Check out our cover story on how machine builders are now offering system integration services. Also check out our User Solutions article about how a water facility in California improved its system’s performance while maintaining its existing SCADA and communication network investment. All that and more are in this issue of the AutomationNotebook.
– 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 28, 2014 of the Automation Notebook. The brainteaser questions are repeated the answers are posted below each question. You can view the brainteasers from Issue 28, 2014 without the answers here: http://library.automationdirect.com/brainteasers-issue-28-2014 Cavity Fighter The miserly…
Cavity Fighter The miserly owner of the candy factory purchased 1000 gallons of molasses to fill his main storage tank. But because he was a cheapskate and didn’t spend any money on maintenance, the ancient valve at the bottom of the tank began leaking in the middle of the night. The following morning the factory…
AutomationDirect supplies automated trophies for state robotics competition AutomationDirect has supported competitive robotics at the local, regional and national levels for many years. This past year, in addition to sponsoring the annual Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase (GRITS) competition, AutomationDirect also provided the very unique trophies awarded to the winners.
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control
Do-more H2 or Do-more T1H: How to choose
Which is better? A DirectLOGIC style Do-more or the new Terminator I/O style Do-more? The incredible power of the Do-more processor is now available in the popular Terminator I/O form factor. Functionally, both units have identical Do-more engines, so how do you know which one is better for your application? The answer is … It…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightData CollectionIndustryIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlSystem IntegratorsUser SolutionsWater/Wastewater
An Affordable Retrofit Prevents Expensive Replacements
The Harvest-Monrovia Water & Sewer Authority (HMWSA) was established in August 1965 to operate and maintain a water system to provide domestic water in the Harvest-Monrovia area of Madison County, located near Huntsville, Alabama. In the early years, the utility serviced only 700 customers. As a result of growth in the area, the HMWSA now…
ApplicationAutomationDirect SpotlightDiscrete SensingEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 28 - 2014Machine ControlNotebook IssueProductRelays & TimersStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight
What a Drag!
CO2 powered drag strip teaches students the science of speed. John Harpell’s 9th grade class at Moira Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario, Canada has built and automated a model racecar track for CO2 powered “dragsters” using various components from AutomationDirect. A CO2 powered dragster is a small lightweight vehicle fitted with a CO2 cartridge; think “pine-wood-derby on…
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookData CollectionIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnology Brief
DataWorx with Do-more PLC support
AutomationDirect has partnered with BizWareDirect for several years, supplying DataWorx data collection and monitoring software for compatible DirectLOGIC programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Productivity3000 and WinPLC controllers. Previously, it had been necessary to purchase an OPC/DDE server and write code, or buy an HMI package, to collect data from AutomationDirect controllers. BizWareDirect’s data collection software makes…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePneumaticsProductTech Thread
Improving Pneumatic Energy Efficiency
Following these tips and techniques can reduce pneumatic system energy costs by as much as 35 percent. Reducing energy consumption is a priority in manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities as electricity bills continue to rise due to green power and other government mandates. No company can afford to waste money by using machines or…
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: Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for Enclosure Cooling, Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensors and Transmitters, NITRA® NFPA Cushioned Pneumatic Air Cylinders, FC Series Potentiometer and Bipolar Signal Conditioners, 30mm FW Series Photoelectric Sensors and more. Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers…
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 adjustable current-limit feature protects…
ApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook Issue
Beyond the Machine: OEMs Provide System Integration
Machine builders use technologies and expertise to provide system integration services that were once the realm of systems integrators and engineering firms. As automation systems become more integrated, the design, installation and commissioning of machines and robots on the factory floor can be a complex process. The machines must interact not only with existing production…