88 Miles in the saddle – extra, extra mile result

Hot on the ‘wheels’ of the Routeco Peterborough team who cycled 500 miles through France, Product Sales Specialist Rob Stebbings decided to undertake his own personal challenge and cycle from one Routeco branch in Bristol, to another in Southampton!

The route in total was 88 miles and Rob raised an impressive £285 for Cancer Research UK and £71.25 for charities including the Milton Keynes Foundation.

Rob found cycling through Bristol quite stop-start and looked forward to joining the Bristol to Bath cycle path and being able to continue his route without the distraction of cars. Navigating a few large hills and a diversion the journey was quite straightforward and uneventful.

Rob said: “Once the Brickfield Lane Estate came into view I realised I’d done it and made it! I’ve never been so pleased to see the branch! It was a really great experience.”

Well done to Jonathan Bye, Automation and Software PSS Team Leader, who also cycled from Dartford to Southampton and Chris Coe, Automation & Software Product Sales Specialist, who did the equivalent of Glasgow to Peterlee around East Anglia!

GracePorts help to reduce time and increase safety

Grace Engineered Products is the leading innovator of through-door electrical safety devices, and ships products all over the world. GracePort, their brand of PLC ports, has revolutionised the automation industry by allowing customers to custom-design their port to meet their specific needs.

Designed to mount on the outside of a control panel, the configurable GracePort can be ordered with unlimited combinations of outlets, data interfaces, and customer logos and text to meet customer requirements and configurations can be selected via the GracePort website here.

As a Grace stockist and supply partner for the UK market, Routeco now have available from stock, the popular UK Mains Socket & Ethernet Port Combination GracePort product.

To check price and availability and to order online on our website please click here.

Rockwell Automation’s Industrial Data Centre is your manageable, cost-effective gateway to virtualisation

Did you know that by adopting virtualisation today, you could save your business money?

Virtualisation has become widely adopted as a standard in the information technology industry and is now becoming a growing trend in the manufacturing and production industries.

You could discover such benefits as:

• Reduced server footprint
• Extended application longevity
• Improved infrastructure reliability with management and recovery features
• Engineered specifically for use in production and manufacturing environments

The Industrial Data Centre (IDC) from Rockwell Automation can help your business realise these cost savings through a pre-engineered, scalable infrastructure offering.

All of the hardware you need to run multiple operating systems and multiple applications from virtualised servers are included in the cost.

As a pre-engineered solution, the Industrial Data Centre is designed to ease the transition to a virtualised environment for your business, saving you time and money. Instead of ordering five different pieces of equipment with five purchase orders, in addition to hiring the correct certified installation professionals to get you up and running, the Industrial Data Centre combines equipment from industry leaders that are pre-configured specifically for the manufacturing and production industries.

To speak to one of our Technical Specialists about this subject please contact us by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000 to arrange a free consultation.

Rittal's demo bus stops in at Routeco

On Friday 9^th October, Rittal’s demonstration bus visited Routeco Milton Keynes. It was a beautiful autumnal morning, and gave people the opportunity to tour the bus as Rittal showcased their range of latest products including the new Blue e+ cooling unit, floor standing enclosures and IT infrastructure.

You can watch the video, in this blog, of the visit and hear more from Herbie Bentley, Rittal’s Area Sales Manager. If you want to learn more about Rittal please email info@routeco.com. To make sure you stay up to date with events at Routeco make sure you subscribe to our blog, LinkedIn and Twitter pages. 

New Ex ic solution for easy, effective fieldbus connectivity from MTL Instruments

Process connectivity is made easier and more effective with the new MTL adapter and Fieldbus power supply module for hazardous area applications.

Eaton have introduced a new Ex ic adapter and fieldbus power supply module, the latest addition to its Crouse-Hinds division’s MTL line of FOUNDATION™ fieldbus physical layer components.

The new MTL F30 Ex ic adapter and MTL 9192-FP fieldbus power supply module provide users with a straightforward, dependable and convenient way of connecting field instruments to FOUNDATION™ fieldbus networks in hazardous area applications.

The new adaptor is designed for use in conjunction with MTL F300 series Megablock wiring hubs. This product release makes it easier for users to demonstrate that their solutions fully comply with Ex ic requirements, while eliminating the need to declare host H1 systems as safety extra-low voltage/protected extra-low voltage (SELV/PELV) compliant. The new line also serves as the only available solution to use the same simple fieldbus input/output (I/O) and power supply cabinet design in general-purpose installations, reducing the number of cabinets required and helping to enhance safety.

The flexibility of the MTL F30 adaptor solution supports Ex nA, Ex d and Ex i devices on the same segment. The MTL F30 adaptors also provide a single solution for Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Concept (FISCO) and Entity spur applications and eliminate the severe restrictions on segment length that are often associated with alternative solutions in FISCO applications. The new products are ideal for Zone 2 hazardous areas where gas, mist or vapours may be present.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com               

Harsh-Duty Contact Block Solutions for Hazardous Locations from Rockwell Automation

The Allen-Bradley Bulletin 800TC-XAF Explosion-Protected Contact Block is a robust solution for Class I Div. 2 environments, especially for E-stop and high vibration applications where typical reed switch solutions are undesirable.

