13-03-2014
AutomationDirect adds hardware features with new series of C-more touch screen interface panels 


AutomationDirect has added its new EA9 series operator touch panels to the C-more line. The colour TFT touch screens are available in 6, 8, 10, 12 or 15-inch versions.

31-10-2013
Do-more T1H Series Stackable PLCs


Using the proven Terminator field I/O hardware as a platform, the economical Do-more T1H series PLC supports stackable base units, discrete and analog I/O modules. The T1H CPUs high processor speeds not only decrease program execution time, but also allow the CPUs to support Ethernet connectivity and custom communication protocols as built-in functions. A Do-more T1H CPU supports up to 256 I/O points in three stackable rows. For larger applications, Ethernet-based remote I/O can be connected for hundreds of additional points. T1H series CPUs reduce system cost and space by including embedded communications ports. The T1H-DM1 CPU with one serial and one USB port ; the T1H-DM1E CPU adds an embedded Ethernet port, The T1H series CPUs are programmed using the free Do-more Designer software.

20-10-2013
FC Series Potentiometer and Bipolar Signal Conditioners


The FC series of signal conditioners now includes potentiometer, bipolar to unipolar, and unipolar to bipolar options. The FC-P3 signal conditioner converts a 24 VAC/VDC potentiometer input to an isolated analog 4-20 mA output signal. The module is field-configurable for 3-wire potentiometer/slidewire inputs; switch selectable analog output options range from 0-20 mA to 0-10 V. Additional FC series signal conditioners include bipolar input-to-unipolar output and unipolar input-to-bipolar output models. Models are useful in interfacing sensors to PLC analog input modules. The FC series signal conditioners have a slim-line plastic housing, an integral 35mm DIN rail mounting adapter, LED indication, and removable screw terminals. The units are cULus listed, CE marked and are backed with a one-year warranty. 


20-9-2013
Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensors and Transmitters 


The Flowline EchoPod®, EchoSonic® II, Echotouch™, EchoSpan® and EchoSwitch® are innovative ultrasonic liquid level sensor families that replace float, conductance and pressure sensors that fail due to contact with dirty, sticky and scaling liquids in small, medium and large capacity tanks. PC software configured and new pushbutton configured models are available. These general purpose fluid level sensors are available with single and multi-function capabilities including continuous level measurement, switching and level control. Measurement outputs include current, voltage, frequency and relays. PC software configured units use the FREE WebCal™ software and a USB programming adapter. Pushbutton configured units use built-in pushbuttons and LCD display (no PC required). 


16-6-2013
Analog I/O Modules for the CLICK PLC


New for the CLICK® PLC, analog I/O modules include four-channel analog input modules with 0-20 mA current or 0-10V voltage inputs and 13-bit resolution; and four-channel output modules in 4-20 mA current and 0-10V voltage versions with 12-bit resolution. A combination four-channel input / two-channel output module in current and voltage versions is also available. Four-channel RTD and thermocouple input modules with 16- bit resolution. The RTD module accepts Pt100, Pt1000, jPT100, Cu10, Cu25, Ni120 elements and resistive ranges. The T/C input module supports J, K, E, R, S, T, B, N, C-type thermocouples and voltage ranges. Also new are 24 VDC 8-point DC input / 8-point DC output modules and a 4-point DC input / 4-point relay output module.

5-5-2013
ViewMarq™ Industrial LED Message Displays


Industrial LED messaging made easy. ViewMarq tri-color LED (red, green, amber) message displays support scrolling (left, right, up, down) messages as well as blinking text, and are available in 1, 2 and 4-line displays with 12 or 24 characters. These LED message displays can be connected to a PLC (programmable logic controller), PC, or any device capable of serial ASCII, Modbus RTU, or Modbus TCP communications for real-time factory floor data display. Windows-based ViewMarq message display configuration software is downloaded for free and an Ethernet configuration cable ships with each ViewMarq. The displays are UL 508 listed, CE, RoHS, and REACH compliant, NEMA 4 and NEMA 12 (indoor only) rated and will withstand washdown conditions.  

