Editor's note:
We hope the email newsletter is a quick, helpful tool to let you know what’s going on at AutomationDirect. For more in-depth information on products, technologies and the automation industry, you may want to take a look at our free published magazine, Automation Notebook, Issue 4 will be mailing April 15, with feature articles on Motion Control and Drives. Technical articles will continue the multi-part series on DirectLOGIC PLC serial port configuration and Basic Control System Design. If you don’t have a subscription to Automation Notebook, you can subscribe online at www.automationnotebook.com, or just visit the site frequently for helpful industry and technical articles. The Web site will be updated the week of April 18 with Issue 4 content.

We always welcome your comments or suggestions concerning this newsletter.
_____________________________________________ Return to top

National Manufacturing Week a success

AutomationDirect’s exhibit at the Chicago show featured displays of all our industrial control products and an “Automation I.Q. Challenge”. The Challenge consisted of three interactive equipment stations designed to test basic knowledge of PLCs, HMI and AC drives. The panels were built and programmed by BizWareDirect, whose DataLynx data collection
software extracted the test data via wireless modem, and then compiled and displayed the scores. Almost 200 attendees participated, with the high scorer each day winning a Laser Tool Kit.

(click photos on the right to see larger images)




AutomationDirect assists with DARPA Challenge
Team Buffalo, a small group of highly talented individuals skilled in bringing abstract technical visions from conception to reality, has committed to participating in a Defense Department research and development initiative aimed at advancing robotics technologies for future military use. AutomationDirect is providing Team Buffalo with all the necessary PLC equipment, controls and most of the sensors for their entry in the DARPA Grand Challenge. The equipment will be installed on the A.N.T (Autonomous Non-manned Transport), which started life as a 2005 four-wheeled ATV (all terrain vehicle).
(Read more at www.automationnotebook.com). Also watch for a full-length article on Team Buffalo’s progress in the August issue of Automation Notebook, or visit www.teambuffalo.org for up-to-the-minute developments.



Check out our upcoming online seminars
Topics for our online seminars continue to expand. Live seminars coming up in April and May include “DirectSOFT PLC Programming Software”, “PLC-based Motion Control”, and “DataWorx Ethernet Data Logging Software”. Live seminars are typically presented on Wednesdays at 2PM, and normally last 30 to 45 minutes.

View the full schedule of free Web seminars and get registered to attend. .

_____________________________________________ Return to top


Non-fused disconnects expand Power Products line
The new SD1 series non-fused disconnects allow breaking and disconnecting on equipment loads of up to 600 VAC, at a nominal current range from 16 A to 40 A. SD2 series non-fused disconnects allow breaking and disconnecting on equipment loads of up to 600 VAC, at a nominal current range from 63 A to 125 A. Both series are DIN rail or panel-mountable and feature high breaking capacity (AC 22 A to AC 23 A), double break contacts, high electrical and mechanical endurance, and are resistant to damp heat. The non-fused disconnects have an IP20 degree of protection and are HACR rated.

Prices for the non-fused disconnects start at $19. A complete line of standard accessories is also available, including an optional auxiliary contact (one N.O. and one N.C. contact).

More information on non-fused disconnects

New models of 30 mm NEMA and 22 mm IEC non-metal pushbuttons added
New Cutler-Hammer 30 mm HT800 models feature NEMA-rated metal housing designs and include flush momentary operators and mushroom push-pull operator configurations. Several of the 30 mm pushbuttons include a guarded housing for protection from accidental activation or obstruction. New E22 series IEC 22 mm non-metal models include several choices of push-on / push-off configurations. A line of accessories rounds out the offering.

More information on new pushbuttons

_____________________________________________ Return to top

Application: DL05, DL06 and EZTouch panel offer remote control for hydraulic unit that controls helicopter model at NASA Ames

Products used: DL05, DL06, EZTouch operator interface

Description: NASA Ames Wind Tunnel Division in Moffett Field, CA has a 3,000 psi 200 GPM hydraulic unit to control the blade angle of a helicopter model. The hydraulic unit was delivered without remote control and facility control system interlock. The DL06, DL05, and EZTouch were chosen to implement remote control of the unit and to interface with the wind tunnel facility control system. The DL06 with an optional 2-channel analog input / 2-channel analog output card was mounted inside the hydraulic unit main control cabinet. The DL06’s built-in digital I/O is used for local start/stop, light indications and interlocks of the hydraulic unit. The analog input of the option card is used to check the temperature of the unit and the 0-10 VDC output is wired to control the servo valve for flow and pressure adjustment. The DL05, with optional 4-channel analog input, is used as the remote master PLC to talk to the DL06, which is about 500 feet away. The DL05 analog input card is wired to temperature, pressure, and flow sensors at the test section of the wind tunnel. The EZTouch operator panel is connected to Port 1 of the DL05 and is used as a control interface and parameter display inside the control room of the wind tunnel.

Submitted by Vic Ellescas, Applied Process Equipment

View our entire collection of Application Stories or submit one of your own
_____________________________________________ Return to top

Here are some important philosophical questions to ponder as you finish reading this newsletter. Don’t be surprised if the next person in your office wonders why you have a glazed look on your face.

• Why is it only drug dealers and software developers call their clients 'users'?
• Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra?
• How is it possible to have a civil war?
• If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too?
• If you ate pasta and antipasta, would you still be hungry?
• Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
• Where are we going? And what's with this handbasket?
• If the black box flight recorder is never damaged during a plane crash, why isn't the whole airplane made out of the stuff?
• Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?
• If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?
• Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
• So what's the speed of dark?

_____________________________________________ Return to top