Emergency Stop Applications

The magnetically operated design of reed switches prevents their use with emergency stop devices. In contrast, the 800TC-XAF explosion-protected contact block features a positive-opening normally closed contact as required for conformance with global emergency stop standards. Additionally, the design allows contact block stacking which increases application flexibility and accommodates safety circuits for illuminated E-stop devices.

High Vibration Applications

Reed switches are hermetically sealed in a glass envelope, which can be fragile and susceptible to damage from stress related to high vibration. The body of the 800TC-XAF explosion-protected contact block is moulded from an extremely durable thermoplastic resin, resulting in a contact block assembly that will maintain Class I Div. 2 integrity in the harshest applications.

In addition to the explosive nature of flammable gases, liquids or vapours potentially present in Class I Div. 2 applications, these materials can also be highly corrosive.

Features and benefits:

• A reliable UL 1203 certified solution for Class I Div. 2 environments (Groups A, B, C and D)
• Rugged construction ideal for use in applications involving shock and vibration
• 1-NO, 1-NC, A600-rated contacts
• Positive opening NC contact for global E-stop functionality
• For use with a wide range of push buttons:
• 800T 30 mm Type 4, 13
• 800H 30 mm Type 4, 4X, 13
• 800H/HL Type 7 and 9
• 800R stations
• Compatible with a broad variety of device types:
• Momentary contact push buttons
• Trigger action E-stops
• Push-pull devices
• Selector switches
• Push-to-test pilot lights

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Join Routeco Glasgow for a Rockwell Automation technical workshop

Routeco Glasgow are hosting an Integrated Architecture technical workshop on Wednesday 4^th November and are inviting you to attend.

Traditional Control Systems can require separate control structures for each part of the application but using Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture, control systems are connected, scaleable and information enabled, simplifying maintenance, reducing design and implementation times and providing a seamless and secure connection to other business systems.

The Technical Workshop Series provides engineers with the opportunity to develop an understanding of Rockwell Automation’s Logix control platform through hands-on exercises using PLCs, Variable Speed Drives, Remote I/O, Motion Controllers, HMI, Safety and Ethernet/IP products.

Ask the Specialist

This is your opportunity to discuss any aspect of automation face to face. Whether you have a simple “How-to” question, or need a detailed discussion around your next project, our Automation Specialists will be on hand to provide answers and application experience.

Integrated Architecture

Integrated Architecture links a host of compatible devices enabling machine builders and end users alike to benefit from increased control system capability.

Using CompactLogix, a single control platform, a versatile controller and a suite of integrated products, you can now drastically reduce development and commissioning time. The latest 5370 CompactLogix controllers are featured in the workshop, including integrated motion over Ethernet/IP.  

Location: Rockwell Automation, Millennium House, Campus 1, Balgowie Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB22 8GT.

Date: Wednesday 4^th November, 2015, 8:30 - 15:30 with lunch provided

For more information and to confirm your attendance please email techworkshop@routeco.com 

New and enhanced ControlLogix I/O for advanced control applications

New ControlLogix Analogue I/O from Allen-Bradley has been enhanced for advanced control applications.

Three 8-channel isolated designs and 12-channel and 16-channel non-isolated designs with improved functionality of analogue I/O provide faster performance, more accuracy, better resolution and cost savings due to less space needed in the chassis for additional modules and power supplies.

Key Features:

• Isolated 8-channel and non-Isolated 12- and 16-channel modules with stability over the entire temperature operating range
• No field calibration required
• Advanced precision using 24-bit design
• Per channel status and fault LED annunciation

8-Channel modules also include:

• Time stamping in Peer-to-Peer applications
• Synchronised input sampling across all modules
• 1ms input sampling of floating point values
• Further technical product information is available by clicking here

To buy online and check stock availability please visit our website by clicking here

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

New Guardmaster 442G Multifunctional Access Box - a flexible, secure and easy to use safeguarding solution

Rockwell Automation introduces the Guardmaster® 442G Multifunctional Access Box, an integrated access control and guard locking device which provides a complete safeguarding solution for full body access applications.

A high holding force, wide tolerance to guard misalignment (+/-5 mm), and an escape release option make the 442G an ideal choice for safeguarding large guard doors typically used in applications where full body access to the safeguarded area is required.

Features include:

• High holding force 2000N (Fzh tested to ISO 14119) is suitable for a wide range of guarding applications
• Unique RFID coded bolt actuator achieves the highest level of tamper resistance
• Available in two models: 
• Power-to-Release and Power-to-Lock
• Available with up to three controls and indicators including an E-stop push button (a fourth control is possible for future configurations)
• Optional escape release allows a person locked inside the safeguarded area to exit quickly and easily
• Four bright LEDs provide status and diagnostics
• Outputs for door position, bolt position, and lock status are available to the control system
• Two integrated hasps available to affix padlocks
• Can be operated as a standalone device or in series with other devices 

The Guardmaster 442G Multifunctional Access Box is available to purchase on our website here.  

