HOTS : September 2008

Bits N' Pieces

BISBEE’S BUZZ

BE PREPARED

Just three years ago, almost to the day, Hurricane Katrina made mincemeat out of the Gulf Coast and swamped New Orleans. Like déjà vu, the hurricanes are back. Unlike 2005, September 2008 came in with a sigh of relief as Hurricane Gustav struck the Gulf coast but did not flood New Orleans. It was a close call. The damage is significant and widespread. It is past time to review your disaster recovery plans.

The weatherman warned that there were three other storms developing and hurricanes were on the menu for the rest of September. So are you going to just sit there and procrastinate?

After Hurricane Andrew hit the south Miami area, I overheard a call between a VP in Jacksonville and his branch manager in Hallandale. “We’re okay but our house may not be. We found our neighborhood, but we couldn’t even find our street.” The devastation was so extensive that it looked like a huge bomb had exploded. Even two years later, the damage looked like a war zone. Mother Nature can be a tough cookie. It is past time to review your disaster recovery plans.

Start with a meeting to discuss disaster recovery plans. Google up some checklists. DO SOMETHING.

Talk to your service provider about the potential problem and get their suggestions.

Our prayers go out to the victims of these disasters. PREPARE!!!

Safety is too important to ignore.

Frank Bisbee
"Heard On The Street" Monthly Column
www.wireville.com
4949 Sunbeam Rd, Suite 16
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 645-9077 office
(904) 645-9058 fax
frank@wireville.com

Industry News

CIG and TXP Agree to Merge

Combination Creates Leading Independent Supplier of Next Generation Optical Network Terminals for FTTH Market

TXP Corporation (OTCBB: TXPO), an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) for the telecommunications industry based in Richardson, Texas, and Cambridge Industry Group (CIG), a privately held, leading R&D and OEM supplier of FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) based in Shanghai, China, announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to merge the two companies.

The merger brings together two leading independent suppliers of Passive Optical Network (PON) Optical Network Terminal (ONT) solutions to form the world’s largest ODM and services business focused on FTTH CPE.

The combined company would have the industry’s widest family of ONT solutions, supporting a broad array of both indoor and outdoor PON ONTs as well as residential gateways for the worldwide market. Furthermore, the consolidation of R&D and customer service resources will give the combined company an enhanced capability to better serve its global customer base while continuing to develop next generation FTTH CPE products.

In addition, the merger is expected to allow the combined company to enter a new phase of cost leadership in the highly competitive FTTH access market, supporting the transition to aggregated supply of GPON CPE.

With complementary product suites and customer bases, the deal doubles the customer count for GPON ONTs over that of each individual company, making CIG-TXP the number one independent supplier of GPON ONTs in the world. The merger will enable the combined company to leverage manufacturing volumes and yield savings through consolidation of its supply chain in China. The combination will also be better equipped to support sales, marketing and customer service efforts around the world.

“Together, CIG and TXP are better equipped to address the total needs of our global base of customers for GPON access,” says Michael C. Shores, President and Chief Executive Officer of TXP.

Gerald G. Wong, CEO of Cambridge Industries Group notes, “A combined company brings a new independent supplier of GPON ONTs to market that is capable of delivering carrier-class products at CPE pricing levels.” He adds, “Together, our two companies will be able to offer the most advanced ONTs in the industry, interoperable with more carriers than any other provider, and at extremely compelling price points, while still maintaining sufficient margins to ensure sustained profitability and maximum value for shareholders.”

TXP generated approximately $11.0 million in revenue in 2007, up from $8.2 million in 2006. CIG generated approximately $10.2 million in revenue in 2007, up from $1.9 million in 2006. The merger is expected to close before year-end.

About TXP

TXP is an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) for the telecommunications industry. Based in Richardson, Texas, TXP has three primary business units: TXP-Prototyping, ONT and Retrofit Solutions. TXP-ONT Solutions develops and markets, via an ODM model, a line of Carrier-Class CPE products including home gateways and the world's broadest independent family of ONT products to both OEMs and ILECs. ONTs are used in FTTH-based services to terminate the passive optical network at the home or business location, and enable integrated voice, video and high-speed internet access. TXP-Retrofit Solutions provides custom engineered kits that enable ILEC's to upgrade their local access service delivery infrastructure at minimum cost and time, enabling a wide range of next generation telecom platforms to easily fit into the variety of remote OSP cabinets that have been broadly deployed over the last 30 years. For more information visit: www.txpcorp.com

About CIG

Founded in June 2005, with R&D and manufacturing based in Shanghai, China, Cambridge Industries Group (CIG) is a leading independent telecom OEM supplier focusing on FTTH, especially PON (GPON and GEPON) CPE equipment, which is an essential and integral part of PON system vendors’ and service providers’ end-to-end FTTH solutions. CIG’s complete GPON CPE portfolio includes products such as ONT, ONU, MDU, and residential gateways, which are already in mass deployment throughout the world via CIG’s multiple system vendor partners. Unlike traditional OEM business models, CIG’s business model focuses on the vertical integration of in-house carrier-class R&D, quality production and delivery, and global services. CIG is therefore capable of supplying our partners with a rich variety of CPE products with reduced cost, enhanced features, the possibility of customized solutions, and quality and volume deliveries. For more information visit: www.ci-g.com

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Coleman Cable Introduces SignalPlus™ Interconnect Cables for HD Technology

Coleman Cable Inc. (Nasdaq: CCIX) introduces SignalPlus™ high performance interconnect cables. Available in 1,2,3,5,10, and 15 meter lengths, SignalPlus cables are constructed to support the latest HD technologies including component and composite video, HDMI, HD audio and Toslink®.

