We have just returned from the tremendously successful Atlanta Users Group Meeting. At the meeting we released TOWER version 5, announced a cut in the price of PLS-POLE wood and steel options by $500, unveiled many new PLS-CADD features and participated in a variety of discussions. Presentations ranged from a tutorial on using LIDAR data with PLS-CADD by Tim Cashman of Black & Veatch to a talk on how to fully integrate PLS-CADD with corporate enterprise systems given by Dennis Mize of Georgia Power - Southern Companies. For more information on the Users Group and these talks please see Atlanta Users Group Meeting web page.
As mentioned above, TOWER version 5 is now shipping. This upgrade adds to TOWER all of the features that have made PLS-POLE a success such as undo, interaction diagrams and optimization capabilities. TOWER version 5 also includes a faster multi-processor capable analysis engine, improved convergence and better handling of failure to converge. In addition, the Section Copy/Paste feature allows one to rapidly model towers with regular repeating features commonly found in communications towers (see our rapid modeling technical note for details). Finally, version 5 has a more international focus and includes support for CENELEC (the common European code), various French codes (optional feature), an update of ECCS and will include other codes in the future.
Some of the PLS-CADD features we demonstrated were automatic text collision avoidance and text rotation so that PLS-CADD generated drawings match much more closely with what a human would draw. This feature prevents text from being drawn on top of other text and automatically adjusts the text orientation to make a better-looking drawing. We submitted for comment our current specification for automating the checking of unbalanced ice and broken conductor cases in PLS-CADD. We also implemented graphical constraints editing during the users group due to overwhelming demand. Finally, we have improved the way PLS-CADD handles DXF layer names.
We already have two separate weeklong training opportunities scheduled for next year. These classes will be held at the EPRI facility in Haslet, Texas and are tentatively scheduled for March 12-16 and September 17-21. Additional information can be found at the EPRI training web page.
The current shipping versions of our software are as follows:
We strongly encourage you to upgrade to the current shipping release of all the applications you own. To do so please send us email at info@powline.com. As always, we welcome your suggestions and comments on our software.
Best Regards,
Staff of Power Line Systems, Inc.
