Rugged Handhelds with GIS

Trimble's next-generation rugged handheld computing devices, the Trimble GeoExplorer 2008 series, comes with integrated GPS technology. As one of three models available, the GeoXH handheld is setting a new mapping and GIS industry standard with real-time decimeter-level positioning accuracy.

With high-accuracy GIS data-collection capabilities, field workers can easily perform effective mapping of infrastructure and more accurate asset inventories. Because high-accuracy positioning is available in real time, utility workers who locate buried and hidden assets can more easily excavate cables and pipes without the risk of damaging nearby assets. In addition, back-office data processing is eliminated, streamlining asset inventories and as-built mapping jobs.

The GeoX handheld provides 1-m to 3-m (3-ft to 10-ft) accuracy. The GeoXT handheld offers all the features of the GeoXM, plus a submeter receiver and Trimble's EVEREST multipath rejection technology. This model is ideal for working in difficult environments. For even higher-accuracy applications, users can select the GeoXH handheld for real-time decimeter-level positioning.
Trimble | www.trimble.com

Bird Management Resource

Bird-X has recently revamped its website, www.bird-x.com. While retaining all of the information from the previous site, the improved site has increased user friendliness, easier navigation and sourcing, and more relevant information pertaining to specific bird problems and solutions. More importantly, it is much more than a commercial site. It is a resource on bird and animal control with educational and practical information, with links to articles and customer testimonials.

The website is multi-faceted. Firstly, it encompasses information learned after four decades of working with scientists, biologists, humane and Audubon societies, animal-rights groups, environmental groups, concerned citizens and global leaders of industry. Secondly, it highlights the real-world experiences of the organizations that have suffered the financial, esthetic and health effects of birds and their droppings. Thirdly, the products are manufactured with the highest quality and are guaranteed to work.
Bird-X | www.bird-x.com

Overhead Line Tower Recloser

A recloser from Siemens Energy operates with vacuum interrupters and an integrated controller aimed at the market in countries with extensive medium-voltage overhead systems. Installed in an overhead line route or at the transformer substation, this circuit beaker has the function of selectively disconnecting the system in case of a fault. If the fault is temporary, the system is automatically connected back to load shortly afterward.

The Siemens recloser is generally installed on an overhead line tower, but also can be used in a transformer substation. These circuit breakers have been developed for operating currents up to 800 A and rated voltages of 15.5 kV to 38 kV, with short-circuit currents of between 12.5 kA and 16 kA.

In addition to the circuit breaker, the recloser also comprises integrated sensors and the controller, which is a protection and control device. The special function, which has given the recloser its name, is the repeated automatic reclosing after temporary faults in the overhead line system. The controller also has additional remote supervision and measurement functions, as well as its comprehensive protection functions, including for measuring system reliability indices.
Siemens Energy | www.siemens.com

Removable Transformer Walls

Oldcastle Precast Inc.'s removable transformer walls are certified with a four-hour firewall rating by Southwest Research Institute per ASTM E-119, and are compliant with IEEE standard 979, IBC, CBC and UBC construction codes. The TruFire Wall panels are designed for simple, quick assembly and reassembly for outdoor or indoor use. The precast concrete panels feature grooved columns and side-in panels, which facilitate fast assembly with the use of low-capacity boom trucks. The panels are suitable for substations with different wall arrangements and dimensions.
Oldcastle Precast Inc. | www.oldcastleprecast.com

Fiber-Optic Isolation

Positron has added the compact High Voltage Interface (cHVI) solutions to its Fiber-Optic Isolation Portfolio. The cHVI product portfolio is designed to reduce the cost of ownership and improve operational flexibility. TeleLite now has an expanded range of new products to include two- and three-card outdoor enclosures, pedestals and solar powering options as well as a 1U 2-slot indoor shelf. The two-card and three-card enclosures are designed for the copper fiber junction (CFJ), meet IEEE 1590 recommendations and include terminal blocks, facility protection options and additional space for auxiliary equipment.

Mounting options include H-frame, pole-mounted and outside plant pedestal. They are also available with solar-panel powering for CFJ sites, which do not have access to local hydro powering. The 1U 2-slot optical equipment interface shelf is ideal for smaller isolation applications providing a cost-effective solution that mounts in a standard 19-inch (48-cm) or 23-inch (58-cm) telecommunications rack.
Positron | www.positronpower.com

Emergency Lighting System

Staco Energy Products Co. announces its FirstLine 924 three-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) central emergency lighting system for 8-kW to 16-kW applications. This on-line, double-conversion central inverter provides computer-grade power quality for any lighting system, including incandescent, magnetic and electronic fluorescent ballasts, high-power factor compact fluorescent, high-intensity discharge, high-pressure sodium and metal halide.

The FirstLine 924 isolates and protects the connected load from damaging sags, swells, harmonics, noise and voltage imbalances in the primary ac supply. Isolating the connected load from irregularities in the primary ac supply can increase the life expectancy of lighting systems and reduce the long-term cost of ownership. In the event of an ac power failure, the FirstLine 924 automatically transfers to battery power, providing a continuous power supply for 90 minutes. When power returns, the FirstLine 924 automatically recharges the batteries in preparation for the next power disturbance.
Staco Energy Products Co. | www.stacoenergy.com

Right-of-Way Mulcher

The BHP170 Power Pack from Fecon Inc. maximizes excavator-based mulching performance. Controlled by a Fecon Power Management microcontroller, all of the dedicated power (170 hp) is directed to the mulcher. The microcontroller manages engine and hydraulic performance in real time. A control panel inside the excavator's cab allows the operator to monitor operation and see that the mulcher is getting maximum horsepower at all times. Additional benefits are improved engine power and reduced fuel consumption.
Fecon Inc. | www.fecon.com

Overhead and Underground Cable Identifier

HD Electric Co.'s PF-50 Cable Identifier identifies the correct phases of de-energized and discharged overhead and underground cables. It consists of a transmitter and receiver designed to be handheld with or without gloves, or can be mounted and used on hot sticks. Because of its higher test voltage, the PF-50 can test a mile of cable. Super-bright red LEDs on both units indicate that the PF-50 units are connected to the same cable.
HD Electric Co.
www.hdelectriccompany.com/pf50.htm

Smart Grid Platform

Open Systems International Inc. (OSI) has enhanced its monarch control system's architecture to support Smart Grid initiatives. OSI's monarch/SG, the Smart Grid platform, offers a solid, elastic and highly scalable platform for utilities that intend to embark on various Smart Grid initiatives.

Growth and maintenance of utilities' Smart Grid operations will necessitate powerful and super-scalable automation systems. OSI's monarch/SG platform converges on three independent areas of the Smart Grid:

• Protection and Control

  Hyper scalability is built into the platform to support up to multiples of millions of data measurement points.

• Expanded communications and interfaces are developed to support a variety of new devices, meters and phasor measurements, and home automation and enterprise integration adaptors.

• Remote Terminal Units

  A new generation of analytic applications (analytics), business intelligence applications and advanced user interfaces are being developed to address the analyses, optimization and situational awareness reporting of all aspects of transmission, distribution and consumer realms and asset management.
  Open Systems International Inc.
  www.osii.com