A new tool allows engineers to check on their motion system's status from any computer with Internet or intranet access; the only requirement is that the system be hooked to a TCP/IP connection. User-specific diagnostic tools are not needed; other software is unnecessary.
Hardware settings on the target system can be quickly checked with different functions, while a recording of all sequential tasks provides detailed information about active machine processes. A logbook also tracks events during startup and regular operations — making the tool particularly helpful during commissioning, field tests, and operation.
Go to br-automation.com for more information.
Newly updated sites
Quick cable checkout
Endurance-brand cables, connectors, and assemblies for vision applications can now be purchased online. These include RoHS-compliant MVC-800 FireWire IEEE 1394 cables up to 23 ft long and GEV-1000 GigE and camera assemblies.
Credit cards and PayPal are accepted at www.northwiredirect.com/quick; there's no minimum order.
Mechanical iPhone application
A new iPhone application called mechanical engineer contains 100 important formulas, and more are regularly added. Covered in the program are bearings, belts, brakes, clutches, elevators, gears, kinetic energy, metalworking, shafts, and springs.
To purchase the application, go to iTunes and search for MultiEducator. Upgrades are free.
Spring calculator
A new wave-spring calculator allows input of basic spring and application parameters, and returns either a reference drawing for quotation or an error message.
The free Rotor Clip Co. Inc. calculator can be accessed without registration at rotorclip.com.
Brakes and clutches online
Matrix International, an Altra Industrial Motion company, has launched a new website detailing their mechanical and pneumatic brakes, clutches, and torque limiters for off-highway vehicles, industrial automation, and servomotors, among others. The website also includes contact information for Matrix custom engineering — offering hydraulic clutches and brakes used in off-highway and printing applications.
Connect at www.matrix-international.com. There, application data forms are also available as PDFs.