Slightly Sensible - B&B Insider

Extend Ethernet Connections up to 1.6 miles!

Save Time, Money, and Hassle of Re-Cabling!

Elinx^TM Ethernet Extenders, EIS-EXTEND-C, are used in pairs to extend Ethernet connections up to 8,530 ft (1.6 miles) over existing coaxial cable. These extenders are ideal for converting existing analog video surveillance systems to digital Ethernet cameras.

FEATURES:

• One 10/100BaseTX (TX) Ethernet port with RJ-45 connector
• Auto negotiation of speed and duplex mode on TX port
• Auto MDIX on Ethernet port
• Extender port connector: BNC or F style
• Speeds up to 85 Mbps over coaxial cable
• One DIP switch configures each unit for either local mode or remote mode
• Used as a stand-alone device or with a 19" rack chassis
• Hot-swappable when used in 19" rack chassis

Learn more

We Promise You'll Like this Control Freak

 

The new iCube capitalizes on condensing traditional control components into a single, compact unit which: Reduces manufacturing costs Reduces overall power consumption of the control solutions Reduces application development time This all-in-one control system offers the benefit of a full PLC - all the timers, math and complex functions as most standard PLCs - combined with PID, temperature and process control, on-board I/O, and expandability. The iCube is tightly integrated and well suited for small machine applications. In addition, developed programs are easily transferable and scalable between all three iCube models.

FEATURES:

3 solutions in one (HMI, PLC, and open bus connectivity) GSM modem for SMS/Data or Ethernet (options) 3 built-in I/O options 2 communication ports RS232/RS485 20+ Protocols (Modbus, AB DF1, Mitsubishi, GE Fanuc, etc.) Micro SD up to 2GB for data logging or program backup Class 1 Division 2 , IP65 (NEMA4) CE, cUL, UL Configuration software included Learn More Buy Now

 

This Serial Converter Puts All Others to Shame

 

Electrical substations are electrically extreme environments. Products installed in those environments are exposed to extreme electromagnetic fields and surges, and the requirement is not only for the products to survive, but to function without as much as a flipped bit.

We had electrical substations in mind when we designed our new Ilinx^TM Hardened Serial Converter family - passing rigorous industry specifications including IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613. Whether you're designing an electrical substation or any other harsh environment you can bet these converters will operate reliably no matter what you throw at them.

Features: 15 KV ESD 10 V/m Radiated RFI  -40 to 85C° Operating Temperature  2g Shock, 30g Vibration 2KV Isolation 2KV Surge

 

Communications Babylon and Billy Mays

Dear Reader:

In the last two weeks I've spoken with engineers in Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Central America and Arkansas. Lips flapped and ears received, but in every case I can't say that we were communicating effectively. The world may indeed be flat, it's certainly easier than ever to talk with people around the globe, but yeesh - is it hard to really communicate. Here we are in 2010 and communications inefficiency and confusion still reign.

It's wholly illogical that there are thousands of active languages. But it's hard to undo thousands of years of culture and evolution. The left half of my brain accepts that easily, all the while right half imagining what a different world it would be if everyone could communicate easily.

And as ineffective as human language is, you haven't seen Babylon until you've looked at machine level communications. You could learn Mandarin before you'd get a Profibus drive communicating with an Ethernet/IP controller. And it didn't take us eons to generate this chaos - the industry managed to muck this one up in just a few short decades. Throughout the short history of device communications the only surefire way to avoid your own tower of Babel scenario was the rather distasteful prospect of buying every piece of hardware from a single manufacture. And even that would only narrow the number of languages down, maybe to a dozen, still leaving you with your back against the wall more often than you care to think about.

So what are you to do about it? I have good news to report on three fronts (and I'm a bit giddy about the third one if you want to read ahead).

First, the uber-automation companies have gotten the message and there is beginning to be convergence of protocols, perhaps towards a couple dozen popular protocols instead of hundreds. Progress, but doesn't change the fact that there are millions of devices in service, and that we'll never achieve one common language.

The second weapon in your arsenal is our ol' friend Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP. Virtually every manufacturer has had their arm twisted into offering this ubiquitous protocol as a 2nd language - and I've already introduced you to our Vlinx Modbus Gateway that solves the communications conundrums that Modbus leaves you with such as ASCII, RTU and TCP conversion, mismatched baud rates, address conflicts and more.

