Brand new Plug-In Modules from Spectrum Controls

Introducing the new Spectrum Controls plug in modules for Allen-Bradley Micro820, Micro830 and Micro850 Series PLCs.

Spectrum control have launched their latest plug in modules which are the 2080sc-NTC 4 channel thermistor and the 2080sc-BAC BACnet communications plug in module.  


The NTC 4-channel thermistor boasts a range of excellent features including:
• 4 channels of thermistor/ resistance input
• NTC thermistor support
• Fully linearized sensor data
• 250 VDC channel-to-chassis ground isolation
• Easily configured using existing programming software
• Channel selectable for maximum speed with minimum noise 
• Factory calibrated for best possible accuracy
• Low power consumption

It offers functionality of dedicated analog input modules without compromising performance or price. For more information and detailed specs, click here.


Along with the launch of the NTC, comes the BACNet module for Allen-Bradley Micro820, Micro830 and Micro850 series. This boasts features such as:
• BACNet Compliant interface allowing you to turn your Micro800 series PLC into a BACNet Application Controller.
• Interface to BACNet serial and Ethernet Building Automation Networks
• Create your own HVAC, Lighting Access or Application Controller
• Easily configured using Spectrum configuration tool and CCW

The 2080 BACNet Plug-in has been validated to conform to the protocol insuring interoperability with a broad variety of building automation systems. For more information on the specs of the 2080sc BACnet click here.

To view stock availability and pricing please visit our online store here.

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Routeco's Low Voltage & Safety Workshop in East Anglia

We would like to invite you to our Low Voltage and Safety Workshop in Peterborough, East Anglia. 

The seminar provides the perfect opportunity to discuss current projects and difficulties you may be experiencing relating to low voltage and safety.

Where: Routeco Business Park, Unit 3-4 Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6FS

When: Thursday 6th November 2014

The session will start at 9.30am to 1.00pm with lunch provided.

The subjects covered in this seminar will be:

• EN ISO 14119 - new safety legislation New safety products
• Engineering tools
• Proposal works
• New Low Voltage Products

Who should attend?

• Factory Managers
• Control Engineers
• Project Managers
• Production/Operation Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Maintenance and support engineers
• Machinery Procurement/Purchasing
• Service Engineers
• Health and Safety Managers
• Anyone that has an involvement with Industrial Machine Safety

To book your place for this seminar or for more information, email: carol.clasper@routeco.com or info@routeco.com

Routeco Introduces the Linux Development Module

ProSoft Technology: Where Automation Connects 
ProSoft Technology® specialise in the development of communication solutions compatible with the large automation suppliers’ controllers such as Rockwell Automation. The primary focus is to provide connectivity solutions that link dissimilar automation products. ProSoft Technology provides field proven connectivity and communication solutions that bridge between various automation products as seamlessly as if they were all from the same supplier.

We are excited to offer the Linux Development Module for ControlLogix® and CompactLogix™ processors from ProSoft Technology.

The module enables C/C++ developers to write custom applications for legacy or proprietary applications. The Linux Development Module is ideal for anyone who wants to create applications that interface with any device requiring custom Ethernet and serial communications, or execute custom functions.

Benefits:

• A complete Linux virtual machine, integrated development environment and a C API backplane interface are supplied on a development-kit DVD, allowing users to start coding immediately.
• The C/C++ Programmable Linux Module is ideal for anyone who wants to create applications that work with any devices requiring custom Ethernet and serial communications.
• The C/C++ Programmable Linux Module acts as a co-processor.
• Equipped with both Serial and Ethernet ports.
• Fast processing of complex code (400MHz ARM CPU)

FAQ

Why was the Linux Development Module for ControlLogix and CompactLogix created?
The Linux Development Module was created for both processors to allow users/developers to write a custom application (in C/C++ programming language) that interfaces to the Ethernet ports, serial ports, and for ControlLogix a storage media (Compact Flash) of the unit.

