What a Drag!
ApplicationAutomationDirect SpotlightDiscrete SensingEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 28 - 2014Machine ControlNotebook IssueProductRelays & TimersStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

What a Drag!

CO2 powered drag strip teaches students the science of speed. John Harpell’s 9th grade class at Moira Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario, Canada has built and automated a model racecar track for CO2 powered “dragsters” using various components from AutomationDirect. A CO2 powered dragster is a small lightweight vehicle fitted with a CO2 cartridge; think “pine-wood-derby on…
DataWorx with Do-more PLC support
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookData CollectionIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnology Brief

DataWorx with Do-more PLC support

AutomationDirect has partnered with BizWareDirect for several years, supplying DataWorx data collection and monitoring software for compatible DirectLOGIC programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Productivity3000 and WinPLC controllers. Previously, it had been necessary to purchase an OPC/DDE server and write code, or buy an HMI package, to collect data from AutomationDirect controllers. BizWareDirect’s data collection software makes…
Improving Pneumatic Energy Efficiency
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePneumaticsProductTech Thread

Improving Pneumatic Energy Efficiency

Following these tips and techniques can reduce pneumatic system energy costs by as much as 35 percent. Reducing energy consumption is a priority in manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities as electricity bills continue to rise due to green power and other government mandates. No company can afford to waste money by using machines or…
Product Snapshots - Issue 28, 2014
Automation NotebookIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots - Issue 28, 2014

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: Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for Enclosure Cooling, Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensors and Transmitters, NITRA® NFPA Cushioned Pneumatic Air Cylinders, FC Series Potentiometer and Bipolar Signal Conditioners, 30mm FW Series Photoelectric Sensors and more. Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers…
IronHorse, GSD Series DC Drives
Automation NotebookIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

IronHorse, GSD Series DC Drives

AutomationDirect’s IronHorse line of motors and drives now includes the GSD series of DC drives. IronHorse GSD1 series DC drives are high-performance Pulse-Width-Modulated (PWM) controllers for 12 to 36 volt battery/solar-powered equipment providing smooth control with high-efficiency operation. Design features include adjustable maximum/minimum speed, current limit, I.R. compensation, and acceleration. The adjustable current-limit feature protects…
Beyond the Machine: OEMs Provide System Integration
ApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook Issue

Beyond the Machine: OEMs Provide System Integration

Machine builders use technologies and expertise to provide system integration services that were once the realm of systems integrators and engineering firms. As automation systems become more integrated, the design, installation and commissioning of machines and robots on the factory floor can be a complex process. The machines must interact not only with existing production…
Merry Christmas 2013
Business Notes

Merry Christmas 2013

We hope you will enjoy this quick Christmas video from all of us at AutomationDirect. We sincerely want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Also, if you have time, the story below talks about how we get all the cool animations for our videos… [videoembed type=”youtube” align=”aligncenter” width=”640″ height=”360″ url=”https://youtu.be/X4uieZMIVi0″ id=”X4uieZMIVi0″] Cool Story…
Brainteaser Answers - Issue 27,2013
Automation NotebookIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueThe Break Room

Brainteaser Answers - Issue 27,2013

In each issue of the Automation Notebook we feature a section of brainteasers. These are the brainteaser answers from Issue 27, 2013 of the Automation Notebook. The brainteaser questions are repeated the answers are posted below each question. You can view the brainteasers from Issue 27, 2013 without the answers here: http://library.automationdirect.com/brainteasers-issue-27-2013 The ‘bot is in…
Switching to Do-more Saves Time
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData System MonitoringEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions

Switching to Do-more Saves Time

Almost 14 years ago, I converted the controls in my 80KW hydro electric plant, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, from custom micro-controller cards I developed while at Georgia Tech to the DirectLOGIC DL205 PLC with a D2-260 CPU. In 2013, it was time to make some upgrades to the plant by adding…