The UL listed SignalPlus series features 24k gold-plated connectors, extra flexible jacketing, durable strain relief and oxygen-free copper conductors for superior connectivity and signal transfer.

“We went all out to produce the highest quality cables in the market place” remarked Bob Bennish National Accounts Manager. “Our extra durable products are perfect for in-wall applications including 1080p over HDMI up to 65 feet.”

About Coleman Cable Inc.

Coleman Cable Inc. is a leading manufacturer and innovator of electrical and electronic wire and cable products for the security, sound, telecommunications, electrical, commercial, industrial, and automotive industries. With extensive design and production capabilities and a long-standing dedication to customer service, Coleman Cable, Inc. is the preferred choice of cable and wire users throughout the United States. The company is located at 1530 Shields Drive, Waukegan, IL 60085. For more information, visit: www.colemancable.com.

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Coleman Cable Launches Redesigned X-Treme Box™ with New Stackable Roll Cage Design for Easy Transport

Now offers its rugged, safe, and economical worksite power distribution center, X-Treme Box™, in a new roll cage version with a stackable design for easy transportation. The new cage is constructed with a tubular steel frame that is tapered on its topside to allow several boxes to be vertically stacked together when being moved from one jobsite to another. The stackable boxes are easier to handle and take up a smaller footprint inside a contractor’s vehicle.

“Our new version X-Treme Box not only comes with Coleman Cable’s standard advanced power performance and safety features, but also allows contractors to handle and transport the equipment more easily” said Warren Schade, vice president of Coleman Cable’s industrial distribution business.

Coleman Cable’s portable power distribution center line-up includes both roll cage and traditional Nema 3R models, which feature seven circuit breaker-protected, weatherproof receptacles including six NEMA 20A locking or straight-blade receptacles with GFCI protection. The power distribution box also includes one NEMA 30A locking receptacle with overload protection and a 50A inlet and outlet. Coleman Cable’s X-Treme Box is OSHA and NEC Compliant and ETL Listed.

About Coleman Cable Inc.

Coleman Cable, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and innovator of electrical and electronic wire and cable products for the security, sound, telecommunications, electrical, commercial, industrial, and automotive industries. With extensive design and production capabilities and a long-standing dedication to customer service, Coleman Cable, Inc. is the preferred choice of cable and wire users throughout North America. The company is located at 1530 Shields Drive, Waukegan, IL 60085. For more information, visit: www.colemancable.com

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CSC In The News = BIG CHANGES At The Top

Since WESCO (WCC) acquired CSC in October 2006, the news coming out of CSC has been anorexic. However, we recently learned that Steve Riordan, CEO & President retired. David Scott Bemoras (49) has accepted the nod to take the top job on August 1, 2008.

Also, Frank LaPlante, a highly respected industry veteran has been appointed Vice President, Marketing & Business Development. He has a big challenge to get the CSC marketing team exposure to a higher position in the sights of the consumers and contractors. www.gocsc.com www.wesco.com

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Price Increase Inevitable For The Fluorochemical Industry

Daikin America, Inc., the second largest fluoropolymer supplier in the US, announced today completion of a successful implementation of their May 2008 price increase announcement across all polymers. These increases were necessary to recover some of the production cost increases driven by freight, energy, and packaging; and, during the last 6 months, unprecedented increases for key raw materials. Specifically, the price of sulfuric acid (a major component in the conversion of fluorspar to anhydrous HF) has increased by 600% and supply has tightened. This has forced HF suppliers to demand significant price increases. Daikin America, Inc. is committed to the fluorochemical industry and will continue to seek prices that support reinvestment across their fluoropolymer businesses.

Daikin America, Inc., headquartered in Orangeburg, NY is the second largest fluoropolymer supplier in the US. Daikin America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daikin Industries of Osaka, Japan. Daikin is Japan’s leading manufacturer of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and Japan’s largest producer of fluorochemical products. www.daikin-america.com

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DRAKA Communications - Americas Reacts To Mounting Cost Pressure

Draka Communications – Americas, one of the leading North American producers of fiber optic cable, today announced it has raised the price of its optical fiber cable products by 6% to 10% depending on their exposure to rising materials, energy, and transportation costs.

"The good news is global demand for fiber optic cable is experiencing robust growth and optical cable shipments for the first half hit record levels," said Mike Amicone, President of Draka Communications – Americas, "Unfortunately this good news must be tempered by concern. Raw material costs are rising at a startling rate and Draka has absorbed multiple price increases on raw materials, especially petroleum based ones, as well as fuel and freight. In addition, several of these manufacturers are rationing supply further affecting pricing and lead times."

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing a quality product at a fair price, Draka will continue to be diligent in its efforts to mitigate this impact through a variety of programs including energy conservation, process improvement, and alternative sourcing of raw materials and transportation.

About Draka Communications
Draka, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a € 2.5 billion, publicly listed (Euronext) company with 9,145 employees worldwide. Draka is divided into three groups, Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications. Communications is responsible for the production and sale of optical fiber, cable and communication infrastructure solutions globally. Draka Communications – Americas’ roots in North America run a century deep in names like Alcatel, ITT, Ericsson, Chromatic Technologies, and Phelps Dodge. Our clients are served from Draka's unique site in Claremont, North Carolina which is home to the 125-acre corporate campus & Americas headquarters, over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space and the only integrated optical fiber and cable facility in North America. For more information please visit www.drakaamericas.com.

