Hougen Manufacturing is a leader in providing the highest quality portable magnetic drills, annular cutters, sheet metal cutters and Ogura/Punch-Pro electro-hydraulic hole punches. Their recent development of the HMD925S portable power drill with Smart technology implemented state-of-the-art features to optimize feed rate for increased tool life and precise, clean hole drilling.  The addition of a swivel base provides much more versatility in placement and alignment.

With the ability to offer a power feed setting to the client, safety becomes an even more critical issue. Installing a clear, bright and reliable indicator for placement and lift detection was an important design requirement. The ability to make this connection in a reliable yet flexible manner was also important. Hougen engineered, selected and implemented VCC panel lens products into their latest development to achieve that goal.

“The Bi-Color CNX “D” connector was selected for easy assembly to the front panel and multi function of a Bi-Color RED / Green LED for their Safety Indicator Light.” said John Haas, from RC Merchant, VCC representative,   “ Thus, providing an Indicator to ensure the power drill is operated in a safe manner.”

VCC’s LED cable assemblies provide extensive time and cost savings over the traditional methods of wiring. With our pre-made assemblies there is no need to solder wires to the LED orheat shrink the insulator. This saves the client time, cost, storage room and testing time. Changes in design or replacement of components down the road are also completed in a more timely and efficient manner.

VCC offers a wide assortment of pre-made cables to meet all your project requirements. We will also engineer and manufacture custom cables. Our entire line of panel lens products is available for your project’s indicating and signal needs. Check out our catalog or contact us today for more information.

For more information about the line of products from Hougen Mfg, visit their website at http://www.hougen.com. Fore more information about the HMD925 Drill, click here.

In today’s business environment it has become critical to be able to instantly track inventory. Knowing the location and status of current inventory can be imperative in closing a deal, forecasting product sales and planning production schedules. At times this is even more challenging due to the nature of materials or the environment in which those materials are stored.

Visible Assets, Inc. (VISIBLE™) sells asset visibility networks based on a new wireless technology known as RuBee™.  In the past, RFI (Radio Frequency Identification) was employed somewhat unsuccessfully in tracking products. Physics and environmental conditions such as steel, water, people and electrical noise could interfere and result in faulty data. Rubee can read through steel, water and other harsh environments. It is even safe for explosive environment applications. The new RuBee system, which has been in development for twenty years, provides low cost, long-life, low power, wireless, active asset and people tags that work in most any environment.

Kiran Panchal from the Research and Development Laboratories of VAI came to VCC Optoelectronics looking for assistance in modifying an existing product so that it can handle being exposed to a bit more moisture than a typical office environment. In some cases the products being tagged are in wet areas or underwater resulting in a damp and humid atmosphere. VAI had been using an LED without any sort of lens so we introduced them to our CMS 442 CTP Moisture Sealed Lens. This product has solved the concern of atmospheric exposure to moisture and making the product “splash-proof”.

During the development of adding the moisture-sealed lens, VAI decided they wanted to come up with a different cable assembly for the LED’s.  We then introduced VAI to one of our standard cable assemblies, p/n CNX 440 E02 4 1 08.  The ability of VCC’s standard cable to fit this application allowed this product to enter production and service quickly.

For more about Visible Assets, Inc., click here.

To reach VCC Optoelectronics for your LED and cabling needs, click here.

For Scott Health & Safety, when it came to developing an indicator on an instrumental detection device used to identify poisonous gases, the solution presented some special LED requirements. Working in Health and Safety, reliability is essential in every product that is manufactured. To increase the reliability and effectiveness of their product, Scott designed an indicator with increased viewing angles. This was accomplished by splitting the light from a single source LED into a dual output light pipe. The increased viewing angle will provide clear indication for the user no matter how the device is held. Another important feature will be the ability of VCC products to create a tight mounting seal. These combined design requirements are being met through a working partnership between VCC and Scott Safety and Health.

“VCC expertise in quick SLA water clear prototyping and high quality production parts is of great interest to us” said Todd M. Haver. “We are working with VCC because of the experience they have in rapid prototyping and helping guide our engineers in a working design.”

