Workstation partners: Man and machine

Manufacturing Engineering, Jul 1998

Tightening the link between man and machine, a new PCbased industrial computer introduced by Marposs Corp. (Auburn Hills, MI) provides double versatility. It functions as a human/machine interface (HMI) for intelligent monitoring applications, or as a powerful amplifier for measurement applications using a variety of gages, pencil probes, and other transducers and sensors.

A next-generation version of the original Marposs E-9066 product, the E-9066 intelligent terminal is not just for Marposs gaging applications and does not use proprietary architecture. "It's a state-of-the-art intelligent workstation that can be used for controlling automation or for any other application requiring human interface with what's going on at the work site," says Marposs President Jack Dunda. Functioning as a man/machine interface, the E-9066 reportedly can use software from any source or can also be quickly converted for measuring applications, using Marposssupplied interchangeable connector boards.

The workstation, equipped with basic Marposs hardware and software, can compile measurement data, perform statistical calculations, and analyze values with no additional keyboard, switchbox, or other equipment.

The system is CE-certified (the stricter, European version of UL certification), and resists heat, cold, corrosion, humidity, vibration, electrical noise and interference, dust, and power surges. It can operate without air conditioning and has integral power cabling configured to power requirements in the country of use.

Other user-friendly features of the E-9066 intelligent terminal include a NEMA-12, flat-screen configuration only one-third the size of the former Marposs E-9066 industrial computer. With a smaller 21" (533 mm) cabinet size, and a weight of only 21 lb (9.5 kg), the computer is not encumbered by usage restrictions that can apply to heavier terminals. The terminal is free-standing, eliminating problems often encountered in equipping other industrial computers for gaging applications. An integral, shop-hardened mouse is an option.

Importantly, application card slots on the E-9066 workstation (which accept both Marposs and non-Marposs cards) are horizontal, allowing the user to dismount all peripheral hardware without removing the computer from its cabinet. For more information, Circle 337.