Friday, August 29, 2008

Manufacturer Videos on Google Video

We have a few manufacturer videos on Google Video, since they were not able to be posted on YouTube:



How Pepperl+Fuchs' microwave identification products help the BMW automotive plant in Dingolfing, Germany produce 1200 new BMW vehicles per day, while lowering costs.



An introduction to 80/20 Inc., makers of modular aluminum machine framing products. Nicknamed, "The Industrial Erector Set", just about anything that you can imagine can be constructed using 80/20 products.  This is the full version of the 80/20 video we have on YouTube.



A slightly better quality version of the Gilmore/Stahlin video we have on YouTube.




A fourth-grade student with no prior electrical contracting experience (and apparently, no prior acting experience either) assembles a Stahlin non-metallic enclosure in under eight minutes.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Red Lion Controls Tutorial Videos Added to YouTube Channel

We've added four tutorial videos produced by Red Lion Controls to our Steven Engineering YouTube Channel:

Linear Scaling for Analog Input Meters



A presentation from Red Lion Controls' Virtual Help Desk about the basics of linear scaling for their PAX and IM series of analog input meters.


Non-Linear Scaling for Analog Input Meters


A tutorial from Red Lion Controls' Help Desk on the basics of non-linear scaling for Red Lion's PAX series and IM series of analog input meters.


Scaling Tutorial for Electronic Counters



Red Lion Controls Help Desk tutorial on scaling for electronic counters.


Scaling Tutorial for Rate Meters


Red Lion Controls Help Desk tutorial on how to scale a Red Lion PAXI, PAXR, CUB5 or IMI rate meter.


Red Lion Controls Technical Datasheets

Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

Friday, August 22, 2008

Phoenix Contact THERMOMARK W2 Thermal Transfer Printer


Phoenix Contact introduces their new THERMOMARK W2 thermal transfer printer for double-sided endless shrink sleeves.

Two print heads allow for simultaneous printing on both sides of the continuous shrink tubing. This is ideal for applications where 360-degree visibility is needed, or when printing the wire origin on one side and destination on the other.

Use Phoenix Contact's CLIP PROJECT advanced marking software to quickly and easily customize the length of the shrink sleeve to minimize waste and maximize the amount of text. The newly designed cutter attached to the front of the printer will either perforate OR cut the sleeves as desired.



Pepperl+Fuchs VBA-4E4A AS-Interface Junction Box Modules


Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VBA-4E4A AS-Interface Junction Box Modules. VBA-4E4A modules are just 28.65 mm (1.128 in.) high and deliver 4 in/4 out functionality to support up to 62 nodes per network. All I/O is powered directly by the AS-Interface module, eliminating the need for any additional sources of power.

“There simply isn’t a more compact and robust AS-Interface junction box module available today,” says Tim Cicerchi, Pepperl+Fuchs Product Manager for Industrial Bus and ID Systems. “At just a shade over an inch tall, the VBA-4E4A modules feature the lowest profile housing on the market and are filled with epoxy to eliminate any potential for circuit board damage. As a result, they are particularly well suited for use on pushbutton stations, conveyor side rails, specialty machines and junction boxes in material handling and specialty machine builder applications,” he says.

Industrial Dual Lock™ mounting strips are included and increase the total mounting height to just 35 mm. Removable terminals make programming and module change outs quick and easy, and LED indicators help to debug and troubleshoot any programming issues.  

These modules are designed exclusively for use with AS-Interface 3.0 scanners and gateways, and are intended for use with two or three wire type sensor inputs, or dry contact pushbuttons.

Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and application of high quality factory and process automation products and services. Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.



Thursday, August 21, 2008

New SolaHD Product Catalog #006


Sola/Hevi-Duty is now SolaHD. SolaHD’s comprehensive line of power supply, power conversion and power protection and conditioning products stretch from entrances to load points to communications networks throughout facilities, making their total power quality solutions indespensible to today’s industries.

Total power quality involves both power protection and power conversion. Power conversion choices made upstream can impact the type of power protection required downstream. Only SolaHD's products and expertise can save you time, money and space with combined power protection and conversion solutions that are right for your facility.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Telemecanique ConneXview Industrial Ethernet Diagnostic Software


Highly intelligent, yet simple to use, Telemecanique’s ConneXview automatically provides a real-time traffic map of your industrial Ethernet network and all connected devices, giving you the ability to instantly visualize the health of your operation.

