Eagle-Signal Timer Selection

Which one do you need? It depends on numerous form, fit and function variables such as the preferred timer technology, the application environment, the required time mode and the feature functionality to name a few of the key criteria in user-selection. Consider the following:

FORM / FIT

Technology
What technology do you need or prefer? (e.g. electric, electromechancial or electronic)

If electronic, users must decide on an LED or LCD version or whether a battery operated unit or an outboard supply unit (one that is wall mounted) is prefered.

# of Digits, Size and Type of Display
What display type and readability do you require? Do you have a size or space limitation?

The user must first determine if electromechanical dial, or electronic LED or LCD display is best suited for their application based on operator need. LED is typically preferred for dark or poorly lit application environments due to their high-contrast display. LCD is typically better for applications that have bright or high ambient lighting due to their displays that are resistant to "washout". In addition to display type, the number of digits and color of the digital display is yet another consideration. The number of digits on most Eagle-Signal electronic timers vary by model, but typically users can choose from 4-8 digits. Some Eagle-Signal electromechanical timer displays also come equipped with single or dual displays to enable more engineering unit and count information to be displayed for the operator as dictated by their application. The color of the display numerals is also user-selectable on all Eagle-Signal model timers. Eagle-Signal electromechanical timer products typically have white numbers on black. Eagle-Signal electronic timers have a user-selectable red or green display option typically as well.

Mounting & Enclosure
Concerning packaging, the user must determine what the mounting and enclosure size requirements are for the application? For example, what DIN panel size best suited for his application?

Standard timer DIN sizes are typically 1/32, 1/16 or 1/8 DIN. Some Eagle-Signal electromechanical timer mounting options can be back of panel, rear mount, base or surface mount or panel or DIN rail mount to name a few. Eagle-Signal timers vary in their wiring and connection options as well, including choice of flying lead (electrical unit), screw terminal or wire harness variety, depending on the model.

Environment
What type of environment will the timer need to perform in? What temperature parameters will the timer need to operate within? What service voltage will the timer be supplied with?

Concerning environment, most Eagle-Signal electronic timers (such as our industrial electronic count down timers ) are designed to operate in standard industrial applications involving a temperature range of 32-100°F (or 0-50°C). Many Eagle-Signal electronic timers are also NEMA 4 (front panel) rated for water and dust "washdown" protection. Low voltage (24VAC/DC) and 110/220 VAC as well as high-voltage 90-240VAC models are available. Users must be sure to check individual Eagle-Signal model timer specifications to ensure that the electromechanical timer you select can withstand the temperature and environmental conditions posed by their applications environment.

FUNCTION

Functionality
What process and specific time ranges and count modes will the timer be expected to monitor or control?

Count modes can be bi-directional, uni-directional, add/subtract, quadrature, batch counting, calibrator or selectable reset, dependent on the application count requirements and model specifications. For preset timers, timer functions also include single preset, dual preset and multiple preset options (up to max 50) which again will vary by model requiring users to check model specifications to ensure compliance with your application needs.

Count Method and Desired Accuracy
What type of count functionality, degree of accuracy or count capability does your application require? Eagle-Signal timer functionality varies by model but can be one of the following varieties in their functional capability (e.g. Timer/Totalizer, Preset/Predetermining, Rate Indicator, Elapsed Time Indicator, Repeat Cycle Timer, etc.).

Users must determine what timer functionality is required for their application need. Concerning the level of timer accuracy and reliability, users must decide how accurate their timer display needs to be in terms of a specified parameter(s) - e.g. 1/10 of a foot - for example. Degree of accuracy can vary based on the user application. However in general terms, Eagle-Signal electromechanical timer products will maintain their count accuracy and reliability unless the timers gears are worn out (due to wear) which can decrease its level of accuracy. Electronic timers are only as accurate as the feedback device it is connected to - be it an encoder or a proximity switch, measuring wheel etc. Users must monitor their application and its feedback system components regularly to ensure that the degree of accuracy is satisfactory and never compromised.

Required Control Inputs and Outputs
What is to be counted and from where will the timers input be obtained? What outputs are needed (e.g. communications or alarm options)?

Required Count Speed
What specific count speed is required for your application?

As speed specifications vary by model, users must decide what count speed is required within their application to ensure proper count tracking. Eagle-Signal timer model speeds range from 2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7.5kHz, 10kHz to as high as 40kHz on some Eagle-Signal timer models requiring users to check model specifications to ensure compliance with their application need(s).

Miscellaneous Other Considerations / User-Preferences
Finally users must also decide on a number of other miscellaneous user-preference options, including serial communication, agency approvals (e.g. UL, CE, CSA), to security options (such as a restricted lockout panel and/or manual, automatic or remote reset capability to name a few. Feature options on Eagle-Signal timers will vary based on model requiring users to check model specifications to ensure compliance with their application need(s).