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HellermannTyton Unveils New Thermal Transfer Printer

HellermannTyton has added the new TTM430 thermal transfer printer to its line of identification printing solutions. This durable, high-performance, compact printer is ideal for medium to large volume label users looking for significant versatility and functionality in thermal transfer printing. Used along with HellermannTyton TagPrintPro label creation and printing software, the TTM430 offers error free printing and seamless operations.

The TTM430 is equipped with high-tech printing sensors creating accurate starts and stops which results in faster print speeds and less label waste. The TTM430 prints to a wide variety of materials including all of HellermannTyton’s thermal transfer labels, as well as ShrinkTrak heat shrinkable markers, and offers an optional cutter with ability to cut per label or pre-selected quantities. Both ethernet and wireless network ready, the TTM430 gives the operator options on placing the unit away from the host computer to more convenient locations. In addition, the TTM430’s status monitor will alert users if printer is out of ribbon and at the end of labels and can even send an email to the operator if any of these activities occur.

This lightweight printer has a 300 dpi printhead and prints at a speed up to 7.87” per second. The TTM430 holds up to 64mb of memory and 8mb of flash. www.hellermann.tyton.com.

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Light Brigade Announces Fiber Optic Training Milestone

The Light Brigade, the world’s leading fiber optic training company, proudly announces that the company has reached a milestone of training more than 35,000 people around in the world in its public and customized classes.

Larry Johnson, founder and president of The Light Brigade, has been involved with fiber optics since 1977 when the first fiber optic system was installed in North America. In recent years he has been archiving the history of fiber optics. He reflects on the fiber optics industry over the last twenty years: “We have had so much fun since we started teaching fiber optics in 1987. Being a part of the fiber optics revolution has really been exciting. When you look back, you realize that we started at just the right time. From 1977 to 1985 the fiber industry had moved from basic innovations and field trials into what I call the ‘implementation’ phase.

“The next phase saw the development of the first fiber optic system standards. In 1987, SONET/SDH changed how service providers used fiber optics for communications. At the same time the new ANSI FDDI standard addressed multimode systems for LANs and laid the foundation for Ethernet, data centers, self-healing networks and defined system specifications. In the mid-1990s personal computers began to directly affect the communications industry, especially in long haul networks. This led to the real communications boom. Products had to perform at lower costs yet still offer magnitudes of improvement in bandwidth and speed. Many new IP-based companies were founded and new competitive local exchange carriers were started. They had great ideas and visions, but very little products and assets. While the bubble eventually burst, the technology itself never declined, nor did bandwidth use decrease.

“It was during these years that fiber optic training became key, for everyone from service providers to end users. This required that we pay close attention to new innovations, products, technologies and applications. This all started at the components level. The Light Brigade began to coordinate special events at the industry’s leading conferences and we took the knowledge we gained from these events and applied it to the content into our courses. In addition we started producing educational tools, such as videos, for those who wanted staff development tools for their internal training needs.

“Meanwhile, with the development of design and infrastructure standards such as TIA/EIA 568 and 569, products continued to evolve. Investment in fiber optics by end users increased, to the point that fiber optics became the chosen favorite for local area network installations. Growing demand for bandwidth from those who chose to work from home also provided an economic benefit to service providers. By 2004, new adaptations of the original visions to bring fiber to the home (FTTH) started to gain momentum. The standards written during the 1990s began to gain recognition and provided the push that FTTH needed, allowing low-cost products to be integrated into low-cost solutions.

“Looking back, our original vision statement for our Fiber Optics 1-2-3 class, which was written and developed in 1987, still holds true and we have been honest with it since.

This course is to provide the knowledge and skills for those who design, install, test and maintain fiber optics communications systems for voice, video, and data communications.

“We have continually researched technological developments, creating new content and updating our existing materials. We work in the field, investigating and testing new products and ideas, following any applicable standards, all in order to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information we can. We never cut corners on equipment, we always keep the focus on the technology, and we will continue to design our courses to best serve those who want to make informed decisions based on their own specific needs and applications.”

The Light Brigade’s training courses, which have been awarded a GSA contract from the United States government, cover the entire spectrum of fiber optics from basic theory, design, maintenance and testing through advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM, SONET, fiber characterization, and fiber-optic video transmission. The Light Brigade has produced professional-quality educational DVDs (12 titles), videos and CDs (25 titles), a self-paced computerized training module, and two self-study courses. In addition, the company offers course development services in which courses can be customized to a desired skill level, to focus on specific subject matter, or to take place at a particular location.

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MARELCO Adds Transformers To Product Line

Marelco Power Systems, a specialized manufacturer of mission critical distribution equipment for the wind, solar, and alternative energy markets, today introduced the addition of over 800 different isolation transformers to the Marelco product line. These products can be customized to the application and represent the most extensive line-up of options available for this market.

