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Modbus Master Functionality for NIPLEX's 802.11 Industrial Wireless Device Servers

Automation Direct announces powerful additional features for their Industrial Wireless 802.11 Ethernet and Serial Device Server family.

Niplex's industrial 802.11 products now provide Device Server functionality with Modbus Master capability for both Modbus TCP and serial Modbus RTU. This new capability provides significant benefits in SCADA based application that requires a truly flexible I/O data transfer capability. Some of the key onboard features now enable the NIP-WIF to act as a Modbus TCP Client (Master) or Server (Slave), act as a Modbus RTU serial Master and also communicate Modbus TCP Ethernet to RTU Gateway.

The new Device Server features allow you to:

- Connect to Modbus TCP and/or Modbus RTU Slave devices without the need for a standalone Master
- Convert message between Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU
- Manage independent connections to both Modbus TCP (Ethernet) and Modbus RTU (serial) devices at the same 802.11 unit, simultaneously.

Niplex's industrial 802.11 family comprises the NIP-WiF1,NIP-WIF3 units, and the NIP-905 900MHz FH unit,. These units are designed for high speed 802.11 wireless data networking in heavy industrial environments, providing Ethernet and serial connectivity simultaneously as a multi-port Device Server, controlling communications to multiple devices.

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C-more Micro Graphic Panels

Dynamite Comes in Small Packages
AutomationDirect has expanded the C-more family of operator interfaces with the C-more Micro-Graphic panels. These small (4.5 x 3.25 inches) yet powerful graphical panels are equipped with a 3-inch screen, have five user-programmable function keys with LED indicators and five backlight colors, and contain 768Kb of project memory. The offering includes both touch ($425) and non-touch ($139) models. C-more Micro panels display both text and bitmap graphics, and offer data entry, recipe handling and alarm capabilities. Optional snap-on keypads in 8-key or 20-key configurations are also available. Both C-more Micro-Graphic panels are configured with downloadable Windows-based programming software, which can be purchased for $50, or you can download it for free from the product website

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New Foot Switches and LED Versions of 22 mm Pushbuttons, Selector Switches and Lights

AutomationDirect has added foot switches to its line of product offerings. These switches, in single and double units, are designed for machines such as shearing and spinning machines, lathes, wrapping machines and riveting machines and presses. Foot switches are available in two operational formats: free movement and foot switched locked in neutral position.
AutomationDirect has also extended its line of 22mm metal pushbuttons to include 24V and 120 V LED illuminated pushbuttons, selector switches, and pilot lights. Replacement LED bulbs are also available in convenient two-packs.

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AutomationDirect adds 16-bit analog modules for DL05/06 PLCs

AutomationDirect has extended its line of DirectLOGIC option modules to include 16-bit high-resolution analog modules designed for the DL05 and DL06 PLCs.

The F0-08ADH-1 eight-channel current input module operates with a 0-20 mA input range. The F0-08ADH-2 has jumper selectable input ranges of either 0-5 VDC or 0-10 VDC. 16-Bit analog input module prices start at $199.

The four-channel F0-04DAH-1 and eight-channel F0-08DAH-1 current output modules provide a 4-20 mA output range, while the four-channel F0-04DAH-2 and the eight-channel F0-08DAH-2 output modules provide a 0-10 VDC output range. 16-Bit analog output module prices start at $195.

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AutomationDirect sells over 6,000 feature-packed products through its Online Automation Superstore and CD catalog. The company offers its customers high-quality automation products, which are often priced below the industry average, 24-hour order entry and same-day shipping on in-stock items, outstanding sales and technical support, For a free CDcatalog, access their Web site at www.automationdirect.com.au or call 1800-633-0405.

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Automation Direct System Integrator Profile

Clean Technologies …….

BP Solar – Homebush Bay. Project
One of the largest Photovoltaic cell production sites in the world chose Automation Direct DirectLOGIC Koyo PLC’s with SCADA Graphical user interface to control their state of the art facility.
In keeping with their requirements for utmost efficiency Automation Direct's ECOM Ethernet communications modules over fibre optics was the chosen communications structure,

W.Guthrie Pty Ltd
Specialising in Programmable Logic Controller based systems. ‘Turn-Key’ systems, engineering, software programming, with an emphasis on Automation Direct DirectLOGIC PLCs in the Sydney area.

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Datanet OPC™ Web-based software is here
DataNet OPC displays data from industrial devices on a Web page. The data is then available for viewing and printing reports from any computer, anywhere the Web is accessible, without the need for third-party software. The data is displayed in a table format and information can be refreshed at any interval. There is absolutely no HTML programming required to take advantage of DataNet OPC's many useful features.

More information on this software

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Nearby Documentation Key

When asked to respond to a recent survey on variable-speed drives and optimizing productivity, Tom Matyas, ADC Motion Control Product Manager, offered this advice for end-users:

 Failing to post a schematic in the panel or near the drive can be a real drawback. When problems occur, the personnel who respond may not have the system documentation. Most drive inputs are now programmable, and their purpose is not easily deduced without proper documentation. That's why the control mode and other control-specific information should be prominently displayed, along with I/O connections. Time lost while troubleshooting due to poor or non-existent documentation is non-productive and unnecessary. End users should maintain an offline backup of all drive parameters and settings. This can be helpful when a damaged drive must be replaced, or when checking to see if any parameters have been changed. The ability to quickly revert to a known, good set of drive parameters can be critical in reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

View our entire collection of Application Stories or submit one of your own

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Constantly Complaining About the Temperature
A customer was bothering the waiter in a restaurant. First, he asked that the air conditioning be turned up because he was too hot, then he asked it be turned down because he was too cold, and so on for about half an hour.

Surprisingly, the waiter was very patient, He walked back and forth and never once got angry. So finally, a second customer asked him why he didn't throw out the pest.

"Oh, I really don't care or mind," said the waiter with a smile. "We don't even have an air conditioner."

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