A new EzCOM peer-to-peer communications function is standard and allows multiple WJ200s to share data. One drive is designated as the “administrator,” and controls the network. Other drives on the network can be master or slave, with masters able to write data to any designated slave(s). Master/slave roles are rotated under the control of the administrator automatically. Up to 8 masters can reside on the network, and up to 32 drives (up to 247 drives, if external signal repeaters are used). The administrator can be master or slave also. EzCOM allows for creation of sophisticated coordinated systems without any additional external hardware or programming. via News Releases : Hitachi America, Ltd. (As seen in DrivesMag.com)
Hitachi Inverter : Current Line-Up
Lately I’ve been getting the occasional email where the writer is unclear which Inverter models are current. The confusion stems from a certain “sect” whose motives and agendas are jealously guarded and cloaked in a shroud of mystery. I am taking a risk here, but I’ll tell you what I know.
As new (electronic) components become available – not to mention whole new technologies – this “sect” (who allegedly call themselves “Manufacturers”), are quick to be the first of their rank and file to gather what they can of the new items. They then incorporate these items into the best parts of their previous “thingy-gizmos” and come up with a newer, better, faster, (greener?) thingy-gizmos. Then the race is on to beat the others in presenting these new(er) items to people who need them, in an arena the Sect refers to as “the Market”. (If you aren’t keeping up with me, then you probably have never seen the television series “Survivor”). Anyway, this is seemingly all done in an attempt to gain “tokens” (no “immunity idol” here, Skippy!).
As I reflect I think the whole goal here has something to do with Tokens; yes, Tokens… and Pie. Whoever receives the most Tokens gets a) the most “bragging rights”, b) more “pie” from the Market, and c) the” Token$” themselves). “Pie” is of course, its own reward. Anyway, this enterprise is viscous at best – certainly not for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, that’s the game – that is how it is played. Now, if you repeat any this information and mention my name, I will deny everything. And you will get a severe “time-out”.
So “Yes Virginia”, it is hard to keep up with model changes. In that light, here is a quick rundown of discontinued Hitachi Inverters, and each replacement:
• SJ100 was replaced by SJ200 which is now replaced by the Hitachi WJ200 series.
• SJ300 is replaced by the Hitachi SJ700 series.
• L200 series has been replaced by the Hitachi X200 series.
• L300 is now replaced by the Hitachi L700 series.
Hitachi has released upgraded high performance drives for many of their older series. Overall these new variable speed motor drives are not only higher performance… they also cost less!
This clears up any confusion. The “sect” name and agenda is still secret. You and I have never met. You liked the older models, but now you can’t wait to get your hands on the NEW Hitachi Inverters from Lighthouse PLCs, Inc. These are not the Droids you are looking for.
Programmable Logic Controller : EH-150 : Features : Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems
The compact and stylish EH-150 meets various automation requirements

As many as 704 I/O points can be configured on the EH-150, which is only 462.5 mm (W) × 100 mm (H) × 109 mm (D) in size.
The EH-150′ s compact size helps reduce machine size and save installation space, and its bright color and sleek design adds aesthetic appeal to the entire system.
“Old mindsets inhibit new growth” – or “You gotta love Jim.”
Jim Pinto. Whether you agree or disagree with this man, his articles make you think. Now, I am not going to plagurize Jim – I wantyou read the article Jim wrote, with the title I borrowed above. (I have previously used his work in another blog – with his permission – he is sort of a hero of mine). So go read the article, then get back here so we can finish up.
http://www.isa.org/intech/Channel_201011
Having been in nearly every tier of a corporate business structure, I think there is something in Jim’s article that is applicable to nearly everyone (I’m sure there is someone out there, but I can’t think who that might be).
Mr. Pinto’s article is looking at the “big picture”, referring to growth of technology as a whole, growth of Industry – well, you have read the article (right?). I think Jim is right on the mark with this one. You can see how a “old” mindset can become self-fulfilling. How many companies have you worked for, that were fueled by this kind of mentality?
The opening paragraph (in the article you were supposed to read) is awesome.
“It is strange how some companies do the same-old, same-old things they used to do, and expect success. A decade ago, they were successful, so they follow the same plans, expecting success. When business declines, they blame the poor economy and wait for “the good old days” to return. They are stuck in the old mindset.”