Marelco's transformer products protect equipment from power disturbances caused by load-generated harmonics. These harmonics can cause damage to other equipment, disrupt critical processes, and cause expensive shutdowns. Marelco's extended warranty is factory standard for the complete line of isolation and specialty transformers including these configurations -

• K Rated transformers 15 - 500 kVA - K1, K13, K 20
• 0º or 30º phase shifted transformers from 15 - 500 kVA - Available with 150º, 130º, 115º or 80ºC rise

Dave Ratliff, COO of Marelco states," the industry continues to ask us for custom designs to fit their applications, and Marelco has always delivered those quickly and efficiently. This addition to the Marelco product line offers an unprecedented number of choices to fit any application."

About Marelco

Founded in 1963, Marelco is a leading provider of specialty transformers and controls for the wind, solar, and alternative energy markets. Principle products include harmonic mitigating and sophisticated filter inductor products.

For more information about Marelco and their complete line of products, please visit the Marelco website at www.marelco.com

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Maxcell Fabric Innerduct Announces The Hiring Of A New Account Manager

Maxcell Fabric Innerduct wishes to announce the hiring of a new account manager for the Southern California territory. Ken Sharples brings over 20 years of extensive experience to the outside plant and premise markets.

Ken can be reached at:

15085 La Palma Drive
Chino, CA 91717
909-204-0104
951-271-9650 fax
ksharples@maxcell.us

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Megladon’s E2000 HLC® SCRATCHGUARD™ Patch Cords Making Waves In The Marketplace

SensorTran Senior Optical Engineer endorses Megladon’s E2000 HLC® SCRATCHGUARD™ Patch Cords. SensorTran and Megladon are both Austin, Texas based companies and have collaborated to bring high-quality products to the fiber optic marketplace.

Since Megladon Manufacturing released its new E2000 HLC SCRATCHGUARD Patch Cord in April of this year, they have received outstanding feedback from the market. By pairing their existing HLC process technology with their E2000 connectors, this product provides a mating surface that is dust and scratch resistant, exhibiting signal losses below industry standards.

The SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords (by Megladon Manufacturing Group) is a critical step forward in quality. The fiber optic connector is a crucial component and the “gateway to the fiber optic cabling network. Damage to the connector due to repeated use has been the biggest problem for network managers, until now. The patented SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords have virtually eliminated the problem. “We have studied the Megladon Manufacturing products and spoken with several major network operations that are using these breakthrough products. The product exceeds anything else they have ever used.” said Frank Bisbee, Editor of the Heard On The Street column (www.wireville.com), “Jim Hayes, President of the Fiber Optic Association www.thefoa.org confirmed the need for education in the fiber optic communications industry as new solutions are coming to the marketplace like a tsunami.” Bisbee added.

SensorTran, a leader in designing and supplying rugged and reliable fiber optic-based Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems and solutions sees the rare and unmatched value in Megladon’s latest product.

“Megladon’s low return/insertion loss HLC patch cords and E2000 connectors are ideally suited for optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) in harsh environment applications for STI’s applications in oil and gas, and power cable industry sectors,” says Mahesh Ajgaonkar - Senior Optical Engineer, SenorTran.

This product is being perceived as one of the most reliable, long-lasting, and most efficient patch cords in the global fiber optic marketplace. SensorTran is only one of many companies recognizing the significance of the E2000 HLC SCRATCHGUARD Fiber Optic Patch Cord.

Megladon® Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company’s website at www.megladonmfg.com.

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Megladon Announces New Product Release of Angle Polished HLC® ScratchGuard™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords

Megladon Manufacturing Group took a monumental step today for the CATV market by adapting the HLC process to angle polished connectors. Angle polished connectors have been used for years in high speed video transport applications due to inherent low reflection characteristics. The fragile nature of fiber mating surfaces, however, has continued to plague an industry that is more competitive than ever.

With the growing video on demand and streaming video content on the web, a need arises for high quality fiber optic products capable of withstanding this trend. Industry leaders and providers are having to transition into a more competent network infrastructure to conform to the now industry standard of high performance fiber optic networks.

The SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords (by Megladon Manufacturing Group) is a critical step forward in quality. The fiber optic connector is a crucial component and the “gateway to the fiber optic cabling network”. Damage to the connector due to repeated use has been the biggest problem for network managers, until now. The patented SCRATCHGUARD™ Fiber Optic Patch Cords have virtually eliminated the problem. “We have studied the Megladon Manufacturing products and spoken with several major network operations that are using these breakthrough products. The product exceeds anything else they have ever used.” said Frank Bisbee, Editor of the Heard On The Street column (www.wireville.com), “Jim Hayes, President of the Fiber Optic Association www.thefoa.org confirmed the need for education in the fiber optic communications industry as new solutions are coming to the marketplace like a tsunami.” Bisbee added.

Megladon’s SM APC HLC SCRATCHGUARD fiber optic patch cords are ideally equipped for network installers that are utilizing high speed video networks. The HLC technology provides mating surface durability and low loss; paired with an Angle Polish Connector we now have a product that significantly reduces reflection, cutting down on interruptions in any given network.

“Up until now CATV and high speed video applications have not been able to take advantage of our HLC patented processes due to standardization on angle polish connectors. Now they can not only experience the HLC SCRATCHGUARD durability, but we added a reduction in insertion loss and reflection over traditional angle polish products,” said John Culbert, President of Megladon.