“VCC holds many patents in light management and utilized some of these design characteristics in our custom light pipe application”, said Orlando Diaz Sales Specialist.  “With SLAs we are able to provide a working sample for customers to verify the design”

VCC Experts have the knowledge and skills required to assist you in a variety of applications that present special challenges and circumstances. Our many years of combined experience give us a wide range of applicable solutions from which to draw.  Our large inventory allows us to respond rapidly with samples and product assistance from the prototype stage through production. We also enjoy the challenge of working out custom solutions for new developments. Contact us today with your specialized needs.

Click here for more about Scott Health & Safety Products.

In the fast changing world of aftermarket motorcycle performance products, having quality inventory is key.  Today’s riders not only want their custom aftermarket products rapidly, but they demand quality components that will improve the look and performance of their machine. Recently, Bazzaz ran into lead-time and performance issues on one of their shifter lights with their current LED supplier.  Bazzaz knew they needed to quickly resolve both issues and Joel Romero turned to VCC for help.

“VCC has a massive inventory of products on hand, this is reassuring when our customers have short lead times and buy on demand”. I just can’t wait for my current supplier anymore. I found information about VCC Optoelectronics on the web and contacted their Sales Team right away. VCC recommended and had stock on a part that was slightly better than the parts we previously looked at for less money. Within days, we received the VAOL-10GSBY4 (10MM, single color Blue LED) samples VCC recommended which outperformed the current one in brightness “ Said Joel.

VCC is has a team of professionals that are dedicated to service and have the knowledge to quickly assist our customers in finding better, more efficient and complete solutions. Our large variety of LED’s with many different lighting, power and mounting capabilities will provide the options and available inventory you have been looking to find from your LED supplier. Contact VCC today with your project requirements and let us help find a solution for your project needs.

For more information on Bazzaz performance products please visit www.bazzazperformance.com.

In the growing demand for quick lab results, Caliper Life Science diagnostics group selects VCC Custom LED interconnect to help with the indication demands required to meet FDA regulations.  The desire was to quickly and efficiently retrofit a current product to meet the new demands.

“The idea was to use a pre-existing product platform and change the front cover. We needed a way to bring the indication to the new cover without having to rewire the existing platform. The intention was to make a less expensive product but still have the options of allowing for future upgrades.” Said Shawn Allen head mechanical engineer.  “Because of VCC’s vast array of products and configurations and their knowledgeable customer service it was a simple and easy process for us.”

The CNX series offers an easy solution when a demand arises where the indicator needs to be mounted to a front panel. Since connection lengths vary widely, this series can be ordered in standard or custom lengths and arrive at your facility pre-wired with the required connection length for the application.  No tools for assembly are needed. You can order your interconnect with the type of termination needed for the specific application as well. VCC provides you with the option to use a header connector, stripped, bare wires, terminal attachments or arrange to have this component soldered directly to your circuit board.  The CNX series of interconnects have been modified to resolve panel pushback issues and will withstand high levels of vibration, making them the perfect product for retrofit applications where secure fit can be an issue. The CNX series gives you flexibility, durability and ease of implementation that are needed in both your new and retrofit projects.  To learn more about VCC Interconnects please visit our web-site at www.vcclite.com.

MovieStuff, a leader in HD home movie equipment needs, has expanded their line of Reel-to Reel transfer systems. MovieStuff specializes in frame-by-frame scanning to assure transfers are 100% flicker free, crystal clear and razor sharp from corner to corner.

MovieStuff WorkPrinter-HD Telecine

The ScanStream DV8 Sniper-HD, featuring unique PulseGate Technology, was custom designed and fabricated to create super 8 and regular 8mm transfers that offer sharpness and clarity that can only come with frame by frame scanning in high definition.

MovieStuff has selected and implemented the VCC panel lens products into their latest system. The Bi-Color CNX “D” connector was selected for easy assembly to the front panel and multi function of a Bi-Color RED / Green LED. The traditional methods of soldering wires to the LED and then heat shrinking the insulator was time consuming and costly.