How does the module communicate with the ControlLogix and CompactLogix processors?
For both processors a backplane API is provided to allow the application to read and write.

Are there any tools to assist me in developing the module?
Yes. A Linux Virtual Machine comes on a separate development kit DVD. The Virtual Machine contains the popular Eclipse IDE and a preinstalled toolchain and libraries, as well as Ethernet & serial port example applications.

What are some typical applications for the modules?
1. When a ControlLogix or CompactLogix system needs to interface with a proprietary/custom protocol.
2. When complex functions or calculations are required that will not adversely affect the ControlLogix or CompactLogix processor scan time.

What determines my level of success with the modules?
The level of success with the LDM will be determined by the developers knowledge and experience with the:

1. C++ programming language
2. Embedded Linux environment
3. ControlLogix or CompactLogix system and RS Logix 5000/Studio 5000

What Linux distribution is used for both processors?
Timesys

For more information please download the datasheets:
ControlLogix® - MVI56E-LDM Datasheet
CompactLogix™ - MVI69E-LDM Datasheet

For a downloadable PowerPoint click here.

To purchase the ControlLogix® online click here, or here for CompactLogix™

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

An Introduction to Red Lion's ProducTVity Station

The ProducTVity™ Station from Red Lion is the only ready-to-deploy, self-contained solution for collecting, tracking, and displaying KPIs and real time production data on TVs, PC monitors, and even projectors. The ProducTVity™ Station is driven by a free of charge programming software, Crimson, to meet your requirements.

For more information please view the PowerPoint video below:

To download a copy of the PowerPoint please click here.

Read about the 'Seven Common KPI's for Production Monitoring' by downloading the white paper here.

For a free demonstration or further information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Need to upgrade your legacy Remote I/O™ system?

Components for legacy Remote I/O™ systems are becoming out dated as new control systems usually run on Ethernet networks. Running a new Ethernet network with switches and fibre cable can be a costly endeavour.

ProSoft Technology’s innovative migration gateways and Industrial Media Converters allow you to run Remote I/O™ and EtherNet/IP™ simultaneously over your existing Belden® 9463 Blue Hose® cable. You are now able to upgrade your legacy Remote I/O™ control systems in phases, eliminating the extended downtime required to upgrade your system.

The EtherNet/IP to Remote I/O or DH+ (AN-X2-AB-DHRIO) Gateway from ProSoft Technology is designed to help customers initiate a phased migration approach to replacing or upgrading legacy Remote I/O, HMI's or Drives. The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO gateway has multiple operating modes that are selected during configuration.

For more information click here to view a video or visit the manufacturers website.

To view stock availability and price please visit our online store.

If you wish to discuss your migration requirements with one of our team of Technical Specialists, please contact by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Hardy Industrial weighing system delivers up to 30 channels of stable processes weight to PAC's and PLC's over a single fieldbus connection

The new HI 6600 series weight processing system from Hardy Process Solutions is EtherNet/IP® enabled and has a unique system architecture and modular design. This allows OEMs and System Integrators to configure between 1 and 30 channels of stable, processed weight over a single fieldbus connection, providing the lowest cost per channel of weight into a PAC, PLCs, or DCS system, greatly simplifying wiring and network addressing, all in an ultra-compact power efficient design.

The new HI 6600 series is designed to support process weighing applications such as inventory management, blending, filling and checking; and is especially well suited for batching systems, multi-head fillers and tank farms.

Fast, Stable, High Resolution Weight

The HI 6600 series delivers stable processed weight with a resolution of 1:10:000 and an update speed for up to 30 synchronized channels at 110 updates per second (processor, display and communications). The HI 6600 system enhances the productivity of process manufacturing systems where fast, precise weight-based controls are critical.

