Moeller X-Comfort RF Radiator Valve

Posted on February 20, 2012 by more-control

The Moeller RF Radiator Valve (CHVZ-01/03) is ideally used to control standard radiator valves in both residential and office use applications.

Moeller X-Comfort Radiator ValveThe Moeller RF Radiator Value controls the room temperature. The drive moves a valve, to control the heat flow of the radiator. The Moeller RF Radiator Valve can be operated as a stand alone application or be in connection with a central device such as the Moeller Room Manager (actuator operation)

The RF Radiator Valve is fully programmable; battery powered which will fit in place of most commonly fitted TRV valves from Honeywell, Danfoss, Screwfit, B & Q, and Wickes.

The Moeller RF Radiator Valve provides complete control of the temperature in a room, depending upon the time of day. This application saves on energy costs by only raising the temperature in a room when the room is in use. The programmable valve allows users to set different temperatures at different times of the day, ensuring maximum energy savings on heating costs.

Main Benefits of Radiator Valve

  • Clear illuminated display for current temperature, set temperature, valve position, etc
  • Each room can be regulated separately by means of weekly programming
  • Can be used in combination with a central control unit or independently
  • Suitable for M30 x 1.5 connection
  • Adapter available for M28 x 1.5 m 00 cm coupling / 36

A conventional thermostat can quickly and easily be replaced by a battery powered thermostat and immediately put into use. With a new battery operated radiator valve, Moeller X-Comfort offers innovative solutions when it comes to efficiently heating various rooms.

For advice and guidance on how to setup the Moeller X-Comfort RF Radiator Valve, download the complete datasheet and installation guide here.

Moeller RF Radiator Valve Technical Specifications

  • Power Supply: 3V via Battery (2x 1,5V Mignon/AA)
  • Connection: M30 x 1,5
  • Battery life: approx. 2 years
  • Frequency: 868,300MHz
  • Display: LC-Display
  • Regulation distance: 4,2 mm
  • Regulation force: max. 80 N
  • Degree of protection: IP20
  • Ambient temperature: +5 bis +55°C
  • Max. surface temperature: +90°C (of the radiator)
  • Housing colour: similar to RAL9003 (white)
  • Dimensions of the enclosure: HxWxD – 70 x 63 x 99 mm
  • Approval: Printed onto the device

For more information on the Moeller X-Comfort RF Radiator Valve contact us for a live demo and find out how much you can save on your heating today!

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Indexing Servo System

Posted on February 17, 2012 by more-control

Application Details

The customer required to index a product through a pair of rollers with an accuracy of 0.1mm.

The length of index was to be adjustable via some form of operator interface.

A finished solution was required rather than a “bag of bits”
Solution Provided

More Control supplied a micro PLC, touch screen interface, servo motor with drive and gearbox.

More Control engineers wrote programs for both the PLC and HMI to allow an operator to enter a target speed and distance on the HMI.

The customer simply had to supply a “start move” signal. The move took place and the micro PLC returned a signal to indicate move completed.

By purchasing in a finished package rather than a “bag of bits” the customer saved valuable time that would have been needed to integrate the three system components.

More Control provided the programs for the PLC and HMI for use on the customer’s next project.

Part Numbers

  • CPM2A PLC
  • NT3S HMI
  • R7D/R7M Smart-step servo system P3024

Budget Value

  • £2000+ (depending on servo motor size)

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Barcode Conformation on Packaging & Labels

Posted on February 17, 2012 by more-control

Any manufacturer using barcodes on their product should be concerned with the following issues.

  • Confirm the correct bar code label is applied
  • Confirm that a product is in the correct packaging
  • Check that a bar code is readable

It is relatively common for incidents of incorrect labels or packaging to occur on product changeover or packaging end of reel.

Printers may fail, smudge or print faint barcodes that are not readable at POS.

Labels can be applied incorrectly or fall off throughout a process.

Supermarkets and other end customers are now imposing fines and penalty point systems for these bar coding issues.

The solution to these Barcode issues

More Control can supply an off the shelf solution to solve these commons issues, that is cost effective, easy to install and can be configured for new barcodes in seconds by an unskilled operator.

This solution has grown from working closely with several large end user companies to achieve a system that meets their bar code checking criteria and is practical for rapid product changeover.

Barcode System overview

A high specification industrial bar code reader is interfaced with our dedicated evaluation unit.

To train a new bar code an operator simply presents the label or packet to the reader and presses a teach button.

Upon receipt of a trigger signal the reader checks for that specific bar code.

If the correct code is detected, a green indicator will flash and a solid state output will pulse.

