Section News
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Review
of August Meetings
August
ECN Meeting: Tom Kaminski outlined his recent work to
provide cellular modem coverage for a non-profit organization
driving around the state. He also discussed possible
approaches to get better 4G cellular phone data rates in a home with
poor cell coverage. Several others provided their solutions to
the cellular data problem. Follow-up: Tom's bi-directional
amplifier/antennas did not work. The cellular modem is working
well around the state.
August Section Meeting: Steven
Nelson gave a comprehensive presentation entitled "Ethics for
Electrical Engineers". He first discussed the relevant law and
regulations for the professional engineer (PE) starting with the
specific Wisconsin Rules and Regulations. He specifically
discussed the difference between "shall" and "may", the former
required, the later optional. Next, the Wisconsin Administrative
Code covering the "Professional Rules of Conduct" was
reviewed. He also covered the Code of Ethics for both the IEEE
and the National Society of Professional Engineers. The second
hour covered detailed cases that Steven has worked on and what
happens when things go wrong. Steven mentioned that for the
most part, engineers he has worked with are ethical and truthful,
being trained as problem solvers. That is less so the case for
his profession (Lawyers). In fact, Steven mentioned that
sometimes engineers have to be reminded to be truthful, but to just
answer questions posed and not volunteer other information.
Attendees were given 2 PDH hours and the course should meet the
requirement for the Wisconsin PE re-certification.
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Upcoming
Meetings
September Joint Section and LMAG
Meeting: Professor Robert Lasseter will give a talk on
the emerging microgrid technology. Despite having retired,
Dr. Lasseter is heavily involved in this important new area.
His understanding of the pertinent technical issues will help us
to understand this increasingly important technology for
distributed power generation. The meeting is at Sequoya
Library. Note the parking restrictions for on-street parking
near the library.
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Vote: IEEE
Elections
By now you should have
been informed on-line or with a mailed notice about the open IEEE
elections. This year's vote is particularly important
because of a proposed change in the bylaws. The proposed
amendment has generated a lot of controversy. At least four
of the IEEE Societies (PES, PELS, RAS, and CS) have sent messages
asking members to reject the amendment. Please review the
issues and VOTE. (Editor's Note: I voted on-line and
almost missed the vote on the amendment. It is the first
entry you vote on, but is "hidden" in the instructions.
Based on the vocal opposition of societies I am a member of and
contact with delegates to the past few IEEE conferences, I decided
to vote against the amendment.)
You can access the on-line ballot and learn about the candidate's
positions by following this voting
link. The process also lets you review candidate's
statements prior to voting for them. You will need an IEEE login
to vote on-line. You can access your account (or create on
if you do not yet have one) by visiting this IEEE
account page.
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Volunteers Needed
Micro Volunteers: Do you
have some time to spare to help IEEE-Madison Section?
Perhaps you have a meeting topic that you would like to see us
host and could find a speaker. Maybe you have time to call
a few members who might have forgotten to renew their
membership.
Please consider sending some time helping with the Section
activities. Let me know (tjkaminski (at) ieee.org).
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