July 2013
COGNEX INTRODUCES
NEW LIGHTING & OPTICS FEATURES FOR DATAMAN 300 SERIES
Toshiba LED Lighting Introduces Several
New LED Lamps Mr. Electric® Helps to “Light Up” Developing Countries
Current Contents
4
GROUP PUBLISHER
Enhanced Four-terminal Earth/ Ground Resistance Testers from Megger Offer Flexibility
Jim Barnhill 205-733-1343 jim@theelectriccurrent.com
PUBLISHER
Hank Underwood 205-733-1341 hank@theelectriccurrent.com
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
10
Kristy Wynn 205-733-2025 kristy@handfmedia.net
Cognex Introduces New Lighting & Optics Features For Dataman 300 Series
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Ed Bauer ed@handfmedia.net
EDITOR
16
Brandon Greenhill 205-733-4343 brandon@tipsmag.net
Mr. Electric Helps to “Light Up” Developing Countries
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
18
New Staco Literature Details Products to Help Componies “Green Up” their Operations & the Bottom Line
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Toshiba LED Lighting Introduces Several New LED Lamps
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201
CO INTR GNEX O LIGH DUCE TING S & F
NEW
OPTIC EATU S RES DATA FOR MAN 300 S ERIE S
Toshib a Intro LED Ligh duce t s Sev ing New eral L
amps
Ele Hel ctric ® p “Lig s to Dev ht Up” e Cou loping ntr ies
2 The Electric Current July 2013
FACILITATOR/ HEAD COORDINATOR
V.P. OF SALES
Steven Hobson steven@tipsmag.net
Bart Beason 205-733-1342 bart@tipsmag.net
CEO
PRESIDENT Glen Hobson
Executive and Advertising Offices 2070 Valleydale Rd, Suite # 6 Hoover Al 35244 toll free: 866.981.4511 phone: 1.855.591.6971 fax: 1.855.662.2172 www.theelectriccurrent.com • glen@tipsmag.net
July
Mr.
Danny Thompson danny@handfmedia.net
Christy Hobson
Ad Index
ED L
WEB DESIGNER
Jacklyn Hobson jacklyn@handfmedia.net
3
The Electric Current™ is published six times a year on a monthly basis by H&F Media, Inc., 2070 Valleydale Rd, Hoover Al 35244 USA. The Electric Current™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. The Electric Current™ is distributed to to qualified owners and managers in the industrial industry. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to H&F Media, Inc., P.O. Box 382315 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2315 PRINTED IN THE USA
Enhanced Four-terminal Earth/ Ground Resistance Testers from Megger Offer Flexibility
Megger, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of test equipment and measuring instruments for electrical power applications, now offers four enhanced four-terminal earth/ground resistance and soil resistivity testers with greater testing flexibility. The DET4 series, including DET4TC2,
4 The Electric Current July 2013
DET4TCR2, DET4TD2 and DET4TR2 are the latest innovations to Megger’s established family of ground testing instruments. The DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 include ART (attached rod technique) capability that is already included in Megger’s popular DET3TC
as well as stakeless (clamp-on) testing for applications where traditional fall-of-potential testing is not possible. ART testing allows on-site grounds to be tested separately without having to remove the utility connection. Stakeless testing allows the operator to use the instrument like a clampon ground tester in applications where that method is viable, while also being able to operate a fall-of-potential tester if necessary. All four models offer selectable output voltage of 25 V and 50 V and are rated to 100 V CAT IV. DET4TC2 and DET4TCR2 have a resistance measurement range up to 200,000 ohms, while the DET4TD2 and DET4TR2 have a resistance measurement range up to 20,000 ohms. All of the units are IP54-rated and are designed to meet stringent safety standards. The testers are easy-to-use and feature a large selector switch that enables users to choose 2, 3 or 4 pole tests, even when wearing work gloves. A large, easy-to-read LCD screen and thumb sized test button also make using these units simple. Connection and conditions of the P spike, C spike as well as the level of ground noise are checked automatically. A voltmeter is also built into each unit so that users can measure ground voltage. A warning indicator on the instruments prevents test failures. The DET4TD2 and DET4TC2 are powered by alkaline batteries. The DET4TR2 and DET4TCR2 are powered by rechargeable batteries.
6 The Electric Current July 2013
Each unit is shipped with a calibration certificate and comes standard with stakes and leads, all housed in a rugged carrying case. All of the models can be purchased in kit form. Kits include voltage and current clamps, leads on reels, calibration standards and a rugged carrying case. For more information contact Peg Houck at peg.houck@megger.com or 610-676-8536.
8 The Electric Current July 2013
COGNEX INTRODUCES
NEW LIGHTING & OPTICS FEATURES FOR DATAMAN 300 SERIES New options provide customers with more flexibility and control Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) has introduced new lighting and optics features for its DataMan® 300 series of industrial barcode readers. Since its launch, DataMan 300 has quickly become the preferred barcode reader due to its outstanding read rate performance and ease of use. The demand is now set to continue with the introduction of the most flexible optics and lighting features available on any image-based fixed-mount barcode reader.
