Mechanical / Electronic Counters Selection

Which one do you need? It depends on numerous form, fit and function variables such as the preferred count technology, the application environment, the required count 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. mechanical, electrical, or electronic)

Choices of mechanical counters range from hand operated ratched or rotary to direct coupling to a rotating or reciprocating machine element, such as a shaft, measuring wheel, lever or cam. If electronic counters are required, 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 preferred.

# 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 mechanical 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 # of digits and color of the digital display is yet another consideration. The number of digits on most Veeder-Root counters varies by model, but typically users can choose from 4-8 digits. Some Veeder-Root 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 Veeder-Root model counters. Veeder-Root mechanical counters typically have white numbers on black. Electronic counters from Veeder-Root 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 counter DIN sizes are typically 1/32, 1/16 or 1/8 DIN. Veeder-Root counter mounting options can be back of panel, rear mount, base or surface mount or panel or DIN rail mount to name a few. Veeder-Root counters 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 counter need to perform in? What temperature parameters will the counter need to operate within? What service voltage will the counter be supplied with?

Concerning environment, most Veeder-Root counters are designed to operate in standard industrial applications involving a temperature range of 32-100 F (or 0-50 C). Most Veeder-Root counters 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 Veeder-Root model counter specifications to ensure that the counter they 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 counter be expected to monitor or control?

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

Count Method and Desired Accuracy
What type of count functionality, degree of accuracy or count capability does your application require? Veeder-Root counter functionality varies by model but can be on of the following varieties in their functional capability e.g. Counter/Totalizer, Preset/Predetermining, Rate Indicator, Elapsed Time Indicator, Repeat Cycle Counter etc.

Users must determine what counter functionality is required for their application need. Concerning the level of counter accuracy and reliability, users must decide how accurate their counter 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, Veeder-Root mechanical counters will maintain their count accuracy and reliability unless the counters gears are worn out (due to wear) which can decrease its level of accuracy. Electronic counters 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 counters 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. Veeder-Root counter model speeds range from 2.5kHz, 5kHz, 7.5kHz, 10kHz to as high as 40kHz on some Veeder-Root counter 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 Veeder-Root counters will vary based on model requiring users to check model specifications to ensure compliance with their application need(s).