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Volume 1, Issue 2It is amazing that June is almost done and this year is already half complete. I apologize for the delay in getting out the June edition, but we made it just under the wire. Please let us know what you think about our news letter in that this is the first true issue with articles from each category. Future issues will include tips on how to best utilize Eware32 and will be found in the "Programmers Corner" section. APPLICATION ARTICLE Passengers on cruise ships rarely pause to dwell on how much happens behind the scenes on these huge floating resorts. But, as they consume copious amounts of food and drink, a lot of waste is generated. International regulations generally prohibit ships from dumping waste at sea, so some sort of disinfection system is required. (more >) If you have an application that you would like to submit for consideration, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type in "application article" TECH TIPS With all the new technology and the various devices used in the control industry today, there is "electrical noise" everywhere. This "noise" can effect the way your PLC operates and how efficient it is. One of the more "noisier" devices interfaced to a PLC are solenoids (Basically any inductive device). Inductive devices are prone to letting noise into the system when they are being energized and de-energized at a relatively fast rate. To reduce the affect of noise within your control system, several things can be done. 1) Reduce the speed that your inductive device turns on and off. Unfortunately you cannot always slow your devices down due to timing restraints in the application. 2) In the situations where you cannot slow your device down, you will need to apply some surge (Noise) suppression. This can be done a few different ways, depending on your device: DC Device For a DC device we recommend a diode with a 1amp current capacity and an inverse dielectric strength of 250v for most applications (1N4003 diode or equivalent). The diode gets placed in parallel to the device. AC Device For an AC device we recommend an MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor) with at least an 150 RMS continuous rating , 70 joules energy, 325 max. clamping voltage. A General Electric V150LA20A or equivalent is suitable. You may also use an RC network across each AC device. We recommend a 0.1uf 600v capacitor in series with a quarter watt 100 ohm resistor. You can also refer to our Application Note #2 for further information. When adding noise suppression, it is best situated at the source, where the noise is generated. Most controllers offer minimal protection. Entertron's Elite-2000 provides built in noise suppression. Click to view more information about the Elite-2000. If there are any questions you would like answered, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type "tech tips question" THE PROGRAMMERS CORNER Salutations to all, My name is David. I am the Tech. here at Entertron Industries. I handle all the technical questions and problems, as well as all of the ladder logic programming. If there are any questions that you need answered or if there is a topic you think should be in the newsletter feel free to contact me at david@entertron.com Thank you, David Polakiewicz Tap Command The tap command is an equal to or greater than command that allows an output coil or a special function output to be activated. This command is the equivalent of using a get and compare statement with an equal and greater contact, but only requires one rung to perform, not three like the get and compare. The tap command is limited to only using a constant value and is not variable. Tap commands are great when you need to monitor an analog input (TC23 in this case) and make something happen at a particular level (See Fig 1). The next example shows how to use the tap commands to show a range, used to make sure the signal is within a particular range, not too low nor too high. (See Fig 2) In future editions, we will also be offering helpful tips on how best to utilize Eware32. If there are any questions you would like answered, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type "programmer's corner question" THE ENTERTRON ADVANTAGE Are company's just interested in selling their products to you? Do they even tell you how doing business with them will provide benefits to your entire organization? To find out how we can benefit your entire organization, click to find out how >>> PRODUCT NEWS This month, we are not introducing a new product, but rather highlighting one of our popular products - the Eclipse Message Master Plus operator interface. We have been offering this operator interface to our customer base since 1997. Many applications have used this operator interface in conjunction with one of our ePLCs. Features include:
To view the specifications, please go to our web page For all the operator interfaces on the market today...it is probably one of the best values in its class. SPECIAL OFFERS Our Special offer for the month of June is the Eclipse Message Master Plus (Part Number - EMMI-110-1-L). All new customers purchasing this operator interface with any of our ePLCs will receive 20% off the 1 pc. OEM price. The price is $360.00 (includes interface cable and programming software) - Your cost is $288.00. This offer is good until the end of July, 2003 To the many students that are currently learning about the incredible world of PLCs and programming, we are offering you a special student discount - Any controller, any configuration - 20% off (includes computer cable and programming software). Compare this to other offers and you will see the benefits. We continue with great success our OEM introductory offer. Any OEM that has never purchased from Entertron in the past can take advantage of this offer - 50% off any controller, in any configuration. For more information, click for details. CLOSING NOTES If you have missed an issue of Entertron Intelligence, not to fear, you can view past issues on our web site. Any general questions, not related to one of our subjects can be emailed to us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type in "entertron intelligence question" If you decide that you do not want to receive our monthly newsletter, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type "please remove from list" and we will honor your request. |
