Volume 10 Issue 4, May 2008
We hope you find this issue of our e-mail update of what's new at AutomationDirect informative and, at times, a little amusing.
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Editor's note:

Bring on the summer!

As May draws to a close, we look forward to what the summer months have to offer. Many of us are planning vacations and spending time with family and friends. But during all this, business continues.

Look for great things from AutomationDirect over the next few months as well. Our product managers continue to plan products to meet your industrial control needs. By receiving feedback from you, they get new product ideas and suggestions for improvements on existing ones as well.

In this month's newsletter, you'll learn of the newest products we have available, read the latest company news, and then take a break with the Lighter Side.

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Company News

Catalog addendum now available

The addendum to our latest catalog became available in mid-April, and while we had to raise prices on certain items, we also lowered prices on a number of products, such as our most popular presence sensors. New products featured in the addendum include hookup wire, Stride Ethernet switches, additions to the 22mm pushbutton line and new MCCBs.

If you would like to receive a complimentary copy of the addendum, click here.

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Product News

Pressure Sensors expand our process of sensing

AutomationDirect has added ProSense™ pressure switches and transmitters to its growing offering of sensor products. ProSense pressure sensors are designed to monitor system pressure in hydraulic and pneumatic applications, while the vacuum sensors provide an accurate readout of increases and decreases in vacuum systems.

ProSense sensors are smaller and easier to install than traditional mechanical pressure switches. With no moving parts, such as pistons or springs that can stick or break, ProSense pressure and vacuum sensors are a worry-free, solid-state solution to mechanical switches. ProSense offers pressure sensing solutions using capacitive sensing technology and strain gauge technology.

The compact PTD Series pressure and vacuum transmitters, in robust stainless steel housings, detect system pressure and convert it into an analog output signal for reliable pressure indication. Designed for quick installation and easy setup, pressure transmitter output options include 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 Volts, and are available in sensing ranges up to 1,000 psi. Vacuum-style transmitters offer 20 to 4mA or 10 to 0 Volt outputs for a sensing range of -14.5 to 0 psi. The sensors ceramic sensing element provides high burst/overpressure protection, and flexible film circuit results in excellent shock and vibration resistance. All transmitters are $125.

The PSD series electronic pressure switches feature an extremely durable housing, with a 316 stainless steel process connection and gas-tight measuring cell to reliably detect gas and liquid pressure. The switch withstands aggressive media and detects pressure ranges up to 5800 psi (400 bar). Mechanical adjustment dials rotate quickly to establish the setpoint and reset point. The sensor is adjustable without system pressure and supply voltage and does not require calibration. The sensor's high accuracy and long-term stability (over 50 million switching cycles) ensure the setpoint does not drift. Vibration and shock-resistant, PSD series electronic pressure switches are equipped with LEDs which indicate switching and operating status and provide a dual switching DC output. All switch models are priced at $89.

All ProSense pressure sensors are cULus and CE approved, and utilize quick-disconnect cables, sold separately.

Get more information on the full line of ProSense pressure switches and transmitters

acuAMP current sensor line now senses up to 2, 000 Amps

The acuAMP™ line of current sensors now includes high-current models. ACT and ACTR series acuAMP current transducers combine a current transformer and signal conditioner into a single package. The new AcuAMP single phase AC current transducers feature a fixed core and jumper selectable inputs from 375 amps all the way up to 2,000 amps, with 4-20 mA outputs. The new transducers are also available in true RMS versions.

AcuAMP current operated switches combine a current transformer, signal conditioner plus a limit alarm into a single package. The current switch outputs are isolated solid state switches and are now available in Normally Open and Normally Closed universal output configurations. All acuAMP models are panel-mountable and convenient DIN rail adaptor accessories are also available.

The AcuAMP series is a family of high performance current sensors offering outstanding features, flexibility, and durability. Backed with a five-year warranty, the complete line of current transducers and switches provides dependable service for virtually any application.

See more information on the acuAMP™ line of current sensors.

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Send Us your Application Stories

We often hear of ways our customers use our products. Details of many of the applications find their way into either our enewsletter or into our magazine, Automation NOTEBOOK. If you have an interesting application story you think may inspire readers to use our products differently, send the information to us.

Our staff will consider it and if it develops into an enews story, you will receive a $50 credit to your AutomationDirect account. If your story is developed for a future issue of Automation NOTEBOOK, a $500 credit will be applied to your account.

Send your application story proposal to editor@automationnotebook.com

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The Lighter Side

Thoughts to Ponder

• "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." - E.E. Cummings
  
  
• "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." -Abraham Lincoln
  
  
• "Map out your future, but do it in pencil." - Jon Bon Jovi
  
  
• "Worry is a misuse of imagination." - Dan Zadra
  
  
• "Be pleasant until ten o'clock in the morning and the rest of the day will take care of itself." - Elbert Hubbard
  
  
• "My blood type is caffeinated." - Anonymous
  
  
• "If men can run the world, why can't they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?" - Linda Ellerbee
  
  
• "There is only one satisfying way to boot a computer." - J.H. Goldfuss
  
  
• "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." - Judy Garland
  
  
• "After God created the world, He made man and woman. Then, to keep the whole thing from collapsing, He invented humor." - Bill Kelly
  
  
• "If at first you don't succeed, do it like your mother told you." - Anonymous
  

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