I like this article though because I believe its theme runs true, clear down to the man on the street (or tech on the plant floor – my “homies”). Let’s take Jim’s content intended for that big picture, and reduce it down to a wallet sized photo. For years my “mantra” has been, “Embrace the Technology”. What does that mean? Well, piggy-backing on Jim’s article, if you don’t stay on top of your game, what happens? What happens when a star athlete doesn’t stay on top of his/her game? (I think some of them end up on DWTS. Just a personal observation.) So, perhaps it starts with each one of us.
So, does your old mindset inhibit (your) new growth?
The pessimist in me is tugging at my mental coat-sleeve, and is trying to remind me that “you either get it, or you don’t”. I have a bad feeling he (er.. it) might be right. “Embrace the Technology” The problem is, that either people knew what I was talking about, or they gave me that incredible “deer in the headlights” look. (You know who you are…)
For me, this article was sort of a wake-up call. I need to keep a positive mental attitude, and use that mindset as a spring-board to grow in the areas in which I am involved. Then perhaps, I too can contribute to that “bigger picture”. I hope Jim’s article (and maybe this blog) inspires you as well (no glassy deer eyes allowed). Dare I be so bold as to close with (I know you feel this coming), “Embrace the Technology, so that your old mindset doesn’t inhibit (your) new growth.
Jim Pinto, Founder, and past President and CEO of Action Instruments. By his own account, he is a “Technology Futurist, Angel Investor, Speaker, Writer/Author, Industrial Automation Commentator, Analyst & Consultant”. That should about sum it up – but it doesn’t. No, not really, because that could be mistaken for an obituary – and this man is far from “the end” (I hope, because you may have gathered he is sort of a hero of mine). He is the author if two books, and industry commentator, and a widely read writer – (see JimPinto.com eNews). He has a direct circulation of about 7,000 Industry Specialists, plus another 14,000 to 20,000 readers on the web. For more good stuff from Jim, go to JimPinto.com .
Will the next generation of HMI be web friendly?
Imagine a scenario where you are at your kids soccer event, and your smartphone vibrates in your pocket. You touch here and there, and within microseconds a mock-up of a HMI screen pops up. The touchscreen indicates a warning – a filter needs cleaned on this machine. You are responsible for the machine, so you “flip” some “pages”; then touch a couple of “buttons”. Valves on the machine (maybe downtown or on the opposite side of the world) open and close and the plugged filter gets back-flushed. The alarm is silenced. The machine is back is service and you didn’t even miss your kid kicking the winning goal.
“Illegitimi non carborundum”
“Illegitimi non carborundum”…is a mock-Latin aphorism meaning “Don’t let the bastards grind you down”. According to Wikipedia this phrase was coined by British Army Intelligence in WWII. “Vinegar” Joe Stillwell, a US Army General adopted it as his personal motto. It was popularized in the 1964 Presidential campaign by none other than Barry Goldwater. (Are you old enough to remember AuH2O (Gold+Water) and K7UGA – his USAF callsign?) I’ve still got my “In your heart you know he is right” campaign button.
Anyway, I haven’t been blogging for a while due to an unbelievable inundation of spam, trash, listing of porn site in comments, and so on and so on. Frankly it (a) made me mad, and (b) made me mad, and (c) really discouraged me, and (d) did I mention it made me mad? So I gave up.
I don’t know if there was one specific incident that made me decide to pick blogging back up, unless it was the support of all you who appreciate having a site where you can find pertinent and timely information on Hitachi PLC (and VFD) products. Thanks to you for the encouragement.
There really is a lot going on that I would like to share with you. As the only Authorized Distributor of Hitachi PLC products for North America, we feel really motivated to do our best for you “actual” Hitachi PLC users.
So, to you “bastards” who want to promote your porn site or adult sex toys, to hell with you – go find someplace else to bother people who are legitimately trying to do what is right and just make a living (and maybe even leaving the world a little better for having been here).
So, to everybody else – “Thank You” for your continued support!
Timothy Davis
Lighthouse Horizons: Volume 1 – Issue 1
Hitachi PLC Production passes 25 year mark.
Hitachi Ltd., in Japan has been a world leader in PLC products and industrial automation systems for more than 25 years. A world wide sales and serve network along with factory supported centers are read yto assist you with your Hitachi PLC Needs.
