I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 06:34:24 GMT

Hello Jon,

in most of the cases it is not a good idea to test in a direct industrial environment some kind of products, just because this means creating - at least - troubles in a working environment and because testing usually needs a controlled environment (maybe with some compromise in the simulation) instead of involving the product inside a production site.

Correct as I mentioned in a previous comment that most depends on the kind of products so it is better to mention before. But the same approach should - and is, AFAIK - applied to the non industrial products too. Enrolling road testers should self-evaluate if they have the knowledge and extra tools / components needed to test the product as well.

Enrico

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

jomoenginer — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 05:00:01 GMT

Just out of curiosity, is the intent of this group of Industrial RoadTesters to test the products in an industrial environment or is it to just test the stated functionality of the product? I would suspect the former might be a bit difficult considering it could be a challenge to get products in an Industrial environment just for a RoadTest.

However, the Panduit Verisafe Absence of Voltage Tester might be a handy tool for folks who do their own electrical work at home or even for Farmers where equipment that is used for feeders and such are used. Also, looking through YouTube, it seems there are folks who have used the Omron E5CB or similar devices to control the Heating and Cooling of products such as Home Brew Beer Fermentation or a simple PID and relay combo to control a device based on a measured temp. And, when looking at the Industrial IoT (IIoT) environment, there is certainly much cross over between Makers and Industrial implementations especially with the use of MQTT. Companies such as Inductive Automation include an MQTT Module with their Ignition Software as well as SCADA implementation.

Perhaps one approach would be to list the product and ask the question, "How would you Test This?". This could be as an open question or just sent to a selected few that might have a particular skill set needed for the particular product which could be listed in the RoadTester profile.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

three-phase — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 21:13:57 GMT

Hello,

I currently work in the power industry, so would gladly help out with road tests in an industrial setting where I can. For me there are a couple of issues to consider;

1) Videoing and photographing is not always permitted on sites especially for display in a public environment.

2) Workload and job types vary throughout the year, so not only do I need specific types of equipment that fall into my skill set, they need to be on offer at the time I am working on the relevant equipment in order for me to submit a timely review.

Kind regards,

Donald

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

mcb1 — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:42:59 GMT

Yes this is on my list to see

It took us a while to get there as you really need to stay close, and we're usually in Queenstown.

closed to public access since December due to maintenance

Not sure what they are doing, probably pulling some generators out

My Kids were amused at this sign on the way to the departure point. They hadn't even seen the one in Hawaii.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

tekmeister — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 14:53:55 GMT

Yes this is on my list to see, but unfortunately Manapouri has been closed to public access since December due to maintenance.

Hopefully it's back re-opened by the time I'm back down that way in November

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

mcb1 — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:32:16 GMT

You are always full of surprises Shabaz!

I've been lucky to see the racks at his place of work (where he goes to hang out).

I've seen one or two others, but this was row upon row upon row.

This hydro power thing isn't really new, we've been doing it here since 1886.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullendale

Most of our power is from Hydro, but generally in smaller installations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_New_Zealand

If you like underground power stations, Manapouri is the one to see.

Access to the underground Generator Hall is by a 2km bus trip.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manapouri_Power_Station

Cheers

mark

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 08:40:09 GMT

You are always full of surprises Shabaz!

Enrico

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

rsc — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:59:49 GMT

Since I manage a research lab, I'd be interested in any new sensors or data acquisition devices.

Scott

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

shabaz — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:20:06 GMT

Hi Randall,

That's an interesting product, the VeriSafe, by the looks of it. I will put in an application for the Verisafe and the Megger, since they both look useful, for labs at my workplace (server rooms with racks and cabinets) and for electrical installers. I don't do installer work since I'm not qualified, but a sibling has the appropriate qualifications and does that, so I suspect if selected he will also like to compare the features of the Megger against his older-generation one that he currently uses. The scope of industrial applications is vast, but I'd love to be signed-up for areas where I could be useful.

Speaking of electrical installations, I got the chance to see possibly the most impressive one during vacation last month.. this photo shows the visible portion of about a third of the generators (each has about 100MW ballpark power output) more than 25 stories underneath the Hoover Dam, powering a million homes with renewable energy.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

jkutzsch — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 22:35:36 GMT

rscasny Good to know a figure amount! Thank you. I would think that even with some item being over that amount it may be enough interest to some they would want to test.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

rscasny — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 19:44:01 GMT

It's $600.

So, some but not all industrial products would be below the threshold.