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Fiber Cassette Enclosures

PANDUIT^® Opticom^® QuickNet™ Rack Mount Fiber Cassette Enclosures (FCE-U series) provide a flexible and fully modular system for managing fiber terminations, connections, and patching in data center and SAN applications. These rack-mount enclosures are available in 1 RU, 2 RU, and 4 RU versions, accommodate up to 96 fibers per rack space, and provide superior patch field access via a slide-out, tilt-down drawer design. FCE-U enclosures are compatible with all pre-terminated, field terminated and splicing applications using PANDUIT^®QuickNet™ Cassettes and Fiber Adapter Panels for greater system flexibility and lower cost of ownership.

www.panduit.com/opt34

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MEGA SNAKE® Now Come With Integrated 1900 Boxes To Offer Overhead Power Distribution

Snake Tray® is proud to announce that Mega Snake high capacity cable tray can now be configured with 1900 electrical boxes to give the easiest overhead power distribution in today’s market. With Mega Snake’s patented rail system, Snake Tray 1900 boxes can be easily mounted anywhere along the cable tray to offer convenient power overhead.

Mega Snake is a high capacity cable tray for overhead applications. The Snake RailÔ, a built-in suspension system, requires no brackets and allows for random placement of the hanging rod system. The Snake Rail can seamlessly interface with other size Snake Trays as well as patch panels, power distribution boxes, strain relief and fiber optic pass over devices. Mega Snake comes with pre-manufactured turns, tees and cross sections to save on costs. Mega Snake’s patented nesting feature significantly saves on shipping and handling costs.

visit www.snaketray.com.

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Times Microwave Introduces New LMR® Product Line Review Brochure

Times Microwave Systems has just published a new brochure giving a brief, descriptive overview of the LMR® family of cables and connectors, including the acclaimed Advantage™ series. The brochure also includes T-RAD® leaky feeder cable for interior coverage solutions, SilverLine™ test cables including SilverLine™ QMA and SilverLine TuffGrip™ and also TCOM® flexible low-PIM cables.

LMR® cables are flexible, non-kinking low loss RF transmission line cables that utilize easy-to-install connectors and are suitable for use as antenna feeders, system jumpers and interconnects. Times Microwave Systems is the industry leader in the design and manufacture of high performance coaxial cables and RF transmission line components.

About Times Microwave Systems

Times Microwave Systems has more than 60 years experience in designing innovative, high-reliability, coaxial cables and assemblies for demanding interconnection problems. Times specializes in the design and manufacture of high performance flexible and semi-rigid coaxial cable, connectors, and cable assemblies for RF transmission from HF through microwave frequencies. www.timesmicro.com

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3M Introduces One Step Closure Wireless to Protect the Wireless Tower Cable Connection

With the new One Step Closure for Wireless (OSCW) from 3M, cellular operators now have a cost- competitive solution for protecting the cable connection at a wireless tower in cellular networks. For the installer and line technician, the unique, compact design (patent pending) of the new enclosures also means quick installation that does not compromise environmental or mechanical protection.

As cellular networks continue to migrate to next-generation technology, repairing and maintaining existing wireless tower infrastructure helps avoid costly disruptions in service that can result from failures in at the cable connection due to rain, fluctuating temperatures or mechanical malfunctions.

The new OSCW from 3M combines the company's core strength of environmental and mechanical protection products with more than 40 years in the telecommunications industry. Two versions of the patented design seal the cable connection on a wireless tower. The OSCW-L (large) encloses the connection from the feeder cable to the jumper cable while the OSCW-S (small) protects the connection from the jumper cable to the antenna.

Both OSCW enclosures feature a patented sealing gel surrounding the edges of the closure to guard against moisture and water. Because the gel does not stick to the connector, the enclosure can easily be re-entered and re-used. The easy-to-close latch can be closed with one hand and does not require tools. Installation of the entire enclosure can be completed in less than five minutes, increasing safety while keeping field labor costs down. With a design that allows multiple reuse and re-entry, maintenance costs and overall cost of ownership stay low as well.

The enclosures have been designed and tested to withstand water immersion and temperatures ranging from -40 C to 80 C (-40 F to 176 F). They are also UV, chemical and corrosion resistant and require no additional maintenance once installed. Overtime, the OSCW is designed to be a more cost-effective solution compared to other alternatives currently on the market.

About 3M Communication Markets Division
With more than 40 years in the telecommunications industry, 3M Communication Markets Division offers one of the widest and most comprehensive suite of scalable solutions to communications service providers around the world, from underground and buried plant, to central office, premises and more. Proven systems from 3M optimize network testing, construction, locating and maintenance for faster, more reliable high-bandwidth transmissions; enable physical media-layer capabilities for FTTP and DSL deployments from central office to customer premises; and deliver fiber optics technologies to leverage existing infrastructure or install completely new networks.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

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AKTINO Names Bethe Strickland Vice President Of Business Development

Aktino, the leader in delivering high bandwidth Carrier Ethernet and broadband services over bonded copper, has named Bethe A. Strickland, a telecommunications industry sales veteran, as its Vice President of Business Development.

Strickland’s 20 years of experience in the telecom industry includes a 10-year carrier and channel sales role with ADTRAN in that company’s formative years, which extended beyond the 1994 ADTRAN initial public offering. Strickland also founded AERAS Networks, a broadband microwave radio company, and most recently served as executive vice president of marketing and channel development at GenBand.

“Aktino’s bonded copper technology and products are natural adjuncts to a wide variety of local access and service delivery platforms, so we view Tier 1 and 2 vendor partnerships as an important part of our strategy,” said Lonnie Martin, CEO of Aktino. “Bethe Strickland has a vast amount of industry experience in and around our space, and we feel fortunate to have her on our team.”

