When choosing the type of input or output module for your PLC system, it is very important to have a solid understanding of sinking and sourcing concepts. Use of these terms occurs frequently in discussion of input or output circuits. It is the goal of this post to make these concepts easy to understand, so you can make the right choice the first time…
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.
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…
Cumming, GA — June 12, 2013 … AutomationDirect has added discrete and analog I/O modules to the CLICK PLC line. Available 24 VDC combination discrete modules include eight-point DC input/eight-point DC sinking or sourcing output models priced at $59; a four-point DC input/four-point relay output model is also available, priced at $49. Available 24 VDC…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryHMIIndustryIssue 24 - 2012Learning ResourcesMachine ToolManufacturingManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlSimple PLC
Bringing Life to an Old Machine at American Label & Tag
An innovative employee at American Label & Tag was an automation neophyte, but AutomationDirect’s customer support showed him the way.
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEntertainmentIndustryIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight
PLC Training
PLC training at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Annual Conference and Stage Expo.
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCPneumaticsPneumaticsProcess ControlProcess Sensing & ControlProductProgrammable ControlSimple PLCUser Solutions
Bio Diesel Fuel Gets a Boost from Automation
Systems produce bio diesel for a total cost as low as 67 cents per gallon, turning waste into profit. Imagine if restaurants and other commercial food enterprises could turn used kitchen oil into fuel instead of simply disposing of it. Then imagine if they could do that in an economic and automated way for a…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 22 – 2012Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread
"Starting With Steppers" Part Two of a Two-Part Series
Part One of this series (in Fall 2011, issue 21) started with a complete reference to the technical information available from AutomationDirect that can help you understand and select components from the SureStep family for an open-loop motion application. It also reviewed the hardware methods for controlling your system, including PLC high-speed I/O or counter…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightDrivesEducation/DIYEntertainmentHMIIndustryIssue 19 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMotorsNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCPLC eBookProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives
Automated Volleyball Server
Larry May, a student at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), contacted AutomationDirect and outlined his goal of building a volleyball setting and serving machine for his senior design project. Larry is active as a recreational volleyball player and is the father and coach of a competitive high school player. Larry is also a long time…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCPneumaticsProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight
Southern Polytechnic Students Produce Pad Printing Machine
Students Sergio Acevedo and Randle Johnson are two of the first students to complete their degrees in Mechatronics Engineering at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, GA. The Mechatronics program at SPSU is a recent four-year degree offering, begun in 2007, which combines topics from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to prepare graduates…