Back to Work and School
We wish everyone a Happy New Year for 2010.
This newsletter goes to 28 countries and we give all our friends out there, our besh wishes for this year.
The summer in New Zealand, especially in Auckland and Northland has been spectacular for holiday makers so far, with little rain and beautiful blue skies.
Everyone should be feeling pretty good right now and relaxed and ready for another year after the festive season with a few kilos to shed also.
MasTec Ltd did not close over this year and worked right through and was relativley busy, which probably means that 2010 will be a busy year.
Our annual report for the year showed a slight improvement in sales over the previous year, about 10%, which is excellent. Also the quarterly sales figures showed a steady increase through out the year.
This
newsletter is a catch up for the two months of December and January
when most are away on hoildays.
SWS Sale
As promised, I would like to tell about the sale of SWS : -- Smart Works Systems
Over the last 20 years, MasTec as a technical integrator, become concerned at the technology gap that developed between software tools in the IT Commercial arena, in comparison to the Instrumentation and Industrial software tools.
We had been feeling for some time, that the grand promise of merging of the two sectors due to the need for business centric solutions, had not happened and it did not look like it would happen for quite sometime yet.
The words being spoken in the industrial and instrumentation world back 10 years ago, were that the merging of the two sectors was required to maximise efficiencies and productivity. IT departments were being encouraged to connect the complete enterprise together.
We feel a large imbalance has developed between the two sectors.
In NZ, there are really only a handful of technical software houses and most suffer from a lack of professional resources. There are very clever people in these companies but usually their focus is narrowed, just like our SWS was.
So when we went to market to sell our SWS integration company for software integration, projects and products, we were primarily looking for a none industrial or instrumentation software house to sell to.
The best choice to us would be an IT software company with a technical software team inside it. This meant that the client would be coached on their project by a team that had a better view of the overall IT needs and possibilities, than a tighly focused automation and instrumentation developer.
The other criteria was the purchasing company must be run by seasoned software people and have a team of older professional programmers with considerable experience. This has been meet.
We found this in Outsource IT Ltd and this has made us very happy. They are the purchaser of SWS and own all software and IP from the software development right back to 1990 when we started.
Any of our customers that now go to Outsource IT for software work will have a professional design team that can integrate or project manage the industrial or instrumentation software into the corporation with ease and with full understanding of IT data and security needs etc. This includes networking, the web, databasing, intranets, remote data services and the full IT requirements. This of course also does include software testing - for design and performance specification etc. plus full documentation.
So we are very comfortable about the transition and feel our customers will benefit enormously from this new arrangement.
MasTec and Outsource IT are in active alliance and MasTec will be recommending our customers to use them for software services.
So it makes us very happy to now say we are a pure sales organisation. It has taken 3 years of consolidation work to get there.
We will be selling the hardware for Outsource ITs projects and advicing them on performance specs etc directly with their new customers, a full team approach.
If
you have a project you want to do please contact us now and we
will introduce you to Outsource IT.
The Highlight Products and Companies for this month
Last
month we introduce ATTEN
I hope you didn't miss this.
We are at an historical point, sort of like when the Japanese car makers started to make in roads into the world car market. There was suspicion at first. However this choice is a lot easer, read on.
China's leading instrument maker, ATTEN makes Spectrum Analysers,
Oscilloscopes and Power Supplies.
Their scopes are badged for LeCroy.
A small high performance colour dual channel digital scope (as above) 500Msa/s 25Mhz BW for less than $500.
Also a small higher performance colour dual channel digital scope 1Gsa/s 100Mhz BW for less than $900.
Their new power supply is great value also. Cost for the 5A model is approx $260
Specs-
Full digital programmable interface Dual 32V/5A and 32V/5A
" High resolution 10mV , 1mA
" Compact and lightweight package
" Intelligent window interface
" OV, OC, OT protection
" RS-232 standard Interface
" GPIB (IEEE 488.2) - optional
Check this please with other offerings. There are several companies offering comparable gear with prices 50-75% higher in the NZ and Aus market.
For bulk buys for Unis, Tech Schools etc we can do even better.
So save some money and get excellent products. Have some budget left over to buy more items for the labs and students.
These
products are also connected directly to factory support, they
are not badged by some other company and sold on.
Also
for more instruments - look at Rigol.-- They make scopes badged
for Agilent and these are excellent value also and if you want
a third company to compare with, go to GW, Taiwan's largest instrument
maker.
Now
a Quick Catch Up for the new year -
Rabbit - Mini Cores - RCM5750 and RCM5760 modules
Both modules can use the Remote Program Update feature which has already been made available in Dynamic C 10.56.
Pin Compatible with current MiniCore modules such as the RCM5600W Wi-Fi module and any future MiniCores.
