Thank Routeco It’s Friday! (TRIF)

Last night Routeco hosted the annual quiz night for Cancer Research UK. The night featured 7 rounds including general knowledge (it’s always a gamble), music, entertainment, and history/geography/nature. We also had two picture rounds one of which was a logo quiz (the marketing team breathed a sigh of relief) and the other was a catchphrase quiz (which was, extremely challenging).

There was a mixture of questions suited towards the variety of age ranges that participated last night. Some that should have been easy for us spring chickens (but really weren't) and some that we have never heard of…

Did you know that the size of the table tennis ball was increased by 2mm to make it more visible for TV?! (No, we didn’t either…)

The night was a fantastic success and raised a huge £681.26 for charity!

The winners of the night were one half of the MK Sales team, yet again! Congratulations to Boggey’s Taste Nice! 

We would also like to thank Rachel and Tracey for organising the event; Marie for being a great compere, Fiona for selling the raffle tickets and Wes for the delicious food; it was a great evening for a fantastic cause!

We would also like to thank everyone who donated the amazing raffle prizes, including:

• Ian Stewart 
• Carl Wallace 
• HR Department 

Have a great weekend!

Rachael

Routeco and Weidmuller bring you up to date information on ACT20M Analogue Signal Conditioners

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 newest leaflet on the extensive high quality ACT20M Analogue Signal Conditioners.  

To view the leaflet, click the image. 

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

The 'Internet Of Things' making its way into our everyday lives!

"If you know where something is or what its status is you can resource your engineers to go and fix it…” BT project director Alan Ward.

The ‘Internet of Things’ is a term that is frequently being used in the Industrial Controls and Automation world. The term is cropping up all over the place and it really is looking like the way forward in the manufacturing world.

Earlier on I stumbled across this article here on the Guardian website about the ‘Internet of Things’ coming to Milton Keynes. In all honesty I thought they were advertising a seminar that I was going to be interested in attending…but they weren’t. Milton Keynes is becoming the trial location for day to day ‘Internet of things’ and it’s fascinating. Pushing aside the obvious “they should be spending money on repairs/roads etc” statements, the development in technology is significant. Who would have thought your own satnav (and google maps) will let you know whether there is a car park space available!

I can imagine this is only the start of these technological changes to come and this one is pretty small and makes us all a tad lazy and fit into this 'efficient, busy, fast, lifestyle' we seem to be creating, all that aside I’m pretty excited!

Thoughts/opinions on the IOT's?

Ashleigh

Automation University on the Move is coming soon to Aberdeen!

With topical content and a wide variety of industry perspectives, AUOTM brings together people, products, tools and technologies to help you meet your business and manufacturing requirements.

Each day you can expect a comprehensive programme of presentations and demonstrations with an exhibition floor showcasing Rockwell Automation and Partner products, technologies and demonstrations.

Our recommended highlights for the Nottingham event are as follows:

• The process optimisation presentation session 
• The process automation solutions: PlantPAx demonstration session which includes an overview on the subject, instrumentation comms and alarm management. 
• The pump optimisation presentation session - The benefits of medium voltage Drives & intelliCENTER MCCs 
• The Addressing Cyber Security for Process Control Systems presentation session 

Rockwell Automation University on the Move will also be coming to:

Nottingham -  3rd June

Peterborough - 5th June

Warrington - 12th June

For more information on each of these events, or to register click here.

Thank Routeco It’s Routeco (TRIF)

This week the BAFTA awards we’re held in London and lots of stars turned up to support their previous films and TV shows over the past year.

This ranged from US film starts such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to British Soap Stars such as Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper. 

US TV’s Breaking Bad picked up Best International Award, and Newcastle’s Ant & Dec picked up two awards for entertainment performance and entertainment programme!

But our highlight of the night was when we stumbled across this selfie of EastEnders Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) posing with Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul (Jessie).

What was your highlight of the BAFTAS?

Have a lovely weekend!

