Product Update

1769-AENTR I/O Module

The 1769-AENTR EtherNet/IP distributed I/O system with capabilities to help you reduce I/O spares. This adapter allows CompactLogix™ you to reuse your 1769 I/O when migrating to next generation CompactLogix controller, while keeping the investment of 1769 I/O.

For more information click here.

FactoryTalk RS Portal


The FactoryTalk® Portal allows manufacturers to consolidate their Web-based interfaces down to one manageable and configurable launch point. As part of the FactoryTalk Integrated Production and Performance Suite, FactoryTalk Portal gives you a window into your manufacturing processes.

For more information click here.

Stratix 2000

Stratix 2000™ industrial-grade unmanaged switches require no configuration, which helps you set up and install your switch quickly. The Stratix 2000 line has flexible power requirements and can be used with AC or DC power. The switches connect easily with Logix controllers and have features to autonegotiate for speed and duplex per port. Stratix 2000 switches are ideal for small, isolated networks.

For more information click here.

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

So this Sunday marks the biggest weekend in Hollywood, yes it’s the Oscars!

This means that the stars will be out in their hundreds with a hope of winning the highly acclaimed Oscar for their performances in recent films.

Setting up the Oscar ceremony starts well in advance of the event, it takes months to prepare the venue.

Thousands of people are involved in activities from constructing the venue (they seem to build on it year after year, to creating the giant Oscar statues, setting up all the cameras, organising the seat placement starting with the most famous at the front).

The stars also have lots of preparation to do before the big day including visiting famous designers to get dresses and outfits custom made, attending gifting tents where the stars are given jewellery to wear on the red carpet that are worth millions (yes, they don’t even have to pay!) Not to mention hiring a team to dress and prepare the stars on the day, they can have as many as 50 people!

A range of cosmetic and plastic surgeries are also performed before the Oscars to ensure the stars are looking their absolute best from Botox to laser therapy and much more…

Will you be watching the Oscars Sunday night?

Have a great weekend!

Rachael 

Introducing the PowerFlex 520-Series AC Drives

The next generation of Powerful Performance. Flexible Control.

The Allen Bradley PowerFlex- 520 Series of AC Drives is the next generation of compact drives offering a variety of features and time saving benefits to help meet a wide range of global applications.

 

PowerFlex 523 AC drives are ideal for standalone machines and provide motor control for applications up to 11kW/15 Hp.

PowerFlex 525 AC Drives are ideal for networked machines and simple system integration, offering standard features including embedded EtherNet/IP, safety and performance up to 22 kW/30 Hp.

The 520 series offers an impressive:

• Innovative, modular design
• Drive Configuration
• Premier Integration
• Communications
• Flexible Control

Click here to read the full details and specs on the new family.

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

Save the Date!

Automation University On The Move 2014 is coming soon!

Nottingham, 3rd June
Peterborough, 5th June
Aberdeen, 10th June
Warrington, 12th June

Whether it's your first visit or you've been before, you'll find Automation University on the move is always topical, bringing together people, products, tools and technologies to help you meet your business and manufacturing requirements. 

- Ideal for business managers and engineers 
- See the latest Automation and Information advances
- Meet and consult with leading Automation and Information experts   
- Meet and discuss topical issues with industry peers 
- Plan a program specific to your needs 
- Wide range of sectors, including Automotive, Food and Beverage, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy and Water/Waste Water. 

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

Key Event Production Alarms to your Smart Devices - Solutions from WIN-911 now available in the UK!

Routeco Ltd have recently partnered with WIN-911, bringing their Products into the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Austria, offering real-time Alarm Notification Management systems for Human to Machine Interface (HMI), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to a range of mobile devices.

WIN-911/ME supports Rockwell Automation’s Pane

lView Plus and FactoryTalk Machine Edition HMI applications, whilst WIN-911 supports SCADA products from Rockwell (RS View32, Factory Talk View SE, Factory Talk ME, GE Fanuc Proficy (iFix), and Wonderware (ArchestrA, and InTouch).

