Datalogger; analog input module; safety foot switch

A counter-timer-totalizer-event datalogger is a low-cost recording device that can sense a pulse input or contact closure from another source and convert inputs into engineering units. Other recently introduced control components include an analog input module and a foot switch for safety and automation. Manufacturers are Omega Engineering, Spectrum Controls, and Norstat Inc.

This counter/totalizer/event datalogger is part of the Omega Engineering Nomad product family.

OM-CP-PULSE101 Counter/Totalizer/ Event Datalogger is part of the Omega Engineering Nomad product family. It reportedly is a low-cost recording device that will sense a pulse input or contact closure from external sources, such as transducers or pulse initiators (gas, water, and electric meters) and transform inputs into engineering units. It also allows storage of user-defined units, such as gallons/min, scale factors, and offset values. This enables the user to easily linearize and scale any transducer that provides a pulse or contact closure output to any user required units automatically. Once activated, the OM-CP-PULSE101 senses and records the number of pulses/contact closures that occur within adjacent periods. The period is selectable from 1 second to over 24 hours. At the end of each period, the total number of pulses/counts is recorded. The device then starts another period and continues until either the memory is full or the test period has ended. Its real-time clock puts a time and date stamp on data, ideal for event recording. The storage medium is non-volatile solid-state memory, providing maximum data security even if the battery becomes discharged. Its small size allows it to fit almost anywhere. Data retrieval is simple. Plug it into an empty COM port and easy-to-use software does the rest. The software converts a PC into a real-time strip chart recorder. Data can be printed in graphical or tabular format and can be exported to a text or Microsoft Excel file. Price is $199. Click here for more information from Omega Engineering .

Spectrum Controls’ 1769sc-IF8u Universal Analog Input Module is compact and provides unparalleled flexibility and performance, the company says. The module is designed specifically for use with the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and MicroLogix 1500 platforms. It suits high-density and mixed analog input applications. This eight channel analog input module accepts eight current, voltage, resistance, thermocouple inputs and four RTD inputs. Signal types can be mixed and matched to accommodate various applications. The 1769sc-IF8u offers channel update rates comparable to dedicated analog modules with higher accuracy and resolution. The 1769sc-IF8u supports more than 28 input types including most major thermocouple and RTD configurations. All data are linearized and available in user-selectable engineering units. Module configuration is convenient and easy to accomplish using existing Rockwell Software RSLogix programming software. It may be applied in any application, including water/wastewater, manufacturing, food processing, and oil/gas. The module reduces system costs by eliminating the need for several dedicated analog input modules, with a competitive price-per-point. Click here for the Spectrum Controls site .

Norstat Inc. foot switches include PA, PX, and PC Series.

Norstat Inc. offers the PA and PX Series of foot switches as single switch models, and the PC Series allows up to 4 units to be connected via easy-to-use kits. They are said to be designed for the safety and automation marketplaces. Optional kits for carrying rods, e-stop boxes, and handles are also available for the PC Series.

PA Series comes as an unprotected switch, while PX Series offers a rugged high-impact plastic cover for actuator protection and is available in either yellow, red, orange, or gray. Switches are available with either slow action or snap action contact elements and as a variety of contact block configurations. Both series of switches have a protection rating of either IP53 (standard) or IP65 (optional) making them suitable for washdown conditions or hostile environments. Click here for more from Norstat .

—Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com MHoske@cfemedia.com

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