19-1-2013
New Productivity3000 PLC CPU Module and Remote I/O Module


The P3-530 CPU has five integrated communications ports including Ethernet for programming, monitoring, and networking; a USB port for data logging; USB I/O port for up to four local expansion bases; RS-232 and RS-485 ports for ASCII and Modbus, and is programmed using the free Productivity Suite software.  The new P3-RX remote slave module connects to a Productivity3000 P3-550 CPU module’s Ethernet port for remote I/O expansion. It features four integrated communications ports: Ethernet for connection to the Productivity3000 CPU, USB I/O port that supports up to four additional local I/O bases, and RS-232 and RS-485 ports for connecting to serial devices. Both are UL and CE approved and are backed with a two-year warranty.

9-11-2012
Do-more H2 Series PLCs, next-generation high-speed counter, completely new Do-more Designer programming software


The Do-more H2 Series PLC is the next generation programmable controller built on a strong PLC foundation that makes control applications easier to implement. Do-more uses proven DirectLOGIC DL205 hardware with over 50 compatible I/O modules and 4 base sizes. H2 series CPUs have built-in serial and USB ports. The free Do-more Designer software introduces a powerful, intuitive set of new programming tools. The high-speed counter module (H2-CTRIO2) has four independently configurable timer/counter channels (up to 250 kHz) and two pulse output generators (up to 250 kHz). This combination of Do-more H2 Series CPUs and the existing line of DL205 series I/O modules and base units creates an incredibly powerful micro modular PLC at a fraction of the cost of comparable PLCs and PACs.

1-11-2012
Non-Contact Magnetic Safety Switches from IDEM


Non-contact magnetic safety switches are interlocking devices designed to protect both people and machines. These non-contact safety switches are available in magnetic and coded magnetic styles and in either plastic or stainless steel housings for all industry applications. Some are suitable for food processing washdown and can withstand being high-pressure hosed at high temperatures. The magnetic safety switches feature two normally-closed and one normally-open circuit and are available with two, five or 10-meter cables. Non-contact coded magnetic safety switches provide even more protection by using coded magnets to close circuits that are only triggered if the code on the actuator matches that of the switch.

18-10-2012
Ultrasonic Level Sensors


The Flowline EchoPod and EchoSonic II are innovative ultrasonic liquid level sensors and transmitters that replace float, conductance and pressure sensors that fail due to contact with dirty, sticky and scaling media in small, medium and large capacity tanks. Ideal for chemical, water and wastewater applications, these general purpose sensors are available with single and multi-function capabilities including continuous level measurement, switching and control. . 

30-9-2012
Dual Rod Guided Pneumatic Air Cylinders


NITRA E-Series guided air actuators with dual guide rods are ideal for applications that require precise alignment or have large side loads such as accurate pick-and-place or product positioning on conveyors. The E-series dual rod guided air cylinders are interchangeable with other popular brands of guided rod cylinders. The double-acting cylinders are constructed with high quality extruded aluminum housing and switch mounting tracks, dual chrome-plated stainless steel guide rods, and bronze bushings. E-Series cylinders feature a maximum operating pressure of 142 psi and are available in eight bore sizes from 12mm to 63mm; depending on bore size, available stroke lengths range from 10mm to 250mm.

19-9-2012
Do-more H2 Series PLCs, next-generation high-speed counter, completely new Do-more Designer programming software


The Do-more H2 Series PLC is the next generation programmable controller built on a strong PLC foundation that makes control applications easier to implement. Do-more uses proven DirectLOGIC DL205 hardware with over 50 compatible I/O modules and 4 base sizes. H2 series CPUs have built-in serial and USB ports; the version that adds an embedded Ethernet port. The free Do-more Designer software introduces a powerful, intuitive set of new programming tools. The high-speed counter module (H2-CTRIO2) has four independently configurable timer/counter channels (up to 250 kHz) and two pulse output generators (up to 250 kHz). This combination of Do-more H2 Series CPUs and the existing line of DL205 series I/O modules and base units creates an incredibly powerful micro modular PLC at a fraction of the cost of comparable PLCs and PACs.

