Volume 10 Issue 5, June 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:

Here's to Freedom!

As Independence Day draws near, we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Ronald Reagan once said, "Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction." At AutomationDirect, we take pride in supporting the troops, both close to home and on the other side of the world, who defend our freedom.

We have a theatrical trailer which runs at the local movie theater which helps get our point across. We also have it posted on our learn.automationdirect.com site. Be sure to check it out and remember that even freedom comes with a price.

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

Bill of Materials feature added to Web store - www.automationdirect.com

A newly added feature on our Web store enables you to create, save, and order Bills of Materials (BOM).This feature is especially useful when you need to place frequent orders for identical "systems." For example, you might create a Bill of Materials named "Remote Pump Station," and include all the parts necessary to build this unit. You can create your BOMs from either the items you have added to your Favorites List or from parts entered manually to the BOM. The "bundle" is stored under the assigned name, and when you return to the store in the future, the entire Bill of Materials can be added to the shopping cart with one click. You can create and store as many unique BOMs as needed.

To use the new BOM feature, simply log in to your account, choose FAVORITES (on the left side below the cart or from your MY ACCOUNT menu), then follow the light blue column and "Create BOM" instructions at bottom right.

Give this new feature a try and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you about the usefulness of the BOM feature.

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Product News

Get notified of new products and updates

We'd like to think that people rush to check the AutomationDirect Web site first thing every day just in case there's something new, but that's probably not the case. You're busy, and it can be hard to find time to check for new products and updates to the products you've purchased.

AutomationDirect now offers a subscription e-mail notification service which will make you among the first to find out about new products, firmware updates, and new versions of software sold by AutomationDirect. Head to notify.automationdirect.com to set your notification options.

F2 16-point Protected Modules

AutomationDirect's line of DirectLOGIC option modules now includes fault-protected output modules designed for the DL205 PLCs. The F2-16TDxP 16-channel current output modules, available in sinking and sourcing configurations, feature 16 input points which are automatically assigned as fault status indicators for the corresponding outputs. Equipped with electronic short circuit protection, the modules detect missing external 24VDC, open load, overtemperature, and overcurrent load. The protected output modules also feature user-resettable fault conditions. The modules are priced at $119, are in stock and available for same-day shipping.

Find out more at www.automationdirect.com/dl205.

Think & DO 8.0

AutomationDirect® has released Think & Do™ version 8.0, the cornerstone of its PC Control product offering. The latest version supports development, deployment and operation of high-value automated control systems for material handling and manufacturing. The intuitive and open-architecture environment readily integrates with hardware and software components from virtually all major suppliers.
Major components of Think & Do 8.0 include ProjectCenter to create various projects, FlowView for creating control logic in easy-to-use and read control flowcharts, ScreenView for creating and editing HMI screens, I/OView for configuring project I/O, and the AppTracker feature provides a fast, graphical debugging tool.
Think & Do version 8.0 is priced at $1,895 (PC-TD8-USB). A demo mode of Think & Do 8.0 is available for up to 40 hours use within a 30-day time period at no cost. Download the demo here.
Two one-year subscription extended support products are also available.

See more information on Think & Do™ version 8.0.

IronHorse™ Worm Gearboxes

AutomationDirect has expanded its mechanical power transmission product line to include worm gearboxes in four frame sizes, and six gear ratios from 5:1 to 60:1. Constructed of cast iron one-piece housings, the worm gearboxes feature a C-flange input and carbon steel shaft with either right-hand or dual shaft output.

Manufactured by one of the world's leading worm gearbox suppliers, IronHorse worm gearboxes have double-lipped embedded oil seals to prevent leakage. Designed to change drive direction by 90 degrees, IronHorse gearboxes are mountable in any direction, except motor pointing up. The universally interchangeable compact design ensures easy OEM replacement.

The main gear is constructed of an aluminum bronze casting, which is much harder than typically-used phosphor bronze. A one-piece output shaft hub is designed to secure the heavy-duty output shaft bearing, and double bearing sets are on both shaft ends.

IronHorse worm gearboxes are ideal for use with electric motors for reducing output speed, increasing torque, changing drive direction, or running two loads from one motor. Prices start at $130; the full line is available for same-day shipping, and is backed by a one-year warranty. Optional mounting bases are also available, with prices starting at $13.

See more information on IronHorse Worm Gearboxes.

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From Automation NOTEBOOK

Our latest issue of Automation NOTEBOOK contains interesting articles dealing with "going green."

Be sure to check out an article detailing how the Boston Children's Museum is playing a part in conserving natural resources. [read article]

You'll also find a great article about a team of students from Georgia Tech who traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy's 2007 Solar Decathlon. [read article]

You can also check out our list of application stories here.

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The Lighter Side

(from one of those www. places)

Are you sure four is larger than two?
A person needed a garage door repaired. After testing the door, the repairman from a major retail store told the lady that the problem was that the motor was not large enough to do the job. After some thought, she informed him that they had the largest motor that retailer made at the time, which was a ½ horsepower motor. He shook his head and replied, "Lady, you need a ¼ horsepower motor." She responded that ½ was larger than ¼. He said, "No, it's not. Four is larger than two."

Think before you change
A banker stops in the drive-through at a local fast food place. After placing his order, he gives the cashier a $5 bill. The order totaled $4.25. He also hands her a quarter, expecting a dollar bill in return. The cashiers stops, looks at the money and said, "Sir, you gave me too much money." He replied, "I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back." Confused, she goes to the manager who asks him to repeat his request. Upon doing so, the manager hands back the quarter and said, "I'm sorry, but we cannot do that kind of thing." The clerk then proceeds to give back $1.75 in change.

The key to the problem
A couple arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up their car. When they arrived at the service department, they discover the keys had been locked inside the car and a mechanic was working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As the wife watched from the passenger's side, she reached to try the door handle. The door opened. "Hey," she announced to the mechanic, "it's open!" His reply, "I know. I already got that side."

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