Year: 2018

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Thrive at Christmas

Thrive

As a regular donator and supporter of Thrive, a local gardening charity, we are thrilled to be able to give you a brief update on what they have achieved over the past year.

Thrive uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable.

During 2018, with the support of donations, Thrive has delivered nationally a whopping 10,000 gardening sessions, assisted 3,000 people with inquiries about Social and Therapeutic Horticulture and trained more than 500 people who attended their courses. Quite an achievement!

Our local Thrive at Reading

At Thrive Reading they have a magnificent Christmas tree donated by Notcutts Garden Centre near Oxford which the clients enjoyed decorating to help celebrate the festive period. Apparently preparations are well underway for the highlight of the year: the Christmas party!

If you are interested in donating and want to help Thrive continue to help more people then it is not too late to bag yourself some splendid Thrive Christmas cards!

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Generating Waveforms

ORX665

If you need to generate electrical waveforms an essential piece of electronic test equipment for your bench is the Analogue Waveform Generator or the more advanced Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG). The waveforms produced can be either repetitive or single-shot and injected into a device under test, confirming the proper operation of the device or pinpointing a fault.

Analogue Function GeneratorsBK4011A

Analogue Function Generators are perfect for generating waveforms especially common waveforms such as the sine wave, square wave, triangular wave and saw tooth shapes. Function generators are heavily used in the development, test and repair of electronic equipment. For example, they may be used as a signal source to test amplifiers or to introduce an error signal into a control loop.

Pulse Generators

Function generators are primarily used for working with analogue circuits, whereas related pulse generators are primarily used for working with digital circuits.

Arbitrary Waveform Generatorswaveform generator

More advanced function generators are called arbitrary waveform generators (AWG). They use direct digital synthesis (DDS) techniques to generate any waveform that can be described by a table of amplitudes. Some AWG’s also operate as conventional function generators and can generate standard waveforms such as sine, square, ramp, triangle, noise and pulse.

 

Here at Metrix we have a range of high quality devices for generating waveforms of all shapes, sizes and frequencies. Test equipment to satisfy all your waveform generating needs from BK Precision, OR-X and Sefram.

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Getting Your Message Out There!

If you are looking for a simple outdoor alphanumeric display then look no further than the UPWT series.

Straight forward to use and “outdoor ready”, these displays offer a fixed format and simple to control. Get your message displayed in an assortment of colours and highly visible in all weather conditions.

Whether you want to display available car park spaces, wait times, load capacity, weights or any other content there is a UPWT display for you.

Interfaces used vary from device to device but content can easily be transmitted to the device over Ethernet, RS485, RS232, RS422 or 20mA closed loop.

It has never been simpler to get your message out there! Contact us for a quote or if you require further information.

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Ingress Protection Rating – in brief

Whether your meter is wall mounted or panel mounted, the enclosure it is contained within will have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

IP (or “Ingress Protection”) ratings are defined in international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). They are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies (tools, dirt etc) and moisture.

Each protection rating (IPsl) can tell you about the solid particle protection – s, and the liquid particle protection, l.

Protect from dust

For example if the meter you require states it has an IP54 rating then it is “Dust Tight” – s=5 and protection against splashing water – l=4.

If you are wishing to mount your display outdoors then you will require at least IP65.

Microsyst offer displays for indoor (IP54 or below) and outdoor (IP65) so rest assured we have a display for your environment.

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Is it hot outside?

Here in the UK we are not used to soaring temperatures and day after day of bright sunshine. However we have been enjoying some lovely weather.

Once it gets above 25°C suffice it to say it is hot!

However if the phrase “It’s Hot” does not describe accurately enough the temperatures you need to measure then maybe our range of Environmental Meters can help.BK720

BK720

The BK720 for example is a dual function meter with both a temperature sensor and humidity sensor housed in its remote wand. The sensors can be placed right where you want them and measure a temperature of up to 60°C!