ADDP is now functional in DC10.60 which will be released shortly and can be made available upon request. The ADDP sample programs and libs in DC10.60 represent Rabbit's implementation of the Advanced Device Discovery Protocol (ADDP). This is the protocol used by Device_Discovery and Device_Setup_Wizard applications.
Increased memory options for creating a compact data logger with up to 2MB of Serial Flash. Ideal for storing web pages for data intensive applications.
Key Markets:
- Energy Management
- Building Automation
- Security Control
- Marine Communications
Sealevel New DB9 Adapter Easily Connects to RS-485 Products
Sealevel’s compact, rugged DB9F-to-5 screw terminal block adapter offers customers a simple solution for connecting their field wiring to DB9 connectors on USB Serial adapters, Ethernet Serial Servers, and other Sealevel RS-485 products with a DB9M connector. These are not converters but screw terminal adaptors.
- Compact, rugged and over-molded terminal block adapter simplifies field wiring
- Screw terminals accept 16-28 AWG gauge wiring
- Screw terminals match RS-485 pin out on Sealevel serial devices with DB9M ports
- Works with 2-wire and 4-wire RS-485 networks
- Thumbscrews prevent accidental disconnection
- RoHS
compliant
Aviosys Cameras now support Apple I Phone 
(have
a quick look)
Best prices at present in the market for these very new exciting products
Aviosys has six new high dev camera models:-
Advanced High Definition (1280 x 720p )
and
Tri-Mode ( MPEG-4/2. MPEG-4/1. Motion JPG ) - MPEG-4 IP Kamera 9070 lineup in the market now.
Most cameras are low resolution - these are not
IP Kamera 9070-Lite - Wide Angle Lens
IP Kamera 9070-Basic - Wide Angle Lens has SD Card ( 2G T-Flash ) and EZ Blog . My Web. Pre-cording.
IP Kamera -CS - standard CS lens ( exchangeable)
IP Kamera -CS -PoE - standard CS lens ( exchangeable) with PoE
IP Kamera -IR - Infrared , water resistance . mechanic switching shutter
IP Kamera -IR -PoE - Infrared with PoE . water resistance . mechanic switching shutter
Above all models are supporting Apple iPhone .
More Aviosys - build things using web browser technology - 8 Digital inputs
Features:
1. Embedded web server – no need to connect to a PC –
Use Ethernet or Internet (LAN / WAN).
2. Accessible with popular web browsers- IE (Internet Explore)
or Netscape – DO NOT need specific S/W.
3. Comes with 8DO: Direct control relay output .
8 Set Controllers – Default 4 Set NO - Normal Open &
4 Sets NC - Normal Close.
4. Network protocols supported: HTTP, DDNS, DHCP, Virtual and
Dynamic IP.
5. Support RS232 to control .
6. Security code identification and Hardware reset function.
7. Individual LED indicates switch-working status.
8.Safe, durable, non-electric leakage and anti-farmable design.
6. Easy installation, setup and support online upgrade.
7. Individual LED indicates switch-working status.
8. Safe, durable, non-electric leakage and anti-farmable design.
9. Polar protection – will even connect contrary port.
10. Digital inputs provide de-bouncing function.
11. Update firmware by the TCP/IP network.
12.Embedded “ WATCH DOG “ for own 9222 anti-freeze.
13. Auto Controlled by our 9211 ( DI ) or the DI of our 9212Delux
.
14. Timer Schedule -- pre-set the time schedule to turn power
on / off thru Internet / Ethernet.
15. Support NTP (Network Time Protocol) - synchronize the time
of 9258 to the Internet web
16.Setup up own outlet default: set DO status as regain power.
17. Provide SDK (VB & VC) for own Software develop and application.
18. Supply Exclusive IP Service for easily find on Internet by
name.
and More - build things using web browser technology - 8 Digital outputs
Features:
1. Embedded web server – no need to connect to a PC –
Use Ethernet or Internet (LAN / WAN).
2. Accessible with popular web browsers- IE (Internet Explore)
or Netscape – DO NOT need specific S/W.
3. Comes with 8DI : Detects digital input (DI).
* 8 Set Sensor – Default 4 Set Source mode (Dry - Voltage
Input) and & 4 Set Sink mode (Wet- Resistance Input).
Source& Sink mode could be switched .
4. Network protocols supported: HTTP, DDNS, DHCP, Virtual and
Dynamic IP.
5. Support RS232 Series port to get status .
6. Security code identification and Hardware reset function.
7. Individual LED indicates switch-working status.
8.Safe, durable, non-electric leakage and anti-farmable design.
6. Easy installation, setup and support online upgrade.
7. Polar protection – will even connect contrary port.
8. Safety, durable, non-electric leakage and anti-farmable design.
9. Polar protection – will even connect contrary port.
10. Update firmware by the Webpage control.
11. Embedded “ WATCH DOG “ to avoid 9211 freeze..
12. Support SMTP: Send IP address as log in and send e-mail as
detecting sensor trigger.
