Danaher Industrial Controls Announces '+' Series Controllers with Remote Setpoint Capability.

CHICAGO -- Next Generation Technology Enables Engineers to Improve Control Performance and Lower Inventory Costs

Danaher Industrial Controls Group (NYSE:DHR) (DICG) announces the '+' (Plus) Series, a next-generation family of industrial controllers that takes flexibility and ease of use to new levels. With the addition of several new features, an easy to use programming interface and a "plug and play" options format designed to reduce customer inventories, the '+' series significantly reduces the installed cost of DIN temperature controllers. The new line includes 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 DIN size models sold under DICG's recognized West and Partlow brands. The latest controller technology enables design and control engineers to improve temperature and process control, and reduce inventory.

For High Resolution Image: http://www.ggcomm.com/DHR_Images/Series+.JPG 

The new controllers give engineers more flexible control over processes by providing dual setpoints that can be selected from a remote location. Normally considered a high-end feature, remote setpoint capability is unusual in value priced, smaller size controllers.

The Partlow and West brands have long been leaders in the single-loop microprocessor-based temperature controller market. Uses for the '+' Series include temperature control in plastics extrusion, thermal forming, industrial and lab ovens and furnaces, plus many other diverse discrete and process applications.

New Remote Setpoint Improves Control

A major enhancement over previous DICG 1/16 DIN controllers is a new feature that enables the controller setpoint to be changed remotely. Remote setpoint is useful in a wide variety of applications. Using this feature, a heat pump can be made to operate in two stages, with a different setpoint for each stage. In a paint booth, remote setpoint may used to adjust the setpoint based on relative humidity. Another example is a production line, where the setpoint can be changed to accommodate changes in setup to manufacture different products.

Each "+' Series controller has a communications port that can receive setpoint changes from a remote operator, PLC, or factory control software. The remote setpoint input can be an analog voltage or current or potentiometer setting. In addition, the user can toggle between auto and manual control by a remote digital command or from the front panel.

Smaller Size

The '+' controllers are DICG's response to a trend toward more functionality in a smaller package, without increasing cost. DICG is among the few suppliers offering the remote setpoint feature in a tiny 1/16 DIN controller (48 x 48 mm). The 1/16 DIN model is half the size and cost of some 1/8 DIN controllers having equal capability. This was accomplished by basing the design on opto-ASIC electronics that enable more features in less space.

Lower Installed Cost

The new series provides temperature and process control at a lower installed cost than other controllers with comparable features in their class. Some suppliers require the user to stock different controllers for each type of input (thermocouple, RTD, DC linear.) By comparison, the '+' Series accepts universal inputs, minimizing stocking requirements.

In addition, users may customize the controllers for a variety of applications using optional plug-in modules for outputs, inputs, alarms, and communications. This will appeal to companies that, until now, have had to stock a wide range of controllers. With the '+' Series, companies keep only one type of controller in stock and adapt it for each application as required. The user pays only for the options needed.

Sophisticated Control

DICG's '+' Series provides sophisticated PID control of processes, including pre-tuning and self-tuning. Pre-tune is used on startup and is a one-step tuning algorithm designed to get to setpoint fast. Self-tune - also called adaptive or continuous tuning - is engaged near setpoint to control overshoot and continues to operate as needed thereafter. The controllers can also provide simple on/off control, heat-only mode, and heat/cool mode.

Up to three outputs are available, programmable for control, alarm, transmitter power supply, or retransmission of a process value or setpoint. Alarms can be high/low, deviation, band, or logical. Sensor break detection is also provided.

A new feature on the 1/8 and 1/4 DIN '+' Series controllers is a transmitter power supply option.

Simple to Use

The '+' Series controllers are the only controllers in their class that provide for the auto-detection of hardware modules, and unlike some controllers they require no link jumpers. These combined features alone are estimated to reduce setup time and decrease the risk of setup mistakes by as much as 50 percent. The auto-detection feature is particularly helpful to systems integrators and distributors who do lots of controller setups, and to end-users upgrading in the field. Because the controllers automatically configure themselves as soon as output cards are fitted, users save valuable engineering time.

A simple keypad on the face of each controller provides for fast, easy setup and program changes. Alternatively, the operator may use an intuitive Windows(R)-based configuration software that steps the user through the setup process. A communications port is dedicated to this purpose (RS-485, Modbus(R), ASCII protocols.) A security code can be also be used for tamper-proofing to lock out unauthorized operator changes to the controller.

Another benefit of the '+' Series platform is a fully customizable operator menu. Using the PC configurator the 'operator menu' can be tailored to the application - displaying only the amount of information needed thereby preventing operator "information overload". Compared to DICG's earlier models, the overall HMI (Human Machine Interface) has also been improved, its larger digits easier to read with the ability to select at point of ordering between red and green displays.

Finally, installation is also simplified by a wide choice of power supply options: 100 to 240V AC (standard) with optional 24V DC (22 to 65V / 20 to 48V AC).

Price and Availability

The 1/16 DIN West brand and Partlow brand '+' Series controllers are available from stock; the 1/4 and 1/8 DIN '+' Series controllers are available two weeks ARO starting August 1, 2004. Price varies with the options and output modules ordered.

Model 1160+ (1/16 DIN) $245 to $459

Model 1800+ (1/8 DIN) $346 to $956

Model 1400+ (1/4 DIN) $367 to $977

About Danaher Industrial Controls

Danaher Industrial Controls Group, a division of Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR), designs, manufacturers and markets a wide variety of controllers, recorders, encoders, counters, motion controls and timing products worldwide under the recognized global brands of Dynapar(TM), NorthStar(TM), and Hengstler(TM) brand encoders, Harowe(TM) brand resolvers, Veeder-Root(TM) brand counters, Partlow(TM) controllers and recorders, West(TM) controllers, and Eagle Signal(TM) brand timers. For more information contact your nearest DICG distributor or DICG headquarters at 1675 Delany Road, Gurnee, IL 60031. Phone: [phone] or +1.847.662.2666; FAX: [phone]. Website: www.dancon.com. Related links: www.westinstruments.com and www.partlow.com.

+ Series, P1160+, P1800+, P1400+, 4100+, 6100+, 8100+, Partlow, West, Harowe, Dynapar, NorthStar, Veeder-Root and Eagle Signal brands are trademarks of Danaher Industrial Controls Group, the Danaher Corporation, and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Windows(R) is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Modbus(R) is a registered trademark of Schneider.