Sensor/Switch Selection

There are many different types of sensors or switches that can be used with Lean Tempo units. Sensor selection can be very complicated and there are many resources to help with the complex task. This guide is intended as a starting point to get you started in the right direction. Use this advice at your own risk, and know that sometimes for sensing applications multiple sensors might need to be tried to get the best results. 

• Question 1: Does something pass a standard location each time a product is produced? If yes go to question 2, if no it might be best to use the button on the unit, or use the switch ports to connect a normally open (NO) switch that is closer to the operation to reduce walking. This switch could be a foot pedal, or any other NO switch.
• Question 2: Is there something that cycles the same (ie a machine that goes up and down in the same way) for every completed product? If so look at connecting a limit switch that will close contacts when the machine cycles, if not go to question 3.
• Question 3: Is the product magnetic? If yes look at inductive proximity sensors. These sensors have a short range, but work great for things like stamping presses... If no, or if the sensor must be mounted more than an inch from the product go to question 4.
• Question 4: Is the product shiny or reflective? If yes look at thru beam photoelectric sensors, if no move to question 5.
• Question 5: Is the product transparent? If yes get help from a sensor specialist such as Keyence, Banner, or an automation specialist. If no go to question 6.
• Question 6: Is the product further than a few inches away from the desired sensor location? If yes look at photoelectric sensors with a reflector, if no look at photoelectric sensors without a reflector.

Configuring Inputs - Plus and Pro Only

• To get to the input configuration go to the menu by pressing the menu button from the display screen, then go to ..... after arriving at the sensor configuration menu choose the variable that you would like the sensor to impact
• There are two ways to configure an input: 1. Confugure the input for a momentary button, if it sees the button press and release it will increment count, or start downtime, or whatever else it is configured to do. 2. Configure the input for a switch. This doesn't work for incrementing counts, but works great for things like downtime, imagine the unit being connected to a light switch and when the switch is on the unit is in downtime mode, and when the switch is off the unit is not in downtime.