Cumming, GA — October 16, 2013 … AutomationDirect has supported competitive robotics at the local, regional and national levels for many years. This year, in addition to sponsoring the annual Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase (GRITS) competition, AutomationDirect also provided the very unique trophies awarded to the winners. What is GRITS? GRITS is a…
Cumming, GA — October 2, 2013 … AutomationDirect’s photoelectric sensor offering now includes DC models with extended sensing ranges. Offered in diffuse with background suppression and polarized retro-reflective models, the IP67 rated sensors feature round all metal housings with 30mm mounting bases fitted with an M12 quick-disconnect and easily replace standard 30mm mount rectangular photoelectric sensors. The…
Cumming, GA — October 2, 2013 … AutomationDirect has expanded its line of signal conditioners to include potentiometer and bipolar signal conditioners to solve various interface problems between PLCs and analog input devices. The FC-P3 is a 24 VAC/VDC potentiometer input to isolated analog output signal conditioner designed to convert resistive signals from a 10 kilohm potentiometer…
Cumming, GA — October 2, 2013 … AutomationDirect’s GH15 series of electric contactors now includes larger frame sizes. The new components are available in frames sizes of 79 mm to 145 mm and models are available up to 315 Amps. GH15 series IEC motor controls feature self-lifting pressure plate terminals for quick wiring terminations; actuator coils, in…
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…
The ‘bot is in Your CourtThe local robotics team has come up with a robot designed to automatically paint the lines on a standard tennis court. The only issue with the robot is that turning the paint on and off makes a mess, but the team has realized that going over a line twice will…
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…
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueSIDirectSystem Integrators
Get Linkedin with SIDirect
If you’re not familiar with it, LinkedIn is an online professional networking site used by businesses and individuals for recruiting and networking purposes. LinkedIn is home to more than 200 million users in over 200 countries/territories. However, there is more to LinkedIn than just jobs and resumes; LinkedIn can help with your business needs, connect…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData System MonitoringEducation/DIYFacilitiesIndustryIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightTest and Measurement
Students help Manufacturing Center See AND Do More
When the mechatronics students at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory, North Carolina, went looking for a suitable project to challenge their recently acquired PLC and HMI skills, they didn’t have to go far. The Problem The college’s Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) in nearby Conover needed a way to monitor the status of a…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProductTech Thread
Pressure Switch Basics and Selection Tips
Pressure switches are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. To meet the varying demands of these applications, numerous pressure switch designs are available. The key to selecting the best pressure switch for your application is understanding the differences in pressure switch designs. Read on to learn more about pressure switch…