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December 14, 2011
COMISION FEDERAL DE ELECTRICIDAD (CFE) TAPS FREEWAVE FOR A LARGE SMART GRID PROJECT IN MEXICO
The only utility power company in Mexico uses FreeWave wireless data radios for monitoring and control of critical electric power applications
BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 14, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, was chosen by Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) (http://www.cfe.gob.mx) for wireless data radio applications such as power consumption and substation monitoring, as well as control and monitoring of power networks.
CFE is the only electric power utility company in México. It generates, transmits and distributes power and energy to nearly 100 million customers and is one of the largest utility organizations in the world with approximately 100,000 employees around the country. It currently is using FreeWave’s FGR2-PE, FGR115-RC and HTPlus wireless data radios in nine of the 16 divisions throughout Mexico.
“Before implementing FreeWave radios, CFE was experiencing difficulties due to distance and maintaining line of site in its communication networks,” said Federico Ibarra Otero, engineer at Ampere, FreeWave’s reseller partner in Mexico. “There were some locations where the monitoring devices were remotely located and required repeaters. FreeWave offered a solution that tackled both the distance and line of sight issues and we have achieved more consistent, reliable and modern links since implementation.”
FreeWave radios are used for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications to monitor and control switch gears, reclosers and power meters. Some of the networks are installed in heavily populated cities, such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, where the RF noise and line of sight can potentially cause major issues with wireless communications. However, with FreeWave’s excellent network design and flexibility, the radios achieve optimal communication, even with skyscrapers, tree coverage and high RF noise levels. With CFE being the only energy provider of power for the entire country, FreeWave radios also were relied upon for data transmission in a wide range of geographical areas, spanning from the big cities to remote locations in the mountains and desert. Additionally, each FreeWave radio is 100 percent tested for RF performance — from -40° C to +75° C — to ensure reliability in a variety of weather conditions.
“We are very satisfied with FreeWave’s Ethernet models, the FGR2-PE and HTPlus, as they let us manage serial and Ethernet devices at the same time,” said Mario Granados Villareal, engineer at CFE. “This allows us to incorporate all the data coming from the radios to the LAN networks, which not only saves time, but allows our entire communications network to operate seamlessly.”
The FGR2-PE offers users a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports that give customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace their wireless communication hardware down the road, as well as operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform. The FreeWave HTPlus Ethernet radio is ideal for customers who need an industrial grade high-speed Ethernet radio that operates in harsh environments and noisy RF conditions. It delivers data at a rate of up to 867 Kbps and is an ideal radio for SCADA backhaul networks.
“We are proud to have been chosen by CFE for this significant project. The success with CFE confirms that our wireless solutions are making progress across the globe in the smart grid market,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer at FreeWave Technologies. “Our industrial radios provide enhanced capabilities for smart grid applications, such as distribution automation (DA), AMI back haul, distribution management (DMS), substation automation (SSA), load management (LM), demand response (DR), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and energy management (EMS). Our feature rich radio solutions coupled with top-notch customer support will bring new efficiencies to CFE’s network.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
August 26, 2011
FREEWAVE EXPERT, CRAIG HELD, TO DISCUSS BATTERY-POWERED REMOTE MONITORING AT NACE CENTRAL AREA CONFERENCE
WHO: Craig Held
General Manager of International Operations
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Craig Held is the general manager of FreeWave Technologies’ international operations and also serves as the cathodic protection product manager.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: “Applications and Innovations for Battery-powered Remote Monitoring”
Today, when it comes to monitoring cathodic protection, automation is making its way as a leading solution. Several issues are coming to together to make this a more mission critical need than ever before. These include: the need for better efficiency in the deployment of human assets; mitigation not only measurement; increased scrutiny on how well the assets entrusted are being monitored and protected; and, the increased penetration of development into remote locations while the growing population is forcing infrastructure development needs more broadly and penetrating already developed areas.
As automated remote monitoring with wireless data-communication radios are increasingly becoming a popular choice for many pipeline, energy and utility operators, additional wireless options have begun to emerge. Battery-powered remote monitoring is a new solution available for pipe-to-soil measurement. Unlike a traditional wireless system, this automated remote monitoring system option is waterproof and can be submersed and installed underground.
