Instrumentation & Automation News articles from October 2001

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from October 2001

Wireless Data Acquisition/Monitoring Kits.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The LT110 and DT110 laptop, desktop development kits enable quick deployment of wireless monitoring, data acquisition networks. Bluetooth compatible, both kits provide a turnkey development environment to rapidly deploy a scalable wireless...

Handheld Indicators/Dataloggers.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... ALMEMO[R] handheld indicators/dataloggers can measure temperature, humidity, air velocity, flow, heat flow, pressure speed, frequency, resistance, current, voltage, force, strain, distance, ph and conductivity, and more. Max and Min values are...

Color Machine Vision Sensor.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Legend 540C SmartImage Sensor is said to be the first Ethernet-ready vision sensor with color capability. The supported color spaces are: RGB, Optical Density, CIE LAB Delta E and CIE LCH Delta Ecmc. The 540C is designed to perform a...

Technology will conquer. (Pool's Reflections).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
October 1, 2001... This is probably one of the most difficult editorials I have ever had to write. Jeff Mladenik and Andrew Curry Green, fellow Cahners' employees, were among the many tragically murdered on American Flight # 11 that crashed into the World Trade...

Micro PLC: with 8 inputs & 8 outputs. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Super T1-16 is a 16 I/O [micro]PLC with 8 inputs and 8 outputs. It has the same instruction set and register capacity as the Super T1-40. The enhanced version has a real-time clock calendar and a RS485 communications port which can be used...

Dewpoint Meter: hand-held. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The DM70 hand-held dewpoint meter is designed for industrial spot-checking applications. It incorporates advanced DRYCAP[R] technology and provides measurement accuracy of [+ or -] 2 [degrees] C for dewpoint temperatures ranging from -50...

Control Panel Outlets: install on standard 35 mm DIN-rail. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The MSVD single and dual outlets install on a standard 35 mm DIN-rail quickly and easily to reduce the time and labor required to provide a standard 120 Vac outlet inside electrical control panels. The convenience outlets, which feature IP20...

Remote Display: for RS232C/422/485 systems. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The HI-QSLIM-1 display is an eight-digit numerical or limited-alpha character remote display for RS232C/422/485 systems. It can be used as a [+ or -] 5 digit (50,000 counts) DPM for Vdc/mAdc (including current loop signals) or as an 8-digit TTL...

Ethernet Network Interface Unit: with embedded ethernet connectivity. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... This company has advanced its line of VersaMax[R] PLCs and I/O with Release 1.1 of the VersaMax Ethernet Network Interface Unit (NIU) which features embedded Ethernet connectivity without the need for a serial connection from a PC or a handheld...

Area Velocity Open Channel Meter: for applications containing bubbles or suspended solids. (Editorial Emphasis: flow measurement & control).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Mainstream III is an area-velocity open channel meter suitable for any application containing bubbles or suspended solids. The velocity sensor detects liquid speed via a proprietary enhanced phase coherence processing sensor. At the same...

Gas Flow Meter: with CENELEC approval. (Editorial Emphasis: flow measurement & control).(from Kurz Instruments, Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... CENELEC safety approval has been granted for the Series 504FT In-Line Thermal Convection Mass Flow Transmitter for industrial gases. It incorporates this company's rugged all-welded thermal sensors with a miniature "in-the-head" microprocessor...

Controller: includes flow & operator interface. (Editorial Emphasis: flow measurement & control).(from Remote Processing)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The RPC-2350G controller reads outputs from flowmeters (pulse, 4-20 mA, or 0-5 V analog signals) through its pulse counter or 8-channel, 12-bit A/D converters. Computing a flow rate and Reynolds number is easy using the floating point...

Ultrasonic Flowmeter: provides accurate, trouble-free performance. (Editorial Emphasis: flow measurement & control).(from Thermo Polysonics)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Triton TX10 transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter is designed for accurate, trouble-free performance over a broad range of industrial applications. Available for monitoring pipe sizes from 1.5" to 200", it measures flow velocities from -40 to...

