“Ultimately, the purpose of test & measurement is to give our customers ways to monitor and understand their business better”
Optimising ROI with T&M When Madison Technologies acquired Test Equipment Solutions last year, we were all really excited at the prospect of offering a broader and more comprehensive service to our customers. We’re now another step closer to reaching our full potential with the arrival of Bernie Reinke, who has joined Madison as General Manager of the Test and Measurement team. 4
With over 20 years working in the industry, Bernie is a big advocate for using test and measurement technologies to deliver operational efficiencies and to drive improvements in business processes. “The technology in test and measurement allows you to collect an enormous amount of data. Where the value lies is in taking that data and working out what is valuable and how that impacts on the business environment” he said. With Australia being in the top 20 most expensive countries in the world, it’s more important than ever that business operations run economically and efficiently to maintain profitability.
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test+measurement Every time a system or a process fails, the downtime costs the business greatly. The impact is not just in monetary terms, the damage is also compounded by both productivity and efficiency losses. Using technology to decrease both the likelihood and frequency of downtime is the most cost effective way of maintaining a streamlined operation. “Ultimately, the purpose of test and measurement is to give our customers ways to monitor and understand their business better,” explains Bernie. “Using test and measurement solutions can really help to speed up processes, gain efficiencies and extend the life
cycle of deployed technologies in a business environment.” “We’ve got pretty smart people at Madison across cabling, networking, wireless, and audio visual as well as
test and measurement” he said. “These experts work with our customers in a consultative way, with the goal of helping customers manage and optimise the return on their technology investments. ”
Bernie Reinke
General Manager | Test & Measurement bernie.reinke@madisontech.com.au 0400 736 988
Read how building managers use T&M technology to save thousands on inaccurate sub meter readings . See pg 16 for the story.
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Planning and partnering for the future Kevin Chambers
General Manager | Cabling & Connectivity kevin.chambers@madisontech.com.au 0400 060 398
Technology is evolving at breakneck speed and these advances have influenced every facet of our world. But technology is not the only thing changing... Wholesale distribution businesses across Australia are realising that customers are using this evolving technology to interact with them in a new way. Manufacturers and distributors like Madison are also noticing a shift in the way wholesalers and resellers are interacting with us. So how do we, as business owners and operators, meet the challenges of changing business models head on without sacrificing service or alienating our valued customers? One of Madison’s largest group of customers are electrical, data and security wholesalers. The advance of industry and technology has meant that their businesses have grown and evolved over the years. But so have the businesses of contractors, integrators, installers and more.
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Customers now approach wholesalers with more complex technology demands and expectations. As a result, the Wholesaler has developed their business by offering a wider range of product and competing on price. Where a wholesaler has traditionally offered customers good service, quick delivery and a good price; they must now contend with a myriad of online competitors, as well as demand for more complex and sophisticated solutions, shorter lead times, sharper pricing and wider product range. Don’t get us wrong. It’s not all doom and gloom. With a brave new world being forged online and in our homes and businesses, the business world is being challenged to offer a differentiated service. Electrical, data and security wholesalers are positioned right now to take advantage of new opportunities and meet this challenge head on. In this new paradigm, where complex connectivity challenges arise, wholesalers are seeking out project partners. Project partners are manufacturers and distributors that the wholesaler engages at the beginning stages of the customer’s project. These project partners help
It’s time to manage the supply and delivery of all components of an integrated system, on time and budget to the end user. Companies like Madison Technologies, that have evolved from a manufacturer and distributor into a solutions provider, are positioned to act as this valuable project partner for those wholesalers whose customers require an advanced technical level to help them put together the project. The true advantage for a wholesaler emerges when they engage Madison’s technical specialists at the feasibility stage of a project. At joint client meetings, Madison’s technical specialists can help the Project
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“With a brave new world being forged online...our businesses are being challenged to offer a differentiated service.”
partner up Manager determine the right products to suit their application, manage the product delivery. And they will direct the purchase order back through the wholesaler. All parties benefit. Madison’s stock holdings of both commonly used cable and unique, specialist cables are vital to our ability to deliver for wholesalers so they can meet customer expectations. With distribution centres in four locations across Australia, the ability to do short run MOQ’s on speciality products and a dedicated logistics team who make it happen; Madison is positioned help wholesalers meet anything the future holds.
