Category: Automation

Dry Contact: What is it? (Dry vs. Wet)

Twelve dry contact relays populate this GE Mark VI IS200DRLYH1A circuit board.
The MKVI IS200DRLYH1A board has 12 Form-C dry contact output relays.

If you’ve wired control devices, you’ve likely come across the term “dry contact” as well as the reverse, “wet contact.”

But what do those terms mean? More importantly, why would anyone want wet wiring? That doesn’t sound like a good idea at all, does it?

Electricity and water don’t mix. Don’t try it.
Continue reading “Dry Contact: What is it? (Dry vs. Wet)”

What Is a Cartesian Robot?

A Cartesian robot like this 3D printer uses an X, Y, and Z plane.
A Cartesian robot like this 3D printer uses an X, Y, and Z plane. Photo from Unsplash.

We’ve written about robots and robotics before, but we thought we’d go into further detail about different kinds, starting with the Cartesian robot. But before we get there, we probably need to talk about Cartesian systems first. Even before that, let’s talk about where the term “Cartesian” comes from.

Cartesian: what does it mean?

The term “Cartesian” refers to anything relating to French philosopher René Descartes. And no, it’s not because someone thought Descartesian would be too difficult. In fact, the term is based upon his Latinized name Cartesius.

Continue reading “What Is a Cartesian Robot?”