Circular sample cutter

IDM Instruments has released a newly designed circular hand cutter, for fast, precise and repetitious sample cutting of paper, paperboard, textiles and corrugated and solid fibreboard.

The new design incorporates an automatic sampling eject plate to allow the sample to automatically eject when the blades are retracted.

The plate also means operators are less likely to cut their fingers, as the blade is hidden behind the plate.

The safety catch on the cutter enables the blades to be locked so that the hand knob can still turn, but will not lower the blades.

These additions have been implemented to meet strict Occupational Health & Safety requirements.

www.idminstruments.com.au

High speed quadrature encoder

ADVANTECH has introduced a high speed quadrature encoder and counter module for use with the ADAM-5550 series programmable automation controllers (PACs).

The ADAM-5081 module for applications requiring high speed data collection.

The ADAM-5081 has a high isolation of 2500V dc, a high speed frequency mode (5Hz – 1MHz), and a counter code at 1MHz.

There’s also an advanced digital filter to eliminate noise and interference (1 — 65,000µ sec) which ensures accurate data collection and transmission.

The encoder features four counter modes (up/down, bi-directional, up and A/B phase modes), which counts precise data units in minute detail.

The frequency mode supports up to eight channels and can control a wider range of electromagnetic wave status under certain conditions.

It supports four digital output channels, which can be triggered by a preset counter value, and can watch the position encoder of the machine while doing the position comparing.

Once the preset value is reached, the system requires a digital output signal to trigger the camera. With built-in DO channels already in the ADAM-5081, the respond speed is maximised.

Advantech 1300 308 521.

www.advantech.net.au

Ergonomic lifting equipment

AN extensive range of ergonomic lift tables is available from Actisafe. The range of equipment provides ergonomic lifting solutions across many industry sectors.

Single scissor lift tables are the most commonly used industrial platform.

Actisafe’s range includes loading dock tables; single scissor lift tables; high-lift scissor tables; twin scissor tables; low profile lift tables; stainless steel lifting tables; and mobile scissor lifts.

Loading dock tables

Designed for outdoor use, this product can withstand the ravages of hot and cold, rain and wind, dirt and intense use. In extreme wet or dusty conditions, the table can be equipped with all-round PVC bellows for additional protection.

Standard features include: a table top in tearplate for antislip protection; adjustable bottom stops at all four corners for greater stability when low; an emergency value for manual lowering in case of power failure; a service access hatch in platform; and lifting eye bolts for easy installation.

Optional items available include: platform reinforcement; remote power pack; roll- off guard; loading flaps; self supporting base frame; and winter-grade hydraulic oil.

Single scissor lift tables

Single scissor lift tables are the most commonly used industrial platform in Actisafe product range. This product is particularly versatile as it can be used either indoors or outdoors and can either be installed in a pit or operated on the factory floor.

Models range in terms of stroke (0.8m to 1.8m) and platform length (950mm to 3000mm) which means it can perform most lifting duties. Although there are many different models, the product can be customised to suit user’s exact requirements.

The table is ideal when seeking to maintain the load at an optimum working height as well as lifting heavy material to a required level. This table can also be used as a work bench, to handle fragile goods, for unpacking and unpacking of goods and to stack pallets automatically or manually.

Twenty-three models provide the following range in features: capacity (4000kg to 10,000kg), platform (1350mm x 800 mm to 3000mm x 2000mm), stroke (0.8m to 1.8m), height min of 300mm to 600 mm) and rise time of 16 to 60 seconds.

High lift scissor tables

Vertical double and triple scissor lifts make it possible to reach greater lift heights without increasing the platform size. These lifts can be used as an elevator, pallet loader, work platform or pallet stacker.

These lifts are suitable for factories and shops that need a handy goods elevator to service two or three floors when compared to conventional elevators.

These versatile lifts can be adapted for any lift duty and can be equipped with gates, doors, bellows and other safety device where required by regulations. The size of the platform, speed of travel and lifting force can be further customised to meet specific customer requirements.

