ProSense Q&A
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 11 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProduct

ProSense Q&A

When selecting a pressure sensor, what factors should I consider? There are three primary considerations when selecting a pressure sensor; pressure values the system will have, temperature of the process material and the compatibility of the sensor with the process fluid. System pressure values – the normal working pressure should be below the maximum range of…
What About PC Control?
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 11 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control

What About PC Control?

Control fads have come and control fads have gone, but through it all Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have withstood the test of time. However, there are times when the basic ladder logic programmed PLC is not the best answer to your control solution. Enter PC-based control … PC-Based Control PC-based control (application control from a…
What Do The NEMA Ratings Mean?
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesIssue 11 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnical Review

What Do The NEMA Ratings Mean?

NEMA Ratings for Enclosures This article defines of some NEMA Ratings for enclosures that are used in industrial settings. Along with a description clarifying what each NEMA rating actually means, is an explanation on what the enclosures are typically used for. NEMA 1 NEMA 1 enclosures are typically used for protecting controls and terminations from…
FAQs for SureServo AC Servo Drives
+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…
Finding and Selecting a System Integrator
+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…
Electromechanical Relays Versus Solid-State: Each Has Its Place
+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…
Welcome PAC: Moving On To The Next Generation Controller
+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…
Sensors Frequently Asked Questions
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookDiscrete SensingFYIIssue 7 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProduct

Sensors Frequently Asked Questions

AutomationDirect’s Technical Support Team has compiled a list of customer frequently asked questions for many of our products. The complete listing can be found on the technical support page of our Web site. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions regarding our sensors. 1. Q: How do inductive proximity sensors work? A: Inductive proximity…