WIN-911 improves operator productivity by allowing them to concentrate on other tasks while the system monitors operations, and offers management a look at specific areas of the plant.

The use of mobile devices is widespread and accelerating in the workplace. To help you leverage this technology for increased productivity, WIN-911 Software has developed the Mobile-911 Version 2.0™ application, providing secure, reliable timely notifications, providing alert users new alarm events, and displays these in an interactive summary.

There are a range of notification options:

• SMS Mobile-to-Mobile 
• Mobile-911 to Mobile 
• Various Telephony and Text options 
• Paging and Email Notification 
• OPC, and Microsoft DDE connections 

Customers can mix and match to meet their unique requirements.

Currently supports iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Pagers, Landline phones, wireless and a web browser.

We have attached a link for a short video explaining some of the benefits of using WIN-911 products which has been made by an existing user B&W Control System Integration (USA):

If you would like further information, or a demonstration of the features of this exciting range of products please do contact us on 0370 607 1000, or email us at info@routeco.com.

Lots of events coming up on the Routeco calendar!

Routeco Coventry

Connected Components Workbench/Micro800 Tech workshop

Routeco Dartford

Routeco and Weidmuller Lunch & Learn Workshop 5th March

Routeco Glasgow

Connected Components Workbench/Micro800 Tech workshops 5/6th March

Routeco Milton Keynes

Connected Components Workbench/Micro800 Tech workshop 2nd April

Please email techworkshop@routeco.com for more information!

HMS acquire IXXAT Automation- Routeco expand their offer on a complete range of CAN-Based solutions

HMS Industrial Networks has acquired IXXAT Automation – a leading supplier of communication technology for industrial automation, machine manufacturing and the automotive industry. IXXAT was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Weingarten, Germany.

“IXXAT’s hi-tech products and services are great supplements to HMS’s business,” says Staffan Dahlström, CEO at HMS Industrial Networks. “Their strong product offering and market position will strengthen our presence.”

While IXXAT is known as a leading supplier of CAN-based tools as well as EtherCAT,

Powerlink and FlexRay communication technology, HMS has a leading position in the Profibus/Profinet and DeviceNet/EtherNet/IP markets. Together, the two companies will have the most complete and competitive offer of communication technology for the automation markets.

IXXAT Products

The IXXAT range offers software and hardware solutions for CAN (DeviceNet, CANopen, SAE J1939 and NMEA2000), real-time Ethernet (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Powerlink, sercos) and IEEE 1588, FlexRay and LIN. IXXAT test and diagnostic tools and gateways for CAN-, LIN- and FlexRay-based systems are used in a broad range of markets including industrial automation, medical, power generation and automotive.

The IXXAT test and diagnostic tools run on Windows PCs and use IXXAT’s dedicated CAN to PC interfaces to monitor and communicate on the CAN bus. All the tools are based on the IXXAT software driver interface, which is also available for customers’ own applications, and this makes for easy portability of applications. The PC to CAN interfaces are available for all common PC bus types, from USB to PCIexpress, and can also be attached wirelessly with Bluetooth or via remote access with Ethernet.

IXXAT holds a leading position in emerging functional Safety technology for automation including solutions for OpenSafety, CIP-Safety and Functional Safety over EtherCAT. In combination with HMS´s new Anybus Safety concept which is focused on PROFIsafe, the HMS group will have the most complete technology offer for functional Safety solutions. The company also develops technology platforms within safety solutions, according to IEC 61508.

In the UK they have the benefit of local technical knowledge of the IXXAT range as Siobhan Chapman has joined HMS UK. Siobhan has 13 years of experience selling and supporting the IXXAT software and hardware solutions for CAN and Industrial Ethernet having worked for IXXAT’s previous UK distributor, and working closely with Routeco customers and staff.

The view the IXXAT products click here. 

For further details on the IXXAT range of products please do contact us on: info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

Our Google+ Page has launched!

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Google+ page which will run alongside our current social media channels. 

Just two years after its release Google+ has established itself as the second largest social media site in the world with a monthly user base of 235 million.

