Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Excellent Article re: ZigBee -vs- others
ZigBee Certification
The Alliance has two independent and global test labs, National Technical Systems and TUV Rheinland. These labs test, verify and certify ZigBee Certified Platforms and ZigBee Certified Products.
Articles
Interviews
Releases
New Products
Reviews
Forums
Sponsors
Archives
Past Issues
AutomatedBuildings dot com
KMC Controls
Sinclair: First, is there any truth to claims that Wi-Fi/WLAN and ZigBee cannot co-exist in the same space?
Hodges: No, not at all. In fact we have companies designing and shipping ZigBee and Wi-Fi in the same product and it all works together. One of the main reasons they work together is because both technologies are IEEE standards.
Sinclair: When you say ZigBee is a “standard,” what do you mean?
Hodges: ZigBee is built using the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and follows strict IEEE guidelines to ensure long-term sustainability and reliable operation. As some may know, the IEEE is a globally respected standards development group whose members are volunteers working in an open and collaborative manner. Some of their best known technologies are Bluetooth (802.15.1) and Wi-Fi (802.11). Both of those two standards, like ZigBee, are based on IEEE 802 standards. The IEEE 802 group continually evaluates its standards to identify areas of ambiguity or concern and works to improve its standards to ensure robustness and long-term success. Since many of the same scientists and technologists work together in several groups at the IEEE, you can be sure standards such as 802.15.4 and 802.11 are designed to ensure reliable co-existence. In fact, products with both ZigBee and Wi-Fi have been designed and shipped by Alliance members including companies such as Control4 and these products work as promised each and every day.
Sinclair: It might make sense with so much wireless technology out there that there could be interference.
Hodges: If you want to see true extremes and veritable wireless pea soup, attend a huge trade show. ZigBee companies are regularly showing and demonstrating products around the world at some of largest tradeshows: Consumer Electronics Show, Electronica, Hannover Messe and Wireless Japan, to name a few. These shows are the harshest locations for radio frequencies technologies to operate, with dozens of wireless networks including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other RF traffic. At times, it can be difficult to get wireless devices to operate properly at these shows, yet users and demonstrators of ZigBee networks report reliable performance because it has many channels to work on and a variety of adaptive solutions to ensure reliability.
Sinclair: So, does Z-wave have interference problems?
Hodges: Well Z-wave operates on one very specific frequency in an unlicensed band, and that frequency band is used by cordless phones, baby monitors, medical devices, RFID chips and other unlicensed radio emitters. Also, Z-wave devices communicate at very slow data rates which mean very long transmissions. These transmissions are more prone to interference which is further exasperated by the use of an antiquated modulation scheme that has 10dB or worse performance compared to modern RF technologies like ZigBee.
Sinclair: Does anyone independently verify that ZigBee products work?
Hodges: The Alliance has two independent and global test labs, National Technical Systems and TUV Rheinland. These labs test, verify and certify ZigBee Certified Platforms and ZigBee Certified Products. Needless to say, these labs have global reputations to protect and are not backroom, rubber stamping organizations. The Alliance sets stringent standards for any product or platform to ensure everything operates as promised. Basically, if you see the ZigBee logo on a product, then you know it has been certified.
One other point I would like to make is that the ZigBee Alliance is growing and now has more than 225 member companies. Each of these companies voluntarily pays to be a member of the Alliance and our members are spending collectively billions of dollars around ZigBee. The Alliance has many well known global brands and a good number of independent start-ups, which I believe is indicative of the huge opportunity presented by ZigBee. Another important fact is that most all of our members have thoroughly, and independently, investigated and compared ZigBee prior to committing the resources required to develop and launch new ZigBee-based products and services.
Sinclair: So what do you think is motivating this report?
Hodges: That’s a good question and you have to look at who is behind the report. ZigBee continues to gain incredible momentum and is clearly showing the proprietary technologies for what they really are. Many of these technologies are focused on providing products and services for a single industry or purpose, whereas ZigBee can be used in many industries and implemented into thousands of dramatically different devices that can operate successfully anywhere in the world.
KMC Controls Sinclair: What do you mean by proprietary?
Hodges: To help you compare, let me define the ZigBee Alliance first. We are a non-profit, volunteer-driven international organization with members who actually pay to join the Alliance. All the members jointly contribute to designing and building ZigBee technology in an open and collaborative manner. No single company owns ZigBee. In fact, the ZigBee Alliance publishes the Zigbee Standard and it is available for public download on our website.
On the other hand, proprietary is used to define technologies that are not open to collaboration, not publicly published and are developed, manufactured and sold by one company. Since proprietary technologies are not based on internationally recognized standards, their appeal is usually limited. Most companies are looking for stable, low-cost, multi-vendor supported technology they can implement in products around the world. Some crafty technology companies go so far as to create coalitions of customers or users groups and call them alliances in an attempt to give the appearance of impartiality and a widely supported technology.
Sinclair: So the Z-wave technology promoted by the Z-wave alliance is proprietary?
Hodges: Yes because it is owned by Zensys which is a small, private technology company that designs and sells Z-wave technology. Its marketing approach is to position Z-wave as a standard adopted by its users group, but Z-wave is licensed for a fee to this group. Today, product manufacturers can only buy the semiconductors required to operate Z-wave products from Zensys.