Flow Sensor: for closed pipe systems. (Editorial Emphasis: flow measurement & control).(from Data Industrial Corporation)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The SDI insert sensor measures flow from 0.3-20 fps in closed pipe systems from 1-1/2"-24" diameter. Single and bi-directional models are available with frequency, analog or scaled pulse outputs and LCD. This stainless steel hot tap style...

Trends in Flow Management. (Industry Trends).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... Systems integrators typically require separate solutions for pneumatic, electrical I/O, and network-based valve integration. Individual cabinetry, wiring and tubing takes up real estate on the manufacturing floor, not to mention increased...

Industrial I/O Systems: with web-enabled software. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The EDAS[R]CE I/O systems have been updated to include 16-channel digital input with either 24 V, 120 V or 240 V, 12-channel digital output 24 Vdc, 12 channel relay output and four port RS232. They feature solated digital and analog I/O, 10/100...

Temperature Controllers: available in variety of din size. (Product News).(Continental Industries International)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... These temperature controllers feature auto-tuning, dual setpoints, alarm masking and ramped outputs to ensure control performance: The model FKS is a 1/32 DIN temperature controller, indicator or alarm unit. The 1/16 DIN size Models LDE and LEM...

Thermocouple Input Module: offers 14 channels. (Special product report: input/output devices).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The T1F-14THM 14-channel thermocouple input module has been added to this company's Terminator I/O line of field bus termination products. Terminator I/O combines all the features of terminal blocks and I/O modules into integrated modules that...

Ethernet I/O Solution: increases communication. (Special product report: input/output devices).(from Advantech Automation Corp.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The ADAM-5000/TCP Ethernet I/O solution is designed to increase the benefits of a data acquisition and control system from a higher communication speed to a longer communication distance. Features include a 10/100 Base-T Auto-negotiation...

Distributed I/O System: offers fast loop time response. (Special product report: input/output devices).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The ADS (Advanced Distributed I/O System) offers the newest technology for Distributed I/O Platforms. Based on an OPC/NT design, it offers a fast loop response time, with Memory-Mapped Direct I/O speeds up to 1 MB per second (at 50 feet) and...

Industrial Automation Software: for use with SNAP ultimate I/O[TM]. (Special product report: input/output devices).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... This company has announced the release of iOControl[TM] and iODisplay[TM], complementary software for use with SNAP Ultimate I/O. This software provides the tools necessary to develop control programs and operator interfaces for SNAP Ultimate...

Hardened Modular I/O: offers expansion capabilities. (Special product report: input/output devices).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Allen-Bradley FLEXArmor[TM] I/O is an expandable, industrially hardened I/O platform designed for users seeking to machine mount their I/O and further reduce wiring, installation time and enclosure costs. It combines the convenience of open...

Trends in I/O Devices. (Industry Trends).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... WAGO's electronic applications team has seen a customer trend toward large quantities of discrete I/O spread over a larger number of network nodes. This has prompted us to offer `reduced intelligence' network connectivity (the WAGO ECO...

Extrusion Products: feature robust, hand held design. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Alubos extrusion product line is designed to fill the need for a robust hand held enclosure. The extrusion has rounded corners and colored gaskets available and is offered in seven different profile sizes that can be cut to any length...

Tank Gauging System: for underground storage tanks. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The 3500 ATG (Automatic Tank Gauging) system is a scaleable inventory management solution for liquid inventory control, custody transfer, tank farm operation and reconciliation applications. Users can view real-time product status and movement...

Digital Gauge: replaces mercury manometers. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Falcon Digital Absolute Reference Manometer Model ARM760 features 760 torr absolute range with a test gauge accuracy of [+ or -] 0.25% and a 316 SS sensor for monitoring vacuum systems and pumps. The digital display and compact design...

Flat-Panel Workstation: houses standard desktop PC. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The microO P/PC workstation is designed to house standard PCs. It includes a 15" or 18" flat-panel LCD built into a NEMA 4X stainless steel workstation. The unit includes a fold-down shelf designed to accommodate a wide range of desktop...

Micro PLC: provides AS-i connectivity. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... This SmartLogic[TM] unit operates as an AS-i module with 4 inputs and 4 outputs. It incorporates a programmable microprocessor that makes it easy to add fast, local control functions to AS-i installations. The module can function as a...

