Is the ActiveTouch technology sensitive to sound, impacts or vibration?
ActiveTouch is not influenced by sound, shock and vibration for two reasons: First, ActiveTouch operates at specific high frequencies above the range of vibration or sound found in applications, and is not influenced by vibration and sound. Secondly, we are monitoring the decay of a vibration in the thick metal substrate, as opposed to the deflection or stress of that substrate. With a thinner metal surface, traditional piezo switches can be triggered by vibrations or shock, sometimes by a simple drop.
Can you hear it?
The technology works in the ultrasonic range and at a very low power level; you cannot hear it or feel it.
How do I know I activated the switch?
If your equipment does not provide immediate feedback that the switch has been activated, we have accessories that can provide you visual or tactile feedback. Our ‘halo’ provides an illuminated ring around the switch while our ‘overlay’ provides tactile feedback. The halo will be available in a choice of colors (Red, Green, Blue and Amber) and is controlled externally.
What materials can ActiveTouch be used with?
The ActiveTouch technology can be used with Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Die Cast, Glass, Ceramic, Stone, Granite, and some Plastics. Generally, ActiveTouch will work with any material that ‘rings’ when struck.
How thick of material can be used?
Panel thicknesses can range from 0.035" (1.58mm) to 0.5" (12.7mm).
Can it be used with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as a glove?
Yes, any PPE that can absorb or dampen the acoustic signature can be worn, such as thick woolen, leather or rubber gloves.
Does paint or sand blasting have any effect on the ActiveTouch sensors?
Thin paint layers (0.002” to 0.004”) and light sand blasting should not have an effect on the switch. However, ActiveTouch is a touch sensitive technology and thick coatings of paint may impact the performance of the sensor. The switches and sensors should be tested in the application and with the intended paints.
Can ActiveTouch be used in wet environments or underwater?
Yes. Our patented technology is unique as opposed to capacitive, electro-magnetic or piezo-electric devices. Due to the inherent properties of our technology, ActiveTouch devices are unaffected by water and fluids on the surface. Rain, flowing water and standing water have no influence on sensor activation. Even when these devices are completely submerged the unit will function and not be falsely actuated by the water pressure
Can I use battery operation?
Low-voltage, low power consumption switches are available that operate in the range of 25-50 microamps in the idle state. A standard ActiveMetal switch consumes 3 milliamps.
Is a visual indicator possible?
Pin-point and halo illumination are all possible. |
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How many cycles can we expect with an ActiveMetal switch?
ActiveMetal switches are solid-state devices; there are no moving parts to wear out. With a thick metal substrate requiring no deflection of the surface to activate the switch, the number of activation cycles is virtually unlimited.
How do ActiveMetal switches work in harsh conditions--hot vs. cold weather; wet vs. dry conditions?
The ActiveMetal operating range is -40C (-40F) to +85C (+185F). As a fully sealed switch we are not influenced by wet or dry, dusty conditions.
Is the ActiveTouch technology sensitive to EMI or RFI?
Neither EMI nor RFI have any effect on the switch / sensors operation, nor is the switch a significant source of EMI or RFI. Since our devices can be constructed with metal substrates, we are inherently protected from these types of interference.
Is ActiveTouch technology affected by altitude?
No. The solid-state ActiveTouch technology is not affected by changes in altitude.
How do the switches function in a “brownout”?
ActiveMetal switches are brownout enabled. When the supply voltage dips below a preset level the switch will reset. During reset, the switch holds the output in the off state. Once the voltage rises +50mV over the preset protection level the switch will function normally.
The ActiveMetal switch has three wires - how do I install this?
An ActiveMetal switch is truly a touch sensor programmed to function as a switch. The Red (+VDC) and Black (-VDC) wires are the input power connections to the switch. The Green wire is the output that either changes voltage or resistance based on the type of ActiveMetal sensor being used. More explicit wiring schemes can be found at: www.activemetal.com
How do I troubleshoot this installation or check the continuity of the switch?
The wiring of the switch can be confirmed with a handheld multimeter as noted in the troubleshooting table linked here. Although one cannot test for continuity per se, one can confirm that the switch is functioning as intended with equipment readily available in most shops. The trouble shooting is similar to what one would do with a three wire inductive sensor.
Can I use ActiveMetal with a PLC?
Either digital or open collector ActiveMetal switches can be used with PLCs. Identify the type of input card you desire – digital input, sink load or source load – and we can identify the ActiveMetal sensor to work with your input card. This link contains reference information about connecting with PLCs.
Can I use ActiveMetal to switch 115VAC?
An ActiveMetal touch sensor controlling a relay circuit can be used to switch higher current or voltage. Generic examples of a 115VAC switching circuit can be found in our link to Wiring Schemes / Trouble Shooting document.
I’m used to screw terminals on my switches. Do I have to solder these wires?
While the standard ActiveMetal sensors are supplied with 12” 24 AWG wires, the connections do not need to be soldered. Electrical connections can be made by splicing or by screw terminals on terminal blocks. Some customers have found success with “eurostrip terminals” such as www.altechcorp.com/HTML/Eurostrips-A.html.
What is the maximum current an ActiveMetal switch can handle?
The standard ActiveMetal Open Collector switches can sink up to 100mA. For switching higher currents, or AC loads, a relay is required. A few examples showing how this could be done are explained in our Wiring Schemes / Trouble Shooting document. |
