AutomationNotebook Issue 8
(Download PDF)

In this issue, evidence of our continuing growth abounds. We have an article featuring System Integrators, OEMs and End Users describing unique ways they’re using AutomationDirect products. The technical articles will answer questions about servo drives and choosing the right PLC for your application. There’s also an article about the DARPA Challenge for autonomous vehicles, which is scheduled for later this year.

– TJ Johns
Senior Editor

In this issue of the Automation Notebook…

Automation NotebookIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueThe Break Room

Brainteaser Answers - Issue 8, 2007

In each issue of the Automation Notebook we feature a section of brainteasers. These are the brainteaser answers from Issue 8, 2007  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 8, 2007 without the answers…
Automation NotebookIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueThe Break Room

Brainteasers - Issue 8, 2007

Flag…Christmas tree…Flag In 2002, AutomationDirect erected a 100 foot tall stainless steel flag pole to show our support for our country. A 30 foot by 60 foot flag was raised to wave beautifully at all the passersby. Over the years, we’ve received letters from some of those passersby telling us how inspiring it is to…
Automation NotebookFYIIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductVariable Speed Drives

Training Tools for AutomationDirect Product Users

As companies continue to increase employee responsibilities and less time is available for away-from-the-office training and seminars, the Internet has become a valuable tool for training and information gathering. With live Web seminars, online classes, video tutorials and many other resources, it’s easy to find information on almost any subject you can think of. At…
Issue 8 – 2007Notebook IssueTechnical Review

"Considerations for Choosing a PLC" Worksheet - Issue 8, 2007

This worksheet is intended to function as a checklist of the most important areas to consider when researching a PLC. Click Here To Download and Print Worksheet Use the following guidelines for completing the checklist: Determine whether your system is new or existing: Will your system be installed from scratch or are there existing products already…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProductTech Thread

FAQs for SureServo AC Servo Drives

Since the release of the SureServo AC servo drives, we have compiled a list of questions that are frequently asked by our customers. The following are answers to some of those questions. What power voltages does the SureServo require?  The SureServo requires 220 VAC single-phase to power the smaller drives and 3-phase for larger systems. There…
Automation NotebookBusiness NotesCompany TopicsIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesNewsNotebook Issue

FIRST Robotics Team Developing Segway Companion Product

The Forsyth Alliance, a team of high school students sponsored by AutomationDirect that participates in the FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, is working with an Alpharetta, Georgia Segway distributor to develop a companion product to the Segway, the two-wheeled automated people mover created by Dean Kamen (also founder…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlWater/Wastewater

Process Analyzer Uses WinPLC To Monitor Cyanide Destruction

NEXTChem Process Analyzers, LLC produces chemical process analyzers for industries such as metal treatment, metal finishing, chemical, wastewater, and pulp and paper. The analyzers automate laboratory measurements used for process control. Some of NEXTChem’s customers include a large aerospace company who uses the analyzer for measuring caustic cleaner for jet engine parts, and a major…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEntertainmentIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives

Systems Integrator Brings Automation Into Skydiving

Thrill seekers around the world are forever looking for the next big adrenaline rush. More of them are finding that thrill through indoor skydiving, which is quickly becoming a way to satisfy the desire for excitement, and yet remove the element of danger. Indoor Skydiving Indoor skydiving facilities have been in existence globally for several…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlTechnology Brief

Team Mojavaton Tackles DARPA’s Latest “Urban Challenge”

The 2007 Urban Challenge, held by DARPA, is the third in a series of races for unmanned vehicles. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is the central research and development organization for the Department of Defense (DOD). DARPA is using the series of races to foster advances in technology for autonomous vehicles to meet…
AgricultureApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryFood and BeverageIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Poultry Farm Utilizes PLC Control To Increase Efficiency

In the New England town of Monroe, New Hampshire, you’ll find picturesque settings filled with family-owned dairy and poultry farms. Situated in the Connecticut River valley at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest is a poultry farm, called Pete and Gerry’s Organics, with something to crow about. Pete and Gerry’s Organics has found…
Issue 8 – 2007NewsNotebook IssuePress Releases

AutomationDirect Introduces C-more Micro-Graphic Operator Interfaces

AutomationDirect has released a new line of low-cost operator panels. The C-more Micro-Graphic panel is a touch panel with a text panel price, manufactured by our parent company Koyo Electronics, part of the multi-billion dollar JTEKT group. C-more Micro-Graphic panels are compact operator panels available in touch screen and non-touch screen models. The 3.1″ easy-to-read…
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook Issue

Finding and Selecting a System Integrator

Successful automation projects depend on a number of factors, from process definition to system installation. The number of automation vendors, software components, hardware components, and related automation stuff is growing. As the products and product sets have become more complex, more end users are turning to system integrators to help them in product selection, development…