Hitachi PLCs were developed with special consideration for network abilities, international standards and the reduction of EMC noise. Due to an extensive array of commands, excellent communication capabilities and high flexibility, each series established a new standard in its class upon introduction. The ANY-BUS®-system ensures compatibility with industry standard fieldbus systems.
Meet the EH-150
Features:
- Two communication ports are provided as standard in the small-size CPU.
- A memory board that can read and write programs can be loaded in the CPU. (EH-CPU316A, 516, 548).
- The compact and stylish EH-150 meets various automation requirements.
- The modern connection capability incorporated as a standard feature allows for 38.4kbps high-seed communication (EH-CPU208A, 316A, 516, 548)
- The state-of-the-art technologies and functions realized high-speed processing of complicated control.
- Compatibility with H series PLC utilizes valuable existing user programs
- The EH-150 is easy to maintain even after installed in a machine.
What this means for you…
…the EH-150 Series is considered a true power pack. Based on a 32 bit-microprocessor structure, the outstanding power of the CPU and various I/O modules allow the adaptation to a wide range of applications, e.g. in the packaging and food industry.
Hitachi Web Controller proves a Hit!
The Hitachi Web Controller combines the advantage of standard Web and IT technology integrated in a compact PLC. Result is an all-in-one controller which offers a wide range of application possibilities.
- Embedded web server
- Email Sending Function
- ASR Message Communication
- Self-Created Web Pages
- Conficugration via Web Browser
- PLC Functionality
- Various Serial Communication
- IEC 61131-3 Programming
- 32 bit-RISC-Processor
Micro-EH
Micro-EH Features:
- High performance in a small size
- User-friendliness
- Compatability with E/EH series PLC
- Conformity to global standards
- Network compatibility
- Environmental friendliness
- Ne relsase of 20/40/64-point types
General Specifications
- 10 to 320 I/O
- Analog data processing
- 0.9 μs / binary instruction
- Expandable
- IEC 61131-3 programming
- PWM and pulse train outputs
- Interrupt inputs
- 32 bit-RISC-processor
- High-speed counter inputs
- Real-time clock
Hitachi EHV: The Next Generation PLC
The EHV CPU is compatibile with a variety of open networks and through use of the onboard Ethernet interface may be linked to higher-level information processing systems as well as other PLC systems.
In the area of automation, the necessity of networking and communications is becoming ever more significant alongside the increasing demand for smaller and faster systems. The developed HEV Series meets these requirements through its small footprint, the communication interfaces which are provided as standard and its enormous memory capacity.
- High-Speed Processing; 20ns per binary instruction
- Large capacity program memory; max 768 kByte
- 7-Segment LED Display
- Integrated Ethernet, Serial and USB communications ports
- Large capacity comment memory; max 1 MByte
Imagine being able to actually store your tag/label/comments INSIDE the PLC memory. The plant floor Electrician’s dream finally comes true!
Lighthouse Horizons: Volume 1 – Issue 1
Energy: Use and…. Re-Use???
With all the talk these days about “Green” this and “Green” that, eventually you have to start wondering about your own “carbon footprint”. In our industry, Everything… Is… Of…or About… Energy. So I had the thought: each of us is in one way or the other, concerned about the cost of energy. There is the “cost” in terms of what energy use does to the environment; or the cost in terms of how it affects your bottom-line.
As humans, we all tend to be short-sighted. Most of the time, things have to be pointed out to us (hopefully by someone smarter than we are) for us to take note. Getting to the point, I was recently introduced to a product (by some really smart people) which really made sense to me. I’d like to share it with you, because it addresses at the same time – both the bottom line cost and the long term impact of energy use.
Bear with me here. Most 5th Graders know that when a motor starts, it uses electricity. Electricity costs money. So if you can create something which only uses as much energy as necessary and no more, then you really have something! That (ask any 5th Grader) is why Inverters (or Variable Frequency Drives) are so cool! If you have something in your little plant or giant factory which might use 10HP, you have to have a 10HP motor. But if most of the time you only use 5 HP, and can “turn down” the motor where it is only developing 5 HP – then it only uses the energy of a 5HP motor. Need only 1.5 HP? Turn it down and reap the savings. Neat, huh!
So for the past decade or two, Inverters (I like to call them VFDs or just Drives), have been the “cat’s meow”. So much so, that the electrical company even gave people money back on their bills, because they didn’t have to build new power plants. Now, let’s move on to 6th Grade stuff.
