AutomationNotebook Issue 27
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In this issue our cover story explores whether industrial Ethernet will fully replace fieldbus networks. Also in this issue, you’ll find how to access 3D models of our products,  how a group of students used the Do-more PLC to monitor a textile testing facility and, how the Do-more PLC replaced a DL205 CPU in a hydroelectric plant.

– TJ Johns
Senior Editor

In this issue of the Automation Notebook…

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…
Automation NotebookIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueThe Break Room

Brainteasers - Issue 27, 2013

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…
Automation NotebookCompany TopicsIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNewsNotebook IssueTechnology Brief

How to Access AutomationDirect 3D Models

AutomationDirect offers 3D models of their private label and brand label products. These 3D models are available via TracePartsonline.net, a provider of free CAD parts libraries. To obtain 3D models for AutomationDirect products simply locate the product and download to your PC. [hozbreak] Locating the 3D Model There are two methods for locating the 3D…
+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…
Automation NotebookIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots - Issue 27,2013

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: ProSense Flow Switches and Mechanical Pressure Switches, More Enclosure Air Conditioners, Enclosure Filter Fan Kits and Exhaust Grilles,  PTFE and Stabilized PUR Pneumatic Tubing, Stainless Steel Pneumatic Fittings, A New…
Automation NotebookCommunicationsCover StorieseBookIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProduct

Industrial Ethernet or Fieldbus Network?

With only about a quarter of the overall installed base of industrial networking using 4-20 mA and other hardwired methods, fieldbus communication systems are becoming the de facto choice for automation. Now the debate is shifting to the question of whether fieldbus-based networks will remain the standard or if it will be supplanted by industrial…