The Unitron 15854 LED Ring Light: Economic, Earth-Friendly Illumination for Stereo Microscopes

When viewing electronics, circuit boards, or highly reflective specimens with a stereo microscope, a quality LED ring light is a must. Unitron's LED Ring Light Illuminator for Stereo Microscopes (Model 15854) was created as an economic solution for users seeking to switch from the older fluorescent, fiber-optic, or halogen lights to a more earth-friendly LED light.

The Unitron 15854 LED Ring Light was manufactured to fit any stereo microscope with a diameter of 60 mm or less. While the 15854 model fits most currently manufactured stereo microscopes, it may need a special adapter to fit older models.

This ESD-safe and RoHS-compliant LED Ring Light Illuminator features sectional lighting control, which allows users to control the light from four individual sections. Other impressive specifications include:

• Ten-step variable intensity light control with 72 LED bulbs
• 60.5 mm inner diameter
• 6400 Kelvin color temperature
• 10,000-hour lamp life
• AC900-265v 50/60Hz power supply
• 12v 400mA output

The Unitron 15854 LED Ring Light Illuminator for Stereo Microscopes is available at QSource.com, along with a variety of other quality Unitron Ring Lights. For questions and further information about these products, please contact Q Source at 800-966-6020 or by email.

Weller's WX Series Soldering Stations: Powerful Soldering, Intelligent Design

Our friends at Weller recently paid a visit to the Q Source headquarters. And, boy, did they ever bring us a couple of cool, new items to play with: The WX1 Single-Channel Soldering Station and the WX2 Two-Channel Soldering Station.

These two new ESD-safe soldering stations from Weller feature a variety of options, many of which were inspired by customer feedback. The main difference between the two is that the WX1 accepts one tool (e.g., a soldering iron) at a time, while the WX2 accepts two tools (soldering irons, tweezers, etc.). Each model has identical temperature range (adjustable temperature range varies among tools (100°C – 450° C | 200° F – 850° F)), temperature accuracy (+/- 9° C (+/- 17° F)), and temperature stability (+/- 6° C (+/- 10° F)).

Looking at these units, you immediately notice the solid, German-built craftsmanship and that trademark Weller blue color. Turning these stations on reveals a pleasant, blue LED back-lit touchscreen (made of anti-static, chemical- and temperature-resistant glass) with LCD text, which is viewable from all angles. The units are easily controlled by six touch keys and the radius finger guide that provides turn-and-click navigation. Tool temperatures are quickly and easily selected via these touch buttons and dial-like radius control.

A closer look at the screen reveals a slew of important information including which tool is plugged into the unit, what the current temperature setting is, and what preset temperature options are available. The WX2 unit is similar, except it displays information for both attached tools.

The front of the soldering station features a convenient layout of three ports (four on the WX2). First there is/are the tool receptacle(s) with quick-change connectors for attaching soldering irons, tweezers, etc. Next, we have the RJ45 port (a second one is on the back of the unit) to manage fume extractors, heating plates, etc. And, finally, a new feature is a multi-purpose USB port for quick firmware updates, data logging, and parameter configuration.

Weller's goal with these stations is to keep the cost of ownership down by helping you conserve energy and providing a system that features intelligent power management (such as the WX-Series handpieces that automatically detect movement and wake the base unit from the user-programmable sleep mode). Along with powerful soldering and an extensive degree of tool compatibility, the WX Series Stations boast the following features and benefits:

• 200/240W Total Power – The WX1 supports operation of one 200W tool; the WX2 supports simultaneous operation of two 120W tools
• Global Language Support – Display multiple languages via the menu
• Automatic Energy Saving Mode – On most models, the user can select a stand-by mode through visual process control via blue LED light ring (light on = heater on, light off = heater off)
• Increased Accuracy –The pencil’s digital sensor is optimized at short range for peak performance
• Programmable Read and Write Memory – Allows for quick tool exchange and soldering station adjustments are reduced

Q Source Associates Learn About Treston & Sovella Products

Being your expert resource for products and product solutions has always been our goal here at Q Source. Our sales associates are continually attending training sessions to increase their product knowledge. Recently, we were visited by Mark Florentine of Florentine & Associates, our rep for Sovella's Treston line of storage products and Sovella's workspace products.

Florentine began the session by demonstrating Treston's ESD-safe Plastic Storage Bins. Made from either Polystyrene or Polypropylene, these high-quality bins are available in a variety of styles including: Stacking Bins, Shelf Bins, Picking Bins, IC Tube Storage Bins, and more. There are also accompanying ESD Storage Cabinets, Turntables, Spacemisers, and Trolley Systems available in a choice of sizes and configurations.

