Automation blogger par excellance.

Recognition for an instrumentation on-line pioneer.

In the early days of on-line communication, in the days of dial-up in the early nineties Read-out ventured hesitingly to explore the new frontier! Suddenly a new world, well actually an old world, became more available on our desktop.

Gradually we began to be able to communicate frequently with Instrumentation People with whom we only had an occasional contact at conferences, exhibitions and through publications. People like the late Dick Morley (Father of the PLC), Journalists like Walt Boyes and Gary Mintchell, Automation entrepenaurs like Jim Pinto, and so many others throughout the world.

Companies involved in automation were slow (in virtual terms) to harness this resource. Ours is a fairly timid and conservative group of engineers. Smaller companies were first to use it. But it was a fairly difficult job to persuade the larger entities to allow never mind embrace it!

Among the pioneers among the "Big Boys" was Emerson and they were fortunate to have on their staff a champion for this resource. Jim Cahill was and still is "Emerson Automation's Chief Blogger & SocialMedia Leader."

In those early days the "internet champions" made contact with each other and established friendships across the globe. Occasionally at conferences they met up. 

I was at an ISA Exhibition & Conference in Mobile (AL USA) when I got a message. "Are you here?" It was Jim Cahill. I responded and asked where he was. He said he was in one of the lecture halls at the back to the left hand corner of the room. And so he was. In those days battery life expectancy in laptops was short so it was important to be close to a power point which explained the left hand corner! And that was how I met Jim. 

I have met him a few times since them at various parts of the world. Of course we keep track of each other on the various on-line platforms. Links to two of those are given below both in Duesseldorf (D) 12 years apart*. 

This has been the case with other automation professionals as well.

Jim, as I have said stil is one might say one of the pioneers in using this medium through "Emerson Automation Experts" and recently it came as no surprise to find this in the top US automation podcasts recently.

Well done Jim, may your efforts continue to virtually florish.

2012

2024

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* See also: #EMrex: Automation returns to Düsseldorf! (2012) and  #EMRex Boundless exploration, engaging and evolution on the Rhine!  (2024)

@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @JimCahill @MillionPodcasts #PAuto #EmrEx #EMEA #USA

Designed for the edge, engineered for the outdoors.

All-in-one NEMA 4X outdoor network enclosure.

The LANOBOX Series of pre-built, IP68-rated NEMA 4X network enclosures is now available from Antaira Technologies. Each LANOBOX unit is a combined solution of a ruggedized cabinet enclosure, an Antaira PoE switch, an industrial power supply, and a 20kA surge protector.

“The LANOBOX has been designed as an easy to install enclosure for use in deploying network infrastructure outdoors with protection against moisture and extreme temperatures,” said Joe Cook, General Manager of Antaira Technologies. “And because it’s all-in-one, the LANOBOX minimizes procurement complexity and total cost of ownership.”

Integrated design.
The Series has two distinct models to serve different outdoor industrial networking demands. Both models share the same IP68/NEMA 4X enclosure, 20kA surge protection, and wide-temperature rating (-30° to 75°C / -22° to 167°F).

LANOBOX 105-T

The LANOBOX-105-T is designed for straightforward PoE connectivity. Inside its enclosure is an Antaira FNP-0500G-T unmanaged five-port Gigabit flat switch with four PoE+ outputs at up to 30W per port and a 120W total budget, backed by a 200W power supply. The system is ready to support IP cameras, access points, and sensors at the network edge.

The LANOBOX-212-T is ideal for installs involving high-power devices such as PTZ cameras, smart LED lighting, and wireless radios. It combines Antaira’s managed LMP-1204G-SFP-bt-T 12-port PoE++ switch with 240W PoE budget and a 350W power supply. Four of the PoE ports deliver 802.3bt PoE++ up to 100W per port, four ports with 802.3af/at support for 30W per port, plus four SFP fiber slots.The LMP-1204G-SFP-bt-T offers network redundancy with Spanning Tree and ERPS, as well as user-friendly configuration via Web Console, Telnet or CLI Command.

Weather & environmental protection.

• The LANOBOX Series was engineered to serve demanding applications such as:
• Outdoor perimeter security and video surveillance
• Construction site communications
• Pipeline monitoring
• Environmental and weather sensing stations
• Smart irrigation and precision agriculture
• Intelligent transportation systems

The integrated 20kA surge suppressor helps protect connected devices against an unexpected power surge in open-field uses, while wall and pole mounting options (pole mount kit LANOBOX-PMK sold separately) give installers the flexibility to place the enclosure on poles where needed.