Google+ will be used to publish company and industry updates such as blog posts, photos, news stories and much more… It also allows you to join and build communities which connect industries together, and with the added integration of Google News this social media channel provides many benefits.

Take a look at our Google+ page here, and don’t forget to follow us!

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Later this morning I will be on my way to Paris to visit all the tourist attractions. I can’t wait to eat a croissant, wear a beret and most notable go to Disneyland! (Where I will let my inner child roam free). 

I will be viewing some of Paris’ most popular attractions, some of which include:

The Eiffel Tower- The Eiffel tower is the most famous landmark in Paris, at a staggering 342 meters it can be seen from miles away!

Notre Dame Cathedral- One of Paris’ first Gothic Cathedrals ever built. Construction started in 1163 and lasted almost two decades.

The Louvre- One of the most famous museum’s in the world housed in the beautiful Louvre Palace.

The Arc De Triomphe- Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, however he was ousted before the arch was complete.

Versailles Palace – It started as a modest hunting lodge and expanded into one of the world’s most famous Palace.

I am very excited to see the sights of Paris and wondered if anyone had any recommendations for my visit or any attractions to visit that hasn't been mentioned?

Feel free to share!

Have a great weekend!

Rachael 

eWON connects OEM's to their Installed Base - Now your machine can talk!

In a world with global competition, customers compare prices, uptime and productivity, placing increasingly stringent demands on service. Machine builders and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are confronted every day with a difficult challenge: how to offer best-of-class service with qualified staff while keeping support costs within acceptable limits?

To provide support for critical machines, eWON technology provides a state-of-the-art solution for secure remote access via the Internet: Talk2M. It can be used to enhance customer support, configure remote diagnostics, and advance preparation of maintenance activities. By cutting down travel expenses, you reduce your cost of service. 

Talk2M helps machine builders to revolutionise customer service with faster online setup, higher bandwidth, reliable communication, attractive pricing and more: with eWON industrial routers and Talk2M, machine builders and OEMs have a turnkey remote access solution that lets them take advantage of the worldwide availability of the Internet. Because it is scalable and easy to deploy, Talk2M adds value instantaneously to the machines, allowing machine builders and OEMs to concentrate on providing core support value to their customers, and creates opportunities for service contracts, machine bench marking, and warranty extensions. 

With just a few clicks, Talk2M lets you connect to any eWON industrial router with access to the Internet. Configuration is performed by wizards designed to eliminate the need for specialized IT knowledge, even though Talk2M is based on sound security mechanisms and tunnelling capability.

Even after the machine has been installed at the customer site, Talk2M and eWON routers enable machine builders and OEMs to obtain instant access to their machines anywhere and anytime. 

If you require further information, or a visit from my of our Product specialist please do contact us on 0370 607 1000, and via email at: info@routeco.com

Movement Detectors from Finder

Finder has expanded its 18 series range by adding three brand new application specific movement detectors.

Created precisely for sensing larger rectangular areas such as long corridors, the 18.41 surveys an area of up to 15 meters either side of the device. This provides a large detecting zone of 30 meters long, by 4 meters wide, from just a single unit.

Central to the 18.51 is an advanced lens and electronics system that achieves two detecting zones with different sensitivities. The central 4x4 meter zone responds to very small movements, for example, it can be used to detect the presence of a person working quietly at the workplace. However, with the extended 8x8 meter zone it will respond to normal movements. This product is particularly well suited for schools, offices and the workplace in general. 

The ‘Twin Mirror’ technology gives the 18.61 its remarkably wide viewing angle of 180 degrees. This is designed for fitting into new or existing wall boxes. Whilst the 18.61 can be installed in corridors along with the 18.41, it is ideally more suited to small spaces, for example bathrooms and passage areas. Fundamentally, the 18.61 can be installed as a direct replacement for a wall mounted light switch or push button.

All three models share the common characteristic of a wide 110 … 230 V AC power supply range, a 10A rated NO output contact, adjustable ambient light intervention threshold and a Light-Off delay adjustable from 12 to 35 minutes. 

