Volume 9 Issue 6, September 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:

The Autumnal Equinox is on the way.

Summer is winding down and goes in the record books as being quite memorable. In many parts of the country, we've seen extremes in temperatures and even more extremes in rainfall, including the lack thereof in many places.

But one thing is sure; here at AutomationDirect we remain constant. We continue to grow and provide more and more products to help meet the industrial application needs of our customers.

We have completed our latest catalog, and printing will begin very soon. Look for it to arrive at your place of business in October.

In this month's newsletter, you'll learn of the newest products we have available, read the latest company news, and then take a break with the Lighter Side.

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GIVE US FEEDBACK ON NEW ONLINE FEATURES

There are two new features for our Web sites that we are currently testing and you can help!

The first is an interactive version of our print catalog, where you can flip through the pages and click on active part numbers to get more information or to put the item in your shopping cart. If you're familiar with our catalog, or just like to browse for products, it can be a very efficient way to build your order. This is an alpha test of the feature, so you might stumble across things that aren't working perfectly, but the actions you take are real (i.e. ordering parts) and can be used to complete a live order. Give our interactive catalog a try, and to give us any feedback, just drop an email to marketing@automationdirect.com.

The second feature is a PLC system configurator for the DL06, currently being tested on the DirectLOGIC PLC Web site. You can drag and drop option modules into a DL06 base unit and build it to check pricing and power budget. Again, while the feature is in beta test, you can actually submit the bill of materials it creates to the store as a live order.

Take a minute to play with the configurator and send your thoughts to marketing@automationdirect.com.

See us at National Manufacturing Week in Chicago

While at National Manufacturing Week, visit AutomationDirect at booth 5211 to see the latest product offerings in several categories, including motors, drives, PLCs, operator interfaces/HMI, motion control, circuit protection, enclosures, and lots more. Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions on industrial automation control applications and show you how buying direct can save you up to 50%.

New catalog coming in October

Printing of our latest full-color catalog soon will be underway. The newest edition will offer over 6,500 industrial automation products and 2,016 pages containing new products in many product categories. Look for it in the mail in early October.

Tutorials added to Learn.automationdirect.com

Be sure to check out new tutorials on learn.automationdirect.com. Recently, a two part series was added that helps new users with SureServo. The first part explains how to jog the servo motor to verify proper operation, while the second part explains using the position register mode.

Also added is our very own in-house produced commercial which airs at the local movie theater. This fast-paced, 30-second video shows who AutomationDirect is, what we do, and shows support of our troops.

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New WMS protectors

The Cutler-Hammer™ WMS series Supplementary Protectors from Eaton Corporation are for applications where branch circuit protection is already provided or is not required. They are thermal magnetic and protect against short circuit and overload conditions. These DIN-rail mounted supplementary protectors come in one, two and three pole configurations and now are available in three trip curves. The new C curve protector magnetic trip point is 5 to 10 times the rated current and is typically used for control circuits. The existing B curve protector magnetic trip point is 3 to 5 times the rated current and the D curve magnetic trip point is 10 to 20 times the rated current. Supplementary Protector prices start at $8.50. See them here.

To learn more about the WMS series, visit www.automationdirect.com.

New Hammond Power Solutions control transformers

AutomationDirect has introduced a new line of HPS control transformers. The quality and design of the HPS Imperator series transformers make them ideal for high inrush applications requiring reliable output voltage stability. The unique fin-shaped design utilizes superior insulation systems and is constructed with high-quality steel laminations, providing optimum performance and reliability. Designed to meet industrial applications where electromagnetic devices such as relays or solenoids are used, they maximize inrush capability and output voltage regulation when electromagnetic devices are initially energized. These transformers are 50/60 Hz, 600V class, machine tool rated with ratings from 50 VA up to 1000 VA. They are UL listed, CE marked and RoHS compliant. Secondary side fuse kits are provided with each transformer. Optional finger safe terminal covers and primary side fuse kits are also available. HPS Imperator control transformers are priced from $31 to $141, and carry a limited lifetime warranty. See the full line here.

To learn more about Hammond Power Solutions control transformers,
visit www.automationdirect.com

Latest ECT software products

ECT promis•e® LT generates control system schematics, panel layouts, bills of material, wire lists, terminal plans and more to automate the design process. promis•e LT runs as an application inside AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® and provides intelligent schematic design functions, parts database, and the ability to generate a quantified parts list based on what's used in the drawings. promis•e Express Edition adds automated panel layout and automatic wire numbering. An upgrade package (promis•e LT to the Express Edition) and maintenance agreements are available. promis•e LT is priced at $995.00 and includes over 1200 drawings of AutomationDirect products. Go to the ECT products.