Here’s the bottom line: their claims against ZigBee are largely seen by industry experts as a diversionary tactic designed to hide dwindling support for Z-wave.
AutomatedLogic Corporation
Airbee mentioned in CNNmoney article...
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/RBI-0018-16804151.htm
Airbee advertised in another link...
See half-way down the article in training session.
http://health.cd-writer.com/c16/p564/programs_in_brief_pib.html
New Interview with Gene Sharer...
http://www.twst.com/notes/articles/agk603.html
Interesting conversation...
http://www.networkworld.com/community/?q=node/15490
We have one MM that is selling at .18 right now!!!!!!!!!
According to Level II, once he is done, we go right back up to .27.
IMO, this is a screaming buy folks!!!!!!!
Another sign that ZigBee is heating up...
Renesas' Zigbee move signals shift in deals
Posted : 16 May 2007
Tired of sitting on the sidelines in a hot market, Renesas Technology Corp. is making a major entry into Zigbee chipsets—a move that could alter the company's pacts with Freescale Semiconductor, Texas Instruments (TI) and ZMD.
Renesas previously offered only MCUs for the Zigbee market. The company's controllers are supplied to OEMs on a non-exclusive basis alongside separate Zigbee-based RF chipsets and related devices from Freescale Semiconductor, Texas Instruments and ZMD.
Now, Renesas is looking to offer a complete solution for systems houses by developing MCUs, Zigbee-based RF chipsets and even single-chip devices. It plans to develop devices in the 900MHz and 2.4GHz bands.
On one front, Renesas will license RF-based intellectual property (IP), using the 802.15.4 protocol, from ZMD AG. The move will enable Renesas to develop its own 900MHz-band Zigbee chipset in 2008.
By that time, Renesas will offer a two-chip solution, including its own Zigbee chipset and an MCU. The Zigbee chipset will be fabricated within Renesas' own fabs, said Ritesh Tyagi, director of marketing of the system LSI business unit at Renesas Technology America Inc.
Then, in 2009, the company plans to develop a single-chip solution based on the Zigbee chipset and controller. The product will be in the 900MHz band, Tyagi said.
Renesas also intends to develop a separate Zigbee RF chipset in the 2.4GHz band, he said. Renesas declined to elaborate on those plans, but the proposed device may not involve partnerships with Freescale and TI. These two firms currently offer Zigbee products along with Renesas controllers on a nonexclusive basis.
Zigbee is a short-distance wireless communications standard based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. It was developed for control systems that automate homes and offices, comms applications for healthcare equipment and automated inspection systems, and data transfer between sensors.
Acceptability drivers
Of the communications bands supported by Zigbee, the 900MHz band is now being introduced primarily in Europe and North America. Its advantages include wide coverage, optimized battery life and minimal signal interference, according to Renesas.
Forecast for Zigbee chipsets: Growth to soar for 900MHz and 2.4GHz.
Zigbee is broader in addressing 2.4GHz, which gives it two advantages—the availability of multiple channels and global availability, which is a key aspect in ensuring acceptability.
Renesas expects that 5 million Zigbee-based chipsets will be shipped by 2010. About 25 to 30 percent of those will be products in the 900MHz band, the company said.
- Mark LaPedus
EE Times
http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800464638_499488_5b269d96200705.HTM
I think this article is a little different...
http://www.techworld.com/mobility/features/index.cfm?featureID=3398&pagtype=samecatsamechan
From ABEW's message board...
Msg # 501 Posted By: jaratca
24 May 2007 08:58 EST
Gene- Could you tell me if you perceive Airbee's eventual success to be more closely aligned with the success of Zigbee adoption or with Airbee's ability to compete with other Zigbee software providers. Obviously, Airbee will have nothing to compete for if Zigbee is not embraced, but in your opinion, what is the bigger challenge facing Airbee Wireless--waiting for Zigbee adoption or positioning successfully versus the competition. By the way, who do you view as Airbee's strongest competitor? Thanks, Joe
Msg # 503 Posted By: Gene Sharer
25 May 2007 12:02 EST
This message is reply to msg # 501 by jaratca.
Some may have a different view but for myself, the success of the company will hinge on the overall adoption of the mesh technology emboddied in our software products. With more and more entities becoming aware and embracing the technology, more opportunities for variants of the products will emerge. The idea factories around the world are begining to search out ideas and solutions for their space with upgrades, new products for existing issues, and solutions for as yet unsolved problems. Competition does and will exist but not the overriding concern at this time. We have yet to find anyone who has done it better and are being credited within the ZigBee Alliance as a significant technical contributor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)
Looks like ABEW is being pro-active with their products. This is a very good sign that things must be heating up.
Good stuff. Thanks.
ZigBee: The new Bluetooth?
Technology Update By John Greenland, Network World, 05/23/07
Although most IT professionals, as well as a majority of consumers, are familiar with the Bluetooth wireless data-communications standard, very few are aware of the new ZigBee wireless data standard. In time this awareness will grow, but right now ZigBee is in the early stage of the adoption process; it's just beginning to be rolled out in industrial applications, with consumer-oriented applications soon to follow.