13. Auto Internal Control: DI Control DO (Relay in 9222 or Relay
in 9212 Delux).
14. Support HTTP Command.
15. Timer Schedule -- pre-set the time schedule to turn power
on / off thru Internet / Ethernet.
16. Support NTP (Network Time Protocol) - synchronize the time
of 9258 to the Internet web.
17. Provide SDK (VB & VC) for own Software develop and application.
18. Supply Exclusive IP Service for easily find on Internet by
name.
and More
Taking remote Power Control to the next level. Wireless Remote Power Control,
Allows you to access your devices from anywhere where cables cannot reach.
More detail please link to
Cotek Versus Meanwell Power supplies
If you are in production and need OEM supply of PSUs. Then consider Cotek.
Cotek power supply model name with cross reference to MW below.
The Cotek GE series is equivalent to MW’s G5 series
Note
the GE series is more efficient - a different PWIC, no load power
consumption <0.5W and complies with energy star.
| MW# | Cotek# |
| RS-25 | GE-25 |
| RS-35 | GE-35 |
| RS-50 | GE-50 |
| RS-75 | GE-75 |
| RS-100 | GE-100 |
| RS-150 | GE-150 |
| SCP-600 | 600S-P |
| SCP-800 | 800S-P |
| SCP-1K2 | 15KS-P |
| SCP-2K4 | 2K4S-P |
| SP-75 | AK-75 |
| SP-100 | AK-100 |
| SP-150 | AK-150 |
| SP-200 | AK-200 |
| SP-750 | AK-650 |
| RSP-1000 | AK-1000 |
| RSP-1500 | AK-1500 |
| RSP-3000 | AK-3000 |
Gamatronic Power + Mega - up to 250KVA redundant, hot swap scaleable UPS - now with US Design patent.
Just a little bit of blurb on these. If you are a serious data center operator please have a read.
THE POWER+
MODULAR UPS SYSTEM
With the demanding power needs of today's computer and telecom
networks, UPS performance requirements have become more stringent.
High conversion efficiency, small footprint and small total volume,
light weight and reliability are more important now than ever,
and all predictions support their increasing importance over
time.
POWER+ history
In 2003 Gamatronic introduced the first POWER+ Modular UPS System.
POWER+'s innovative design sparked a worldwide revolution in
the UPS market.
This was prompted both by the concept and by the POWER+'s combination
of best-of-breed technology and components.
The goal was to build the greatest possible power capacity into the smallest possible modular design, to create the modular UPS with the greatest power density. A rigorous research and development effort succeeded in producing an extra-efficient conversion topology.
However efficient a UPS may be, a certain amount of the input power is inevitably lost, mostly as heat, which is dispersed into the atmosphere via heatsinks and fans. The more efficient the UPS's power circuit, the less waste heat will be generated, permitting a reduction in the size of the heatsinks and fans.
POWER+ and
MEGA POWER+ modular systems today
Increasing efficiency is the most critical UPS issue today because
it generates savings for the customer in his electrical bills,
both in terms of the power required by the UPS to supply the
load devices, and the power required for air conditioning to
keep the UPS room cool. Improved UPS efficiency also increases
the service life of the unit by lowering the operating temperature
of the power elements.
Following extensive research Gamatronic has adopted the three-level PWM inverter topology, attaining high ac-ac efficiencies of 95% and more. This enables us to produce small power modules weighing only 9 kg that deliver a high-quality 10 kVA of power, or slightly larger modules that still weigh only 20 kg but delivering 25 kVA. The power modules are hot-plugged into a detachable shelf bearing detachable cables.
Fans speed is dynamically determined by an algorithm that considers both temperature and load. This results in longer fan life, less dust entering the system, and reduced audible noise.
Who's using them?
China's National Development and Reform Commission has begun construction of an information service platform for six major passenger rail routes - the Wen Fu, Shi Tai, Fu Xia, Yong Tai Wen, Zheng Xi and Wu Guang lines.
The planned service platform includes a ticketing system, schedule information system, office automation system, "smart card" management system, freight management system and more.