To learn more about ECT software products,
visit www.automationdirect.com

New high-resolution analog modules

AutomationDirect has extended its line of DirectLogic option modules to include 16-bit high-resolution analog modules designed for the DL05 and DL06 PLCs. The F0-08ADH-1 eight-channel current input module operates with a 0-20 mA input range. The F0-08ADH-2 has jumper selectable input ranges of either 0-5 VDC or 0-10 VDC. The four-channel F0-04DAH-1 and eight-channel F0-08DAH-1 current output modules provide a 4-20 mA output range, while the four channel-F0-04DAH-2 and the F0-08DAH-2 output modules provide a 0-10 VDC output range. Prices start at $129 for the F0-08ADH-1 module.

To learn more about new analog modules,
visit www.automationdirect.com

More drivers added to C-more

AutomationDirect's C-more touch panels now support several additional protocols for the Allen-Bradley® PLC brand. New Allen-Bradley Ethernet drivers allow simple connection of multiple panels and/or multiple Allen-Bradley PLCs. ControlLogix® Ethernet/IP Tag Messaging support simplifies tag database migration since no mapping or translation is required. RSLogix™ 5000 L5K files can be imported directly, or with a simple operation, the user can enter ControlLogix, CompactLogix® and FlexLogix™ tags from the PLC into the C-more panel. The new drivers also support MicroLogix™ 1100 Ethernet, SLC® 5/05 Ethernet™, and the ENI Adapter for the SLC and MicroLogix series.

To learn more about new C-more drivers,
visit www.automationdirect.com

Drivers added to C-more Micro

Drivers have also been added to C-more Micro-Graphic panels to support five additional PLC protocols. In addition to supporting all DirectLogic PLCs and Allen-Bradley DF1 protocols, new communication drivers have been added to support GE Fanuc SNPX (90/30 and 90/70), Mitusbishi Melsec FX, Omron Host Link (C200 Adaptor; C500), Omron FINS Serial (CJ1/CS1) and Entivity's Think & Do Modbus (PLC tag name support). Updated C-more Micro software is available for download here.

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New SOLO™ Process/Temperature Controllers

utomationDirect's new SOLO™ process/temperature controllers are powerful process tools offering flexibility and simplicity. Available in four standard DIN sizes, starting at $89, each unit is equipped with a dual four-digit, seven-segment display, and offers dual output control, making it ideal for heating and cooling processes. The built-in autotune function with PID control feature allows for fast and easy startups. Flexible control modes include PID, Ramp/Soak, ON/OFF and Manual operation.

To see the full line of SOLO process/temperature controllers, visit www.automationdirect.com

New Atlas™ Industrial Monitors

AutomationDirect's ATLAS™ industrial grade 15", 17", and 19" LCD color monitors are heavy duty TFT flat panel monitors offering superb quality with non-touch and analog resistive touch screen models. All models are equipped with 100-240 VAC input power supplies and NEMA 4/4X/12 panel-mountable front bezels. Less than 2.75" panel mounted depth, heavy-duty steel chassis and powder-coated machined aluminum bezels make ATLAS™ ideal for factory automation applications. The full line is UL and cUL listed, European CE and RoHS compliant, and backed by a two-year warranty. Prices start at $995.

To see the full line of Atlas Industrial Monitors,
visit www.automationdirect.com

New I-Flex Liquid-Tight Tubing

AutomationDirect's I-Flex flexible liquid-tight PVC tubing and connectors provide electrical wire protection outside the control cabinet. Suitable for indoor applications, I-Flex liquid-tight tubing maintains excellent tensile strength and withstands temperatures from -4°F to +140°F. I-flex tubing is available in 30 meter (approximately 98') rolls and, when used with available I-Flex straight and 90 degree connectors, helps protect against water, oil, and other damaging liquids. Prices for tubing start at $25 (30-meter roll) and connectors start at $18 for a pack of 20.

To see the full line of I-Flex liquid tight tubing,
visit www.automationdirect.com

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Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to South Georgia with my family to attend my nephew's wedding. It was a beautiful, hot, muggy, gnat-infested summer day. For most of my family members, this was the first time we had met the bride's family.

The church was beautifully decorated, the wedding party elegantly dressed. The minister performed an eloquent ceremony.

While waiting for the photographer to take what seemed like a thousand photos, all the guests were invited to enjoy a very nice, well-catered meal.

Once my children finished their meals, they began to ask, "When do we get cake?" After all, isn't that the reason kids go to weddings?

Finally, my nephew and his new bride enter the reception hall. At this point, someone from the bride's family announced, "Once the bride and groom finish eating, we will all join them for the toast and cake."

My son and middle daughter both looked at each other with a bold look of confusion. Then as they scanned the room, I asked what was on their minds. It was then that my daughter turned to me and said, "Dad, I see the cake. But, where's the toast?"

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