Rachael  

ProSoft Technology – EtherNet/IP to ASCII Gateways

The EtherNet/IP to ASCII gateways offer bi-directional data between ASCII serial devices and the EtherNet network. The EtherNet/IP driver uses class 1 I/O connections or class 3 message instructions. Protocol conversion gateways provide the ideal solution for distributed networks when the addition of a rack becomes too costly.

The PLX31-EIP-ASCII gateways are standalone DIN-rail mounted gateways that provide one Ethernet port for communication, allow for remote configuration and diagnostics, and one serial communication port. The PLX30 gateways also come with an SD card slot for storing configuration files. 

In the event of failure the SD card can easily be transferred to another gateway reducing downtime. These gateways also come with a wide input power range (1- Vdc – 36Vdc), and an extended temperature range (-25 to 60 C).

Features

• 4000 word database 
• Multiple I/O connections 
• 10/100 MB Ethernet port with Auto cable crossover detection
• Data analyser for ASCII network 

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

Plantwide Benefits of Ethernet/IP Seminar

We would like to invite you to a free Ethernet/IP seminar at Belasis Business Centre, Teesside on 9th July. Ethernet/IP on the plant floor provides a single network architecture using open, industry standard networking technologies that seamlessly deliver real-time control and information data throughout the plantwide network infrastructure. 

Presented by Rockwell Automation, Cisco systems Panduit and Fluke, the seminar will cover:

• The Rockwell Automation/ Cisco strategic alliance partnership and its value to customers
• Fundamentals of Ethernet/ IP
• What the convergence is and what benefits it brings
• To understand subnets and how to configure
• Rockwell Stratix Industrial Ethernet switch range overview, incorporating joint Cisco technology devices
• Stratix Managed Industrial Switch set up demo and benefits guide

The schedule for the event is as follows:

Please join us to learn more about the benefits of Ethernet/ IP and how to deploy this network infrastructure, converge with your IT network and optimise your plant floor network.

For more information or to register please email info@routeco.com.

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

The UK has a mini heat wave on the way and as a result, this weekend is going to be the hottest of the year so far! Now living in Britain, this opportunity doesn't happen a lot; we have been discussing the best way to spend this.

Whilst my parents have been planning a schedule of gardening activities and decorating, the marketing department have been discussing ideas much more about of the box.

One of the Marketing team has even planned to go to an outdoor cinema in London (who knew they were possible in the UK?) Due to our unpredictable weather, these are a treat that we don’t usually indulge ourselves in. Let’s hope there’s not an unexpected rainfall…

Another member of the team has planned an outdoor sporting weekend which includes wake boarding and a high ropes course!

How will you be spending the weekend?

Whether you’re at the beach, or at home with the barbecue lit make sure you have a good one!

Rachael

The Brad®HarshIO IP67 Compact Ethernet Module from Molex

Delivers on machine I/O connectivity over PROFINET industrial fieldbus to provide a space-saving, cost-effective solution for Machine Builders

Brad® HarshIO IP67 Ethernet Modules are a reliable, machine-mountable solution for connecting industrial controllers to I/O devices in harsh-duty environments. Narrow 30mm housings are well suited to compact machines where space is limited. Following traditional industrial fieldbus practices, the 8 I/O ports with M8 connectors are ideal for attaching sensing devices or actuators.

This enables machine designers to connect a single digital signal per port and maintain a high density of I/O points using the minimum amount of space. Brad HarshIO compact Ethernet modules offer a smooth and easy transition to PROFINET connectivity for machine builders, currently using PROFIBUS compact modules, who are required to transition over to Ethernet by their end-users. Elementary, lean design principles of the modules maximise connectivity and cost-effectiveness.

