Progea releases Movicon 11.3 new Build 1105. In addition to fixing minor problems and optimizing performances, this build introduces interesting novelties and new functions as well:

The screen zoom factor management has been made proportional to the grid’s set value. This will allow you to set the zoom factor according to the grid and keep objects attached while working in zoom mode. This means that the value can now oscillate from 2% to a maximum of 25% and be set differently in X and Y.

• Updates have been implemented to:
• support vector files for button state images,
• improve visual quality
• optimize Data Analysis and Trend objects by redesigning graphics
• increasing object velocity
• include image rotation for Apps in Apple and Android

All these new functionalities along with a list of fixed minor problems are available in their usual place on the Progea website’s Bugbase section. The new Movicon 11.3 Build 1105 release is downloadable for free from the Progea website’s download section.

Amplicon have announced the redesigned of the ever-popular Senses Panel PC series, incorporating the power of Intel’s Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors.

The new design of the Senses series offers a sleek and polished appearance, whilst retaining the industrial functionality you would expect from Amplicon. This series is available in both 15” and 17” LCD displays with 5-wire resistive touch screen and can be mounted using optional kits for panel, wall, or VESA mount depending on your preference and application requirement.

Housing up to a massive 16GB DDR3 memory with transfer rates of 1333MHz or 1600MHz, the dual-channel SO-DIMM memory architecture boosts the bandwidth of the Amplicon Senses series giving greater performance to meet the requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The new Senses Panel PC series come fitted with front mounted USB ports, whilst still maintaining the IP65 front rated panel: ensuring rich I/O without jeopardising the systems protection.

The Amplicon Senses series offers support for Microsoft Windows and Linux based operating systems; these units can be tailored to meet your growing needs.

MatrikonOPC™ has announced the release of its updated OPC server for Allen Bradley, which expands the range of supported Allen Bradley devices, improves performance and simplifies configuration. Additional devices supported include ControlLogix, MicroLogix, and PLC5s - providing users with comprehensive, open access connectivity for their Allen Bradley PLCs.

The Allen Bradley OPC Server includes built-in security that protects data from un-authorized user access by allowing administrators to define exactly what data is visible to which users based on each user’s Windows login credentials. This means the Allen-Bradley OPC Server plays an active role in maintaining data integrity.

“The expanded functionality and improved user experience offered with the OPC Server for Allen Bradley make it easier to set up and maintain, which is more efficient for users dealing with large, multi-device installations,” said Darek Kominek, marketing manager at MatrikonOPC.

Key features include:

• Comprehensive connectivity support for PLC5’s, SLC500’s, Micrologix (1100 A, 1400, 1200 etc), and ControlLogix;
• Automatic discovery of Allen Bradley PLCs making integration seamless;
• High-performance OPC Server suited for sequential, process, drive, and motion control.

Kepware Technologies, a software development company focused on communications for automation, announced today that its flagship product KEPServerEX v5 has passed the functionality testing conducted in March by an internationally recognized, independent research laboratory located in San Antonio, TX. The testing focused on KEPServerEX v5's EFM Exporter functionality, which collects gas measurement custody transfer data from industry-leading flow computers and exports it into the specialized formats used in common industry measurement accounting solutions.

"The accuracy of measurement data collection is critical in the Oil and Gas Industry because it is tied to major revenue for multiple stakeholders," said Tony Paine, president and CEO of Kepware Technologies. "Passing this test is a significant milestone for us, as it provides relevant Third-Party validation of applicability of KEPServerEX for critical custody transfer natural gas applications."

The Oil and Gas Industry uses the Electronic Flow Measurement (EFM) data calculated and stored in flow computers as the commercial basis for the measurement of volume and energy: EFM data is the foundation of its financial transactions. KEPServerEX's EFM Exporter polls the flow computers for EFM data on user-defined intervals, and collects transactions involving the transportation of physical substances from one operator to another through a scheduled polling mechanism. It then prepares export files formatted for direct import into common industry accounting solutions or data editing software platforms.

"KEPServerEX v5 is the next generation of Kepware's communications technology, and represents more than a decade of development," said Steve Sponseller, Product Manager at Kepware Technologies. "Independent laboratory validation confirms that KEPServerEX's EFM solution is suitable for the collection of EFM data and the delivery of that data to office measurement accounting systems. (In accordance with the requirements expressed in the American Petroleum Institute's Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards; specifically, Chapter 21 - Flow Measurement using Electronic Flow Computers, Section 1 – Electronic Gas Flow Measurement [API MPMS 21.1]). It also demonstrates Kepware's commitment to support the Energy Industry as it moves forward."