Twenty-three models provide the following range in features: capacity (200kg to 3,000kg), platform (900mm x 600mm to 2500mm x 1300mm), stroke (1.1m to 4.3m) height minimum 300mm to 750mm), rise time (33 to 92 seconds).

Twin scissor lift tables

Where a large platform is required, twin scissor tables with two mechanical synchronised scissors provide increased stability and smoothness. As with all lift tables, this table is constructed of box beam elements which are stronger and more stable than solid members.

Standard features include enhancements such as a limit switch for ease of maximum lift setting, hose burst valves, safety trip bars, emergency lowering valves, grease nipples and a flow control valve for easy adjustment of lowering speed.

Twin scissor tables are normally customised to suit specific customer needs, however, a range of standard models is also available.

Twenty-two models provide the following range in features: capacity (1000kg to 8000kg), platform (2700mm x 800mm to 6000mm x 2000mm), stroke (0.8m to 1.6m), height minimum (230mm to 350mm), rise time 33 to 76 seconds.

Low profile lift tables

This table provides an alternative ergonomic solution to repetitive manual tasks likely to cause injury.

Built with a very low closed height, this table eliminates the need for a pit installation, as a pallet or stillage can be loaded directly onto the table with a hand pallet truck using the ramp forming part of the table. The U type model is specially designed to handle standard pallets.

Twenty-six models provide the following feature ranges: capacity (500kg to 2000kg), platform (950mm x 600mm to 1610mm x 1300mm), stroke (0.6m to 1m), height minimum (80mm to 100mm) and rise time of 20 to 60 seconds.

Stainless steel lifting tables

The range of stainless steel lifting models should be considered when hygiene standards are very important, such as in food, pharmaceutical and slaughterhouses.

Stainless steel tables are made with high quality materials that are corrosion resistant and are produced as single scissors, highlift scissors or low profile scissors.

Mobile scissor lifts

The range of mobile scissor lift tables makes light work of the heaviest duty applications and are available as manual hydraulic or battery electric powered.

The tables are designed to last even in the most demanding working environments and include the use of nylon bushes to all pivot points and easy access for simple maintenance checks.

Twenty-two models provide the following ranges in features: capacity (150kg to 1250kg), platform (760mm x 450mm to 2000mm x 1000mm), height minimum of 295mm to 650mm) and weight of 40kg to 420kg.

Actisafe 1300 852 397.

www.actisafe.com.au

Ready-to-work tippers

THE release of Isuzu’s N and F Series truck models has heralded the way for the introduction of an expanded factory built tipper range, providing truck buyers with the convenience of ready-to-work vehicles.

Isuzu Australia’s latest tipper truck line-up.

Initially available on NLR 200, NPR 200, 275 and 300 N Series models as well as the medium duty FRR 500 F Series, the factory-fitted tipper body means the Isuzu tippers are available ready-to-work from Isuzu Truck dealerships.

For buyers needing the additional space and convenience to transport a work crew, the NPR 300 tipper is also available in a crew cab model, providing transportation for up to six people plus a driver.

Featuring turbocharged and air-to-air intercooled Isuzu SiTEC SERIES II engines, the tipper range is the cleanest of all conventional diesel-powered Japanese trucks, complying with strict EuroIV emissions standards compared with the less stringent US EPA 04 compliance adhered to by its Japanese competitors.

Powering the entry level NLR 200 model is the SiTEC SERIES II 150 producing power of 110kW @ 2800rpm and 375Nm of torque between 1600 and 2800rpm.

The NPR models are fitted with the 4-cylinder, 5.2 litre SiTEC SERIES II 155 providing 114kW @ 2600rpm and torque of 419Nm between 1600 and 2600rpm.

In the medium duty segment, the FRR 500 features the SiTEC SERIES II 205 engine developing 154kW of power @ 2600rpm and torque of 637Nm @ 1600rpm.

Advanced technological enhancements include passive safety features such as standard driver’s SRS airbag, front passenger airbag (available on selected models), as well as pre-tensioned and load limiting seatbelts, and a quiet new cab that provides best-in-class crashworthiness.

This is combined with active safety features including, ABS brakes, anti-skid regulator (ASR) or traction control and hill-start aid, (HSA).