Electrical Short Finder: for circuit boards. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Wavetek Meterman[TM] SF-10 Electronic Short Finder uses a patented wire brush feature to quickly "sweep" printed circuit boards under test to find electrical shorts. Many test points can be covered in a single sweep, quickly isolating the...

RTD Temperature Sensor: waterproof. (Sensor product news: temperature sensors).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... The Model S667 Thermal Tab[TM] RTD temperature sensor comes in a rugged flat package that easily mounts to any surface, and is sealed against moisture for wet environments or immersion in water. Time response is less than two seconds. It is an...

PVDF Temperature Sensor: for corrosive fluids applications. (Sensor product news: temperature sensors).(George Fischer Inc.)
October 1, 2001... The +GF+ SIGNET 2350 temperature sensor features an all-PVDF constructed design capable of maintaining purity in aggressive fluids. Designed for maximum versatility, the unit features industry-standard 3/4" NPT threaded connections at both ends...

Universal Temperature Transmitter: provides accurate monitoring in hazardous areas. (Sensor product news: temperature sensors).(TURCK Inc.)
October 1, 2001... The multimodul[R] MK34-11Ex0 universal temperature transmitter is a temperature measuring amplifier and signal conditioner that receives intrinsically safe thermocouple, RTD or millivolt input signals and provides a linear 4-20 mA output signal...

Temperature Sensor: offers bench set-up. (Sensor product news: temperature sensors).
October 1, 2001... The Model TN2530 temperature sensor offers the convenience of bench set-up without the need for additional instruments or temperature reference. The sensor is highly accurate, has no moving parts and offers high corrosion and thermal...

Universal Temperature Sensor: for thermowell temperature assemblies. (Sensor product news: temperature sensors).(Moore Industries-International Inc.)
October 1, 2001... The WORM flexible sensor for thermowell temperature assemblies replace restrictive straight sensor probes with a universal sensor strategy that saves time and money. Its unique flexible design installs in minutes, and it is available in popular...

RTDs Dominate Process Control. (Industry Trends).(resistance temperature detectors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... Temperature measurement is the most commonly measured variable in the process industries by more than tenfold compared with pressure, flow, pH and conductivity. This is true because temperature is a critical component in processing raw...

Current Transformer: split-core design. (Product News).(CR Magnetics Inc.)
October 1, 2001... The CR3110 split-core current transformer is specifically designed to attach around a current carrying wire without interruption. It features a small size and 3,000 turn secondary capacity with maximum continuous rated primary current of 60...

Frequency-To-Dc Transmitter: for flow & speed measurement. (Product News).(Moore Industries-International Inc.)
October 1, 2001... The FDY PC-programmable Frequency-to-Dc transmitter with display monitors frequency, period, high or low pulse width, and contact closure signals in flow and speed measurement applications. The 2-wire transmitter features measurement accuracy...

Electromechanical Thermostats: provide [+ or -] 1 [degrees] F precision. (Product News).(Fenwal)
October 1, 2001... THERMOSWITCH[R] temperature controllers have an outer shell made of high-expanding metal and internal struts made of low-expanding metal, with a pair of electrical contacts between them. When media temperature changes, a corresponding change in...

Terminal Block: for high current applications. (Product News).(Weidmuller Inc.)
October 1, 2001... The LX 15.00 is a 600 volt PCB terminal block designed specifically for high current and large wire gauge applications. With its non-limited rating of 600 volts/85 amps, according to the UL 1059 Group C standard, it can be used in unprecedented...

Load Cell: for in-process & bulk storage tanks. (Product News).(KM (Kistler-Morse))
October 1, 2001... The LD360s load cell is designed for in-process and bulk storage sanitary tanks and vessels. Utilizing semiconductor strain gage technology, it continuously monitors the content weight of in-process and bulk storage vessels. In addition to its...

Pump Load Control: provides dry run protection. (Product News).
October 1, 2001... The PMP-25 Pump Load Control guards against dry running, cavitation and overload. It monitors true pump power for maximum sensitivity. Pump load, trip points and delays are displayed. The 4X enclosure fits on size 1 starters and can be door,...

