Orbit

Orbit is Solartron's RS485 network with 'Plug and Go' compatibility. Devices can be used in any combination in any position and each is automatically given a unique address. Connection can be made to: 1. A PC using the Orbit Network Card 2. A PC or PLC using the RS232 Interface Module 3. A Solartron Digital Readout Orbit Network Card Output from the transducer's PIE connector can be linked to a PC through the Orbit Network Card fitted into the expansion slot. It will accept up to 62 Linear Encoders, Digital Probes, Displacement Transducers or I/O modules. Up to 6 cards can be used together, giving a total capacity of 372 measuring points. USB Interface Module (USBIM) The Orbit USB Interface Module, USBIM, provides a simple interface between personal computers and the Solartron Orbit Network. It is suitable for applications where an Orbit PCI Network Card cannot be used, such as in notebook computers and field devices. RS232 Interface Module Devices in the Orbit Network can be connected to the RS232 port on a PC or PLC using the RS232 Interface Module. Up to 31 probes can be connected to one RS232 module and multiple modules can be used in a system. Digital Readout Our Digital Readouts have been designed to operate with both our Linear Encoders and our Digital Probes. The conventional numeric display has been supplemented by an alpha-numeric display that guides the user through a series of menus. Digital Input/Output Module (DIOM) The Digital Input/Output Module enables the Orbit Network to interface with the outside world. The module provides eight general purpose input / output lines, housed in the standard Orbit Module case. Analogue Input Module (AIM) The Analogue Input Module acts as a gateway for interfacing third party sensors to the Solartron Orbit Network and can accept almost any sensor with a DC voltage or current output. The AIM allows sensors such as pressure, temperature, force, etc, to co-exist on one network and to share that same network with Solartron's broad range of digital displacement and dimensional measurement transducers. Encoder Input Module (EIM) The Encoder Input Module (EIM) acts as a gateway for connecting third party encoders to the Solartron Orbit Network. It is especially useful in applications where gauging measurements need to be performed with reference to an angular position of a rotating part. The EIM supports Single ended or differential square wave signals from encoders with TTL, open collector or push-pull outputs with voltage outputs in the range 0 to 30Volts. Happy Light Connected on the last T-CON of the Orbit Network the Happy Light plug will flash to indicate when the network is functioning. It is highly recommended as an additional item to the Orbit Network. Power Supply Interface Module (PSIM) For use with multi-channel systems needing more power than available from the computer. The power supply can also extend the network beyond the normal 10m per port up to 1km. Software Support software for Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT, Windows 3.x and DOS is supplied with the Orbit Network Card and RS232 Interface Module. The Orbit Windows Support Pack software includes a COM Object Library for COM applications and Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) for lower level programming. Support is provided for all major programming languages, such as VBA, VB C++, Borland C Builder and Delphi. Example programs for these languages are available upon request. Orbit Excel Support Pack The Orbit Excel Support Pack enables the user to take readings from the Orbit Network and place values into the cells of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Systems Build Orbit is a simple solution to building measurement systems without incurring the high costs normally associated with bespoke networks. The linear encoder PIE has a "D-Type

For more information on Orbit talk to Solartron Metrology Ltd