Hardy Process Solutions are a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner and the HI 6600 offers easy integration to a Rockwell PAC, PLC, or DCS with a Rockwell Add-On-Profile compatible with RSLogix software. Other communications protocols, including Ethernet TCP/IP and UDP; Modbus TCP and RTU are also available and an embedded webserver in the Hardy Gateway Module allows access to any of the connected weight processing modules from anywhere on the user’s communications network.

Below is a 90 second video that shows how you calibrate weigh scales with up to hundreds of tons of capacity automatically and WITHOUT test weights... 

For further information please click here or download a product information sheet

To view stock availability and pricing please visit our website.

If you would like further technical information on the HI 6600 product or would like to speak to one of our technical specialists to arrange a site visit to discuss your Process Weighing applications then please contact your local Routeco Branch or email us at info@routeco.com.

Upcoming Events!

We have a lot of exciting events coming up this year that you don't want to miss out on! These include:

Glasgow's Machinery and Plant Safety Standards Seminar - 29th October

Southampton's Integrated Architecture Workshop - 4th November  Fully Booked

Glasgow's Connected Components Workshop - 5th November

Peterborough's Low Voltage and Safety Seminar - 6th November

Leed's Mirco 800 Workshop - 11th November

Peterlee's Machinery and Plant Safety Standards Seminar - 19th November Fully Booked 

Derby Safety Seminar - 26th November 

Cardiff Connected Components Workshop - 9th December 


We cover a range of subjects where these seminars and workshops will give you up to date information and legislation. To learn more about these events email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Range of TopTherm Chillers for Enclosure and Process Cooling

We have a vast range of Rittal Climate Control products available for your enclosures and the larger models from the TopTherm Chiller range utilise the renowned TS 8 frame so that it can be seamlessly integrated into a suite of enclosures. The unique modular construction allows for quick and easy maintenance.

TopTherm Chillers 1 - 6 kW

• Roof-mounted and stand-alone TopTherm chillers are both flexible and compact. 
• They provide for economical chilling of a central cooling water supply for air/water heat exchangers or the like. 
• With nano-coated condenser as standard. 

TopTherm Chillers Wall-mounted

• TopTherm chillers in the wall-mounted version are perfect for mounting on the enclosure door or side panel. 
• They provide for economical chilling of a central cooling water supply for air/water heat exchangers or the like. 
• With nano-coated condenser as standard. 

TopTherm Chillers 8 – 40 kW

• TopTherm chillers in a TS enclosure can be integrated perfectly into an enclosure suite. 
• With their small footprint, modular design and dual-frequency compatibility, they are extremely flexible. 
• In addition, they promise convenient servicing and high reliability thanks to protection against icing.

Chillers for IT cooling

• Developed for IT applications, i.e. to provide chilled water to LCPs and CRAC units in data centres, they may also be used to supply air/water heat exchangers and cool process liquids in large scale industrial applications
• Safety-relevant features such as redundant speed-controlled pumps, compressors or buffer stores.

Do you know the internal temperature of your control panels? Did you know that 57% of electrical components fail as a result of being either too hot or too cold? By selecting the right climate control products for your enclosure, electrical failures can be prevented by almost 80%. These thermal labels from Rittal are quick and easy to apply and include a temperature gauge giving you instant temperature readings.

To request your free thermal label email info@routeco.com and one of our sales engineers will come and help select the best product for you. 

For stock availability and pricing please visit our online store.

*Please note not all products may be available to purchase online, please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000 for product enquiries

Join us in Peterlee for our Machinery & Plant Safety Seminar

We would like to invite you to our Safety Seminar in Peterlee.

With changes in standards, legislation and the development of safety technology, safety in industrial processes and machinery is of high importance.

Our seminars will provide you with all the information you need on the latest legislation and standards affecting machinery and plant safety, and the implication this has on your business. Consequently helping ensure personal safety, meet the appropriate standards and laws and brand reputation.

