Scenic Automation Handbook

Description

"Scenic automation has earned a reputation of being complicated and cantankerous, a craft best left to the elite of our industry. Not sure of the difference between a VFD, PLC, or PID? If you have dreamed of choreographing scene changes with computerized machinery, but get lost in the technical jargon the Scenic Automation Handbook will guide you along the road to elegant automation.Adopting a pragmatic approach, this book breaks down any automation system into five points, known as the Pentagon of Power. Breaking down a dauntingly complex system into bite- size pieces makes it easy to understand how components function, connect, and communicate to form a complete system.Presenting the fundamental behaviors and functions of Machinery, Feedback Sensors, Amplifiers, Controls, and Operator Interfaces, the Scenic Automation Handbook demystifies automation, reinforcing each concept with practical examples that can be used for experimentation. Automation is accessible – come along and learn how!"--Provided by publisher. Read more... Abstract: "Scenic automation has earned a reputation of being complicated and cantankerous, a craft best left to the elite of our industry. Not sure of the difference between a VFD, PLC, or PID? If you have dreamed of choreographing scene changes with computerized machinery, but get lost in the technical jargon the Scenic Automation Handbook will guide you along the road to elegant automation.Adopting a pragmatic approach, this book breaks down any automation system into five points, known as the Pentagon of Power. Breaking down a dauntingly complex system into bite- size pieces makes it easy to understand how components function, connect, and communicate to form a complete system.Presenting the fundamental behaviors and functions of Machinery, Feedback Sensors, Amplifiers, Controls, and Operator Interfaces, the Scenic Automation Handbook demystifies automation, reinforcing each concept with practical examples that can be used for experimentation. Automation is accessible – come along and learn how!"--Provided by publisher Content: Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of contents Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Moving Stuff on Stage Manual vs. Mechanization vs. Automation Manual: Elbow Grease Mechanization: Stick a Motor on It Automation: Computers and Motors -- Two Great Tastes that Go Great Together Advantages of Automation Disadvantages of Automation Thinking Top-Down, Designing Bottom-Up Jump In -- This Stuff Is Fun! Chapter 2 Pentagon of Power: Breaking Up Automation into Five Parts Operator Interface Control Circuit Amplifier Machine Feedback Sensor Using the Pentagon of Power as a Map Pushbutton TurntableOperator Interface Control Circuit Amplifier Machine Feedback Sensor PLC-Controlled Trap Door and Scenery Lift Operator Interface Control Circuit Amplifier Machine Feedback Sensor Computer-Controlled Deck Tracks Operator Interface Control Circuit Amplifier Machine Feedback Sensor Summary Chapter 3 Welcome to the Machine(s): A Survey of Common Theatrical Machines A Mechanical Primer Acceleration Force Power Torque Common Components Speed Reducer Shafts Bearings Couplings Brakes Winches Drum Motor, Brake, and Speed Reducer Encoder and Limit SwitchesTensioner Zero Fleet Winches Deck Dogs and Knives Turntables Deck Construction Pivot Shaft and Sleeve Flanged Blocks Slewing Ring Drive Mechanism Center Drive Edge Drive Hoists Lifts Scissor Lifts Four-Post Lift Roll Drops Turtles Wrap Up Chapter 4 Motivating a Machine Electric Motors Speed Control Torque Noise Flexible Mounting Electrical Requirements Price A Little Electrical Background AC vs. DC AC Single-Phase 120 AC Single-Phase 220 AC Three-Phase 208/230 Electrical Service Panelboards AC Induction Speed Control Torque Noise Flexible MountingPrice Reading the Nameplate DC Permanent Magnet Speed Control Torque Noise Flexible Mounting Price Reading the Nameplate DC Brushless Servo Speed Control Torque Noise Flexible Mounting Price Stepper Speed Control Torque Noise Flexible Mounting Price NEMA C-Face Hydraulics Controlling Pressure and Flow Bang-Bang Effects (Fixed Speed) Variable Speed Pumps Electrically Controlled Valves Pneumatics Summary Chapter 5 Powering Motors and Actuators Four-Quadrant Control Quadrant 1: Positive Torque, Positive Velocity Quadrant 2: Positive Torque, Negative VelocityQuadrant 3: Negative Torque, Negative Velocity Quadrant 4: Negative Torque, Positive Velocity Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Volts/Frequency or Volts/Hertz Open-Loop Vector Closed-Loop Vector VFD Features and Settings Motor Parameters Dynamic Braking Resistor Mechanical Brake Control Control General I/O Tips Cable Lengths and Line/Load Reactors Multiple Motors, One Drive Keypad Common Brands DC Regen Drives Common Brands Brushless Servo Drives Stepper Drives Common Brands Variable-Speed Hydraulic Pumps