This presentation will discuss remote monitoring options that are available and affordable in a secure proprietary network with no connection fees. It will cover the applications and advantages of new waterproof, battery–powered remote monitoring technology. In addition, it will provide a real-world case study example of how technologies, like this, are being deployed at a major international airport to improve its automated monitoring.
WHERE: NACE Central Area Conference
The Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051
WHEN: Tues., Aug. 30, 2011
8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Held, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
February 8, 2011
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES RADIOS PROVIDE AUTOMATED VOLCANIC MONITORING IN ECUADOR
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES RADIOS PROVIDE AUTOMATED VOLCANIC MONITORING IN ECUADOR
FreeWave radio series deployed to help protect human lives near active volcanoes by providing real-time data
BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 8, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com) manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced it was chosen by the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador as the data communications source for real-time monitoring of several active volcanoes. The Institute has deployed several FreeWave radios and is responsible for seismic and volcanic monitoring throughout the country in order to improve disaster preparedness and protect the lives of those that live in harms way.
“The data collection equipment that we previously had was fairly reliable, but it was not robust enough to withstand difficult terrain,” explained Cristina Ramos, researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador. “FreeWave offered a solution that could handle the interference, weather and terrain associated with active volcanoes, and also transmit data across long distances. This was exactly what we needed in order to continue to fulfill our commitment of protecting the community.”
Currently, the Institute has added FreeWave radios for its monitoring networks and uses them in various applications and implementation activities. The primary monitoring applications include real-time broadband seismic stations in the Imbabura and Tungurahua Volcanoes; meteorological stations; stations to monitor volcanic gases; deformation stations using GPS technology and borehole sensors; remote digital cameras; and soon stations to quantify mud flow.
“Since implementing the radios, FreeWave has met the Institute’s expectations in many regards,” said Ramos. “This especially is evident in their performance in extreme conditions. This is demonstrated by a radio that transmits images from the top of the highest active volcano in the world, which operates at below zero degree temperatures from a height of 5,947 meters above sea level.”
“For more than eight years, FreeWave has proven to be a reliable solution for this mission critical application in Ecuador where human lives are at stake,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer (CMO) and general manager of products at FreeWave. “In fact, the seismic broadband monitoring done by FreeWave radios helped give early warning to the eruptions of the Tungurahua Volcano in 2006, 2008 and 2010.”
Additional benefits of the FreeWave radios that the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador has identified:
- Reliable connections
- High performance under extreme conditions
- Easy configuration
- Compatibility among all versions
- Transparent radios
- Different data interfaces
- Far-reaching
- Fast transmission
- Immune to interference
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
November 11, 2010
Video: FreeWave Technologies’ Curt Goldman Interviewed at Rockwell Automation Fair 2010
October 28, 2010
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ CURT GOLDMAN TO PRESENT AT ROCKWELL AUTOMATION FAIR 2010
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ CURT GOLDMAN TO PRESENT AT ROCKWELL AUTOMATION FAIR 2010
WHO: Curt Goldman
Business Development Executive
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Curt Goldman is a business development executive at FreeWave Technologies and leads FreeWave’s partnership with Rockwell Automation. He is responsible for directing activities in multiple vertical markets for the company, including oil and gas, water, electric power as well as various SCADA applications. Before FreeWave, Goldman was the regional accounts manager for Two Technologies, Inc. He has more than 25 years experience building and managing direct and indirect sales channels in the technology sector. Goldman has a Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University and also has a Master of Business Administration degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: ”The Advantages of Implementing Wireless IO over Wired Alternatives”
Regardless of the industry, historically, hardwiring has been the only option available for users to connect instrumentation. However, new spread spectrum technologies give users the ability to connect instrumentation in the field without the need for costly wired infrastructure. Now, asset information is available from applied and embedded sensory points enabling sophisticated diagnostics, remote monitoring and control, and plant optimization.
This presentation will focus on building a Wireless IO network with Rockwell Automation PAC/PLCs. The presentation will review how a scalable solution can be added to the automation system controllers to provide more points of control for greater process awareness and better decision making. The FreeWave Expansion IO system will be reviewed in conjunction with the Rockwell Automation controllers.