Easier to use for multiple applications “Instead of having to order and stock different models, our customers can now easily configure DataMan 300 for multiple applications by simply changing the lighting or optics, ,” said Carl Gerst, Vice President and Business Unit Manager, ID Products. “As an added benefit, having the ability to optimize lights and optics for each application helps achieve the highest read rates possible.” 10 The Electric Current July 2013
Greater customization and control The DataMan 300 features modular lighting that can be configured and replaced in the field. The eight integrated light banks and external lights can be individually controlled. Lighting options include: • IR for challenging metal parts and operator eye comfort • Polarized red for reflective parts or parts under plastic • Blue for metal parts or barcodes printed in color • High-intensity red for general purpose applications • Cognex’s custom highpowered illumination accessory (HPIA) for longrange barcode reading applications • Several external lights powered directly from the reader, including the ring, backlight, spotlight, low angle ring and DOAL
Reduced need for additional hardware The DataMan 300 lens mount supports all popular lens styles without any additional hardware. Lens options include: • Variable focus S-Mount liquid lens • S-Mount in 10, 16 and 25 mm • C-Mount in industry standard sizes
12 The Electric Current July 2013
Automatically adjusts to optimal settings With the press of a button, the DataMan 300 “intelligent tuning” feature runs an automatic calibration routine that determines which combination of lights and focal distance on the liquid lens will provide the best results for each application. The DataMan 300 series includes three models: DataMan 300, with a standard resolution of 800x600 pixels, the DataMan 302, with a higher resolution of 1280x1024 pixels, and the DataMan 303 with the highest resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels. For more information about the DataMan 300 series of fixed-mount barcode readers, visit www.cognex.com/300. About Cognex Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets machine vision and industrial ID systems, or devices that can “see.” Cognex vision and ID systems are used around the world for a wide range of inspection, identification and guidance applications throughout the manufacturing and distribution process. Cognex is the world’s leader in the machine vision and industrial ID industries, having shipped more than 850,000 systems, representing over $3 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company’s founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Japan and Latin America. For details, visit Cognex on-line at www.cognex.com.
14 The Electric Current July 2013
Mr. Electric® Helps to “Light Up” Developing Countries Mr. Electric® purchased 10 solar lights that will go towards helping New Vision, a non-profit Christian organization, “light up” a rural village in Kenya.
leaders, giving them the knowledge to maintain the lights and further teach the students about renewable, sustainable energy.
In the middle of Machakos, a Kenyan slum, sits St. Christine School where 348 children go to learn every day. Like the rest of the community, the only light in the school is provided by kerosene lamps, which cause fires and severe respiratory and vision problems. They are also responsible for more than 4,000 deaths each day with half of those affecting children under the age of five.
“Planting this seed in Machakos will undoubtedly make a difference in these children’s lives and generations to come. Thanks to New Vision’s project, they will be a generation that is able to teach surrounding communities about the benefits of solar energy. We are grateful to be a part of something that will significantly change the lives of others,” said Meyers.
To help this cause, Mr. Electric has purchased 10 solar lights through New Vision Renewable Energy. These lights provide 10 students and their families with healthy, clean light to sustain their lives.
Thanks to Mr. Electric and 48 other donors including West Virginia State University and The Cattle National Bank and Trust, New Vision was able to reach its goal of lighting up all of Machakos -- raising a total of $25,100. Mr. Electric provides professional electrical installation and repair services for residential and commercial customers, including such tasks as repairing circuits, replacing light fixtures and updating safety lighting among other tasks.
“Since we began to push our solar power initiative in 2010,” said Mr. Electric president Jeff Meyers, “Mr. Electric has continued to look for ways to expand the knowledge of this ground breaking technology, not only to our 200+ franchisees, but to the world. Our commitment to help the Machakos community harness a safe, renewable energy source is indicative to Mr. Electric’s goal to grow and prosper while serving those in need.” The funds raised will also aid in the training of community
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For more information on how to help “light up” Machakos and other developing communities visit www.nvre.org. For more information about Mr. Electric call 866-673-5328 or visit www.mrelectric.com.