Isuzu Australia 03 9644 6666.

www.isuzu.com.au

Memory device connection card

WITH the new Microspace PC/104-Express peripheral card MSMSA104EX, Digital-Logic is now offering a solution for connecting two SATA memory devices to the PCI Express bus.

Connects two SATA memory devices to the PCI Express bus.

The card is based on the SATA II host controller SiL3132, has two SATA interfaces, and supports data transfer rates of up to 300MB/s for each channel.

It is connected to the PCI Express bus via one lane. Two USB ports are available to attach further peripheral devices. Software support exists for Windows XP, Windows VISTA and Linux. The onboard flash contains RAID 01 support.

The MSMSA104EX has dimensions of 90mm x 96mm x 17mm (W x L x H) and a weight of 120grams. It requires a 5V/3.3V power supply and operates within the standard temperature range of -25°C to +70°C (1GB).

The MTBF (mean time between failures) is specified with over 100,000 hours.

Backplane Systems Technology 02 9457 6400.

www.backplane.com.au

Modular pressure controller/indicator

THE PACE 5000 pneumatic pressure controller/indicator is the first in a new generation of high precision modular instrumentation for rack-mounting or bench top applications from GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies.

THE PACE 5000 — designed primarily for 19-inch rack systems.

It employs full digital control to provide high control stability and high slew rate, while its unique modular concept allows users to enjoy quick and easy parts replacement and significantly reduced instrument downtime.

The PACE 5000 is based on the field-proven and highly reliable Druck DPI 520 platform but, incorporating the latest generation of piezo-resistive devices, it offers significant improvements in overall precision, long-term measurement stability and control performance.

Designed primarily for 19-inch rack systems, it is equally at home as a bench top instrument and is ideal for integration into automated processes, where fast and accurate pressure control is required.

Multiple units can be combined in the same system to provide a full range of pressure calibration capability from 70 mbar to 210 bar. It is available in a choice of two performance specifications, so that the correct instrument can be selected for each installation.

The modular design of the new controller/indicator allows users to enjoy quick and easy parts replacement and fast pressure range change-over.

At the same time, a replacement modular component can be fitted in the instrument so that downtime is significantly reduced.

A touch screen and a high-resolution 1/4 VGA display ensure that the PACE 5000 is extremely easy to operate and read. A simple icon menu allows easy and intuitive set-up of controller parameters and it enjoys comprehensive connectivity, via RS232, IEEE or CANbus.

A USB communications port provides for easy PC and peripherals connection, the use of set-up software and diagnostics downloads for technical support.

The functionality of the PACE 5000 includes many of those features associated with the Windows CE platform, including the ability to view pdfs, such as manuals and jpegs and to provide point-of-use help and applications support.

The PACE 5000 has been designed to communicate with the Druck Intecal software, which was specifically developed to provide support for both laboratory and field calibrations. This provides easy control in a fully integrated pressure loop, giving 100% automated calibration of pressure transducers and transmitters.

The software has full documenting facilities to prepare reports and provide calibration certificates from its database, utilising readout data from connected calibration equipment and test devices. In addition, the calibration and maintenance history of the PACE 5000, along with its configuration, is stored within the instrument.

The calibration history is automatically updated each time a calibration is carried out to ensure that calibration records are always up-to-date to meet quality assurance standards.

The PACE 5000 comes with a range of accessories, including external CANbus and analogue output and operating and set-up menus can be provided in the major European languages, Russian, Chinese and Japanese as well as English, which is the default language. Additional languages can be downloaded via a PC utility.

Davidson Measurement 1300 736 767.

www.davidson.com.au

New non contact gripper

MANY applications requiring materials handling techniques employ the use of a vacuum pump, vacuum ejectors and vacuum pads.

Often it is not possible to employ vacuum pickup due to the material or the sensitive or physical nature of the product.

According to SMC Pneumatics, the company has developed a cyclone gripper that permits the ‘non-contact’ handling of many ‘previously difficult to handle’ products.

