In an earlier article we explored an application of the Banner Engineering K100 beacon. We also explored the Banner K50 touch button and the Pro-Kit programming tool. In this brief article we will present the programming options of the K100 and focus on the various connectors featured on Banner products. From left to right, Figure 1 shows the yellow Pro-Kit programmer, an adapter, and the K100 beacon.
Figure 1: Pictured left to right are the Banner Pro-Kit programmer, an adapter composed of Altech CY2.5 terminal blocks , and a programmable Banner K100PBLGYR daylight visible beacon.
What cable termination options are available to Banner Engineering products such as the K50 and K100?
Banner Engineering products such as the K50 and K100 may be purchased with three unique connector types as shown in Figure 2. This includes a simple non-terminated cable, a M12 cable integrated in the device body, or a 6-inch pigtail with M12 termination. These options allow you to select the connector best suited to your application.
Figure 2: Representative connector code from a K100 datasheet.
How can I program a Banner product featuring an unterminated cable?
Devices such as the featured K100PBLGYR present a problem as they do not interface with the M12 connectors featured on the Pro-Kit programmer. An adapter such as the one pictured in Figure 1 is required. A close-up image is included as Figure 3. Chances are high that you will be able to build this adapter using your in-house components. If not, you can purchase the cable as a similar kit using part number ACC-PRO-CABLE5.
Tech Tip: Banner products are shipped with a preprogrammed display pattern. This default setting is acceptable for many applications. However, you may want to program the device to meet the special needs of your project.
Figure 3: Close-up picture of the adapter built using DIN rail terminal blocks and a short piece of cable with a male 5-pin M12 connector.
What are the programming options for the K100 beacon?
The procedure for programming the K100 is nearly identical to the K50. Please refer to this previous article for setup and configuration information.
As for the K100 color and animation setting, please see Figure 4. Note:
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the featured beacon does not include an alarm function. Consequently, commands associated with the gray wire are not applicable.
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The software is connected to the K100PBLGYR beacon. The state associated with the black and brown wire is selected for testing purposes. A standard SOS pattern is being displayed as shown in Video 1.
Figure 4 Device specific settings for the Banner Engineering K100 beacon. The Pro Editor program is connected to the K100 and is commanding a high-power red SOS blink animation.
Video 1: The Morse Code SOS is a universally recognized maritime distress signal. It consists of three short signals, three longs, and then three additional short signals.
Tech Tip: The suitability of an SOS beacon in an industrial setting would make an interesting human factors case study. A beacon such as the K100 would certainly get attention especially if it were coupled to a loud claxon.
Before proceeding, we would need to understand the specific reasoning to use the signal. Perhaps it could be triggered to identify the location of an injured person. We would also need to consider the holistic training for personnel as the signal may not be familiar. There is also a question of time as it takes a calm attentive person to recognize the pattern.
Conclusion
The Banner Engineering signaling devices arrive preprogrammed with the factory default settings. Refer to the device datasheet. Select devices may be programmed with a variety of color and animations to meet your specific project needs. As described in this note, a programming adapter cable is required for Banner products that are not terminated with the M12 quick disconnects. Finally, as mentioned in the Tech Tip, light and animation must be considered from a human factors perspective. It involves careful selection with follow up training for your personnel.
Please respond with your comments and questions. Do you have a preferred way to signal equipment conditions and safety status in your facility?
Best Wishes,
APDahlen
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About the author
Aaron Dahlen, LCDR USCG (Ret.), serves as an application engineer at DigiKey. He has a unique electronics and automation foundation built over a 27-year military career as a technician and engineer which was further enhanced by 12 years of teaching (interwoven). With an MSEE degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dahlen has taught in an ABET accredited EE program, served as the program coordinator for an EET program, and taught component-level repair to military electronics technicians. Dahlen has returned to his Northern Minnesota home and thoroughly enjoys researching and writing articles such as this. LinkedIn | Aaron Dahlen - Application Engineer - DigiKey