Celebrating our 30th year serving the electric power industry
1984-2014
Fall 2014 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Version 13.20 Released!
- Upcoming Classes and Events
- 2015 Advanced Training and User Group Meeting
- Web Site Additions
- Current Versions
Version 13.20 Released!
We are now shipping Version 13.20 of all our programs. A summary of the most significant changes is included below.
A complete change log will be included with any upgrade and the changes are documented in the new version 13.20 manuals.
Top PLS-CADD v13.20 Improvements
-
Download of imagery from online Web Mapping Services sources now available via the Attachment Manager (see the
video demonstration).
-
Plan and profile sheets may now include
title, notes and appendix pages. These extra pages can contain attachments, annotation, inset views or a new "Sheet Index Map" (see the
video demonstration).
- Improved image attachment support: may now attach TIFF files larger than 2GB in size, JPEG2000 decoding sped up, and translucency may now be set for each image.
- Added Terrain/Edit/Merge Points from External File/Merge Points From KML/KMZ Files... for importing terrain data and alignment segments.
- Added support for generating loads as per ISEC-NCR-83.
- Added support for generating loads as per Russia 7th/SNiP (SP 20.13330.2011)
Major Improvements to TOWER and PLS-POLE
- Enhanced The Family Manager with ability to Import Extensions from another model, allow secondary joints in leg extensions, and numerous other minor improvements.
- Can now generate loads according to ISEC-NCR-83.
- Can now generate loads according to Russia 7th/SNiP (SP 20.13330.2011).
- New TOWER connection rupture check options for "EN50341-1:2012-EN1993" and "ECCS 1985".
- Multiple monitor support improved through right click menu "Detach Window" function that allows reports and graphics windows to be dragged to other monitors.
You can use Help/Download Upgrade to upgrade to version 13.20 today.
Classes and Events
Our thanks to all of you who visited with us at the Cigre conference this year. Next year you will you will be able to meet
with us at the 2015 PLS-CADD Advanced Training and User Group Meeting or at the
2015 SEI Electrical Transmission & Substation Structures Conference.
We have scheduled the following classes:
- Computerized Transmission Line Design: PLS-CADD Hands-On Training (Organized by the University of Wisconsin) February 16-20, 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
(Check availability)
- Design of Transmission Lines, Structures and Foundations (Organized by the University of Wisconsin) February 23-27, 2015 Orlando, Florida
(Check availability)
- Design of Overhead Transmission Lines using PLS-CADD (includes 32 PDHs), March 2-6, 2015 in Madison, Wisconsin (Space still available)
- Analysis and Design of Transmission Towers Using TOWER (includes 28 PDHs), April 7 - 10, 2015 in Madison, WI (Space still available)
- Design of Transmission Lines, Structures and Foundations (Organized by the University of Wisconsin) November 9-13, 2015 Madison, Wisconsin
(Check availability)
- Computerized Transmission Line Design: PLS-CADD Hands-On Training (Organized by the University of Wisconsin) December 7-11, 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
(Check availability)
New classes are added throughout the year based on demand. You may subscribe to a mailing list to be notified whenever a new class is scheduled.
2015 Advanced Training and User Group Meeting
The 2015 ATUG has been scheduled for June 2-4, 2015 here in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin. Please email Otto Lynch if you would like to request that a topic be covered or to volunteer to make a presentation. We do not charge for attending this conference, but we do require you to register online. Registration is now open.
We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2015 Electrical Transmission & Substation Structures Conference where we hope to meet with you.
Web Site Additions
- Due to the significant number of companies now using PLS-CADD for their distribution networks, we have added several NESC criteria files
for basic distribution only designs where there is no reference to Extreme Wind (250C) or Combined Wind with Ice (250D).
We have also added more comprehensive criteria files that do include 250C and 250D loads that are automatically applied to structures above 60 foot above grade as well as Grade C, Grade C Crossing, and Grade B construction.
To assist our California distribution clients, we have also added GO95 criteria files for Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C construction that will automatically apply Light loading for structures below 3000 feet in elevation and Heavy loading for structures above 3000 feet in elevation
You may download these files from our online library.
- Added Web Mapping Services (WMS/WMTS) video.
- Added Title, Notes, Appendix Pages and Index Maps added to P&P sheets video.
- Updated Loading Methods in PLS-CADD technical note
- Updated Loading Methods in PLS-POLE and TOWER technical note
Current Versions
The current shipping versions of our software are listed below. These versions support Windows Vista, 7 and 8 (both 32 and 64 bit).
We recommend you run a 64 bit edition of Windows so that you may take advantage of the enormous investment we have made in the x64 Edition.
PLS-CADD | 13.20 | 32 bit and x64 Editions |
PLS-POLE | 13.20 | 32 bit and x64 Editions |
TOWER | 13.20 | 32 bit and x64 Editions |
SAPS | 13.20 | 32 bit and x64 Editions |
CAISSON | 13.20 | 32 bit Edition Only |
We strongly encourage you to upgrade to the current release of all the applications you own. To do so please use
the Help/Download Upgrade command built into your PLS software and select the option "I need to request an upgrade code".
This would also be a good time to use the Help/Check for Updated Manual command to obtain the version 13.20 edition of the manuals.
As always, we welcome your suggestions and comments on our software.
Staff of Power Line Systems, Inc.