Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Montgomery County could face difficult decisions if the state doesnt help fulfill the school districts funding request for capital projects, officials said Monday.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has recommended approving the county school boards requested $1.74 billion fiscal 2015-20 Capital Improvements Program. Leggetts recommendation banks on the success of a state bill to direct more school construction money to the county.

The county wants to secure an added stream of state aid within the six-year capital program time frame, said county spokesman Patrick Lacefield. Theres no alternative to the continued efforts to get additional revenue, he said.

A meeting Monday between school officials and the County Councils Education Committee was part of an ongoing push for more state funding. County leaders want Maryland legislators to ramp up school construction dollars to support Montgomery projects that would add space amid rising enrollment and repair aging buildings.

County Councilman Craig L. Rice emphasized on Monday the countys reliance on state aid to fund the school district.

Its my hope that not only our representatives in Annapolis, but also our governor, certainly understands that the largest school system in the state, and one of the best school systems in the nation, is at risk, and its at risk of really losing ground when it comes to making sure that were continuing to be able to meet the need of our constituency, said Rice, the council committees chair.

If the Maryland General Assembly doesnt pass the school construction bill in the current legislative session, the county school district could face a cut of $213.3 million from its requested six-year capital program.

The school board has asked for an amended capital program totaling $1.74 billion. The boards request is $223.3 million higher than the previously approved program of $1.53 billion.

School board President Patricia ONeill said Monday that if the district doesnt get the capital money it requested, it might need to delay revitalization and expansion projects, additions and projects such as roof replacements and HVAC equipment.

In Annapolis, Leggett, ONeill and interim Superintendent Larry Bowers urged state lawmakers on Feb. 18 to support a bill to establish a Supplemental Public School Construction Matching Fund Program.

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Montgomery County officials continue plea for state school aid from state

Reference Language | Libraries | Comparison | Changes

This library allows you to communicate with I2C / TWI devices. On the Arduino boards with the R3 layout (1.0 pinout), the SDA (data line) and SCL (clock line) are on the pin headers close to the AREF pin. The Arduino Due has two I2C / TWI interfaces SDA1 and SCL1 are near to the AREF pin and the additional one is on pins 20 and 21.

As a reference the table below shows where TWI pins are located on various Arduino boards.

As of Arduino 1.0, the library inherits from the Stream functions, making it consistent with other read/write libraries. Because of this, send() and receive() have been replaced with read() and write().

There are both 7- and 8-bit versions of I2C addresses. 7 bits identify the device, and the eighth bit determines if it's being written to or read from. The Wire library uses 7 bit addresses throughout. If you have a datasheet or sample code that uses 8 bit address, you'll want to drop the low bit (i.e. shift the value one bit to the right), yielding an address between 0 and 127.

Reference Home

Corrections, suggestions, and new documentation should be posted to the Forum.

The text of the Arduino reference is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. Code samples in the reference are released into the public domain.

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Arduino - Wire

When integrating control technology into customized control cabinet solutions, it can be challenging to reduce the space needed for machines and installations and condense structure size. The new Eplan Design Space Exchange simplifies the creation of virtual models for electrical and control systems engineers while simultaneously breaking down the barriers between electrical and mechanical design engineering.

Monheim The new Eplan Design Space Exchange (DSE) has been unveiled. DSE supports data exchange between mechanical construction and control system technology in control cabinet and switchgear construction. The expansion module for Eplan Pro Panel Professional, developed by Eplan and MCAD specialists at Cideon, is available for the first time with Eplan Platform 2.4 and compatible with Autodesk Inventor 2014 and 2015. Without the cabinet case, there is no mounting layout, and without the mounting layout, there is no final case design. This dilemma can now be resolved with the Design Space Exchange expansion module, explains Thomas Weichsel, product manager at Eplan. DSE is based on a fully parametric 3D geometric data model of the mechanical design that takes into account the particular requirements for the installation location of the mounting panel or cabinet. DSE accesses the 3D CAD data of the control cabinet case design and makes it available to the Eplan Platform, as the basis for the mounting layout using Eplan Pro Panel. The 3D mounting layout is created within this design space, referencing the automation concept from the electrical design. All electrical equipment intended for installation will be mounted virtually, taking into account spatial conditions and manufacturer specifications regarding minimum clearance.