Recently Madison, with MMEM Electrical Winnellie in NT, assisted contractors PSG Electrical with the provision of 2000km of security cable to the Darwin Correction Facilities project. The security cable is used on site to connect devices such as card readers, sliding doors, video cameras and mobile duress receivers. Madison’s project specific technical specialist assisted in determining the right cable for each application. And because MMEM was closely involved
with Madison in making sure the supply of the stock was to schedule, all the deadlines were met. The Darwin Correctional Precinct will be fully operational with facility management services commencing 1 July 2014.
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Managing network hardware lifecycles on brownfield sites Lee Papadimitrious
General Manager | Industrial IT&C lee.papadimitrious@madisontech.com.au 0400 060 379
The first in our two part series on managing network hardware lifecycles. The following article tackles common issues that face network administrators on brownfield sites, and ways in which the ever-evolving needs of the network is changing both the hardware and physical layer requirements for a site. The next article in this series will tackle the hardware lifecycle challenges facing greenfield sites. Managing the lifecycle of network technology on brownfield sites has always been a balancing act between keeping the current network functioning at peak efficiency, while keeping running costs within manageable parameters. Network administrators are constantly searching for ways to extend the life of their networks and keep them running efficiently, all while reducing the risk of network failure. When consultants design a network topology, the paramount concern is reducing the risk of having the network fail. Commonly, consultants build in redundant paths or use a ring topology to provide the back up. It’s important to note, if there are redundant ring protocols in place, a
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failing switch won’t necessarily cause any downtime for the network as a whole; however an unreliable switch increases the chance of network failure. And when you are sending mission critical data for an automated system, such as trackside signalling systems for rail networks; network failures are dangerous, unacceptable and potentially very costly. The majority of industrial networking products on the market do have some proprietary protocols for redundancy. For example, Westermo’s FRNT and the Korenix MSR, both redundant ring protocols, are proprietary. However, the nature of their operation is inherently generic and can provide some interoperability between other systems. Both the Westermo and Korenix hardware still integrate with existing networks by using a different topology, such as RSTP. With technology evolving so fast across the industrial networking industry, there is natural evolution occurring where network administrators are leaning towards using hardware that adapts to open protocols for redundant ring technology. This is a definitive shift
Managing away from proprietary protocols and systems, which could limit the lifecycle of the technology. With proprietary systems, there ia a risk that some will go end-of-life. This is when systems are no longer supported with firmware updates and new features from the manufacturer. In networks where a proprietary system has gone end-of-life and the technology can no longer be the same, it is imperative that any new active equipment possess the ability to integrate with other hardware. Therefore, open protocols do support the long term flexibility that a network needs to evolve.
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“There is a definitive shift away from proprietary protocols and systems.�
technology lifecycles Another area where network administrators can extend the life of the network is in the physical infrastructure. Greenfield sites generally install fibre networks where the budget allows.
technology employed makes it possible to reuse many types of pre-existing cabling which in turn can lead to considerable savings.
switches large relays. Thales is getting long distances with good throughput and very little error. Brownfield sites are continually challenged with maintaining the current technology, ensuring the network is running efficiently for as long as possible while keeping costs low. If the site manages this, it ensures the reliability that is critical in automation applications.
Brownfield sites don’t have the luxury of halting a network to upgrade the copper network to fibre. The cost of doing so is prohibitive to productivity and subsequent lost revenue.
The Westermo DDW Series has been proven in the harshest of environments where there is a lot of electrical interference. For example, Thales installed the communications link on a different core in an existing trackside signalling cable that
Industrial Ethernet extenders, such as the DDW series from Westermo, allow cost-effective Ethernet networks to be created over long distances at high data rates on existing copper cables. The SHDSL
When consultants design a network topology, the paramount concern is reducing the risk of having the network fail once operational.
