Catapult Public Relations

Optimizing Communication Networks in Renewable Energy Markets with Wireless Technologies

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:10:26 +0000

Optimizing Communication Networks in Renewable Energy Markets with Wireless Technologies

Each of the applications that can be performed using data radios in solar and wind power generation plants are conducted today in many thousands of other market applications. These radios are relied upon in mission critical monitoring, controlling and data acquisition situations in the harshest weather and RF conditions.

By Colin Lippincott, Colin Lippincott, General Manager, Energy Markets - FreeWave Technologies

To view published article on Alt Energy's EMagazine, please click here: http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1670

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Introduction

As alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar, become an increasingly compelling solution for power generation, utilities operators are looking for new ways to maximize their investment in communication networks while ensuring reliable, secure data transmission across them. There are a variety of communication options, including data radios, fiber-optic cable, cell phones, and satellite modems.

The same wireless technologies used in many utility applications, such as distribution automation, are available to renewable energy plants. With wind turbines and solar power generation, systems can often benefit from the cost savings of wireless versus fiber optic cable. While fiber is both an expensive and time-consuming process to install, wireless technologies are easily deployed, dependable solutions. Wireless technologies can support all types of solar power generation models, from the solar troughs, dishes, tracking photovoltaic and heliostats, delivering information directly to the user's desktop.

Data radios provide proven, reliable data transmission and advantages where:
The system owner wants to control the communications
Cell phone coverage is inconsistent or non-existent
Communication security is a priority
Budgets require efficient communications investment.

In other words, data radios offer wind and solar power generation facility developers and operators a viable solution for meeting their communication network's requirements while also cutting costs. As the industry continues its fast-paced growth, the need to identify ways to lower infrastructure costs, improve time-to-market and increase performance with reliable, easily installed networks is no longer a wish, but, a requirement.

Reliable and Effective Communication as a Key Success Component for Renewable Energy Power Operators

As the renewable energy market continues to make strides in the power industry, operations and maintenance (O&M) providers are looking for economical ways to manage their systems. To do this most efficiently, some sort of communication system is required. Today, solar and wind power generation plants have economical systems that ensure reliable, secure data transmission from remote locations. The wireless networks need to be easily maintained, with the ability to handle the amount of data transmission required. Many O&M providers in the solar and wind industries are beginning to discover that there are several other options.

Wired versus Wireless Solutions

The class of wireless radios that are industrially hardened and proven to be reliable in the harshest environments are commonly deployed daily in mission critical industrial applications and life-or-death applications in the military. These radios may offer the most effective, economical solution, when compared to other options. For example, when compared with fiber, wireless systems are relatively easy to install. In the event that a buried cable is damaged to the extent that it requires repair or replacement, the costs can be vey high. Wireless systems are relatively maintenance-free and, if maintenance does become necessary, they are easily maintained. Once installed, top class wireless systems rarely need any type of service. If, for some reason, maintenance is required, the best systems provide information regarding a pending maintenance concern and the location or type of maintenance required can easily be detected remotely. So, operators only send someone out for service if/when they need it, thereby saving time and money. If engineered and installed correctly, wireless systems will last maintenance-free for years. At least one of the top class wireless manufacturers provides backwards compatible solutions throughout its family of products. That, too, saves on maintenance concerns as well as stocking and replacement costs.

Finally, wired options are priced by the foot. With wireless data radios, the pricing covers ranges expressed in terms of miles. For instance, a pair of top class serial radios will likely communicate reliably across 60-mile links with line-of-sight designs.

Communication Systems and Options - Pros and Cons

Today, solar or wind utilities operators have a number of different options they can employ for their communications needs. The major ones include:

Wireless Data Radios - The top industrially hardened class of proprietary protocol wireless radios systems are quite easy to install, require minimal labor, don't require any trenching or expensive equipment. In addition, users can obtain real-time data fast. Users can be operational quickly and don't have to wait until some sort of network typology is complete. Once a remote radio and a master radio are installed, users can monitor these points right away. Although these radios are reliable, they often are more expensive than standards-based radios because these radios provide the range, throughput options and reliability found only in this class of offering.