The XT661 Cyclone Gripper does not require a vacuum source, and operates only using positive pressure applied by compressed air.

Using positive compressed air at as low as 1 bar pressure the cyclone develops a low pressure zone across its surface providing a gripping force.

As the air is continually escaping from between the gripper surface and the product there is a ‘gap’ created providing the non-contact gripping.

The cyclone can also be used in conjunction with a mechanical guide to prevent the product slipping or it is possible to employ some small vacuum pads to merely prevent the sliding of the product.

It is now possible to handle many porous, delicate, non flat, hot, cold, wet or coated products; where this may have previously been difficult or impossible.

For more information contact:

SMC Pneumatics (Australia)

p – 1800 PNEUMATICS

w – www.smcaus.com.au

Auto-adapting handheld scanner

INTERMEC’s auto-adapting SR30 handheld bar code scanner for retail point-of-service (POS) applications features easy connectivity and the ability to instantly adapt to new configuration requirements.

The Intermec SR30 allows retailers and their IT suppliers to reduce device costs and complexity while equipping users with a robust and flexible scanning workhorse.

Built for productivity, the lightweight SR30 integrates patented Intermec Vista linear imaging technology to deliver fast, always-accurate scanning, even when barcodes are damaged or poorly printed.

Users no longer need to struggle to configure drivers, cables or scan engines to install a new scanner or to manually reconfigure it when changing tasks.

The scanner can be moved from one terminal to another or switched from POS to inventory tasks, for example, without additional set-up.

The SR30 adapts automatically to different interfaces, so users simply plug in the appropriate cable – USB, RS232, PS2 – to get up and running again.

In an industry where margins are narrowing, the SR30 reduces inventory costs and the complexity of multiple application requirements, benefiting both retailers and their information systems equipment suppliers.

Companies can stock cables instead of scanners, and simply change out one cable interface for another when new application requirements arise.

The SR30 handheld scanner supports seamless communication with common POS peripherals and software, which further simplifies set-up and use, and includes Intermec EasySet software for quick personalization of beeper tones, volume and other user preferences.

Combined with its scan rate of 500 scans per second, these features deliver a powerful and flexible scanning tool for point-of-service scanning applications across a broad range of retail, healthcare, office and light industrial settings.

Intermec 03 9867 9300.

www.intermec.com.au

Wheelie-bin emptying attachment

TEAM Systems, a company specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of materials handling equipment, has introduced the Easy Empty wheelie-bin lifter for emptying 240-litre garbage or storage bins.

Easy, secure handling and emptying of a standard 240 litre bin.

The TS Easy Empty is a practical attachment to the forks of a forklift where it is readily secured.

The bin to be emptied is wheeled to the forklift where the Easy Empty secures the bin around the axles ready for lifting.

When the bin is lifted to the height for dumping, it can be manually tilted towards the waste bin or similar receptacle and emptied. On lowering, the bin reverts to the upright position.

The TS Easy Empty has two safety chains – one to secure the unit to the forklift and the second to retain the rod that prevents the bin tipping forward during transit.

When the load is in position, the chain is removed to allow the bin to tilt forward as the forklift platform is raised up the mast.

The TS Easy Empty is designed for long life and is manufactured from precision profiled steel components, and powder coated for protection.

Team Systems 03 799 9411

www.teamsystems.net.au

Champion relocates

CHAMPION Compressors is relocating its headquarters to Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Dandenong.

The move will consolidate Champion’s manufacturing, sales and technical support centres into a single state-of-the-art business/manufacturing facility.

The move to new headquarters will see the compressed-air specialist double its manufacturing capacity, increase sales and technical support office space threefold, and quadruple its loading and parking facilities.

Champion’s move to new headquarters will be progressive across the second half of 2008. The sales and technical support office will move first, with the manufacturing facility scheduled to come online by the end of the year.

Accommodating a comprehensive stock of spare parts, the new headquarters ensures the Australian compressed air market receives the most efficient technical and commercial assistance available.

The new address is 324 to 332 Frankston Road, Dandenong. Telephone contact details remain the same.