Bluetooth and ZigBee: Their similarities and differences
02/28/05
The ZigBee standard differs from Bluetooth in many ways, but essentially it addresses a different set of market requirements.
First and foremost, ZigBee targets inexpensive, low-power applications. Integrated ZigBee chipsets, with battery power slated to last six months to two years, are available for $1 or less. In addition, ZigBee-enabled devices are networked readily: As many as 65,536 such devices can be connected in a star topology or a peer-to-peer configuration. The data rate for this cost-effective and low-power technology is 20K to 250Kbps.
ZigBee, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, performs very well in environments with a low signal-to-noise ratio. Radio signals extend 10 meters to 40 meters, depending on settings and signal strength).
The ZigBee standard supports various network topologies fully -- including mesh configurations with routes between nodes dynamically modified based on the availability of intermediate routing nodes -- and is optimized for timing-critical applications and power management. It takes less than 30 msec to join a network, less than 15 msec to go from sleeping to active and less than 15 msec to access a channel.
There are three categories of ZigBee network node:
* ZigBee coordinator. Only one is required for each ZigBee network; initiates network formation and acts as the network coordinator; may act as a router once network is formed.
* ZigBee router. Optional component that may associate with a ZigBee coordinator or another ZigBee router; participates in multihop routing of messages.
* ZigBee end device. Optional network component that does not participate in routing.
The ZigBee protocol stack requires at least an 8-bit microcontroller to implement the core functions. The full protocol stack occupies less than 32KB of space, with node-only implementations requiring less than 4KB. Coordinators require extra RAM because of such features as the device database and the transaction and pairing tables.
ZigBee technology is used in everything from industrial light switches to light fixtures, appliances, home electronics and even light bulbs themselves. Because of the wireless nature of the communications, installing ZigBee devices in existing environments is a no-brainer, and the technology's support for mesh networking allows high connectivity and automatic routing of the data sent among devices. ZigBee's low-power requirements mean low maintenance (batteries need changing only every two years), which makes the technology suitable for consumer-oriented products.
One area where ZigBee is used with great success is in intelligent transportation systems. ZigBee wireless data transfer is being used to communicate between buses and bus stations, allowing arrivals and departures to be displayed.
ZigBee modules in the bus and the station communicate in a way that prevents accidental miscommunication with other station units. Depending on the bus location, the mobile ZigBee unit establishes a link only with the ZigBee unit in the first station on the route; all others are ignored. In addition, because the mobile unit knows the exact address of the station unit, communication is established quickly. Thus, there is virtually no delay before the bus is detected approaching a specific bus station, and this leads to the bus's arrival and departure times being updated accurately.
Because of its standardization and low-cost and -power requirements, and the ease with which ZigBee-enabled devices are networked, ZigBee is poised to establish a position alongside Bluetooth as a critical enabling component of ubiquitous, networked commercial and residential devices for years to come. As ZigBee-enabled devices make their way into the market, consumers may someday refer to ZigBee the way they now refer to Bluetooth.
That's two strikes against you. Final warning.
XM Restores Service After Software Glitch
XM Satellite Radio said Tuesday that it will give customers credit for two days' worth of service after a software glitch interrupted reception in parts of the nationwide network.
[Just thought I'd share this morning's headline for those that don't think that software is all that important to a company's operations. Do you really think a company can risk using the "second best" software when their reputation is on the line? Try telling THAT to the customers who pay for XM satellite service. lol]
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)
From another poster on RB...
Va2006biz & everyone else.
A good deal of what you say is true.
However, consider the following:
1. Accounting rules required all the software development costs to be written off. If the value was considered as an asset, I believe it is worth more than the deficit. In other words, although the company has no cash, there is, in my opinion,value.
2. You say there is no revenue. True, but NOBODY has any Zigbee revenue YET.
You don't believe Airbee will pick up its fair share of income and you don't believe Airbee has the best software. I believe the opposite is true- but only time will tell.
3. You don't believe they will get financing. I disagree and again the next month or so will tell the story.
Since the company apparantly owes you money and you are apparantly a shareholder as well, I respectfully submit that it is in your interest to adopt a wait and see attitude and hope that financing is successful.
Here is the full text...
va2006biz...
1. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company that has this much shareholders' negative net worth.
ANSWER: With all of the new industries joining the ZigBee Alliance (Telecommunications - to include cell phones, smart cards, etc. and the Energy Conservation Groups [Gas, Electric, Water, etc.], I think it's obvious that the risk/reward is too good to pass up.
2. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company with no revenues from selling their technology. Airbee has become a software development house, just like the old Intelligent Systems which went poof in the night.
Answer: Once again you are showing your lack of Technical Experience in this field. Having a "development house" is a major PLUS because it is the only way the big companies (TI, Infineon, ATMEL, etc.) can conduct a "technical review" to confirm that ABEW is capable of handling their big OEM customers when the orders are received.
3. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company with a terribly upside down debt to equity ratio and a current ratio of 0.002:1 because it conforms to all of the criteria of technical insolvency.
ANSWER: Hence the infusion of cash by an investor/s. If ABEW's Investment Banker is smart, they will pit one investor against the other to create a bidding war.
4. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company with a managment having this kind of a track record and baggage.
ANSWER: Well, they do have a CFO position open. LMAO!!!
5. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company with all of its assets tied up as collateral for loans and debentures which have been defaulted upon.
ANSWER: Gosh, once again you are either purposely missing the obvious or you are being very ignorant. Anyone coming in with millions of dollars is going to require that most (if not all) the debts should be paid off. That way the company has a clean bill of health going forward.
6. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company which may possibly be outside of technical compliance with SEC and Sarbox because of real and contingent liabilities.
ANSWER: Possibly. But it's my understanding that Congress is putting pressure on the SEC to be more lienient towards smaller companies when it comes to Sar/Ox.
7. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company with legal entanglements for potentially seven figure obligations that take precedent over security agreements because labor judgments rank above them and just behind the tax man.
ANSWER: Well, I'm sure you are referring to your litigation and I believe that it is still OPEN. Several of the investors here have asked you to show us your judgement and you haven't produced anything. Yes, you have your back pay coming to you. But that is considered just another debt that needs to be paid off.
8. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company withe the bulk of its operations overseas.
ANSWER: Puhhhhleeeeze. EVERYONE knows that having your software operations set up in India (as opposed to the U.S.) is a MAJOR PLUS due to wage differences. THAT WOULD COMMAND A HUGE PREMIUM.
9. Nobody is going to pay a premium for a company which cannot generate revenues off of licensing its products because if you look carefully at the licensing agreements, you will need to read carefully about non-revenue generating licenses.
ANSWER: I've looked carefully, and so have the other investors. Why do you think they are negotiating with us? Obviously they see VALUE or they wouldn't be talking to our Investment Banker.
10. Nobody is going to pay a premium when they have to settle up with the penalties stipulated in the Montgomery security and debenture agreements. Monty will want its money.
ANSWER: See answer #5.
11. Nobody is going to pay a premium when they have to pay off Mindtree for a defaulted agreement.
ANSWER: See answer #5.
12. Nobody is going to pay a premium period. If you understand the capital markets, private equity, investments in OTC and BB companies, then you would readily comprehend that investors bailing out unmet business plans, technically involvent companies, and fledgling technology companies, that premiums are not paid. This is a tough one for even vulture capitalists feeding on carp.
ANSWER: You seem pretty sure of yourself so let me shed some light for you...Michel de Montaigne said about 300 years ago, "Nothing is so firmly believed as that which is least known."
Disclaimer: All comments are just my opinion and should NOT be considered as factual.
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)
The 25M shares are to be used as back up. Even va2006biz admits that in his statement. It doesn't automatically mean that they will be dumped onto the market. Furthermore, as I stated in my response, the investor/s could require to have all debts paid off. That would include Mont/Cornell and then THOSE 25M shares would be retired back into the treasury.
I think that scenario is too obvious to miss. I would be surprised if they don't do this.
Disclaimer: All comments are my opinion and should NOT be considered as factual.
Whooooohoaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!! I think we finally have the news that we've been waiting for.
As of May 17th, our Transfer Agent has indicated that our new O/S has jumped to 130,497,433 shares. In my opinion, this should indicate that ABEW has secured some pretty big financing!!!
Get ready for some major news folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All opinions are mine, of course.
Mississippi...According to Level II, there has been a lot of buying going on the past week or so. All of the MMs that were selling at .23 and .24 have been bought out!!! There is only one MM left at .25 and then we go up to .27.
Regarding our finances...the latest SEC filing (10-Q) states that they expect to have their financing by the end of this quarter. If we don't have it by then, I would agree with your assessment. Until that time, I'll be patiently waiting to hear the good news announced.
abew4me
Disclaimer: All comments are just my opinion and should NOT be considered as factual.
I particularly like this part...
As validation of our strategy, our engagement with Texas Instruments (“TI”) has picked up activity this quarter and we believe TI will become a significant customer. Since the announcement of our agreement with TI, we have downloaded nearly 500 copies of our limited network size stack to TI customers for evaluation. We operate an online help desk to support these prospective customers as they evaluate the product for their application and use, and we are working with ATMEL and Infineon to set up a similar process. We note similar progress with our ZigBee module partner Radiocrafts, which now has more than 35 OEMs using our ZNS stack and ZAPP (SPPIO) application. We anticipate many of these will go into production in the coming quarters.
We began training programs for Infineon to train their field application engineers. We expect this will result in increased opportunities with our partners’ customers. In addition, we participated in the ZigBee Developers program this April where we taught new developers how to use our stack to develop applications. We have also established a world class RF laboratory at our development center in Chennai, India, which has already produced real world knowledge about RF interference issues in the ZigBee environment.
In January 2007 the Company’s common stock began trading on the over the counter bulletin board (OTCBB) which we believe will facilitate credibility in the money markets. We are actively pursuing significant funding opportunities and anticipate closure of such financing in the next quarter.
Wow!!! I can't believe I missed this...
