Microsatellite testing at DERA Email -

Successful Microsatellite Tests for DERA.

Mclennan Servo supplies Ltd of North Camp, and EMD Ltd of Farnborough, Hants, have recently contributed to the successful test of a pair of research microsatellites by the Space Department at DERA Farnborough.

The Photo shows one of the STRV, (Space Technology Research Vehicle), units mounted upon the purpose-built in-vacuum test rig. The rig's function is to tilt the satellite towards or away from a set of powerful lamps whose light and heat output emulates the sun, whilst continuously rotating it at up to 5RPM, thus simulating the satellite's various orbital attitudes. A special 80-way slip ring conveys signals from sensors mounted on the moving spacecraft, so that the in-flight thermal characteristics of the spacecraft can be monitored and modeled as well as the performance of the solar cells.

The rig mechanism and motion control system were specially designed by EMD and Mclennan, to withstand the harsh environment within DERA's 3.8m Solar Simulation Chamber. Vacuums of 10-6 Torr at temperatures down to –180C are maintained for many days, so appropriate vacuum-compatible materials were employed, including a special composite mount which thermally isolated the spacecraft from the rig.

Leine & Linde Incremental Encoders Email -

Introducing Leine & Linde Incremental Encoders

Mclennan Servo Supplies Ltd. have just introduced the Model 310 robust incremental encoder from Leine & Linde which has a diameter of just 30 mm, specially developed for exacting applications. Leine & Linde's long experience of manufacturing robust and dependable encoders has resulted in a smaller and smarter alternative.

With power supply flexibility up to 36 Vdc, IP67 protection class, heavy-duty shaft bearings in relation to the size of the encoder and a competitive price, the RS 310 meets the customer's highest demands. Like its larger relatives in Leine & Linde's robust series, the encoder has an unbreakable code disk of acrylic glass and short-circuit protected outputs.

Despite its small size, the RS 310 has an internal diagnostic system capable of sending an alarm through the STATUS output for the following parameters:

• Low signal amplitude from the optics
• Defective light control in the optics
• Low internal 5 V level

If any of these parameters reaches a critically low level, the encoder can still function, albeit with reduced performance. This helps the customer perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting. After a year of testing and evaluation, both in the laboratory and in demanding applications in the forestry industry, the RS 310 is now ready for the market.

Problem Solutions from Eurotherm Email -

Simple Solutions to Complex Problems.

Mclennan Servo Supplies now distributes the new Eurotherm range of Brushless Servo Drives and Motors. There are three main product groups which cater for a broad variety of applications, all of which are distinguished by features not normally found as standard on competitors' equipment, and the pricing is extremely competitive.

Integral Motion Controller - all drive types can be operated as standard in position, speed or torque mode without the need for any external motion controller. The built-in controllers offer full servo control functionality. The programming software is extremely simple to use and can even handle sub-routines and maths functions with full on-line diagnostic functions. With it's ability to store long and complex motion sequences it is possible to eliminate the need for a host PC or PLC in most applications.

Integral Power Supply - The 631 series works on 230Vac single phase and incorporates an EMC filter providing full compliance with EN50081-1 without any external filters. 635 and 637 types operate from 230Vac single phase or 415Vac three phase supplies respectively.

Rugged Servo Motors - The matching range of motors offer low inertia rotors and resolver feedback resulting in positioning resolutions of up to 8192 steps/rev. Matching Motor and Feedback Cables are available in a variety of standard lengths to simplify system commissioning.

Industrial Planetary Gearheads Email -

New Range of Industrial Planetary Gearheads

Mclennan Servo Supplies Ltd. are pleased to introduce a new range of small industrial Planetary Gearheads. The IP57 series incorporate NEMA 23 mounting flanges with robust 1/2" diameter keyed shafts, supported on large output bearings allowing high radial and axial loads.

They are rated at up to 20Nm continuous torque, with an intermittent peak of 40Nm being permissible, backlash is as low as 20 arc minutes, and efficiency levels of up to 92% can be realised. A wide range of exact gear ratios from 3:1-1000:1 are available, with many options available from stock. There is an extensive array of adaptor designs which make the IP57 suitable for use with all standard servo and stepper motors and many non-standard types too.

Applications already include precision OEM positioning systems and a number of light industrial special-purpose machines, where the combination of good precision and low cost combine to make this new series ultra-competitive.

El.More Engineering. Email -

Distributors for El.More Engineering

Mclennan Servo Supplies are pleased to announce their appointment as UK distributor for El.More Engineering's range of industrial linear stages.

El.More is an Italian company based in Milan which was founded in 1984 and who now enjoy a 30% share of the Italian market for such products, but until now these have not been available in the UK. The range comprises six models, with more than 30 configuration options available to suit a wide range of applications. They all utilise custom-designed aluminium extrusions and special steel-reinforced polyurethane timing belts together with "state of the art" linear bearings from the world's leading suppliers. These elements are blended together in designs which pay great attention to detail features often overlooked in competitors' equipment, ensuring easy mechanical installation combined with superb reliability and longevity.

The different types feature common fixing pitches and interfaces, making multi-axis configurations particularly easy. This, coupled with stiff self-supporting beam sections allow both high speed, up to 4m/sec) and long strokes, (up to 8m) to be realised with unmatched positional repeatability.

The units can be supplied with input shafts, couplings, hollow sockets or integrated precision planetary gearheads from the Omega range, for whom Mclennan is also the UK distributor. The stages may thus be made compatible with almost any servo or stepper motor, to integrate with customer's own preferred motion control systems. Alternatively Mclennan can of course provide the complete motion control system to customer specifications within a short lead time and at very reasonable cost.

New Range of Hybrid Steppers Email -

New Range of Hybrid Steppers.

Mclennan Servo Supplies have recently introduced a new range of hybrid stepper motors that offer increased performance. Available in NEMA frame sizes 23 and 34, Mclennan's series are equipped with high strength neodymium iron boron magnets that provide up to 50% increase in torque using the same drive electronics.

The motors are available with a choice of spur or planetary gearheads and optional integral encoders where closed loop control is required. Taditionally more expensive than conventional hybrids, the new range is priced significantly less than existing motors of this type.