WHERE: Rockwell Automation Fair
Orange County Convention Center South Building
9860 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 3 and Thursday, Nov. 4
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET (both days)
Room S330H
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Goldman, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
July 12, 2010
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES ADDS ANDREW NEEB AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE FOR EASTERN SALES
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES ADDS ANDREW NEEB AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE FOR EASTERN SALES
Latest addition to FreeWave’s team brings significant sales, military and management experience
BOULDER, Colo., July 12, 2010- FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced it has hired Andrew Neeb as a business development executive for its Eastern sales region. At FreeWave, Neeb will help lead the business development team to drive sales success through large account development, managing strategic sales initiatives and new business expansion in the Eastern region.
Neeb brings an extensive sales background in the automation industry to FreeWave. Most recently, he worked as a business development manager at Wilson Mohr, Inc. where he drove a quarterly growth rate of 250 percent. In years prior, Neeb worked as a Wireless Sales Specialist at Honeywell International, Inc. Notably, he was in the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, from 1998 – 2005, where he specialized in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense and intelligence collection and operations.
“Andrew is a gifted sales professional and has proven time and again that he can be counted on to drive sales results and boost profitability,” said Ken Granader, vice president of sales and company spokesperson at FreeWave. “His knowledge and experience with wireless data communications technology, along with his military background, will make him a valuable addition to our business development team.”
“I am excited about joining FreeWave because of its unwavering commitment to quality and customer service,” said Neeb. “With my diverse organizational background and ability to adapt to new industries and markets, I hope to deliver world class customer support while contributing to the growth of FreeWave for years to come.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that is unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
Tags: automation
freewave
new hires
scada
wireless
April 5, 2010
FREEWAVE CONTINUES TO IMPROVE IO EXPANSION WIRELESS DATA RADIO FAMILY WITH NEW MODELS AND ENHANCED FEATURES
New models of FreeWave’s popular IO Expansion line provide additional IO to any serial network
BOULDER, Colo., April 5, 2010 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced three additional models with several new and improved features to its IO Expansion family. The new additions make it easier for customers to leverage their existing hardware investments with significant performance improvements. The FreeWave IO Expansion family is especially well-suited for applications in the water purification, wastewater treatment, oil and gas automation, agriculture irrigation, monitoring and control markets.
“We created our IO Expansion series to meet the needs of customers who want more IO, but don’t want to have to purchase a new system to get the additional IO points,” explained Ken Granader, vice president of sales at FreeWave. “Based on customer feedback, we’ve continued developing new models with enhancements that make IO Expansion available for a wider range of applications and compatible with more radios.”
The IO Expansion Module is known for offering a scalable IO solution with up to 12 IO points per module. Also, up to 16 modules can be stacked on the radio or base module — allowing up to 192 additional IO points per 16 module stack. This adds significant flexibility to an existing FreeWave Modbus IO network. Now, with the introduction of the Serial Base, expandable IO points can be added to any existing serial network regardless of manufacturer. Along with the peace of mind that goes with 100 percent temperature tested radios, users can rest assured of measurement accuracy. The 0.10 percent accuracy of analog input measurements across the entire operating temperature means that users can be confident in the reported measurements and reduce their process errors.
New models and additional enhancements to FreeWave’s IO Expansion family include:
• Serial Base: IOE-X-4422PC – with this model, local IO can be added to any serial equipment or serial wireless network, such as existing non-FreeWave wireless serial networks and existing PLCs or RTUs. Both solutions allow customers to increase the number of IO points without the expense of upgrading to new communication or control hardware.
• Radio Base: FGR2-IO-IOE – provides a wireless base for IO Expansion to any new or existing FGR serial network with up to 60 miles with line-of-sight (LOS).
• Expansion Module: IOE-X-4422-P – offers universally configurable IO expansion to either the Radio Base (FGR2-IO-IOE) or Serial Base (IOEX-4422PC).
The enhanced IO Expansion family is manufactured with the same quality, reliability, performance, testing and low-power consumption customers have come to expect with all FreeWave radios. Additional information is available online at http://www.freewave.com/products/product-258.html or by contacting FreeWave at 866-923-9948.