View Vlinx Modbus Gateway

But what if Modbus isn't on the menu? I've got a new solution.

We've added a "Fieldbus Gateway" to our Vlinx family of conversion products. What exactly is a fieldbus gateway? It's a powerful blue box with three major tricks up its sleeve. In fact, it has so many applications that I can't help but visualize the late pitchman Billy Mays forgoing OxiClean to amp up the Vlinx VFG.

First, it's a protocol translator. It has a library of over one hundred (and growing) different industrial protocols and will let you connect most any mismatched device together, particularly bringing any fieldbus protocol over to any Ethernet based protocol. Bring critical data from controller brand X to HMI brand Y. You name it - if you have still have islands of automation that you'd like to integrate, the translation function of the Vlinx Fieldbus Gateway will make it happen.

Then Billy Mays would have boomed, "But wait, there's more!"

Vlinx Fieldbus Gateway is also a smart datalogger. It will store data - a lot of data - a gargantuan amount if you add in an SD memory card. And it doesn't just store it - you can set it up to email and ftp you, and send email alarms or even text messages when that data goes outside of limits that you set.

"But that's not all!" Billy would bellow - the embedded web server provides a window into your system - allowing you to build a graphical view into your data that you can reach remotely, right from your web browser. You can setup amazing graphing and trending screens to rival any HMI, with complete remote access.

Powerful stuff to be sure. And while you can't have one for three easy payments of $19.95, it's an amazingly affordable solution to your own tower of Babel.

View Vlinx Fieldbus Gateway

Happy Connections,

Mike Fahrion
e-support@bb-elec.com
815-433-5100

Convert 100s of protocols in minutes with the New Vlinx™ Fieldbus Gateway

 

Get All Your Devices on the Same Page Regardless of Protocol ... with the New Vlinx^TM Fieldbus Gateway 

• Multiple protocol conversion for total system integration
• IT-ready data logging for process tracking and improvement
• Remote asset management via built-in web server
• Reduce downtime with e-mail and SMS alarms

It's all here! Fieldbus gateway. Protocol conversion. Ethernet gateway. IT-ready data logging. Vlinx Fieldbus Gateway is the one-box solution for protocol conversion, bridging the communication gap between serial-only, fieldbus, and Ethernet devices - unlocking information from PLCs, drives, motion controllers, and more. Vlinx Fieldbus Gateway Manager free configuration software, with drag-and-drop register mapping, lets a Siemens® PLC communicate with an Allen Bradley® drive in seconds. Built-in Ethernet gateway network-enables serial or fieldbus machines onto a communication backbone in minutes and converts your old PLC's and drive'sproprietary protocol into a single, modern, open standard

And, there's more. Use the integrated web-server for secure, real-time remote monitoring, control and troubleshooting from any web-enabled PC, PDA or phone. Create a web-based HMI depiction of machines or processes with included 5000+ image graphics package. Collect and display data, store it for evaluation, or trigger PLC functions live or remotely. Add port logged "IT-ready" trending data to web pages, email, FTP sites, or other applications. Receive alarms or event notifications remotely via email or SMS text.

B&B Electronics Achieves High Level ISO 9001:2008 Certification

"We are pleased to earn the ISO designation," states Don Wiencek, president and CEO of B&B Electronics. "ISO 9001:2008 is a significant achievement in our journey to being a key manufacturer and supplier of industrial automation and device networking solutions. Successful ISO 9001:2008 registration reinforces the company's focus and commitment to customer satisfaction and dedication to supplying the rugged and reliable products that our customers have come to expect."

Read the entire press release.

New! Affordable protection for your USB ports!

New compact USB Isolators, starting at $99, make protecting and isolating your USB ports affordable!

This tiny isolator packs a powerful punch against electrical noises, surges and spikes - protecting expensive PCs and equipment from damaging electrical storms, power surges and other high EMI/RFI disturbances. Isolation barrier eliminates disruptive ground loops in measurement applications. Up to 100mA of current to attached downstream devices. LED indicates power supplied via upstream USB port. Complies with USB 1.1 standard and transfer data at 12Mbps.

