This post really doesn’t have anything to do with OPC, but there is a thread of the same name going on Control.com that is just too funny.  It actually starts out as a serious question from a guy who’s had the air let out of his tires 11 times, and is looking for advice on motion detection technology.  The topics range from the legalities of electric fence devices, to human nature to a cockatoo that wanted some not-so-fresh air.  Who said techies can’t be funny?

I wonder if OPC could be used in this case.   My last rental car would display the tire pressure on the dash, and even warned when they where too low.  Handy feature since the left rear tire did have a slow leak.   I’m sure it’s possible to write an OPC server for the on-board computer.   (I know MatrikonOPC has written servers to pull real-time maintenance data off Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar and Komatsu engines.)   Then all you would need is a smart OPC client, like the MatrikonOPC Messenger to text you when the tire pressure went out of tolerance.  Bob’s your uncle and you got the guy… or cockatoo.   Of course a motion sensitive wireless webcam would work too, but wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.

Speaking of fun, just a reminder of the OPC Seminar in Long Beach, February 27^th.   I’m looking forward to chatting with a few of you over ‘refreshments’ after the seminar.