Simulation Has Its Advantages
Automation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 32 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Simulation Has Its Advantages

Creating an accurate software simulation for a complex system can be difficult, but there are many reasons to do it. Creating simulations of automated equipment, processes, and robot sequences is a great way to validate controller programming, test hardware settings, and check HMI configurations—all without cycling the actual equipment.  There can be many advantages to simulation,…
New C-more Configuration Software
Automation NotebookIssue 32 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

New C-more Configuration Software

The new C-more HMI configuration software version 6.0, from AutomationDirect, delivers more functionality, more usability and more value to our popular C-more HMIs. The new software offers more alarm and recipe features, additional math and tag logic, plus improved Windows compatibility. New menu options, customizable toolbars, and updated graphics provide improved ease of use. The…
Product Snapshots -- Issue 32, 2015
Automation NotebookIssue 32 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots -- Issue 32, 2015

Issue 32 of Automation Notebook is filled with new product information. Highlights about some of those new products include: additions to the NITRA® pneumatic products line, new DirectSOFT6® programming software, more sensor products, SureMotion® motion control products, additional electromechanical and solid state relays, and more. NITRA Special Purpose Push-to-Connect Pneumatic Fittings New NITRA special purpose…
Ohio Students Improve Assembly Process for Employees With Disabilities
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightControl & Signaling DevicesEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 32 - 2015Learning ResourcesManufacturingManufacturingNotebook IssuePneumaticsPneumaticsProductStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Ohio Students Improve Assembly Process for Employees With Disabilities

The annual SourceAmerica® Design Challenge is a national engineering competition to design workplace technology for people with disabilities. For this competition, high school students spend months partnering with a nonprofit that employs people with disabilities to invent a device, process, system or software for a more productive work environment. Kirby Harder, Copley High School’s (CHS) Industrial technology…
The Bulgarian Bat Detector - Simulating Bat Echolocation
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 32 - 2015Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlSimple PLCSystem IntegratorsUser Solutions

The Bulgarian Bat Detector - Simulating Bat Echolocation

Over my years working as an Automation Systems Integrator, I occasionally get projects that are different from the normal industrial, process and manufacturing systems. I was recently asked to develop the controls for a museum exhibit to simulate a bat’s echolocation. The museum, Children’s Center of Sofia, in Sofia, Bulgaria, and I promptly named the…
Space-saving Distributed Field I/O System Added
Automation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Space-saving Distributed Field I/O System Added

AutomationDirect has added a new line of distributed field I/O to its product offering. The new Protos X expansion I/O allows you to easily add low-cost I/O points to your programmable logic controller (PLC) or PC-based control system without investing in additional controllers. Designed to save space, a single Protos X system can save users…
Product Snapshots -- Issue 31, 2015
Automation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots -- Issue 31, 2015

Issue 31 of Automation Notebook is jam packed with new product information. Highlights about some of those new products include: additions to the Productivity3000 product line, enclosure accessories, NITRA pneumatic parts, farm-duty motors, sensors, aluminum worm gearboxes, visual and audible signal devices, and more. New Serial Communications Module for the Productivity3000 Controller The Productivity3000 programmable controller is…
Choosing an OEM or a System Integrator
Automation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Choosing an OEM or a System Integrator

When a new production line is needed, which is the better partner, an original equipment manufacturer or a system integrator? Many production facilities do not have the resources to plan, specify, design, build, start up, and validate new production equipment as it requires a significant number of mechanical engineers, controls engineers and technicians. On large projects,…