2015 Engineers’ Choice Awards
Business NotesCompany TopicsIssue 32 - 2015NewsNotebook IssueOnline OnlyProductProgrammable Control

2015 Engineers’ Choice Awards

The annual Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Awards program recognizes categories of control, instrumentation, and automation products, revealing the best of those products as selected by their readers. Established in 1954, Control Engineering is recognized as the global information leader for the automation engineers who design, implement, maintain and manage control/instrumentation systems, components and equipment. The…
The Bulgarian Bat Detector - Simulating Bat Echolocation
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 32 - 2015Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlSimple PLCSystem IntegratorsUser Solutions

The Bulgarian Bat Detector - Simulating Bat Echolocation

Over my years working as an Automation Systems Integrator, I occasionally get projects that are different from the normal industrial, process and manufacturing systems. I was recently asked to develop the controls for a museum exhibit to simulate a bat’s echolocation. The museum, Children’s Center of Sofia, in Sofia, Bulgaria, and I promptly named the…
What is Ladder Logic?
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookeBookIssue 34 - 2016Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOnline OnlyPLC eBookProductProgrammable ControlTechnology Brief

What is Ladder Logic?

PLCs have exploded in the controls market and are used throughout the world. Over time they have advanced to become more user friendly, efficient, smaller and less expensive. Different types of programming languages have also been developed for PLCs but the most frequently used is still Ladder Logic.   The Origins of Ladder Logic – Relay…
Space-saving Distributed Field I/O System Added
Automation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Space-saving Distributed Field I/O System Added

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…
Ethernet/IP Protocol FAQs
+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…
Automation Improves Alternator Test System
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,…
Technical College Students Understand Protective Relays
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…
Productivity3000 Ethernet/IP Product of the Year Finalist
Company TopicsNewsOnline OnlyProductProgrammable Control

Productivity3000 Ethernet/IP Product of the Year Finalist

It’s not just the holiday season. It’s also awards season. In Plant Engineering magazine’s annual Product of the Year competition, AutomationDirect’s Productivity3000 controller with added Ethernet/IP scanner/adapter has been named a finalist. By casting online ballots, you can help decide which products should be named Product of the Year. So, don’t pass up this opportunity…