New president for Ireland automation body.

ISA Ireland, the Ireland Section of The International Society of Automation (ISA), has announced the election of Patrick Bonner as its new president.

Mr. Bonner is the Managing Director of BONNER, the leading provider of instrumentation, calibration, and automation services in the country. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in the industry and is committed to advancing the field of automation in Ireland.

"I am honoured to have been elected as the President of the International Society of Automation - Irish Division," said Mr. Bonner. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the industry to promote the advancement of automation and technology in Ireland. My goal is to ensure that the ISA remains at the forefront of the industry, helping to drive innovation and progress in automation."

The Ireland Section, which is voluntary with a membership of over 300, received its charter in 1978 and has since grown to become a nationally recognised organisation. Its purpose is to bring together all personnel involved Automation in order to enhance their capabilities in design, manufacture and use. Members of the section have served in important leadership roles in the Society in Europe and globally including President of the Society.

• Written some months ago but publishing was inadvertently overlooked 

@IrelandISA @ISA_EU @ISA_Interchange #PAuto #Automation #TandM

EX Software for Modbus scanners!

Precision Digital Corporation has announced ScanView EX Programming Software for the Vantageview PD6730X and ProtEX® PD6830X Modbus Scanners. ScanView EX allows industrial plants to take advantage of existing Modbus systems and efficiently pair their devices with Precision Digital Modbus Scanners for accurate display of and quick access to process information, locally or remotely.

ScanView EX provides operators with full control of the Modbus scanner configuration process using an intuitive layout and an easy-to-understand interface. Clearly labeled menus enable quick programming of the PD6730X and PD6830X functions. ScanView EX is available for free from the site.

"ScanView EX eliminates a lot of button pushing and minimizes confusion when setting up a Modbus Scanner," said Jeffrey Peters, President, Precision Digital Corporation. "Programming elements and functions are presented in a straight-forward, logical manner. In addition, scanner configurations can easily be copied, saved, retrieved, or printed in list form. An on-board scanner data log holds up to 1024 records and can be downloaded to the PC."

ScanView EX features tabs that logically present functions and programming elements. Tabs include Monitor, Mode/PV Setup, Display, Rate/Totalizer, Outputs, Data Logging, and more. Within each tab, the features are organized by related item. Drop-down menus help to avoid confusion when selecting settings.

A PDA8068 meter-to-USB adapter is available for quick & easy connection to a PC for programming the scanner. RS-485 to RS-232 and RS-485 to USB adapters are also available.

• Precision Digital products are marketed in Ireland by P J Bonner & Co.

Explosion-proof modbus scanners!

The ProtEx® PD6830X Modbus Scanner has just been announced by Precision Digital Corporation. The PD6830X is a rugged, explosion-proof, NEMA 4X / IP68 Modbus master, slave, or snooper (sniffer). A multi-purpose meter, it is designed for accurate display and quick access of information, locally or remotely, in hazardous areas or in the harshest safe area applications.

It can accept up to 16 individually programmed process variables (PVs) from multiple devices; four math channels allow for calculations on multiple PVs. The unique SafeTouch® through-glass buttons allow operation without removing the cover. The pulse input accepts a wide range of flow transmitter signals, including mV input from a magnetic flowmeter, as well as high frequency signals. The PD6830X includes backlighting, two open collector outputs, and an analog output as standard. The scanner has FM, ATEX, CSA, IECEx, and CE approvals, enabling it to be installed almost anywhere. The PD6830X is housed in a durable, epoxy coated, cast aluminum enclosure.

"The versatile ProtEX PD6830X is loaded with features plant operators can appreciate," said Jeffrey Peters, President, Precision Digital Corporation. "The meter is simple to program using our FREE ScanView EX software, displays critical information about their process, and can be seen from wide angles and a distance. Other meter manufacturers have lost sight of the fact that users need to be able to see the data, even in hazardous areas."

The PD6830X is designed for readability and ease of use, from large character and Feet & Inches displays to automatic rate conversions and data logging. In addition, it integrates easily into existing Modbus networks.

The PD6830X Decimal Display models feature an upper display that is 0.7 inches high and shows five digits of information; the Feet & Inches models feature a level display that reads up to 399 feet, 11 and 15/16 inches and contains a 20-segment tank level indicator. The lower display for both models is 0.4 inches high, with seven alphanumeric characters for Process Variables, Custom Units, or Tags. The bright LCD display is easily read under various lighting conditions and from viewing angles of up to +/- 40 degrees (twice that of competitive models); it can also be rotated in 90 degree increments for increased readability.

Four sensors in the PD6830X operate as through-glass buttons for programming and operation without removing the cover in hazardous areas. These SafeTouch® buttons include an energy saving mode to save power, extend battery life, and prevent unintended triggers.

The PD6830X provides flexible power options, including battery, DC with battery backup, DC only, output-loop, or output loop with battery backup. Its element-resistant enclosure provides three threaded conduit holes and integrated pipe or wall mounting holes. Operating temperatures range from -40 to 75 degrees C.

