AutomationDirect Releases DirectSOFT6
New ProductNewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

AutomationDirect Releases DirectSOFT6

AutomationDirect’s DirectSOFT6 PLC programming software, the 32-bit Windows certified programming software for the entire DirectLOGIC line of PLCs, provides faster status updates and contains many new and upgraded features to make ladder logic programming faster and easier. DirectSOFT6 includes over 40 additional “IBoxes”. The popular packetized fill-in-the-blank style instructions (compatible with DirectLOGIC DL05, DL06, D2-250-1,…
Upgrading Pump Stations with PLCs
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 20 – 2011Learning ResourcesMotor ControlsNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Upgrading Pump Stations with PLCs

When relays and timer circuits get old, they cause problems. Replacing them with PLCs keeps pumps running smoothly. One of the most important jobs of a water distribution system is to reliably deliver water to its customers. At our water district in California, we had pumping stations (Figure 1) with relay-based controls that were more…
FAQs for SureServo AC Servo Drives
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProductTech Thread

FAQs for SureServo AC Servo Drives

Since the release of the SureServo AC servo drives, we have compiled a list of questions that are frequently asked by our customers. The following are answers to some of those questions. What power voltages does the SureServo require?  The SureServo requires 220 VAC single-phase to power the smaller drives and 3-phase for larger systems. There…
PLC Technology and Application Tips
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 3 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control

PLC Technology and Application Tips

Although the North American market for automation and controls has seen nowhere near the growth it did 15-20 years ago, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are still the preferred controller choice for industrial applications. What has changed for PLCs are the expectations and desired functionality of their specifiers and users. In this edition of PLC Speaking,…
The Evolutionary PLC: Past, Present and Future
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookCommunicationsIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control

The Evolutionary PLC: Past, Present and Future

Everyone knows there’s only one constant in the technology world and that’s change – inevitable change. This is highly evident in the evolution of PLCs and their varied applications. Let’s take a look at yesterday’s focus and more importantly, today’s and beyond. Preparing and equipping users to meet the challenges of technological change head-on is…
Motion Control System Choices
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 4 – 2005Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProduct

Motion Control System Choices

Motion control is generally understood to mean the use of servo and/or stepper systems as the “muscle” to move a given load.  These motion control systems are capable of extremely precise speed, position, and torque control. Applications which require positioning of product, synchronization of separate elements, or rapid start/stop motion are all perfect candidates for…
PLC Technology and Application Tips
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 2 – 2004Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLC SpeakingProductProgrammable Control

PLC Technology and Application Tips

Over the past ten years, AutomationDirect, formerly PLCDirect, has provided PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) products in many shapes, sizes, and I/O counts, and with a wide variety of features. Since PLCs were the products on which this company was founded, it is only natural to devote a column on the subject of PLCs in the…