Lighting Control System

Pixalux Manufacturing introduced a new lighting control system to a greater range of features to their Pixalux Strutural lighting products called Z-wave.

Z-wave is a wireless control standard.  It will enable the Pixalux to become part of an automated network which will give an enormous range of control through sensors and smart programming.

Benefits & Features of Z-wave Combining Pixalux with Z-wave based control systems enables some very exciting possibilities. Wireless network - each unit in the system acts as a repeater to extend the network range Ease of installation - since the network is wireless and self-extending, you can save significant time and labour during installation Huge range of inputs - There are thousands of devices compatible with the Z-wave standard. Smart integration enables automated lighting control through a range of inputs such as light intensity, motion, interaction, temperature, gps fencing and more! Tailored to your needs - Z-wave control provides powerful customisable features with an interface that is easy to use If you would like further information on the Pixalux Products, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Custom Pixalux Structural Lighting Shapes

Pixalux Manufacturing have a new laser cutting machine which enables them to offer Pixalux Structural Light Panels in unique up to 400mm deep custom shapes.



They even have the ability to cut accurately around applied stickers using their specialised camera and software. Laser cut forms go great with their recently developed panel stand extrusion. 











Find out more information now!  Contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

3U VPX Switch

Integrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet & PCIe Gen3 support high bandwidth switching - introducing the X-ES XChange3021.

XChange3021 supports up to eight 10GBASE-KR or 1000BASE-BX/KX up to two 10GBASE-T and up to three 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet ports.  The available ethernet can be tailored to match a particular configuration, such as hosting the XPedite5205 embedded router or a XMC module.

PCI Express Gen3 Switch Support for High Throughput

XChange 3021 supports x4 PCI Express Gen3 links (backwards compatible with Gen2 and Gen1) between up to six slots in an Open VPX(TM) backplane to facilitate high bandwidth, memory mapped communications between the payload boards.

XMC Site for Grandmaster Clock or Solid State Storage Support

Extend XChange3021's capabilities by hosting an XPort3200 Grandmaster Clock module to enable tight synchronisation between all devices connected to the switch.  Add 512 GB of Solid State Storage by hosting a secure XPort6105 XMC storage module which supports several military sanitisation protocols including a fast clear.

Embedded Router

XChange3021 supports hosting an XMC/PMC based, NIST FIPS 140-2 validated and NIAP common criteria certified, Embedded Services Router that runs Cisco IOS software to provide highly secure data, voice and video communications.

If you like further information on any of the X-ES XChange 3021 and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au   For outside this area, please contact X-ES directly on +1 608 833 1155 or sales@xes-inc.com

Country of Origin Labelling Changes in Australia

The Australian Government is introducing a new country of origin food labelling system. The new system will commence on 1 July 2016. Under the new system, country of origin labelling requirements will come under Australian Consumer Law.

Businesses will have two years to sell current stock and change their labels to comply with the new law before it becomes mandatory on 1 July 2018.

Information about the new labels is available on the Department of Industry website.

Current requirements for country of origin labelling in Australia

Currently, food products offered for retail sale in Australia must comply with country of origin labelling requirements set out in the Food Standards Code.

With the introduction of the new system, FSANZ has proposed  Proposal P1041: that the Food Standards Code be amended to remove its country of origin labelling requirements at the end of the two-year transition period.

New requirements for country of origin labelling in Australia

A guide to assist businesses to comply with the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016. 

The guide:

• will help businesses to identify whether they need to comply with the Standard
• sets out the labelling requirements for priority and non-priority foods
• explains how businesses must work out the percentage, by weight, of Australian ingredients in a food
• outlines the basic principles for how labels should look on food products
• outlines the ACL’s requirements regarding making clear and accurate origin claims.

General information about country of origin labelling is available from the ACCC website.

If you believe that the product you produce will be impacted by the new Country of Origin Labelling laws and are thinking of printing your own labels in house to meet this requirement -we can assist.  Metromatics sells and supports the range of Quicklabel Systems Ink Jet Colour Label Printer in Australia and New Zealand.

For further information, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Application 138: How to measure a Turkey Feast

In honour of our American Friends who will be celebrating their "Thanksgiving" Holiday later today. Futek the sensor specialists have come up with an application on how to measure the Turkey Feast using their  Low Profile Load Cells, Junction Box and Hand Held or Panel Mount Display.