About Aktino

Aktino provides carrier-class bonded copper solutions that enable ILEC’s to respond to customer hunger for bandwidth fast and network-wide by leveraging their considerable in-place copper loop infrastructure. Aktino invented MIMO-on-DMT technology for the copper loop environment because of its superiority over earlier E.SHDSL approaches. In so doing, Aktino gave ILECs a real ability to postpone many fiber deployment investments and still remain very competitive in their service offering as well as drive their broadband service revenues. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Aktino products are deployed worldwide for the transport of DS3 and high speed Carrier Ethernet. For more information, please visit www.aktino.com .

Association News

ACUTA

Two-Thirds of Colleges, Universities Are Going Green When It Comes to Technology, ACUTA Survey Finds

Two-thirds of colleges and universities have gone – or are going – green by taking energy-saving and environmentally conscious steps, according to the latest survey of the member schools of ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education.

In a survey taken among attendees at the annual ACUTA conference in July, 65 percent of respondents said their schools have bought new equipment, launched distance learning and online education programs, instituted policies, and are otherwise moving to reduce energy usage and aid the environment.

Of those schools that haven’t yet gone green, three-fourths have at least looked into how to be more environmentally sensitive, but are held back by budget limitations and other obstacles.

ACUTA, the only international association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education information communications technology professionals, represents nearly 2,000 individuals at some 780 institutions of all sizes. With the heightened consciousness of the environmental impact of individuals and organizations, ACUTA set out to find out what its member schools are doing.

The single most widespread pro-environment step taken – by 80 percent of the “green” schools – was recycling computer and networking equipment, rather than sending it to a landfill. Also, 73 percent said they had bought more efficient equipment with an eye toward saving energy, while 63 percent said they had implemented a policy of reducing the amount of printing.

Simply “powering off” whatever equipment they can when possible is a practice at 55 percent of the green schools, while 29 percent have revamped their data centers and 20 percent have simplified their networks, both with energy savings in mind.

Among the more innovative approaches, 27 percent of the schools say alternative sources are providing some of the electrical power on campus, while 25 percent of schools say that at least some telecommuting is in place among faculty or staff. Also, to reduce the need for student travel, 22 percent say they have implemented or expanded their distance learning programs, while 18 percent have implemented or expanded online education opportunities.

Although the survey suggests that energy and cost savings aren’t easy to document, most respondents say their efforts have provided or will eventually provide a return on their investment. Also, 35 percent of green schools add that their efforts have definitely paid off by enhancing their “green” image.

“As you would expect, ACUTA member schools are leading the way in the campus green technology movement,” said Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. “Because ACUTA gives them the network by which they can share their green ideas with their peers, ACUTA members are in a great position to keep this positive movement growing.”

Of the schools surveyed that haven’t yet gone green, 72 percent blame budget limitations for holding them back, although 32 percent each said the difficulty in finding energy-efficient equipment and the difficulty in proving future cost savings are additional obstacles. Among the non-green schools, the biggest motivators to going green are cost and energy savings and a sense of environmental stewardship.

About ACUTA
ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education, is an international non-profit educational association serving colleges and universities. Its core purpose is to support higher education information communications technology professionals in contributing to the achievement of the strategic mission of their institutions. ACUTA represents nearly 2000 individuals at some 780 institutions of higher education, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA’s Corporate Affiliate members represent all categories of communications technology vendors serving the college/university market. www.acuta.org

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ACUTA Fall Seminar Targets Mobility, Other New Trends Facing Campus Networks

How colleges and universities are addressing the mobile communications needs of their students and staff, along with a detailed look at other new technology developments, are featured in the Fall Seminar of ACUTA, the Association for Information Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education.

The seminar is October 5-8 in Boston, at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. With a twin topical focus on “Data and Voice Mobility” and “What’s New in Communications Technologies,” it will feature presentations by representatives of large and small colleges and universities from all over the country.

Representing schools such as Harvard, Indiana University, Villanova, Emory University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Kansas, presenters will share their insight, experiences, and successes with their peers.

Educational sessions concentrating on mobility will explore topics such as a massive WiFi installation at Indiana University, creating what may be the biggest such network in existence, as well as an initiative at Abilene Christian University to give every incoming freshman an IPhone or IPod touch device and integrating the devices into the curriculum and campus life. On the “what’s new” side, presenters will cover topics such as the evolution of technology for emergency notification and a look forward at the technology used in communications and learning in the year 2018.

ACUTA is the only national association dedicated to serving the needs of higher education information communications technology professionals, representing some 2,000 individuals at 780 institutions.

“As students and faculty become increasingly mobile, the 2008 Fall Seminar is timely in looking at the ways that mobility can be incorporated into campus networks and how to overcome any technological challenges,” said Jeri Semer, executive director of ACUTA. “Mobility is just one of the new technologies coming to campuses, which is why the other seminar track focuses on other key issues, such as the integration of IP networking.”

Beyond the educational sessions, Semer added, the seminar offers attendees extensive networking opportunities and a chance to learn from their fellow information communications technology professionals, benefiting themselves and their colleges and universities.

For more information or to register for the Fall Seminar, visit the ACUTA website at www.acuta.org or call 859-278-3338.

BICSI

BICSI Members - Election Season is Here!

