Hennie Prinsloo (right) thanks Kenneth McPherson after the presentation.
At the September technology evening, Beckhoff Automation managing director Kenneth McPherson presented to a record crowd on the topic ‘PC-based Control – the basis for the 4th Industrial Revolution’. He was an interesting and passionate speaker and took us through the developments of IIoT and the role that Beckhoff plays in shaping the future of automation. He also touched on the integration of HART devices through FDT/DTM into PC-based control systems, ultra-thin integration of intrinsically-safe field devices, multi-touch control panels and panel PCs for hazardous locations, as well as big data analytics and remote data access in the cloud. With the current focus on the digital revolution this topic was most relevant, and with his credentials, Kenneth was well placed to present on the subject.
Student award
Hennie Prinsloo (left) congratulates Xandre van Jaarsveld on the award.
The second of three student awards of R5000 – sponsored by the Durban branch to promote the automation and control discipline and reward outstanding work – went to to Xandre van Jaarsveld of DUT.
Hennie Prinsloo congratulated Xandre who then took members and visitors through a summary of his project, which he described as follows: “Last semester I was given a course assignment that required me to build a 4-20 mA current source. Essentially this is a power supply that maintains a constant current at its output, regardless of the voltage developed across its terminals. The build of the project was particularly interesting as an Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller had to be incorporated under the control of four push buttons used to enter the set point, which is subsequently displayed on an LCD. When the set point is fixed at 6 mA, for example, the output of the current source must be the same, something the feedback control circuit ensures. Also the output must always stay within in the 4-20 mA range limits.
“I had trouble with the feedback loop at first and had to redesign to solve the problems. In addition, The 9 V battery did not last very long, so an external supply was eventually used to power the circuit. A nice addition for the future would be a low battery indicator, as the only way I could determine that the battery was flat was to test its output with a multimeter. My thanks to everyone who helped me with this project.”
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version