catserveng

I have three teenagers at home, MYSPACE is a way of life. Has to be monitored and have a firewall, we got more junk from that site than anywhere. It is a site that definately makes my internet security software earn it's keep. If you have it at home, keep an eye on it, but like anything else it can be managed.

Try McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com, start on page 2680 of their latest catalog. Good service and prices.

We just did a training class for some of our techs using AB PICO controllers, and the AB PICOSOFT software (free). Had good response for a basic training class, the PICO's are pretty cheap, and the software supports most of the functions we needed to teach.

We also have had some problems with SOLA units lately. Started using Phoenix Quint power supplies with buffer and DC UPS options, had good luck with those units so far.

Don't know an agency, but one of switcgear vendors is in the Vancouver area, always looking for good people. Thomson Technology Inc. 888, 888-0110

We do mostly switchgear lineups for power generation systems, about 10% of the systems we supply require "hot backup". In all but one case, we have never had a problem with a system that required the hot back up to take over, seems if we do things right up front, the processor does pretty darn good, and whatever will kill a processor in our business, like a close lightening strike, usually kills a lot of the electronics. I find redundant systems very hard to commission and service in the field, and usually cause more problems in our business than they cure. My experience is primarily with AB SLC and PLC5 systems, and two systems using GE 90-30's. We are currently installing a CLX system that will startup in July, we'll see how that goes.