Introduction to the Clock Update Tool It’s like Y2K all over again twice a year in most of the United States. We set the clock forward one hour in the Spring, and back one hour in the Fall. Furthermore, the ControlLogix processor will not automatically adjust for daylight Read More »
Introduction to RSLinx OPC Server OPC (OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control) and DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) are a way for applications to interact with each other to share data. The RSLinx OPC Server can share data with other applications, such as an Excel Spreadsheet or OpenOffice Read More »
Introduction to Water Separation Water is everywhere, and it’s easy to come by. Undeniably, fuel is a little harder to extract. Hydrogen and Oxygen are the molecules that make up water. Furthermore, we have two atoms of hydrogen for every one atom of oxygen. Subsequently, we can extract the Read More »
Introduction to Voltage Dividers Voltage dividers are very important to circuits monitored by microprocessors. Important to realize, microprocessors will usually handle 3.3 volts, or 5 volts. With this in mind, the voltage of the circuits they control can be much higher. In this case, we want to measure Read More »
Introduction to the PIR motion sensor We will use PIR Motion Sensor (Passive Infrared) to detect movement. We can use the PIR sensor for security If the sensor detects movement, we can sound an alarm. Another use for the PIR sensor is to automatically energize a light when detecting Read More »
Introduction to the Photo Resistor (LDR) A photo resistor (LDR) will change it’s resistance based on the lighting we apply to this component. Also known as a Light Dependent Resistor, we use them in our every day life. We use photo resistors to energize night lights in our house. Furthermore, Read More »
Introduction to Hiding Objects When Logged Out For security reasons, there might be some objects on a display screen that you would like to hide until a particular user is logged in. This could be a temperature preset, or a timer preset that you don’t want a standard operator to Read More »
Introduction to the Operational Amplifier The Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp) is very versatile. We can use the Op-Amp to compare voltages, or to amplify audio signals. By comparing voltages, we can build a voltage regulator circuit that is controlled by transistors. When using the op-amp as an amplifier, Read More »
Introduction to Capacitance Capacitance opposes a change in voltage. The unit for a capcitor is a “Farad”. We use capacitors to filter the “ripple” effect when converting AC to DC. We will also use capacitors in resonator circuits, such as a tuner for an AM or FM radio. Read More »
Introduction to Zener Diodes Zener diodes allow conventional current to flow normally from the anode to the cathode, as any other diode. The Zener diode has a special feature, however. When we use this in reverse bias mode, the zener will begin to conduct current at a certain voltage. Read More »
