The early 20th Century was full of technological advances and great historical moments. In 1928, Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were in the news for their famous feats of flying. The first television broadcasts began to appear on tiny black and white screens. Mickey Mouse was making movies – with sound. And, sliced bread made…
AutomationDirect has added a new line of distributed field I/O to its product offering. The new Protos X expansion I/O allows you to easily add low-cost I/O points to your programmable logic controller (PLC) or PC-based control system without investing in additional controllers. Designed to save space, a single Protos X system can save users…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control
Ethernet/IP Protocol FAQs
EtherNet/IP™ is a widely used industrial communications protocol governed by ODVA Inc. The EtherNet/IP protocol combines standard Ethernet technology with the media-independent Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to create what is considered the world’s number one industrial Ethernet network. Here we review some of the features and answer several frequently asked questions about EtherNet/IP and its…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePneumaticsPneumatics MoreProduct
Pneumatic Cylinder Design Factors
Pneumatic systems are widely used for many reasons. They’re durable, clean, affordable, and fairly easy to install and maintain. They move loads in a variety of ways: pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, and rotating. And they can handle widely varying payloads. While not ultra-precise in terms of positioning capabilities, they are accurate enough for countless applications….
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYHMIIndustryIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives
Technical College Students Understand Protective Relays
Protective relays are specialized devices designed to sense abnormal conditions in electric power systems, commanding circuit breakers to trip or close when needed. These relays are absolutely essential to the reliable operation of the electric power generating stations, substations, transmission lines, and distribution systems that comprise any large-scale electric power grid; they are increasingly finding…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEducation/DIYHMIIndustryIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlTest and MeasurementVariable Speed Drives
Automation Improves Alternator Test System
Opening the hood of your car will reveal a mass of cables and hoses running around the engine block. Somewhere in there is an alternator, which helps keep your car supplied with electric power when it’s running. When an alternator goes bad, most mechanics will replace it with a used unit that has been remanufactured,…
AutomationDirect’s new APS series inductive proximity sensors are IP67-rated rectangular compact DC sensors available in top or front sensing models with 2.5mm and 4mm sensing ranges. Available in two-wire or three-wire configurations, the 10-30 VDC high-frequency oscillation type sensors are fitted with polycarbonate unshielded housings and LED status indicators. The APS series is available with…
Can you tell me what is missing from the image below? What “tool” has become almost necessary in our industrial field? A “tool” that can calculate conduit bend radiuses, determine electrical wire sizing, provide up-to-date codes and regulations, keep you safe and even tell you the weather outside. That’s right, you guessed it. I’m speaking…
Tag based PLC controllers are not necessarily a new thing to the industry. However, the true power and benefits of using them is something that is still talked about in many circles. Below are some of our thoughts on the power of tag based controllers! FREEDOM!!! So what does Freedom mean to you? What comes…
In Switzerland, where just over 4% of companies have women as their CEO, Contrinex stands out with Annette Heimlicher leading the organization. Even in the Fortune 1000 companies, women represent only 5.2% of the CEO position. This demonstrates how Contrinex is at the forefront of the world’s largest companies. Since 2012, Heimlicher has held the position of CEO…