If no code is read (poor quality / missing) or the incorrect code is detected, a red indicator will flash and the reject output will pulse.

This can be used to operate your reject mechanism, stop the machine or just alert an operator.

The evaluation unit is supplied in an IP65 stainless steel enclosure suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical environments. The bar code reader is an industrial construction also rated to IP65.

The system value is £2500 which includes,

  • Evaluation unit
  • Barcode reader
  • Trigger sensor

We also offer a free training session on how to achieve maximum system performance.

To discuss your requirements further or arrange a demonstration please call More Control on 0345 00 00 400 or email sales@more-control.com

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Barcode Verification: Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on February 17, 2012 by more-control

1. Why do I need to verify my bar codes?
The most important reason is because customers demand quality bar codes! There are a number of industries which will initiate monetary fines for non readable bar codes.

2. What is the difference between verification and just scanning the bar code with any bar code scanner?
Verification guarantees the bar code you are printing will be able to be read (decoded) by all types of Scanners (Laser, Wand, CCD, etc.). Scanning only guarantees the scanner you are using will decode the bar code.

3. What is ANSI Verification?
ANSI verification refers to a bar code verification guideline (X3.182-1990 Annex A) published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This mode of verification assigns a grade to a number of test parameters and an overall grade to the bar code, based on the lowest parameter grade. These grades are reflected in either A – F or 4 – 1. ANSI verification is geared to how well the bar code was decoded (read).

4. What is Traditional Verification?
Traditional Verification is the original form of electronic bar code verification. Traditional Verification is geared more toward how well the bar code is printed. Traditional verifiers will give you information regarding bar width deviation (bar growth and / or bar reduction), reflection, PCS and a number of other parameters.

5. What are the main parameters of ANSI and how do the grades correspond?

  • Minimum Reflectance (A or F)
  • Edge Determination (A or F)
  • Edge Contrast Minimum (A or F)
  • Reference Decode (A or F)
  • Symbol Contrast (A Through F)
  • Modulation (A Through F)
  • Defects (A Through F)
  • Decodability (A Through F)

6. What are the main parameters of hand held Traditional Verification.

  • Print Contrast Signal (PCS)
  • Reflectance Minimum (Rmn)
  • Reflectance Maximum (Rmx)
  • Ratio (When Applicable)
  • Check Digit (When Applicable)
  • Bar Width Deviation Graph
  • Inter Character Gap (ICG)
  • Quiet Zone (Clear Area) (QZ)

7. What is the difference between “Reference Decode” and “Decodability” in ANSI Verification?

Reference Decode: Refers to whether the bar code was successfully decoded or not. If the Verifier was able to decode the bar code then the grade for this parameter would be an “A”, if the bar code was not decoded successfully then the grade for this parameter would be an “F”. It will be possible to get an “F” for Reference Decode” and still have all “A” for the remainder of the parameters since they are not dependent on a successful decode!

Decodability: This grade can be “A through F”, and indicates the amount of Tolerance Remaining in the width of the most deviant element in the symbol. The more tolerance remaining the higher the grade will be. Simply stated Decodability refers to how even the bar code is printed, (X – dimension) are all the bars the same size or do the bars have bar growth or bar reduction across the entire length of the bar code.

8. What is Quiet Zone?
Quiet Zone (also referred to as “Clear Area”) a clear zone (the same color as the spaces) which precedes the start of the bar code and follows the end of the bar code.

9. What is “X Dimension”?
The nominal width of the narrow bars and spaces in a bar code.

10. What is “Z Dimension”?
The achieved width of the narrow elements, calculated as the average of the average narrow bar width and the average narrow space width.

11. What does ANSI stand for?
American National Standards Institute.

12. What does AIAG stand for?
Automotive Industry Action Group.

13. How do you determine what aperture size is needed on wand based verifiers?

For ANSI use the following chart:

X Dimension In. (mm) Measuring Aperture
Diameter In. (mm)
0.004 (0.102) < X < 0.007 (0.178) 0.003 (0.076)
0.007 (0.178) < X < 0.013 (0.330) 0.005 (0.127)
0.013 (0.330) < X < 0.025 (0.635) 0.010 (0.254)
0.025 (0.635) < X 0.020 (0.508)

For Traditional the rule of thumb is to use an aperture approximately 80% of the X dimension.

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Omron MX2 Inverter Drive Programming Examples

Posted on February 16, 2012 by more-control

MX2 Inverter Drive Programming Sheet

To navigate around the operator interface.
The parameters are split into groups A,b,c etc instead of one long list.