• Meets EN60601 Specification -
  Strong enough for industrial, hospital, medical applications
• Up to 4kV isolation, 8kV contact, 15kV air ESD -
  Ensures high reliability, protects equipment
• High retention USB connectors -
  Solid connections that won't pull lose easily
• Connectors: Type B-Upstream, Type A-Downstream -
  In-line fit into existing applications
• Ultra compact -
  Easily fits into available space (2.0 x 1.7 x 0.8 inches)
• Includes 1 meter, Type A to B USB cable -
  No additional accessories required
• Operating temperature -40 to 80°C -  
  Adaptable to a wide range of applications
• USB bus powered -
  No need for external power

 

Farewell to the Aughts

Dear Reader:

The 2000's, or the Aughts if you will, are over. An entire decade zipped right by - and what a decade it was!

Remember Y2K? Seems like a quaint concern now doesn't it?  It's almost symbolic of the "digital decade" of the 1990s - Y2K was about the biggest thing we could find to work ourselves into a tizzy.

Since then we've had 9/11, two wars, hanging chads, Google-ization, Katrina, a fierce tsunami, Climate Change®, and the Great Recession.

The Aughts were quite an ordeal. We just wrapped up the most difficult decade of our careers.  And it shook us up. I doubt there is an irrationally exuberant bone left in your body. You're worried about your 401k and what your kids will need to do to meet or beat your standard of living.

It's time to get over it.

It's been tough, but it's over. And don't believe for a second that opportunities don't exist, for us or for our offspring.

There will always be successful people.

Take three steps back. Take two deep breaths. Now congratulate yourself. Survival of the Aughts was a notable feat.  Now it's time to saddle up and make things happen for yourself, for your family and for your career.

Don't let the lingering haze of the Aughts cloud your vision. Technology continues to develop at a phenomenal pace opening new doors for pioneers and leaving a path of opportunities in its wake for anyone with vision and unrelenting dedication.
On your journey you will pass many who plod along, one foot in front of the other, staring down only at the sidewalk in front of them as they bemoan their IRA, or some other excuse not to achieve their potential. Don't let them drag you into their viper pit of discontent. You won't run into a single one of them on the sandy shores of your retirement beach house.

A few weeks ago I watched an interview of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, two men that understand success and overcoming obstacles. Buffett declared that "It's never paid to bet against America. We come through things, but it's not always a smooth ride." 
My own version would be - never bet against Engineers. You have been trained to solve problems, big and small. And you're damn good at it. Put those skills to work and you'll solve whatever problem that you elect to pursue - as long as you do it with unrelenting dedication.

Enough of my soapboxing. What am I doing?

Lots. I'll skip the personal stuff, other than to say that it's imperative that yourself and family come first, otherwise you'll never be successful.

Here at B&B I'm cranking up the beans on the new product machine.  New products not only do great things for B&B, but if I'm doing my job, they help you too.

Check your mailbox and find your brand new B&B Electronics catalog. If you haven't received yours yet, someone has already pilfered your copy. Click here to get your copy before they're gone.

Its chock full of great new products that just might help you and I kick off the Aughts with a bang.  Here are a few of my favorites.

USB is a fantastic way to make quick and easy connections. But let's face it, when the folks were developing the USB specification they were thinking about speakers, printers  and other namby pamby devices in comparison to the applications that you and I run into. When you use USB in a mobile, lab or industrial setting you have got to have isolation - USB doesn't have it. Sure B&B has had isolated USB to serial converters for ages, but what about the ever-growing list of other USB devices that are finding their way off of the desktop and into demanding applications? We now have a simple, plug it in and forget it, USB to USB isolator that easily isolates all kinds of USB devices from vicious surges and ground loops. Frankly, starting at only $99 I don't know anyone that shouldn't have one. The only question is do you need the 2000 volt or the 4000 volt model!

We just completed the most rigorous testing we've ever done for an industrial product line. Shock, vibration, humidity, intense RF and magnetic fields, 4000 volt surges, 15000 volt zaps just to name a few. All that testing was done to prove to ourselves, and to you, that we've developed our most rugged and reliable family of serial converters ever. The specs that we used were the worst case test levels from IEEE 1613 and IEC61850. Those are both specs for the construction of communications networks in electrical substations and represent some of the harshest electrical environments you'll find. So whether you're working on a smart grid project, or are in an environment where only a tough-as-nails converter will do, the new iLinx Hardened line will be just the ticket. There is a model for every application. 232 to 422/485 conversion, 485/422 isolation, 2 wire to 4 wire conversion, 232 isolation, and 232/422/485 to single or multimode fiber.