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@AntairaTech @OConnell_PR #PAuto #Communications

Camera ready for extreme conditions.

When production systems are cleaned using high-pressure jets, operate in dusty environments or are exposed to sub-zero temperatures, particularly robust machine vision solutions are required. The uEye FA series from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has been specifically designed for such demanding environments, featuring IP69K protection. From the end of July, the range will be expanded to include new models equipped with Sony STARVIS 2 rolling shutter sensors, covering resolutions from 2 to 12.5 megapixels. They deliver excellent image quality even in difficult lighting conditions.

This provides users with high-performance cameras for a wide range of industrial applications with varying lighting conditions – from manufacturing automation to quality inspection. The new models incorporate sensor variants IMX662 (2 MP), IMX664 (4 MP), IMX675 (5 MP), IMX678 (8 MP) and IMX676 (12.5 MP). All are GigE Vision-compliant, allowing easy integration into existing systems.

The Sony STARVIS 2 sensors impress with their exceptional light sensitivity extending into the near-infrared (NIR) range, very low noise levels and the Clear HDR process for an extended dynamic range. This enables the capture of detailed, sharp images even in demanding environmental conditions. An asynchronous exposure trigger further ensures the sensors are ideally suited for industrial use.

The camera hardware itself has also been consistently designed for industrial applications: Thanks to the IP69K-protected housing, lens tube and corresponding cabling, the cameras operate reliably even under high pressure, heavy contamination or temperatures down to –20°C.

“The combination of robust hardware and state-of-the-art sensor technology enables precise image analysis even in challenging environments,” explains Alexander Klingner, Head of Product Management at IDS. “This provides the foundation for stable and reliable processes in harsh industrial settings.”

With this expansion of the uEye FA series, IDS is further strengthening its portfolio of rugged industrial cameras and offering additional high-performance models for factory automation.

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@IDS_Imaging @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #Harsh

Sales leadership in optical and multisensor metrology systems for EMEA.

Optical Gaging Products (OGP®), part of Quality Vision International (QVI®), is accelerating its investment across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with the appointment of Fabian Werner as EMEA Sales Director and a broader initiative to recruit new channel partners throughout the region. This strategic investment reflects OGP's long-term commitment to strengthening its international partner network and meeting growing demand for advanced dimensional metrology solutions.

Fabian Werner

Based in Germany, Fabian brings extensive international sales leadership experience and a proven record of building successful representative networks across Europe and global markets. He will support channel partners throughout the EMEA region by helping them grow their businesses through strategic sales development, technical collaboration, marketing support, and customer engagement.

"Expanding our channel network is a key part of OGP's global growth strategy," said Panos Angelopoulos, President, Global Sales and Services. "Fabian's appointment demonstrates our commitment to investing in our partners. We want potential representatives to know they are joining an organization that provides not only world-class technology, but also the leadership, resources, and support needed to build a successful, long-term business."

Opportunity for EMEA Metrology Partners.
OGP is growing its global channel partner network in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and is actively seeking channel partners in Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and additional strategic markets to represent its industry-leading portfolio of precision metrology solutions. As manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, semiconductor, and precision engineering continue to invest in automation and advanced quality control, demand for high-performance measurement technologies is growing. OGP is looking for partners with strong technical capabilities and customer relationships who are ready to capitalize on this expanding market and build a successful, long-term business with the support of a globally recognized metrology leader.

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@OGP_QVI @mepaxIntPR #Metrology #TandM #PAuto

Oil-in-water monitoring.

The launch of Swan Analytical Instruments' AMI-II Fluotrace Oil has been announced This is a high-sensitivity Oil-in-Water monitor designed for continuous, real-time detection of hydrocarbons in industrial, marine, environmental, and water treatment applications.

The AMI-II Fluotrace Oil delivers outstanding sensitivity with detection limits as low as 0.15 ppm oil and 5 ppb PAH, while providing a rapid response time of approximately 6 seconds for early leak detection and process protection.

Designed for low-maintenance operation, the analyser requires no reagents and features nano-coated opti-cal windows to reduce fouling and ensure long-term measurement stability, even in challenging environ-ments. Optional autocleaning and verification solutions further simplify maintenance and performance valida-tion.

