Volume 9 Issue 1, January 2007
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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We always welcome your comments or suggestions concerning this newsletter.

Editor's note:

Happy New Year!

The holidays are now behind us. Christmas trees, menorahs, nativities, and other icons of the season are packed away. We here at AutomationDirect trust your holiday season was the best ever. Now it's time to look at the New Year with excitement and anticipation. I'm sure each of us has made plans to improve our lives in various ways. For many, it may be to get back in shape; for others, it could be to spend more time with family; and still for some, maybe it's to work more efficiently.

Plans for a good year are definitely in action at AutomationDirect. With over 6,000 products, we can help improve most applications. You can count on quality products and dependable technical support from AutomationDirect.

This issue of E-notes from Captain's Log is full of great information. You'll read about new products, new web sites, as well as helpful application information. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to contact the gym I joined last year. It seems I have forgotten where they are located . . .

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Newest product Web site offers in-depth PLC information

AutomationDirect has expanded its range of product-focused Web sites to include PLCs. Visitors to www.aboutplcs.com can find in-depth information on the full line of
DirectLOGIC PLCs, as well as general PLC selection and configuration guides. Much of the information has been available on other AutomationDirect sites, but this site collects all PLC-specific topics in one convenient location.

Check out www.aboutplcs.com

Learn.automationdirect.com
is growing

We've just added nine new videos to learn.automationdirect.com, covering topics in Ethernet communication, C-more operator interface panels, and DirectSOFT5 programming software. The Learn site is the place to go to view FREE video tutorials on a variety of industrial control topics, with one to 30 minute segments covering product categories including PLCs, operator interfaces, software, sensors, motor control, drives and motors, and general information about industrial control. You can also provide input regarding any tutorial video you would like to see added.

Bookmark learn.automationdirect.com in your Favorites section on your Internet browser. We're sure you will return time and time again.

To see the site, go to http://learn.automationdirect.com.

AutomationDirect introduces Fusible and Non-Fusible Disconnect Switches

AutomationDirect now carries 600 VAC/250 VDC heavy-duty fusible and non-fusible disconnects from Ferraz Shawmut. Meeting UL98 standards, the SIRCO and FUSERBLOC series are designed with the latest disconnect technology available, "'make and break"' power circuits under load, and are UL, CSA, CE and IEC rated. A wide array of handles is available for OSHA padlocking requirements, NEMA configurations, defeater options and NFPA 79 requirements.

The SIRCO switches and accessories, starting at $57, are available in 30-800 amp ratings. Available defeatable pistol handles automatically re-latch when the panel door is closed, eliminating the need for tools to reset the latch. FUSERBLOC fusible disconnects and accessories, starting at $85, break up to 200 amps and use double break contacts per pole, isolating the fuse while the switch is in the OFF position. Used with class CC or J fuses, FUSERBLOC switches provide reliable circuit protection.

More information on Fusible and Non-Fusible Disconnect Switches

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Allen-Bradley DF1 protocols added to C-more micro

C-more Micro-Graphic operator interface panels now support Allen-Bradley DF1 protocols when used with the EA-MG-SP1 Communication option module. C-more Micro will now communicate with Allen-Bradley SLC5/03, 5/04, 5/05 and Micrologix 1000, 1200, and 1500 PLCs in half and full duplex. The new drivers also allow full duplex communication with Allen-Bradley's PLC5. Communication cables for connection to A-B PLCs are available for $20.00.

More information on C-more micro
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DL205 PLC can be Dramatic

We are always interested to see how customers use AutomationDirect products. Recently, we learned that the School of Theatre Arts at the University of Arizona is using industrial control on stage. Read how scenes change more smoothly during performances by using DL205 PLCs, various motors, and computer control.

For more of this story and a complete list of application stories, visit our AutomationNotebook.com

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(Taken from one of those "'www."' places)

Every year many families get puppies for Christmas. If those cute little animals could offer advice, this may be just a portion of their wisdom:

• The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
• I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
• I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
• I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.
• I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.
• I will not lick my human's face after eating animal droppings.
• The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
• I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
• I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
• When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
• We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
• I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.
• The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
• My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
• I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Dad's driver's license and car registration.
• I will not roll around in the dirt right after getting a bath.
• The cat is not a squeaky toy; so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.
• I will never again mess with a skunk. I now accept that they have every right to come into my yard. However, I will encourage my cat to attack them.

Taken from www.hotdogblog.com

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