Have you ever needed to extend Ethernet into a hard to wire location - or beyond the 100 meter limit? Ethernet Extenders are a plug and play solution that allows you to extend the reach of your network using virtually any pair of unused wires. And now we've added a version that works over coaxial cable - making it easy to use that old network cable that's already lurking in your walls, or easily convert a video coax link over to Ethernet - and it works over 8000 feet!

Last summer I showed you a new mini version of our popular Ethernet to serial converters  ("Ethernet Serial Servers" if you prefer the more uppity term) - and it was a huge hit. So now we've added two new versions, a RS-422/485 version and a version that supports RS-232, 422 and 485. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to hang a serial device on your Ethernet Network you won't find a better fit!

There's more, but that's enough for this letter. Take a few minutes to thumb through the new product section of your B&B catalog to check it out for yourself!

Comments and feedback are welcome.

Happy Connections,

Mike Fahrion
e-support@bb-elec.com
815-433-5100

Products, Politics and Christmas at B&B Electronics

Dear Reader:

We're wrapping up yet another year, one that I'm sure many are happy to see fade into the sunset.  I've got just a few quick topics to wrap up before moving into a nice fresh 2010.

Business first. You heard from President Don last month about a year end sale on the most popular products. That sale is still on - until the end of the year. You'll be happy to know that it's not too late to put an industrial Ethernet managed switch or long range Zlinx Radio Modem on your Christmas list. And what engineer wouldn't enjoy a few DIN rail power supplies in their stocking?  Whether you're last minute Christmas shopping, or you've got a few bucks left in your 2009 budget, or even a January project that you'd like to save a few bucks on - get your orders in now!

The B&B Engineering elves have been busy working feverishly to unleash a bevy of new products next month. In fact, some of the elves will be writing lines of code with care in the midst of eggnog & such cheer. This November and December have been the most frantic I've ever seen for all of our engineers as they gear up for the January catalog.

Just a few teasers that I'll be diving more into next month:

If you haven't been using Ethernet Serial Servers to hang all of your standalone serial devices on your Ethernet network, it's time to poke your head out of your shell. And this large product lineup is going to grow even more in the coming weeks.

The Modbus Ethernet gateway line has been a big hit in 2009 - solving about every Modbus conversion and compatibility problem that could be thrown at it. With that success, look for new additions in that family to solve those same sorts of problems with other communications protocols.

What do you do when you need to extend your Ethernet into some remote location that blows the 100 meter limit out of the water? Our lineup of Ethernet Extenders is about to adopt a new sibling as well that will give you even more excuses to try out this first-rate problem-solver.

And even with the broadest line of serial converters and isolators on the planet, we're growing that line too. Some serious rough and tumble converter products, not to mention even more fiber conversion options will be hitting the shelves next month.

Our Zlinx line of wireless I/O and modems will be growing as well, giving you even more ways to get data whether from a sensor or a device, into your system without the expense of running wires.

Ok - let's get on with the juicy stuff.

Global Warming is a nearly irresistible magnet of a topic for me with its bizarre mix of science, politics and dollars.  I've gone out of my way to limit my rants, raves and diatribes on the topic, including Copenhagen's events this week.

But have you noticed that Global Warming has been re-branded as Climate Change? Not sure what to make of that, but I'm sure there is a marketing committee somewhere driving the transition. The entire debacle is fascinating to watch - if anyone ever writes a book called "The Science, Politics and Religion of Global Warming," I'll line up to buy a copy.

As long as I'm pushing hot buttons, at 1 AM Monday morning the Senate cleared their first hurdle in accomplishing their mission of completing a health care bill by Christmas Eve.  You can imagine the quality of that work. There's nothing scarier than political policy making with a deadline. By design, policy making must move at a snail's pace to end up with a product of value. Frankly, seeing the Senate abandon their slow and stodgy mode of operation scares me silly.