Overview
Airbee Wireless, Inc. (hereinafter called “Airbee” or “Company”) reported $20,790 of revenue from planned operations in the first quarter of 2007. We have continued our go-to-market strategy of licensing the major microcontroller and IEEE 802.15.4 radio companies, having previously announced agreements with several microchip manufacturers. We believe this will lead to two types of revenues - service revenue from customized stack work, integration support and application development and royalty revenue from the licensing of our stack. We also announced a new product that facilitates low-power radio frequency (“RF”)application development for mesh networks including ZigBee.
Our goal remains being a preeminent provider of intelligent software for short range wireless communications embedded into silicon chips and platform solutions. We focus our core competencies in the design and engineering of intelligent wireless communications software that is platform agnostic, ultra-low in energy consumption with complete portability across all controllers, radios, and operating system platforms. Our software is licensed to various global manufacturers of radio chips, radio frequency modules, and microprocessors used in an increasing number of wireless communications applications and devices.
We operate in highly innovative environments characterized by a continuing and rapid introduction of new products that offer improved performance at lower prices. With the trend toward convergence in wireless communications products, our software will likely cross over multiple categories, offering us new opportunities, but may also result in more businesses that compete with us. Competition tends to increase pricing pressure on our products, which may mean that we must offer our products at lower prices than we had anticipated, resulting in lower profits This is a two-step approach: (a) become an approved third-party vendor and achieve recognition in the manufacturer’s documentation, website and sales force (i.e. distributors for Texas Instruments and Radiocrafts as examples); and (b) the overriding objective is to be embedded directly into the controller by the manufacturer and shipped directly with each controller.
As validation of our strategy, our engagement with Texas Instruments (“TI”) has picked up activity this quarter and we believe TI will become a significant customer. Since the announcement of our agreement with TI, we have downloaded nearly 500 copies of our limited network size stack to TI customers for evaluation. We operate an online help desk to support these prospective customers as they evaluate the product for their application and use, and we are working with ATMEL and Infineon to set up a similar process. We note similar progress with our ZigBee module partner Radiocrafts, which now has more than 35 OEMs using our ZNS stack and ZAPP (SPPIO) application. We anticipate many of these will go into production in the coming quarters.
We began training programs for Infineon to train their field application engineers. We expect this will result in increased opportunities with our partners’ customers. In addition, we participated in the ZigBee Developers program this April where we taught new developers how to use our stack to develop applications. We have also established a world class RF laboratory at our development center in Chennai, India, which has already produced real world knowledge about RF interference issues in the ZigBee environment.
In January 2007 the Company’s common stock began trading on the over the counter bulletin board (OTCBB) which we believe will facilitate credibility in the money markets. We are actively pursuing significant funding opportunities and anticipate closure of such financing in the next quarter.
http://www.pinksheets.com/quote/print_filings.jsp?url=%2Fredirect.asp%3Ffilename%3D0001144204%252D07...
Just reported him. No need for that kind of language in a public forum. He'll be tossed by tomorrow.
From the recent 10-Q...
"The Company has also been enhancing its business processes to account for the significant development that has occurred in the past year, and believes that with the proper bridge financing and potential permanent financing they anticipate, the viability of the Company remains very positive in excess of one year."
"During 2007, we signed one application development agreement with Medtronic Minimed. Our license agreements with foreign and domestic customers such as ZMD. Radiocrafts (Norway), Texas Instruments (USA) and Infineon (Germany) remain in effect."
"In addition, our upcoming version called ZigBee Pro will be undergoing certification soon and has been designated as one of the “golden units”. This means that the product will be used to set the standard by which other vendor’s products will be measured."
As I said before, things should fall into place quite nicely once financing is announced.
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)
From ABEW's Message Board:
Msg # 494 Posted By: McLennan
16 May 2007 05:29 EST
Gene, at the bottom of page 30 of your quarterly, you state "The Company’s current financing and related security agreements contain numerous covenants that restrict our ability to raise needed funds." can you please elaborate on this. Is a financier being an impediment to additional financing? Please explain the arrangement that has been made that would cause you to post this cautionary note.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Msg # 495 Posted By: Gene Sharer
16 May 2007 07:11 EST
This message is reply to msg # 494 by McLennan.
It is not a new disclosure. We have covenants in our Montgomery agreement that restrict our ability to independently arrange for financing without first disclosure to Montgomery. It is a proceedure we must go through and thus far has not been a problem. Montgomery has the first right of refusal on any new financing - meaning that it can match or beat any such deal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)
Thanks. And as I said before, I really hope that NNLX pulls this off. Would love to see a hydrogen economy. BTW, I heard that Honda plans to produce the first Hydrogen powered PRODUCTION car next year.
That's a huge risk considering that there are very few places to "gas up". Are they putting the cart before the horse? Probably...unless they know something that we don't. You see, out here in S. California our Governor has alluded to a "Hydrogen Economy" more than once. Perhaps he has promised them X amount of Hydrogen fuel stations by the time they put the car into production. Who knows???????????
Yeah. With only 15k shares sold, everyone is really running for the exits. (lol) The support is eroding so fast that we're still sitting at .25 per share. Hmmmmmmm
It's amazing how you ALWAYS swallow the negative posts on RB and repeat the jibberish over here. Who's doing the bashing on RB? The same old crowd.
