Prosoft Adds Wireless Ability To Point I/O Adapter

The Wireless Point I/O Adapter (ILX34-AENWG) is a high-speed, standards-based 802.11g wireless I/O adapter. It has the same compact size of the 1734 Point I/O systems (distributed input/output modules) from PLC/PAC manufacturer Rockwell Automation, combined with the Prosoft Technology Integrated Wireless Architecture. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter is ideal for collecting data from and for controlling moving systems (such as robots, automated carts, overhead cranes and earthmovers) and fixed-position racks in hard-to-reach areas of the process plant.

Non-tethered link to distributed I/O is requested in applications with moving or remote equipment, or where it is difficult or costly to wire devices or control panels. Applications include: tank farms (oil and gas and water treatment); cranes; stackers/reclaimers (material handling); rotating filling; spooling; moulding machines (food and beverage); and robotics/multi-axis machining, including remote monitoring, condition monitoring and other remote/moving distributed I/O applications.

The ability to wirelessly connect Point I/O modules allows automation engineers to design high-performance, scalable and low-latency systems in cases where wired I/O is problematic. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter provides a familiar programming environment to users by utilising the connection-based Ethernet/IP protocol and configuration with RSLogix 5000 programming environment to simplify configuring and communication with Point I/O racks scattered throughout the process facility. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter can be used in networks with Radiolinx Industrial Hotspots or third-party 802.11g access points to provide high-speed, low latency 802.11g client communication over widely spaced plant areas.

This ability to work with existing standards-based wireless technology protects and leverages the end-user investment. For security, the Wireless Point I/O employs 802.11i WPA2 with AES Encryption. The Wireless Point I/O Adapter provides users with the flexibility and scalability (up to 63 modules) offered by the many standard Rockwell Automation Point I/O modules, including analogue I/O, digital I/O, Point Guard I/O, Devicelogix, relays, RTD and counters. All Prosoft Technology products come with a three-year warranty and unlimited technical support.

Michell Supplies Chilled-Mirror Dew-Point Device

Michell Instruments has provided its Optidew Transportable chilled-mirror dew-point instrument for a manufacturer of desiccant dryers. The client needed the instrument to certify the functionality of its dehumidification systems. The Optidew Transportable combines the drift-free performance of the chilled-mirror principle with the convenience of a transportable instrument. Housed in a specially designed case, the instrument is fully self contained as well as being small and light.

For the client, having an instrument that was easily transportable was vital because of the range of situations where their dryers are installed. Desiccant de-humidifiers create dry air that can be used in a variety of applications such as in the leisure industry for swimming pools and sports halls, various utilities such as power stations and water treatment works, desiccant cooling for air-conditioning systems or within the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Optidew Transportable allows engineers to check the reliability of their installations over time. The Optidew dew-point hygrometer works on the fundamental optical dew-point measurement principle, giving unmatched drift-free performance in the long term, according to the company. It offers a measurement range from the equivalent of less than 0.5 per cent up to 100 per cent relative humidity and measures dew points as dry as -40Cdp at ambient temperatures.

The portable version features a high-definition alphanumeric display that shows the measured humidity, dew point, water activity, grams per kilogram and a number of other hygrometric units. The whole hygrometer is self contained in a custom-built case for optimal protection and ease of use.