Phew, now that is hot! Probably about the same temperature as the steering wheel in my car yesterday.

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Data Acquisition Solution or DAS from Sefram

Here at Metrix Electronics we have an extensive range of High Speed Data Recorders. A large selection of which belong to the DAS (Data Acquisition Solution) range from Sefram.

All with touchscreen and plenty of models to choose from offering a variety of options. Options such as paperless or thermal, handheld or bench and a number of channels ranging from 2 to 200. You are sure to find the Data Recorder of your dreams right here!

DAS 240 High Speed Data Recorder
DAS240

For Process Applications there is the DAS 240. These recorders have been designed to measure and record up to an impressive 200 analogue channels.

For the Industrial Maintenance and Servicing, the DAS 30/ DAS 50/ DAS 60 family will fulfil your needs for voltage, current, frequency measurement and recording.

For Recording Specialists, the paper-free ranges DAS 800, DAS 801, DAS 1600, offer you not only more effective recordings but also data entry and processing technology. On top of all that an interface which make the devices interconnective. Available with or without fan depending on your environment.

For all measurement campaigns which require paper printing, the 8460 series is available with a paper width of 270mm and a printing speed of up to 200mm/s.

DAS 8460
8460

So it seems Sefram have every base covered for your High Speed Data Recording needs. With years of innovation leading to technical perfection and simplicity of use.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding these Data Recorders. We are always happy to hear from you and will endeavour to answer any questions or quote requirements with our usual technical expertise and efficiency.

 

 

 

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Multicon CMC 3 : Multilog SRD 2

Football is taking over our lives but this post is all about Data Recorders!

    

Data recorders are electronic devices which record data due to built-in or external sensors.

At Metrix we have an incredible 5 Data Recorders we would like to tell you about. What a result!

All from Simex, three Multicon, Compact Multichannel Controllers (CMC), and two Multilog, a device, which records and display current values.

The process of controlling industrial processes is not based solely on control systems, but also on comprehensive recording and controlling of the course of such processes, as required for any subsequent verification of their correctness. The most common requirement is for a multi-channel (e.g. 8-channel) recording of the typical signals used by automatic equipment (0/4-20 mA current signals) over a set period, usually not exceeding a month.

Multicon CMC-141 Multicon

MultiCon line devices (CMC-99, CMC-141 and CMC-N16) are advanced controllers with capability of measurement and data recording, closed in one compact case. They have been designed for both advanced and less demanding applications in industrial automatic control engineering.

They feature a colour TFT display with a touch screen (CMC-99/CMC-N16 has 3.5inch and CMC-141 has 5.7 inch).

Such a GUI is a pleasure to work with, and the operation of the MutiCon playing the HMI role is intuitive and comfortable. The kernel of the software is LINUX operating system, which ensures stable operation and enables installing advanced software.

The CMC-N16 is the wall-mount version whilst the CMC-99 and CMC-141 are both panel mount.

Multilog SRD-99 Multilog

Multilog SRD-99 and SRD-N16 are devices which record and display current values as well as to present technological parameters in the form of graphs.

They feature a 2.9inch LCD display backlit in amber of white, 1, 4 or 8 universal data inputs with various methods of data presentation and with a recording period of up to 60 minutes.

The SRD-N16 is the wall-mount version whilst the SRD-99X is panel mount.

 

We think the Simex range of Chart Recorders are a definite WINNER!

 

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Panel Meters and Bar Graph Panel Meters

Here at Metrix Electronics we do like panel meters. In fact we like them so much, digital panel meters are actually one of our most extensive ranges. With more than 62 listed on our website we like to think ourselves experts in the subject.

What sizes do they come in?

They come in a huge variety with case dimensions from 48x24mm all the way up to a colossal 748x229mm with LED displays showing 3, 4, 5 or 6 digits.

The largest is the OC125 which has impressive 125mm high digits. Itis ideal for large warehouse industrial applications as this size of digits can be clearly seen at up to 50m away.

