This issue contain an article that explains the importance of temperature control for enclosures. We also investigate how the Department of Theater at Purdue University uses a CLICK PLC for an “uplifting” performance. Also a fascinating story about a device used as a training aid in basketball, and our cover story that discusses the use of modular programming in manufacturing.
– TJ Johns
Senior Editor
In this issue of the Automation Notebook…
In each issue of the Automation Notebook we feature a section of brainteasers. These are the brainteaser answers from Issue 26, 2013 of the Automation Notebook. The brainteaser questions are repeated in black. The answers to the brainteaser questions are highlighted in red with explanations. You can view the brainteasers from Issue 26, 2013 without…
1. Penny Wise: Place six pennies on a flat surface. Can you arrange the pennies in the exact positions shown, such that – IF you placed a seventh penny in the middle – it would touch all of the original six. You may not lift any of the pennies from the surface or use any…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEntertainmentIndustryIssue 26 – 2013Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions
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.
+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…
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…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesEquipment SafetyIssue 26 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief
What to Know When Selecting an Enclosure
NEMA enclosures house all kinds of electrical components from simple terminal blocks, to industrial automation systems, to high voltage switchgear. In industrial automation systems, NEMA enclosures often house motor controls, drives, PLC/PC control systems, pushbuttons, and termination systems. Some enclosures are shaped to be operator consoles. AutomationDirect offers over 2,200 enclosure part numbers across NEMA…
Earn Continuing Education credits with online PLC course Our partner in PLC training, Doug Bell at Interconnecting Automation, is offering his latest continuing education course focused on PLCs; this is a “true” online curriculum with continuing education credits. With over 70 online-study videos, each lasts an average of six minutes; the course includes quizzes, progress…
We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including: Tongue Interlock and Cable-Pull Safety Switches, Wera Wrenches, Ratchets and Socket Sets, NITRA™ Pneumatic Cylinder Position Switches, High Speed Counter I/O Module for DL05 and DL06 PLCs, SureGear™ Precision Gearboxes for Servomotors, More Ultrasonic Sensors, Flexible multi-conductor…
The ViewMarq line of industrial-grade LED message displays utilizes the latest LED and communications technologies to help communicate important information in industrial environments. Used to display preformatted messages or factory floor data, the displays can be controlled from a PLC or any device that uses supported protocols. Embedded data support allows real-time production data from…
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 26 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control
Modular Software Simplifies Complex Programming
By using function blocks, machine and robot builders can speed development time and add more functionality to their solutions.