ZigBee - A somewhat inexpensive, standards-based wireless solution. Zigbee offers a self-healing mesh network. However, these products also have a direct sequence protocol that is susceptible to interference, especially when compared with proprietary protocol systems. The range is extremely short in comparison to others and as the users add repeaters to lengthen the range, the throughput degrades quickly - and the "perceived" low cost goes up. At 230 Kbps, the throughput without repeaters is acceptable in many applications. However, to achieve the self-healing networks, repeaters are required and as stated above, as repeaters are added, throughput decreases.

Wired - Copper, fiber and an Ethernet cable are some of the options available as wired solutions. Each of these types of cable will have limitations as to how far the signal can be sent before you encounter line loss. And, wired solutions typically require more money and more time to install. What are the advantages to wired solutions? If implemented correctly, wired solutions provide secure, reliable data communications. The main issues operators will face with wire are the cost of materials and installation. Time to install is also an issue especially when compared with data radios.

Cell Phone/Satellite - Cell phone and satellite technologies have many similar attributes. They both are public systems and, therefore, not controlled by the plant owner. Carrier-based systems, such as these, include monthly fees, that add to the overall cost of ownership, making it even more costly over time. Notoriously, cell phone-based systems do not have a history for being backwards compatible. Replacing old technology with new technology can be very costly. What are the advantages? Sometimes these systems can reach extreme or remote locations where it is not feasible to lay fiber or even deploy a full wireless communication network. This is especially true in the case of satellite systems.

Hybrid Communications as Yet Another Option

None of the systems described above solve all problems in all situations. Hybrid networks - a blend of different technologies - are often important to consider especially in the wind power generation markets. Wind installations can be very remote. In such situations, there are benefits to implementing a system that uses data radios from location to location with a satellite modem at a site data concentrator. Hybrid networks also might include a mix of fiber, data radios, satellite or cell phone-based technologies. A hybrid system can be a more cost-effective and effective solution for remote networks through lower hardware unit costs, fewer points requiring monthly fee-based satellite or cell connection modems, and lower power-consuming technologies.

A specific example might be a wind farm located in an isolated region with 10 turbines. Land line access does not exist, cell coverage is not present though satellite coverage is present. A viable, hybrid solution would include data radios on each turbine communicating to one "master station" turbine. With those radios, there can be reliable communications with no monthly fees and backwards compatibility. At the master station, a master radio is wired to a satellite modem that uplinks data to and from the wind farm. This system eliminates the monthly fees for nine of the 10 towers.

Proven Benefits of Using Industrially Hardened Wireless Radios

Top class data radio communication systems - composed of industrially hardened radios - offer several advantages that some of the other options do not. This class of radio has been proven in communication-intensive industries, such as military, oil and gas, and electric power. The leading companies offering data radios stand by their products with training, tech support, warranties and experience. These attributes arm O&M providers with the confidence required for managing their communication system. Proprietary data radios are offered at a variety of speeds, interface protocols and security. They are offered with varieties of form factors available to match the needs of the user.

Range or link distance is another advantage in the top class of radios. Some types have proven to communicate over 60 miles line-of-sight. Others, such as standards-based radios, offer a range that is more accurately characterized in hundreds of feet. The top class technologies are used successfully in extremely harsh conditions with high vibration, such as robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles in the military, and farm vehicles, proving in the field that they can effectively communicate in all types of environments, including the challenges presented by wind turbines. Data radios even have proven effective and reliable in high-speed racing environments - such as Formula One car and motorcycle races.

Sample Renewable Market Applications for Wireless Communications

Wireless radios can be used for a variety of options in the renewable energy markets, including:

Orientation and Positioning Operations & Maintenance
Tracking Controls Condition Monitoring
Status Updates Met Tower Communications
Telemetry Emergency Messaging (especially weather changes)
SCADA Alarms from the remote points
Temperature Monitoring E-Stop
Pressure Monitoring Perimeter security
Performance reporting And, more....

Conclusion

Each of the applications that can be performed using data radios in solar and wind power generation plants are conducted today in many thousands of other market applications. These radios are relied upon in mission critical monitoring, controlling and data acquisition situations in the harshest weather and RF conditions. Radios are used on natural gas wells in every climate imaginable. They are used reliably in baking high heat and in the freezing cold in Antarctica, for example. The top class of radios is used in urban situations, plant situations and rural situations. Again, the top class of radios is known to perform with comparable reliability to the wired alternatives and, all at a fraction of the cost.

