New Product: Series M Position Transducer

Position Measurement & Control - Issue 47

PRODUCT FOCUS

Introducing the Series M Position Transducer for OEM Applications

New General-Capability Position Transducer Offers Affordability, Flexibility, and Durability

Firstmark Controls introduces the Series M general-capability position transducer for engineers and designers seeking sensors combining compact design with user-customization. Packed into a lightweight (8 oz (227 g)) frame, the Series M line offers design benefits ranging from cable replacement to the implementation of exclusive Firstmark Controls features in the realm of drum and cable technology.

Series M transducers come with a displacement cable range of up to 85 inches (2159 mm), offering support for applications at nearly double the range of competing OEM-sensor products. The transducer's design was crafted with adaptability in mind, making the Series M compatible for applications needing analog (voltage divider or rheostat) or digital (quadrature) sensors while offering a variety of mounting options. For users with a need for full 360° rotational capabilities, Series M transducers can be equipped with Firstmark Controls's exclusive RoundAbout™ cable-exit orientation attachment to control deployment relative to the application.

Series M position transducers are designed to minimize error issues while maximizing component and cable life. The unit design implements a labyrinth cable exit to minimize the possibility of interior damage to the drum and sensor through debris entry into the transducer body. The labyrinth cable exit also gives users the capability to perform cable replacement in as little as two minutes. Displacement cables use an optimum fleet angle for a repeatable cable wrap operation, and the displacement cable is connected to the drum using Firstmark Controls's DirectConnect™ technology to prevent potentially damaging cable backlash.

Figure A1: The Series M offers users flexibility in several areas, including vertical or horizontal mounting orientation.

Firstmark Controls offers Series M position transducers at both bulk and individual pricing. Based on cost-per-unit-displacement-length, the Series M transducer offers the best value in the displacement sensor market. In addition, Firstmark Controls offers same-day shipping for standard bulk or individual orders. For more information about the Series M position transducer, see the Series M data sheet. To obtain price and delivery information, please request a quote.

COMPANY FOCUS

ISO9001:2000 / AS9100 Compliant!

Firstmark Controls Becomes One of the Few Sensor Manufacturers to Adopt ISO and Aerospace Standards

To continuously improve its products and services, Firstmark Controls transitioned from ISO9001:1994 compliance to ISO9001:2000 compliance. The ISO 9001:1994 standards, established over a decade ago, is a means of producing quality control by requiring organizations to describe, document, and prove what they do. In summary, such a quality system requires each organization to "say what they do and do what they say".

Audits for the quality systems meeting the ISO9001:1994 standards look specifically for the above model to be followed. While effective for many levels of quality control, the 1994 standard proved to overlook certain areas.

ISO9001:2000 / AS9100 was approved for use in 2000. The standard keeps an emphasis on overall process documentation, but addresses the many criticisms of the previous standard regarding the countless volumes of manuals that could burden businesses with inefficient procedures. The ISO9001:2000 standard sought to rectify shortcomings through the addition of customer satisfaction and continuous improvement requirements. The spotlight moved off of documentation and on to management system effectiveness in an effort to streamline quality flow while maintaining the integrity of the ISO system. The driving force behind the new version is the fruits of processes should be customer satisfaction -- not reams of documentation.

Firstmark Controls's ISO9001:2000 and AS9100B compliance was effective 17 April 2006. As one of the few position transducer/displacement sensor companies complying with this new standard, Firstmark Controls views the transition as necessary to continue providing the highest quality to customers. While Firstmark Controls already used many of the ISO9001:2000 methods for process and customer service improvement, becoming compliant provides a level of trust inherent with the ISO standards.

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Flexible Displacement Cable Termination

Firstmark Controls Displacement Cables Often Come Unterminated - And There's a Good Reason Why!

Clients prefer using Firstmark Controls products due to the inherent flexibility each product provides. From mounting options to cable length options, Firstmark Controls products offer a high level of customizability to meet specific situations. The termination of a position transducer displacement cable -- or lack thereof -- is another product benefit designed to offer more flexibility for the user. In many situations, the existence of a leader cable is unnecessary for the application at hand. Instead, users simply need to terminate the cable length according to whatever is required. The beauty of the unterminated cable really lies in its simplicity. Users are not forced to adapt their situation to the physical requirements of a large, clunky displacement solution -- solutions that often cannot fit through small holes or cramped quarters. In addition, using an unterminated displacement cable prolongs the overall life of the cable -- and thus, the application -- by minimizing harmonic vibrations and cable fatigue effects that can occur when a cable is terminated.

Figure C1: Sample of displacement cable terminations available to users of Firstmark Controls position transducers.

Users have the flexibility to determine the best connection method for their application. To terminate displacement cables at a specific length, Firstmark Controls customers have several options. Firstmark Controls offers a variety of displacement cable termination options, including loop sleeves, plugs, and swivels. When ordering a part, customers can specify the desired cable length on the purchase order and Firstmark Controls will comply (with a standard termination tolerance of ±0.01 inch or 0.254 mm) prior to shipping, almost always at no charge. If a customer wants to handle termination after a product is shipped, Firstmark Controls recommends using the 160001-01 installation kit, complete with crimping tools, threaded plugs, and loop sleeves. For more information about cable termination, contact us to see how your application needs can best be met.

ISSN 1527-5108 • Document Number S050AG(060614)