Newsletter

MAY 2009: New SIKO Magline system with interchangeable magnetic sensor.

Typical Applications

• Designed for machinery and systems requiring accurate linear and rotary measurements.
  
• Measurement without power reticulation.
  
• Wood and metal working machinery, especially those with moving stops.
  
• Portable equipment.
  

• compact size including an integrated battery box
  
• smaller current consumption compared to compared to MA503/1
  
• flexibility to order as separate items and stock various cable lengths
  
• widely available standard batteries.
  
• programmable meter supporting metric and imperial units to support international markets.

• Current consumption     220 µA at 3Vdc
  
• Resolution               max. 10µm or 1/16"
  
• Compatible tape and rings     MB500, MR500 and MBR500
  
• System accuracy              ±(0.1+0.01xL)mm or option 50µm
  
• Repeat accuracy               max ±10µm
  
• Tape to Sensor distance      > 0.1 to 2.0mm
  
• Sensor Protection Class       IP67

OCT 2009: SIKO tracking optimises the efficiency of Solar arrays.

SIKO Magline products employed widely across Europe.

Solar power is by far the Earth's most available energy source, easily capable of providing many times the total current energy demand.
European solar power plants supply power to the electricity grid. These plants can have a combined capacity of >100 megawatts (MW).
Parabolic-trough and solar tower plants are the most developed concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies realised up to date.
CSP-plants are realised in two different ways, Solar Power Tower plants and Trough solar plants:
Solar Power Towers use thousands of individual suntracking mirrors to reflect solar energy onto a central receiver located on top of a tall tower.
SIKO Magline systems provide effective tracking and alignment. With excellent environmental characteristics Magline provides a long term solution for these outdoor measurements.
For those interested, we have further information available and will be pleased to quote for your application.

July 2009: SIKO add moisture seals to DA04 and DA09s

DA04 and DA09S options for improved sealing protection

Since the DA series of mechanical-digital position indicators were invented by SIKO in 1976, they have provided dependable service in a wide range of industrial applications. These devices, known as the SIKO counters, are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions with a high incidence of dust and dirt. Because of the great measuring accuracy of the components used, even the basic versions of SIKO position indicators offer a high degree of protection against such contamination.

In spite of this, SIKO is constantly confronted with applications where high humidity and water splashing can be expected.

The DA04 and DA09S, SIKO’s best-selling position indicators, are now optionally available with a special factory fitted housing seal which has been specifically designed for this type of use. This additional seal variant consists of an axial washer at the front and a rubber seal plate at the back. These measures ensure that the device is completely impervious to liquids. Together with the stainless steel hollow shaft, this additional housing seal is particularly recommended where the position indicator is likely to come into contact with cleaning liquids, lubricants, coolants or splash water.

Mar 2009: SIKO presents novel ideas for the future.

DE04 and DE10 LCD digital indicators are fully programmable.

The new electronic position indicators DE04 and DE10 can be used flexibly because of programmable display values and availability of three function keys. In difference to usual mechanical counters the battery-powered indicators from SIKO offer the following user benefits:

• One programmable indicator can match all mechanical DA04/DA10 combinations
  
• Display value and decimal point freely programmable
  
• Imperial, metric and degrees
  
• Selection between angle measurement and linear measurement
  
• Reset function
  
• Incremental function
  
• Offset value programmable at the device
  
• Higher shaft speed of 600 rpm

SIKO DE04	SIKO DE10

Mar 2009

SIKO AP04 offers new concepts for fast setups.

SIKO GmbH introduces a brand new position indicator type AP04, designed to add efficiency and accuracy to the manual set up of production machinery according to settings held within an associated controller.
The key advantages of the new indicator are:
1) A two-line LCD display for target and current value.
2) A compact size, with a 20 mm through hollow shaft.
3) A high-contrast 7mm LCD for good readability.
A target value can be programmed by the controller to the axis via an integrated bus interface such as RS485 or Can-Open. The machine operator can then rotate the adjustment spindle so that the current value matches the target value. This can ensure fast and, above all, faultless axis positioning even with manual operation.
The controller is always able to monitor the current value of individual position indicators in the coded bus system.
There is no need for referencing when the supply voltage is switched on again, as the integrated position sensor provides an absolute evaluation of the rotation.
A high degree of flexibility is offered by free programmability, e.g. spindle pitch, comma position, sense of rotation and 180° display rotation.
The position indicator type AP04 is ideal for companies seeking quick, error-free positioning of machine axes, even in a restricted space.

Mar 2009

SIKO MSK5100 offers new features

Typical Application
The new MSK5100 sensor and MB500 tape provides linear and rotary measurement combined with min / max limit switches and a reference position all programmed into the MB500 magnetic tape. All these features are available via a single cable which offers convenience and valuable cost savings.