Each segment and device on the network is color-coded. You can see your entire network on a single screen, or zoom in to particular areas for a more detailed view. Related device and network information is provided in task panels and via links for even more in-depth troubleshooting information.

More than just a simple tool to visualize your network, ConneXview allows users to perform a wide variety of intelligent functions to keep your network traffic moving at peak efficiency, and your entire factory moving at optimum productivity.



Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Advantech eAutomation Solutions Product Catalog 2008-2009


Advantech Automation offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services and global logistics support, as well as industry-leading front and back office e-business infrastructure solutions.

"Open eAutomation" has been regarded as one of the most popular solutions allowing clients to design their own customized programs and add-ons for hardware solutions. Advantech stretches the boundaries of technology and service with cutting-edge Open Automation products and solutions.

Products in Advantech's new main catalog include:
  • Human Machine Interface
  • Embedded Automation Computers
  • Industrial Communication
  • Data Acquisition & Control
  • Programmable Automation Controller & Software
  • Remote I/O Modules
  • Building Automation Systems


Monday, August 18, 2008

SMC Automation Technology Expo


SMC Corporation of America, the leader in pneumatic automation technology, and Steven Engineering, your source for SMC pneumatic products, invite you to attend SMC's annual Automation Technology Expo.

Wednesday, September 17th
Thursday, September 18th
Friday, September 19th


  • Preview the Latest Product Innovations
  • View Functional Product Displays
  • Attend Interactive Training Seminars
  • Speak with Product Specialists
  • Participate in Q&A Sessions
  • Excellent Lunch Served Daily
  • Grand Prize Raffle Drawing

Products for All Industries
Semiconductor • Medical • Automotive
Food & Packaging • Heavy Vehicle
When:

September 17, 18 and 19, 2008
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Lunch provided at noon
Where:


SMC Corporation of America
2960 N. First Street
San Jose, CA 95134
(408) 904-2500

Friday, August 15, 2008

Pepperl+Fuchs Videos Added to YouTube Channel

We have added the following video presentations from Pepperl+Fuchs to our Steven Engineering YouTube channel:

Pepperl+Fuchs Position Indicator with Dual-Sensor F31


Pepperl+Fuchs dual-sensors with either plug-in terminals (model F31) or clamp terminals (model F31K) are used as position indicators for vane drives. With these sensors, the active surfaces are positioned on top of each other. This allows the combination with different types of actuators depending on available shaft diameter and length. This highly flexible system matches the widely used shaft dimensions of 80x30 mm or 130x30 mm and is designed for easy mounting.


Pepperl+Fuchs F31 Dual-Sensors with Vane Drives


Many applications require the use of dual-sensors in combination with vane drives. In such situations, it is often necessary to precisely adjust the switching ranges for the on/ off positions. The Pepperl+Fuchs actuator BT65B is designed to allow such individual adjustments. It features two separate dampening surfaces made of stainless steel which can be fixed at any position independently from each other.


Pepperl+Fuchs F25 Compact Position Indicators


Ball valves are used in chemical plants for taking samples and to control and analyze ongoing processes. In order to verify the on/ off position of these valves, Pepperl+Fuchs compact type F25 dual-sensors are installed in combination with suitable actuators. These inductive proximity sensors come in a variety of electrical specifications (NAMUR, DC, AC) and are also available with EX specification.


Pepperl+Fuchs Incremental Rotary Encoder


The packaging industry has a wide variety of systems - an example is cleaning, filling, closing and labeling bottles. In this application, bottle filling machines require precise measurement of the distance a conveyor belt travels. In this way, it is possible to position each individual empty bottle precisely at the required filling position. In these applications, Pepperl+Fuchs incremental rotary encoders are used in order to determine the exact distance the conveyor belt has moved forward.


Steven Engineering YouTube Channel

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Honeywell Sensing GSX Series Explosion-Proof Safety Switches



Honeywell (NYSE: HON) introduces its MICRO SWITCH™ GSX Series Explosion-Proof Safety Switch. The GSX Series combines world-class MICRO SWITCH™ global limit safety product (GSS) with an explosion-proof housing from Honeywell’s LSX and BX product lines. The GSX Series Safety Switch platform provides over 10,000 actuator and switching option combinations and can be applied to machine safety in hydrocarbon refining, chemical process, grain elevators, other agricultural or food processing equipment.

