Applying AutomationDirect Products
+Tech TopicsApplicationBusiness NotesIssue 13 – 2009Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProcess Control

Applying AutomationDirect Products

I did my thesis work in the ZaP Flow Z-Pinch Lab at the University of Washington. ZaP Flow Z-Pinch Experiment The ZaP Flow Z-Pinch Experiment is a basic plasma physics experiment which investigates the effects of sheared flow on the stability of magnetically confined plasma in a Z-pinch configuration. Possible applications of this technology include…
The Future Of Technology - Ryan Andrade
ApplicationAutomation NotebookData CollectionIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightUser Solutions

The Future Of Technology - Ryan Andrade

Who: Ryan Andrade From: Hollister, California College: University of California, Davis Major: Mechanical Engineering Graduation Date: June, 2009 What first got you interested in your area of focus? I am interested in design and control of electromechanical systems in the alternative energy industry. My interest originated from experiences I had as a 2nd year undergraduate engineering student in the UC…
Natural Gas Reclaimed from Expired Wells
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions

Natural Gas Reclaimed from Expired Wells

Natural gas can come from wells specifically drilled to reach gas trapped in pockets beneath the surface of the Earth. These wells produce huge quantities of gas which can be piped directly to distribution centers and then on to consumers. Some wells produce a lower-quality gas which has to be processed to remove unwanted components…
Denim Manufacturer Upgrades Controls to Add Flexibility to Process Lines
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookIndustryIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingMaterial HandlingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser SolutionsVariable Speed Drives

Denim Manufacturer Upgrades Controls to Add Flexibility to Process Lines

Nestled along the Chatooga River, in Trion, Georgia, Mount Vernon Mills is one of the largest and oldest textile mills in the United States. Its long history dates back to 1845. The initial 5,000 square foot two-story mill had 40 employees and produced 5-lb. bunches of yarn to sell to local merchants from wagons. Over…
The Future Of Technology
ApplicationAutomation NotebookIssue 14 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlStudent Spotlight

The Future Of Technology

Who: Diyan Zagarov From: Bulgaria Attending College: Lanier Technical College, North Georgia Childhood Dreams Diyan Zagarov grew up in Bulgaria. Growing up, Diyan thought of himself as the adventurous type and often felt the desire to travel and see the world. However, he grew up under the shadow of the Soviet Union, so for a long time traveling…
Automating the Bottom Line
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionHMIIndustryIssue 14 – 2009Learning ResourcesManufacturingManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions

Automating the Bottom Line

Metcam is a manufacturing company located in Alpharetta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Founded in 1989, the company specializes in custom sheet metal fabrication serving a diverse industry base including commercial HVAC, healthcare, electronics, automotive, food service and air filtration. Metcam provides many value-added services such as metal finishing, custom coatings, electronic assembly, packaging and…
Urban Challenge 2007
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlTechnical Review

Urban Challenge 2007

AutomationDirect was pleased to help support two vehicles hoping to compete in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. Team Mojavaton, with their “White Knight” (a modified Nissan Xterra), and Insight Racing (fielding a Lotus Elise dubbed the “Lone Wolf”) were both invited to the National Qualification Event held in Victorville, CA, at the end of October…
C-more HMI With Enhanced Allen-Bradley PLC Driver Support
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 12 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueTechnical ReviewWhy HMI

C-more HMI With Enhanced Allen-Bradley PLC Driver Support

With the growing popularity of the C-more Operator Interface line, we have had many requests to add PLC protocol drivers. These drivers allow customers with different PLC brands to standardize on the C-more HMI product. This article takes a look at C-more’s PLC drivers and demonstrates how to import/export tags and optimize communication. Due to the abundance…
Designing a PLC Ladder Program
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 12 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

Designing a PLC Ladder Program

Thinking back on my first Computer Programming course, the instructor was adamant about flow charting, documenting, and using good tools to design the program. I was 18 at the time and thought, “Anyone can write a good program and documentation isn’t needed. Write it correctly and it’s done.” It didn’t take long to see just…