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: Free Think & Do® programming software for WinPLC, Low-cost DC power supplies, Straight blade and locking wiring devices, Cat5e Ethernet patch cables.
Free Think & Do® Programming Software for WinPLC
In keeping with the philosophy of offering the best value in the automaton industry, AutomationDirect recently cut the price of its Think & Do programming software for their WinPLC processor from $695 to free. Before this price cut, the lowest cost option for programming the WinPLC processor with Think & Do was the purchase of a Think & Do WinPLC-only programming package for $695. Now, customers can download the Think & Do v8.04 Keyless Development Demo package for PC-based control for free. The free Demo is offered as a download only, but it includes the same development software that customers receive when they purchase the full Think & Do development package for $1,895.
Like most industrial automation controller programming software, Think & Do consists of a development package that runs on a PC, and one or more runtime keys that reside on real-time industrial controller application targets.
The free Think & Do Demo package has no limits when it comes to development, only in terms of runtime targets. But, these limits don’t affect the WinPLC as it comes pre-loaded with Windows CE and Think & Do runtime software. This means that customers can download the Think & Do v8.04 Keyless Development Demo package for free, create software applications with Think & Do, and download these applications to an unlimited number of WinPLC targets.
For real-time industrial controller targets not pre-loaded with Think & Do runtime software, the Development Demo package has certain runtime limits. Runtime use is restricted to unlimited sessions up to 30 minutes each for 30 days. These sessions allow ample time for testing and proof of concept, but aren’t intended for use in actual real-time industrial control applications. The Demo package also doesn’t include the software CD, the Quick Start Guide and the USB Runtime hardware key supplied with the $1,895 Think & Do v8.04 Development package.
The Think & Do v8.04 Keyless Development Demo package features Flow Chart programming, an integrated HMI creator, advanced data manipulation and data exchange with business applications such as from an ERP systems and spreadsheets. Also included are an SQL database interface, and an OPC client and server. The software comes with a CD-ROM, a USB hardware runtime key and a QuickStart guide. System requirements are the Windows 2000, XP or Vista operating system running on a Pentium IV processor with at least 256MB RAM and 750MB hard disk space. The development system must also include a CD-ROM drive, an Ethernet adapter, a 64MB or higher video adapter and minimum 800×600 monitor resolution.
The WinPLC with Think & Do Runtime is a 100 MHz WinPLC processor module pre-loaded with Windows CE and Think & Do runtime software. The WinPLC plugs into the CPU slot of any DL205 base. It includes 8 Mbyte flash ROM, 8 Mbyte RAM, a built-in Ethernet port and a serial port.
Technical information, pricing and delivery for the complete line of Think and Do and WinPLC products can be found at www.automationdirect.com/software
Low-cost DC Power Supplies Added to RHINO Line
The RHINOTM line of power supplies now includes panel and DIN rail mountable power supplies designed for applications requiring a basic DC voltage power supply. The low-cost supplies offer high performance and reliability when additional features of higher cost full-featured supplies are not needed.
The panel-mountable RHINO PSS series features rugged aluminum housings allowing for three different mounting orientations. The series is available with universal single-phase input and output voltages of 12 and 24 VDC from 35 to 100 Watts. The high-quality power supplies equipped with overload, overvoltage, and thermal protection are UL recognized, CE marked, RoHS compliant and backed with a two-year warranty.
The DIN rail mountable RHINO PSB series is available with universal single and three-phase input and output voltages of 12 and 24 VDC from 15 to 480 Watts. Constructed of rugged plastic and aluminum housings, the power supplies easily install with integral 35mm DIN rail mounting adapters. These high-quality power supplies equipped with overload, overvoltage, and thermal protection are backed with a three-year warranty and are UL listed, CSA certified, CE marked and RoHS compliant.
The full line of RHINO power supplies can be seen at: www.automationdirect.com/dcpowersupplies
Straight Blade and Locking Wiring Devices and Accessories
AutomationDirect has added a new line of Bryant wiring devices to its product offering. Industrial grade locking and straight blade plugs, connectors and receptacles are available in 15, 20, and 30 amp models.
Locking plugs and connectors constructed with impact and chemical-resistant nylon housings feature an internal Triple Gripper® cord clamp which automatically centers and secures the cord. Double wall construction provides extra durability; the configuration-specific plug face surrounds plug blades to prevent infiltration of contaminants. Each terminal cover is imprinted with amperage, voltage and NEMA configuration on the face for easy identification and extended “teardrop” wiring pockets and backed-out captive terminal screws simplify wiring.
Locking receptacles are designed with back and side wiring terminals that accept 14 to 8 gauge solid or stranded conductor wires. Molded of rugged reinforced thermoplastic polyester, the base minimizes heat buildup and resists breakage. Heavy-duty nickel-plated mounting straps are grounded for safe installations. NEMA rating and configurations are molded into the toughened nylon face for easy identification.
Straight blade devices are available in 15, 20 and 30 amp sizes. A universal cord grip design accepts .300-inch to .655-inch (7.6mm to 16.6mm) wire sizes.
Available high-visibility lockouts provide additional protection. The OSHA lockout/tagout regulation compliant devices protect against unexpected start-up of equipment during maintenance and repair work. To accommodate a full range of plug designs and ratings, the lockouts are available in three sizes.
Learn more about the UL approved and CSA certified Bryant wiring devices at: www.automationdirect.com/wiring-devices
Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cables Available
Cat5e STP Ethernet patch cables are now available in eight colors and three foot to 50 foot lengths. The straight-through and crossover patch cables support up to 1000 Mbps, and are designed to reduce the effects of electromagnetic interference by incorporating a single metal foil shield which wraps around the entire set of four twisted pairs.
The robust RJ45 connectors are also shielded against electrical interference. Our 350 MHz cables exceed all Cat5e TIA/EIA standards, and drastically reduce both impedance and structural return loss (SRL) when compared to standard 100 MHz cables. These cables help create solid, reliable Ethernet networks with any application.
See more at: https://www.automationdirect.com/communications