MILWAUKEE, Sept. 29, 2005 — Users of Allen-Bradley PowerFlex AC drives and legacy SCANport-enabled Allen-Bradley drives can now wirelessly program, troubleshoot and monitor their drives using a hand-held PC with Pocket DriveExplorer software from Rockwell Automation. Eliminating the need for a direct, wired connection, Pocket DriveExplorer helps give users increased mobility, efficiency and safety. Throughout a facility, users can freely program and troubleshoot drives using a Wireless Interface Module (WIM) linked to a Pocket PC. Pocket DriveExplorer users can access drives through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks saving the time and effort needed to carry and connect communication cables.
Wireless connections help improve safety by letting users access drives without opening panel doors. “Drive users are always looking for tools to reduce wiring costs and ease system programming and monitoring,” said David Wisniewski, product specialist, Rockwell Automation. “Users in all industries can configure, troubleshoot and monitor drives with the wireless interface, just as if they were at a networked computer in their office.”Built-in security features help limit access to the drives and increase overall production security.
Drives on Wi-Fi can be programmed to notify users, when they are operating outside of set parameters, via an alarm sent through the same wireless device that monitors and controls them.The Allen-Bradley Pocket DriveExplorer Software and Wireless Interface Modules (WIM) are now available.Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses.
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.For more information on the Pocket DriveExplorer Software and Wireless Interface Module (WIM), please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1844.Visit their website at www.rockwellautomation.com .