The advances of wireless technology in the renewable energy power markets on both an industrial and commercial scale are anticipated to increase. The costs, reliability, reporting and more are driving operators to consider alternatives to wired solutions. The experience mentioned above of operators in many, many industries around the world are evidence that data radios are a very viable alternative. Wireless data radio technologies provide a long-range, reliable and affordable solution to providers. A wireless system can potentially save a company millions of dollars of installation fees and the technologies have been proven in the field over and over again in many different industries. Not all radios are created equal. Top class radios have proven, industrially hardened equipment and the flexibility to perform in almost any situation. Any manufacturer who has a solid product offering is likely willing to provide operators with test equipment to prove the technology before they buy it. It is easy to use, quick to install, reliable and low risk. When ROI is a key in determining the best communications solution, the benefits of top class data radios should be part of every decision process.

Colin Lippincott has been with FreeWave Technologies, Inc. (www.freewave.com) for seven years. In his current position, general manager of energy markets, he works primarily with solar, wind and smart grid technologies to advance remote automation, condition monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Master's in Business Administration.

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT ON RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKETS AT GLOBAL COMMERCE FORUM

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:11:30 +0000

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES' COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT ON RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKETS AT GLOBAL COMMERCE FORUM

Lippincott will explain how wireless technologies are a viable solution for utilities operators needing to transmit data securely to and from remote locations

WHO: Colin Lippincott
General Manager, Renewable Energy Markets
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)

Colin Lippincott is the general manager of renewable energy markets at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Mr. Lippincott has served in senior management positions at FreeWave since joining the company in January 2003. He led sales for the company to record revenues every year in that role. In his current position, he works primarily with solar, wind and smart grid technologies to advance remote automation and SCADA success as well as build the FreeWave presence in those markets. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration in 1983.

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: "Optimizing Communication Networks with Wireless Technologies in Renewable Energy Markets"

As alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar, are becoming an increasingly compelling solution for power generation, utilities operators are looking for new ways to maximize their communication networks and ensure reliable, secure data transmission from remote locations. Attendees will learn about the advantages of spread spectrum wireless communications when compared to the variety of communication options available for wind and solar power operators, such as fiber-optic cable, cell phones, and satellite.

WHERE: Global Commerce Forum
Grand Hyatt Hotel
1750 Welton Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 295-1234

WHEN: Optimizing Communication Networks with Wireless Technologies in Renewable Energy Markets Presentation
Saturday, October 9
2:15 to 3:00 p.m.
Conference Center

CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave Technologies, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

FREEWAVE PROMOTES BRET DIANICH TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE, RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKETS

FREEWAVE PROMOTES BRET DIANICH TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE, RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKETS

Dianich's new role at FreeWave to support development in solar, wind markets

BOULDER, Colo., October 4, 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 promoted Bret Dianich to Business Development Executive, Renewable Energy Markets. In his new position, Dianich will be responsible for business development to solar and wind energy customers, such as utility-scale Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV), Wind Turbine and Wind Farms. In addition, Dianich will help expand FreeWave's renewable energy business by working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), integrators, resellers and strategic partners.

"We examined Bret's success in his previous position and determined that his hard work and proven results will be very useful in the continuous effort to build our presence in solar and wind power," said Ken Granader, vice president of sales at FreeWave. "We look forward to seeing his skills utilized in these new markets."

In his previous position as an inside marketing representative, Dianich helped promote solutions for FreeWave customers. Prior to FreeWave, he worked for Spatial Energy. He also spent three-and-a-half years in IT sales and consulting at Executrain. Dianich comes from a technical sales background, where he has more than seven years of experience. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

"I look forward to joining the renewable energy team and contributing to the continued growth in the solar and wind markets," said Dianich. "By leveraging my skills as an inside marketing representative at FreeWave, I will work to attract new customers and ensure that our current customers' needs are continuously met and exceeded."

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, transmission reach 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.

Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 19 (office)
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ EXPERT COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT AT SOLAR 2010

Tue, 18 May 2010 18:20:02 +0000

WHO: Colin Lippincott
General Manager, Renewable Energy Markets
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)

Colin Lippincott is the general manager of renewable energy markets at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Mr. Lippincott has served in senior management positions at FreeWave since joining the company in January 2003. He led sales for the company to record revenues every year. In his current position, he works primarily with solar, wind and smart grid technologies to advance remote automation, condition monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration.