Champion Compressors 03 9703 8002

www.champcom.com.au

Pallet wrapping stretch film

STRETCHMASTER pallet wrap is a seven-layer stretch film with tough outer layers to prevent punctures, and high-stretch inner layers to give performance and strength.

AWS purchased large volumes of Stretchmaster film.

Stretchmaster formula calls for the best LLDPE resin to be used during manufacture. Top grade resins deliver the best performance, including up to 300% pre-stretch, and are ideal for high-speed equipment with pre-stretch heads.

Wulftec wrappers are recommended by Australian Warehouse Solutions (AWS) for use with this film. Stretchmaster also works well in less demanding equipment.

The oil price directly affects the costs of resins used to manufacture stretch film. As these ongoing high prices were somewhat “telegraphed” AWS purchased large volumes of Stretchmaster film and can offer excellent prices whilst these pre-increase stocks last.

Stretchmaster is available in clear and black (for load security). Outside storage of pallets is possible by using Stretchmaster with a UV stabilisation additive.

Stretchmaster pallet wrap stock lines include 17, 20, 23, 25 & 30UV gauges.

AWS 1800 023 890

www.austwarehouse.com.au

Power quantity monitor

POWER Quality Solutions has released the PQube power quality and power quantity monitor from Power Standards Laboratory, USA.

The PQube measures voltage disturbances and steady state trend values storing data on a standard SD card.

It has been designed to be built into equipment, switchboards etc to provide a quick and low cost source of data to assist in resolving equipment malfunctions and operating parameters in any application where continuity of power supply is important.

Using the optional Ethernet module, the monitor can email disturbance event notifications including attachments of time stamped RMS and waveform event pictures and Excel compatible files.

Additional features include a sampling rate of 256 samples per cycle and Excel compatible files.

The PQube is modular and mounts on a standard DIN rail and can take operating power from 24V AC, 24V DC and 48V DC as standard. Using the optional Power Supply module 100-240V 50/60Hz can be used.

Voltage monitoring input connections can be 1-ph, 3-ph delta, 3-ph star/Y and split-phase with nominal input voltages between 100V and 600V DC/50/60/400 Hz and disturbances recorded include sags/dips, interruptions, frequency variations and impulses to 1 microsecond.

One digital and two ±60V analogue inputs and one relay contact output are provided as standard.

Power Quality Solutions

0411 583 998

OH&S strategic alliance

AUSTRALIA-wide Business Training CEO, Larry Gould has announced a strategic alliance with occupational health, safety and risk management specialist TCA Partners.

TCA Partners was established in 2007 by OH&S specialists and consultants Chris Shay and Michel Runge to provide a comprehensive risk management service and facility for client organisations that include:

* Consulting, assessment and auditing

* Development and implementation of extensive management/administrative systems and processes

* Creation and delivery of training and educational programs.

Commenting on the new alliance, Larry Gould said TCA Partners was recognised as a specialist industry leader that developed integrated comprehensive risk management solutions that enhanced and improved safe workplace environments.

“But most importantly,” he added, “develops personalised solutions that complement the business culture of each client organisation.

“Furthermore, there were significant synergies between our two businesses and the strategic alliance will provide our clients access to very specialised skills and services and the ability to develop and implement learning programs to support OH&S initiatives.”

Australia-wide Business Training 03 9870 1900

www.awbt.com.au

11mm metal shaft potentiometer

ALPS Electric offers a new family of 11mm metal shaft potentiometers with the RK119 series. The surface-mountable devices are available in a wide selection with or without center-push switch.

The RK119 series features a good haptic and high total mechanical rotation angle.

The components have dimensions of 14.2mm x 11.7mm x 5.0mm (W x D x H) and are designed to be easily mounted even on high-density printed circuit boards.

The metal shaft has a length of 20mm and a shaft diameter of 4.5mm. The vertical type potentiometers enable direct installation on PCBs and are suitable for reflow soldering.

They are rated for voltages of 50Vac/10Vdc and have a power consumption of 0.05W. The shaft stopper strength amounts to 0.5Nm/min. and the push-pull-strength to 100N.

