Start with the news release Distribution system slashes installation time from Contrinex UK, which we summarised at the time by saying “Contrinex distribution boxes provide interconnection between sensors and control units by means of a range of quick-lock cable connectors and different sized distribution boxes”. A couple of weeks before, we featured the news release Curtains protect fingers, hands and bodies from TR Electronic: “The Lightbarrier series of safety light curtains conform to IEC61496-1 and IEC61496-2 standards and are classified as Type 4 safety according to EN954-1″.

In January 2008, we covered the news from Endevco concerning its Endevco model 4999 filter signal conditioner - take a look at Signal conditioner eliminates ground loops which says: “The model 4999 low-pass filter signal conditioner measures at less than 15uV for high accuracy with low-level vibration signals for any data acquisition system”.

UK distributor Switchtec has launched a range of fully sealed audible alarms suitable for use in industrial environments. Various sound options are available including constant, sweeping and pulsating tones. Power consumption is low, and the units are designed to operate from a 12 to 250V AC or DC supply, depending on model.

The 04 Series is particularly suitable for use in noisy environments, as it has a loud output of 104dB at a distance of 1m.

Furthermore, the unit has a wide operating range from -40 to +80C.

Frequency range of the tones is from 2.4 to 2.9kHz - in the middle of the human hearing spectrum where the ear is most sensitive.

Featuring a sealed construction to IP65 and an operating range from -30 to +60C, the Sonartone Series is ideal for use in harsh environments.

With no moving parts and solid-state circuitry, Sonartone is a highly reliable sounder.

The unit generates no RF noise or electrical interference, meaning that it can be mounted near to sensitive equipment.

Particularly useful during installation, the DC units will not be damaged by accidental reverse voltages under 28V.

Measuring 50mm diameter for the 04 Series and 43mm for the Sonartone range, both units can be either front of panel or base mounted as required.

International Safety Components (ISC) is a world-renowned UK company, specialising in the design, development and manufacture of innovatively engineered components and other ’solutions in metal’. Included in its product portfolio is a range of equipment for the motor racing industry. This comprises specialist quick release buckles for 5-point safety harnesses used in Formula Racing and Air Sea Rescue.

‘All our products are manufactured on site here in Wales’ says the Despatch Manager at the Bangor factory: ‘Our modern factory has a CNC machine shop, aluminium foundry and metal finishing facility.

Because the products we produce are vital pieces of safety equipment, it is imperative that they are manufactured to the highest possible standards and this is what we achieve’.

However, although packaged securely, ISC found that when the anodised aluminium buckles arrived at their destination, they were scratched and dented.

‘It was giving us and our customers a real headache’ explains ISC: ‘The level of returns was unacceptable, yet we knew that they left our factory in A1 condition’.

It was at this point the company contacted Lamerholm, supplier of the ShockWatch range of damage deterrent labels.

ShockWatch Impact Indicators are an innovative solution that can help companies’ track whether consignments are being exposed to excessively rough handling or sudden, damaging impacts.

The labels are self-adhesive and highly visible, manufactured with a unique, patented system that shows when a package has been subjected to a force over and above normal movement or roadshock.

ShockWatch devices contain a tube filled with red liquid held in suspension.

When the device is subjected to an impact exceeding a specified G-level, the shock disrupts the surface tension of the liquid, releasing the highly visible red dye into the length of the tube.

This creates a permanent and immediate indication of mishandling.

Once activated, the device cannot be reset.

‘Once we started using the ShockWatch labels we saw the number of returns reduce dramatically.

Out of over 750 shipments per month, we now only see a handful of products come back damaged.

The ShockWatch labels have been an ideal damaged deterrent.

In fact, we have started using them when we ship our machinery for repairs or calibration.

That way, we know they will be safely handled and can ensure we are up and running as quickly as possible’.

Start with the news release Audio analyser puts microphones to the test from Prism Sound, which we summarised at the time by saying “SoundField uses the dScope III audio analyser with the latest software release as part of its test and manufacturing procedures”. A couple of weeks before, we featured the news release Codecs upgrade PC audio fidelity from IDT: “Audio codecs offer unprecedented levels of power efficiency for both desktop and notebook applications”.

In November 2007, we covered the news from P2i concerning its Ion-mask - take a look at Military technology provides moisture protection which says: “Ion-mask enhancement provides manufacturers with a 21st century solution to waterproofing electrical items and componentry”.

Start with the news release Distribution system slashes installation time from Contrinex UK, which we summarised at the time by saying “Contrinex distribution boxes provide interconnection between sensors and control units by means of a range of quick-lock cable connectors and different sized distribution boxes”. A couple of weeks before, we featured the news release Curtains protect fingers, hands and bodies from TR Electronic: “The Lightbarrier series of safety light curtains conform to IEC61496-1 and IEC61496-2 standards and are classified as Type 4 safety according to EN954-1″.