• Precision Digital products are marketed in Ireland by P J Bonner & Co.

New VP of Sales appointed!

Precision Digital Corporation has appointed Alan Williams to the position of Vice President of Sales.

Alan Williams

Williams has over 20 years of experience working in the process industries and over 15 years experience in sales management. He started his career as a process controls engineer with Invensys and has held positions with Emerson, Mitsubishi Electric Europe, and ARC Advisory Group. Williams holds a masters degree in engineering and an MBA from Boston University.

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Williams as Vice President of Sales," said Jeffrey Peters, President of Precision Digital Corporation. "Alan will be focused on increasing sales of our Premier Products: ProVu, Trident, ProtEX, and Loop Leader, as well as introducing our new wireless and Modbus products over the next year or so."

"I am excited to be joining Precision Digital as we look to expand our business to meet global demand," said Alan Williams, VP Sales of Precision Digital. "Precision Digital has a unique knowledge of digital and analog electronics design and understands what it takes to deploy these technologies in the regulated process industries. Working closely with our channel partners, we are looking forward to introducing innovative solutions that extend our role as the preferred supplier of local control and display solutions. This includes new panel meter and controller products using modern protocols, wireless solutions, as well as traditional analog signals in advanced display and control devices."

• Precision Digital products are marketed in Ireland by PJ Boner & Co.

NEMA 4X field-mounted meters from Precision Digital #PAuto

Precision Digital has announced the Vantageview Series of NEMA 4X Field-Mounted Meters. The Vantageview Series offers the functionality and features of the company's ProtEX Series of Explosion-Proof Meters in an injection-molded plastic, NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosure. Vantageview meters are designed for use in demanding applications in wet or dirty environments that do not require agency approvals. They can be used for virtually any industrial process that involves level, flow, pressure, or temperature. Unique SafeTouch® through-window buttons allow operation without removing the cover. They are available in 4-20 mA loop-powered and pulse input models powered by the output loop, DC, or battery.

PD6700 Loop-Powered Process Meter

The Vantageview Series includes large, dual-line displays for viewing critical process variables clearly at a distance, even in direct sunlight. Models are available for single process variables, rate and total, feet and inches displays for level applications, and a larger one-inch display for long-range visibility. Each meter features a sleek, modern, polycarbonate enclosure with built-in mounting flanges and a rear groove for sturdy wall or pipe mounting; the integrated tamper seal loop tab allows for an additional layer of security. The meters also provide three 3/4 inch NPT threaded conduit holes for easy wiring in any direction and include two plastic conduit plugs. Operating and storage temperatures range from -40 to 75 degrees Celsius.

Programming and operation of the meters can be done without opening the housing, using the built-in SafeTouch® through-window buttons. Each meter is equipped with up to four sensors that operate as through-window buttons so the unit can be programmed and operated without removing the cover (and exposing the electronics) in harsh environments. These buttons can be disabled for security with a switch located inside the enclosure. When the cover is removed, the mechanical buttons located on the faceplate are used for programming. The clear, impact-resistant polycarbonate window makes the Vantageview meters ideal for applications where restrictions on glass exist, such as food production.

• Precision Digital products are marketed in Ireland by P J Boner & Son.

New 1/8 DIN dual-input flow rate/totalisers

Precision Digital has just announced the ProVu® PD6262 and PD6363 Dual-Input Flow Rate / Totalizers. The new 1/8 DIN panel meters feature independent programming of inputs, including separate selection of input type and scaling. The PD6262 panel meter supports dual analog inputs of 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, 0-5 V, 1-5 V, or ±10 V. The PD6363 supports dual pulse inputs, including square wave, open collector, NPN, PNP, TTL, or switch contact signals. Both meters provide integrated math functions for rate or total flow calculations: addition, difference, summation, multiplication, division, min/max, weighted average, ratio, concentration, and more.

The PD6262 and PD6363 feature rugged NEMA 4X front panels. The optional SunBright display can be read even in direct sunlight, smoke, fog, dust, or at a distance. The meters are designed for quick and easy display of local or remote information in a variety of flow applications, such as municipal water measurement, wastewater treatment, or chemical mixing. For hazardous areas, such as oil and gas production, the meters are also available as explosion-proof, IP68, NEMA 4X ProtEX®-MAX models.

"The PD6262 and PD6363 represent a new generation of 1/8 DIN dual-input meters," said Jeffrey Peters, President, Precision Digital Corporation. "They include modern panel meter features, such as alternating dual-line displays, readable screens even in sunlight, and convenient 24 VDC transmitter power supplies. They're also easily programmed. Each input channel can display rate, total, grand total, units, math functions, whatever is needed for the application."