Application Summary

Precision scale platforms require the most-accurate load measurements. In celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday, FUTEK utilised four overload-protected low profile load cells to weigh the coveted turkey dinner.

Products in Use

Four Low Profile Load Cells (LRF Family) paired with FUTEK's IAC200 Summing Junction Box alongside the IHH500 or IPM650. View Product Details

How it Works

1. Precision scales require high-accuracy, compression load cells.
2. In the above illustration, FUTEK celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday by conceptually showing how our LRF Low Profile Load Cells can be used to create a meticulous feedback system.
3. Mounted to all four corners of the platform, these load cells (equipped with overload protection) will measure the weight (load) of whichever "feast" item happens to be placed upon it.
4. As the load fluctuates, FUTEK's IAC200 Summing Junction Box will collect the individual load cell measurements, sending the final weigh-in to either our IHH500 Handheld Display or IPM650 Panel Mount.
5. Watch the IPM650's extraordinary performance and resolution here.

If you like further information on any of the Futek  products and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

Application Note: Monitoring Genset Systems in Standby Mode to Ensure Reliable Backup Power

This application note was provided by our valued supplier Acromag

Defining the Problem:

Gensets typically include control systems that monitor and control the engine functions. Primary functions are start/stop control, engine speed, operating parameters, and protection/shutdown. As back-up systems, gensets may operate less than 100 hours per year. While in the standby mode, it is critical to monitor and maintain the genset system to prevent a failure-to start condition.

System Requirements:

During standby mode, the battery voltage, fuel level, block heater and transfer switch operation must be monitored. With most gensets installed in remote locations, a suitable method to transmit conditions during standby mode back to an instrument shop is required. Remote acquisition over an Ethernet LAN is preferred for short to medium distances. For longer distances, cellular, satellite or cloud services can be required. Analogue and alarm status should be displayed for continuous monitoring in the instrument shop.

Implementing the Solution:
1. The microBlox® uB modules accept many types of inputs including battery voltage, low fuel level (4-20mA), heater temp (RTD) and genset ON/OFF (switched voltage). 2. With configuration via Bluetooth® technology, each uB can be set up as a transmitter (0 to 5V output) or an alarm (0 or 5V output). 3. Using i2o: In the field, the XT1221-000 has 8 VI. At the shop, the XT1541-000 has 8 VO. 4. For i2o, map each VI to a VO. Modbus TCP/IP messages are sent over any Ethernet media. Featured Products: • uB31-B, uB32-B, uB34-B   microBlox® Configured via Bluetooth®   technology • XT1221-000, XT1541-000   Ethernet i2o Modules • Acromag Agility™ App for Android   Free from the Google Play™ store. • Acromag Agility™ App for iOS®   Free from Apple® iTunes®

Why Acromag:

Acromag offers versatile signal conditioners providing transmitter or alarm outputs as well as easy to set up and fast configuration using the Agility™ mobile application. MicroBlox^® uB modules offer high performance with wide temperature operation for outdoor applications and vibration/shock ratings for engine monitoring.

For further information on the Acromag Embedded Board Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  Outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248-295-0310 or solutions@acromag.com

Deployable Visual Workstations

Portable, Multi-Display Workstations from NextComputing can enhance your mission workflow in harsh environments. Introducing the Vigor EDS:

The Vigor EDS includes one, two, or three displays integrated within a rugged portable appliance that can be deployed aboard ship, land vehicles, or aircraft. It is ideal for diverse mission-critical applications in harsh environments and in the lab.

Virtualised applications C5ISR Cyber Deployable cloud Radar

Signals intelligence Surveillance Capturing and analyzing large complex data sets such as high resolution imagery and video

Vigor EDS features enterprise-class processors, multiple terabytes of high-endurance/high-speed, removable solid state and hard disk drives, and full-height/full-length PCI Express slots for flexible options like high-end graphics and multi 1G and 10G Ethernet IO ports.

If you like further information on any of the NextComputing Product  range and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au   For outside this area, please contact NextComputing directly on +1 603 886 3874 or sales@nextcomputing.com

Smart ED hot climate testing with IPElog and high-voltage systems

A few months before the launch of the new Smart Electric Drive, the car had to pass final heat tests at the Arizona Testing Center in Stanfield, Arizona.