The GSX switch can be applied to a gate, cage or access panel that is positioned as hard guarding to a dangerous machine so that, when opened, the machine stops. Explosion-proof safety switches are required on machinery found in hazardous locations, where hazardous gasses or dusts could cause an explosion. The positive break mechanism will ensure that even welded contacts will open and the machine will stop in an emergency. The positive break feature is designed to provide a safe failure mode, ensuring the machine will not start, and therefore supporting a safer working environment.



Wednesday, August 13, 2008

New Products from Advantech Automation

EKI-1524 4-Port RS-232/422/485 Serial Device Server
The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the EKI-1524 Serial Device Server, which is the latest addition to the EKI-1500 family, allowing up to four RS-232/422/485 serial devices to be remotely monitored, managed and controlled over Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Equipped with dual 10/100Base-TX Ethernet ports and dual Media Access Controllers (MACs), this innovative device ensures data transmission even in the event of a network link failure.

Dual Ethernet LAN Redundancy: With redundant Ethernet connections, communication is not interrupted in the event of a network problem. With one connection automatically assigned as primary and the other as backup, loss of the primary connection initiates an immediate and automatic switch-over to the backup, ensuring data integrity and peace-of-mind.

Advanced Multi-Access Functionality and Low-Latency Processing: The EKI-1524 offers a number of conventional operating modes that allow connections to be initiated by either attached serial devices or remote Ethernet hosts using both UDP/IP and TCP/IP protocols. For applications beyond simple point-to-point connections, two new multi-access modes allow one-to-many and many-to-one communications. The first allows up to five Ethernet hosts to access a single serial device and the second allows a single serial device to simultaneously send data to as many as 16 Ethernet-connected hosts.

In addition to these exciting new features, serial transmission speeds have been increased to 921Kbps, allowing a much broader range of serial devices to be network enabled. More importantly, optimizations in serial to Ethernet handling have yielded an ultra fast round-trip latency of less than 10 milliseconds where network traffic is not an issue, allowing the use of timing-sensitive serial protocols and increased polling rates.

Transparent Access to Serial Devices: For easy integration with COM-port based Windows™ applications, included redirection software allows remote serial devices to be accessed just like a built-in COM-port. In the event of the primary network connection interruption, the redirection software automatically activates the backup connection, re-routing serial data over the secondary connection to ensure critical data delivery.

Ruggedized for Industrial Applications: Like the other members of the EKI Industrial Ethernet family, the EKI-1524 Serial Device Server is packaged in a compact and thin DIN-rail mount chassis. They are ruggedized for demanding industrial applications with 4,000 VDC Ethernet ESD protection, dual 12 to 48 VDC power inputs with power line surge (EFT) protection of 3,000 VDC, and feature an operating temperature range of 0 to 60° C to ensure system uptime.



FPM-5151G 15" XGA Industrial Monitor
FPM-5151G is a 15" color TFT LCD flat panel monitor specifically designed for industrial applications. With a viewing size as large 15', it presents an ample display area as well as vivid and sharp images for your HMI. It features Direct-VGA & DVI-D signal transmission, which allows any VGA control card to be used in your system. The on screen display function also allows users to adjust the images on the screen with two users' setting. The front access USB connector, gives users easy access to the controller through the USB extent cable. The industrial 10-30VDC wild ranger power source support makes the FPM-5151G the best Factory automation and Machine automation display solution.



IPPC-6172A 17" SXGA Pentium M Industrial Panel PC

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces a versatile Industrial Panel PC, the IPPC-6172A. The IPPC-6172A features a 17” SXGA TFT LCD with an Intel Pentium M/Celeron M processor (up to 2 GHz), 5 x USB 2.0 ports, up to 2 GB DDR2 memory, CD-ROM, 2 x PCI expansion slots, Gigabit LAN support, and supports Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/NT.

The IPPC-6172A features an optional touchscreen, allowing direct interface and with a gull-wing design, flat-sealed NEMA4/IP65 front panel, the IPPC-6172A is one of the most rugged, accessible, and feature-rich HMI devices on the market. 

