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We have power-supply problems
02/04/2007
Readers offer up advice on installing redundant, DIN-rail, 24 V, switch-mode power supplies in parallel in this installment of The Answer to Your Problems.
Do handheld OIs make sense?
01/05/2007
A reader looks for shared experiences regarding cost savings that can be realized with the usage of a wireless or plug-in handheld OI to take care of all their additional in-line networking functions.
We need machine vision advise
11/08/2006
A custom machine builder gets answers to its problems concerning the pros and cons of buying a turn-key, all-in-one vision sensor package vs. something more versatile and powerful.
Should we switch to PC-based control?
10/10/2006
A supplier of machines to the contract liquid-filling industry seeks advice on whether it should augment its PLC controls with a PC-based HMI or convert entirely to PC-based control to obtain needed connectivity.
How do I choose a digital recorder?
09/09/2006
A reader considers using web-based recorders to help with remote diagnoses, but will he have to give up any functionality with web-based vs. today's digitals? And what about software considerations?
How should we secure the operator panel?
08/10/2006
A reader wants to know if they shopuld be looking for fingerprint or retina scanners or the like when upgrading security features, and if they are cost-effective compared to more traditional security measures.
Whats all this about FPGAs?
06/06/2006
In this installment of The Answer to Your Problems, a reader receives advice on how to use field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) as an embedded controller alternative to provide unique behaviors.
How to measure velocity of fragile solids
05/10/2006
In this installment of The Answer to Your Problems, a reader is offered suggestions on how to measure material velocity and flow rate at several key positions when pneumatically conveying very friable materials.
Does dual-core processing have advantages?
04/06/2006
Now that dual-core processors are available from AMD and Intel, does anyone think there could be task management performance advantages...
How should we train?
03/07/2006
A small specialty machine builder with designs on growing out of its currently regional market presence finds out what other builders...
What are critical E-CAD features?
02/26/2006
Readers offer up advice on how to evaluate the worth of an electrical CAD program in this installment of The Answer to Your...
You think youve got PID troubles?
01/11/2006
Factory Automation: A builder of turnkey, PLC-based batching and blending systems is finding it increasingly harder to control some loops...
Should I learn object-based programming?
11/10/2005
What are the advantages and downsides of becoming functional in object-oriented programming, and how hard is it to learn? Check out The...
Which vision system data protocol should you use?
09/07/2005
Offering an integrated vision system for packaged goods machinery presents several data communications protocol options. Check out what...
What are the limits to embedded XP?
07/14/2005
What does real-life performance experience tell us about whether using XP Embedded without a third-party kernel is a good idea? Check out...
Must we abandon magnetic encoders?
05/14/2005
Were told we are asking for trouble by expecting the magnetic encoders to perform dependably and need to switch to optical encoders and...
Do we still need gear motors?
03/17/2005
In this installment of The Answer to Your Problems, Control Design readers weigh in on whether you can get the torque you need from...
How to prevent overloading a loop
01/27/2005
Need to add another loop controller to one of your systems but fear it would push you past your loop maximum? TheAnswer offers...
Is thin-client the answer?
11/28/2004
Industrial Factory Automation: In this installment of The Answer to Your Problems, CONTROL DESIGN readers weigh in on whether to take a...
Linear motors or pneumatic slides?
10/10/2004
Readers of CONTROL DESIGN magazine chime in with their preferred choices, some suggested application strategies, and how much of an issue...
Are flux-vector servos worth it?
10/13/2004
A reader of CONTROL DESIGN asks for help in deciding on how to upgrade servo motor performance, which prompts some well-reasoned advice ...
Is it time for Linux yet?
10/11/2004
Industrial Factory Automation: Embedded Linux has been taking business from Windows CE and VxWorks. Take a look at how readers of CONTROL...
Screw clamp or IDC connector--Which works better?
01/04/2004
Industrial Factory Automation: Until recently, for better or worse, we used screw-clamp terminal blocks for connections. Now, we have...
Help with cabinet cooling
10/08/2003
Readers help a reader solve this problem. Next: We Need Calibration Tools
Can we go wireless in hazardous areas?
09/02/2003
Readers help a reader solve this problem. Next: Screw or IDC--Which works better?
Should we use laser-based sensors?
06/17/2003
Readers help a reader solve this problem. Next: Can we go wireless in hazardous areas?
Configurable or dedicated OI?
07/10/2003
Readers help a reader solve this problem. Next: How cool should our cabinets be?
We need a compliant operator interface
04/06/2003
Readers help a reader solve this problem. Next: Configurable or dedicated OI?
How can we get better batching accuracy?
02/20/2003
Readers help a reader solve this problem. Next: Should we use laser-based sensors?