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that is unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 14
March 15, 2010
FREEWAVE EXPERT, CRAIG HELD, TO DISCUSS REMOTE WIRELESS MONITORING FOR PIPELINE INTEGRITY AND CATHODIC PROTECTION AT NACE CORROSION CONFERENCE 2010
WHO: Craig Held
Business advisor and acting cathodic protection product manager
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Craig Held is a business advisor and acting cathodic protection product manager at FreeWave Technologies. He also heads up the company’s international business in China and Latin America.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design and manufacture of license-free spread spectrum and licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world. (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: ”Implementing Remote Wireless Monitoring of Pipeline Integrity and Cathodic Protection”
The key building block to cost effective, pipeline integrity, corrosion protection programs is vital, timely monitoring and reporting of cathodic protection data from remote corrosion protection field sites to a centralized data collection system complete with automated regulatory reporting.
This presentation will discuss how to implement new remote wireless cathodic protection monitoring using a variety of hybrid networks, including radios that are relatively low-cost, easy-to-install, have no licensing fees and no monthly, re-occurring fees.
WHERE: NACE International Corrosion 2010 Conference & Expo
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
200 E. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205 USA
WHEN: Wednesday, March 17 at 9:20 a.m.
Cathodic Protection Criteria and Application Symposium – STG 05
Room 213 A/B
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Held, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 14 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
September 21, 2009
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ BRENT MCADAMS TO DISCUSS BENEFITS OF AUTOMATING CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS AT RIO PIPELINE
WHO: Brent McAdams
Director of Major Accounts and Product Management
FreeWave Technologies
(www.freewave.com)
McAdams is the director of major accounts and product management at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Prior to joining FreeWave, Mr. McAdams served as the Vice President of Technology and Business Development for the U.S. Telemetry Corporation where he led product development strategy and business development initiatives. Additionally, Mr. McAdams spent more than 10 years as a contract electrical and instrumentation engineer with Exxon Chemical in Baton Rouge, LA.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design and manufacture of license-free spread spectrum and licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world. http://www.freewave.com/.
WHAT: Reduce Operational Costs and Extend the Life of Pipeline Infrastructure by Automating Remote Cathodic Protection Systems
Energy and pipeline companies wrestle to control operating costs largely affected by new government regulations, aging buried metal assets, rising steel prices, expanding pipeline operations, new interference points, HCA encroachment, restrictive land use policies, heightened network security and an aging, soon-to-retire work force. With operating costs on the rise, and seemingly out of control, many CP and operations professionals look to past best practices in cost containment through automation. Many companies achieve solid business results through deployment of telemetry and SCADA automation of remote assets and now hope to expand this success to further optimize operations by automating remote cathodic protection systems. This presentation will provide examples of how new remote cathodic protection systems are helping energy and pipeline companies address the growing issue of the aging pipeline infrastructure and reduce their costs while optimizing their operations.
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WHERE: RIO Pipeline Conference and Exposition 2009
SulAmérica Convention Center
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Room 6 – 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. McAdams, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 14 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
June 3, 2009
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES EXPERT, DAN STEELE, TO PARTICIPATE IN PIPELINES AND TECHNOLOGY PANEL AT ENERGY EXPOSITION 2009
WHO: Dan Steele
Business Development Executive
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Daniel G. Steele is a business development executive at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Steele has more than 25 years experience selling SCADA networks for the water and waste water, oil and gas, electric utilities, railroad, traffic and process control instrumentation markets. Some of Dan’s previous work experience includes working as a system integrator for three years; branch manager for Water Works Equipment for five years; regional sales manager for Rockwell Automation for five years; regional area manager for Microwave Data Systems for eight years; and, as senior VP of sales for Bluewave Antenna Systems for two years.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design and manufacture of license-free spread spectrum and licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world www.freewave.com.
WHAT: Pipelines and Technology Panel
Steele will discuss how many companies have achieved solid business results through deployment of telemetry and SCADA automation of remote assets and how to expand this success to further optimize operations by automating remote cathodic protection systems.
WHERE: 2009 Energy Exposition
Wyoming Center Cam-plex
1635 Reata Drive
Gillette, WY 82718
WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 9:15 a.m. – 11 a.m.
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Steele, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 14 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com.