The service platform depends on smooth, reliable and stable power. Power+ UPS systems were chosen for use in the Fujian Section of the Wen Fu Line in August, 2009. The Yong Tai Wen Line choose several more tens of Power+ units. Nearly 200 Power+ units of various power capacities are to be used in the six rail routes to meet diverse needs.
and More
G4 Control, Monitoring and Management in one little box.
or rack model 
| Features | Benefits |
| 1.IT | The G4 is a hardware
solution without dependency to a server, in such way the client
can ensure a non stop G4 operation and backup. IT targets are monitored by SNMP : CPU load, Physical memory usage, Virtual memory usage, Hard disc space usage. Checking ping request continuously. A possibility to an Immediate shut down in any temperature/dry contact/IT target/UPS alarm or even by SMS command. |
| 2.UPS / External Power device connection | All parameters supported by the UPS are showing to user, as AC input/output voltage, load, frequency, DC battery voltage and more. |
| 3.Dry contacts and Environments sensors | Provides remote monitoring of a range of environmental sensors, such as: temperature, flood, door, motion, fire and more. The output dry contacts enable you to turn devices on or off remotely. |
| 4.Network connection | The G4 has a password-protected internal web interface that you can connect to from any terminal with an Internet connection. You can view the status of attached devices from anywhere. SNMP and UDP are also supported. |
| 5.Internal GSM modem | SMS notifications
and control commands, Daily status, GPRS, Event group to notify relevant user. |
| 6.Problem notification | The G4 can automatically send you alert notices via email or SMS or SNMP |
| 7.Logs | Log file - 255 latest system events |
We have a lot of experience & good references for G4 operation with following applications:
" Servers
rooms & data centers
" Telecom companies ( Orange , Motorola; PTT, and cellular
companies)
" Electricity company
" Military Equipment manufactures ( Elbit)
" Integrators ( Matrix, Binat)
" Manufactures ( Dead sea industries )
" Municipal services
" And more …
You can see
a live demonstration of the G4 interface. If you have a pen,
cut and paste this address "http://212.199.118.131"
and just enter it in the address bar of your Internet browser.
ICS - GPIB to Ethernet Lan Instruments inter connector
ICS's Model 4865 is a new kind of interface that enables a user to add Ethernet based instruments to his GPIB Test System. The need for this interface recently came about as several manufacturers are now building their new instruments without GPIB interfaces, in the belief that everyone will only want to build Ethernet oriented Test Systems in the future. This leaves the engineer who wants to expand or upgrade his GPIB based Test System with fewer instruments to choose from. It also limits the company's ability to sell their new instruments. The 4865 solves this problem by acting as a transparent, GPIB-to-LAN Instrument Interface for the new Ethernet only instruments.
The Model 4865 uses the VXI-11 protocol to communicate with any VXI-11.3 compatible instrument. VXI-11 is a communication standard developed by the VISA consortium in 1995 in conjunction with the VISA Specification. The VXI-11.3 sub-standard covers LAN instruments with Ethernet interfaces. Most LAN instruments are VXI-11.3 compatible even if they respond to other commands and protocols. The LXI Specification also requires that LXI instruments be able to use VXI-11.3 protocol for discovery purposes.
After power turn-on, the 4865 searches for and links to the first VXI-11.3 compatible instrument it finds or it will link to an instrument at a fixed IP address. Once linked, the 4865 acts as the application client. It converts GPIB commands and device messages into the appropriate Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) and sends them onto the instrument. Replies from the instrument are talked out on the GPIB bus when the 4865 is next addressed to talk. The 4865 mimics the LAN instrument's responses on the GPIB bus. If the LAN instrument is IEEE-488.2 compatible, then the 4865 is IEEE-488.2 compatible.
The Model 4865
is configured over its Ethernet interface with any web browser
and does not require any special configuration utilities or drivers.
It will operate in any system with a GPIB bus. The 4865 is a
RoHS compliant assembly and has been CE Certified.
Some New Companies --- click the link for info
AICSYS Inc
- A range of embedded PCs and chassis. Do you need something
custom, they are true manufacturers for OEM Customers 
Astel
Marine - Wireless Yacht & Boat Control, GSM Remote Lights,
Marine Certified LED Lights, Underwater Red Lights
Bit
Micro Networks Inc - High Reliability -- Large capacity SSD --
Highest Capacities - Up to 832GB in 2.5-inch and 3.2TB in 3.5-inch
EPsolar
- Solar home system controller with remote meter and waterproof
solar street light controller - Time to do Solar LED street lights
Everyday
Lighting - LED Tube lamps, Spot lamp, LED Halogen lamp, Flood
lamp, Strip, auto bulb, underwater light
ExMork
- More Wind Turbines 300W to 20KW, large range of other complimentary
alternative products also
Green Bright Technology - LED Tube lamps, LED Spot lamp, LED
Halogen lamp, LED Flood lamp, LED Strip, LED Down Lights
IBest
Electrical - SSRs up to 660VAC - Single phase to 120 Amps- Two
and Three Phase to 100 Amps + an array of other products
Kehua
- A huge range of UPSs -- The specialty UPSs are of interest,
power station, railways, large Industrial - very complete
MicroATE
- This should interest all our Test Engineers - yes low cost
functional test gear for lab and production line
Silicon
Display - The lowest cost RS-232-485 LCD and LED displays you
can find anywhere - we have rights for Oceania
Sparker
Electric Component & Equipments - Everything electrical and
more - Solar as well