Wiring on Virtual Prototypes Installation holes, threads, slots and cutouts are automatically integrated for subsequent assembly. The virtual prototype of the cabinet is the basis for virtual switchgear wiring and for determining optimal wiring paths and appropriate wire lengths, among other things. Once the virtual mounting layout has been completed, Eplan DSE provides data on the necessary installation holes, threads, slots and cutouts for integration into the 3D mechanical engineering model, at the push of a button. DSE then interprets data and objects on the Autodesk Inventor page and creates a consistent product data model for mechanical design including all components, holes and cutouts. The model is fully parametric and is in the form of native Autodesk Inventor geometry data, so that the mechanical design can integrate the manufacturing procedure including processing, BOMs and manufacturing drawings. While the mechanical design lays the foundation for the manufacture of the cases, the electrical designer can compile complete, as-built, project documentation of the final product. For example, the automated assembly of terminal strips and wire bundles, with all the necessary schematics, mounting diagrams, manufacturing drawings, BOMs, device lists, connection lists and data are created. As Weichsel notes in his summary of the advantages: Interdisciplinary data synchronization reduces potential sources of error and product development costs, saving time while improving quality.

EPLAN Software & Service develops engineering solutions, which accelerate the product development process. Interdisciplinary expert systems assure the highest degree of productivity and data integration. The solution provider develops customer-specific and tailor-made PDM and PLM concepts and provides comprehensive services such as customizing, consulting and training. Innovative development competence, a consistently practical approach, and international presence are the resulting success factors. EPLAN is part of Rittal International and thus of the Friedhelm Loh Group with 11,500 employees worldwide and generated revenues of about 3 billion USD in 2011. EPLAN is therefore synonymous with continuity and investment security. Eight offices in North America and company presence in 50 countries support 45,000 customers with 110,000 installations worldwide. The corporate motto - 'Efficient Engineering' - underlines the proficiency of optimized, efficient processes, which keep companies competitive in the long term.

http://www.eplanusa.com

EPLAN Software & Services LLC 425 N. Martingale Rd., Suite 470 Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA

Christine KNAPIK Phone: +1-630-408-3863 Fax: +1-847-240-4667 Knapik.c@EPLANusa.com

EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG An der alten Ziegelei 2 D-40789 Monheim Tel.: +49 (0)2173 3964-0 Fax: +49 (0)2173 3964-25 info@EPLAN.de http://www.EPLAN.de

Hagelschuer Birgit Phone: +49 2173 3964-180 Hagelschuer.B@EPLAN.de

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Design Software bridges mechanical and control technologies.

Covington, Kentucky (PRWEB) February 25, 2015

Atkins & Pearce, Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision braided textiles and high performance yarns, has introduced a new line of Armour Guard expandable monofilament braids. Used to harness, bind and protect wiring, cables and hoses, high performance Armour Guard monofilament grades are used in industries and applications including automotive and transportation, aerospace, electronics, robotics, hydraulics, marine and heavy equipment.

Armour Guard is available in eleven grades and a wide variety of sizes and colors. Colors can be combined to create a virtually limitless selection that can be used to match specific design objectives. It will expand up to 150% its original diameter making installation quick and easy. All grades provide excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, fungus and fuel with options available for high temperature, fire and flame resistance.

Atkins & Pearce manufactures Armour Guard at its 550,000 sq. ft. facility located in Covington, Kentucky. It is available through a number of major distributors as well as direct from Atkins & Pearce, depending on the needs of the customer.

About Atkins & Pearce Atkins & Pearce, Inc. was established in 1817, and is a leading manufacturer of precision braided textiles and high performance yarns. From its 550,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant in Covington, Kentucky, Atkins & Pearce produces and processes industrial cordage and twine, coated insulation sleeving, tubing, expandable sleeving, lacing tapes, tie cords, candlewick, and custom braided textile products.

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Atkins & Pearce Introduces Armour Guard Expandable Monofilament Braids

The people calling the shots at Vermonts Okemo Mountain would probably be good weather forecasters.

They chose this year to unveil a unique six-person bubble-faced chairlift that umm, yes, has a heater in the seat. They did it in a winter when the mercury rose above freezing only once this February.

Smart.

I was calling around to ski area officials Tuesday afternoon looking for comments about how the cold is impacting skier visits.

After calls to area mountains without success reaching the PR folks, I called Bonnie MacPherson at Okemo Mountain and she mentioned the new lift.

If there was ever a year to install a bubble chair with a heated seat, this was it, she said proudly. People love it. Its a game changer.

MacPherson said the lift, which replaced the main NorEaster lift, opened Thanksgiving weekend. She said she expected it to be busy at first and then fade.

But months later, probably due in large part to the cold, people are content waiting in lines to ride it.

You can almost ski up and get on any other lift any time because people will stand in line (for that one), she said. They say it feels like a shorter ride and its also very social.

