Editor's Note

The hits keep coming!
Things are going like gang busters at AutomationDirect. We have released several new products already this year. And, we have no plans of stopping any time soon. We have many more products planned over the next several months, and as always, each one is backed with the award-winning technical support to which you are accustomed.

This month's newsletter is filled with the latest information, including new product information, our latest webinar schedule, and more. Be sure to take a break with the Lighter Side.

Remember, we are always excited to learn the unique ways customers use AutomationDirect products. Be sure to send us your application stories. If we use your story in our e-newsletter, we will apply a $100 credit to your AutomationDirect account. Application stories we use in print magazines earn a $750 credit. So, don't forget to send us information , about your applications.

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Latest Video

Stellar® SR33 Series Compact
3-Phase Soft Starters

This series of soft starters use thyristors for controlled reduced voltage motor starting and stopping, then switch to internal contacts for efficient running at the rated speed.

Volume 14 Issue 4, may 2012
Company News
Now get FREE shipping on orders over $49
Latest Product News
Bryant watertight wiring
devices now available
Training News
Final chance for free shipping with Doug Bell's Hands-on video trainer
Application Innovations
Forshock provides water savings through automation
The Lighter Side
What it means in "Engineering Speak"
AutomationDirect Ranked as Atlanta's Top Midsize Workplace

company news

AutomationDirect Ranked as Atlanta's Top Midsize Workplace

AutomationDirect was recently named Metro Atlanta's Top Midsize Workplace by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Our employees voted the company to the top position in the medium-size company category by completing an online survey. The Atlanta Journal Constitution, partnered with Workplace Dynamics, hosted the survey which focused on specific categories relating to a company's workplace culture; the survey covered areas such as company direction, workplace conditions, execution, management, career, and pay and benefits.

In order to be considered a finalist, each company must reach a minimum level of employee participation, based on its number of employees. Companies were then ranked and finalists chosen in each size category based on their overall composite score. Winners were chosen based strictly on the results of the survey. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, winners are, in essence, chosen by the employees themselves. This year, approximately 1,000 companies were nominated.

Additionally, our company captain Tim Hohmann was among the heads of three companies receiving the Leadership award, honoring those who lead by example.

Expressing gratitude, Hohmann says, "AutomationDirect has always strived to go against the 'norm' of the industry by rewarding and encouraging team members and making them feel important and valuable. It is our belief that if teamers love what they do, they'll naturally take care of customers with the same dedication and enthusiasm that is given to them. And that proves true based on the many customer surveys we do."

The most recent award reflects the ongoing excellence of AutomationDirect's company culture. Previously, in 2011, AutomationDirect was recognized as the fourth in the top 25 best small and medium companies to work for in America by SHRM/Great Places to Work Institute. For this award, two-thirds of the organization's score comes from employee survey responses; one-third of the score includes assessment of organization practices and perspectives from the leadership team.

Free shipping

Now get FREE shipping on orders $49 and over

Yes, you're reading that right. As of May 2, we've lowered the free shipping threshold to orders of $49 and over. Now you can order any time, anywhere, and for most all your orders, not have to worry about shipping costs or delivery time!

We use our choice of carrier and a combination of ground and air services that allow us to reach any U.S. destination within 2 days transit time (or less). (Note that while the 2-day transit time does not apply for LTL shipping of heavy items, or drop-shipped (not stocked in Cumming, GA) items, those parts are included in calculating your order value to reach the $49 threshold.)

And orders under $49 ship standard ground at a flat rate of $6, unless you choose an alternate shipping method (which will incur the appropriate shipping charge). See Terms and Conditions online for full details and limitations. Just one more way we hope to make you a satisfied customer!

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Byant watertight wiring devices

latest product news

Bryant watertight wiring devices now available

We have extended our line of Bryant wiring devices to include extra-heavy-duty industrial grade duplex receptacles and watertight wiring devices. Bryant industrial grade duplex straight blade receptacles feature a full-face, wrap around design molded of high-impact chemical-resistant nylon. Available in 15A and 20A versions, the receptacles are designed with a one-piece copper alloy grounding system with integral solid brass grounding contacts. Eight wiring pockets provide convenient feed-through back wiring and clamp-type terminals with brass terminal screws, and accept up to #10 wire; easy-access break-off tabs support two-circuit wiring. Available in gray or corrosion-resistant high-visibility yellow nylon, receptacles also feature a circuit ID marking area for clear identification of circuits. Industrial grade duplex receptacles start at $9.25.

Two-pole and three-pole watertight plugs and connectors have also been added. Recommended where moisture exists or casual submersion is possible, these devices are constructed with high-visibility yellow double-insulated thermoplastic elastomer housings. Individual neoprene bushings provide a watertight seal. Rugged PBT interiors provide excellent resistance to moisture and temperature. A tongue and groove plug-to-connector design provides optimum protection in wet and damp locations. The 15A and 20A connectors accept multiple cord diameters from #18/3 to #10/3; 30A models accept #8/4 cord. Watertight plugs and connectors start at $14.

Weather protective accessories, starting at $3.25, have also been added, including NEMA 1 non-conductive, impact-resistant thermoplastic elastomer portable outlet boxes, dual-receptacle covers and blank box cover plates.

