C-more HMI With Enhanced Allen-Bradley PLC Driver Support (Part Two)
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 13 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlTechnical ReviewWhy HMI

C-more HMI With Enhanced Allen-Bradley PLC Driver Support (Part Two)

In part one of this two-part article, we discussed the types of Allen-Bradley PLCs that are supported by the AutomationDirect C-more HMI and covered in detail which protocol should be selected for your application. We also covered the various Data Types for Tags that are supported. The latest group of C-more drivers (seen below) supports the A-B…
Urban Challenge 2007
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlTechnical Review

Urban Challenge 2007

AutomationDirect was pleased to help support two vehicles hoping to compete in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. Team Mojavaton, with their “White Knight” (a modified Nissan Xterra), and Insight Racing (fielding a Lotus Elise dubbed the “Lone Wolf”) were both invited to the National Qualification Event held in Victorville, CA, at the end of October…
C-more HMI With Enhanced Allen-Bradley PLC Driver Support
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 12 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueTechnical ReviewWhy HMI

C-more HMI With Enhanced Allen-Bradley PLC Driver Support

With the growing popularity of the C-more Operator Interface line, we have had many requests to add PLC protocol drivers. These drivers allow customers with different PLC brands to standardize on the C-more HMI product. This article takes a look at C-more’s PLC drivers and demonstrates how to import/export tags and optimize communication. Due to the abundance…
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…
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…
A Guide to Common Automation Terms
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 7 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueTechnical Review

A Guide to Common Automation Terms

The glossary below is an excerpt from Jon Stenerson’s “Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers, Sensors, and Communications”. For the complete list, go to the Technical Support section of the AutomationDirect Web site. Common Automation Terms • Accumulated value: Applies to the use of timers and counters. The accumulated value is the present count or time. • Accuracy: The…
A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 4: Build, Launch & Maintain
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesIssue 6 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnical ReviewTerminal Blocks & Wiring

A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 4: Build, Launch & Maintain

In Part 3 (Fall 2005 Issue 5), we covered how to design our automated control system and the importance of documenting the design. We discussed the various types of documents that would be typical for an automated control system design, why and how we would use these documents, and finally the tools that can be…
A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 3: Design
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnical ReviewTerminal Blocks & Wiring

A Condensed Guide to Automation Control System Part 3: Design

In Part 2 (Spring 2005 Issue 4), we covered how to specify the various devices required for interfacing and controlling the electrical equipment in an automated control system. In Part 3, we will cover the steps needed to design our automated control system. The design topics will include planning by defining our sequence of operation,…
Common Questions About Control Transformers
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookElectrical PowerIssue 2 – 2004Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnical Review

Common Questions About Control Transformers

What Is A Control Transformer? A control transformer is an isolation transformer designed to provide a high degree of secondary voltage stability (regulation) during a brief period of overload condition (also known as ‘inrush current’). Control transformers are also known as machine tool transformers, industrial control transformers, or control power transformers. How Do I Select…