One of the most important benefits of BICSI membership is the opportunity and duty to participate in one of the most important events of the association—the election of the volunteer leadership serving on the BICSI Board of Directors.

The offices for which are up for election and the candidates running for each include:

Secretary

Peter P. Charland, III, RCDD, NTS, WD, CET

Roman Dabrowski, RCDD

Robert S. (Bob) Erickson, RCDD, NTS, OSP, WD

Christine Klauck, RCDD, NTS

Charles L. Wilson, RCDD, NTS, OSP

U.S. Southeast Region Director

Richard S. Anderson, RCDD, CSI, CDT

David Ducharme, RCDD

Sean Fitzgerald, RCDD, NTS, OSP

Jason R. Krauskopf, RCDD

S. Donald La Shomb, RCDD, OSP, WD

Mel E. Lesperance, RCDD

Daniel Morris, RCDD

Bill Newman, RCDD, TPM, CCDA

Paul Remke, PE, RCDD

David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP

U.S. South-Central Region Director

Michael A. Collins, RCDD

Frank L. Martin, RCDD

U.S. Western Region Director

William (Bill) Batchelor, RCDD

George M. Fewell, RCDD

David Sanders, RCDD, NTS, OSP

Todd L. Strand, RCDD, NTS, OSP

Canadian Region Director

Richard S. Smith, RCDD, NTS, OSP

Elections begin September 1, 2008 and end on September 30, 2008. All BICSI members in good standing as of July 1, 2008 will be allowed to vote. Visit www.bicsi.org to review the candidate biographies, then look for a ballot by mail or e-mail and vote.

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BICSI Releases New Wireless Network Design Manual

In today’s communications world, wireless and cabling technologies work hand-in-hand to provide buildings with the low-voltage information that commercial building structures require. BICSI’s Wireless Design Reference Manual (WDRM), 3rd edition, incorporates these technologies to show information transport systems (ITS) professionals how to plan, design and implement a wide spectrum of wireless design projects.

The new manual provides critical information on a variety of topics, with expanded information on WiMAX, Wi-Fi and distributed antenna systems (DASs). It also introduces the application of design best practices in 4G technology, the next complete evolution in wireless communications providing a comprehensive IP solution for voice, data and multimedia.

As with all BICSI technical manuals, the WDRM is written to global best practices, vendor-neutral, carefully researched, and precisely written and edited by key industry professionals who are referred to as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

“This third edition of the WDRM has become the ultimate resource in wireless telecommunications design,” said Tony Whaley, RCDD, NTS, WD, CTS, vice president at RTKL Associates and BICSI’s Technical Information and Methods (TI&M) Committee WDRM subject matter expert team leader (SMETL). “The knowledge gained by using this new revised manual will be an important asset to designers, consultants, engineers, end users, students taking BICSI wireless design courses and candidates for BICSI’s Wireless Design (WD) Specialty exam.”

In addition to an overview of wireless fundamentals, the manual covers international wireless regulations, codes and standards, components, design considerations, personal area networks (PANs), LANs, and various systems, including point-to-point (PTP), point-to-multipoint, DAS, cellular, and paging. A chapter on wireless project management has also been added.

The manual contains 822 pages, more than 233 figures and tables, an extensive glossary of common wireless industry terms, symbols and acronyms, as well as an appendix including international codes, standards, regulations and organizations. Its 11 chapters include:

Introduction to Wireless Design
Legal Aspects of Wireless Design
Project Management Basics
Overview of Wireless Fundamentals
Components of a Wireless System
General Wireless Design Considerations
Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Systems
Distributed Antenna Systems
Cellular and Paging Systems
Special Wireless Technologies
Wireless Local Area Networks

The WDRM is available in an easily referenced three-ring binder or on CD-ROM, and sells to BICSI members for US$119 and to nonmembers for US$185. A combination set of both the manual and CD-ROM can be purchased for US$199 (member price) or US$309 (non-member price).

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BICSI is a professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data and video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 25,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 140 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

BOMA

Dates Have Been Set For BOMA International’s Highly Acclaimed Executive Education Program

Dates have been set for BOMA International’s highly acclaimed executive education program, “Emerging Leaders in Real Estate,” developed in collaboration with Harvard University. The sixth offering of the program is scheduled for March 10-13, 2009 on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Designed for managers and directors in real estate organizations who are—or want to be—on the executive track, the curriculum includes sessions on strategic planning, investment vehicles and project finance, assessing real estate performance, due diligence for real estate acquisitions, leading your team more effectively, negotiations and conflict resolution, ethics, organizational alignment and much more! http://www.boma.org/TrainingAndEducation/ELRE/

Building Green

BuildingGreen.com

BuildingGreen publishes information in outlets such as Environmental Building News (EBN) and BuildingGreen Suite that cover the most pressing issues in environmentally sensitive design and construction with a clear approach to all sides of an issue, keeping our readers informed on building for sustainability. This email brings you, as a news editor or website owner interested in sustainable design, links to breaking stories currently posted in the free area of www.BuildingGreen.com.

Feel free to post these summaries and links on your website. However, please DO NOT post full articles without direct permission from Jim Newman at BuildingGreen, LLC.

When posting the summaries and links below on your website(s), please make it clear that the stories are coming from Environmental Building News and that the full article is available at www.BuildingGreen.com. Please include this byline: From Environmental Building News, www.BuildingGreen.com.

