Electronic Counters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

There are a number of Form, Fit, and Function considerations to take into account in selecting the right counter for your specific application need. To help get you started, please refer to the Technology Overview Section  under the "Products and Solutions" section of this website to learn about the various Electric, Electromechanical and Electronic counters that are available to you and how to select the right counter technology for your needs.

Choose a timer for time based tracking applications (e.g. elapsed time, run time, process or event time) versus a counter for materials based "counting" type tracking applications (e.g. item batch counting, cut-to-length measurement, etc).

Every Veeder-Root counter is shipped with an installation manual that provides instructions on how to properly install and mount your counter unit. To ensure the optimum performance and operation of your counter, it is important to read and understand ALL manual instructions.

Veeder-Root counter mounting options can be back of panel, rear-mount, base / surface mount or panel / DIN rail mounted - depending on the model. Veeder-Root counters also vary in their wiring and connection options as well, including choice of flying leads to screw terminal or wire harness variety depending on the model. Hence, it is advisable to refer to your User Manual for instructions on how to install and mount your counter unit to the machinery in your specific application.

Veeder-Root counters are used throughout manufacturing from basic totalization to complex, multi-step count functions that can include cut to length, batching, sorting, and quality control. With Veeder-Root counters, we have a counter to fit almost every application.

Veeder-Root counter functionality varies by model but can be one of the following varieties in their functional capability - e.g. Totalizer, Preset/Pre-determining, batch counting. Users must determine what count functionality is best suited for their application need. Refer to the detailed product specifications about your counter provided within this site to be sure that the counter you select is designed to function within your application parameters, with the number of digits and degree of accuracy that you require.

Veeder-Root counter model speeds range from 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz, 7.5 kHz, and 10 kHz, to as high as 40 kHz on some counter models requiring users to check model specifications to ensure compliance with their application need(s).

Operating voltage is an important factor to consider as it relates directly to your application, particularly the machinery you want the counter to integrate into. Veeder-Root voltage options include: 110-200V, battery operated or mechanical (no battery). Say your Veeder-Root battery is supposed to integrate with a car battery - then the counter voltage you would require would need to be 12V versus 110-220V to ensure the proper operation and optimum performance of your counter.

By size, we are referring to the mounting and enclosure requirements of your counter. Electronic counters come in diverse DIN sizes including 1/32, 1/16, or 1/8 DIN. Similarly, electro-mechanical and Rotary counters have NO DIN sizes but rotary counters also have a foot or base plate designed to mount to a rigid base. In addition to panel size and mounting options, display size is also important to consider.

One major consideration other than form, fit, and function, would be environmental ratings. The area you will be using for the counter will affect its performance. Operating temperature, climate, and lighting can be deciding factors when choosing a counter. Please speak to a Danaher Controls representative for more details.

Counters come in three basic application types, totalizer, preset and batch. A totalizer is used when you are simply counting individual events, pieces or parts. A preset counter incorporates an output or outputs that activate when a predetermined count value is achieved. This function would be used when you are measuring length and need to cut or stop the process at a particular value or when you need to count to a value and then signal another piece of control equipment. The third type of counter is a batch counter that is another version of a preset counter however the batch counter also counts each time the preset value is reached. In essence the batch counter is two counters in one. The first a standard preset counter and second a built in counter that can count and monitor how many times the initial preset has been achieved.

Deciding which type of display to use is typically determined by the ambient light available in a particular application. If the area where the display will be located is a low light area an LED display would provide increased visibility. However, in bright light, such as sunlight or strong interior lighting directed at the display, an LED can "wash out" or be indistinguishable to the operator. In these cases an LCD display would be utilized because LCD displays "reflect" the ambient light and actually increase their contrast as the brightness of the light increases.

To assist you in counter selection, please refer to the Counter Selection Section  under the "Products and Solutions" section of this website to learn about what criteria is importantin selecting the right counter technology for you application need.

Scaling is a mechanism where the incoming counts can be multiplied by a fixed value or constant that is programmed in the counter. This scaling factor can adjust the incoming count pulses to represent different engineering units. For example; if a wheel had four spokes and you where counting the spokes with a sensor but wanted to count revolutions, you would use a factor of .2500 as the scaling value. .2500 X 4 = 1 revolution.