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“The only speed bump USB technology has faced is that the longer the cable, the lower quality the signal.�
Going the distance Beyond the five metre limitation of USB USB is the dominant format used to connect host computers to peripheral devices, like keyboards and cameras, in every application from home computing to mission critical enterprise. Ken Kyle
General Manager | Broadcast and Audio Visual 12
ken.kyle@madisontech.com.au 0419 567 443
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Read how Epson use patented USB extension technology to reliably connect the new MeetingMate series of interactive projectors in boardroom and meeting room scenarios. See pg 18.
whiteboards and all manner of devices to our networks over a single USB standard that is universally recognised. The only speed bump this technology has faced is that the longer the USB cable, the lower quality the signal. USB is severely limited by distance. In fact, five metres for USB 2.0 and three metres for USB 3.0.
What do you look for to make sure that the technology you’re using is going to work reliably when it matters most? The invention of the USB standard over 20 years ago has changed the way we store and share information, and connect to our systems and networks. The standard has made it easy to connect peripheral devices to our networks and systems. New technology and smarter devices mean that we now connect security cameras, keyboards, microphones, interactive
When you need to connect a security camera to the control room, a teacher’s computer to an interactive white board, or a digital signage server to multiple displays; five metres is suddenly a very restrictive measurement. It’s not always feasible (or possible) to have the computer host in the same location as the input device. In these circumstances, USB extenders are ideal for connecting devices to the host over longer distances. Following are some factors to consider when you need to extend your USB devices.
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Look for an extender that is robust and is proven reliable for your application. Trial and error
is not fun when you have a critical deadline or application.
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Not every network is the same and not every distance requirement is the same. Good extension technology will work perfectly up to 500 metres over category cable, 10 kilometres over fibre on USB 2.0, or 100 metres over fibre for USB 3.0 devices.
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The USB extender should work with multiple communication protocols (Ethernet, Wi-Fi) and media (CatX, fibre, wireless, power line, and DisplayPort®).
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Look for an extender that is Plug-and-Play. This is ideal for streamlining installs and software updates.
For greater network flexibility, an extender that supports all USB modes and any USB-IF compliant device on Windows®, Mac OS X®, and Linux® is ideal. By using these five factors as a guide, you are sure to find a good quality, robust USB extension device that will extend your network reliably.
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Identify sub meter reading inaccuracies and save your customers thousands. Duncan Livingston
Product Specialist | Test & Measurement duncan.livingston@madisontech.com.au 0401 020 881
Sub metering allows multi-dwelling facilities and commercial buildings the freedom to fairly bill and account for each tenant’s usage. Sub metering is generally managed by the property, site or building manager; so it differs from energy utilities in that the sub metered system is not subject to commissioning checks or periodic spot checks. A number of issues can arise in the installation and management of a sub metering system that can result in inefficiencies and inaccurate readings. Property managers rely on accurate readings to fairly bill out to residents or corporate clients, so it is essential that issues such as incorrect programming, incorrect CT and PT ratios, or faulty wiring are identified
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and rectified as soon as possible. The best people equipped to find such errors are electricians with experience as energy auditors, who use a calibrated Class A power meter such as the Fluke 435-II to check wiring and compare utility and sub meters.
Saving time,
One example of inaccuracies caused by incorrect CT or PT ratios occurred at a Brisbane apartment complex. I was contacted by the Property Manager of the complex, who had concerns that the electricity bill for the common areas was excessive. The complex included a sports club with bar and restaurant, a multi-level apartment building and common areas such as foyers, pools and elevators.
the manual meter readings with the energy usage measured by the Fluke 435-II, we determined that the kW/h readings displayed on the sports club meter were being under-reported by a factor of 10:1 as a result of CT or PT ratio errors.