Depending on the type of product, these can be installed on the ceiling, in suspended ceilings or in recessed or flush mounting boxes.

For more information on the Finder 18 series click here or to purchase from the 18 series range click here. 

For more information on these products email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

The Stratix 5900 and GLP Safety Relay from Rockwell Automation

Stratix 5900

The Stratix 5900 Services Router combines a number of modern security functions into a single appliance to protect your Industrial Automation and Control Systems network, not only at the perimeter, but also as the cell/zone level. The Stratix 5900 can help simplify the network infrastructure and machine integration by providing a single device to implement VPN, Firewall, NAT, and many other services.

For more information on the Stratix 5900 click here.

GLP Safety Relay

Rockwell Automation has expanded its family of Allen-Bradley® Guardmaster® GSR safety relays with the new GLP module. This has been specifically developed for guard locking applications, the GLP helps OEMs reduce design and installation time for standstill or slow speed guard locking applications.

For more information on the GLP Safety Relay click here.


For more information on these products email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Valentine’s Day

Today is Valentine’s Day!

The celebrations are endless...from romantic meals, to watching TV together, taking a trip, or just chilling with your mates. More recently, some stranger traditions are starting to take place on Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas from around the world to inspire you:

You could take part in Russia’s famous ‘Kiss on Ice Contest’ the aim of the content is to stay kissing for the longest amount of time in freezing conditions. It’s so cold you could end up sticking together (this would make the contest a lot easier).

Last February chocolate high heels were made by master chocolatier Andrea Pedraza and lined up by her shop in Dallas, USA. An ideal present for the ladies combining two of our favourite things (not that they would be around long enough for us to appreciate them).

A couple from Thailand decided to plan their wedding for Valentine’s Day but with an usual twist. They planned an adventure themed wedding ceremony and were swinging on a bungee rope meters off the floor for the whole ceremony!

From the traditional to the unusual Valentine's day can be celebrated in many different ways...or not even at all!

What plans do you have today? Feel free to share!

Have a great weekend!

Rachael 

Routeco and Weidmuller bring you the most recent information on the Microopto range

Routeco and Weidmuller have teamed up to bring you the most up-to-date electronic and connectivity solutions for industrial automation and process control applications as well as for power protection and generation inside and outside of the cabinet.

We are pleased to provide you with the latest leaflet on the extensive Microopto high quality Optos and Solid State Relay range. 

To view the leaflet, click the image. 

For more information, email: info@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000.

The Stratix 5700 Industrial Ethernet Switch from Rockwell Automation

The Stratix 5700 switch is a cost effective, small form factor, highly scalable layer 2 managed switch, designed to meet a broad range of network architectures from small machine level applications to convergence-ready or IT-ready integrated network infrastructures. Like the Stratix 8000 family, the Stratix 5700 uniquely includes the advanced Cisco switching technology (IOS) plus premiere integration (CIP interface) to the Integrated Architecture providing configuration and monitoring tools for both IT and manufacturing professionals helping to bridge the gap between the two organizations.

 The Stratix 5700 highlights include:

•    Highly scalable solutions to more closely meet the customer’s price/performance requirements.

•    Premiere integration (CIP) to the Integrated Architecture.

•    Studio 5000 Add on Profile, Predefined Logix tags and FactoryTalk View Faceplates all helping to reduce the efforts of integrating EtherNet/IP solutions

•    Integrated Cisco technology for highly robust, reliable and secure integration with the enterprise network (assuming Cisco enterprise network)

•    Reduces the cost of integrating disparate systems, common IT development and management tools, common feature set

•    With the advanced switching and routing features of the Cisco IOS, you ensure the highest level of network performance for your machines and infrastructures

•    Default configurations for industrial applications providing easy setup and optimized performance.

•    Secure Digital (SD) card that holds the switch configuration for easy replacement in the field, as well as simplifying initial configuration and deployment.

The Stratix 5700 offers advanced features including integrated Network Address Translation (NAT) to help customer’s segment machine and line networks within the larger plant network and integrate duplicate machines into the architecture. 