The ProVu flow rate / totalizers feature bright red LED displays. The upper display is 0.60 inches (15 mm) high and shows a full six digits. With the total overflow feature, up to nine digits of total flow can be displayed. The lower display is 0.46 inches (12 mm). The displays can show a combination of flow rate, total, grand total, a custom tag, and math channels. The meters are easy to read from a distance and under various lighting conditions, and the ProtEX-MAX is also designed to be seen from wide viewing angles.

The PD6262 and PD6363 are UL and CUL Listed and are CE Certified for high noise and RF immunity. The explosion-proof models, ProtEX-MAX PD8-6262 and PD8-6363, provide IP68, NEMA 4X enclosures, SafeTouch® Through-Glass button programming, and Modbus® RS-485 serial communications standard.

• Precision Digital products are marketed in Ireland by P J Boner & Company.

Level Meter - Explosion-Proof, Loop-Powered!

Precision Digital's PD6801 is an easy to read, explosion-proof meter designed for safe or hazardous environments, such as oil wells or chemical storage. The 4-20 mA loop-powered input displays level in feet and inches; a second line shows volume, percent, or a custom label. The meter also features a 20-segment tank level indicator that displays height. The PD6801 is optimized for wide-angle viewing of about 80˚, nearly twice that of competitive models. The meter has FM, ATEX, CSA, and IECEx approvals and is housed in a rugged, cast aluminum NEMA 4X enclosure. Unique SafeTouch® through-glass buttons allow operation without removing the cover, ensuring the integrity of the unit.

"Unlike generic 4-20 mA meters, the PD6801 is designed specifically for level applications," said Jeffrey Peters, President, Precision Digital Corporation. "The easy-to-read feet and inches display delivers an intuitive, instantly understood reading of the level, superior to a standard decimal level readout. Users can display more information from their level transmitter using the PD6801's tank level indicator and second input scale for volume or percent full display."

The PD6801 features an upper display that is 0.6 inches high and shows level in feet and inches -- up to 399 feet, 11 and 15/16 inches. The lower display is 0.4 inches high and shows volume, percent, or a custom tag programmable for any seven alphanumeric digits. The backlit meter is easy to read from a distance, under various lighting conditions, and from wide viewing angles of up to +/- 40 degrees (twice that of competitive models).

Four sensors in the PD6801 operate as through glass buttons for programming and operation without removing the cover in hazardous areas. These SafeTouch® buttons are standard, and allow high or low level alarm acknowledgement while being designed to prevent unintended triggers.

A 20-segment tank level indicator provides a quick view of height and will flash to alert operators about alarm conditions. It can be scaled independently of the analog input scale. This means the PD6801 can display as full at less than 20 mA, for level transmitters that output less than 20 mA at the maximum height of the tank or pit depth.

For non-linear signals, such as measuring the volume of odd-shaped tanks, the PD6801 features multipoint linearization up to 32 points. The level and volume scales can use different numbers of linearization points.

The PD6801 is housed in a rugged, cast aluminum NEMA 4X (IP68) enclosure that provides two threaded conduit holes and integrated pipe or wall mounting holes. Operating temperatures range from -40 to 75 degrees C.

• Precision Digital products are marketed in Ireland by P J Boner & Co.

Dual channel process signal isolator

The SEM1750 is a cost effective dual channel signal conditioner that accepts a bipolar voltage or current signal and isolates to provide ranged industrial process output signals such as (0 to 20) mA, (4 to 20) mA, (0 to 10) V, (1 to 5) V DC. In fact, any signal output can be programmed within the output range limits.

The SEM1750 is configured using Status Instruments easy to use configuration software, USB Speed Link. It offers the user two levels of configuration, a basic current/voltage signal converter were the device can be set as dual channel signal isolator / convertor or signal splitter. For more advanced applications, a configuration menu offering a wide range of user set functions, including process scaling and profiling, maths functions, signal damping, sensor linearisation and signal preset for diagnostics purposes.

Status Instruments are market by PJ Boner & Co in Ireland.

Advanced Monitoring System

P.J. Boner & Company supply, install and calibrate an advanced Wireless Monitoring System from Tektroniks, A typical system comprises of a base station, wireless sensors and if necessary wireless repeaters (range extenders). The wireless sensors sample the monitored factor and send it wirelessly to the base station. If the wireless sensor is not in range of the base station, an optional wireless repeater can be used to forward the message.

The Base Station receives the wireless data and reviews it against set parameters as defined by the customer. If the data falls outside the defined parameters the Base Station activates an alarm notification. All data and alarm notifications are stored to its on-board memory for review at a later date.

The Base Station is a totally stand-alone monitoring system that can be networked via a standard network connection or broadband modem. Networked Base Stations have the ability to email alarm notifications and daily reports. Data can be accessed, viewed and graphed using any standard internet browser.

The systems do not require a dedicated PC or expensive computer software.
The DATAcentre can receive data from up to a maximum of 120 Tektroniks Wireless Sensors, a vast array of environmental factors can be easily monitored.