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Since 2001, AutomationDirect has consistently received top awards in Control Design’s Reader’s Choice surveys for product and technical support. Why is that? It’s simple. It’s all about you! From the products we offer, to customer service and support, our team members strive to keep the focus on you by finding the best products for your industrial control application. Read about it in the Control Design article.

Do-More H2 Series PLC named finalist in annual competition

Once again, an AutomationDirect product is part of Control Engineering magazine’s annual Engineers’ Choice Awards competition. This year, the Do-more H2 Series PLC is a finalist. Control Engineering magazine has opened online ballots to its readers, allowing them to decide which products deserve the Engineers’ Choice award. So, don’t pass up this opportunity to cast your vote.

We’ve added Koyo inch-size light and medium-duty encoders to our line of positioning and motion control products. These stainless steel solid-shaft encoders provide a cost-effective solution for small applications.

The TRDA-2E series light-duty encoders have a 0.25-inch diameter stainless steel solid shaft and offer resolutions from 100 to 2,500 pulses per revolution. The encoders are fitted with a two-meter cable with tinned ends and are available with 12-24 VDC open-collector or 5VDC line-driver outputs; the series provides up to 200 kHz response frequency. The TRDA-2E series encoders start at $89.

The TRDA-20 series medium-duty encoders have a 0.375-inch diameter stainless steel solid shaft and offer resolutions from 100 to 2,500 pulses per revolution. The encoders are fitted with a two-meter cable with tinned ends and are available with 5-30 VDC totem-pole (push/pull) or 5VDC line-driver outputs; the series provides up to 200 kHz response frequency. The TRDA-20 series encoders start at $109.

The TRDA-25 series medium-duty encoders have a 0.375-inch diameter stainless steel solid shaft and offer resolutions from 100 to 2,500 pulses per revolution. Fitted with a military-style connector, these encoders also have a removable 2.5-inch round flange. Available with 5-30 VDC totem-pole (push/pull) or 5 VDC line-driver outputs, the series provides up to 200 kHz response frequency. The TRDA-20 series encoders start at $175. Military-style connector cables are available in 10, 20 and 30-foot lengths, starting at $62.

All TRDA encoders feature a reinforced aluminum die cast casing, have an operating temperature range of -10 to +70 degrees C, and have no mounting restrictions. Flexible encoder couplings in aluminum and glass reinforced resin, servo mount brackets, mounting brackets and flanges are also available.

For more information on Koyo TRDA encoders, visit: www.automationdirect.com/encoders.

KNIPEX pliers added to tool offering

A variety of KNIPEX pliers is now available in slip-resistant plastic coated, comfort grip, and insulated comfort grip handle styles, the pliers are made of high-grade special tool steel with polished edges. The slim head design provides greater accessibility in tight or hard to reach areas.

Combination pliers provide the basic functions of gripping and cutting in one tool. The induction-hardened cutting edges are suitable for cutting wire, nails, and smaller cables; serrated gripping jaws hold flat parts and small tools tightly. Prices for combination pliers start at $24.

Snipe-nose (or needle-nose) and electronics gripping pliers designed for finer gripping and manipulating are also available. Designed with pointed, half-round jaws and serrated gripping edges, they also have cutting edges for soft, medium-hard, and hard wire. Gripping pliers start at $24.

Cutting pliers and shears designed for exceptional cutting capacity and better handling have also been added. These pliers feature hardened precision cutting edges and are ideal for applications such as electronics, cutting plastics, bolts and cables. Prices for cutting pliers start at $21.50.

Available crimpers include plug connector pliers with threaded holes for cutting copper and brass screws and ferrule crimpers with nine deep troughs and conical side faces. These pliers are ideal for crimping insulated and non-insulated terminals; circlip pliers with non-slip solid tips for installing and removing retaining rings have also been added. Prices start at $25.50.

Water pump pliers are designed to provide variable adjustment of gripping capacity. Available in a variety of styles, these adjustable grip pliers work on bolts, pipe fittings, nuts, and more. Prices for water pump pliers start at $25.50.