Blue scrolls around the different parameter letters A, b, c etc.
up/down to scroll through the parameters within the A,b,c etc
yellow to enter into a specific parameter.
up/down to change the specific parameter value.
yellow to accept the value.

Always go back to d001 – then yellow to see the running freq.
Run at a single speed set in the drive when the run input (terminal 1) is closed

  • A001 frequency source set to 02 (value in F001)
  • A002 run command 01 (control terminals)
  • b091 stopping method 00 (dec to stop)
  • F002 Accel time
  • F003 Dec time
  • b012 rated motor current
  • H003 motor size in kW
  • d001 displays running frequency

Run at two speeds (high and low) depending on the status of two inputs INP5 and INP6 (terminal 1 should also be on to put the drive into run mode)

  • A001 frequency source 01 (control terminals)
  • A002 run command 01 (control terminals)
  • A021 multi speed ref 0 set to required speed one, when INP5 turns on
  • A022 multi speed ref 1 set to required speed two, when INP6 turns on
  • b091 stopping method 00 (dec to stop)
  • F002 Accel time
  • F003 Dec time
  • b012 rated motor current
  • H003 motor size in kW
  • d001 displays running frequency

Run in pulse train control mode (terminal 1 should also be on to put the drive into
run mode).

  • Pulses onto terminal EA dictate the drive speed
  • A001 frequency source 06 (pulse control)
  • A002 run command 01 (control terminals)
  • C027 pulse train input 15
  • P055 pulse frequency scale
  • A004 maximum frequency
  • b012 rated motor current
  • H003 motor size in kW
  • d001 displays running frequency

P055 is the pulse train input scaling value. It sets the pulse numbers at max frequency

Set A004 to the max drive frequency in Hz and the pulse frequency into the drive in kHz relates to this speed.

Eg if max frequency is set in A004 to 50Hz and P055 is 3kHz then 0kHz =0Hz 1.5kHz=25Hz and 3kHz =50Hz

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Who was Steve Jobs?

Posted on February 15, 2012 by more-control

Steve Jobs is best known as the charismatic co-founder, chairman and chief executive of Apple Computers

He was born on 24 February 1955 in San Francisco. His biological parents – a graduate student and a professor – were unmarried at the time of his birth, and so they gave him up for adoption to Paul and Clara Jobs, who named their new son Steven Paul. Initially, Steve’s biological mother was opposed to the adoption, as she wanted her son to be adopted by college graduates, whereas Paul had not even graduated from High School. However, she eventually agreed to the adoption on the condition that Steve himself should be sent to college.

When Steve was five, his parents moved from San Francisco to Santa Clara county – the area that would soon become known as Silicon Valley. Ironically, given his biological mother’s objection to handing her son over to non-graduates, it is possible to trace the beginnings of Steve’s high-tech interests in both of his parents’ distinctly lower middle class careers. His mother had been a payroll clerk at Varian Associates, one of the first technological companies in the area. His father was a machinist working for a company that made lasers, and sparked off Steve’s early interest in electronics.

Steve was still at school when he met Stephen Wozniak, known as Woz, who would later go on to found Apple with him. However, their first entrepreneurial venture, a few years after they met, was on a considerably small scale, and considerably less legal as well. They made ‘blue boxes’: little devices that fooled the telephone company’s switching equipment, allowing people to make phone calls for free, and sold them to Woz’s fellow Berkeley students. They swiftly gave this up after coming close to being caught by the police.

In his late teens, Steve became interested in Indian mysticism, travelling around the subcontinent in search of enlightenment, and coming back disappointed having discovered that one of the gurus he most admired was no better than a con artist. He also spent some time on a hippy commune in Oregon where, among other things, he helped to cultivate apples. It is rumoured that for some periods of time he espoused an apple-only diet.

While Steve was finding himself in India and Oregon, Woz was working for Hewlett-Packard, and devoting his spare time to the Homebrew Computer Club, a group of enthusiasts who experimented with the earliest forms of personal computer. Steve was impressed by Woz’s new design for a computer which included brand new innovations such as a keyboard and a screen, and suggested starting to sell them.

When they couldn’t think of an exciting and appropriate name for their new company, Steve threatened to call it ‘Apple’ unless they came up with something better. So when inspiration refused to strike, Apple it was. And within a few years, the tiny business based in Steve’s parents’ garage was spearheading the personal computer revolution.

Steve Jobs left Apple in 1985 as a result of a power struggle among the board of directors. During this time he acquired the visual effects company Pixar for five million US dollars, and founded NeXT Inc., a computer company which used the NeXTstep operating system that would eventually be developed into Mac OS X. He returned to Apple in 1996. One of his first moves was the development of the iconic iMac, which heralded the beginning of Apple’s renaissance.

