ability and it boots immediately, No OS.
A little more on the Sealevel company for everyone.
Sea I/O Digital I/O Systems ( do look) and a PDF A large channel count digital I/O systems
SeaI/O™ modules provide a powerful way to add I/O to a variety of computers, micros, controllers, and PLCs. Choose from five DIN Rail mountable I/O boxed configurations, each designed for maximum flexibility and easy field wiring. Ordering options allow connection to the host device via Ethernet, USB, RS-485, or RS-232, and multiple units can be daisy chained together using convenient pass-through connectors. For easy software integration, application programs or 3rd party software can use Sealevel’s SeaMAX™ library or industry standard Modbus protocol. Also LaVIEW drivers.
Last month we said:- Just a little more on this new product, we are using these in a project right now, they are cute, small foot print, very functional and easy to use and connect to and yes the digital inputs are isolated with bi-directional photo LED isolators making them polarity free or open, we needed that in our project.Well, we completed the project, we installed the system with more than 250 I/O points for monitoring and controlling a large radio system, commissioned it very quickly and it is running. Can't say what and where etc, as it is sensitive. We loved the experience of these products, very little hassle, did what they were meant to do and best they were low cost, DIN Rail mount, screw terminal connection and good drivers for LabVIEW.
Expect to see quite soon, a nice range of SEA I/O analog input/output modules with the same form factor and nice feel from Sealevel.
We are impressed with this Sealevel company, we sell hundreds of their comms board every year and they are rock sold. The company is friendly and very helpful based in South Carolina USA.
We are also involved in extensive development work using their Serial DMA based Zilog UART SCC sync boards, for a large overseas sales. The site in NZ working on this has spent several months developing a large chunk of code to replace a legacy system and part of the code was a rewrite in conjunction with Sealevel of the driver for this card.
SCADA for Pharmaceutical and Food industry (and more) from CIM Tech in South Carolina
A new SCADA company and product for MasTec. Download the brochure. Have a look at their extensive website
We have an extensive set of PDFs if you feel this product can chnage your work systems, it is very powerful & complete.
SCADA for Hydro Electric Power Generation (and more) from MSE-Tetragenics in Montana
Another new SCADA company and product for MasTec. Have a look at their extensive website and more
We had a visit from this company in December and it is very focused, skilled and has the same NZ, can do attitude, as it is from a very small population state, Montana, miles from anywhere. We like their attitudes and have arranged to set up distribution in NZ, Australia, and South East Asia. So please do contact us about this product, it is very complete with a large expertise base behind it. RTUs sets and complete software for utilities.
New Nokia 30 Backplane from SWS
Now build low cost M2M systems using the Nokia 30. Backplane Version 3 is now released, New Relays, DPDT with NO and NC, LED indicators on status etc. We are working on Version 4 also with Serial I/O both GSM and GPRS connection.Wrote in January. This project is running well and we expect to see something in Q2.
We can report in February. This project is now having PCB runs and a short run will be completed late Q1 or early Q2 for field trial.
Linear Temperature Probe from SWS
Semiconductor Temperature probe, linear output, 10mV/Degree C, Thermal Well, runs on 5-28 VDC. range -55 to 150 eg C. Accuracy better than 1 degree. Full Specs
FREE Softwire Graphical Programming from Measurement Computing
MasTec Ltd has announced that the graphical programming language Softwire that builds .net programs graphically is now FREE for download
LabJack software from Azeotech
DAQ Factory new low cost software for the LabJack, NO PROGRAMMIND but super.
Industria
industria – global news about Automation, Process Control, Instrumentation, and Software for Australasia/Oceania
Website Link
MasTec Staff Contacts :-
Managing Director rob.maskell@mastecnz.co.nz OEM Purchases rob.maskell@mastecnz.co.nz Product Manager adam.samir@mastecnz.co.nz Sales Consultant loyal.noronha@mastecnz.co.nz M2M Manager adam.samir@mastecnz.co.nz Applications Engineering christian.moxon@mastecnz.co.nz Integration Project Manager hitul.shah@mastecnz.co.nz Office and Sales Manager saera.tui@mastecnz.co.nz Web Site & DB Work rob.maskell@mastecnz.co.nz Training Officer hitul.shah@mastecnz.co.nz (Please send Michelle Soakell any updates on company details, any new staff members etc)
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