Dc Brushless Motion System: features compact design. (Product series: motion control: motors, motor controls, drives encoders).
October 1, 2001... The BX Series compact, dc brushless speed control system is available in two package configurations. The standard speed control system provides 100:1 speed range from 30 to 3000 rpm. The speed regulation relative to load and voltage variations...

Ac Drive: available in NEMA 1 & type 4X/12 enclosures. (Product series: motion control: motors, motor controls, drives encoders).
October 1, 2001... The GPD 315/V7 is a high-performance adjustable frequency ac drive that provides the choice of two control methods from a very small package. It is now available in both NEMA 1 and NEMA type 4X/12 enclosures in a range from 1/8 to 10 HP. This...

Variable Speed Drive: in sub-micro package. (Product series: motion control: motors, motor controls, drives encoders).
October 1, 2001... The SCM Series is a variable speed ac drive designed for single phase 220 V supply and coveting the power range 1/3 to 3 HP (0.25 KW to 2.2 kW). It requires a smaller investment in panel space than competitive variable frequency drives. For...

Serial Motion Controller: supports Allen-Bradley DF1 protocol. (Product series: motion control: motors, motor controls, drives encoders).
October 1, 2001... This company has announced their newest RMC Family member: the RMC Serial communications for its line of motion controllers, which now has direct support to the popular Allen-Bradley DF1 protocol. It is also capable of communicating to a wide...

Servo Drives: with SERCOS interface. (Product series: motion control: motors, motor controls, drives encoders).
October 1, 2001... The PC840 servo drives series with SERCOS interface is designed for machinery requiring tight synchronization and high-speed control between multiple axes. The drives feature SERCON816 SERCOS ASIC, which provides up to 16 MHz network speed for...

Industry Trends. (Product series: motion control: motors, motor controls, drives encoders).
October 1, 2001... Downtime is a major avoidable cost in any industry today. Now, thanks to new technologies in 24 Vdc; smaller, more sophisticated sensors; embedded intelligence in motor control devices; increased communication capabilities; and better research,...

Universal Temperature Transmitter: incorporates HART[R] protocol. (Editor's spotlight: intelligent field devices).
October 1, 2001... The Mp82600 Smart 2-wire temperature transmitter is a reliable HART[R]-based Universal unit that features a small (1/7" dia. x 1" H), head-mount design to fit standard small connection heads. Features include: industry-standard HART...

INTERBUS Programmable Controllers: DIN-rail mountable. (Editor's spotlight: intelligent field devices).
October 1, 2001... This company offers a complete line of DIN-rail mountable, stand-alone programmable controllers to simplify complex control tasks. The INTERBUS Remote Field Controllers (RFC) are designed to control a complete INTERBUS I/O System. The most...

HART Interface Modules: provide warning alarms. (Editor's spotlight: intelligent field devices).(Moore Industries-International)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
October 1, 2001... The SPA and HIM HART interface modules connect "transparently" onto a smart multivariable transmitter or smart valve 4-20 mA loop. Using the HART digital data that "rides" on the 4-20 mA wires, available models "break out" up to three analog...

Temperature Acquisition Module: for palm[TM] m100 series handheld computers. (Editor's spotlight: intelligent field devices).
October 1, 2001... The Versid[TM] LT-10s is a Palm m100 compatible module for handheld temperature acquisition. Combined with the company's VersidForms software, it provides a complete data collection solution. This module locks directly to the back of the Palm...

HMI System: supports PDA with integrated barcode scanner. (Editor's spotlight: intelligent field devices).(Software Horizons)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2001... Instant HMI now supports the Ruggedized Symbol SPT 1700 PDA with integrated barcode scanner. Users can scan a wide variety of barcode labels from within Instant HMI and use the scanned information in a number of ways including transferring...

Upcoming trends for the development and use of intelligent field devices. (Industry Trends).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... Intelligent field devices incorporating microprocessors and other digital circuitry have permitted performance to improve by a significant amount compared to the old analog circuitry when I was designing such beasts. We are now on the threshold...

