1. Where can I obtain the IEC 60870-5 Specification Documents?.

The IEC 60870-5 specification documents are only available through the IEC or authorized sales outlets. The IEC web site allows online purchase of the documents. From the IEC website www.iec.ch, select "IEC Web Store" and then select "Search and Buy". Enter a publication number of "60870-5". This will give a list of the documents and the format they are available in (hard-copy, Adobe Acrobat PDF, and CD-ROM).

For a list of authorized sales outlets for IEC documents, see: www.iec.ch/cs1sot-e.htm

There are two addenda for IEC 60870-5-101 which are not available for purchase at this time. The first is still in the official IEC draft/comment/voting stages. The second is still being revised in Technical Committee 57 Working Group 3. Your national standards body should have access to these drafts as they become available, and may be able to provide a copy of these to you for comment.

2. How do I post a message to the list?

Send your email message to iec60870-5@TriangleMicroWorks.com. The list is unmoderated and all messages are sent to the list.


3. How do I subscribe to the list?

Complete the form on the Join/Quit Page of the web site and press the "subscribe".


4. How do I unsubscribe from the list?

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5. Who do I contact for help?

The list is administered by Jim Coats. You may contact him at jcoats@TriangleMicroWorks.com for help regarding the list, or on any (protocol-related?) topic, or just to say hello.


6. Who may join the list?

Anyone with an interest in the topics of the list may join. We invite and welcome members of all companies and academic institutions, including researchers, end users, integrators, and suppliers, to join and actively participate.


7. I am getting two (or more) copies of all mail. Help.

This occurs because you have joined twice under different email addresses. If you have a work and a home email account, you may have joined under one email account at each. Examine the duplicates and note the email addresses. Unsubscribe one of them using the Join/Quit Page.


8. If I note some postings that are inappropriate should I reply?

You could, but normally the administrator of the list will contact the offender in private (i.e. off the list). Better to contact  jcoats@TriangleMicroWorks.com and let him know your concerns. This avoids "flame wars". Or email the offender directly if you wish.


9. How often are the Guidelines and FAQ posted to the list?

Approximately once a month.


10. Can I use the list for commercial purposes?

Blatant advertising is frowned on in most mailing lists as it is unsolicited, and the recipient has no choice but to receive the advertisement. However it is normal practice to include your company affiliation in your signature file (at the end of the message). The best advertising is to participate in the discussions and contribute.

This matter has been discussed on other maillists. The consensus has been that notice of tenders, job offers, and requests for consulting work are appropriate (a service to the subscribers). Commercial announcements are not.


11. Who is responsible for the content of my posting?

You are. The list is not moderated. Everything sent gets distributed. Please be responsible with your postings.