BuildingGreen LLC owns the copyrights to all material contained in this email and to the full written articles. All rights are reserved except those explicitly granted herein. Contact Jim Newman at BuildingGreen LLC, Jim@BuildingGreen.com with questions or for additional information.

Current Stories from Environmental Building News

Mazria Publishes Code Equivalents for 2030 Challenge

Alex Wilson

Architecture 2030, the organization created by Ed Mazria, FAIA, to reduce the building sector's contribution to climate change, has published a guide that compares existing energy codes with the performance targets of the 2030 Challenge. The 2030 Challenge calls for an immediate 50% reduction in the fossil fuel consumption of new buildings, compared with a baseline drawn from the 2003 Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) for commercial buildings and Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) for residential buildings.

The white paper "Meeting the 2030 Challenge Through Building Codes," published in June 2008, provides a table showing the degree to which commonly referenced energy codes have to be exceeded to achieve the 50% fossil-fuel-reduction target.

Link to the full article:

www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/3993/

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All About Formaldehyde: Backpage Primer from Environmental Building News

When we hear "formaldehyde," a lot of us probably think of the liquid preserving frogs awaiting dissection, back in high school. That liquid, called formalin, is a solution of about 40% formaldehyde and 60% water. Formaldehyde occurs naturally, though generally at concentrations no higher than 0.03 parts per million (ppm).

Formaldehyde is an important constituent in most manufactured wood and laminate products. Due largely to its low cost and light color, urea formaldehyde (UF) is the most common binder for interior-grade wood products, such as particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and hardwood plywood. Unfortunately, the formaldehyde in UF binder is not very tightly locked up, so a lot of it is released into the air. Though useful, formaldehyde is harmful to our health. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at concentrations in the air above 0.1 ppm, formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; nausea; chest tightness; coughing and wheezing; skin rashes; and allergic reactions. Over long periods of exposure, formaldehyde is also likely causes cancer, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and it can cause a variety of other problems.

Link to the full article:

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/3999/

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USGBC Names Groups to Perform LEED Certifications

Nadav Malin

In May 2008 the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that it would be outsourcing LEED certification to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) and, through GBCI, to independent certification bodies (see EBN Vol. 17, No. 6). USGBC has now named the ten companies that will be certifying LEED buildings beginning in January 2009. After the changeover, project teams will still submit their LEED applications through the LEED Online website managed by USGBC, but the reviews and ultimate certifications will come from companies on this list.

Link to the full article:

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/4002/

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Energy-Efficient Water Coolers from Elkay and Halsey Taylor Brent Ehrlich

For a cool drink of water that avoids the environmental costs of extracting, bottling, and distributing bottled water, the humble drinking fountain is getting a new look. Elkay, makers of drinking fountains and pressure water coolers (drinking fountains that refrigerate and store water before dispensing), is set to release a new pressure water cooler in the fall of 2008, the Elkay VRCGRN (it will also be sold by Halsey Taylor, a subsidiary of Elkay, as the HVRGRN).

Elkay hopes that the model will become a new standard-bearer for environmental responsibility. For durability and ease of cleaning Elkay is making the basins and cabinets from stainless steel and the frames from galvanized steel. But the substantive improvements are to be found under the cabinet.

Link to the full article:

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/3996/

BuildingGreen, LLC is publisher of the nation's oldest publication on sustainable design and construction and the leading national directory of green building products. For more information on BuildingGreen and its resources on environmentally responsible design and construction, visit www.BuildingGreen.com, email Info@buildinggreen.com, or call 800-861-0954 (outside the U.S. and Canada, call 802-257-7300). BuildingGreen is a socially responsible company based in Brattleboro, Vermont.

www.BuildingGreen.com

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CABA

CABA To Offer Complimentary Building Intelligence Assessment

The Continental Automated Buildings Association is pleased to announce a special promotion that allows building designers, owners and operators to obtain one free building ranking using CABA's Intelligent Building Quotient tool. By completing a short questionnaire, CABA members will be allowed to test the tool at no charge.

The tool permits property owners, managers and designers to rate a building's intelligence and provides design guidance to ensure that all relevant issues are considered when making a choice about subsystems and their level of integration. Owners and developers with multiple properties can also use the BIQ tool to assess and compare the building intelligence systems in their portfolio.

Because the assessment is completely online, owners, designers and managers have the ability to change input up to a year, with an option to extend. This allows users to keep their assessment up-to-date as the building intelligence changes through the project delivery stages as buildings are retrofitted.

"The most critical challenge in designing, building and operating intelligent building technologies is the effective integration and interoperation of several different building management technologies and other technologies," stated Ronald J. Zimmer, CABA President & CEO. "The BIQ helps to ensure that your organization's building has the subsystems you need based on your functional priorities. It then guides the design team to properly integrate the various technologies. BIQ further increases the value of intelligent building technologies by providing guidance on the use of communications for remote monitoring, control and access."

Under the leadership of J. Christopher Larry, Chair of the BIQ Advisory Board and David Katz of the BIQ Consortium, the tool has been enhanced with several new features.

Currently, the tool is being used by Honeywell International, Inc. to evaluate the impact of its building automation products. CABA invites you to obtain a free ranking by contacting Brian Daze, CABA's Business Development Manager at 613.686.1814 x226 or daze@caba.org.

About CABA
C

Wireville.com

Issue: September 2008
By: Frank Bisbee

Wireville.com

Issue: September 2008 By: Frank Bisbee

Issue: September 2008
By: Frank Bisbee