We all know (see above) that motors use electricity, but how many of us knew that (4th Graders pay attention here) motors can MAKE electricity? Yep! They really can. And they really do, when the guy in the control booth (actually he is a computer, but don’t tell anybody) tells the Inverter to slow the motor down, electricity is actually made by the motor! Now the Inverter has to DO something with that electricity. So it turns it into heat! That is a bad thing. What’s worse, is that if the guy in the white shirt and tie up in the front office says to slow the motor down even faster, then the Inverter gets connected to a big toaster (we call them “Dynamic Braking Resistors”, but they really are just big toasters. Without the toast.) Big Toaster = Big Heat = Wasted $ = Bigger Carbon Footprint. That’s a bad thing.
So these smart guys I know (not really, but it makes me sound way cooler than I am) came up with a really clever idea. What if you could throw away that big toaster, and take that electricity that would have been turned to heat, and (now get this) SELL IT BACK to the electric company??? Whoa! Now you have something to write home about! Well to be honest, “sell it back” might be a bit of a stretch – “have it available for use elsewhere” in your facility might be more accurate. But the end result is the same.
This “gizmo” is called a RCU – “Regenerative Converter Unit”. Here are the details: Vertical lifting machinery or high inertia loads like elevators, cranes, centrifugal fans and centrifuges contain potential energy and inertial energy when operating. When the motor is operated by an inverter, this energy is converted back into electrical energy when the devices decelerate, lower or stop the load. This electrical energy, called regeneration, flows back into the inverter’s DC bus, causing the voltage to rise.
• Traditionally, this regenerative energy is dissipated as heat through dynamic braking resistors, and is therefore wasted.
• The RCU series Regenerative Converter can provide up to 40% energy savings, by reclaiming that regenerative energy and feeding it back into the AC supply.
At this point your head jerks towards me (and the 6th Grader named Paul), and you say “How can this be”?
Well, the RCU Regenerative Converter reduces electric power consumption by returning the otherwise wasted energy to the AC power distribution network for use by other loads. Additionally, because there is no heat generated by braking resistors, the capacity of air conditioning systems in the electrical room can be reduced, further reducing electric power consumption.
I started out this blog talking about energy. The RCU is also ideal for use in “Renewable Energy Systems”, like Solar/Photovoltaic systems, Wind Turbines, and Fuel Cells. So I’ll end as I began, by using the (by now almost overused) term, “Green”. If you are reading this blog on a webpage called Lighthouse PLCs, Inc., you are most likely involved in some fashion with the manufacturing industry. You are the guys and gals who make the stuff we use every day. (Thanks, by the way.) But it isn’t everyday that we at Lighthouse get to offer you something that at the same time helps your bottom line and also helps the environment. That, my friends, is pretty neat! And you don’t have to be 6th Grader to appreciate that.
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RIFs, layoffs, cutbacks: Do’s and don’ts
I came across a VERY interesting article in this issue of ISA’s InTech (15 October 2009) Magazine, by Jim Pinto. Rather than take your time with my inane diatribe, I have reprinted (with the author’s permission (on file)) the article in its entirity. I am excited to present Jim’s article here. If you find it as pertinent as I did, leave a comment.
RIFs, layoffs, cutbacks: Do’s and don’ts
By Jim Pinto
Just recently, I saw the HBO documentary: “The Last Truck – Closing of a GM plant.” GM employees who had been with the company for 20 to 30 years sadly followed the last truck as it rolled down the assembly line. Reactions ranged from philosophical to sentimental; many could not speak as they became overwhelmed by tears.
The late-1950s bestseller, William H. Whyte’s Organization Man described General Motors. People not only worked for the organization but sold their psyches as well. They willingly subordinated their personal goals and desires to conform to the demands of the corporation. Half-century later, here was the demise of GM, the model company Whyte’s book was describing.
During these recessionary times, big layoffs seem to be the only solution to our economic woes. Already many states have unemployment rates of more than 10%, and the national average is creeping up to that level.
There are several expressions used to make the nasty job of layoffs more palatable—cutbacks, downsizing, reduction-in-force (RIF). Consider this: When your colleague is RIF’d, it is a recession; when YOU are RIF’d it is a depression.