25-4-2012
Productivity3000 High-Speed Counter Input and Pulse Output Modules


The P3-HSI high-speed input module has both differential and single ended inputs and accepts Pulse/Direction and Quadrature signals on each of the two independent input channels. The module also has four general purpose high-speed inputs, four general purpose 5-24 VDC 0.5 amp outputs and status LEDs. The P3-HSO high-speed output module supports Pulse/Direction, Up/Down and Quadrature pulse outputs on each of two independent output channels. It has both line driver and open drain outputs, six general purpose high-speed inputs and four general purpose outputs along with fault, input and output status LEDs. High-level instructions including Move and Velocity Move make it easy to implement application motion profiles. The modules are UL and CE approved and backed with a two-year warranty.

25-4-2012
Heaters, Thermostats and Humidistats for Industrial Enclosures


STEGO convection and forced air heaters protect against moisture condensation inside enclosures by heating and circulating the enclosure air to prevent water vapor from condensing on components. The touch-safe convection heaters use natural convection to circulate warm air while minimizing surface temperatures on the accessible side surfaces of the housing. Fan heaters, available in screw-mount and DIN rail-mountable versions as well as panel-mount and foot-mount models, provide evenly distributed forced air circulation to prevent the formation of condensation. STEGO enclosure climate controls include fixed and adjustable setpoint thermostats, humidistats (hygrostats) and hygrotherms (dual humidistat / thermostat).

11-4-2012
Field Wireable M8 and M12 Connectors and T-Couplers


Field-wireable M8 and M12 connectors are ideal for making patch cables in custom lengths from existing cables or converting prewired sensors to quick disconnects. Two versions of terminal connections are available: screw type or insulation displacement (IDC). IDC allows the connection of devices without stripping the individual conductors or having to use a screwdriver. Connectors are available in axial (straight) or right angle configurations and in three, four, or five-pole versions. T-couplers (T-splitters) allow splitting/merging of power and/or signals and are available with four or five poles. Four versions of the T-coupler are available: three models split male M12 to two female M12 connectors and one model splits one male M12 to two female M8 connectors.

11-4-2012
CTT Series Multi-Function 1/16 DIN Digital Counter-Timer-Tachometer


These CTT series multi-function devices are easily configured for operation as a digital counter, timer, combination timer/counter, or tachometer. The devices feature double-line, six-digit, two-color LCD displays for counter, timer, or tachometer present values, setpoints and menu setup parameters. Additional individual indicators are provided for inputs, outputs and functions. Parameters are set using externally accessible DIP switches or the lockable keypad. CTT Series devices accept voltage and non-voltage inputs from a wide variety of NPN, PNP, or dry contact sensors and the units are equipped with multiple transistor and relay outputs. The standard 1/16 DIN size units are available in 24 VDC and 100-240 VAC powered versions.

03-03-2012

AutomationDirect launches 3D CAD catalog on TraceParts Web site

AutomationDirect now has 3D CAD models available through TraceParts, an online provider of 2D drawings and 3D models. Customers can find the 3D models by going to www.tracepartsonline.net and selecting the "AutomationDirect" listing. There are also direct links to the models from the item level pages on the AutomationDirect Web store. We will continue to maintain our libraries of 2D CAD drawings on our store site as well for the foreseeable future.

27-7-2011
Compact limit switches are only 35mm

wide
Compact limit switches have been added to our extensive lineup of double insulated plastic (PBT) and heavy-duty metal IEC limit switches. The new AEM2G series compact limit switches feature 35mm wide die-cast housings and are equipped with one normally-open and one normally-closed contact; all units include a three-meter cable. The IP67-rated series utilises standard 25mm hole spacing and a wide variety of head actuators is available. Almost all actuator styles are available in both snap-action and slow-make/slow-break contact versions.