Generators efficiently convert low-grade waste heat from diesel generators into power. Joe Thibedeau, a control systems engineer with ElectraTherm, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Power titled Innovative Technology Captures Energy from Waste Heat. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Dutch Harbor power plant in the ... Read More
Cloud technologies enable remote connectivity for industrial applications, but can introduce issues unless built from the ground up with cybersecurity in mind. Jonathan Griffith, product manager for Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Secure Remote Connections with Cloud Technologies. Here’s a summary, ... Read More
Do you have an HMI project coming up? Here are some helpful tips and guidelines for you to remember during your planning and implementation. 1. Story Boards are a Good Start A good starting point for HMI design is a text-based outline documenting each screen’s content. With the operator’s point-of-view and ease-of-use in mind, detail ... Read More
There are two leading methods exist for establishing mobile HMI connectivity, with one providing more cybersecurity. Jonathan Griffith, product manager for Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the September 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Selecting HMI Remote Access Options. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the ... Read More
Human-machine interfaces are available with many hardware and software features. Users should work backwards from the target application to make sure all needs are addressed. Bill Dehner, a Technical Marketing Manager at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the June 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Choosing the Right HMI. Here’s a summary, click on the ... Read More
Specifying performance instead of parts when purchasing machines and process skids cuts costs, reduces lead time and guarantees reliable operation. Bill Dehner, Automation Specialist at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the June 2019 issue of Applied Automation titled Specifying performance instead of parts. Here is a summary of the article, click on the link above ... Read More
Most plant floor workers already carry mobile devices, so using them to access, control and monitor equipment is a natural next step. The September 2018 issue of Control Design magazine featured a cover story spotlighting new and better ways for delivering a mobile industrial operator interface experience. Titled A Better Interface, the article presented input ... Read More
Upgrading to a modern control system platform with the help of a local system integrator transforms a rock crushing plant from manual to fully automatic operation. By Todd Timpa, Assistant General Manager at CTC Crushing Impact Sand and Gravel is the leading supplier of aggregate and sand in the Las Vegas area, producing and distributing ... Read More
There are several ways to perform IIoT remote monitoring of PLCs and HMIs, with VPN connections providing the highest level of security. Bill Dehner, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the Jan/Feb 2019 issue of InTech magazine titled IIoT Remote Monitoring. A summary is below, please click here for the full text. ... Read More
The automation and electrical system on a large, 82-year-old cylinder honing machine was replaced with a variety of AutomationDirect hardware to improve cycle time, safety and quality. Andrew Marks, Maintenance Foreman and Master Electrician at Exline Leasing Inc., wrote an article for the January 2019 issue of Control Design magazine, titled Honing in on Machine ... Read More