Either you believe ABEW is going to get their financing or you don't. We shall see...
I've been a prospective buyer since last year and I also ask questions that pertain to the company's future.
If I've offended you, I'm sorry; but I have a lot of respect for SOME of the people on this board and I know they can get answers for me when I ask them.
Do I have to be a shareholder before I ask questions or what?
No doubt that seperating the hydrogen from the methane is the ultimate goal.
My point is that Chevron has teamed with another company that has developed a complete system that can take the hydrogen from the methane gas in one fell swoop. PLUS, they have developed a way to produce electricity for the municipalities on site.
Where does that leave NNLX???
Why would a municipality contract with NNLX to produce hydrogen from their wastewater if they can have Chevron set up a PROVEN system that produces electricity from the hydrogen?
In other words, NNLX has deveoped a way to produce hydrogen from the waste water. That's a great first step.
But Chevron has teamed with a company that takes it a step further and produces electricity from the hydrogen on site.
Hope you understand what I'm saying because I would like to know what Bret, the new CEO, plans to do with the company's technology as it stands now.
Yes. Methane is the gas that is originally produced from the wastewater, but according to the article they have developed a way to extract the hydrogen from the methane to fuel their system. Very ingenuous if you ask me.
"Chevron Energy Solutions will proceed with engineering and construction of the project over the next few months. Project highlights include installation of the FOG-receiving station; repairs to the current digester equipment, where methane is naturally produced from organic matter; a new automation system and controls; a high-efficiency boiler; and three 300-kilowatt Direct FuelCell(R) units that will convert methane into hydrogen and then use the hydrogen to generate power electrochemically, without combustion. In addition, the residual waste heat from the fuel cells will be put to work to warm the digesters to human body temperature, to stimulate further methane production."
Possibly. But how much "time" does NNLX have to make them realize this before they run out of money? Eventually, NNLX has to start making money or the company can go broke.
My concern is that Chevron has developed a working relationship with FuelCell Energy (FCEL) to promote their wastewater treatment plants to city municipalities for electricity and immediate revenue. Their technology is not pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. It is NOW. It is proven.
How is NNLX going to compete with a HUGE company like Chevron that has so many things going for it?
1) They have streamlined their wastewater treatment plants to generate immediate revenue AND electricity for cities.
2) They have an enormous budget to promote their projects as well as a HUGE staff of salespeople to follow up on leads.
3) They have instant credibility when approaching other large companies and cities for their projects because of their name recognition.
4) They have a PROVEN SYSTEM that makes money and electricity for their customers while NNLX is still in the R & D stage.
Although I am hopeful that NNLX can somehow pull this off, I just don't see how they can compete with someone like Chevron. I think the best they can hope for is someone to buy their technology in the hopes that they will incorporate it with their system down the road.
Being a pink sheet company with limited funds to do anything makes me very worried about their future prospects. Yes, they have a great idea to generate hydrogen from wastewater, but that doesn't guarantee their future. I've seen a lot of pink sheet companies with great ideas that have faded into oblivion...only to have a bigger company scoop up their technology for pennies on the dollar.
Most every pink sheet company claims to have big customers that are interested in them, but that "interest" doesn't mean squat if they don't generate money for the shareholders.
It is painful to watch the continual dumping of this company's shares on the open market. It seems that only a handful of people are actaully buying those same shares.
How much longer can that last?
Why is it being dumped in the first place?
Why are they still on the pinks after telling parentsgratea that they would be off by March 2nd at the latest?
How are they going to generate revenue when they are still in the R & D stage?
What is their burn rate (expenditures) per month?
How much revenue (if any) are they generating to pay their bills?
These are serious questions that need to be asked BEFORE you invest your hard-earned money.
Sorry if I'm offending anyone here but there are good people on this board that need to realize that good intentions and a good idea don't gaurantee a company's success.
Just my two cents for what it's worth.
abew4me
Disclaimer: All comments are just my opinion and should NOT be considered as factual.
ZigBee Sees Strong Growth for Energy Management and Efficiency Solutions
New Members and Implementations of ZigBee Solutions for Consumers and Utilities Dramatically Expands Energy Efficiency Benefits
By: PR Newswire
May. 14, 2007 01:00 PM
SAN RAMON, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The ZigBee(R) Alliance, a global ecosystem of companies creating wireless solutions for use in energy, residential, commercial and industrial applications, today announced its members are joining forces and leveraging their global wireless and utility expertise to fight the predicted global energy crisis. With this commitment, the Alliance has increased membership and expanded its ability to deliver solutions that are helping consumers, businesses and utilities improve efficiency, reduce the need for new power plants and save money.
The Alliance enjoys strong endorsement of its energy management and efficiency solutions by utility industry and smart energy grid proponents. Some of the world's leading and innovative energy companies, ranging from utilities to suppliers have recently joined the Alliance and are relying on ZigBee solutions. Utilities such as CenterPoint Energy, Southern California Edison and Sempra Utilities are working alongside other member companies such as Cellnet, Eaton, Itron, Phillips, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Comverge, Control4, DCSI, Golden Power, Johnson Controls, Legrand, Nivis, Nuri Telecom, Sensus Metering, Silver Spring Networks, Site Controls, Talon Communications, Trilliant Networks, Tritech Technology and Viconics to use existing low-cost and easily installable ZigBee products and services. As a result of these Alliance member's efforts, more ZigBee products are being shipped now to utility companies around the world than ever before.
