In this issue, we are especially honored to have Larry Berardinis as our guest writer with a special focus on the U.S manufacturing sector. Innovative technology has altered the way many businesses operate today. While concerns of outsourcing abound, U.S. manufacturers are working toward increased efficiencies as a key competitive driver as they strive to keep manufacturing here.
– TJ Johns
Senior Editor
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 9, 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 9, 2007 without the answers…
Best in Show The business I worked for some time ago was acquired by a large, multi-national company, and we were initially maintained as an independent subsidiary including our own sales channel. We were requested to maintain the separation from the parent company especially with regards to their sales channel. However, we had some very…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control
DL205 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the more commonly asked questions pertaining to our DL205 family of PLCs. For a more complete list, go to the Technical Support page of our Web site. Question: Is the DL205 system expandable? Answer: PLC systems with a D2-250-1 or D2-260 CPU can be expanded using the D2-EM Expansion module and D2-CM…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductRelays & TimersTechnical Review
Electromechanical Relays Versus Solid-State: Each Has Its Place
Since the introduction of solid-state relays some decades ago, the debate over which is better, solidstate relays (SSRs) or electromechanical relays (EMRs), has gone on. The general answer is neither, as each one has good and bad points. But in terms of specific application requirements, clear winners emerge. The Argument for Solid-State Relays When used…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread
Welcome PAC: Moving On To The Next Generation Controller
Log on to any industrial control discussion forum, and you will read passionate debates about the advantages and disadvantages of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) compared to PC-based control. Amongst the PLC/PC debates, there most likely were some threads discussing PACs, which begs the question, “What the heck is a PAC?” PAC, a new acronym, stands…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFacilitiesFeature StoryIndustryIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlSecurity
Anti-Terrorist Barriers Help Protect Facilities
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the need for perimeter security of potentially threatened facilities has increased dramatically. To accomplish this, several facilities around the globe have been installing devices called anti-terrorist barriers, used as added protection against invasion of potentially dangerous vehicles. Domestically, these anti-terrorist devices can be found at Federal Reserve…
Automation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesMotor ControlsNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief
Semiconductor Breakthroughs Promise Smaller, Faster Chips
Computer chips are always getting smaller and faster – right? Historically, this has been the trend. This trend was first observed by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in 1965, and the term “Moore’s Law” was coined several years later. For over forty years this “law” has held, chips have gotten more complex, and transistors have shrunk…
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, accumulated more experience and awards in their sophomore 2006-2007 season. Teams compete in alliances of three in a game that changes every year. Robots are built in…
Automation NotebookBusiness NotesEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue
Biofuels Becoming A Focal Point Of Alternative Fuels
Biofuel can be defined as the process of converting organic-based matter into burnable fuel as a replacement for fossil fuel. It is a renewable energy source, unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal, and nuclear fuels. The production of biofuels has been in active development for years, most recently spurred on by President George…
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: AboutPLCs.com, learn.automationdirect.com, C-more micro additions, and Fusible and Non-Fusible Disconnect Switches. AboutPLCs.com Is All About PLCs AutomationDirect’s newest product-focused Web site features PLCs. AboutPLCs.com pulls together information on the specification, selection, configuration and…
AutomationDirect announces the addition of current sensors to its product offerings. The AcuAMP series is a family of high performance current sensors offering outstanding features, flexibility, and durability. Backed with a five-year warranty, the complete line of current sensors, transducers, and switches will provide dependable service for virtually any application. The ACT series current transducers,…
ApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook Issue
Made in America
Opinions abound, but the facts show U.S. manufacturing to be a global powerhouse evolving to meet tomorrow’s changing needs. Since the early American settlers began making their own goods in their new homeland, U.S. manufacturing has been an engine of incredible wealth. In simply meeting the essential needs of life – providing food, clothing, shelter,…