New Staco Literature Details Products to Help Companies
“Green Up”
their Operations & the Bottom Line Staco Energy Products has produced a new brochure
surcharge for poor power factor. If that is the case,
which details their lineup of power factor correction
then they can benefit from Staco power factor
products that help companies to more efficiently use
correction technology - often achieving payback in
their supplied power. Improving power factor can
two years or less. In addition to being cost-effective,
help companies “green” their operations by using
we offer products that are space-efficient, occupying a
energy more efficiently and it can have help save
small footprint.”
money as well. The new literature is available online at http://www.stacoenergy.com/pdf/line-cards/
Staco Energy Products Company manufactures voltage
PowerQualityCard_bro-prod.pdf or by contacting the
control, VAR compensation, uninterruptible power
company. Poor power factor plagues is caused by
supplies and engineered power quality solutions. For
inherently inefficient motors – like those used on air
more than seventy five years, customers worldwide
conditioning/heating/air movement systems, material
have relied on Staco as their dependable source for
handling equipment, pumps and motors used in
standard and tailored solutions to a wide range of
process and manufacturing environments, and more.
electrical power problems. Headquartered in Dayton,
Staco power factor correction equipment is at use in
Ohio, Staco Energy Products is a wholly owned
many commercial and industrial environments.
subsidiary of Components Corporation of America, located in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit
“If utility invoicing includes terms like ‘KVA demand’ or
www.stacoenergy.com, call 866-261-1191, write to
‘adjusted (or billed) kw demand’ or ‘reactive power’”
Staco Energy Products Company, 301 Gaddis Blvd,
said Rich Zuccaro, Staco Power Factor Program
Dayton, OH 45403, or e-mail to sales@stacoenergy.
Manager, “then they are likely paying a penalty or
com.
18 The Electric Current July 2013
Toshiba LED Lighting Introduces Several New LED Lamps Toshiba BR30 LED Lamp Toshiba International Corporation’s LED Lighting Division recently released their new higher lumen output BR30 LED lamps, which serve as a direct replacement for 65-watt incandescent bulbs. With a rated life of 40,000 hours, the BR30 is ideal for recessed downlights and open hanging fixtures. Some other features include: Now available in 2700K (820 lumens) and 4000K (920 lumens) color temperatures Dimmable Manufactured to ANSI standards Rated for damp locations Contains no mercury or lead Five-year limited warranty ENERGY STAR Pending
Toshiba New B11 Family Additions Toshiba International Corporation’s LED Lighting Division recently released their new B11 40-watt equivalent LED lamps and the new E26 base for the 15, 25 and 40-watt equivalents. The B11 Candelabra E12 lamp is a direct replacement for a standard 40-watt incandescent candle but has a much longer rated life – 25,000 hours. The expanded B11 family is ideal for chandeliers, sconces and other decorative fixtures. Some other features include: Available in 2700K (330-350 lumens) color temperature Reaches full brightness instantly Contains no mercury or lead Dimmable Fits E12 and E26 socket fixtures Available in B11 bulb type with either frosted or clear bulb finish ENERGY STAR Certified Five-year limited warranty
20 The Electric Current July 2013
Toshiba 220-240V LED Marine Lighting Toshiba International Corporation’s LED Lighting Division recently released four 220-240V LED lamps suited for damp marine environments. The MR16 GU10, A19, PAR30S and PAR20 provide ideal solid-state lighting for luxury cruise lines, private yachts and more. These lamps deliver superior light quality and high luminous output, while reducing power consumption compared to traditional bulbs and eliminating the need for regular re-lamping. Some other features include: Available in 2700K color temperature Color rendering index (CRI) of 80 Rated life 25,000-40,000 hours 355-740 lumens Dimmable 0-10V Special acrylic coating considerably reduces risk of breaking Resistant to mechanical shock and vibration Reach full brightness instantly Contain no mercury or lead Five-year limited warranty
Toshiba MR16 GU5.3 LED Lamp Toshiba International Corporation’s LED Lighting Division recently released their new MR16 GU5.3 LED lamp, which serves as a direct replacement for 20- and 35-watt halogen bulbs. With a rated life of 40,000 hours and 70 percent less UV light emission than traditional halogen lamps, the MR16 GU5.3 is ideal for recessed downlights, track fixtures and display cases. Some other features include: Available in 8°, 25° and 35° beam angles Available in 2700K (up to 390 lumens), 3000K (up to 390 lumens) and 4000K (up to 420 lumens) color temperatures Dimmable Contains no mercury or lead Rated for both damp locations and enclosed fixtures Fits most gimbal rings ENERGY STAR Pending
22 The Electric Current July 2013
The Electric Current • Ad Index
Company American Pipe & Plastics Astra Estimating Byte Brothers California Turbo Dee Zee Dur-A-Lift, Inc. Elk River Haticon Hercules Industries Hioki USA Jeffrey Machine Krenz Vent LAPP USA Phase-A-Matic Power One Ram Mount Steelman Industries, Inc.
Pg. BC 21 6 12 11 13 8,9 IBC 24 3 7 14 IFC 15 1 5 14
24 The Electric Current July 2013
Website www.ampipe.com www.thinkastra.com www.bytebrothers.com www.californiaturbo.com www.deezee.com www.dur-a-lift.com www.elkriver.com www.haticonsolar.com www.herculock.com www.hiokiusa.com www.jeffreymachine.com www.krenzvent.com www.lappusa.com www.phase-a-matic.com www.power-one.com www.ram-mount.com www.steelman.com