Editor's note:
Here at headquarters, we’re always looking for ways to expand our horizons. Koyo Electronics, our parent company, is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year, and we joined in by celebrating Japan’s Golden Week, a series of national holidays all in one week. We learned about Japanese culture, fashion and food, as you can see by these pictures! (Koyo’s PLCs had been private-branded in the U.S. by various automation suppliers since 1983, and AutomationDirect (originally PLCDirect by Koyo) has been marketing the now world-famous DirectLOGIC brand since 1994.) We’re honored to be part of the Koyo family, and look forward to many years of continued success together.

We always welcome your comments or suggestions concerning this newsletter.
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New Home Page and updated Web site design is here!
In response to customer feedback and recommendations from various Web site usability studies, we have redesigned our Home Page layout, along with some design and usability updates for our entire e-commerce Web site. Come over and check out the new look at www.automationdirect.com . We hope you find it easier to locate the information you need when you need it. And don’t hesitate to give us your feedback!

Backlight replacement service for EZTouch panels now available from Tech Support
We are now offering a new service to our EZTouch customers who need to replace backlights that have completed their life expectancy and are no longer functioning. Our replacement service will save you money by extending the service life of your panel. Service cost for 6 and 8 inch models is $104, 10 inch models is $168 and service for 15 inch models is $256. Contact a Technical Support specialist at either 770-844-4200 or 1-800-633-0405 to initiate the process.

Brand new catalog shipping mid-June
The new catalog, mailing mid-June, will continue to expand our offerings in many areas. This past year, we’ve added molded case circuit breakers, non-fused disconnects, screwless terminal blocks and non-metal enclosures, to name a few, with even more coming in the next two months. If you haven’t gotten a catalog or CD-ROM, go online to request either or both; we’ll send out the current CD right away (we’re out of the current printed catalog), and you’ll also be on the list for June.

Request your FREE copy today.

Automation Notebook Spring issue focuses on AC drives and motion control
The spring issue of our Automation Notebook magazine, mailed last month, features articles on AC drives and energy conservation, motion control system choices, and second installments of series on DirectLOGIC PLC serial port usage and control system design. You can read the articles online, as well as view back issues, at www.automationnotebook.com.

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115VAC models added to the GS2 AC drives series
The new 0.25 hp, 0.5 hp and 1.0 hp GS2 AC drives have a 115V single phase input and a 230V three phase output. These 115V drives can easily be used in environments where a 230V supply is not available and in such applications as fans, pumps, and general motor control. These new drives have all the same features as the 200V and 400V class of GS2 drives and start at $179. Features include integral PID control, removable keypad with potentiometer, onboard RS232/485 MODBUS communications and an Ethernet interface option. Accompanying line reactors, EMI filters, braking resistors, fuse kits and fuses are also available.

More information on GS2 AC drives

Datanet OPC Web-based data monitoring software now available
DataNet OPC displays data from industrial devices on a Web page. The data is then available for viewing and printing reports from any computer, anywhere the Web is accessible, without the need for third-party software. The data is displayed in a table format and information can be refreshed at any interval. There is absolutely no HTML programming required to take advantage of DataNet OPC's many useful features, all of which allow users to determine the status of their plant operations quickly from anywhere their business might lead them.

More information on Datanet OPC

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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). Prices for the non-fused disconnects start at $19.

More information on Non-fused disconnects

New models of 30 mm NEMA and 22 mm 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 22 mm non-metal models include several choices of push-on / push-off configurations.

More information on these new pushbuttons

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Application: DL205 does the dirty work on a dump scow

Products used: DL205 PLC

Description: We use a DL205 PLC aboard an ocean going split hull dump scow. The vessel was originally controlled with a Mitsubishi FX-48MR-DS PLC. We replaced that controller because it was outdated and the DL205 offered us more flexibility for less money. The DL205 integrates the diesel engine control, hydraulic controls and the telemetry. Radio signals from a tugboat send commands to the scow that start the engine, cause the scow to open and close and to stop the engine. The DL205 has numerous safety interlocks and automatic functions. We have been able to standardize a number of different operations using this same system; thus the number of replacement components are kept to a minimum. Also, we are able to expand equipment control and monitoring very easily with the DL205 series.

Submitted by Kevin McDonnell, Norfolk Dredging Company

View our entire collection of Application Stories or submit one of your own
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Bumper stickers you may or may not have seen on the highway:

• “I'm not driving drunk. I just can't drive.”
• “Driver carries NO CASH - Wife and kids have it all.”
• “Honk if the twins fall out.”
• “I took an IQ test and the results were negative.”
• “Go ahead and honk. I'm reloading.”
• “I'm not deaf… I'm just ignoring you.”
• “If you can read this, my trailer came loose.”
• “Now that you are kissing my bumper, do you wanna get married?”
• “I is a college student.”
• “Where's there's a will, I want to be in it.”
• “Warning: Dates on calendar are closer than they appear.”

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