In January 2008, we covered the news from Endevco concerning its Endevco model 4999 filter signal conditioner - take a look at Signal conditioner eliminates ground loops which says: “The model 4999 low-pass filter signal conditioner measures at less than 15uV for high accuracy with low-level vibration signals for any data acquisition system”

Acal Radiatron has signed a distribution agreement with Dialight Corp, and will provide technical support for its advanced range of LED-based indicators, light pipes and lamp replacements

‘This new capability gives our customers more ways to differentiate their products from their competition’, commented Simon Thornton, Business Manager at Acal Radiatron, ‘whether it is the superior appearance and ease of assembly of light pipes, or a low power, long life ruggedised light assembly for transport, marine or military applications’.

Acal Radiatron will support the full range of standard parts, as well as offering trained engineers to assist in custom designs for both electronics and transport markets.

Dialight has been a pioneer in packaging LED technology to meet demanding applications since the early 1970s, developing a wide range of through-board, SMT and panel indicators, light pipes and assemblies.

It has also harnessed its vertically integrated design and manufacturing expertise to develop custom solutions for tough applications, especially for the transport market.

Dialight already has the largest installed base of LED-based traffic lights in the world, saving millions of dollars in energy and maintenance costs, and their LED signal and marker lights often outlast the heavy-duty vehicles to which they are fitted.

Recent products include: white light filament lamp replacements, featuring longer life, lower power requirements and better shock and vibration resistance than traditional incandescent lights; special light pipe designs to conveniently bridge the gap and provide ESD protection between PCB-mounted indicators and custom enclosures; and an LED PAR46 round red marker light for rail applications.

Bringing relevant experience to the role, Andrew Shelley has been hired by specialist distributor Switchtec

Formerly with Finder (relays) - a brand that Switchtec distributes - Shelley now brings his product and technical knowledge to Switchtec. Operating in the role of Area Sales Manager (East Midlands) Shelley will be expanding Switchtec’s customer base, following up inquiries and maintaining product and commercial support with existing clients.

He previously worked in the same geographical area, and in a similar role for Finder.

Based in Stone, 31 year old Shelley is well situated to work his area and also very near to Switchtec’s premises in the same town.

A new range of piezoceramic speakers features a flat construction that allows them to be used in applications where in the past space was a problem

The SPS series is based on a sandwich construction of a specially shaped piezo disk and a composite polymer membrane. The complex polymer membrane reduces resonance peaks and converts energy into a damped frequency response curve with low distortion. High sound quality and low distortion guarantee good reproduction of both music and speech.

Applications for the product include door entry systems, onboard public address systems in trains and buses, vending machines and nurse call systems.

Sonartone sounders from Switchtec now have a volume control baffle as standard, making them useable in a wider range of applications

The baffle is adjusted simply in much the same way as a standard telephone sounder baffle, enabling the units to be used in applications where a lower level, or adjustable audible warning signal is required. The sounders are designed to give an audible warning that is higher than the prevailing ambient noise level, thus providing an audible signal for safety or indication purposes.

Such applications include safety, security, machine building, process plant, vehicles/automotive, marine and so on.

Aimed at panel builders and OEMs, the solid-state sounders consume low power - generally in the region of 3 to 18mA at the rated operating voltage.

The devices will operate over a wide temperature range of -30 to +60C, and are completely sealed, making them suitable for use in hostile environments.

For long life and reliability, the sounders have no moving parts, and as such also generate no RF noise as there is no arching or electrical interference generated.

An overvoltage of up to 15% above rated voltage will not damage the sounder and accidental reverse voltage up to 28V DC for less than 1min will similarly not result in damage.

Measuring just 43mm in diameter, the devices produce a mighty 80-95dB at 1m, at a frequency of 2.9kHz.

Different tones are available covering constant, pulsating, slow pulsating, dual constant/pulsating, and dual constant/slow pulse.

Exhibiting versatility, AC or DC models are available up to 250V AC and 28V DC.

Connections are via plated brass push-on terminals, which also have screws fitted for alternative fixing if required.

The versatile Sonartone sounders range from Switchtec is very competitively priced, and offers a wide range of units for many applications.

Dubilier has a new series of sounders and buzzers for quality-critical applications such as smoke alarms, portable alarms and special needs equipment

Products within the new family include: basic mechanical devices together with dynamic and electromagnetic transducers and piezoceramic transducers. Electromagnetic devices are available with sound outputs up to 92dB at 10cm and have an operating voltage of 1.0-15V. Piezoceramic varieties have a sound output up to 105dB at 10cm and an operating voltage from 1.0 to 30V.

Dubilier’s range includes devices that are sealed for the wave solder and wash process, as well as the reflow process.

Models are available with top sound ports as standard, in both through-hole and surface mount varieties, and come in a variety of different sizes to help meet all design parameters.

Commenting on the introduction of the new range, Graham Stewart, Sales and Marketing Manager at Dubilier, said: ‘We are constantly looking to add new products to our range to support our customer’s growing requirements.

This range of buzzers and sounders complements our other e-mech products and we are looking forward to the new business opportunities that it will bring’.