Randall

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

Robert Peter Oakes — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 19:36:15 GMT

Hi rscasny, I would be interested for sure and I have done many Industrial Device Reviews already on my YouTube Channel, My Electronics Career has been all about Industrial Electronics back in the day, that and Test and Measurement so I certainly fit the qualification side of things, but a previous poster correctly mentioned, one if the issues is how to test, things like PLC's, Sensors and the like are not so hard but some items may require hydraulic, Compressed Air/Gas etc depending on what it may be. I know this is just a reach out to see if there is an interest and the details of each RT can be figured out as we go

Anyway, Count me in

Regards

Peter

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

jkutzsch — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 23:11:50 GMT

Interesting point on the tax liability. I can't remember the break point on when taxes have to be involved but that may add a level of participation factor. Small items that don't bounce up into the thousands of dollars area would probably be easy to work with, but how realistic is that with industrial level items?

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

hlipka — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 22:08:56 GMT

1) Probably this has multiple reasons. Sure, its vacation season. But then there are now more road tests than before, so there might be some road test fatigue (as discussed before . Also, this is a more specialized, which not everybody needs (or knows how to use). So you won't get that much first-time tester, but its more something for someone with more experience. And I guess most of them have a road test running at the moment (at least from what I remember as testers recently). And they also might wait with their application to see whether something more interesting comes up (e.g. the new Tektronix scope *hint hint*). I'm thinking about applying as it might be an interesting device to look at, but I'm not the target audience for such a device.

2) is difficult - it nothing for a hobbyist since you really should be a qualified electrician to install it properly (needs to be installed into the fuse box). This is clearly something for people with an industrial day job, people doing this as an hobby are rare I guess. From what I have seen in the road tests and the blogs such members seem quite rare here - this might be something to work on (e.g. advertise for the community and the road test when you have orders going out at Farnell / Newark that match some criteria)

3) For such items you might do a road test by invitation (or ask around beforehand who might be interested). This should at least reduce the effort, and give faster feedback about the quality to expect.

hli

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

mcb1 — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 21:51:12 GMT

rscasny

Great explanation, and Point 2 is very valid.

We have members who have day jobs that do involve industrial, but obviously they might need to engage with their employer before combining the two.

I have done a test on the Agilent Megger and used it's other features to great effect.

The Electrical Team leader at work wants to test the non contact function out in the field, but I'm making sure I'm there at the same time as I fear it won't come back.

The Verisafe looks like a very effective device.

We have a large range of installations that get regular maintenance performed, and this might be a suitable device, so thanks for sharing it, I'll pass it onto the electricians at work to look at.

Mark

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 19:48:31 GMT

Hi Randall,

just a note about your last comment update.

Point 1 - I supposed that the Megger Insulation Tester was part of this bunch of industrial products; all what is strictly related to powering system and current detection I don't subscribe by default because I am interested on but I think I have not the right knowledge to make a good job, especially testing for a supplier.

Point 2 - This is a product instead I can try to road test probably in a good way, before on an bench test then on the field with some high power tooling machines.

I renew my interest to be part of the industrial road testers brigade but as I probably already stated in some of my comments before, it is needed we have a minimum number of members just because not all of us can share the same competencies.

Enrico

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

rscasny — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 19:26:19 GMT

Last week three things happened almost simultaneously that motivated me to write this post.

1. I didn't see anyone sign up to roadtest this: Megger Insulation Tester (It may be that people are on vacation and not focused on something that closes in Sept. In any event, I have to do my planning months ahead so it is on my mind.)

2. I was just sent this product: VeriSafe | Verify the Absence of Voltage | Panduit

Not a difficult product to understand or hook up by any means. Most anyone could test it. But it's not a product that someone would necessarily have a use for in their homes or would feel compelled to use. It would also be a product that someone who was an electrician or a facilities engineer or someone who worked with load centers, panelboards, switchboards etc. would be interested in. Hence, I don't see it as something that a maker who is playing around with arduino or RPi would feel compelled to roadtest.

3. I am having a meeting this week with a prominent industrial supplier. (That's a big part of my job: to meet with suppliers.) I spoke with the account manager about what products work well in the community. We both realized that we had to be selective. But there were some products they really wanted tested that might not be a good fit.

I would rather just put them up for anyone but I'm concerned about not getting enough applicants. Hence, my idea with a go-to industrial roadtester list. Basically, I would know these people would have the interest and background for roadtesting these products.

My thoughts for the moment...

