Rockwell Automation has introduced the newAllen-Bradley Micro820 programmable logic control-
ler (PLC), an addition to the Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLC family. The 20-point Micro820 controller
features embedded Ethernet and serial ports, and a microSD slot. Pulse-width modulation (PWM)
output and recipe management makes it ideal for small machines, such as stretch wrappers and
compressor control. Data logging, analogue and thermistor temperature inputs are essential for
remote automation applications, including water-pump control and air-handling units.
“We will continue to develop the Micro800 platform to give small-machine builders the flexibility
to customise designs according to their application needs,” said Christo Buys, business manager
control systems,
RockwellAutomation
sub-SaharaAfrica. “The newMicro820 controller, LCD display,
plug-in modules and Connected Components Workbench software Release 6.0 have the features
and options that help them differentiate their offerings and be more competitive.”
Connected Components Workbench software simplifies the configuration, design and mainte-
nance of the Micro820 controller. The latest version of the software adds support for additional
machine devices, like the newAllen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 configurable safety relay and
Allen-Bradley Kinetix 3 component servo drive.This release also provides password protection for
application code, and improved investment protection via a friendly controller upgrade tool and
multiple project sessions to collaborate between them. For those new to building machines, the
software is a free download and offers built-in tutorials, manuals and user assistance.
An essential accessory to the Micro820 controller, the Micro800 LCD display supports up to eight
lines of ASCII text with a four-colour backlight, has a keypad with programmable function keys, and
is rated IP65 for mounting through a cabinet door when used as a simple operator interface. The
display shows customised application-diagnostics messages and text. Its systemmenu is available
in several languages and allows machine builders to directly view and edit programme variables,
and set the controller’s Ethernet address.The embedded USB port serves as a programming port
to the controller.
The new Micro800 DeviceNet scanner plug-in option for the Micro800 family of controllers sup-
ports up to 20 nodes of Allen-Bradley PowerFlex ac drives or Allen-Bradley CompactBlock LDX I/O.
This reduces the costs of wiring and installation inside the cabinet for standalone machine applica-
tions, and outside the cabinet for conveyor applications with drives and I/O distributed over longer
distances. Auto-scan and device-specific function blocks simplify programming and configuration,
and make network diagnostics easier.
The new Micro800 motion high-speed counter plug-in option allows machine builders to cost-
effectively add high-speed counters to Micro800 controllers. Used with the Allen-Bradley Micro830
or Micro850 controller’s PTO axis, the plug-in provides position feedback from the servo drive for
position verification or with an encoder for position and velocity monitoring. It supports both 5 V
differential line driver input up to 250 kHz and 24 Vdc input up to 100 kHz.
Enquiries: Christo Buys. Email
Haystax Technology Inc, a developer of next-generation intelligence and analytics solutions, has
signed a reseller agreement with Exactech, an international company specialising in digital foren-
sics, information security, and fraud prevention and detection. Under the terms of the agreement,
Exactech will be the exclusive reseller in Africa for Haystax solutions, including Public Safety Cloud
mobile applications and the Constellation Real-Time Analytics Platform for situational awareness
and real time threat monitoring.
Exactech
will offer the Haystax portfolio of solutions to commercial and public organisations in
Africa, providing them with actionable intelligence, which will enable them to increase response
times during crisis situations and high profile events.The Haystax Public Safety Cloud mobile solu-
tion will help Exactech customers respond to incidents faster, aggregate and synthesise relevant
information around threats, protect the infrastructure, and manage special events.
The Haystax Constellation Real-Time Analytics Platform aggregates and analyses large streams
of real-time data from multiple sources, including tweets, video, text, chat and emails. Algorithms
prioritise the data streams based on decision makers requirements and the Constellation platform
then routes information to the right analyst for quick resolution.The platform is a scalable, multi-
tenant cloud architecture that is built on leading open-source technologies.
Enquiries: Email
PLC for standalone machine and remote automation
Intelligence and analytics software in Africa
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