Where: Novus business centre, Juson Road, North West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, SR8 2QJ
When: Wednesday 19^th November

Two sessions will be available: 10:00am to 12:00pm or 13:00pm to 15:00pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at 12:00pm to 13:00pm for all attendees. 

This event is now fully booked but you can still get in touch and we can put you on the reserve list. 

The seminar provides the perfect opportunity to discuss current projects and difficulties you may be experiencing relating to machinery and plant safety.

The subjects covered in this seminar will be: 

- EN ISO 13849-1 and performance levels    

- EN ISO 14119-1 new interlock standard Safety Automation Builder software demo Machinery Directive update

- The 'Route to Compliance'

- PUWER Overview

Who should attend? 

- Machinery Designers

- Factory Managers 

- Control Engineers 

- Project Managers 

- Production/Operation Managers

- Engineering Managers 

- Maintenance and support engineers 

- Machinery Procurement/Purchasing 

- Service Engineers

- Health and Safety Managers

- Anyone that has an involvement with Industrial Machine Safety 

To book your place for this seminar or for more information, email info@routeco.com

Global markets with global demands need global support

With today’s economic climate, the ability to work with global customers and expanding global markets is even more important than ever. As some country markets shrink, others grow, and as a result machine builders must offer a wider geographical ‘shop window’ in order to exploit these growth markets.

It is not a quick process, but it can be made far simpler by leveraging the capabilities of suppliers that are already in place in your target countries and offering technologies and services to the markets you wish to access. This support is not just limited to higher level automation solutions in large manufacturing plants throughout the world. For example, the midrange automation control solutions is ideal for machines and equipment that require integration and flexibility but sized correctly, enjoy the same level of coverage across the globe.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) need to export to survive and, as a result, they must develop machines that easily integrate into applications and are supported across the globe. This has two advantages. Not only can you integrate with large multinationals that rely on in-house global standards, but you can also serve smaller customers in developing markets who are looking to expand.

No matter what local standards and legislation are in place, you don’t want to have to redesign your equipment for each market. Just as importantly, you need to consider what sort of support you can offer a customer on the other side of the world.

So if it is emerging markets, or simply larger customers looking to develop global standards, the support of a global ally is paramount towards the success of market penetration.

To read the full article click here.

We're hiring!

We currently have a number of exciting vacancies across our branches. Here is an overview of our current opportunities:

Branch Supervisor (Coventry)

Branch Supervisor (Leeds)

External Sales Engineer (Leeds)

Internal Sales (Dartford)

Internal Technical Sales (Leeds)

Manufacturing Solutions and Services Consultant (South West)

Technical Support Engineer (Milton Keynes)

Apprenticeships at Routeco (Various)

For more information, or if you would like to apply, please click on the job role.

Glasgow's Machinery & Plant Safety Seminar!

We would like to invite you to a seminar providing information on the latest legislation and standards affecting machinery and plant safety, and the implication this has on your business.

Where: 25 Fairfield Place, College Milton Industrial Estate, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G74 5LP 
When: Wednesday 29th October 2014

Two sessions will be available: 10:00am to 12:00pm or 13:00pm to 15:00pm.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided at 12:00pm to 13:00pm for all attendees. 

The subjects covered in this seminar will be:

• EN ISO 13849-1 and performance levels 
• EN ISO 14119-1 new interlock standard Safety Automation Builder software demo Machinery Directive update
• The 'Route to Compliance'
• PUWER Overview 

The seminar provides the perfect opportunity to discuss current projects and difficulties you may be experiencing relating to machinery and plant safety.

Who should attend?

• Machinery Designers
• Factory Managers 
• Control Engineers 
• Project Managers 
• Production/Operation Managers
• Engineering Managers 
• Maintenance and support engineers 
• Machinery Procurement/Purchasing 
• Service Engineers
• Health and Safety Managers
• Anyone that has an involvement with Industrial Machine Safety 

To book your place for this seminar or for more information, email: sally.gunn@routeco.com or info@routeco.com