Im hoping to get up for some runs at Okemo before winter is over and check out this lift, the only one of its kind in North America. Mount Snow has one, but without heat, she said.

Read more here:
Column: Heated-seat lift was worth the wait

Fountain Valley, CA (PRWEB) February 26, 2015

Noritz America recently launched a training course for the new EZTR40 tankless water heater on its online resource for plumbing and heating contractors, Noritz University.

The class is an addition to the two existing courses available through Noritz University, the Online Residential Level 1 Training and the CDR1 Training for the NRCP series of residential, condensing tankless water heaters. The EZTR40 course supplements personal training by Noritz sales personnel, giving tradespeople the ability to gain and deepen their tankless knowledge quickly and effectively.

The 45-minute training gives contractors exactly what they need to know about this new, ground-breaking way to install tankless water heaters, says Jason Fleming, Marketing Manager for Noritz America. The preconceived notions of tankless and the installation process are going to greatly change because of this new product, and our hope is that contractors will begin to immediately identify the EZTR40 as a direct replacement for a 40-gallon, gas-fired, storage-tank water heater in the Sunbelt region.

The training sections offer a complete overview of the EZTR40 tankless technical information with a step-by-step review of the installation process. A quiz at the end allows Noritz University students who are also PROcard members to complete their educational courses in order to be listed in the Find an Installer section of the Noritz website, while also elevating their status as PROcard members.

Contents of the EZTR40 course include:

PRODUCT SERIES: Tank vs. Tankless Overview

Features

Internal Layout

Packaging

More here:
Noritz Adds EZTR40 Online Training to Noritz University

Whats wrong? Theres a drought of drinking fountains at the Alderney Ferry Terminal. Thirsty travellers are perfectly free to enjoy a refreshing drink at the Halifax and Woodside terminals. Only Alderney remains inexplicably dry. The only option for paying customers on the Dartmouth side who want H2O is the lukewarm, fecal-infused liquid coming from the bathroom taps.

Whos to blame? I dont know...historical momentum? City spokesperson Tiffany Chase, keeper of all transit secrets, had no idea why the Dartmouth terminal is without a fountain.

We dont have a particular reason why there isnt one at Alderney and there is at the other two, she says.

The municipalitys bylaws ridiculously dont demand public facilities install free, clean, accessible drinking options. The closest thing is this motion from 2010 where council voted to phase out bottled water where possible in all HRM administrative and operational facilities.

On a big environmental kick that year, HRM facility staff tested water quality at a variety of locations to ensure staff and the public had access to clean, free drinking water from an aesthetically suitable source. The city defines that as a clean kitchen tap, fountain or bottle filling station. Not a tap in a janitorial closet sink.

Any major repair requirements or absences of drinking infrastructures will be put into future facility recapitalization or maintenance programs, the 2010 report reads. With the exception of a small number of facilities, there is no work required to provide the public and staff access to clean, free drinking water.

The responsibility is ultimately yours then, parched public transit rider. Tiffany Chase recommends phoning 311 with demands for drinking fountains at Alderney or any other HRM facility (Im told theres no fountain at the Bridge Terminal, either) in order to get the water flowing.

If that was something passengers expressed we could certainly look at it.

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Ferry terminal lacks fountains

The City of South Miami opened their first dog park on February 21. It is designed to provide a place for dogs to get exercise and to meet and play with some new friends.

The visionary behind the movement for a dog park was Vice Mayor Walter Harris who first started to explore the idea in 2013. A self-avowed dog-lover, he successfully secured funding for the construction and equipping of the park in the city budget at a minimum of $25,000, which was subsequently raised to $50,000. However, the total construction cost of the 5,000 sq. feet dog park, including signage was completed under the original $25,000 budget, thanks to donations of and for equipment, labor and services.

A search was on to find a suitable site and one was finally suggested by Commissioner Welsh on the Right-of-Way (ROW) located at SW 63 Court and SW 78 Street.

City Manager, Steven Alexander determined that the vacated ROW along SW 63 Court was a viable option. In November 2014, the city successfully negotiated with the Elks Club to lease, free-of-charge, a small strip of their property for inclusion in park.

Commissioner Welsh volunteered to build and install the wooden fence that encloses the park and he has put in a lot of sweat-equity with the development of the site. The city has added sod, a 10 x 10 chickee hut, water fountain, dog exercise toy equipment, clean-up station, and two benches for the use of dog-owners donated by Martin Outdoor.

According to a published release by the city: The work was reviewed and approved in writing prior to start, during construction and after completion by the City Planning and Zoning for compliance with the City of South Miami Land Development Code and the same by the City Building Department for compliance with the Florida Building Code.