"CenterPoint Energy is one of the leading utility companies in the United States promoting and deploying intelligent grid technology. The ZigBee standard provides a crucial link to make our advanced metering infrastructure upgrade an even more robust reality," said Tom Standish, CenterPoint Energy group president, Regulated Operations. "Our AMI program enhances the efficiency and reliability of our operations and, through the use of ZigBee enabled equipment in the home, ultimately gives consumers more ways to manage and use energy in a more cost-effective and energy-efficient way."
Alliance members provide consumers, building owners and the energy industry with interoperable products and an open and interoperable standard connecting consumer and commercial devices to the utility grid. The ZigBee Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Profile will take advantage of other ZigBee application profiles for Home and Commercial building automation products, filling a critical gap and integrating Home Area Networks (HAN), or in-premise networks, to smart energy grids. The ZigBee AMI Profile provides the critical "last foot" connection from a smart meter to existing ZigBee networks conducting home and commercial building automation. It also provides a standards-based approach for utility programs such as demand response and demand-based pricing programs which will drive global energy efficiency to unprecedented levels.
In the U.S. alone, progressive utility companies and state legislatures are expected to deploy new smart meters in approximately 30 million homes over the next few years. Southern California Edison selected ZigBee as the standard in its HAN technology for its five million smart meter upgrade program. Many countries and U.S. states are considering legislation to provide incentives and encourage the deployment of AMI to offset the predicted energy crunch, avoid building new power plants and help slow global carbon emissions.
"ZigBee is the best answer for utilities looking to deliver innovative services that bring value to both consumers and businesses while also introducing energy efficiency programs designed to offset the rising tide of global energy consumption," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "ZigBee has a global standard which lets product companies and utilities alike focus their time and energy on promoting energy efficiency programs rather than engineering country-by-country or state-by-state products. ZigBee provides immediate energy efficiency savings because it lets home and building owners use their ZigBee home area networks to participate in programs that reduce energy consumption. Ultimately, it pays to remember the cleanest energy is energy not generated in the first place.
ZigBee Home Area Networks
ZigBee HAN, or in-premise networks, enable two-way communication and control of ZigBee devices inside the home and serve as the key entry point for smart energy grids. This communication and control is possible because ZigBee is a global wireless language that connects dramatically different devices. Because ZigBee is a global wireless standard, it provides the scalability and reliability needed to support an infrastructure as demanding as smart energy grids. ZigBee links devices starting with the utility meter and reaches thermostats, household appliances, HVAC, pool pumps, water heaters, lighting systems and other household or building systems creating the HAN. For utility companies, ZigBee enables a standards based approach to energy efficiency programs such as demand response, time-of-use pricing programs, energy monitoring, pay-as-you-use and net metering programs, enabling home owners use of distributed generation products like solar panels. These new energy management programs directly impact consumers and businesses as utilities grapple with meeting growing power demand while reducing the threat of rolling blackouts during peak usage periods.
Global Energy Issues -- Increased energy efficiency is driven today by global macro trends like scarce energy resources, increased competition for resources and global warming -- According to the International Energy Agency forecast, worldwide electricity demand will rise to 30,116 billion kilowatt-hours in 2030, more than double the 2003 level -- In the next decade, the United States will need to build an additional 160 large power plants to meet demand according to the North American Electric Reliability Council -- Asian energy demand growth will be stronger than other regions at around 2.0 percent per year despite high energy prices through 2030 -- Energy efficiency and demand response represents a 5th fuel -- an alternative to coal, natural gas, hydropower and nuclear fuel -- and is the cheapest, fastest and most effective way to secure the world's energy supply ZigBee: Wireless Control That Simply Works
The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost-effective, low-power, wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standard. The ZigBee Alliance membership comprises technology providers and original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Membership is open to all. Additional information can be found at http://www.zigbee.org/.
The ZigBee Alliance
CONTACT: Kevin Schader of ZigBee Alliance, +1-925-275-6672,
kschader@inventures.com; or Tommy Tse of GolinHarris, +1 415-274-7915,
ttse@golinharris.com, for the ZigBee Alliance
Web site: http://www.zigbee.org/
Published May. 14, 2007
Copyright © 2007 SYS-CON Media. All Rights Reserved.
"The environmentally friendly system will increase municipal revenues, reduce landfill wastes and lower greenhouse emissions by nearly 5.5 million tons annually, while decreasing the city's energy costs by about $800,000 a year. The system includes a 900-kilowatt fuel cell power plant, manufactured by FuelCell Energy (Nasdaq: FCEL), that will generate electricity without combustion using methane, a biogas produced naturally on site by the organic materials contained in wastewater.
"Through energy efficiency, renewable power and innovation, this system solves a messy problem for cities," said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions. "By looking at wastewater treatment operations holistically, we're helping Rialto and other cities transform an urban waste into an asset.""
