Veeder-Root Mechanical and Electronic Counters Overview

Principle of Operation
Veeder-Root brand mechanical and electronic event timers and counters are recognized worldwide for their innovative designs, quality, durability, and accuracy. They are backed by 120 years of experience in development and application of counting and controlling instruments. This expertise has led to a product model range that spans all counting technologies, including mechanical, electrical and electronic counters.

Counters are complete instruments for detecting, totalizing, and indicating a sequence of events. They may be mechanical, electromechanical or electronic devices, which can keep track of the number of input signals or pulses. Counters are used for automatically starting, or stopping, a machine or other devices via a programmable output signal that can be used for count, control output, or elapsed time tracking.

Electrical counters can have many different functions for count, control, and time monitoring. These include arithmetic functions, controller, batch counter, count totalizer, event counter, preset, pulse counter, delay cycle, position indicator, rate meters or tachometers, and time meters. Reset capability can be none, manual, remote, or auto reset (model dependent).

Electronic counters can be either single function, multi-function, or programmable for more than one function. Electrical counters can be up direction, down direction, or bi-directional. Up directional timers can advance forward (UP) in its counting sequence. Down directional timers can advance backward (DOWN) in its counting sequence and bi-directional timers can advance forward or backward (UP or DOWN) in their counting sequence.

The number of time ranges on electrical counters can be single or multiple. Single time ranges may be fixed or programmable. Counters with multiple time ranges can be programmed for multiple ranges whereby a minimum and maximum time setting must also be specified. Timer mounting configurations vary and include stand-alone, DIN rail mount, panel or flange mount, PCB mount, portable, and rack mount.

Mechanical Counters
Mechanical counters are a variety of totalizer. They are visual displays that register counting based on rotary or ratcheting input. Readout via decade-wheels that have 0-9 numerals printed on a contrasting background. Most types are available with count capacity of 0-9 digits. Counting is accomplished through direct coupling to a rotating or reciprocating machine element - e.g. (ratchet drive/rotary) shaft, measuring wheel, lever (Hand tally, vary tally) or CAM. When its preset count value is reached, a switch contact output is provided for controlling an external circuit. A manual reset is usually required before the process can be repeated. The mounting location for a mech counter is greatly influenced by is linkage or coupling requirements, therefore display visibility and convenient access to preset/reset features should be contemplated when planning an application.

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Preset / Predetermining Counters
A preset/predetermining counter accumulates pulses that causes an execution of output when its condition is met. Preset/predetermining counters compare the total pulses to a preset value to determine when to initiate a control action. They are essentially totalizers that can control an external circuit when its counted total matches a user-entered preset limit. While one or two presets are typical, DICG offers models with up to 50 presets. Electronic and electric preset/predetermining counters require an input signal via a voltage source, impulsed through switch or relay contacts or a proximity switch or photoelectric sensor. Relay and transistor output options available. Relays are capable of directly controlling solenoids, valves, shears, lights, buzzers, etc. Transistor output is capable of switching low power DC loads. Used in manufacturing and process applications to control batch lot size, material cut lengths, punching, drilling, stacking and many other count, position, or length related operations.

Mechanical predetermining counters are ideal for relatively slow batching and measuring operations, such as stopping a machine when a preset quantity of parts, cycle, or length has been produced or reached.

Veeder-Root mechanical and predetermining counters are extremely rugged and versatile with many mount styles, count capabilities, drive ratios, shaft rotations, and reset features to fit your application. The mounting location for the mechanical counter is greatly influenced by its linkage or coupling requirements, therefore access for viewing its display and operating its reset feature should be contemplated in advance when planning an application.

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Electromechanical (Electric) Counters
Electromechanical/electrical counters (e.g. mechanical totalizers and predetermining counters) similar to their mechanical cousins, also accomplish counting through direct coupling to a rotating or reciprocating machine element, such as a shaft, measuring wheel, lever, or cam. The primary difference is that they are hard wired and powered by AC or DC volt electricity, which drives a synchronous motor to display times or control devices by the measurement of time intervals.

Electromechanical/electrical totalizers and predetermining counters can be installed at locations that are remote from the origin of the count signal. The input signal is a voltage source, impulsed through switch or relay contacts, a proximity switch, or photoelectric sensor. Veeder-Root electromechanical/electrical counters are rugged, compact, and economical. Electric predetermining counters are ideal for relatively slow batching and measuring operations, such as stopping a machine when a preset quantity of parts, cycle or length has been produced or reached.

Advantages

• Easy to install/operate
• Retain Count
• Highly reliable and rugged
• Flexible
• Simple (no operating power or input sensors or wiring required on mechanical counters / minimal wiring required for electrical counters)
• Wide Temperature
• Inexpensive
• Virtually no maintenance / lubrication required
  

Limitations

• Slow Speed
• Location on Machine
• Limited scaling to useable engineering units internally (examples - 1:1, 10:1, 3:1 0.375:1 ratio)
  

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Electronic Counters

Advantages

• Durable
• Highly Compact
• Easy To Use
• High Count Speeds
• Count Retention
• Accept many sensors
• Fully scalable (Engineering Units - e.g. yds, ft, in, cm, mm, etc) on select models

Limitations

• Higher cost than mechanical (need additional feedback device e.g. an encoder, photoelectric sensor, or proximity device)
• Wiring required to install
  

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Rate, Process & Multifunction Indicators

Rate Indicators
Accurate and versatile, our industrial-duty rate indicators (Speed/Rate, Draw, and Multifunction) provide a digital display of a process by displaying the input of a sensor representing rate or speed. Many rate indicators also function as counters. Multifunction devices can be programmed for either rate, draw (difference, ratio, % difference), or flow input.

Advantages

• Durable
• Highly Compact
• Easy To Use
• High Count Speeds
• Count Retention
• Accept many sensors
• Fully scalable (Engineering Units - e.g. yds, ft, in, cm, mm, etc per time) on select models

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Process Indicators
Process indicators and controls are used for display and/or control of process variables in applications that use analog signals representing pressure, temperature, weight, etc. Choose from a wide variety of Dynapar and Veeder-Root brand DC Volt meters, DC Current Meters, Process Volt Meters, and Current Loop Indicators.

Advantages

• Durable
• Highly Compact
• Easy To Use
• Flexible Process Inputs (4-20mA, 0-10Vdc, 0-1A)
• Ability to retransmit DC linear signal (4-20mA, 0-10Vdc) on select models
• Fully scalable to engineering units on select models
  

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Multi-function Indicators/Controller Models
Multi-function indicators/controller models are combinations of totalizer, predetermining, counter, and rate measurement techniques. They often do the job of several instruments, saving time, money, and panel space, while reducing installation complexity. Ideal for applications that require multi-step sequential operations like count/time.

Advantages

• Ability to do multiple counter functions and rate monitoring from a single unit.
• Can handle multiple functions like a PLC without complex software programming.
• Up to 50 presets on select models

Mechanical, Electric, & Electronic Comparison Tables...At A Glance

Related Products & Resources

• Factory Automation Capabilities Brochure(PDF file)
• Counter-Timer Line Brochure(PDF file)
• Digital Instrumentation Full Line Catalog(PDF file)
• Counter FAQ's