Morgan Collett, Author at Library.Automationdirect.com

Designated “First Messengers” Patlite Provides Critical Information

April 5, 2018

Some forms of communication are universal. In many countries, even though you might not speak the language, the signs for stop, go, and slow down are still understandable. The same goes for an emergency situation, we all know what a flashing red light means – danger, stop, or get away. Relaying critical messages is the…

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Are CLICK PLCs Really That Simple? - A DIY PLC Project

April 4, 2018

By now you know that CLICK PLCs are considered one of the easiest PLCs to use and the perfect choice for beginners and small applications. I know you know that, because I am one of the many who keeps bringing it up. As a technical marketer for AutomationDirect, my job is to let you know…

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What is a HMI? Human Machine Interface

April 2, 2018

It’s well known that human beings are visual creatures, and we would all choose a pretty picture over boring text any day. Just look at the popularity of image-based apps like Instagram or Snapchat and it’s obvious that images are king. But on the scientific side, it’s believed that our brains can process visual information…

Learning Resources Online Blog Product Programmable Control Simple PLC

How A Simple PLC Makes Automation Easy

April 2, 2018

2017 proved to be a stellar year for U.S. manufacturing with strong growth in 16 of the 18 manufacturing industries polled for ISM’s December 2017 survey. With machinery and computer and electronic products leading the way, U.S. manufacturing is expanding at a rate not seen in 13 years according to a BloombergMarkets article on the…

Learning Resources Online Blog Product Programmable Control

Using Commercial Off-the-Shelf Technologies in Industrial Controllers

March 23, 2018

Jeff Payne, the Automation Controls Group Product Manager at AutomationDirect, penned an article titled Product Design: Incorporating Commercial Technologies into Industrial Controllers for the February 2018 issue of Control Engineering. The article looked at some of the commercial off-the-shelf or COTS technologies used in industrial controllers. These technologies include Ethernet, FPGAs, USB, MicroSD and others….

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How to Handle Your Toughest Sensing Applications

March 13, 2018

Beyond the standard sensor types used in machine automation—such as photo eyes, limit switches and DC proximity sensors—are a wide range of color, contrast, AC proximity and area sensors. All of these sensors, as well as optical rotary encoders, are used to enable sorting, detection, error checking and positioning for machine automation.

AC Motors and Controls Motor Controls Motors Product

Overview of AC Motor Control Options

March 5, 2018

Most automatic controls involve AC motor control in some way, especially in factory automation. Applications such as pumps, fans, robotics, and conveyors use motors. Whether general-purpose 3-phase ac motors, which are great for simple on/off systems, or the inverter-duty motors specifically designed for operation with variable frequency drives (VFDs), one could say that motors are ubiquitous…

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Mersen | Protecting the World’s Devices from Surges

March 2, 2018

Imagine that you are snuggled under blankets on your couch at home one rainy evening watching the season finale of your favorite TV show. Suddenly, with two minutes left in the show, the power flickers for just a brief moment. Then, your TV goes dark and won’t turn back on. You rush to your computer…

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Is Tubing or Hose Best for Your Pneumatics Application?

March 1, 2018

Chip McDaniel, Technical Marketing at AutomationDirect wrote an article titled Tubing versus Hose in Pneumatic Systems for the February 2018 issue of Fluid Power World. The article looked at some of the differences between tubing and hose, and related fittings—and at best practices for design, selection and implementation of each. Tubing and hose play a…

AC Motors and Controls Product Variable Speed Drives

How to Select a Variable Frequency Drive

February 26, 2018

It may be tempting to size a variable frequency drive (VFD) based on horsepower alone. Did you know there are six other factors you should take into consideration to ensure that you specify the correct AC drive for your application? Six Factors to Consider When Choosing a VFD: Full Load Amperage Overload Application Type Altitude…

Morgan Collett

About author

Designated “First Messengers” Patlite Provides Critical Information

Are CLICK PLCs Really That Simple? - A DIY PLC Project

What is a HMI? Human Machine Interface

How A Simple PLC Makes Automation Easy

Using Commercial Off-the-Shelf Technologies in Industrial Controllers

How to Handle Your Toughest Sensing Applications

Overview of AC Motor Control Options

Mersen | Protecting the World’s Devices from Surges

Is Tubing or Hose Best for Your Pneumatics Application?

How to Select a Variable Frequency Drive

Additional Resources

About author

Additional Resources

AutomationDirect PLC eBook

Practical Guide to AC Motors and Control Options

PLC Communications – Coming of Age

Programmable Controllers | AutomationDirect

Understanding Discrete & Analog I/O

What is a PLC?