"Chevron Energy Solutions will proceed with engineering and construction of the project over the next few months. Project highlights include installation of the FOG-receiving station; repairs to the current digester equipment, where methane is naturally produced from organic matter; a new automation system and controls; a high-efficiency boiler; and three 300-kilowatt Direct FuelCell(R) units that will convert methane into hydrogen and then use the hydrogen to generate power electrochemically, without combustion. In addition, the residual waste heat from the fuel cells will be put to work to warm the digesters to human body temperature, to stimulate further methane production.
Fuelcell Energy sold its fuel cell plant to Rialto through Chevron Energy Solutions and will maintain the plant after it is installed. Because of its ultra-clean emission profile, the plant meets California's stringent air quality standards and is expected to be sited easily. It will also provide baseload power around the clock.
"Rialto can make use of existing resources and generate high efficiency power that is environmentally friendly while saving money on its energy costs," said William Karambelas, vice president of business development of FuelCell Energy. "This is a consistent and compelling story from both economic and environmental standpoints.""
Perhaps NNLX should consider teaming up with this company...
http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/from-waste-to-watts-city-of-rialto-teams/n20070508132209990026
Thanks jaratca. I posted a few times on that board. I guess we'll see how it goes from here.
Little humor for the week-end. You'll love it.
New pictures on ABEW's web site shows our 40 node system on display using multiple hardware platforms. Very cool.
TI's MSP430 chip getting ready for ZigBee!!!
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/txs/txs311.html
Microcontrollers cut costs
and power for metering
As utility companies adopt electronic meter reading technology to reduce costs while offering new services and energy-saving consumer options, Texas Instruments has begun sampling its 16MHz MSP430F47x4 ultra-low-power microcontrollers (MCUs) for single- and multiphase metering. By integrating up to four individual 16bit sigma delta analogue to digital convertors (ADCs), a 32 x 32bit hardware multiplier, a 160-segment LCD driver with contrast control, up to 60Kbyte of Flash memory and a real- time clock (RTC), the F47x4 devices enable a five-to-one reduction in system components.
TI's utility metering portfolio also includes devices targeted at water and gas metering, as well as power line communications (PLC) and radio frequency (RF) interfaces for automated meter reading (AMR).
With standby power consumption as low as 1.5uA, a meter based on these new devices allow utilities to drastically reduce overall system power wastage.
The F47x4 series of MCUs features several low-power modes allowing the meter to sleep with almost no power drain between readings.
An extremely fast wake-up brings the device to full clock speed within 6us; together with a fast shut-down, this 'instant-on' wake-up minimises time spent in active mode.
TI offers a broad portfolio of components to enable AMR-based electricity, water and gas metering.
The already available MSP430FE42xx series of devices includes an embedded signal processing (ESP) unit that integrates the metering function - including current and voltage measurement and power calculations, for faster system development and reduced BOM.
TI also offers dedicated solutions including a single-chip flow meter, the available MSP430FW42xx MCU, which features an embedded scan interface optimised for measuring rotation and AMR interface.
TI's Chipcon radio frequency (RF) technology, such as the CC1100, enables a wireless link between the meter and the meter reader.
This increases reading accuracy while lowering collection costs.
PLC offers utilities access to meter control and data over existing high power lines over distances up to 50km for robust performance in a variety of control and monitoring applications in industrial and other rugged environments.
TI's 32bit TMS320F28x digital signal controllers offer the performance and high integration required for data communications rates of up to 19.2Kbit/s in the in the sub500kHz frequency range, ideal for metering applications.
Electronic metering and AMR, estimated to grow to US $2.01 billion in North America by 2012 according to Frost and Sullivan, helps meet growing requirements for demand response and outage management features.
An electronic meter with AMR reads billing information, performs meter diagnostics and automatically communicates that information wirelessly or over existing power lines back to the utility.
Through frequent, accurate readings, AMR eliminates meter reading based on estimates and fluctuating customer billing.
Consumers can also become more educated when utilities display current rate information either on the meter or in the home.
Consumers can also volunteer to have their electricity usage remotely managed by the power company.
Utilities would then use AMR to reduce peak loads by remotely adjusting thermostats on high demand systems - such as customers' heating and cooling units.
This in turn reduces a customer's monthly bill and helps utilities better mange the load on their networks.
The MSP430F47x4 series of MCUs will be available for sampling in June through local TI sales offices.
In volume, the devices will start at US $7.50 in 1000-unit quantities.
TMS320F28x digital signal controllers and Chipcon RF devices are available in volume and start at US $3.25 and $0.99, respectively.
Microsoft rewards embedded excellence
Texas Instruments has been recognised by Microsoft with the North American Windows Embedded Partner Excellence Award 2007
MSP430 MCUs provide ultralow power consumption needed to extend battery life - over 12 plus years - eliminating costly ongoing meter service calls for battery replacement.
You better hurry. I know several people that are transfering funds to buy more within the next day or two. Some have already sold other stocks and are waiting for the funds to clear the mandatory three days.
Jaratca...I see this as a GREAT buying opportunity for anyone seeking to accumulate shares on the cheap. You'll notice that the sell-off happened at the very end of the trading day - which didn't give the buyers anytime to react.
I predict that we'll be right back in the .20's by next week at the latest.