Editor's note:
Executives from our parent company, Koyo Electronics, recently made the long trip from Japan to visit us here at headquarters in Cumming, GA. Koyo Electronics recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and are part of the multi-billion dollar Koyo-Seiko group. AutomationDirect first became a subsidiary in 1994 as the former PLCDirect. Although we are in continuous contact to conduct day-to-day business and jointly embark on new ventures, Koyo representatives and AutomationDirect employees seldom have the opportunity to meet face-to-face and exchange ideas in person. During their visit, our Koyo leaders met with various teams to discuss details of business plans and progress, and take a first-hand look at our latest processes and operations. The days passed quickly during their short stay, but the time spent together was beneficial to all. We look forward to an ongoing successful partnership, as well as future visits..

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

AutomationDirect exhibits at ISA Mexico

In June, AutomationDirect participated in its third ISA Expo Control show in Mexico City, Mexico. The company has been actively marketing products in Mexico for 3 years, working with a local distributor, Lasso, located in Monterrey. This year’s show was the best so far; many attendees indicated their awareness of AutomationDirect because of the annual trade shows and other marketing campaigns. This year’s booth featured a slide presentation of product highlights, as well as a tutorial on how to use the Web site for selecting and purchasing products. There were also interactive demos and product displays, including PLCs, drives and HMI.

AC Drives added to online seminar topics

In addition to covering more PLC and software products during our next few Web seminars, a session on AC Drives will be presented for the first time. Among the key discussion points are: types of loads, AC drive terms, typical control schemes, and a review of available drives accessories and their function in the system. Two live Q&A sessions will be offered to ensure we answer any questions from the audience. Live seminars from AutomationDirect are typically presented on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., and normally last 30 to 45 minutes.

View the full schedule of free Web seminars and register to attend

To find out about PLC classroom training opportunities and see the latest schedule of course offerings at InterConnecting Automation

_____________________________________________ Return to top


Pushbutton offering includes new potentiometers and buzzers

Recent additions to the AutomationDirect pushbutton line include 22 mm potentiometers and audible buzzer annunciators. The potentiometers are available in 5 and 10 Kohm models with a rugged metal housing and easy-to-wire screw terminals. Capable of accepting AC or DC voltages up to 250V, these are a great fit for simple speed or flow adjustment applications and are $34 each. The annunciators, available with or without a red LED indicator lamp, provide a simple buzzer alert tone for operators and can be easily installed in a standard 22 mm pushbutton cutout. Prices start at $6. For more information, visit

More information on pushbuttons

Eight-point simulator module is here

The F0-08SIM is an 8-point input simulator module for DL05 and DL06 PLCs that provides eight discrete switches at your fingertips. Priced at only $35, this module is perfect for application simulation and testing. You can avoid hooking up numerous devices to test your user program; all that’s required is 5 VDC base power (1 mA), and all or any of the eight points can be utilized. The F0-08SIM can also be useful when you need an inexpensive local interface to the PLC. NOTE: The DL05 CPU’s discrete feature for the F0-08SIM module requires DirectSOFT32 Version 3 (or later). The DL06 requires DirectSOFT32 version V4.0, build 16 (or later).

More information on DL06 and DL05 modules

Need a CPT terminal cover?

Now available from AutomationDirect are optional Control Power Transformer (CPT) terminal covers. These finger safe, plastic covers are available for both fused and unfused CPT terminals. The clear, one-piece design requires no extra mounting parts and allows maximum visibility of both fuse and/or terminal. The covers ensure protection against electric shock or accidental contact and comply with IEC and DE requirements. Prices start at $8.

More information on Control Power Transformer and accessories

_____________________________________________ Return to top



Rhino™ series of DC switching power supplies available

The RHINO line of power supplies includes several new metal and plastic-housed switching supply models. RHINO PSM series switching DC power supplies are available in 12 or 24 VDC adjustable output models. Innovative features of the RHINO PSM line include a redundancy module, a battery control module, and a buffer module. Two new models of the Rhino PSP series now offer 5V and 12V adjustable output voltages. For more information, visit

More information on RHINO DC power supplies

Edison fuse line has multiple applications
The Edison line of fuse products includes a wide variety of fuses and accessories used in several applications. All Edison fuses can be cross referenced and used as replacements for other name-brand fuses. We carry the most popular 13/32” x 1-1/2” size Current Limiting Class CC and the Class M Midget general purpose fuses for industrial control applications, including both time-delay and fast-acting protection.

More information on Edison fuses

Ethernet Module H0-ECOM100 offers networking flexibility
The H0-ECOM100 features 10/100 Mb speeds, and supports the industry standard MODBUS TCP/IP Client/Server protocol in addition to the standard IP and IPX protocols. This allows a DL05 or DL06 PLC with an H0-ECOM100 module to serve as a client (master) or as a server (slave) on a MODBUS TCP/IP Ethernet network. PLCs can be linked with PCs using industry standard equipment.

More information on Communications and Networking

_____________________________________________ Return to top

PLC Network Pays Big at Popular Casino
A seven-PLC serial radio and Ethernet network that monitors and controls a casino water system has improved both system reliability and water quality. Three wells with chlorine and fluoride addition, four reservoirs, and the fire system are controlled by this PLC network. The seven PLCs are networked to the LookoutDirect platform, which provides full SCADA/HMI for the system operators, both locally and remotely via a dial-up connection. Previously, monitoring and control functions were mostly manual with the use of some standard pool timers. Typical problems were water shortages – or no water – and overflow of the reservoirs. One overflow incident even caused a traffic accident due to water running across the highway. As for water quality, it had been unpredictable because data on actual chemical feed rates was lacking. The integration of AutomationDirect products, use of automated alarms, and access to readily available information has yielded significant improvements.

View our entire collection of Application Stories or submit one of your own

_____________________________________________ Return to top

As the old adage goes, “don’t believe everything you read in the paper.” Here are some interesting headlines that actually rolled off the press and hit the streets.

• Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge
• New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
• Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
• Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
• Chef Throws His Heart into Helping Feed Needy
• Arson Suspect is Held in Massachusetts Fire
• British Union Finds Dwarfs in Short Supply
• Ban on Soliciting Dead in Trotwood
• Lansing Residents Can Drop Off Trees
• Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
• New Vaccine May Contain Rabies
• Man Minus Ear Waives Hearing
• Deaf College Opens Doors to Hearing
• Air Head Fired
• Prosecutor Releases Probe into Undersheriff
• Old School Pillars are Replaced by Alumni
• Bank Drive-in Window Blocked by Board
• Hospitals Are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
• Some Pieces of Rock Hudson Sold at Auction
• Sex Education Delayed, Teachers Request Training
• Include your Children When Baking Cookies

_____________________________________________ Return to top