Product Press Release
The magnetic sensor MSK5100 is an extension of the already existing MSK5000. All the technical and programmable characteristics of the MSK5000 magnetic sensor are contemporary with the MSK5100.

New features are the robust metal housing, two lateral limit switches and one reference switch. This new sensor provides a very tidy, cost effect way of setting a reference point and one, two or more limit points without resorting to external third party limit switches. The MSK5100, like the MSK5000, is designed to be used with the magnetic tape MB500, which is available up to 90m lengths. Reference points and limit points are supplied and mounted separately, adjacent to the MB500 tape.

In a Magline incremental system the measuring tape is magnetised with a series of accurately placed north and south poles. The pole pitch determines the maximum resolution and accuracy. During movement, the magnetic sensor detects the pole period and outputs an incremental pulse count. Counting the pole periods gives the information of the distance covered.
An incremental system relies on having a starting reference point which until now was often provided by the user pushing a button to zero the count with a meter, or incorporating an additional fixed position sensor. Automatic referencing required an external reference switch or the purchase of a special magnetic tape incorporating a reference point coded into the second line of the magnetic tape.

Nov 2008

Colortrac release Ci40 Engineering Document Scanner

Colortrac's affordable new SmartLF Ci 40 large format scanner now ENERGY STAR® qualified

• New SmartLF wide format scanners cut energy costs while protecting the environment with superior energy efficiency
  
• Offers cost-conscious buyers in the post-credit-crunch world energy savings based on practical environmental protection
  

• ENERGY STAR qualified - powers down when idle
  
• 40" image width suits A0, E and architectural E-size scans
  
• 600dpi optical resolution - 9600dpi maximum
  
• Fast monochrome scanner with two colour models
  
• Upgradeable from one model to another by email
  
• Face-up / front exit paper feed
  
• Crisp, sharp black-and-white (monochrome) scans
  
• 16 bit gray tone capture for perfect gray shades
  
• 48 bit colour capture for photo-realistic vivid colours
  
• State-of-the-art Single Roller Paper Transport system
  
• Flexible Plug 'n Play set-up supports USB 2.0
  
• Network ready - 1 Gb Ethernet connectivity
  
• Supplied with SmartLF All-in-One scan, copy and PDF software
  
• Compact, lightweight, transportable
  
• Affordable value for money!
  

Feb 2008:::

Grayhill Series 84 keypads Backlite + Self Adhesive Legends

Grayhill have announced two new series of backlite, low profile sealed keypads designed for small, medium and large volume production runs. Water proof and static proof properties, coupled with a high life expectancy, ensure this series is well suited to indoor and outdoor professional equipment.
Series 84B employs self legend buttons supplied as sheets by Grayhill. Mixed character and single character sheets have been made available.
Series 84BL is supplied with standard or custom legends for higher volume customers.

GRAYHILL SERIES 84B
Backlit + Self Adhesive Legends
FEATURES
• Backlit for Low Light Applications
• Waterproof Silicone Rubber
• Audible, Tactile Contacts
• Low Contact Resistance
• Optional RFI/EMI Shielding
• 3,000,000 Operations per Button


SELF-ADHESIVE LEGEND SHEETS
Each 8.5" x 11" legend sheet contains commonly used symbols, terms, alpha characters and 0-9 in Helvetica bold type. Self- adhesive legends are clear urethane on a chrome mylar base. Adhesive is silicone/acrylic. Legends can be purchased in the following ways:
1. Entire legend sheets: Part numbers 84AC5012-1, -2, -3 OR -4.
2. Individual legends: Part numbers 84AC5012-0001, -0002 etc. (Individual legend pins are for groups of 10 legends each)
3. See Grayhill drawing 84AC5012-X for detailed information on available legends, sizes and fonts.

Link to Grayhill Series 84B PDF file
Link to Grayhill Series 84BL PDF file

Jan 2008:::

HL Planar Technik

HL Planar introduces Ni 1000 SOT precision temperature sensor.

The Ni1000SOT is a nickel thin film resistance temperature detector (RTD) that is suitable for use in contact temperature sensing. The characteristics of the temperature sensor comply with the former DIN 43760 standard.
The Ni1000SOT are manufactured by PVD-deposition on a silicon substrate. The thin film structure is covered by a passivation layer for environmental protection and enhanced stability. The nickel elements are mounted on lead frames and encapsulated in SOT23 packages. This technology allows the production of miniature, low cost, high precision temperature sensors.
The Ni1000SOT sensor is qualified for the most demanding automotive applications (including exposure to hot oil) and is suitable for many more applications in harsh environments.
Phone Muthu for sales, samples and technical data.