Key Features:

• 30mm housing dimension - Designed for use in compact machines where space is limited
• IP67-rated housing; dust, water and vibration resistant - On-machine mounting; no need for protective cabinet
• Configurable I/O channels - Allows PROFINET controller to configure (via GSD file) each port as Input, Output or Universal digital channel; Flexible solution; covers all customer requirements with one part number
• Diagnostic capabilities via fieldbus messaging and visible diagnostic LEDs - Maintenance personnel can easily determine I /O, module and network statuses
• Integrated 2-port switch with 100Mbps full duplex data transmission - Wire the entire application without switches; daisy-chain wiring topology results in cost savings for the customer
• Patented Ultra-Lock® push-to-lock connection system - Fast, safe, operator independent IP67- sealed connection of cordsets; Time savings at installation and changeovers; minimizes downtime
• 3x rotary switches for setting IP address - Quick commissioning; Supports easy implementation of PROFINET fieldbus

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

Routeco and Weidmuller bring you the most up to date information on Pro-M Power Supplies

Routeco and Weidmuller have teamed up to bring you the latest 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 newest leaflet on the extensive high quality Pro-M Power Supply range. 

To view the leaflet, click the image. 

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

Automation University on the Move is coming soon to Peterborough!

AUOTM 2014 brings together people, products, tools and technologies from a variety of industries to help you meet your business and manufacturing requirements.

Learn about the current trends in manufacturing, the recent developments in control technology, and the newest in the Rockwell Automation suite of products and services. 

Our recommended highlights for the Peterborough event are as follows:

• The practical Ethernet/IP infrastructure implementation presentation sessions
• The secure remote access solutions presentation where you can share information and respond to production issues
• The scalable Integrated Architecture demonstration session 
• The energy and sustainability session presentation, here you can use your Automation and control platform as the key to your energy management program!
• Critical control and safety solutions 

Rockwell Automation University on the Move will also be coming to: 

Nottingham – 3rd June

Aberdeen – 10th June

Warrington – 12th June

For more information on each of these events, or to register click here.   

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

It’s that time of year again, yes, it’s the Eurovision song contest!

It’s that show that everyone moans about, it’s silly to watch, and sometimes painful to hear… Yet the majority of us are happy to watch it year after year!

Eurovision is known for featuring the strangest artists, the most unusual outfits and the cheesiest songs.

Over the years there have been a few memorable performances that stay in our mind!

This includes: Dustin the turkey from Ireland…

… Singing grannies from Russia

Lordi the hard rock and heavy metal band from Finland…

Will you be celebrating Saturday night crowded in front of the TV with the family, or perhaps heading to one of your friends infamous Eurovision parties?

Please feel free to let us know!

Have a lovely weekend!

Rachael 

Monitoring Relays from Finder

Finder’s new 70 series modular-rail mounted monitoring relays provide a solution to increasing health and safety demands and the need to protect valuable equipment. The 70 series offers maximum flexibility when monitoring a range of electrical supply parameters in compact easy to adjust units.

Finder’s new relays are ideal for monitoring supplies to machinery, equipment and installations where failure or variation outside acceptable limits may result in damage to equipment, danger to personnel, or disruption to critical processes or procedures.

The positive safety logic feature ensures that any failure mode results in the output relay assuming its de-energised position. With a selectable fault memory (lock-out), safety is increased by preventing the uncontrolled restarting of equipment.

The units are designed to monitor single and 3-phase supplies for under-voltage, over-voltage, voltage within set limits, and for neutral loss, phase loss, phase rotation and asymmetry.

The four monitoring relays in the 70 series range (three of which are multi-functional) offer:

• A selection of voltage limits between 170 – 270 for single phase
• Voltage limits between 300 – 480 for three-phase supplies
• Switch off delay time between 0.5 and 60 seconds,
• 4 – 25% variation of phase asymmetry
• Available in 17mm or 35mm

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

Automation University on the Move is coming soon to Nottingham!

With topical content and a wide variety of industry perspectives, AUOTM brings together people, products, tools and technologies to help you meet your business and manufacturing requirements.

