A Happy Birthday to You Essay

In just a few days, America turns 235. How are you going to celebrate the birthday of this great country? Many people will spend the day on the lake with family. Others will gather with friends around the backyard pool. Still more will fire up the barbecue grills. Then, at dusk, most everyone will watch as the skies across this great land illuminate in red, white, and blue lights as fireworks erupt in celebration.

As each of us celebrates our independence, take a moment to think about what this nation really is. We are a land filled with people from all walks of life. We are people with the freedom to worship openly. We are people with the freedom to speak openly. We are people with the freedom to learn openly. But, we must remember how freedom became ours. It is because of the men and women in our armed forces who exercise their freedom to choose to fight for our country.

Our national anthem ends with the words, “…the land of the free and the home of the brave.” We must never forget, our blessed America is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave.

Happy Birthday, America!

This month’s newsletter contains all the latest information, including company news, new product information, our latest webinar schedule, and more. Be sure to take a break with the Lighter Side.

Don’t forget to send us information, about your applications. We are always excited to learn the unique ways customers use AutomationDirect products.

The newest issue of Automation NOTEBOOK has been mailed.

This issue is loaded with informative articles and technical information on our latest products. You’ll find an interesting article detailing how students at Pleasantville High School are working on a multi-mirror solar array to harness the sun’s energy. Technical articles cover topics such as tips on specifying the right variable frequency drive and PLC-based temperature control. You can also read this issue online.

New PID video on learn.automationdirect.com

Our library of tutorial videos continues to grow. The newest video demonstrates a working PID loop using the DL06 PLC and DirectSOFT5 programming software. Watch as one of our Tech Experts explains how to set up the PID instruction in ladder logic, configure loop parameters, and operate and troubleshoot the PID loop application.

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Read any new e-books lately?

Brush up on engineering/physics basics with a new series of entertaining booklets viewable on the Motion Systems Design Web site. Their Online Learning Library will be posting “Brushing Up TeCHapter” PDF e-books as they are developed. The series presents physics and engineering foundations in a light, readable format, perfect for young engineers-to-be or as a fun read on your coffee break. The first issue, “Forces of Nature” looks at some of the most important physical forces in the universe, including microgravity and inertia. The latest presents “Simple and Compound Machines”, from the six simple machines to complex kinematic linkages. Keep checking back on http://motionsystemdesign.com for future topics such as Physics of Motion, Statics and Dynamics, and Circuits.

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Upcoming FREE Webinars

We continue to have great response to our Web seminars. Our 45-minute shows feature both product overviews and more detailed application-based examples. Each seminar includes a question and answer time where our hosts address questions from viewers. You can also view recorded episodes at your convenience.

Upcoming Web Seminars include:

• CLICK PLC Overview –
  July 20th 2:00PM EST
• Productivity3000 Advanced III –
  August 3rd 2:00PM EST
• CLICK PLC Software Advanced –
  August 24th 2:00PM EST

Register today to attend the free online seminars. If you don’t see a specific topic of interest, contact us with your idea. Our team will consider it for future seminars.

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Application Innovations

From Used Cooking Oil to Biodiesel

One year, Jim's family was having the "extended family" 4th of July cookout at their home. One of the special treats that year was the lighting of the fireworks (Roman candles, bottle rockets, missile batteries, etc.) they had bought out of state (they're illegal in their state, of course!)

Just before they were to arrive, one of the cousins calls, saying their neighbor's plans had just fallen through, and asked if they could bring them along to the picnic - they even had extra food to bring. "Sure, the more the merrier!"

Upon arrival and meeting of their cousin's neighbor, it is discovered that he's a police officer. The father turns as innocently as he can to Jim, and whispers to him to grab the paper bag of fireworks sitting in the kitchen and hide them somewhere quickly. Jim disappears, and the father changes the topic to food for the day. This family had brought some chicken to grill, so the father tells them the gas grill is all set to use out back - just turn on the gas and push the ignition button with the lid still closed.

They head out to the back as Jim comes back in through the front door. The father hurries to him and says "Whew, that was close! That man's a police officer, and he almost saw the fireworks. Did you hide them really well?"

Jim replied, "Oh, yeah, nobody will ever think to look in the grill!"

Thanks for your time!
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