Focusing on what makes Treston's ESD Storage Systems stand out, Florentine noted that the Shelf Bins and Stacking Bins feature a ribbed bottom for easily picking small parts, the entire line offers a greater variety of ESD products in ESD black with clearly labeled ESD Protected Area logos, a number of divider options with built-in label sections, recyclable Polypropylene models, and competitive pricing.

Moving on, Florentine showed Sovella's cool new Magnetic Tool Holders. Available in a wide selection of styles, such as their Hex Bit Organizer, Wrench Holder, and Socket Holder, these impressive tool holders offer options for saving space by storing tools on any metal surface (including steel shelves, metal tool cabinets, drawers, and Sovella's Perforated Panels). He also mentioned that these tool holders are really limitless in their uses because they will hold just about anything that fits in their grip.

Finally, the training session finished up with a look at Sovella's new, high-efficiency LED Integrated Tube Lights. Florentine demonstrated the power and versatility of these ergonomic lighting solutions by pointing out the unlimited ways these lights can be mounted (magnetic, brackets, etc.), the ability to string up to eight lights together in one series, and the 6,000-6,500 Kelvin light color.

We'll be posting more in-depth articles and videos regarding these items in the very near future. All of the aforementioned product solutions from Treston/Sovella are available, or will be available soon, at QSource.com.

Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station on Flickr

We couldn't be more excited! A few days ago we got our brand new Hakko FX-888D (FX888D-23BY) demo unit! This is the digital version of Hakko's famously-popular (and now discontinued) FX-888. It has everything its predecessor had, plus a little more. (Did we mention it's digital?!?!) Be sure to read our earlier article and check all the specs on QSource.com.

Information Management as a Means for Dynamic Communication: Guest Blog

by Marlon Davis, Brady North America Business Lead, Tiscor and Software Portfolio

Our guest blogger from Brady Worldwide writes about the growing necessity for software applications like LINK360 to manage visual information in the workplace and ensure that users can access important, up-to-date information at all times.

Traditionally, individuals shopping for signs or labels think primarily in terms of the physical properties such as material, adhesives, and ink. This focus on form often causes the actual messaging, or function, to fall in second place. However, with the increase in popularity of interactive communication vehicles, like computers and smart phones, the emphasis on the viewer or reader experience is rising. In these instances of interactive communication, computer monitors and smart phone displays become user interfaces (UI) by pulling information from one data source to another, to present changing information to the viewer. As signs and labels also become more dynamic, I predict they will eventually be pulled into IT's information management scope of responsibility. To quote Marc Andreessen, "software is eating the world."*

A quick look at advertising media gives an applicable example of the transformation that occurs when dynamic content is introduced. Traditional information vehicles and venues like billboard advertisements, movie theater posters, and other forms of indoor advertising are currently undergoing this software transformation with the introduction of electronic displays.

For example, old school movie posters have morphed into graphic movie trailer displays. What once were paper-based roadside billboards are now electronic displays that can shift every few seconds between product advertising and official AMBER alerts. Even the murals and posters once lining airports are now being replaced with interactive UI.

While static posters, billboards, and other signage may never fully be replaced, it's important to understand the benefit of dynamic media. Simply put: dynamic media can convey much more information to the viewer, in an impactful way, and in a timely fashion. This same change in advertising signage can also be applied to visual workplace information in the form of what we consider an information management system.

LINK360 can communicate changes in equipment such as these lockout devices.

A great example of dynamic communication in action within the regulatory world is a lockout/tagout program. When physical changes are made to a piece of equipment–in this case a lockout device is added or taken away–a host of other necessary changes are triggered to communicate with those who interact with the machinery.

An information management system, like Brady's LINK360® software, alerts the appropriate individuals when warning labels, lockout procedures, and inspection procedures need to be created or updated. The purpose of this is to ensure that ongoing dynamic communication is occurring with a company's workers to increase safety and efficiency, and remain compliant.

How the influx of software will impact less mutable signage needs, like exit signs and warning labels, is unknown, but we know it will come eventually. Electronic displays, including cutting edge tablets and those mentioned above, are becoming more varied and popular among the mass audience. Therefore, it's smart to keep an eye toward dynamic communication and information management systems.

We are grateful to our guest blogger, Marlon Davis of Brady North America, for his insights into the changing needs of visual documentation.

Reference:
* Marc Andreessen, "Why Software is Eating the World," The Wall Street Journal Online