Press Release
September 28, 2009 For Immediate Release

More Backhoes and Less Backlog with Zlinx® Wireless Devices
and Enhanced Zlinx® Manager Software

Ottawa, IL – A manufacturer of world renowned “green” agricultural, consumer and construction equipment has implemented B&B Electronics’ Zlinx wireless products. The company’s backhoe assembly line consists of Automated Guide Vehicles (AGVs) that tug backhoe units between assembly stations. Using wired serial communications, internal intelligence guides mobile AGVs along a magnetic path in the floor. Since there was no communication from the AGVs back to the PLC controlling assembly processes, an approaching AGV could run into another AGV still at a station. Quality control processes and build times were suffering and manufacturing times were extended. With the installation of B&B Electronics’ Zlinx wireless products, featuring Zlinx Manager Software, AGVs are now wirelessly managed through the PLC and processes are maintained by a single, remote group. Quality control improved and manufacturing lead times were reduced. Read field application.

B&B Electronics recently released the next generation of Zlinx Manager software for its Zlinx radio modems and Zlinx wireless I/O product lines. Software upgrades include enhanced security, peer-to-peer mirrored I/O mapping, superior low-latency response rates (8ms/digital), field calibration, user-defined fail-safe output states, and Modbus compatibility.

Improved low latency allows real-time control and monitoring - the fastest on the market. Enhanced security features on Zlinx long range models include 256-bit AES encryption, software selectable RF power and OTA data rates. Short range models feature 128-bit encryption and software selectable RF power. Peer-to-peer I/O configuration allows one-to-one mapping of two identical systems. Point-to-point I/O mapping and Modbus to I/O point-to-point mapping are possible.

Field calibration calculates correction factors to improve I/O value accuracy and better match sensors. Fail-safe output states allow resetting I/O to a user-defined safe state in the event of communication failure. In Modbus modes, exception reporting can alert to problems with connected devices. Communications failure alarm configures the first D/O as a COM failure alert. Inverter outputs allow flexibility in logic to control output devices.

With Zlinx series radio modems, I/O products and the enhanced software, users can set up connections to serial or Modbus systems to monitor and control remote I/O at hard-to-reach locations without running wire.

Designing, customizing, and manufacturing products since 1981, B&B Electronics Manufacturing Co., Inc. provides customers with industrial automation and device networking solutions. The company is known globally as a one-stop source for rugged and reliable data communication products, full technical support, reputable customer service, and same-day shipping. For more information, call 1-800-346-3119 or visit www.bb-elec.com.

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