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: Wireless Technologies Provide Effective Data Communications to the Solar Power Industry

This presentation will explain how deploying wireless technologies for solar power applications can lower installation and infrastructure costs, while also providing reliable, robust communication performance with dependable, easily installed networks. Attendees will discover the advantages of using wireless communication systems and will learn how to deploy a reliable, secure data communication network throughout the plant. In addition, Lippincott will present some results of a real-world solar pilot project using this type of technology.

WHERE: SOLAR 2010 (ASES National Solar Conference)
  Phoenix Convention Center
150 North 5th Street
  Phoenix, AZ 85004

WHEN: Wednesday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com.

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES ADDS GLENN BOOTH AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKETS

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:05:16 +0000

Newest addition to FreeWave's growing team selected to help drive business development in solar, wind markets

BOULDER, Colo., April 30, 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 Glenn Booth as a business development executive for renewable energy markets.

At FreeWave, Booth will be responsible for business development of FreeWave's wireless communications solutions to solar and wind energy customers, including utility-scale Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV), Wind Turbine and Wind Farms. Booth will help expand FreeWave's renewable energy business by working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), integrators, resellers and strategic partners.

"The renewable energy industry is fairly new to FreeWave and I feel my experience will help drive the company's growth and ongoing success in both the wind and solar markets," Booth said. "I'm excited to join a company that is known industry-wide for providing wireless data radios of superior reliability and accuracy."

Prior to FreeWave, Booth was the VP of marketing and business development at Cool Energy, a solar energy startup company. Booth also has years of experience in wireless technology sales. He was VP of marketing for Rajant and Director of Marketing for Vivato. He began his career as a design engineer for Boeing, where he designed and delivered communications software and hardware for aerospace and military avionics applications. Booth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado.

"Glenn is a great fit for the renewable energy team," said Colin Lippincott, general manager of renewable energy markets at FreeWave. "The combination of his extensive industry experience, as well as engineering background, made him a top candidate for the job."

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 web site at www.freewave.com.

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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 14
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

FREEWAVE INTRODUCES NEXT GENERATION LICENSE-FREE SPREAD SPECTRUM RADIO FOR LONG-RANGE WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:14:17 +0000

New FGR2-PE combines both serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity for key Smart Grid applications such as distribution automation

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 16, 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 the release of the new FGR2-PE, a data radio ideal for Smart Grid and renewable energy, that offers industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. In addition, the FGR2-PE is well suited for similar SCADA applications in other vertical markets such as oil and gas or water/wastewater.
The FGR2-PE is compatible with other FreeWave FGR plus family radios and offers users a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports to meet the demands of customers' wireless automation requirements. The future-proof combination of two serial ports and two switched Ethernet ports offers customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace their wireless communication hardware down the road, or operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform. This cost-effective flexibility of the FGR2-PE product also reduces the need for additional hardware.

"The FGR2-PE is an ideal platform for the wireless transmission of critical data and offers the same proven reliability and quality that our customers have come to know and expect in our radios," said Matthias van Doorn, product manager Ethernet and licensed radio systems at FreeWave. "In particular, our utility customers appreciate its industry-leading RF performance as well as the versatility and flexibility of the new FGR2-PE to support distribution automation, alternative energy applications like wind and solar power, and many other telemetry and SCADA applications within the Smart Grid."
Additional key benefits of the FGR2-PE include:

Improved noise rejection and other radio performance enhancements to help maintain reliable wireless serial or Ethernet communication even over long distances or in congested RF environments.
An industrial-grade, small and rugged enclosure that offers mounting and installation versatility, including a DIN rail mounting option, with all connectors conveniently located on one side of the enclosure.
Integrated security options (e.g. AES encryption) and proprietary spread spectrum technology so customers can rely on the FGR2-PE to provide secure wireless data communication links to operate mission-critical network functions.

The FGR2-PE radios are available now. Additional information is available online at http://www.freewave.com/products/product-274.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.

###
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 14

FREEWAVE INTRODUCES TINY HIGH SPEED WIRELESS DATA RADIO FOR THE SOLAR POWER INDUSTRY AT SPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:41:12 +0000

Company to offer solar power generation providers proven solution that provides faster speed, greater throughput and higher reliability at lower cost

ANAHEIM, Calif., SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Booth #2750, Oct. 27, 2009 -- FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced the MM2-HS-P and MM2-HS-T, new high-speed wireless data radios for the solar power generation industry. The new radios offer solar power generation providers a superior, high-value wireless data radio solution with the industry's best-in-class business support model.

