In addition to a catalog on CD-ROM and price list I requested from AutomationDirect, recently, the company sent me a free copy of the Electrical Engineering Pocket Handbook, published by the Electrical Apparatus Service Association, or EASA. The 118-page booklet includes sections with electrical and mechanical motor data, electrical information about motor starters, conductors, transformers, wire characteristics, conversion formulas, and unit-conversion charts for temperature and length. Design News readers can request a copy here.
I like the handbook because it provides much information about National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) motor-mount configurations and dimensions (in inches or millimeters). Unfortunately, the handbook doesn't include smaller motors with sizes such as NEMA-8, -11, 14, and so on. Motors in those sizes often go into small mechatronic devices. You can find information for those smaller motors on the Internet, though. The handbook seems aimed at engineers and installers who use larger-size motors.
The handbook includes two pages of information about semiconductors and transistors, but it seems dated. The information for several transistor types show older TO-5 and TO-39 packages, along with a package type I haven't seen in years. Some pin designations might have changed, too. Don't take this information as current. The rest of the handbook looks like a helpful reference for people who must use motors in a design or maintain motors in equipment. I'll keep a copy in my work area.
If AutomationDirect has run out of copies, the EASA sells individual handbooks to nonmembers for $18.90, which seems too expensive. Visit the EASA Website and click on "shop" and then on "promotional materials." Sabina Motors & Controls sells copies for $8.99 and includes a small flat-blade screwdriver. There is also no charge for mailing -- at least in the US.
Do you have a motor or motion-control book or reference you particularly value? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Jon, thanks for the info. I clicked the link and filled out the form, so I should be seeing something in the mail soon.
I keep a copy of Machineery's Handbook at home. Actually, I have two. One is from the 1940s and belonged to my father. I bought one in the late 1980s, I think. I actually use it at times. My son's have also used it in school to understand material properties and the like.
Hi, Naperlou. Like you, I have a copy of Machinery's Handbook on my office shelves. I also have my 1961-1962 edition of the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, which shows its age and much use. Much of the information remains constant year to year.
Thanks for the info. Most of my helpful information has been a collection of individual tables, charts, design guide and the like. These are now slowly being integrated into a notebook on OneNote so I can search a little easier (and have a backup).
Jon, I got the handbook, and it looks like a useful publication. On the cover is an ad for AutomationDirect. Well, I am not sure what I checked, but yesterday I got their catalog. The handbook is no more than 1/4" (6.35mm) thick. The main catalog is 2-5/8" (66.675mm) thick. The contrast is striking. Don't get me wrong, there is lots of interesting information there. I find it very interesting. It was just a bit of a suprise though when it arrived.
I received a catalog on CD-ROM and a printed price list but didn't realize Automation Direct would send people a complete printed catalog. Wow. I suppose once they have someone's address and contact info, they want to use it to promote what the company does. Who knows, you might find something interesting among all the AD products.
Jon, Many thanks for the information. I also have filled out the form. Like most engineers, I have over the years "collected" charts, graphs, "white papers" etc and placed those in a three-ring binder for future reference. It's been amazing to me how many times over the years I have consulted the"bible" while in the throws of project work. I look forward to receiving the information. Again, many thanks.
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