An example of the more compact display is the Simex SWS-94 and at 72x48mm has the option to display 4 digits 13mm high or 6 digits 9mm high.SWS-94

What can they display?

A majority are can act as both and indicator and controller or you can opt for just the indicator.

Some products like the OC125 are universal and with careful selection of options at time of purchase can be used as an ammeter, flow meter, pulse counter, serial data meter, tachometer, temperature meter or voltmeter.

Others, like the SWS-94, are designed to display measurement data sent from a master device and often used in a synoptic system. In this scenario it would allow the user to view a large number of similar measurements quickly and simply.

Do Panel Meters only display numeric or alphanumeric characters?

Panel Meters are often used to display numbers or letters but we have another range of bar graph displays which can display your data in a bar graph format.

These displays can also have a digit display as well to clarify data but are often used as a monitor type display where exact values aren’t as important as the limits or ranges of values achieved. Take a look at our case study which shows an excellent example.

 

This is just a small introduction to Metrix panel meters. For more details feel free to check out our website, drop us a line or give us a call.

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NEW to the Metrix Shop

OC7060

Just arrived at the Metrix online shop is the OC7060 Data Monitor from Orbit Controls.

Here at Metrix we are excited and pleased to announce a new panel-mount Data Monitor/Controller.

OC7060 Meter/Controller

The OC7060 can boast a programmable 6-digit display, serial input, 24VDC or 230VAC supply and easy access front panel buttons for setting parameters. All at a price you can afford!

Directly connect via serial port (RS232 or RS485) and view your data as it happens!

So excited are we that all the product details are not yet on the website but we just wanted to talk about it! If you want to talk about it too and have any questions then give us a call.

The OC7060 will soon join the rest of our digital panel meters so watch this space!

UPDATE: It’s Here! See the full product details for the OC7060.

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New Series of Oscilloscopes from BK Precision

BK2563

Great News!

B&K Precision have announced the launch of the new BK2560 Series Digital Storage and Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes.

This series includes 12 models, each with a specification to suit every application.

This performance oscilloscope series features bandwidth up to 300 MHz, 2 and 4-channel configurations, a maximum 2 GSa/s sample rate, a high waveform update rate up to 140,000 wfms/s and a maximum memory depth of 140 Mpts.

The user interface features an 8″ high resolution TFT-LCD display that allows users to see more of their signals more of the time. In addition, the front panel is equipped with a comprehensive set of oscilloscope controls including advanced trigger keys, serial decoding keys and an Auto setup key.

All models are equipped with standard LAN and USBTMC-compliant USB device ports that allow users to program and control the oscilloscopes remotely.

Digital Storage Oscilloscopes

BK2563 70 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Digital Storage Oscilloscope
BK2565 100 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Digital Storage Oscilloscope
BK2566 200 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 2 Ch Digital Storage Oscilloscope
BK2567 200 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Digital Storage Oscilloscope
BK2568 300 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 2 Ch Digital Storage Oscilloscope
BK2569 300 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes

BK2563-MSO 70 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
BK2565-MSO 100 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
BK2566-MSO 200 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 2 Ch Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
BK2567-MSO 200 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
BK2568-MSO 300 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 2 Ch Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
BK2569-MSO 300 MHz, 2 GSa/s, 4 Ch Mixed Signal Oscilloscope

Have a look at the BK2560 series in our shop.

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Thrive Beech Hill open gardens 13th April

Thrive, the gardening charity, is having an open gardens day at its Beech Hill location – not far from the Metrix HQ.

There will be garden tours, plants and produce for sale as well as home made cakes and refreshments to purchase.

Dates for your diary – open gardens

Open Gardens, Thrive, Beech Hill, 2pm – 4pm. Entrance by donation
Friday April 13
Tuesday July 31
Wednesday August 22
Monday September 17
Click here for more details