FreeWave's MM2-HS-P/T offer high-speed capability and greater throughput with an over-the-air speed of 1.23 Mbps allowing users to significantly send more data in a shorter period of time. The MM2-HS-P/T are ideal for applications that require high data rates, such as video and long distances in a very compact in size.

"The MM2-HS-P and T offer solar power generation providers best-in-class performance together with high-level security," said Tim Stevens, product manager for embedded systems at FreeWave. "The MM2-HS-P/T are extremely flexible and offer tremendous value by being able to operate standalone within a network with IP connectivity from the host to every end point with very high throughput in a very small form factor."

Stevens says that unlike other communication solutions for the solar power generation industry, such as fiber-optic cable networks, FreeWave's MM2-HS-P and T, along with its other wireless data radios, do not require underground placement and eliminate the countless logistics challenges of installing cable networks. "Wireless solutions save time in installation and can be counted on for saving materials and reducing labor costs. In fact," he added, "FreeWave radios are projected to save more than $1 million in construction costs alone when compared with fiber optic cable in many scenarios."

Applications where FreeWave's MM2-HS-P/T can be used within the solar power industry include: orientation and tracking control; monitoring condition alarms; providing automated status updates; site telemetry; corrosion protection; perimeter security; automated status updates; general SCADA capabilities; and, monitoring and reporting of temperature and pressure.

Key features of the MM2-HS-P/T include:

â��Ã�    Tiny footprint - the dimensions for the IP interface combined with the MM2 radio are 101 x 51 x 13 millimeters with a weight of only 42 grams.
â��Ã�    Unequalled low signal performance - RISC-based signal demodulation with matched filter. Sensitivity is specified and guaranteed.
â��Ã�    Unparalleled signal performance - the GaAs FET RF front end with multi-stage surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) filters has an unmatched combination of overload immunity and sensitivity. Selectivity is specified and guaranteed.
â��Ã�    Industrial grade high-speed Ethernet - supports TCP, industrial grade wireless security and serial communications, all in one package.
â��Ã�    Versatile -can be used in any network as a master, slave, repeater or master/slave unit depending upon its programming.
â��Ã�    High noise immunity - offers superior performance in noise-congested environments.
â��Ã�    Secure - FreeWave's proprietary spread spectrum technology prevents detection and unauthorized access; 128- and 256-bit AES encryption available.
â��Ã�    Reliable - 100 percent tested for RF performance from -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius.

Availability:

Pre-release samples of the MM2-HS-P and T are available now. Pricing varies, depending upon OEM configuration. To find out more information about the MM2 family of radios, please visit: www.freewave.com/mm2solar

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.

###
Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 14
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com

FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PARTICIPATE IN PANEL SESSION AT SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2009

WHO:   Colin Lippincott
   Director, Renewable Energy Markets
   FreeWave Technologies, Inc.

Colin Lippincott is the director of renewable energy markets at FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Mr. Lippincott has served in senior management positions at FreeWave since joining the company in January 2003. He led sales for the company to record revenues every year. In his current position, he works primarily with solar and smart grid technologies to advance remote automation, condition monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration.

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:   "Innovations in Inverters and System Controllers" - Panel Session

The audience will learn about the evolving role of power electronics in solar electricity production and management as new functionality of data management, communications and controls, and non-solar meters, appliances and devices are developed. This session will explore the next generation of inverter and system control technology looking at value-added functionality, reliability and the divergence of micro and centralized approaches.

During the session, Lippincott will discuss how wireless technologies can support all types of solar power generation models, from solar troughs, dishes, photovoltaic (tracking and stationary) and heliostats directly to the user's desktop. He also will explain how wireless data communication networks support a variety of applications including power quality/quantity systems, positioning data for tracking and control, SCADA, status updates, site telemetry, temperature, pressure monitoring and more. In addition, attendees will learn the benefits of using wireless solutions in the solar industry.

WHERE:   Solar Power International
       Anaheim Convention Center
       Anaheim, CA

WHEN:   Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

CONTACT:   For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 14 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com