Wire stripping pliers are designed for gripping, bending and cutting soft, medium, and hard wire; additional cable and data cable stripping tools are also available. Stripping tool prices start at $34.

Backed with a lifetime warranty, KNIPEX pliers are also available in three-piece sets starting at $89; a two-piece mini pliers set with belt pouch is available for $109.

For more information on the KNIPEX line of pliers, visit www.automationdirect.com/pliers.

Capacitive proximity sensor lineup extended

Our line of capacitive proximity sensors now includes 12mm metal round bodied DC models with shielded and unshielded mounting options, PNP, normally-open outputs, potentiometer adjustment and M12 quick disconnect. Unshielded 18mm DC plastic bodied models with selectable normally-open/normally-closed outputs feature logic auto detection. Additional unshielded 30mm models feature AC and DC versions with plastic housings and have programmable normally-open or normally-closed outputs. Rectangular plastic DC sensors, ideal for sight glass applications, feature selectable normally-open or normally-closed outputs and are fitted with a two-meter three-wire axial cable. Starting at $59, all units are cULus, CE and RoHS rated and have a limited lifetime warranty.
See the full capacitive proximity sensor line.

Non-contact safety switches added

AutomationDirect’s safety product offering now includes IDEM safety switches in non-contact magnetic and non-contact coded magnetic styles. These non-contact magnetic safety switches are interlocking devices designed to protect both people and machines.

The MPR series light-duty safety switches are simple magnetic reed switches designed for all small guard applications. Constructed of polyester, the sensor and actuator can be mounted unobtrusively in channels or behind doors. The hygienic screw cap cover ensures suitability for food processing washdown and can withstand being high-pressure hosed at high temperatures. With a wide 12mm sensing range, the series has a high tolerance to misalignment. MPR series safety switches feature two normally-closed and one normally-open circuit and is available with two, five or 10-meter cables. MPR series safety switches start at $69.

The LPR and LMR series medium-duty non-contact magnetic safety switches are available in either plastic or stainless steel housings suitable for all industry applications. The narrow style safety switch allows for flush mounting and features two normally-closed and one normally-open circuit. The LMR series has a 316 stainless steel mirror polished finish and is specifically designed for food processing applications. The LPR and LMR safety switches are available with two, five or 10-meter cables; prices start at $85.

Additional medium-duty non-contact magnetic safety switches include the SPR, SMR, and SMR-F series. The universal housing features a 22mm fixing footprint and a 50mm wide body that withstands environments where high humidity exists or hose down is required. Equipped with two normally-closed and one normally-open circuit, these safety switches provide long life switching capability. The SMR and SMR-F series are specifically designed for food processing applications; the 316 stainless steel mirror polish finish allows for high-pressure washdown at high temperatures. SPR and SMR safety switches are available with two, five or 10-meter cables, while the SMR-F series is available with a five-meter cable only; prices start at $89.

Heavy-duty non-contact magnetic safety switches include the CPR, CMR, and CMR-F series. These series feature a slim 20mm wide base and can withstand high-pressure washdown at high temperatures. Equipped with one normally-closed and one normally-open circuit, these safety switches will work with most safety relays. With a 316 stainless steel mirror polish finish, the CMR and CMR-F series are specifically designed for food processing applications. CPR and CMR series are available with two, five or 10-meter cables; the CMR-F series is only available with a five-meter cable; prices start at $89.

The WPR series heavy-duty non-contact magnetic safety switches feature a robust wide housing suitable for all industry applications. Featuring two normally-closed and one normally-open circuit, these switches have a high switching capability and will operate with most safety relays. WPR series safety switches are available with either two or five-meter cables; prices start at $99.

Also available are non-contact coded magnetic safety switches. These switches use coded magnets to close circuits and provide even more protection. The safety switch and actuator work together in such a way that the enable condition from the safety device is only triggered if the actuating element is within the switch’s response range and the code on the actuator matches that of the switch. All are equipped with LED indication and most models feature two normally-closed and one normally-open circuit. Prices for non-contact coded magnetic safety switches start at $69.

