In Nashville, I did not answer a question adequately about the ranges for various wireless technologies according to a comment on one Course Evaluation. Let me remedy that here:
The expected distance for the various IEEE802.11 variants (a, b, g, and n) is 100 meters but that will vary based on the antenna used and environmental conditions. There are tools and services to evaluate the wireless environment in your facility.
But since that was actually in the course handout, the comment may have been more general. In that case, let me add that backhaul radio range is typically based on proprietary radios and is intended to cover many miles. WirelessHART’s range is up to 250 meters line-of-sight. Wireless sensor and actuator distances are typically shorter, but watch for the release of our specification later this year.
We heard a couple requests to make the Professional Developer Hours awarded 8 instead of 5.5. Our math is as follows: 8:30am to 4:00pm is 7.5 hours minus an hour for lunch, two fifteen minute breaks and a 30-minute introduction equals 5.5 hours. I understand how they feel though; the class can be pretty intense.
I liked the comments on the Course Evaluations in the vein of “Very professional” but I’m not sure what to make of “Great course. Jokes sucked.” Hunter assumed this was aimed at me and I’m convinced it was aimed at him – the jokes part, that is. Maybe we both need to borrow some material that we heard at the Grand Ole Opry Classics at the Ryman Auditorium after the class. But that would probably violate Mom’s instructions to not talk about religion, politics, or grounding.
–Carl Henning