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October 19, 2020

I always find it interesting to learn where certain idioms originated. Most times we don’t think about the history involved with these phrases when we use them, but some can have noteworthy origins. For instance, “riding shotgun” nowadays means sitting in the passenger seat of an automobile. However, it’s believed to come from the Old…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 28 - 2014 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product Programmable Control

Do-more H2 or Do-more T1H: How to choose

March 19, 2014

Which is better? A DirectLOGIC style Do-more or the new Terminator I/O style Do-more? The incredible power of the Do-more processor is now available in the popular Terminator I/O form factor. Functionally, both units have identical Do-more engines, so how do you know which one is better for your application? The answer is … It…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 26 – 2013 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Operator Interface Product

What you need to know about ViewMarq Displays Q&A

September 18, 2013

In the FYI article for this issue of Automation Notebook we sat down for a question and answer session with the product manager for our new ViewMarq Displays. Below you will find out what you need to know about AutomationDirect.com’s new ViewMarq Led Message Displays. Q. How many colors are displayed by a ViewMarq LED…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 19 – 2011 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product Safety

Safety Light Curtains

December 1, 2011

Safety light curtains are an advanced method of safeguarding personnel around hazardous machines through the use of photoelectric technology and a concept known as Control Reliability. Safety light curtains are a great alternative to other traditional guarding methods such as mechanical barriers, sliding gates and pull-back restraints; they reduce operator fatigue and offer flexibility and…

Automation Notebook FYI Issue 16 – 2010 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product Programmable Control

Productivity3000 FAQs

December 1, 2010

Q. What is a “PAC” and how is it different from your existing PLCs? A. PAC is the acronym for Programmable Automation Controller where PLC is the acronym for Programmable Logic Controller. The Wikipedia* definition for a PAC is broad, but accurate; “A Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) is a compact controller that combines the features and…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook Enclosures & Accessories FYI Issue 18 – 2010 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product

Enclosure Cooling Explained

September 1, 2010

What causes all that heat? There are basically two sources of heat which cause an electrical enclosure’s internal temperature to rise above the manufacturer’s recommended ratings for the control equipment: internal and external sources. Internal Sources The same items which can be damaged by heat may also be a key source of the heat. These…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 17 – 2010 Learning Resources Motors Notebook Issue Product

DC Motors Explained

June 1, 2010

How many types of DC motors are there? There are several types of DC motors, including shunt, series, compound wound or stabilized shunt, permanent magnet, and brushless DC. The main differences between these types of motors revolve around how the electromagnetic fields are generated. The IronHorse DC motors are Permanent Magnet motors: the magnetic field…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 13 – 2009 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product Programmable Control

CLICK™ PLC FAQs

December 1, 2009

Will the CLICK PLC work with my C-more and C-more Micro graphics panels? Yes. Currently the CLICK PLC driver is available in the C-more Micro panel with firmware version 0201001 or later, so native CLICK addresses are available. The CLICK PLC driver for C-more touch panels is currently under development and scheduled to be available soon. You can communicate…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 15 – 2009 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Pneumatics Product

Pneumatic Cylinders

September 1, 2009

Check out this Q&A about all things pneumatic cylinders! Q. What pneumatic cylinders and accessories are available from AutomationDirect? A. The NITRA A-Series non-repairable stainless steel round body cylinders includes bore sizes from 7/16” to 2” and stroke lengths from 1/2” to 18” to meet a broad range of applications. These high quality cylinders are…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook FYI Issue 14 – 2009 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Operator Interface Product

C-more Remote FAQs

March 1, 2009

Can I use the Remote Access feature if the C-more panel is inside a Firewall? Yes. In order to access C-more inside a firewall/router remotely, either a VPN connection must be used or “Port forwarding” must be set up in the router to allow the C-more Web server and Remote Access application to get through. When a TCP/IP message…

FYI

Additional Resources

PLC Handbook

Sinking and Sourcing Concepts

History of the PLC

What is a PLC?

Understanding Discrete & Analog I/O

Pneumatic Circuit Symbols Explained