The hot climate tests in Death Valley, with temperatures of up to 60 °C in the blazing sun, checked the entire cooling management under extreme conditions. IPETRONIK provided the measurement technology and equipped the e-cars for the tests, bringing together IPElog, high-voltage measuring modules, temperature measurement instruments, as well as the IPEmotion Software and app for real time data display on the tablet PC.

The tests included endurance runs as well as runs in the surrounding area with gentle hills and dusty dirt roads, simulating real life situations under full load and heat influence.

For further information on the IPElog in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact IPETRONIK on +49 7221 99 22 333 or support@ipetronik.com

Innovative Rendering Solutions with NVIDIA IRAY and NEXTComputing

INNOVATIVE RENDERING SOLUTIONS

NVIDIA IRAY CERTIFIED RENDERING SYSTEMS FROM NEXTCOMPUTING

NextComputing now offers NVIDIA Iray Certified Rendering Systems which maximise the performance of NVIDIA’s Iray interactive, physically-based rendering technology.
In addition to Iray Server, our certified systems are available with an Iray plug-in of your choice (including Iray supported applications -  3DS MAX, MAYA, Cinema4D, and Rhinoceros).

NextComputing’s certified systems come with Iray Server pre-installed and an Iray plug-in. Software and Plugins come with a 1-year license.

WHAT IS NVIDIA IRAY?

NVIDIA^® Iray^® is a highly interactive and intuitive physically based rendering technology that generates photorealistic imagery by simulating the physical behaviour of light and materials. Unlike traditional production renderers, Iray delivers results reflecting real-world behaviours. Designers don’t need expert knowledge of computer graphics techniques to quickly achieve photorealistic results.

Iray progressively refines its image until completion, providing consistent results from interactive editing to final frame. It’s a highly predictive approach that marries with the scalable, world-class performance across NVIDIA GPUs to give constant feedback and rapid results. This slashes the time needed to perfect scenes and deliver images rivaling photographs.

.WHO IS IRAY FOR?

Iray is primarily for designers and visual effects artists working with 3D content who require predictable photorealistic imagery. It delivers immediate visual feedback that results in stunning imagery for everything from architecture, engineering, and design to marketing and advertising visual effects.

NEXTCOMPUTING GPU RENDERING SYSTEMS ARE ALSO IDEAL FOR THESE RENDERERS

·         VRay by Chaos Group

·         Octane

·         Arion

·         FurryBall RT

·         Redshift

·         Moskito

·         Blender

·         Indigo

·         Presto

RACKMOUNT GPU RENDERING SYSTEMS

NextComputing high-performance rendering servers are the ideal host for Iray, offering configurations with 2 or 4 NVIDIA Quadro GPUs, as well as top-of-the-line processing, memory, and extensive storage options. Every Iray certified system is carefully configured and tuned for maximum rendering power.

ALL-IN-ONE WORKSTATION CLIENTS

NextComputing’s Radius Edge all-in-one desktop workstation offers new possibilities for your rendering workflow. As a client workstation with its own Quadro GPU, the Edge can then be linked to our certified NVIDIA GPU rendering servers, allowing you to accelerate the speed and interactivity of your rendering from any location.

Whether you need high-performance rendering servers, a compact client workstation, or both, NextComputing has customised solutions to reinvent your workflow

If you like further information on any of the NextComputing Product  range and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au   

For outside this area, please contact NextComputing directly on +1 603 886 3874 or sales@nextcomputing.com  

LCM100 Miniature In Line Load Cell

High accuracy in a sub-miniature Load Cell is difficult problem to surmount. 

However, the FUTEK LCM100 In-line Threaded, Tension & Compression Load Cell solves that issue with a ±0.5% of ROI non-linearity in an M3 threaded, 0.38 in [9.5mm] diameter package. Check out their short video to learn more.

If you like further information on any of the Futek  IDA 100 Digital Stain Gauge Amplifier and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

Crystal Group Provides Rugged Solutions for B-2 Stealth Bomber Adaptable Communications Suite

The Crystal Group released a new case study on the U.S. Air Force B-2 Stealth Bomber Adaptive Communications Suite (ACS) in which the company provided rugged servers and displays.

Incremental technology refreshes for the B-2 ACS provide the aircraft with the latest advances in commercially available electronics. Aircraft engineers sought updated rugged server and display options to meet critical requirements for high reliability and dependability.