Speaking of political topics, it's a fun season to watch your inbox. All your suppliers have no doubt sent you a thoughtful holiday e-message. They all read something like; Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, even Joyful Winter Solstice, or other "Happy non-specific gift-giving-season".

Not one Merry Christmas in the bunch, not in my inbox. Virtually everyone, here in the US anyway, has been so well-schooled in political correctness and is so concerned about a potential nasty gram from an anti-Santa zealot that the word Christmas has virtually disappeared from corporate language.

Even B&B isn't immune. One of those emails in my inbox is B&B's very own holiday message. You probably saw it yourself. A striking graphic scribed with the non-offensive message - Happy Holidays.

There was some print too, about how we will be open for business and shipping every day save the 24th (that would be Christmas Eve), the 25th(eh - Christmas), and New Years day (college football, hangovers and such).

So it appears the burden here lies with me to issue the politically incorrect holiday wishes.

So here you go - every politically incorrect holiday greeting I could muster.

Eid Mubarak
Happy Pancha Ganapati
Joyous Kwanzaa
Happy (belated) Hanukkah

 and of course,
Merry Christmas!

Mike Fahrion
e-support@bb-elec.com
815-433-5100

Mike's eLetter Takeover

After years of writing this monthly letter, I've got it down to a process. Throughout the month I scribble on post-its and napkins, each one with a nugget of mental activity that I think may be worth a little slice of your time. My notes are a bit like a Twitter or Facebook page, the difference being that I actually filter them, sparing you all the pointless drivel.

As I started today's issue, I had a growing sense of trepidation as I reviewed a small stack of post-its, napkins, and voicemails from myself. The topics that tweaked me over the last few weeks are whoppers. I'm staring at a napkin covered with scribbles about government health care. I've got 4 wrinkled post-its on global warming. And those pale in comparison to the voicemail I left myself with some serious conspiracy-theory concerns about the swine flu (no, not the government - it's the pigs. Think about it...).

All intriguing topics, yet the sensible side of my brain was tallying the time required to respond to the firestorm of emails that would surely result (you see, I actually read and generally respond to all of your emails. So, unless you're particularly loony, you'll hear back from me if you take time to write).

I was just about to make the decision of whether to suffer the wrath of the Left, the Right, or the Iowa Pig Farmer's Association when I was interrupted with an in-person "request" from President Don - straight from the corner office.

Don "asked" (and we both know what it means when the company president "asks" you to do something) to take over - hijack if you will - this month's letter.

So here it is, straight from the corner office, President Don's first-ever appearance in my eLetter.

Enjoy!

Mike Fahrion
e-support@bb-elec.com
815-433-5100

---

Dear Reader:

Last weekend my wife invited me to lunch to see the giant Christmas tree at Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's) in downtown Chicago. I responded, "not yet" as I refuse to accept that the Christmas Season has begun until the day after Thanksgiving. Still, it hit me that the year is almost over. My first thought was thank goodness - what a year 2009 has been!

But I stopped myself. What kind of attitude is that? Yeah, it has been the most economically challenging year since the depression, but that's no reason to go out like a lamb. For all of those of who survived and perhaps even thrived during this challenge, we should look upon this with pride and celebrate by going out with a bang, not a whimper!

So to celebrate survival and thriving, and to thank and reward customers and prospective customers alike, I decided to do a President's End of the Year Sale. I tried to focus on products we offer that are most commonly used by you, our great customer. Products that you can take advantage of now, not ones that have a 3 to 6 month design cycle.

Products like Power Supplies and Cables where I am excited to offer 20% off between now and the end of the year.

Also, 20% off our excellent rugged Elinx Industrial Ethernet Managed Switches. Ethernet is popping up all over the Industrial world and here is a little incentive to keep that momentum going.

Need to connect some serial ports but don't have the time or money to run new cabling? How about 10% off our Zlinx Wireless Serial Modem? It is truly plug-n-play, and within minutes you have the connectivity you need and not only save 10% but the cost of the entire cable run!

What about USB connectivity? Save 10% on Digi's awesome USB line, whether you need USB to Serial conversion, a hub, or even remote access through Ethernet.

So, to hell with going out like a lamb - let's roar like a lion! Thank you for your great support to allow B&B to survive and thrive in this most challenging year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don Wiencek
President, B&B Electronics