Each day you can expect a comprehensive programme of presentations and demonstrations with an exhibition floor showcasing Rockwell Automation and Partner products, technologies and demonstrations.

Our recommended highlights for the Nottingham event are as follows:

• The practical Ethernet/IP infrastructure implementation presentation sessions
• The secure remote access solutions presentation where you can share information and respond to production issues
• The scalable Integrated Architecture demonstrations session 
• The energy and sustainability session presentation, here you can use your Automation and control platform as the key to your energy management program!
• The plant optimisation and the business benefits seminar

Rockwell Automation University on the Move will also be coming to:

Peterborough – 5th June

Aberdeen – 10th June

Warrington – 12th June

For more information on each of these events, or to register click here.   

The Anybus NP40 Network Processor

The Anybus NP40 is a cutting-edge network processor for all major industrial networks. Particularly suited for high-end real-time Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus applications with fast network cycles and synchronisation demands.

The Anybus NP40 is a flash-based, single chip network processor that includes a high-performance ARM® Cortex™-M3 and an FPGA fabric.The FPGA fabric is used to implement the various real-time Ethernet interfaces while the ARM core is used to run the protocol and application stacks.

As the NP40 is Flash-based, the device can be re-programmed for several different industrial Ethernet networks. This means that a single hardware platform can support several different networks by simply downloading new firmware. For high-perfomance networks, the architecture makes it possible to get practically immediate data transfer with "zero delay".

Benefits of the device include:

• Optimised stacks and controllers- The network controllers, implemented in hardware (VHDL), are together with the protocol stacks optimised for best performance and flexibility.
• High performance - Host Interfaces- High performance host APIs implemented in hardware (VHDL ) provides deterministic interfaces with extremely low latency.
• Internal API separation- A unique API handling method separates the network application from the host interface providing a
• high-performance, event-driven architecture which is flexible and straight-forward to modify and extend.
• Low-level pre-processing- Protocol pre-processing in hardware (VHDL) enables "zero delay" process data latency between the network and host API.

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

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Well it’s now officially May (scary!) and the talk of summer plans are underway! 

I myself love to spend every summer going on a holiday, with my favourite being festivals!

I went to my first one 6 years ago and haven’t looked back since. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s the only time I find muddy fields and camping acceptable. And what better way to spend this summer than doing the festival of all festivals… GLASTONBURY!

I was lucky enough to get a ticket with my friends this week and the countdown is already on! It’s one of those festivals that I’ve always wanted to do and would spend year after year sat at home watching the TV in awe wishing I was there! And finally I will be!

I’ve travelled around the UK and even ventured to Spain for festivals. There’s nothing like watching your favourite bands, with your friends and amazing atmosphere!

So how about all of you? Are festivals now a past time for you? Or do you still venture around the country for a weekend of music and fun? We’d love to hear what ones you have been to or looking forward to attending this summer!

Hope you all have a fantastic bank holiday weekend!

Laura 

EtherNet/IP Seminar - The MTC Coventry

Routeco are now hosting a selection of Plantwide Benefits of EtherNet/IP Seminars to give customers a much better understanding and how to deploy your network infrastructure. The series started in Manchester back in February and we were in Coventry Tuesday to kick of our second seminar.

The seminar was hosted in the highly impressive Manufacturing Technology centre. The building specialises in a range of manufacturing technologies and processes that are particularly important to the high value manufacturing centre. 

 

We had fantastic support and presentations from Phil George, Andy Bullock and Mike Loughran from Rockwell Automation, Sean Conroy at Panduit, Nigel Hedges from Fluke and Guy Denis and Robert Price at Cisco. This provided a great outlook to deploying network infrastructures, converging with your IT Network and optimising your plant floor network. 

It was a great opportunity for customers to discuss anything one on one with our skilled presenters, but also organise visits from the 4 companies. 

Our next in the series seminar will be in Peterlee on 9th July so keep an eye out for that! For any enquiries please email techworkshop@routeco.com