Amplifier Compliments Standard Mounting Systems

The Series AP5103 DIN-rail amplifier is a low-cost, general-purpose, single-channel signal conditioner that is compatible with standard DIN-Rail mounting systems. It is designed for input of pressure, force, torque, weight and other variables measured by standard DC-excited strain-gage transducers. The AP5103 allows the user to select filtered analogue output of +/-5V DC, +/-10V DC or 4-20mA and will accommodate a range of DC strain-gage sensors with bridge resistance of 120 to 10,000Ohm.

The amplifier includes front-panel-accessible settings for mode, volts, current, filter, excitation and zero. A wide zero and span adjustment and switch-based shunt-cal feature make the versatile suitable for a variety of applications. DIN-Rail design permits easy access to screw-terminal connections for power, analogue-output, shunt and sensor signals.

The AP5103 provides high signal stability and accuracy over a range of sensor inputs, and a powerful low-pass active filter removes unwanted high-frequency signal components. Bridge excitation of 2.5 or 5.0V DC is field-selectable and the input power range is 11-28V DC. The AP5103 has a power-status indicator light and over-range indicator light.

The unit complements mV/V miniature load cells, force sensors and miniature pressure transducers that are too small to accommodate onboard electronics or those applications where temperatures at the sensor require that electronics be located elsewhere. The AP5103 DIN-rail signal conditioner is also available as a fully enclosed in-line housing as the Series AP5201.

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Biodoc-It Systems Boost Bio-Imaging Capabilities

UVP has brought out upgraded Biodoc-It Imaging Systems to boost gel-imaging capabilities. The Biodoc-It makes it easy for researchers to capture and save gel images. The system is now available with a choice of scientific-grade CCD cameras, including a new 1.3 megapixel camera for high-resolution image capture. The stand-alone design, with a built-in processor, requires no external computer and reduces space requirements.

The touch screen and easy-to-use software interface enable quick-touch control of preview, capture and save functions. The built-in USB drive (with 1GB USB stick) provides easy access to saved images. Users can also transfer images via network connectivity. Two versions of the Biodoc-It are now available: the Biodoc-It 220, with 1.3 megapixel CCD camera (darkroom includes side-access doors); and the Biodoc-It 210, with 0.3 megapixel CCD camera (no side-access doors).

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OGT Selects Lab901's Screentape Systems

Lab901 has shipped the first of its next-generation Screentape systems for automated RNA QC to Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), in Oxford, UK. Screentape R6K is a next-generation platform for RNA QC that automatically delivers the Screentape Degradation Value (SDV), an objective quality metric for total RNA samples.

Lab901's Screentape platform eliminates steps such as gel reagent preparation, chip priming and chip-vortexing, and because individual micro-gels are used for each sample analysis, the platform avoids all problems associated with cross priming and sample carry-over.

Lab901's Screentape device can be used more than once. A single sample can be run cost-effectively each time, reserving the rest of the available channels for future experiments. It removes the need to batch samples together or throw away unused portions of the consumable, which improves the RNA QC workflow and saves money.

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Baxi LZC Systems On Show At Ecobuild

Baxi Group will use Ecobuild to launch its Ecogen micro-CHP unit into the specification sector, part of the company's LZC system range. Baxi Ecogen is part of the company's range of low and zero carbon (LZC) system solutions on display at the show. The range is designed to help specifiers cut carbon emissions, comply with the latest legislation and help tackle fuel poverty issues. Baxi Ecogen is a wall-hung, domestic micro-CHP unit, available for specification by local authorities, housing associations and private developers.

Ecobuild visitors will see how the appliance's Free Piston Stirling Engine can generate 1kWh of electricity while the unit also provides abundant supplies of space heating and hot water for the home. Extensive field trials have shown that Baxi Ecogen units can reliably satisfy up to two thirds of a typical household's electrical requirements. Around one third of this energy can be used in the home and another third exported back to the grid.

The appliance is proven to operate virtually noise and vibration free and is no bigger than a standard conventional wall-hung domestic boiler. Baxi Group will also showcase a full range of low and zero carbon solutions alongside Baxi Ecogen. These will include the latest technologies from leading brands Baxi, Potterton, Main, Heatrae Sadia, Valor, Andrews Water Heaters, Santon, Elson, Baxi Senertec and Potterton Commercial.

Among the highlights on show will be Ambiflo air source heat pumps and Geoflo ground source heat pumps; Biomass solid fuel boilers; Solarflo thermal water heating systems; Heatrae Sadia hot water storage cylinders, water heaters and Electromax solar thermal electric water heaters; and Heat Box units for district heating system applications.

Visitors can also engage with Baxi Group's new specification website, launched at the show. The new website is designed to help specifiers explore and navigate their way through the complex issues and legislative drivers surrounding heating such as, Part L, SAP, the Code for Sustainable Homes and Feed-In Tariffs. Baxi will be exhibiting at Stand 1525 at Ecobuild 2010.

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