The B-2 team selected Crystal Group’s RS112 Rugged 1U Server, RS112PS18M Rugged 1U Carbon Fibre Server and RD1119 Rugged Display for the ACS upgrades based on Crystal’s proven reliability, advanced rugged technology, manufacturing expertise and customer centred responsiveness. Crystal’s rugged solutions provide an improved SWaP profile offering less weight, less power consumption, and a smaller form factor size.

Following the ACS upgrade, the B-2 team realised enhanced communication and control capabilities along with easier system maintenance access which helps to keep the aircraft mission-ready. Crystal’s high reliability and dependable technology helps ensures that the B-2 fleet meets current and future communications requirements, giving the aircraft and crew superior defense capabilities in multiple mission profiles around the world.

For further information on the Crystal Group products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863

Jim on Engineering, Episode 86, MIL-STD 810 Test Method 520.3 Temp Humidity Vibration and Altitude

MIL-STD 810 Method 520’s purpose is to help determine the combined effects of temperature, humidity, vibration, and altitude on airborne electronic and electro-mechanical materiel with regard to safety, integrity, and performance during ground and flight operations.

In Episode 86, Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering explains how this method is used to evaluate materiel likely to be deployed in altitude areas such as aircraft, missiles, etc., where temperature, humidity, and vibration may combine to induce failures.

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863

Redundant Power without the hassle - Acromag DIN Rail Power Bus for Ethernet I/O

Acromag's TT330 series of 4-wire process transmitters and Busworks XT Ethernet I/O modules boast options for bussed and redundant power connections.

These I/O modules accept power through the terminal block and/or a DIN rail bus connector. This allows for easy installation of a redundant backup power supply.

You can also simplify your power wiring by snapping multiple units together along the DIN rail bus to conveniently share a single power supply. (See image below)

For further information on the Acromag Embedded Board Products in Australia, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  Outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on sales@acromag.com

Signal Conditioners with Built in Data Logging

An application note from our supplier Acromag.

Defining the Problem:

A manufacturer of sensors and electrical controls does burn-in testing for troubleshooting purposes. A test system that can operate with either an Android® or iOS® mobile device is preferred.

System Requirements:

The application requires a product that can monitor a variety of signals, provide analogue or limit alarm outputs and have data logging capability. The test duration could be several minutes to a day and the results need to be saved in an Excel format

Implementing the Solution

1. Download the Acromag Agility™ mobile app from the Google Play™ store or Apple® App Store.

2. Open the Agility mobile app and go to the configuration screen. Enable the alarm output and enter the set point and deadband. When the set point is reached, this output will be 5V or 0V, normal or reverse acting. It can drive an external relay or feed a TTL input.

3. Navigate to the diagnostic screen where the trending feature is accessed. There are two types of indicators available, a digital display or graphical representation.

4. Enter a polling period from 0.5 sec to 60 sec. With a capacity of 5000 samples, the duration of saved data can be up to 83 hours. This is a moving average where sample # 5001 is added to the total and # 1 is dropped off.

5. Tap save data, then tap start polling. The Agility app automatically creates an Acromag folder in the mobile device and saves the input values to a spreadsheet in that folder. The data then can be emailed by tapping the share button.

Featured Products

• microBlox™ Signal Conditioners   Voltage, current, RTD, thermocouple, frequency and high speed models. • Acromag Agility™ App for Android   Free from the Google Play™ store. • Acromag Agility™ App for iOS   Free from Apple® iTunes®. Why Acromag: The microBlox™ signal conditioners provide an innovative, accurate and easy solution that combines signal conditioning functions, transmitter or alarm, and data logging all in one design. Choose from fixed range models or Bluetooth® wireless technology with user-configurable I/O. The miniature hot swappable modules offer the ability to set custom I/O ranges and alarm functions from a smartphone or tablet. For further information on the Acromag Embedded Board Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au   Outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248-295-0310 or solutions@acromag.com

Acromag redefines their Acropack I/O Products

Acromag have redefined their new Acropack I/O platform by using the mPCIe Interface format and adding 19mm and a 100 pin connector to provide up to 500 isolated rear I/O signals - this gives extreme amount of capacity to such a small platform which requires no cabling.