While this dog park will certainly add value to the South Miami community, it strikes me that it can only be truly enjoyable if well-trained and well-behaved humans utilize the site. This is an off-leash park, large dogs and small dogs will not be separated from each other, the park has no attendant (but is scheduled for maintenance twice a week), and dogs must have current tags from Animal Services demonstrating that they have had all their requisite inoculations. Patrons of the park are reminded by signage that dogs must where their tags: No tag. No play.

The dog park is free-of-charge, open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, and is not restricted to the residents of South Miami.

Quentin Pough, Parks and Recreation Director said, Dog owners now have a park in the city to spend quality time with their pets.

When asked for a quote about the new park, Vice Mayor Harris wrote: To paraphrase the Supreme Court, dogs are people too.

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Every dog has its day

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By Nicole Pitt Feb. 25, 2015

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) - You may have noticed real estate signs buried in the snowbanks lately. It's just one of several obstacles this winter weather is creating for the local real estate market.

"Mainly what I've been running into is that things just aren't plowed out," said Jodie DeCosty of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties. "Because of the snowbanks and if you have buyers behind that are following in the car, I've had to remind a few people that, you know, I may just slam on my brakes if the Garmin says you're arriving at your destination and the sign is covered up with snow. So, that's what i do, tell people just to keep back a little bit."

The snow isn't the only obstacle buyers, sellers, and realtors are facing. The cold is also taking it's toll. "I had an agent call me from one of my listings and he said Jodie it's 40 degrees in here and I hear water running." A pipe had burst in the basement and now the house is off the market because the furnace needs to be replaced.

Walkways and steps that are not shovele pose a hazard for realtors and potential buyers alike. Experts stress the importance of keeping those walkways clear. "It is their property and they are liable if somebody slips and falls," said DeCosty. "Definitely don't turn the heat on too low especially if they are snowbirds and they take off for the winter the lowest that we tell people to keep their heat down to is like 57 because the thermostat is on the inside wall and the pipes are on the outside wall. The main thing that agents have to remember is that we do not have worker's compensation so if we do get hurt if we do slip and fall we're going to be in trouble, out of work, so they should remind themselves of that."

Despite the weather, DeCosty says there's been an increase in listings and sales are steady."Explain to a buyer, look, this is a great time to see if there is heat loss. You'll see icicles you know you'll see mounds of ice on top of the house."

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Local real estate market going strong despite winter weather

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced a lawsuit against the owner of a Medina-area landscaping service accused of failing to deliver promised services to consumers and performing shoddy work.

The lawsuit accuses John M. Capone, operating as Empire Landscaping & Irrigation, of violating Ohios Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.

In the last two years, nine consumers have filed complaints against the business with approximately $60,000 in reported losses.

Despite our efforts to resolve these issues out of court, this individual has failed to cooperate, leaving consumers with shoddy work and no refunds, DeWine said. The purpose of this action is to put an end to the violations and recover money for affected consumers.

Through his business, John M. Capone offered landscaping and light construction services, including concrete driveways, walkways, patios, fire pits, and lawn care. He sometimes solicited Northeast Ohio consumers at their homes. Consumers paid the business thousands of dollars in down payments, but services were not delivered or were performed shoddily.

According to the Attorney Generals lawsuit, Capone also has used other business names, including J.C. & Sons Landscaping, Empire Landscaping, and J.C. & Sons Landscaping & Irrigation, and he has multiple outstanding judgments against him in municipal and common pleas courts related to consumer transactions.

The Attorney Generals lawsuit, filed in the Medina County Common Pleas Court, charges John M. Capone, doing business as Empire Landscaping & Irrigation, with failing to deliver, performing shoddy work, failing to give consumers notice of their right to cancel a door-to-door sale, starting work without obtaining necessary permits, failing to register business names with the Ohio Secretary of State, and soliciting new consumers before paying off past consumer judgments.

In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks a declaration that these acts violate Ohio consumer law, an injunction to stop further violations, consumer restitution, and civil penalties.

Consumers can help protect themselves in a home improvement transaction by taking the following steps:

Check businesses reputations with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau. Get written estimates from several businesses before making a final decision. Get all promises in writing. Make sure the written contract includes the start date and end date and an itemized list of all costs and services. Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment, such as half of the total cost, or requires that you write the check directly to the contractor instead of his or her company. Keep in mind that door-to-door sales contractors are required to give you a three-day right to cancel and cannot begin the work until the three-day period ends.

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Landscaper accused of failing to deliver promised services