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com        

Join Rittal for the exclusive launch of the new standard in energy efficient cooling

There are still a few places available to join Rittal as they introduce the world’s first Blue e+ Principle cooling unit across the UK in October 2015.

With its innovative hybrid technology, the new Blue e+ delivers Efficiency, Versatility, Safety & User Friendliness that can provide energy savings of up to 75%. Blue e+ is simply the world’s most economical cooling unit so come along to one of the exclusive launch events and see the technology for yourself!

Location and dates:

The National Railway Museum - York, 12th October 2015 
The National Railway Museum has an award winning world class collection of Britain’s record breaking locomotive heritage.

• The National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York. YO26 4XJ
• Arrival from 10.30am
• Presentation to commence at 11.00am  
• Lunch & entry to the Railway Museum is included for all  

The Concorde Experience - Manchester, 14th October 2015 
At the home of the revolutionary engineering marvel Concorde, you will have the chance to board and tour Concorde.

• The Concorde Tour, The Runway Visitor Park, Sunbank Lane, Altrincham, WA15 8XQ 
• Arrival from 10.30
• The morning presentation to commence at 11.00am  
• Afternoon presentation to commence at 1.30pm
• Lunch & entry to the Concorde Experience is included for all

Places at these events are strictly limited and you will be allocated on a first come, first served registration basis.

For more information and to confirm your attendance please email Rittal.Seminar@routeco.com

Introducing the new SafeSide Voltage Test Station (VTS) from Grace

Grace Engineered Products, the innovative leader in design and manufacturing of Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESD) has announced the new SafeSide® Voltage Test Station (VTS).

The VTS is a revolutionary product that minimizes electrical worker’s exposure to live voltage and the risk of an arc flash hazard. The VTS further simplifies the three step voltage test method and exceeds NFPA 70 E/CSA Z642 and OSHA standards if used in your Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO) procedure. 

This through-door technology concept provides a combination of a voltage indicator and test points for actual voltage measurement in a single housing, eliminating guess work and verifying zero electrical energy from outside the enclosure.

The entire VTS product offering follows Grace’s core concept of customisation, available in various NEMA and stainless steel housings to serve many industry needs.

For further information please contact us by email at info@routeco.com and to check pricing and to buy online please visit our website.

Team Routeco conquer cycling challenge

Three days, 515 miles, 50 litres of water and a dozen poulet and fromage baguettes down and four members of Routeco Peterborough’s branch have completed this year’s Extra Mile cycling challenge Bike to the Future. The foursome were made up of Robert Norman, David Jakeman, Carol Clasper and Oliver Gregg.

The challenge involved teams of four cycling a combined distance of 515 miles over three days including a gruelling 28210 ft of total climbs at gradients of up to 12% (roughly one in eight) and Routeco took part in aid of the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

The challenge began in Le Mans, with the first section of the ride down the famous Mulsanne Straight. The rest of the first day saw the team loop north of Le Mans around Alençon, reaching the peak at 1327 ft before descending back into Le Mans to cross the finish line. The team’s first and last (!) technical problem happened as they suffered a blown tyre!

On day two they travelled south out of Le Mans across the beautiful Loire valley. The weather was gorgeous and the scenery was fantastic as they made their way through rural France.




The third day of cycling was another loop from the starting point and they headed further south towards Limoges over the hilliest terrain of the three days. The highest of the climbs was at around 65 miles into the ride and reached over 2000ft. Unsurprisingly, the team all slept very well each night!

Speaking after the ride, Robert Norman said: "It was incredible experience, we have all had an amazing time and I personally have found a new obsession in cycling and can’t wait to get back in the saddle!”

The team are still counting all the offline sponsorship money collected but expect it to be around £1500 – smashing their £1200 target! Well done guys and thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported them. 

Process Weighing Technology and Trends Technical Workshops

Do you use weight to monitor, measure or control your manufacturing processes? Do you want to learn new ways to integrate weight readings into your PLC, PAC, or DCS? Do you have questions about fine tuning weighing systems?

This technical workshop will give you the opportunity to see first-hand the latest weighing technology, learn best practices, and ask the experts about all aspects of process weighing.

Load cells, instrumentation, PLC integrated solutions and modular weighing systems will all be covered during the workshop.

Key topics will include:

• Automated calibration
• Vibration elimination filters
• Remote access to instruments over Ethernet TCP/IP from a web browser

The workshop will be led by Carlos Moya of Hardy Process Solutions and supported by Routeco's Automation Specialists who will also be available after the workshop to discuss your individual projects and applications, should you require any further assistance.

There are currently two opportunities to attend this workshop throughout October:

• Wednesday 14^th October 2015 - Routeco Peterborough, Unit 3/4 Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6FS
• Thursday 22^nd October 2015 – Routeco Dudley, Building 53, Bay 12, Third Avenue, The Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford, Dudley, West Midlands, DY6 7XG

Both workshops run from 10:00 – 14:00 with lunch provided.

To reserve your place or for any enquiries, please email us by clicking here.

For more information please contact us on 0370 607 1000 or visit our website at www.routeco.com