For more information on IDEM non-contact magnetic safety switches, click here.

Our favorite PLC trainer Doug Bell continues to add helpful training products to his Online Automation School site. Now you can purchase low-cost PLC trainers to use in your own training program or in the PLC training section of their online school. And, through January 31st, get FREE shipping on any of these low-cost trainers.

You can also purchase custom-made PLC trainers, built to your specifications, in quantities of four or more. For over 20 years, InterConnecting Automation has designed unique training experiences for organizations across America. Some large organizations, such as corporations and universities, have high-volume PLC training needs in specialized training environments. Trainers can be customized to fit your individual needs. Plus, custom-made orders for four or more trainers are eligible for free imprinting of your brand logo. Click now for a no-obligation quote.

Also, from now through January 31st, anyone registering for any of Doug's regular scheduled regional courses (for 2012 or 2013) will receive the "PLC Logic & Principals" DVD set ($395 value) absolutely FREE!

To learn more, check out their Web site.

Doug adds 10 more training videos online

In the latest DirectLOGIC series of training videos, Doug covers topics such as math, numbering formats in DirectLOGIC, number format conversions and compressing and uncompressing projects for email.

These on-demand libraries make it easy for you to study at your own pace. Sign up today.

Note: The site requires the latest version of Flash Player and the latest browser updates to view the videos

Automation Notebook issue 24 is now online

Our latest issue of Automation Notebook is now available for online viewing. In addition to our current issue, you will find online versions of all previous issues, each in downloadable PDF format. While you’re visiting the Automation Notebook site, subscribe to receive things such as our print catalog, software CDs and DVDs, and more.

Latest Motion Control tutorial video posted on Learn and YouTube

Our series of Motion Control tutorial videos continues to expand. The latest on-demand video covers DirectLOGIC Micro PLC and CTRIO module’s Workbench Utility. In this video, Tom explains the steps for programming the CTRIO high-speed interface module, including setting parameters, creating motion pulse profiles, updating firmware, monitoring inputs/outputs and testing the profiles.

Continue to check our video and YouTube sites often, as we continue to add more in-depth tutorials.

In the current issue of Automation Notebook, we featured the Midwest Propulsion Group, a group of jet engine enthusiasts dedicated to helping students increase engineering knowledge through gas turbine restoration and performance analysis. Check out the exciting projects in the works.

Want to tell others about your application story? Send it to us. It just might become a feature article in an upcoming enewsletter or in our Automation NOTEBOOK magazine.

 

You can check out our complete list of application stories here.

We all have interesting and hilarious holiday mishap stories. So, our super-sleuth team decided to surf the Web to find some great ones. Come to find out, the work had already been done by the Seattle Times. Here is an excerpt from their article, “Holiday dinner disasters: Oh sure it’s funny now.”

Jeannine Dowell, of Kent, on one windy Thanksgiving in the late 1970s: Dowell was in the midst of cooking a hefty turkey and all the fixings for 30 when the power went out, a regular wintertime occurrence on the hill where she and husband Stephen live. She called her neighbor to see if she had room in the oven for their half-done turkey — nope. A friend up the hill said to bring the turkey on by. Stephen jumped in the car and drove up.

"He was carrying this 30-pound bird in a roasting pan in this windstorm," his wife said, laughing at the memory.

But that oven was too small, he told his wife over the phone. Yet another friend had no extra space in her oven. He drove home, perplexed. His wife went into panic mode.

Jeannine said, “What are we going to do? We have all these people arriving at 4 o'clock. What are we going to do?!"

Then Stephen remembered he knew the owner of the nearby Golden Steer Restaurant.

"God love him, he cooked it for us," Jeannine said. "When my husband finally came home and the bird was placed on the table, he said to all of our guests, 'Well, this turkey has more miles on it today, on Thanksgiving, than it ever had in the barnyard!'"

Read more funny mishaps in the full article, here.