Analog-To-Frequency Modules: for micro plc digital inputs. (Product News).(Omega Engineering)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
October 1, 2001... The DRP-8500 and DRP-8600 Series modules offer an economical analog I/O solution for micro PLCs. The series is suitable for discrete automation applications requiring one or two analog I/O channels. DRP-8500 models have 12-bit resolution and...

Single Axis Motion Controller: programmable. (Product News).(Kollmorgen SERVOSTAR)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
October 1, 2001... The SERVOSTAR[R] SC single axis controller is a complete drive amplifier with integrated power supply and fully programmable one and a half axis positioner in one compact package. It is based on the proven SERVOSTAR CD servo drive and is...

Automation Control System: for industrial process control. (Product News).(Bristol Babcock ControlWave)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
October 1, 2001... ControlWave is a process automation control system that combines the best technologies provided by PLC, RTU and DCS architectures into a Hybrid system suited to virtually all industrial process control applications. The system utilizes a...

Fully Molded Cordsets: for multi-conductor applications. (Product News).(TURCK Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
October 1, 2001... The multifast[R] wiring components are a complete line of fully molded cordsets, extensions and receptacles for junction boxes and multi-conductor applications. Quick-disconnect home-run cables and cordsets are available with 12-, 16- or 19-pin...

Differential pressure transmitter offers efficient DIN rail-mounting and in-place transmitter calibration. (Automation excellence awards).(Dresser Instrument)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... Dresser Instrument has developed the Model DXLdp low-pressure transmitter in response to the demands of the Food and Drug Administration, Biotechnical and Pharmaceutical manufacturers for a low differential pressure transmitter that offers a...

Accelerometer/Microphone: with differential amplifier. (Product News).(RC Electronics Dynamics 4290)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)(Statistical Data Included)
October 1, 2001... The Dynamics 4290 Accelerometer/ Microphone & Differential Amplifier is the newest addition to this company's "Test Friendly[TM]" Dynamics 4000 signal conditioner series. While specifying [+ or -] 0.1% gain accuracy and [+ or -] 0.01%...

Test Solution: combines DC & RF measurements. (Product News).(Keithley Instruments)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
October 1, 2001... This company has announced the availability of a single-insertion RF and DC parametric test solution for probing communications and high speed digital wafer devices. When used with a suitable test structure layout, the Model S400DC/RF ATE...

Temperature/RH Data Logger System: provides display, alarms & event notification. (Product News).
October 1, 2001... This LCD version of the HOBO[R] Temperature and Temperature/RH data logger features optional Remote Alarm and Autodialer accessories. It records and displays temperature or temperature and humidity conditions, with user-programmable high- and...

Rotary Encoder: with field bus interfaces. (Product news).
October 1, 2001... The POSITAL family of encoders features field bus interfaces. The company offers the CAN-bus interface for CANopen and Device-Net applications, furthermore Profibus-DP and Interbus. The encoders can be configured via the field bus. The standard...

Warning Light: for permanent or temporary mount. (Product News).
October 1, 2001... The Low Profile Quad Flash Model 414 warning light is available in both permanent and temporary or removable magnetic mounting. This quad flash strobe is priced similarly to single flash units and measures only 4" high and 5-3/4" in diameter....

RISC-Based embedded processor delivers high performance CPU technology to speed and simplify embedded design. (Product News).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... Ampro Computers, Inc., a supplier of PC/104 and EBX form -factor single board computers for embedded applications, has introduced EnCore[TM] M2, the first RISC-based entry in it EnCore family of high integration embedded processors introduced...

Webpage Guide.(Brief Article)(Directory)
October 1, 2001... www.sickoptic.com SICK, Inc. * Industrial Sensors * Safety Controls * Bar Code Systems * Analytical Monitors * Laser Measurement www.transtekinc.com Trans-Tek, Inc. * Linear Displacement Transducers * Angular Displacement...

LabVIEW[TM]-based distributed I/O system delivers intelligent networked measurement and control. (Automation Excellence Awards).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2001... National Instruments has announced that engineers can now use the company's LabVIEW embedded on compact industrial measurement I/O nodes to build real-time distributed monitoring and control systems. Using these nodes, powered by the new...