For further information and to download the latest Acropack I/O Brochure, please click here

For further information on the Acromag Acropack I/O Products in Australia, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au 

Outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on sales@acromag.com

Package Drop Test - Application 162

Application Summary

Drop testing packaging is a novel way of testing the viability of various packaging processes to ensure that packaged products arrive at their destination safely. To accomplish this, a system is designed to drop packages from varying heights onto a platform that rests upon load cells placed beneath the platform. The load cells output the force of the impact of the packaging. In addition, by making the platform removable, different platforms can be constructed to test different drops, such as dropping down stairs.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s Pancake Load Cells (LCF Series) coupled with USB530 High Speed, USB Data Acquisition Kit. View Product Details

How it Works

1. Four LCF series pancake load cells are mount on the four corners of the drop test machine base. The test platform is then bolted over the four load cells.
2. When a package is dropped, the load cells in each corner measure and send load data to the USB530 data acquisition unit.
3. The data collected is displayed, logged, and graphed via SENSIT on a PC.
4. By changing out the test platform, different drop scenarios can be simulated and recorded for study and compliance with testing standards such as ASTM D5276 and ISTA 1a, 2a, and 3a.

If you like further information on any of the Futek's Applications and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

PC104P-MA4 Multi Channel Interface card for Commercial or Rugged Embedded Applications

Alta's hardware and software package provides increased system performance and reduces integration time. The First Card in the Industry to Offer Advanced Test Functions of Signal Generation and A/D Signal Capture.

Alta Data Technologies’ PC104P-MA interface module is a multi-channel, multi-protocol 1553 and ARINC PC104-Plus interface card supported by the latest software technologies.  The PC104P-MA4 card is based in the industry’s most advanced 32-bit protocol engine, AltaCore, and by a feature rich application programming interface, AltaAPI, which is a multi-layer ANSI C and Windows .NET (MSVS 2005/08/10 C++, C#, VB .NET) architecture. The hardware and software package provides increased performance and reduces integration time.

The AltaCore protocol engine  is guaranteed 1553B Notice II & IV and ARINC compliant and all cards are manufactured to the highest IPC-610 Class standards and ISO 9001:2008 processes.  Cards are available in 1553 dual function (BC/Mon or multi-RT/Mon or full function (BC/mRT/Mon) configurations.  Playback and signal generation are part of the BC or ARINC TX.  This card is the industry’s ONLY card that incorporates signal capture on the first 1553 channel and first 2 ARINC RX channels, and supports signal generation for waveform testing.

Features Include:

·         1 or 2 Dual Redundant 1553/1553B channels

·         8 ARINC Channels: 4 Shared RX/TX & 4 RX

·         Ideal for Advanced Test or Embedded Applications

·         Commercial & Extended Temp/Rugged

·         **Signal Capture on First Channels - STANDARD**

·         One MBYTE, 32-BIT RAM per 1533/ARINC Device

For further information on the Alta Data products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

Outside this area, please contact Alta Data directly on alta.sales@altadt.com or +1 505 994 3111

Propulsion Pressure Monitoring - Application 502

Application Summary

Pressure monitoring is a critical feature in the design, testing, and operation of Hybrid Rocket Engines. With gaseous or liquid components, rapid pressure spikes in the system can cause catastrophic failure. With monitoring systems in place, complex actions can be taken before failure or activation of pressure relief systems, preserving the system and the mission. Additionally, pressure monitoring can provide feedback on the performance of the system, allowing for system optimisation. Typical pressure sensors on the market are limited to a 1kHz natural frequency, whereas the PFT510 series features natural frequencies between 6 kHz and 100 kHz.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s Miniature Flush Mount Pressure Sensor (PFT Series) coupled with high bandwidth, high-frequency instrumentation (IAA300 and USB530)View Product Details

How it Works

1. A PFT Series pressure sensor is threaded in and mounted flush with the inner walls of the oxidizer tank.
2. During operation, tank pressure is measured by the pressure sensor.
3. Output can also be streamed and logged via the USB530 to a PC running SENSIT or connected to a PLC or DAQ with the IAA300.

If you like further information on any of the Futek PFT510 Miniature Pressure Sensor and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

High-Density Signal Conditioning Modules Offer Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Configuration of I/O Ranges and Alarms

A full line of microBlox™isolated signal conditioning modules are now available from Acromag. 

Offering over 175 models, microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency, and other field signals with a ±5V or 0-5V DC output to host measurement & control systems. Users can select modules with fixed ranges or wireless configuration via Bluetooth wireless technology on an Android™ or iOS^® mobile device.

For further information on the Acromag Embedded Board Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au 

Outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248-295-0310 or solutions@acromag.com