AutomationDirect introduces IronHorse DC Drives
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AutomationDirect introduces IronHorse DC Drives

Cumming, GA — December 18, 2013 … AutomationDirect’s IronHorse line of motors and drives now includes the GSD series of DC drives. IronHorse GSD1 series DC drives are high-performance Pulse-Width-Modulated (PWM) controllers for 12 to 36 volt battery/solar-powered equipment providing smooth control with high-efficiency operation. Design features include adjustable maximum/minimum speed, current limit, I.R. compensation, and acceleration. The…
AutomationDirect Offers Additional Signal Conditioners
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AutomationDirect Offers Additional Signal Conditioners

Cumming, GA — October 2, 2013 … AutomationDirect has expanded its line of signal conditioners to include potentiometer and bipolar signal conditioners to solve various interface problems between PLCs and analog input devices. The FC-P3 is a 24 VAC/VDC potentiometer input to isolated analog output signal conditioner designed to convert resistive signals from a 10 kilohm potentiometer…
Switching to Do-more Saves Time
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Switching to Do-more Saves Time

Almost 14 years ago, I converted the controls in my 80KW hydro electric plant, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, from custom micro-controller cards I developed while at Georgia Tech to the DirectLOGIC DL205 PLC with a D2-260 CPU. In 2013, it was time to make some upgrades to the plant by adding…
Students help Manufacturing Center See AND Do More
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData System MonitoringEducation/DIYFacilitiesIndustryIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightTest and Measurement

Students help Manufacturing Center See AND Do More

When the mechatronics students at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory, North Carolina, went looking for a suitable project to challenge their recently acquired PLC and HMI skills, they didn’t have to go far. The Problem The college’s Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) in nearby Conover needed a way to monitor the status of a…
Pressure Switch Basics and Selection Tips
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Pressure Switch Basics and Selection Tips

Pressure switches are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. To meet the varying demands of these applications, numerous pressure switch designs are available. The key to selecting the best pressure switch for your application is understanding the differences in pressure switch designs. Read on to learn more about pressure switch…
Industrial Ethernet or Fieldbus Network?
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Industrial Ethernet or Fieldbus Network?

With only about a quarter of the overall installed base of industrial networking using 4-20 mA and other hardwired methods, fieldbus communication systems are becoming the de facto choice for automation. Now the debate is shifting to the question of whether fieldbus-based networks will remain the standard or if it will be supplanted by industrial…
DaMan Revealed During the Final Four Activities in Atlanta
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DaMan Revealed During the Final Four Activities in Atlanta

Earl Bouse, with E. Larue Enterprises in Dahlonega, GA., has been developing his idea of the “perfect” automated basketball defender for the last two and a half years. Although Bouse says that his DaMan creation is not quite ready for prime time, he is ready for prospective customer feedback and field tests.
What you need to know about ViewMarq Displays Q&A
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 26 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

What you need to know about ViewMarq Displays Q&A

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…
Automation ‘Lifts’ Purdue Theater Production of Medea
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYEntertainmentIndustryIssue 26 – 2013Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Automation ‘Lifts’ Purdue Theater Production of Medea

From Wikipedia[1]: “A mechane (pron.: /’mɛkəniː/; Greek: μηχανή, mēkhanē) or machine was a crane used in Greek theatre, especially in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Made of wooden beams and pulley systems, the device was used to lift an actor into the air, usually representing flight. This stage machine was particularly used to bring gods…
Understanding Encoders | White Paper
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Understanding Encoders | White Paper

Encoders are used to determine the position, velocity and direction of a motor shaft or other mechanical motion. They provide information required for the precise control of a variety of applications, such as positioning a rotary table, pick and place, machine assembly, packaging, robotics and more. Regardless of type, all encoders provide a method of orientation detection that’s used as…