Automation NotebookLearning Resources

Issue 49, 2023

One of the best things about AutomationDirect, in my opinion, is our continuous focus on customer needs. We strive to go above and beyond for our customers, and we always appreciate feedback on how we’re doing and what products we may be lacking. Using surveys, reviews, forum posts, etc., we try to reach out as much as possible to see what we’re doing right and more importantly what we’re doing wrong. In fact, this week, a few of us will be headed to a PLC training class given by our training partner (Interconnecting Automation) to speak with students and get their impressions of our products and our company. These classes are great for face-to-face meetings with our customers who come from all across the country and even Canada. These students offer a wealth of feedback from many diverse industries and that information is extremely valuable to us. Through these classes, it’s possible I may have spoken to some of you already, but if not, please consider submitting your opinions, suggestions, and requests via our satisfaction surveys, online reviews, forum, or our product suggestion page to let us know how we can better serve your needs. Oh, and if you’re interested in hands-on in-person or even virtual PLC training, check out Interconnecting Automation’s website for information on upcoming classes.       

Doug Bell teaching a class

This issue of NOTEBOOK is loaded with informative articles such as our Tech Brief which features a discussion on hydraulic system components (Download Now!). We have a great Cover Story on designing and building control panels and the User Solutions section has an interesting home DIY garage door application. The Application Stories section shows how the CLICK PLC and other AutomationDirect products help produce higher quality beer, and our Student Spotlight discusses how University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Engineering students are using the CLICK PLUS PLC and a StrideLinx VPN router to remotely monitor wind turbines. For information about exciting events happening in and around AutomationDirect, including some recent product and company awards, take a look at our Business Notes. In this issue there is also information on our newest products, such as Peninsular hydraulic cylinders, Datalogic smart vision sensors, new WEG CFW500 AC drive options, LS Electric L7P servo systems, and more. As always, the Break Room is stocked with fun brainteasers so see how many puzzles you can solve and compare your answers at www.automationnotebook.com

In this issue of the Automation Notebook…

Issue 49, 2023

Brainteasers - Issue 49, 2023

Color me confused! Spencer picks one of the colored numbers from the list below.  He tells the VALUE (only) to Kelly, and the COLOR (only) to Dylan. After looking at the list (and with no other information provided) Kelly and Dylan have the following conversation: Kelly:  “I don’t know which one of the colored numbers…
ApplicationApplication StoriesData System MonitoringIssue 49, 2023PLC

Remote Monitoring of Wind Turbines

A team of students at the UMass Amherst College of Engineering recently completed a capstone project to allow remote monitoring of a wind turbine.  This team of mechanical engineering students consists of five students, each with an area of primary responsibility: Jay Sant; Team Lead, Ryan Sullivan; Design Lead, Thomas Haley; Analysis Lead, Jack Drummond;…
Company NewsIssue 49, 2023News

AutomationDirect Voted “Best of Forsyth” for Fourth Year

Every year, our local newspaper, Forsyth County News, conducts their Readers’ Choice “Best of Forsyth” contest to decide the favorite businesses, groups and professionals in Forsyth County amongst the community. The 2023 contest included 310 categories celebrated with 2,000 business nominations, 14,500 nominations and 336,000 votes from the community to select the winners. After being…
Company TopicsIssue 49, 2023News

AutomationDirect’s CLICK PLUS PLC is Announced as a Finalist for the NED Innovation Awards, Automation Category

AutomationDirect’s CLICK PLUS PLC is the next generation platform for delivering reliable and familiar functionality for basic control applications, combined with advanced features like Wi-Fi, data logging, and increased security measures. All starting at just $89! On December 15, 2022 the AutomationDirect CLICK PLUS PLC was announced as a finalist for the New Equipment Digest…
Company TopicsIssue 49, 2023News

AutomationDirect is Design World’s 2022 Leadership in Engineering Winner, Industrial Automation Category

AutomationDirect is excited to announce this repeat win of an event organized by Design World to celebrate outstanding manufacturers identified as best in various categories, and as voted on by industry personnel. AutomationDirect has won this award for 2022, repeating their 2021 results. AutomationDirect supports countless OEMs, systems integrators, end users, and even hobbyists with…
ApplicationApplication StoriesIssue 49, 2023PLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Controlling Keg Cleaning

This microbrewery owner used AutomationDirect products to create a highly efficient keg cleaning system, which is used to improve in-house operations and support other similar small business owners. Microbreweries and brewpubs have gained in popularity in recent years. Many of these are smaller operations owned by passionate craftspeople who perform many of the brewing functions…
Enclosures & AccessoriesIssue 49, 2023Product

Control Panel Design and Assembly Steps

Here are basic steps for creating control panel designs. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article posted in April 2022 on PanelBuilderUS.com titled Designing and Assembling Control Panels. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Modern digitally controlled machines, equipment, and systems incorporate increasing numbers of smart devices…
ApplicationApplication StoriesIssue 49, 2023Machine ControlMotorsPLCProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives

Opening the Automation Door

A home project to upgrade a garage door system with an AutomationDirect PLC, HMI, and VFD made the equipment run better, added many functional features, and provided extensive visibility and diagnostics. Industrial automation components have many applications outside the factory. Home and hobbyist projects can be a great way for learning how to execute larger…