Elements of Machine Vision
By Craig Hemken
Learners examine the basic elements of a machine vision system. A short quiz completes the activity.
Ratio Pyrometers
By Terry Bartelt
Learners study the theory of operation for a ratio pyrometer that measures temperature. A short quiz completes the activity.
Hydraulic Color Code Drill
By John Rosz, Terry Bartelt
This interactive learning object is designed to help learners memorize the color code used on some hydraulic schematic diagrams. Learners quiz themselves using electronic flashcards.
The Air Pilot
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a pneumatic directional control valve using air pilot lines.
Optical Pyrometer
Learners observe how an optical pyrometer is used to take temperature measurements without making physical contact with the object being measured.
Calibrating an Opposed Optical Sensor
In this animated and interactive object, learners follow three steps to calibrate an opposed optical sensor. They consider horizontal alignment, the sensitivity setting, and having an effective beam.
Thermal Flowmeters
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a thermal flowmeter used in process control applications. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Maximum Proximity Sensor Switching Speed
In this animated object, learners study what happens if the maximum switching speed of a proximity sensor is exceeded.
How to Reset a Counter
By Terry Bartelt, Tom Yapp
In this animated object, learners examine the proper way to reset a counter instruction in a programmable controller.
Manual Control of a Reciprocation Circuit
This animated lesson shows how pushing a start or stop button on a ladder circuit causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Armature Reaction
By Terry Bartelt, Terry Fleischman
In this animated activity, learners study how the magnetic field of an armature can distort the DC motor's main magnetic field. A brief quiz completes the object.
The Counter-Reset Function
Learners examine the counter-reset function of a programmable controller and how it is used.
PID Control (Screencast)
Learners examine an animated motion-controlled robotic arm and observe the operation of a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control that makes movements quickly without overshooting or having a steady-state error. This activity has audio content.
Optical Encoder Classifications
In this animated object, learners examine the two types of optical encoders used in automation applications: incremental and absolute. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Single-Phase Motors: Introduction to Phase-Splitting
Learners will understand how the interaction of the armature magnetic field and the rotating stator field cause the rotor of a single-phase AC motor to turn.
The Kelvin Temperature Scale
By Terry Bartelt, Pravina Shah
In this animated object, learners examine why and when the Kelvin scale is used. A brief quiz completes the activity.
The Firing Circuit of a DC Drive
In this animated activity, learners examine the firing circuits in a DC variable speed drive. The circuits cause the current flow through the armature and rpm to vary. This activity has audio content.
Pressure-Controlled Sequencing Circuit
This animated lesson shows how a pressure switch connected in a ladder circuit causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Ratio Control
In this animated object, learners examine the ratio control method used in automation when two or more ingredients are mixed. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Slow PLC Scan Time
In this animated object, learners study the problems that develop if the scan time of a PLC is too slow.
Acceleration and Deceleration Adjustments
In this animated activity, learners examine the circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that causes the motor to accelerate or decelerate at slow rates. This learning object has audio content.
Linear Displacement Transducer
Learners examine how a linear displacement transducer is used to measure the linear position of a physical object. Animations show the sequential steps of the entire operation.
Applying the Motor Voltage
In this animated lesson, learners examine the rectifier circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that supplies the voltages to the field coil and armature.
Standard Transmission Signals
Learners examine animations of the most common transmission signals used in automated systems, such as 4 mA to 20 mA, 3 psi to 15 psi, and 0 to 10 volts. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Hydraulic Reservoirs
By Terry Bartelt, Stephen Schneider
In this colorful and animated activity, learners examine the four functions provided by a hydraulic reservoir. A brief quiz completes the learning object.