A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 3: Design
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnical ReviewTerminal Blocks & Wiring

A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 3: Design

In Part 2 (Spring 2005 Issue 4), we covered how to specify the various devices required for interfacing and controlling the electrical equipment in an automated control system. In Part 3, we will cover the steps needed to design our automated control system. The design topics will include planning by defining our sequence of operation,…
Numbering Systems Explained
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueTech Thread

Numbering Systems Explained

There are several types of numbering systems typically used in automation equipment: Binary, Hexadecimal, Octal, BCD and Floating Point (Real). How to use them can be confusing. This article, from our Technical Support web page, explains the different numbering systems.  Binary Numbers Computers, including PLCs, use the Base 2 numbering system called Binary or Boolean….
Downtime Monitoring With PLC Technology
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionData System MonitoringIndustryIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions

Downtime Monitoring With PLC Technology

When our company set out to design a basic system for monitoring downtime on customers’ factory machines, we were new to using PLCs and related technology. Four years later, by incorporating products from AutomationDirect, we are now able to offer our customers a comprehensive system for tracking uptime, downtime, production, efficiency, and more. Comprehensive Tracking…
The Evolutionary PLC: Past, Present and Future
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookCommunicationsIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control

The Evolutionary PLC: Past, Present and Future

Everyone knows there’s only one constant in the technology world and that’s change – inevitable change. This is highly evident in the evolution of PLCs and their varied applications. Let’s take a look at yesterday’s focus and more importantly, today’s and beyond. Preparing and equipping users to meet the challenges of technological change head-on is…
Product Snapshots – Issue 5, 2005
Automation NotebookIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots – Issue 5, 2005

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: DataNet OPCSoftware,  Edison line of fuse products, Ethernet Communication Module H0-ECOM100. DataNet OPC™ Software Is Here AutomationDirect now offers DataNet OPC by BizWareDirect. This new software product keeps people connected to plant operations,…
2005 DARPA Grand Challenge
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable Control

2005 DARPA Grand Challenge

“After preliminary testing of our vehicle, and the subsequent breaking of a couple of welds, we’ve come to a few conclusions. First, our steering actuator has a lot more power than we really need! Second, we never should have attempted to test the steering system without the use of the encoder feedback. And third, we…
EN418 Directive
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookControl & Signaling DevicesIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief

EN418 Directive

With compliance to code and safety regulations continually taking on a more influential role across the industry, we will focus on European Machine Safety Directive EN418. Eaton/Cutler-Hammer supplied source information that has been compiled for the benefit of our readers. EN418 – What is it? EN418 is the European Standard for the Safety of Machinery…
Rhino Series Offers Variable DC Switching Power Supplies
Automation NotebookElectrical PowerIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProduct

Rhino Series Offers Variable DC Switching Power Supplies

AutomationDirect now offers the RHINO line of power supplies, which includes several new metal and plastic-housed switching supply models. The new RHINO PSM series power supplies are industrial grade switching DC output supplies with a sturdy steel case to withstand harsh environments. Autoselect inputs for 115 VAC or 230 VAC and international agency approvals make…