We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including: AboutPLCs.com, learn.automationdirect.com, C-more micro additions, and Fusible and Non-Fusible Disconnect Switches. AboutPLCs.com Is All About PLCs AutomationDirect’s newest product-focused Web site features PLCs. AboutPLCs.com pulls together information on the specification, selection, configuration and…
AutomationDirect announces the addition of current sensors to its product offerings. The AcuAMP series is a family of high performance current sensors offering outstanding features, flexibility, and durability. Backed with a five-year warranty, the complete line of current sensors, transducers, and switches will provide dependable service for virtually any application. The ACT series current transducers,…
ApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook Issue
Made in America
Opinions abound, but the facts show U.S. manufacturing to be a global powerhouse evolving to meet tomorrow’s changing needs. Since the early American settlers began making their own goods in their new homeland, U.S. manufacturing has been an engine of incredible wealth. In simply meeting the essential needs of life – providing food, clothing, shelter,…
You Get What You Pay For A popular story within the cruise line industry relates that on April 12, 1912, a British citizen, Mr. Ralph Henderson, successfully argued that he shouldn’t have to pay the full rate for his outside cabin on his cruise ship. Henderson pointed out that the ship was new and its…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookDiscrete SensingFYIIssue 7 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProduct
Sensors Frequently Asked Questions
AutomationDirect’s Technical Support Team has compiled a list of customer frequently asked questions for many of our products. The complete listing can be found on the technical support page of our Web site. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions regarding our sensors. 1. Q: How do inductive proximity sensors work? A: Inductive proximity…
The glossary below is an excerpt from Jon Stenerson’s “Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers, Sensors, and Communications”. For the complete list, go to the Technical Support section of the AutomationDirect Web site. Common Automation Terms • Accumulated value: Applies to the use of timers and counters. The accumulated value is the present count or time. • Accuracy: The…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookDiscrete SensingIssue 7 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTech Thread
Sensor Trends
Because of certain drawbacks of physical contact style sensors and switches such as limit switches and float switches, newer technology non-contact style sensors have become prevalent in industry, performing well in many applications. Proximity, photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors can be used in many applications for which they were previously never considered. These non-contact sensors are…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionHMIIndustryIssue 7 – 2006Learning ResourcesManufacturingManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions
Improving Factory Workers’ Efficiency is All in a Name
As most everyone is aware, from a business standpoint, we live in a numbers-based society. In all businesses, whether a small company with a dozen employees or a large conglomerate of thousands, the focus is on the bottom line. Executives are scrutinizing annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and even daily reports to determine how productivity is…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 7 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control
Iboxes...The Latest Craze
In our last issue of Automation Notebook we introduced you to DirectSOFT5 (version 5.0), the latest version of programming software available for the DirectLOGIC PLCs. DirectSOFT5 received an overall facelift including selectable themes, configurable toolbars, dockable and floatable views, HTML help files, and a helpful “Tip of the Day” feature. However, the most notable improvement to the software…
MAPI Reports Solid Manufacturing Growth In 2006, Predicts Slightly Slower In 2007 According to a recent press release from MAPI, a leading executive development and business research organization, solid growth for the manufacturing sector in 2006 will likely be followed by some deceleration in 2007. According to the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Industrial Outlook (ER-607e), first…