The Cape Town Branch hosted a very well attended technology evening with Conrad Muller and Cuan Robertson of Phoenix Contact on 30 September. The branch initiatives to increase visibility and awareness in the region are paying off as can be seen by the increased levels of attendance at each technology evening. The branch has an online presence at www.linkedin.com and has a Facebook profile page as well. Both on-line sites are maintained and managed by branch chairman Selvan Murugan. Members and non-members who are interested in receiving technology evening invitations and regular branch updates are encouraged to register on these sites.
[L to R]: Izak Muller, Mothibi Thabeng, Conrad Muller and Cuan Robertson
The presentation by Phoenix Contact included a brief overview of wireless communication technologies currently in use within the industrial environment. Bluetooth and Wireless LAN technologies were explored further with graphic examples of actual installations around the world. It was interesting to note that the technology is being employed in such a variety of applications, many of them complex. Conrad mentioned the various techniques employed in securing and optimising Bluetooth communications for industrial use, including the methods that ensure no clashes between the Bluetooth signals and Wireless LAN signals. Discussions focused mainly on the various methods of deploying this technology in real world applications.
Conrad and Mothibi discussing the specifics of the cable replacer
The highlight of the presentation was the working demonstration of a Bluetooth I/O communication system, designed specifically to replace cables. The viability of Bluetooth integrated with industrial components was proved for all the sceptics. The SAIMC would like to thank Conrad, Cuan and the management of Phoenix Contact for making this evening a very successful one.
Cuan demonstrates the cable replacer
The Cape Town branch hosts its technology evenings on the last Thursday of every month and members and other interested persons are urged to attend.
Finally: Please update your membership details by contacting the SAIMC secretariat so that we can send you more content.
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![[L to R]: Izak Muller, Mothibi Thabeng, Conrad Muller and Cuan Robertson](articles/SA Instrumentation & Control - Published by Technews/C14420A.jpg)
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