  • 17" SXGA TFT LCD with touchscreen (optional)
  • Intel® Pentium® M Processor up to 2.0 GHz/Celeron® M 1.5 GHz
  • System memory supports dual channel DDR2 SDRAM up to 2 GB
  • Offers two expansion slots for PCI add-on card
  • Dual Lan, supports one Gigabit Lan
  • Front USB access and System reset function
  • Flat-Sealed front panel
  • Control Box with gull-wing design for easy installation and maintenance
  • Front panel NEMA4/IP65 compliant 

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Turck Expands Line of Field Installable Connectors


TURCK introduces field installable connectors with color-coded connections for DeviceNet™, PROFIBUS ®-DP, FOUNDATION fieldbus™, AS-interface ® and standard M12 applications.

“This product follows TURCK’s commitment to help our customers Connect It! and Bus It! faster,” says Eric Sipe, product manager for TURCK’s connectivity division. TURCK has added the standard pinouts to the connections to facilitate installations in the field. Adds Sipe, “The major benefit these connectors provide is that the customer will no longer need to carry around cumbersome pinout diagrams to every installation.” The pinouts are clearly labeled and color-coded to further ease labor considerations.



Monday, August 11, 2008

Banner Engineering's New Discrete I/O SureCross DX70 Wireless Models


Banner Engineering's SureCross DX70 wireless networks consist of a Gateway and a Node with configured I/O. Each pair provides an easy to implement wireless solution that integrates into new applications and existing retrofit opportunities. Every device is extremely simple to replace because the configuration for Gateways and Nodes is identical.

  • Wireless industrial I/O system with discrete (sourcing or sinking) inputs and outputs, analog inputs and outputs, and link loss output
  • +10 to 30V dc power input
  • Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) control architecture combine to ensure reliable data delivery within the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands
  • Transceivers for two-way communication between the devices, including fully acknowledged data transmission
  • Lost RF links are detected and relevant outputs go to user-defined default states
  • External or internal antenna
  • 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz frequencies
  • Built-in signal strength indication


Friday, August 8, 2008

Pepperl+Fuchs Barcode Reader Handles OneCode/Intelligent Barcodes


Pepperl+Fuchs introduces a new firmware release for their handheld MAH200 and MAH300 series barcode readers.  The firmware features a decoder that allows these barcode readers to handle the new USPS 4-state barcode, also known as USPS OneCode Solution.

According to the United States Postal service website (USPS.gov), “The Intelligent Mail® barcode (formally known as the 4-State Customer Barcode) is the next generation of USPS® barcode technology used to sort and track letters and flats. Intelligent Mail® barcode technology, among other things, combines the capabilities of the POSTNET barcode and the Planet Code® barcode into one unique barcode.”  For more information visit http://ribbs.usps.gov/OneCodeSOLUTION/.

In addition to reading 4-state barcodes, the MAH200 and MAH300 include decoders for most linear and 2D symbologies. In all, over 40 decoders are included in the unit. Connectivity is simplified with USB, PS/2, serial or Bluetooth wireless interfaces. A high-capacity battery handle is available for extended operation without the need to recharge.


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

New Literature from Phoenix Contact


Ethernet Installation Concepts for Industrial Automation

Automation solutions increase productivity by integrating all components and systems in an Ethernet-based overall solution, and enabling the seamless flow of information from the field level to the company command level and web level. When data is available at the right time in the right place, informed decisions can be made quickly, which leads to a competitive advantage.

To avoid gaps in technology as well as to ensure the future capability of the automation solution, many of Phoenix Contact's components and systems use mainstream technologies from the IT area. In addition to the Windows operating system and the wireless standards Bluetooth and WLAN, various standard Ethernet protocols have been proven useful in a range of applications, including:
  • TCP/IP for transferring large, non-time-critical data packets.
  • SNMP for passing on diagnostic information to the control center.
  • FTP for transferring recipes and production data.
  • LLDP for recognizing the physical topology of the network.
  • RSTP for building up redundant data paths with short switching times.
Internationally standardized technologies are continuously being developed by numerous users and are optimized for industrial interests.  As a communication specialist, Phoenix Contact ensures that your investments are protected and can be easily adapted to the latest developments.