The optional switch is designed as single-pole single-throw push-on switch and is rated for switching currents of up to 0.1mA at 5V dc. It requires an operating force of 5±2N. The push-on switch travel measures 0.5mm or 1.5mm respectively, depending on the model.

The operating life of the RK119 series is specified with 15,000 rotational cycles and 100,000 switching cycles.

Additional features include a total resistance of 10kΩ with ±20 percent tolerance, an initial contact resistance of 50mΩ, an insulation resistance of up to 100MΩ and a voltage proof of 300V ac per minute and an operating temperature range between -40°C and +85°C.

For more information contact:

Tenrod Australia

P – 02 9748 0655

W – www.tenrod.com.au

LTE network test mobile

AEROFLEX has introduced the TM500 LTE test mobile designed to address the challenges of 3GPP LTE (3G long term evolution) network infrastructure development test and rollout.

The TM500 LTE’s extensive Layer 1, Layer 2 and higher layer test features make it an indispensable testing peer.

It provides complete visibility into even the lowest layers of the radio modem by generating the detailed diagnostic data needed for engineers to verify the required functionality and optimise network operation and performance.

It targets data rates in excess of 100 Mbit/s over the downlink and 50 Mbit/s over the uplink when operating in 20MHz spectrum allocation, and climbing to peak rates of 300Mbps in the downlink for the highest category UEs.

LTE technology also ensures high performance for speeds up to 120km/h and mobility support across the cellular network for speeds up to 350km/h.

In addition to higher data rates, wide-area coverage is also being targeted. The throughput, efficiency and mobility targets must be met for 5km cells through to 30km cells and up to 100km cells.

Reduced latency is also being addressed with a target for U-plane latency less than 5ms in unload conditions with small IP packets.

The TM500 LTE incorporates test, logging, and measurement features at all layers of the protocol.

This includes advanced MIMO tests to verify that the network appropriately handles the MIMO related signaling and correctly applies the MIMO modes, which can be realised with or without the need for an external fading simulator.

Graphical displays and charts give a visualisation of the signal quality and the system status enabling engineers to quickly characterise and isolate problems.

It is also possible to override signaling, or even force data corruption, to enable simulation of abnormal conditions in order to test the system response and robustness or expose difficult problems.

The TM500 LTE also supports full local or remote automation of test scripts, which is essential when building extensive and repeatable testing.

The test script configuration tool enables the easy generation and management of scripts that can then be initiated manually or by an executive test entity.

The TM500 also makes it possible to alter parameters in real time to extend test coverage across a wide range of different configurations used in a live system.

This enables early detection of software bugs that may not otherwise be found until much later in the development cycle when diagnosing and rectifying errors is typically much more expensive.

Vicom Australia 03 9563 7844

www.vicom.com.au

Radar level transmitters

HONEYWELL has introduced its new family of microwave radar level instruments for use in plant storage tanks.

The VersaLevel line further enhances the company’s expanding field-device portfolio and provides customers highly accurate and easy-to-install devices for efficient tank-level monitoring.

Germany-based Krohne will manufacture the level transmitters to Honeywell’s standards and specifications for quality, performance and reliability.

The VersaLevel product family includes a full line of guided-wave and free-space radar level devices.

Both types of devices are suited for a wide range of industries, including chemical, minerals and mining, oil and gas, petrochemicals and pulp and paper.

The guided-radar level transmitter uses sharp electromagnetic pulses to measure distances and levels for liquids, pastes, granulates, powders and liquid interfaces.

The device has higher signal dynamics and a sharper pulse than conventional guided-wave devices, which results in better accuracy. It also features a user-friendly and easily accessible touch screen, which displays in nine languages.

The free-space radar transmitter is ideal for applications that require non-contact measurement in difficult process conditions, such as tanks with agitators. The device features triple barrier gas-tight protection for applications that involve dangerous gases.

In addition, the free-space radar device can measure up to 80m and operates up to a flange temperature of 200°C.

Honeywell 1800 456 066

www.honeywell.com/ps

New spill containment range

BRADY has just released the company’s new Spill Containment product range. The Spill Pallets are available in two and four drum configurations. The two drum pallet contains up to 260 litres with a load capacity of 1100kgs.

