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