If you wish to understand more about Stratix 5700, or NAT please view the video below.

If you require a visit from one of our Product Specialists to discuss your application further, or request further information on Rockwell’s Stratix 5700 from Routeco please do contact us on info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Installed Base Evaluation from Rockwell Automation

An Installed Base Evaluation (IBE) from Rockwell Automation provides a thorough analysis of your critical plant assets and their condition. This service will provide you with the knowledge needed to help make data-driven decisions regarding the support and obsolescence management of your installed base assets.

An IBE is a site wide audit that catalogues machine assets in a hierarchical format and is the foundations of any Asset Management Program. The comprehensive tool from Rockwell Automation collects both Rockwell and non-Rockwell products and creates a plant model hierarchy for your facility. Through this you can update equipment, replace parts or add a new line knowing exactly what will be affected in your installed base.

An IBE can help you to better understand and pinpoint your lifecycle risk by site, area, line, machine and panel. By optimising your Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO), the evaluation will allow for a strong Asset Management structure to be implemented.

The benefits include;

• Helping you to reduce costs by identifying and eliminating excess inventory, which can help improve Return on Net Assets. 
• Increase up time by ensuring critical spares are on site to support production and maintenance where necessary.

Click here to see a case study on the application of an Installed Base Evaluation. 

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. 

What is Microsoft Open Value Subscription?

A Microsoft Open Value Subscription is a method of buying your Office licenses through a Subscription Scheme. This scheme is suitable for companies with five employees or more. When part of the scheme you download and activate your license over the internet.

Why choose Open Value Subscriptions?

Enjoy the benefits of value and low, upfront costs with the ability to increase or decrease the number of licenses on an annual basis in order to accommodate changes in the desktop PC count of your company.

• Up-to-date discount – As a subscriber your existing investment in Office will be recognised and you could receive up to 50% discount in year 1 of the agreement 
• Low cost option – As a rental agreement, Open Value Subscriptions are a cost effective licensing agreement for small and medium sized companies
• Pay according to use – You only pay for the software actually installed. Each year you can increase or decrease the amount of Desktops needed to support your business and pay annually for the amount of revised desktops. 
• Technical Support – You can qualify for a TechNet plus subscription, 24x7 Phone Support and Microsoft Professional Support Incidents. 
• Employees can use Office at home – You can install and use Office on your Home PCs for no charge. 

Benefits of Volume Licensing vs. OEM

OEM is a boxed product that ships with a disk, this version of software is designed to be installed once per machine can cannot be reused. 

Initial Purchase

• OEM- Can only be purchased with a new device and will need to be pre-installed on the device by the software re-seller
• Volume Licensing- Product can be purchased separately and does not necessarily need to be installed on a new device

Downgrade Rights 

• OEM- Downgrades are generally not available (Except Windows XP Pro, Windows Server 2003 and Small Business Server 2003 premium edition)
• Volume Licensing- Downgrades are widely available

Payment Choice

• OEM- Must be paid for upfront 
• Volume Licensing- Can be paid upfront or the cost can be spread over time

Transfer of Licenses

• OEM- Licenses expire on the device they are installed on and cannot be transferred to another device
• Volume Licensing- Transfer rights are available between devices

For more information or to purchase an Open Value Subscription email carl.wallace@routeco.com or call 01908 359293.

Micro820 the new member of the Micro 800 family has arrived - Scalable Solutions from Rockwell

The extended Micro800 PLC family now offers more features and options to allow machine builders the scalability required for more cost-effective machine control.

Rockwell Automation announces the new Allen-Bradley Micro820 programmable logic controller (PLC), a new addition to the Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLC family. The 20-point Micro820 controller features embedded Ethernet and serial ports, and a MicroSD slot. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) output and recipe management makes it ideal for small machines, such as stretch wrappers and compressor control. Data logging, analogue and thermistor temperature inputs are essential for remote automation applications, including water-pump control and air-handling units.