The iMac’s sleek design and innovative functionality has proved a winning combination for Apple, and is still a characteristic of its most popular products today, including the iPad, iPod, iPhone and of course the Apple laptops and desktop computers that are the direct descendents of the circuit boards constructed in the Jobs’ garage.

Steve was diagnosed with cancer in 2003, and it eventually killed him on 5 October, 2011. Reportedly, his last words were: “oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”

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Barcode Software for Label Design

Posted on February 14, 2012 by more-control

There are a lot of companies out there who are making use of barcode software for label designs. If you have used custom labels in your line of work then this is definitely something that should be considered. One of the first things that you will notice when it comes to barcode software is the design flexibility. You can ask a professional designer to come up with the ideas for your labels, but with barcode software you are able to be incredibly precise with the design that you want.

If your company deals with packages that have to be sent out then you will know how bad it can look when you have a damaged label put on that parcel. Unfortunately, it is very easy to rip or damage a label. It is only paper after all. However, if you have barcode software then you can actually reprint the label that you had originally. This will help you maintain a highly professional image and a good reputation among your customers.

Another good thing that you will notice when it comes to barcode software is the added security that you can benefit from. If you ship out products to your customers then you will know how damaging it can be if a barcode or any other data is altered by an unauthorised person. Fortunately, with barcode software you are actually able to create passwords for all of the data that you need to be kept secure.

One final thing that you should keep in mind when it comes to barcode software is the fact that there are far more printing options to be used. This makes it much more versatile than any of the other options that are available where customising labels is concerned.

Any professional business out there at the moment should definitely be making the most of the versatility of barcode software and the customising options that it offers. There are many pieces of barcode software available at the moment, so you are able to choose the software that works for you. Barcode software is something that can change your company for good.

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Using ERP Software to Simplify Complex Manufacturing

Posted on February 2, 2012 by more-control

Not so long ago, all it needed was the equipment manufacturer to produce a product to its highest quality. Customers would be patient in the event of a manufacturer needing to fine tune their design or the production process if this meant a higher quality final product.

However, times have changed due to globalisation and the increasing use of the internet for even the smallest of matters. There truly is a global market, meaning customers can outsource their manufacturing needs to any corner of the earth. This has meant that manufacturers have needed to change the ways in which they operate. Customers are demanding faster delivery on their orders, and if they are unsatisfied with your time scales, it’s easy to find a competitor who will better suit their needs.

Managing Complexity

On a large scale project of this type, managing the complexity of it can become difficult, so it is no surprise that many manufacturers are turning to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to make the process easier to manage. ERP systems are industry renowned as the core technology platform for the organisation of a business process of this kind. The Aberdeen Group, who conducts research into business operations, found that the top global manufacturers utilise ERP systems more frequently than their competitors.

During the introduction of ERP systems, manufacturers tended to use them to streamline their operations by automating their business processes. Since then, ERP systems have started to become more customisable and are typically bespoke for a manufacturer’s needs. Typically, they now manage areas such as taking customers’ orders and the planning of production schedules.

By implementing best practices through ERP systems, your business can ensure that all of its processes are performed in the same way across the whole company. Standardising processes will lead to a positive reputation amongst customers and suppliers, making you known as a reputable and easy company to liaise with.

The use of product configuration is a great example of how industrial equipment manufacturers can benefit from the use of ERP software. This gathers information on all of the products the a company manufactures as well as all the data pertaining to all the parts used for each product, and how these parts can be used to create new configurations, and therefore new products. This information is extremely useful when creating new products for the market.

This system also allows manufactures to keep their customers informed as to whether a product can be manufactured or not. Working in real time, customers are informed instantly; the ERP system updates instantly when relevant parts are delivered to the manufacturer so that accurate completion dates can be calculated and passed on to the customer.

To conclude, through the use of ERP software, it is easy to see how a company can have a simple, standardised method of informing customers exactly what can be built for them, the time scale and the cost. ERP software really can simplify complex manufacturing processes giving your company an edge over its competitors.

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The Omron G9SP – Standalone Safety Controller

Posted on January 30, 2012 by more-control

Omron G9SP Safety ControllerThe Omron G9SP safety controller provides all local safety in and outputs and controls the safety application from one central device with simple setup and diagnosis. Information is provided via Serial or Ethernet interface.