With flexible installation options including at-line, immersion, and in-line configurations, the IP68-rated Fluotrace sensor is well suited for applications ranging from cooling water and condensate monitoring to ballast water, raw water intake, and environmental discharge control.

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@_Enviro_News @swan_usa #Pauto #Water

Renewable energy sustainability award achieved.

Samtec has received the 2025 Flex Sustainability Award for first place in the Achieved RE (Renewable Energy) Target category. Flex, a global manufacturing and supply chain solutions provider, recognizes top-tier global suppliers that demonstrate exceptional commitment and measurable progress in advancing environmental impact and supply chain sustainability.

Samtec received the Flex Sustainability Award for the Renewable Energy category for its dedication to continuous sustainability improvement and emissions reductions – achieving and exceeding all its environmental goals for 2025. “We are pleased to receive this year’s Flex Sustainability Award in recognition of the collective effort of the Samtec Sustainability Team and our facility teams across the globe,” said Mac Miller, Compliance Manager at Samtec. “Their combined efforts have been successful, credible, and impactful in all the communities in which Samtec operates.”

Flex, named Ford Motor Company’s 2025 Sustainability Supplier of the Year, maintains a gold rating from EcoVadis – a globally recognised sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) rating platform that evaluates how well a company integrates sustainability into its business operations and supply chain management.

Sustainability achievements
Samtec’s sustainability accomplishments reflect the combined impact of targeted energy-reduction initiatives, increased use of lower-carbon energy sources, and water conservation efforts.

For example, Samtec reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity by 25.3 percent relative to its 2019 baseline. Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gases released on-site from owned or controlled sources, and Scope 2 emissions are associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat or cooling that physically occur at the facility where they are generated. Samtec also successfully completed emissions estimates for various other categories to establish baselines and identify opportunities for future reductions in collaboration with partners and suppliers.

Also in 2025, Samtec exceeded its renewable energy target by increasing the share of renewables in its global energy portfolio to 21.5 percent. This progress was driven by expanded green power agreements, strategic procurement of renewable energy credits, and the advancement of on-site renewable projects. The recent installation of a photovoltaic solar power system at Samtec’s Costa Rica facility will account for roughly 28 percent of the yearly total energy consumption.

Samtec made significant progress in optimising water use in 2025, particularly in water-intensive processes such as electroplating. A new wastewater treatment facility began operation at the New Albany, Indiana headquarters. This was a contributing factor to a 20 percent water recycling rate across all global manufacturing operations.

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@SamtecInc @Flexintl @TechWireIntl #Electronics #PAuto

Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector of Cost Rica.

The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, also known as ICE or the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity, has officially joined ISASecure®, a wholly owned subsidiary of ISA. ISASecure is the globally recognized certification program that validates conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity.

The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad was founded in 1949 with the mandate to take advantage of water resources efficiently and responsibly for the electrification of the country. A Costa Rican state company, its mission is to provide energy, connectivity and safe and sustainable digital services to the inhabitants of Costa Rica. Their electrical matrix takes advantage of the earth's steam, wind, water, solar energy and biomass. It also focuses on the development of smart grids and electric mobility.

This new partnership with ISASecure reflects the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity’s ongoing mission to strengthen the OT security maturity of Costa Rica’s energy matrix and ensure OT cybersecurity procedures are continually maintained to the highest standards.

Erick Obregón Navarro, ICE Dirección Ciberseguridad y Protección Empresarial, Gerencia General shared: “Joining ISASecure and the adoption of the ISA/IEC 62443 standard supports the implementation of key industrial cybersecurity capabilities, such as:

1. Protection of industrial networks and SCADA systems.
2. Definition of security levels and layered control approaches.
3. Network segmentation and reduction of the attack surface.
4. Secure management of access and industrial components.
5. Continuous monitoring and incident response.

“We look forward to our partnership with ISASecure to ensure our energy systems and Costa Rican residents are protected from cybersecurity attacks.”

“It is an honor to welcome the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) into the ISASecure program,” said Mark DeAngelo, ISASecure program manager. “Today’s critical infrastructure demands comprehensive, rigorously validated cybersecurity. We look forward to collaborating with the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad as we advance our mission of industry partnership, certification and standards-based product development to help achieve a more secure world. It is an honor to welcome our first Costa Rican company to ISASecure.”

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@ISA_Automation  @automation_com @GrupoICEcr #Pauto #Cybersecurity