The four drum pallet contains up to 485 litres with a load capacity of 2250kgs. The low profile, two-drum Spill Decks contain up to 80 litres with a load capacity of 1100kgs.

Each modular deck has built-in clips to easily and safely connect multiple decks — creating 4, 6, 8 or even more drum storage platforms.

Constructed of Polyethylene, the pallets and decks are compatible with a wide range of chemicals, oils and liquids. Key features include solid construction and nestable — which allows the pallets and decks to be stacked within one another.

The removable blue grates are interchangeable across all pallets and decks and the large openings provide easy leak detection and liquid removal. The products have been engineered to ensure forklifts can be used to easily re-locate the pallets or decks.

For more details contact:

Brady Australia

P – 1800 620 816

W – www.bradyaust.com.au

Toolkit for GPS receiver testing

NATIONAL Instruments has announced the NI GPS Toolkit for LabVIEW, an extension of the graphical system design environment that expands the NI RF PXI platform to include multi-satellite GPS signal simulation.

Create waveforms that simulate up to 12 satellites.

Using NI LabVIEW software to create waveforms that simulate up to 12 satellites (C/A codes in the L1 band), engineers can test receiver characteristics such as sensitivity, time to first fix (TTFF) and position accuracy with the NI PXIe-5672 RF vector signal generator.

With the new toolkit, engineers can use a combination of simulated and recorded GPS waveforms as a comprehensive, low-cost solution for receiver design validation and verification.

By recording live GPS signals off the air with an NI PXI-5661 RF vector signal analyser and an NI PXI-5690 pre-amplifier (low-noise amplifier), engineers can capture GPS signals with natural impairments that a receiver would observe in the real world.

They also can generate both simulated and recorded signals with the NI PXIe-5672 RF vector signal generator, by continuously streaming GPS waveforms from hard disk.

With a 2TB redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) hard drive option, engineers can generate up to 12.5 minute of non-repeating simulated waveform or 25 hours of continuous recorded GPS signal to test how the receiver responds to a broad range of circumstances.

Engineers can combine the GPS Toolkit with the NI Modulation Toolkit for LabVIEW, NI TestStand test management software and PXI RF modular instrumentation for a complete low-cost production test solution.

Because PXI modular instrumentation is purely software-defined, the same PXI system can test wireless devices that use other standards such as RDS, WiFi, GSM, WCDMA, Bluetooth and DVB.

PXI measurement systems offer a lower cost, more flexible and higher throughput solution compared to traditional instrumentation in production test applications. For multi-protocol test, the cost savings of PXI is even greater.

National Instruments 1800 300 800

www.ni.com

Process workplace safety chart

PRO-VISUAL Publishing has produced the Process Industry Guide to Workplace Safety 2008 edition.

Helps businesses comply with workplace health and safety legislation.

This year’s guide focuses on traffic control in a busy manufacturing environment; the effective use of fire extinguishers; occupational asthma; and workplace stress management.

All information was compiled in consultation with the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group).

This resource chart is designed to help businesses to comply with workplace health and safety legislation by having health and safety information available in a format that is accessible and easy to read.

By displaying the chart prominently, employees have a daily reminder and employers are reducing the cost of workplace accidents, illness and injury.

More than 4300 copies have already been distributed. Additional copies are available and all Guides are produced and distributed without cost thanks to sponsorship.

Pro-Visual Publishing 02 8272 2611.

www.provisual.com.au

‘Green’ coding machine

MATTHEWS Intelligent Identification has released a ‘green’ coding machine – the next logical step after 20 years of ‘green’ inks.

The Linx 6900 Solver — the latest in Matthews’ “green coding” line-up.

According to the company, when it launched the Linx 6900 Solver in June, it was another step in the company’s ‘green coding’ credentials.

The new continuous inkjet (CIJ) coder is highly efficient, adjusting operation according to the requirements of the code being printed, thus only using the amount of solvent required.

Matthews Intelligent Identification 1800 333 074.

www.matthews.com.au