The Omron G9SP Safety Controller is part of a new range of configurable safety controllers suitable for the packaging, food, automotive components, injection moulding and printing industries. Modern packaging machines are now required to be extremely flexible to match changing customer needs. With the Omron G9SP, application flexibility is built in. For multiple applications of a single configuration, the Omron G9SP memory cassette can be used. This means that system designers will only need to program the safety controller unit once and use the memory cassette to install settings into each identical system.

As the Omron G9SP is not hardwired into any system, it is extremely flexible and easily reconfigurable when new safety features are added to the set up. The Omron G9SP comes in three different variations, with a range of I/O lines, allowing end users to choose the most suitable model for application use.

Omron G9SP System Configuration

As operator safety is paramount in every system, Omron have invested their expertise into developing a full range of fully compatible safety products. Every safety system in essence relies on the correct setup and the most suitable equipment use. The Omron G9SP makes safety configuration easier than ever by integrating and diagnosing safety features from one flexible, robust device.

Omron G9SP Configuration

Omron G9SP Main Features:

  • Three CPU-types to suit different applications
  • Clear diagnosis and monitoring via Ethernet or Serial connection
  • Memory cassette for easy duplication of configuration
  • Unique programming software to support easy design, verification, standardization and reusage of the program
  • Certified according to PLe (EN ISO 13849-1) and SIL 3 (IEC 61508

Omron G9SP Flexibility

Unlike traditional hard wired safety relays, the G9SP safety controller can be reconfigured to suit multiple purposes. As the Omron G9SP is a solid state, software driven unit, all aspects of its operation can be reconfigured with direct connection to non-contact switches or safety mats.

Omron G9SP Reconfigurable

With the Omron configuration tool, all aspects of input and output to the safety control unit can be defined, simulated, tested and validated with an easy to use graphical user interface (GIU).

Omron G9SP simple configuration software

The supplied programming software for use with the G9SP safety controller features an easy to use interface and provides step-by-step guidance through every stage of the design process. The G9SP software incorporates a simulation tool which allows the functioning of the safety system to be fully evaluated and tested before the system goes live, and offers a powerful diagnostic system for rapid troubleshooting.

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Moeller X Comfort: Innovative Wireless Products for Tomorrows Needs

Posted on January 13, 2012 by more-control

Moeller X Comfort Home AutomationFor both domestic and commercial systems, Moeller X Comfort has been providing innovative future proof lighting control and heating control solutions for applications around the world.

As a technological innovator of modern electrical installations, Moeller X Comfort has implemented numerous advances in the fields of lighting, heating and comfort.

With the overall trend of building control, moving towards energy saving solutions, Moeller X Comfort has positioned itself at the forefront of developing innovative cost effective solutions to help customers reduce running costs and save on building resources.

Saving on Building Resources: Moeller X Comfort

The age of unrestrained wasteful spending and surplus energy supplies has long since been and gone. With the inclusion of high energy prices and new building regulations, more and more companies / buildings are taking a closer look at how to optimise their resources, to save on waste and money.

Moeller X Comfort: Wireless Applications

Moeller X Comfort SwitchesWith the Moeller X Comfort RF System, extending or changing an existing system no longer requires the chaos of turning your building into a construction site. For planning new systems, the Moeller X Comfort RF allows new innovations in a very cost effective and efficient manner.

One of the key benefits of Moeller X Comfort RF systems are their value, safety and convenience in installing, maintaining and developing applications.

Utilising regulated and reserved radio frequency bands, the Moeller RF system ensures that you don’t get any interference from any other signal outputs. Furthermore, Moeller X Comfort uses coded protocols in their systems to ensure that the correct information is transmitted and understood by the receiver application.

In terms of service life, the Moeller X Comfort RF system provides robust electronic components which guarantee a long service life. The components are extremely versatile and can match the design and build of conventional Moeller switch range.

All the Moeller X Comfort equipment conforms to the low voltage, EMC guidelines and meets the requirements of the R&TTE – Guidelines 1999/5/EC.

Moeller X Comfort Range

Benefits of Moeller X Comfort Systems

With Moeller X Comfort RF applications; wireless technology has set new standards in the way we can control and automate both small and large scale buildings.

The Moeller X Comfort system stands out above other systems due to its flexibility and low energy costs and because of its easy to use, fast and clean installation.

Key Features of Moeller X Comfort

  • Central/ Remote control and display of lights, blinds and shutters, heating, ventilation, etc
  • Complete control via compact RF switches, remote control, mobile phone and TV
  • Universal use, easy to expand devices to incorporate complete range of applications
  • Minimum wiring needs
  • Easy maintenance and cleaning, able to incorporate existing installation system without additional wiring

For more information about Moeller X Comfort, visit us at X Comfort or call us on: 0345 00 00 400

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