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Power Line Systems October 2006 Newsletter

In this issue:

1. Introduction - Version 8 Released
2. Upcoming Training Sessions
3. Web Site Additions and Revisions
4. Current Versions

Version 8 Released at the ASCE/SEI Conference

Last week we released version 8 of PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE and TOWER at the tremendously successful ASCE/SEI Electrical Transmission Conference. Version 8 was well received by many of the 500 engineers in attendance with the Google Earth Integration features being especially popular. We enjoyed this opportunity to demo the new versions in person and want to thank everyone who took the time to stop by our exhibit.

Some of the many improvements in version 8 are listed below. For a more complete list please see the Recent Program Improvements page.

PLS-CADD

• Google Earth integration via the File/Export KMZ command. Structures, wires and even raster imagery can all be faithfully represented in Google Earth
  • Click for a sample Google Earth KMZ file of a PLS-CADD line
  • Click for a movie showing a PLS-CADD line design in Google Earth
• You can now specify a Coordinate System for your survey data. This enables the new Structure Longitude and Latitude Report, improved TerraServer Integration and other coordinate system dependent features
• New Structure Data Editor which enables mixing insulator types within a set, adds uplift capacity limits and a 4th swing angle limit
• Added LiDAR Color Coding capability to draw much more realistic scenes
• Improved Terrain Clearance Reports with feature code filtering, customizable reports, graphical output, etc.
• Construction staking table now includes detailed structure information (pole property label, weight, length, embedded depth, pole base diameter) for PLS-POLE version 8 structures

PLS-POLE

• Added laminated wood pole element so can analyze and design laminated wood poles as easily as conventional wood poles
• You can now input multiple strength interaction curves (application charts) for post insulators
• Removed limitations on use of different insulator types and properties for different phases within a PLS-CADD set
• Added loading option for CSA S37-01
• File/Batch Modify can now modify many additional items (Foundation Strength, Linear Appurtenances, Analysis Options, etc.)

TOWER

• Removed limitations on use of different insulator types and properties for different phases within a PLS-CADD set
• Added loading, member strength, connection and crossing diagonal checks for CSA S37-01
• File/Batch Modify can now modify many additional items (Foundation Strength, Linear Appurtenances, Analysis Options, etc.)
• Can now generate a "Detailed Angle Member Uprating Report" from the right click menu in the deformed geometry. This report is also available for an entire line in PLS-CADD via Lines/Reports/Structure Usage

Training Sessions

• Design of Transmission Line Structures and Foundations October 30-November 3, 2006 in Madison, Wisconsin
• Computerized Transmission Line Design: PLS-CADD Hands-On Training November 6-10, 2006 in Madison, Wisconsin
• Design and Optimization of Overhead Transmission Lines using PLS-CADD and TOWER, December 2-6, 2006 in Dubai/Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Design of Transmission Line Structures and Foundations January 15-19, 2007 in Orlando, Florida
• Computerized Transmission Line Design: PLS-CADD Hands-On Training January 22-26, 2007 in Orlando, Florida

Web Site Revisions and Additions

• Technical Note: Coordinate Systems in PLS-CADD
• Technical Note: Checking Post Insulators with Multiple Interaction Curves
• The June 2006 edition of the TOWER manual can be downloaded using the Help/Check for Updated Manual command in TOWER.
• The August 2006 edition of the PLS-POLE manual can be downloaded using the Help/Check for Updated Manual command in PLS-POLE.
• The August 2006 edition of the SAPS manual can be downloaded using the Help/Check for Updated Manual command in SAPS.
• Description of LiDAR Color Coding which adds the capability to draw much more realistic scenes
• The Recent Program Improvements page has been updated for version 8.
• Many of the papers presented at the ASCE/SEI conference discussed the use of PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, or TOWER. If you weren't fortunate enough to attend you may obtain a copy of the proceedings from The ASCE Bookstore.

Current Versions

The current shipping versions of our software are listed below.

We strongly encourage you to upgrade to the current release of all the applications you own. To do so please send us email at info@powline.com or use the Help/Download Upgrade command. This would also be a good time to use the Help/Check for Updated Manual command to make sure you have the latest version of the manuals. As always, we welcome your suggestions and comments on our software.

Staff of Power Line Systems, Inc.