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Timers

Electronic Timer vs. Electromechanical Timer

A timer may have many functions and applications within manufacturing processes. Eagle Signal’s electronic timer and electromechanical timer products are designed primarily to track or control time-based applications such as run-time and event processes. However, choosing the right kind of timer (electromechanical timer or electronic timer) depends on application specifics: Does the application only require monitoring, or does it require an output/control action as well?
Eagle-Signal timers come in two main varieties: electromechanical timer or electronic timer designs:

Electromechanical Timer

Electromechanical timer models are characterized by their ruggedness and simple efficiency. An electromechanical timer may take the form of an On Delay, off delay, interval timer or Repeat Cycle device. In addition, an electromechanical timer is characteristically long-lived. An electromechanical timer would not be ideal if space was a concern (due to their larger physical size) or where a non-fixed time range is required.

Electronic Timer

An electronic timer would be the timer of choice when fast, high precision accuracy and event feedback are required. In contrast to electromechanical timer models, an electronic timer is more compact and also more complex. If feedback/output control functions are required (in terms of an alarm or another pre-programmed event), an electronic timer is a better fit than an electromechanical timer. Each electronic timer offers digital programmability and a choice of LED or LCD display as well as multifunction and long time ranges. These programmable timer solutions are available in many forms to meet many different needs:

  • time indicators
  • reset timers
  • repeat cycle timers
  • Multi-function timers

Electronic timer models are more complex yet relatively easy to maintain. Each programmable timer is rugged and requires minimal maintenance. Some units are sensitive to environmental forces such as physical shock. Specific limitations and differences between programmable electronic timers and electromechanical timer devices are detailed in the programmable table below.

Eagle-Signal ™ Programmable Timer Technology Matrix
ELECTROMECHANICAL TIMER ELECTRONIC TIMER
Types Time Totalizer (Hourmeter)
Preset / Predetermine
Repeat Cycle Timer
Sequencer
Time Totalizer (Hourmeter)
Preset / Predetermine
Repeat Cycle Timer
Sizes Various Panel Cutout All popular panel mount sizes including. 1/32, 1/16 or 1/8 DIN
Mounting Base Front to Panel (FTP) and Surface Mount Front to Panel (FTP)
DIN Rail, or surface Mount
Accuracy/stability Fixed Adjustable
Cost Low – Moderate Moderate – High
Features / Functionality Low – Moderate Moderate – High
Time Modes Preset / Reset
Repeat Cycle
Sequencer
Preset / Multi-function
Repeat Cycle
Ease of Use Simple – Moderate Simple – Moderate
Options Simple – Moderate Moderate – High

– See more at: http://www.danaherspecialtyproducts.com/Eagle_Signal/Products_and_Solutions/Timers/#sthash.uK8fxlvB.dpuf

The new Pro Series from West Control Solutions offers superior temperature control.

West Pro Series of Controllers

The new Pro Series of temperature controllers from West Control Solutions offer customers yet greater precision control in challenging applications.  Key to the enhanced capability of the Pro Series is that all three units in the range – the Pro-4, Pro-8 and Pro-16 – provide two PID sets rather than the one typically found on alternative controllers.  This allows the user to tune for accurate control for a wide range of set points or various products with different thermal characteristics.
The Pro Series controllers offer a high level of I/O, with an unprecedented six outputs available and up to four digital inputs, plus an in-built profiler for a varied setpoint at each process stage.  The Pro Series combines a sophisticated level of control with maximum flexibility, an example being the capability to customize the menus, thus speeding up manual control by making frequently used functions available at a keystroke.  The result is complex temperature control capability that can be accessed easily by any member of the workforce.  Capability and convenience is further enhanced by the configuration and simulation software, BlueControl©, which allows a test configuration to be carried out locally on a PC.
Typical applications that will benefit from these features are; industrial ovens and furnaces, chiller and refrigeration systems and particularly plastics and rubber extrusion applications where processes such as non-linear cooling, heater current input and boost functions are commonly required.
In addition to the I/O provided by the Pro-4 and Pro-8, the Pro-16 comes in a compact 48mm x 48mm design, meeting the need of many applications for compactness and capability in a small, front-of-panel controller.  The Pro-16 is the only temperature controller of its kind to provide so many features in such a compact casing, offering customers a premium product that is powerful yet easy to use.

The new Pro Series of temperature controllers from West Control Solutions offer customers yet greater precision control in challenging applications.
Key to the enhanced capability of the Pro Series is that all three units in the range – the Pro-4, Pro-8 and Pro-16 – provide two PID sets rather than the one typically found on alternative controllers. This allows the user to tune for accurate control for a wide range of set points or various products with different thermal characteristics.
The Pro Series controllers offer a high level of I/O, with an unprecedented six outputs available and up to four digital inputs, plus an in-built profiler for a varied setpoint at each process stage. The Pro Series combines a sophisticated level of control with maximum flexibility, an example being the capability to customize the menus, thus speeding up manual control by making frequently used functions available at a keystroke. The result is complex temperature control capability that can be accessed easily by any member of the workforce. Capability and convenience is further enhanced by the configuration and simulation software, BlueControl©, which allows a test configuration to be carried out locally on a PC.
West Pro Series of Controllers
Typical applications that will benefit from these features are; industrial ovens and furnaces, chiller and refrigeration systems and particularly plastics and rubber extrusion applications where processes such as non-linear cooling, heater current input and boost functions are commonly required.
In addition to the I/O provided by the Pro-4 and Pro-8, the Pro-16 comes in a compact 48mm x 48mm design, meeting the need of many applications for compactness and capability in a small, front-of-panel controller. The Pro-16 is the only temperature controller of its kind to provide so many features in such a compact casing, offering customers a premium product that is powerful yet easy to use.

Download the West Pro Series