Learn more about the Bryant wiring devices.

pressure transmitters

ProSense line now includes stainless steel and air differential pressure transmitters

The ProSense SPT25 pressure transmitter series is engineered to meet many industrial, commercial and OEM pressure measurement applications. Compatible with many different media sensing applications, the all stainless steel welded thin film sensing element provides very fast response time. With a pressure sensing range from vacuum to 5,000 psi, transmitters are designed to resist vibration, shock and EMI/RFI while providing high accuracy over a wide compensated temperature range. Models feature a ¼-inch NPT male threaded process connection and are available with linear outputs of 4-20 mA or 0-10VDC and with electrical connections of either a DIN 175301-803C L-connector or a two-meter integral shielded cable. SPT25 series pressure transmitter prices start at $109.

The ProSense DPTA series differential air pressure transmitters are precision engineered for accurate low differential pressure measurement of air and non-condensing, non-corrosive gases. Transmitters are equipped with an ultra-thin single silicon crystal diaphragm capacitive sensor to provide inherent repeatability and stability. These transmitters are designed with brass barbed pressure ports, removable terminal blocks and a rugged ABS housing for DIN rail or panel mounting. The series is available in ranges from 0.1 inches to 25 inches water column to measure positive, negative, and bi-directional pressures, with the ability withstand 15 psi overpressure without damage or calibration shift. Backed with a three-year warranty, prices start at $105



Nitra air pilot valves

New NITRA air pilot and manual control valves

The NITRA line of pneumatic products has been extended to include air pilot valves, foot pedal valves, and manual control valves.

The AVS-5 series now includes single and double-pilot directional control air pilot valves, offering spring return or center closed operation. All are body ported five-port (four-way) spool valves and are available in 1/8" to ½" NPT port sizes with flow coefficients from 0.67 to 2.79. AVS-5 series air pilot valves start at $14.

NITRA CVS series directional control foot pedal valves are five-port (four-way) spool valves designed for non-electrical operator control applications. Available in momentary or latching operation models, foot pedal valves feature a ¼" NPT port with a flow coefficient of 0.80. CVS foot pedal valves start at $25.50. See the full line.

Manual valves in toggle-style hand lever, push-pull, and rotary-style hand lever models have also been added. Constructed with aluminum alloy bodies, available port sizes are 1/8" to ½" NPT with flow coefficients from 0.78 to 5.29. Starting at $14, models are available in two or three-position detented styles.

doug bell hands-on video trainer

training news

Final chance for free shipping with Doug Bell's Hands-on video trainer

It's not too late to take advantage of free shipping when you order Doug Bell's Introduction to PLC Logic and Principals hands-on video trainer from InterConnecting Automation. The recently redesigned trainer is an affordable way to learn at your own pace while being trained by a PLC expert. The $489 training package includes:

     • Two DVDs to follow while using DirectSOFT PLC programming
       software
     • A pre-wired DL05 PLC trainer with pushbuttons and selector
       switches mounted on a solid oak frame, and programming
       cable ready to plug in and begin learning
     • A DL05 PLC User manual to use throughout the vide and as a
       future reference guide

Order before May 31st and receive free shipping.

Find out more about the hands-on trainer and other products offered at www.InterConnectingAutomation.com.



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You've subscribed to our YouTube channel. You regularly visit our learn.automationdirect.com site. Now, join the growing list of followers on Twitter. We send daily notifications of the latest news and views not just about us, but also goings on of the industry. You can help us spread the word by retweeting too. Follow us today at @AutomationDirec.



Upcoming Web seminars

Our Web seminars keep on rolling. The 45-minute shows feature both product overviews and more detailed application-based examples. Each seminar includes a question and answer time where our hosts address questions from viewers. You can also view recorded episodes at your convenience.

Upcoming Web Seminars include:

Register today to attend the free online seminars. If you don't see a specific topic of interest, contact us with your idea. Our team will consider it for future seminars.

application innovations

Application Innovations

Forshock provides water savings through automation

Water districts and municipalities in California must meet growing demand with limited supply, putting more stress on the water distribution infrastructure. Southern California in particular places a high priority on investments in maintaining and upgrading water supply infrastructures, due in part to its desert climate.

Recently, ControlGLobal.com posted a story about how one of AutomationDirect's customers, a systems integrator working with water districts and municipalities in Southern California to implement water monitoring and control systems, helped meet the needs by creating an HMI system for water and wastewater applications. Read the full article here.

 

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

engineering speak

The Lighter Side

What it means in "Engineering Speak"
(from gdargaud.net)

We've all heard the phrase, "There are two sides to every coin." Well, the same holds true in the world of engineering. Here are a few phrases, followed by their "translations."

Engineers: A number of different approaches are being tried.
Translation: We don't know where we're going, but we're moving.

Engineers: An extensive report is being prepared on a fresh approach to the problem.
Translation: We just hired three guys. We'll let them kick it around for a while.

Engineers: Developed after years of intensive research Translation: It was discovered by accident. Engineers: Modifications are underway to correct certain minor difficulties.
Translation: We threw the whole thing out and are starting from scratch.

Engineers: Preliminary operational tests were inconclusive.
Translation: The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.

Engineers: Test results were gratifying.
Translation: It works! Boy are we surprised!


Contact

We always welcome your comments or suggestions concerning this newsletter. If you have any topics for future newsletters, please let us know.

Leave a Reply

Comments or suggestions for topics in future newsletters can be directed to newsletter@automationdirect.com

How to find us

AutomationDirect is located at 3505 Hutchinson Rd., Cumming, GA 30040 (about 45 minutes north of Atlanta, GA)

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