In this issue of the Automation Notebook…
In each issue of the Automation Notebook we feature a section of brainteasers. These are the brainteaser answers from Issue 21, 2011 of the Automation Notebook. The brainteaser questions are repeated in black. The answers to the brainteaser questions are highlighted in red with explanations. You can view the brainteasers from Issue 21, 2011 without the answers…
1. Queue See The non-automated assembly line at Widgets”R”Us is notorious for its uneven quality – and its eccentric QC inspectors. After a full day’s production the three person Quality Control team evaluated the finished parts. Lisa initially flagged half of all the parts as defective, but on further inspection she cleared 10 of the…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCPneumaticsProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight
Southern Polytechnic Students Produce Pad Printing Machine
Students Sergio Acevedo and Randle Johnson are two of the first students to complete their degrees in Mechatronics Engineering at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, GA. The Mechatronics program at SPSU is a recent four-year degree offering, begun in 2007, which combines topics from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to prepare graduates…
You’ve determined that an open-loop motion control system will handle the accuracy and requirements of your application and therefore you have chosen to use a SureStep Stepping System. The following is a complete reference to the technical information available at this time from AutomationDirect which can aid you in understanding and selecting components and determining…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions
Small-Scale Hydroelectric Plant Promises Profit
If there’s access to a stream, the only requirements to generate electricity are a 2 ft. drop in water level and two gallons of flow per minute. A hydroelectric system isn’t overly complicated, it isn’t difficult to operate and maintain, it has longevity and it’s often more cost-effective than other forms of renewable power. Some…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology BriefVariable Speed Drives
Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)
This is part two of a two-part series on variable frequency drives. In Part One, we discussed how choosing the right variable frequency drive (VFD) can reduce energy consumption, improve realtime control, and lengthen motor life. Here are more expert tips to consider. Select the Proper Control Mode VFD control mode choice greatly depends on…
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueSIDirectSystem Integrators
IAS Corp.
IAS (Industrial Automation Specialists) began in a small rented office in Newport News, Virginia back in 1992. Since then, owner Kathy Burton and Vice President of Operations Preston Burton have built a reputation for accomplishing the impossible. With the motto, “There is always a way,” IAS Corp. continues to grow and now operates out of…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct
C-more Remote Access for iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®
In late 2009, AutomationDirect released the Remote Access and Control feature for the C-more operator interface product line. This feature allowed users to connect to a C-more panel via the Internet and remotely view and control the panel application as if they were on site. The primary objective was to add remote accessibility without requiring…
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: Industrial Ethernet Unmanaged Switches, 24 VDC Temperature Controllers, Multi-Wire Connectors, Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Air Cylinders, Compact Limit Switches, Wera Hand Tools, Modular Solenoid Valves, Modbus Gateway Communications Module, Basic Sensors, ProSense™ Pressure…
Automation NotebookCircuit ProtectionIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives
Motors and Drives
Premium Efficiency Motors The IronHorse™ general purpose AC motor line now includes cast iron three-phase premium efficiency motors available in horsepower ranges from 1 to 200 hp. Motors are available in speeds of 1200, 1800, and 3600 RPM and are electrically reversible. The three-phase industrial duty T-frame and TC-frame TEFC motors feature ribbed cast iron…
ApplicationAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook Issue
Internet Use Clicks with Machine, Robot Builders
Machine and robot builders are increasingly turning to the Internet for product research. The Internet has become a legitimate avenue for researching automation products needed by machine and robot builders, and the use of vendor websites is emerging as the primary method for doing product research. Control Design magazine began asking its readers about their…