Most employees who are let-go are given “the standard company severance package.” In the U.S., it is usually a week per year of service. In Europe, it is much more difficult (and expensive) to layoff anyone who has been employed for a few years.
There are strict laws involved, usually covered by making exiting employees sign a document waiving any further claims before they receive their final check. Under these difficult circumstances, few have the knowledge or the fortitude to really read the document; many simply sign away their rights in order to accept immediate payment. Most companies tread the fine line between decency and legality in the layoff process. It is tough for everyone—the company, the exiting employees, and the ones remaining.
Here is my own list of Do’s and Don’ts for laid off employees:
- Don’t take it personally.
- Don’t blame anyone.
- Don’t simply look for another similar job, at a similar pay.
- Do your best to stay positive.
- Do use this opportunity to re-educate and modernize yourself.
- Do find something you enjoy; hey, maybe start your own business.
Here is my advice. Being laid off could be the step that pushed you into something you will enjoy much more. Develop a NEW YOU – Version 2.0. You might end up with an occupation that is much better than anything you thought possible.
My mother told me long ago: “People like to do what they’re good at, and are good at what they like to do.” Find something you are good at, and you will like doing it.
Behind the byline
Jim Pinto is an industry analyst and founder of Action Instruments. You can e-mail him at jim@jimpinto.com or view his writings at www.JimPinto.com. Read the Table of Contents of his book, Pinto’s Points, at www.jimpinto.com/writings/points.html.
Hitachi ProDrive Inverter Software and USB Converter Cable
It would be a bit presumptuous of me to just assume that you are already using Hitachi’s ProDrive Inverter Software, and just “jump in” to telling you about the cable that you use to connect the Inverter to your laptop.
So (insert drum roll here), if you haven’t tried the software, but yet you work with or on Hitachi Inverters , then you really owe it to yourself to try ProDrive. Look, a lot of my friends, colleagues, and the general riff-raff who sign up on my Facebook account - are a little “iffy” when it comes to software. ANY kind of software can be a little intimidating. But I’ve got to tell you, the software is a LOT easier to learn and to use, than punching in the parameters – bending over the digital keypad in a dimly lit noisy environment. Are you starting to see where I’m coming from?
Plus, come on! Look at the list of possibilties! You can determine the settings IN ADVANCE, then jump on the Inverter and within seconds upload the parameters – and then your done! Or, you have an existing (working) Hitachi next to one you are replacing. Download the parameters out of the working unit: Upload the file into the new unit and you are off and running (or fishing, maybe?).
Documentation? Are you kidding me? You can make really professional looking and understandable documents for your maintenance department or your customer. (There are other really cool things you can do like “trending”, but we dont’ have time here. Maybe later…)
And… it is FREE. Just download it! All you need is the cable (Ah, now we finally get to the cable). And “no”, the cable isn’t a fortune, it is like $120 bucks (but we have been known to negotiate, …gaze into the circle… … you will not tell everyone).
Now, about that cable… As you may or may/not know, the cable we now offer for use with ProDrive software is the USB-CONVERTERCABLE. It connects to a USB port on the PC, rather than the RS-232 serial port. The old serial CONVERTER-CABLE (that plugged into your COM port on your laptop) is discontinued. (Why? Most new laptops don’t even have serial ports any more.)
The instruction sheet that comes with the USB-CONVERTERCABLE lists a web site from which to download the necessary driver. A driver MUST be installed on the PC in order to use this cable. It will not work without a driver! However the driver available from that web site is NOT compatible with Microsoft VISTA operating system. A new VISTA-compatible driver is now available and will be available from this site at some time in the near future.
In the meantime, however, the updated driver can be downloaded from the Hitachi America web site. Please visit www.hitachi-america.us/inverters, then go to the Software Downloads page. You will see the driver listed there. The text on the page explains how to download, extract and install the driver. Note: If you have the old driver installed, it must be uninstalled first. Then you can install the new version. If you are NOT running VISTA, there is no need to update the driver.
Do yourself a favor. Buy the cable. Download the free software. Pop the Digital Operator Panel out and remove (remember to save in a safe place) the little double-ended male RJ-45 connector. Plug the cable in there – plug the USB end of the cable into your laptop and I guarantee you won’t regret spending $120 of your bosses 401K!
Let me know how it turns out!
Timothy