“We will continue to develop the Micro800 platform to give small-machine builders the flexibility to customize designs according to their application needs,” said Melkote Srinivasan, senior business manager, Rockwell Automation. “The new Micro820 controller, LCD display, plug-in modules and Connected Components Workbench software Release 6.0 have the features and options that help them differentiate their offerings and be more competitive.”

Connected Components Workbench software simplifies the configuration, design and maintenance of the Micro820 controller. The latest version of the software adds support for additional machine devices, like the new Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30, soon to be released, configurable safety relay and Allen-Bradley Kinetix 3 component servo drive. This release also provides password protection for application code, and improved investment protection via a friendly controller upgrade tool and multiple project sessions to collaborate between them. For those new to building machines, the software is a free download and offers built-in tutorials, manuals and user assistance.

Micro800 remote 3.5-inch LCD display. An essential accessory to the Micro820 controller, the Micro800 LCD display supports up to eight lines of ASCII text with a four-color backlight, has a keypad with programmable function keys, and is rated IP65 for mounting through a cabinet door when used as a simple operator interface. The display shows customized application-diagnostics messages and text. Its system menu is available in several languages and allows machine builders to directly view and edit program variables, and set the controller’s Ethernet address. The embedded USB port serves as a programming port to the controller.

Micro800 DeviceNet scanner plug-in module. The new Micro800 DeviceNet scanner plug-in option for the Micro800 family of controllers supports up to 20 nodes of Allen-Bradley PowerFlex AC drives or Allen-Bradley CompactBlock LDX I/O. This reduces the costs of wiring and installation inside the cabinet for standalone machine applications, and outside the cabinet for conveyor applications with drives and I/O distributed over longer distances. Auto-scan and device-specific function blocks simplify programming and configuration, and make network diagnostics easier.

Micro800 motion high-speed counter plug-in module. The new Micro800 motion high-speed counter plug-in option allows machine builders to cost-effectively add high-speed counters to Micro800 controllers. Used with the Allen-Bradley Micro830 or Micro850 controller’s PTO axis, the plug-in provides position feedback from the servo drive for position verification or with an encoder for position and velocity monitoring. It supports both 5V differential line driver input up to 250 kHz and 24V DC input up to 100 kHz.

For more information on the Micro820 Logic Controller click here or for information on the Connected Components Workbench Software click here.

Find more information below on the application of the Micro800 family.

 



For more information on Connected Components Workbench software, and the Micro820 and Micro800 PLC family contact us on 0370 607 1000 or email info@routeco.com.

Integrated Motion on Ethernet I/P Encoder expands your Axes

To continue to drive machine scalability, Rockwell Automation developed the Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP Encoder as part of the Midrange System with its CompactLogix 5370 controllers.

The size of a machine’s footprint is becoming very important today. With the introduction of the Kinetix 5500, Rockwell Automation has greatly reduced the footprint required for the control panel. By utilising a single Network, the 842E-CM contributes to this footprint reduction by placing aux feedback requirements out of the panel and right on the machine.

The Allen-Bradley 842E-CM encoder is a creative solution for these applications that complements the new Kinetix 5500 architecture. By providing auxiliary feedback directly through the EtherNet/IP network, the 842E-CM eliminates the need for point-to-point wiring while allowing customers to use the encoder in a variety of network topologies.

What also makes this product truly unique is that it takes advantage of CIP Sync and CIP Motion Technology, a time synchronization extension for the Common Industrial Protocol (fully compliant with IEEE-1588). Using CIP Sync and CIP Motion Technology, the encoder provides a timestamp associated with all data delivered to and from the controller to allow it and the entire system to be synchronized with the master clock reference on sub-microsecond levels.

Thanks to Premier Integration between the 842E-CM and Allen-Bradley Logix controllers provides a seamless user experience. A user can add and configure the encoder into their Studio 5000 Logix Designer (formerly RS Logix 5000) software project thereby allowing it to function as a feedback-only CIP axis in the Logix controller.

