Capacitive Pushbutton Sensor Switch /Indicator

We will now look at the capacitive pushbutton sensor switch and indicator. Normal pushbuttons on a panel are usually a mechanical device. They can become “sticky” when too much dirt or oil is present. Capacitive push buttons do not have moving parts to stick, so the life expectancy is increased. Disinfectant sprays can be applied … Read more

Productivity 1000 PLC to Modbus TCP RTU BX-MBIO

We will now look at the productivity 1000 plc modbus tcp rtu communication to the BX-MBIO controller. The Productivity 1000 PLC can communicate to a remote I/O (input and output) controller modules using the Modbus protocol for communications. The BX-MBIO provides both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP interfaces. Modbus RTU is a serial communication and … Read more

P1AM Industrial Arduino GPIO Inputs and Outputs

The P1AM-GPIO is an industrial rated shield for the P1AM-100 Arduino system. It provides a connection from most of the P1AM-100 GPIO pins to the front 18 position terminal block connector. We will be looking at the wiring and programming of this input and output industrial rated shield that mounts on the left side of … Read more

Wiring 3 Wire DC NPN and PNP Sensors

Wiring 3 wire DC sensors can be confusing. I recently received a question on PNP and NPN sensors. They wanted an explanation of what a sink is and how to wire one. Confusion over the Normally Open and Normally Closed function of the sensor is also a common question. Several diagrams will show a resistor … Read more

ACC Automation 2019 Review

Accelerate Learning … Accelerate Machines… Accelerate Knowledge… ACC Automation It is a good time to be in the automation business. Technologies are merging and communicating like never before. What was impossible is now possible for the industrial plant floor. We are looking forward to the New Year and new possibilities for implementing your control solution. … Read more

Universal Signal Conditioner and Isolator

Signal conditioners are used with analog current and voltage signals. They have the ability to change your input analog signal to another output analog signal. As an example, we can have 4-20mA analog input and change it to a 0-10VDC output signal so we can wire this into our PLC. Typically signal conditioners will also … Read more

Wiring an Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor

An ultrasonic sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact (limit switch). No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance. An ultrasonic sensor will use sound waves to detect objects. These sound waves are at … Read more

Wiring an NPN PNP Sensor to the Click PLC

A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance. A capacitive proximity sensor will detect ferrous and non-ferrous objects. The sensor works … Read more

Wiring an Inductive NPN PNP Sensor – Click PLC

We will now look at wiring an NPN and PNP inductive proximity sensor to the Click PLC. A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is … Read more

ACC Automation 2017 Review

ACC Automation We would like to take a few minutes and reflect on the past, current and future of ACC Automation. 2017 has been our best year yet thanks to you. Your questions, comments and suggestions have helped us to build the site that you see today. Thank you.