Randall

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

michaelwylie — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 17:16:11 GMT

I'd be interested if we could work out something for the tax liability in the US.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

Workshopshed — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 18:06:07 GMT

I likely fall into the same category as Hendrik, my day job is nothing to do with industrial applications or electronics but am happy to roadtest some of the less obvious items.

The Omron is quite nice although as a fixed temperature device and no timer it's not so good for heat treatment, enamelling or surface mount. It would need to be incorporated as part of a bigger system. I'd suggest perhaps a little too niche to get a good variety of roadtests.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:32:36 GMT

Hi Doug, maybe ... or not. We consider - and it is almost obvious - the visibility of our road tests just inside the forum itself but I have recently discovered (...) that the product roadtests are also linked to the product in the Farnell sites. This means that probably - especially in this case - most of the road test readers and beneficials are just the potential buyers that are searching in the product listing. And this is a valuable exclusive value added provided by Farnell group than other competitors (I never saw road test links in the Mauser site).

For example, take a look to the right column of this product: http://export.farnell.com/infineon/tle94112elshieldtobo1/dc-motor-shield-with-tle94112el/dp/2728593

(Oh, there is also my review LoL)

Enrico

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

dougw — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:12:32 GMT

Okay I see the point now.

Randall has floated trial balloons in the past when it isn't clear there is a lot of interest in a particular device - just asking if any members have any interest and what would they do if a road test of the device was created, but this more of a whole sector than a single device.

It is a good initiative to try and develop this sector on this forum but it will take time for industrial instrumentation people to take notice of the value and then become contributing members. Current members may be able to start the bootstrapping process, but I expect it will take a little time for it to become really popular. Along those lines, I would be happy to contribute to getting it off the ground and growing.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:49:36 GMT

Inderpreet, you perfectly depicted the scenario!

This is the reason that I think that every product should be pre-evaluated before someone of us is reasonably sure to be able to do an independent test moving away from the bare obvious.

The only thing my though differs is about how to test in industrial environment. If we should test a temperature sensor, just to make an example, it is not important to have a muffle but to setup a lab small platform with high temperature emitter instead of cold etc. This makes things easier in a lot of cases without losing value to the test.

Enrico

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:43:02 GMT

Doug,

if I have understood correctly what Randall wrote in the post, he is (I agree) worried that when there are some road tests involving devices specific for industrial applications he has the risk that no one or very few will enroll just for the kind of product. So, before accepting by the suppliers taking in charge the road test of their products he is investigating if it is possible that a group of persons will be available in case of.

BTW, rscasny also opt for a little different road test in the by invitation form and this seems to me a good alternative, conditioned by the availability of a group that can be able to test this kind of products.

This is my understanding. Enrico

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

ipv1 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:41:57 GMT

Hi rscasny,

In terms of Industrial experience, I have spent a few years making control and test equipment however I currently do not have access to such a test setup. For testing a PID controller for example, I have a muffle furnace that is capable of 1300'C for sintering compounds but it is definitely not industrial grade. I think there are two categories here to be considered;

a. People with experience in testing such stuff that do not necessarily require a setup. e.g. Automotive stuff like CAN modules, SCADA, ModBUS, etc. These can be tested in a humble DIY lab but requires the tested to have prior knowledge of the standard and extreme cases.

b. People with access to industrial test equipment such as EMI measurement tools, enchoic chambers and even high voltage sources. e.g. High frequency, RF, Microwave, Optical amplifier, fibres, etc

c. People with some experience and just enough equipment. e.g the PID controller.

Since a roadtest does not provide a formal certification to a product, it could be worth the effort to add people who have already used or are in possession of a competing product. Of course not all suppliers will like that idea unless they are confident about their offering.

RE: I am Creating a List of Industrial RoadTesters. Are You Interested?

balearicdynamics — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 09:42:21 GMT

Hi Lucie,

correct what you say. Not all people can do it. But I also consider that not all people can write C code as well as work with proficient python scripts for embedded devices and more and more. In this exception, as well as in any other E14 context like challenges, project posting etc. open to all as a matter of fact means open to all that are involved in this specific field.

Then - if I have understood correctly what rscasny Randall wrote - this is not a new trend moving road testing to the industrial products but together with the other range of boards and products to road test also industrial products suppliers are attracted by this initiative and want their products tested too. By my point of view, this is a thank you to all the members that produces great road testing (I am appreciating your pragmatic approach to the recent FPGA testing posts) and a first indicator of successful initiative.

Enrico