I invited an electrical engineer colleague, who had recently purchased a Fluke 435-II, to attend the site with me and inspect the switchboards and energy meters. Our study essentially involved manually recording the energy readings of the sub-meters. Once we compared
The property manager had been paying the difference between the electricity use of the total site, as measured by the utility meter, less the sub meter readings. This meant that the sport club was effectively receiving a 90% subsidy on each power bill. The Property Manager saw significant savings to the complex’s costs once this was corrected and is
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“The sport club was effectively receiving a 90% subsidy on each power bill.”
money and energy now searching for compensation for the undercharged electricity. Another example of a simple error causing inaccurate readings occurred on a large Darwin site where a Building Management System (BMS) was in charge of load shedding when energy prices reached a trigger point. One building had only two high bay lights and a fan attached to the sub meter. Because of incorrect programming, the sub meter was over-reading by 1000 times. This building was the first to be load shed by the BMS because it represented a large energy usage when in reality,
the power usage was next to nothing. You can help property and building managers save thousands by simply asking whether their sub meters have been audited for accuracy recently. The Fluke 435-II is ideal for these tasks. It is a user friendly, high accuracy, class A energy and power
meter. In addition, the Fluke 435-II can also reveal poor power quality phenomena that might impact adversely on power systems and electrical equipment. The energy loss calculator on the Fluke 435-II displays losses caused by poor power factor, harmonics, copper I2R losses and presents these in actual dollar costs as well as kW losses.
“When sub meters give inaccurate readings, the whole sub meter system becomes ineffective” 17
Easy extension for MeetingMate Series Brad Darch
Product Manager | Audio Visual brad.darch@madisontech.com.au 0425 255 240
Epson’s Visual Imaging Department was struggling to find a reliable USB extension system that would work with their MeetingMate Interactive Business Projector Series. Luckily, the Icron Ranger came to the rescue. Epson is renowned for setting the standard in 1080p Home Theatre Projectors, Portable Business Projectors, Large Venue Projectors and Interactive Education Projectors. The latest addition to the range, the MeetingMate Series, is designed for corporate boardroom and meeting room applications. The Epson MeetingMate Series is ready to use at the touch of a button and delivers a wide range of collaboration, content creation, capture and outcome sharing possibilities. MeetingMate replaces all copy boards, flip charts, whiteboards and other analogue tools with one easy to install and use device, with or without a PC. Common boardroom configurations Boardroom and Meeting Room
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configurations commonly include the projector or display at one end of the room, and the panel for PC integration, audio and control inputs located either on the boardroom table, a side table, or control cabinet; all of which can be metres away from the display. USB specification limits the distance that devices can be from the output to around 5 metres for full speed devices (USB 2.0) and 3 metres for low speed (USB 1.0). In boardroom and meeting room configurations, this limitation is generally overcome with the use of a USB extender.
Extending for Epson MeetingMate
Making USB e Despite trying multiple configurations, Bealby had no success in getting the extenders to function.
Enter the Icron Ranger
Epson determined that a USB extender would address the distance limitations of USB for the MeetingMate range. Bruce Bealby, Business Unit Manager at Epson, sourced product from a commonly known USB extension brand, with the expectation that the promised performance of the USB extender would be delivered.
Bealby then tried the Icron USB 2.0 Ranger 2211 extender from Madison Technologies. The Ranger 2211 uses Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® technology, which enables USB extension over CatX, Fibre, wireless, coax and powerline, and full transparency so that products function as if they are plugged directly into the host PC.
However, when Bealby installed the USB extender, it failed to perform.
Icron’s ExtremeUSB® has been proven reliable in millions of mission
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“Installers will save so much time by using an extender that we categorically know will work with our projectors.”
extension reliable critical installations and is ideal for extending USB peripherals including: keyboards, mice, interactive white boards, flash drives, hard drives, audio devices, USB 2.0 web cameras and any other USB 2.0 or 1.1 devices. Icron’s USB extenders are Plug-andPlay and require no software drivers, which makes installation a breeze. “With the other models, we tried multiple configurations to try and get them to work; they all failed,” Bealby says, “ but the Icron worked first time. The Icron Ranger 2211 extender does cost more than the alternatives we tried, but the fact that the Icron works is priceless. Installers will save
so much time by using an extender that we categorically know will work with our projectors.” “These installs will typically be within a business environment, where productivity is critical.”
“So when you find a reliable product that works for the first time and every time, it’s easy to see why we definitely recommend the Icron USB extender for installers of our MeetingMate Series” finished Bealby.
Available in one, two and four port configurations, as well as powered and unpowered models, the Icron range of ExtremeUSB® products work with USB compliant devices from thousands of manufacturers using all major operating systems. 19
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