Jan 2008:::

Precise non-contact temperature measurement.

The TS105-1 is a thermopile sensor for use in contactless temperature measurement. Thermopiles are mainly used for contactless temperature measurement across a broad range of applications. Their function is to transfer the heat radiation emitted from the objects into voltage output. Major applications include appliances such as microwave oven, clothes dryer, automatic cooking, medical devices, like ear and fore head thermometer, automotive applications, typically car climate control, seat occupancy, blind spot alert, black ice detection, consumer products such as printer, copier, mobile phone together with many industry applications like paper web, plastic parts etc.
Phone Muthu, 09 630 7871 for sales and technical data.

Jan 2008:::

Taiway start 2008 with new and innovative products

TAIWAY, a leading Taiwanese switch designer and manufacturer announced several new and innovative products that have expanded the companies capabilities to service the safety, security and industrial markets; together with emerging audio / visual markets.

AV Series - Safety Range. New switches from TAIWAY. With Anti-Vandal (AV) properties high on the design brief, this new AV range will suit those designing new products for public spaces, security applications and industrial sites. The AV safety range, with LED back lighting extends the AV market to low light and night time industrial, safety and security applications. Product Features: ● Anti-Vandal (AV) design series ● Dot and Ring illuminated ● Latching and momentary function ● Curved, Flat and Raised button options ● IP65 or IP67 rated ● Max. rating: 3A / 250VAC ● 16, 19 and 22mm bushing options ● UL / CE / CCC approved (specific models only) ● Finish: Choice of Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel polished and varnished, Brass with nickel and gold plate.	AV series - Metallic finish The AV metallic series will suit markets requiring a bright metallic finish in a sturdy housing. Product Features: ● Anti-Vandal (AV) design series ● 16 and 19mm bushing options ● IP65 rated ● Max. rating: 2A / 48Vdc ● Finish: Choice of Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel polished and varnished, Brass with nickel and gold plate. For product details call Keith, 09 630 7871	AV Series - Decorative Range The AV decorator line brings a bright modern colour range to provide customer appeal and excellent functionality to new designs. With anti-vandal features, this range will do service across a number of commercial and consumer products. Product Features ● Anti-Vandal (AV) design series ● Domed profile with many color options ● 12mm bushing ● IP65 rated ● Max. rating: 2A / 48VDC ● Bushing Material: Zinc alloy, black nickel plated ● Button and Base: PBT
IP Series - Format I New and inventive. Four internal colour LEDs offer the designer an unparalleled choice of button colours by controlling LED brightness during the design process. This new product provides a unique opportunity for designers to provide their markets with colour matched products for aesthetic and functional concepts. This range was designed for audio / visual products and the button action is silent and non-invasive. As with other back-lite buttons, a button LEGEND may be added. Please phone to discuss your opportunities for this new line.	IP Series - Format II Product Features: ● Bright LED, available with many colour options to provide best audio / video design OFF-(ON) switching with PC pins ● Long operation life of 500,000 cycles minimum ● Available with bicolor / tricolor / quadcolour illumination configurations ● Customized legend is available with variety lens color options ● Smooth operation with no audible feedback (non-tactile actuation) ● Guiding Pegs for easy PCB mounting and alignment ● Epoxy sealed terminals to lock out flux and dust	700 Series This new product is designed to meet or exceed the requirements of the Telecommunications market, where product reliability and stability is demanded. The product is designed in materials featuring high withstanding voltage and insulation. Product Features: ● ON-NONE-(ON) switching with PC pins ● High current-carrying capacity (6A 125VAC or 28VDC) ● Plunger with Snap fit feature ● Robust design of plunger needed for rigid use ● Switch Body is designed to provide reliable insulation ● Long life of 50,000 operations ● Smooth operation with tactile feedback ● Epoxy sealed terminals to lock out flux and dust

Jan 2008:::

TIP TRUCK roll over protection system

A tip truck roll over protection system could save lives and avoid significant roll over repair costs.
Mandeno Electronic Equipment Ltd, in conjunction with local suppliers, have introduced a programmable safety switch design to help prevent roll accidents. The system is low in cost and can be paid for by preventing a single event.
Designed for A Train and B Train tip trucks, the system senses the cross tray angle and will both prevent a tray lift and cause a raised tray to drop.
The later circumstance may occur when the slope exceeds safe limits or when one wheel sinks into the surface.
Features
● Operates with Crossbow CXTL01 sensors
● Factory set for ±5.5° or as specified.
● Hysteresis of 10% of angle (0.55°) setting.
● 2A open collector output (with flywheel diode protection) for direct interface to hydraulic valves
● 12Vdc and 24Vdc operation
Sales
Please phone Keith at 09 6307871 for sales outlet information.