EtherNet/IP uses CIP Sync and CIP Motion technologies to provide real-time, closed loop motion on standard Ethernet. This topology-independent network provides a simplified integration of the entire control solution on one network, including HMI, PAC, IO, and Motion Control.

Please do contact us on info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000 if you would like further information on this and other network devices from Rockwell via Routeco.

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

It’s the first week of February 2014 which means just one thing, the Winter Olympics start this week! If you are like me, you have been jumping up and down in excitement for this through all of last month… 

The winter sports consist of a variety of different activities from Bobsleigh to speed skating. (I have never actually had a go at speed skating but if it is anything like roller disco, it’s certainly not my talent). Here are just a few of the favourite sports completed in the Winter Olympics:

Ski Jumping

Ski jumping involves hurtling down an extremely large hill in a tuck position and jumping as far as you can, the current highest records are just under 250 meters!

Skeleton

To complete in skeleton you need to learn to build up speed fast and jump onto a board. Laying head down, face first you need to guide your body round the twisting track by leaning side to side (yes, head first). Did anyone else see Speed with Guy Martin and his Skeleton trials? 

 

Bobsled

The Bobsled is perhaps one of the most popular sports to take place at the winter Olympics, it involves fitting two or four people into a gravity powered Bobsled down narrow, twisting, iced tracks. (I'll definitely be listening out for "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it's bobsled time!")

Slalom

Giant slalom involves skiing at considerable speed between two poles with other racers competing all at the same time, the aim is to win the race!

What’s your favourite sport of the Winter Olympics?

Have a great weekend!

Rachael

Customer Experience Survey Results

In November 2013 we asked for your feedback …..

Routeco Group understands that it is vital to provide its customers with brand leading products matched with excellent service.

It is important that in a competitive market our customers choose Routeco and therefore we have to aim to be the best.

Gaining regular feedback helps us understand your pain points and how and where we should be concentrating our efforts to achieve greater success for us all. We know that customer views and opinions change over time and we really appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey.

Please click here to find out more about the key finding and actions from the November 2013 Customer Survey. 

Thanks for reading... 

The winner of our £250 prize draw wanted to remain anonymous, however in their feedback said that; Routeco adds value when bidding projects as technical knowledge of staff can assist in good design practices, easier to go to one place for multiple products, and we were reactive to issues such as migration and flexible with solutions.

Brad® Harsh IO Modules – Ethernet in Industrial Applications

As our world becomes more connected, an increasing number of manufacturers and installers are specifying Ethernet devices for their harsh applications. The Brad® family of rugged connectivity products is a leading product line provider of Ethernet infrastructure for Molex.

As part of this product line Brad® harsh-duty IO modules provide quick and reliable solutions for connecting industrial controllers to IO devices in harsh environments where liquids, dust or vibration may be present.

Molex supplies machine-mountable harsh-duty IO modules to support all major industrial fieldbus' including PROFIBUS-DP, DeviceNet, CANopen, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET IO. Product characteristics of Brad® Harsh IO modules such as 60.00mm and 30.00mm housing formats, user configurable I/O channels, and 4- and 5-pin power versions simplify user choice and offer customers a broad product range. 

Each module comes equipped with diagnostic LEDs to provide status information on network, power and input/ output. Brad® Harsh IO modules accept standard threaded M8, M12 or Ultra-Lock® M12 connectors.

Features and Benefits

• Reliable solution for connecting industrial controllers to IO devices in harsh duty environments
• Standard hole housing pattern allows for interchangeability with other IO modules
• User configurable versions; user can set up each digital channel as either an input or output
• Scrolling 4 characters and visible LEDs provide maintenance personnel with the ability to easily determine IO, power and network status

Description

• Rated IP67 for harsh environments
• Designed for direct machine mount applications
• Supports PNP and NPN input devices
• IP addressing via BootP, DHCP or static (through web interface, push button and PLC Scanner command)
• Configurable IO capability (through webinterface and PLC Scanner commands)
• Watchdog with output reply state
• Built-in web server for remote configuration and diagnostic

To view the full range of Brad Harsh I/O Modules click here. 

For more information view the video below.

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.