“We do lots of panel work and need a quick and affordable solution for mounting LED’s. We’re pleased we found VCC. “ Said Daniel Jircik.

VCC specializes in developing and producing LEDs, connectors and other devices that are not only suitable for a wide variety of applications, but are also easy to install. Our development of alternative connections options support LED leads by providing the stability necessary to eliminate the broken and damaged lead problems. LED push back problems are also resolved through these innovations and result in a more secure assembly.

The CNX “D” connector was perfect for this project as it simplified method of electrically connecting Bi-Color LED’s and required no tools for assembly. The CNX “D” provides a simple, fast press-fit connection to the CLIPLITE lens. The “D” connector enables the pre-assembled wire harness, precluding the need for hard wire directly to the LED. This configuration permits easy replacement of defective LED’s in final assembly and will reduce both time and cost associated with test and field service operations.

Contact VCC today for your specialized application needs.

MovieStuff is the world’s leading supplier of high def and standard def telecine equipment for the small business.

For “Something New Under the Sun” visit MovieStuff at: http://www.moviestuff.tv

Once again VCC has come through with the high quality products necessary to meet the stringent guidelines of a custom application. One of our prized clients, L3 Unmanned Systems, needed a water tight LED/Lens assembly for use in their flightTEK_® SMC controller.

L-3 Unmanned Systems(L-3 US) provides engineering, designing, manufacturing, integrating and supporting of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and has a history of delivering proven products, systems and services for a variety of customers and applications.

To provide a smaller, more integrated flight control system, their specifications required an LED Lens or Litepipe_TM which would provide a moisture-seal, resist shock and vibration, and provide ease of installment for this LED indicator application.

VCC was able to offer a standard, off-the-shelf product to meet their needs. Our LCS 032 CTP, an LED Lens and Litepipe_TM assembly, met all the required specifications. After reviewing and testing the LCS 032 CTP, Michael Stephens from L-3 responded,”We have chosen to design-in your product due to its moisture barrier provided by the o-ring, having no leaks, and very easy to install.”

The LCS series is a threaded, moisture-sealed Litepipe_TM assembly that requires no special tools, just for the retaining ring to be “hand tightened”.  Its CMS 442 lens meets IP67/Nema 6P requirements; providing a seal against water, ice, shock/vibration up to 6g at 2000Hz, Solar & UV exposure.  The attached Litepipe_TM captures the LED light and transmits it up, illuminating the lens thru the front panel. The characteristics of this Litepipe_TM made it the perfect match for this and any application that will be exposed to the elements or requires a protective seal.

This smaller, more itegrated solution developed by L3 Unmanned Systems uses proven, state-of-the-art UAS guidance, navigation and control software and is now available as a stock product.

For more information about L-3US:http://www.l-3com.com/UAS/

Additional information on the new, innovative flight control solution can be found here.

The excitement you feel when watching a pyrotechnics display at a concert or watching explosive special effects in a movie can transport you to another place in time; watching law enforcement or military operations involving explosives can amaze and frighten you at the same time. In reality, these operations are dangerous and only the best trained personnel with the most precise equipment and protective gear can conduct a successful operation.

Implementing any type of explosive activity is monitored and regulated by the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal). Extreme caution and supervision must always be the first consideration. Specially designed equipment must be precise and easy to read. Hazardous operations may generate adrenaline but operators can never forget that there is always a risk to the safety, lives and property around them.

Blaster One Control Unit

Blaster One EOD designs and manufactures electronic devices for the bomb-squad and explosives industries. They recently researched and developed the BB-75 Capacitive Discharge Blasting Machine for use by law enforcement, the military and various special effects groups.  This device integrates internal energy testing and a digital galvanometer.

As is often the case with applications that involve extreme hazards, great care and thought was taken in the design. Specially designed LEDs and lens were needed for this project to assure easy to read and accurate readings.

After an extensive review of possible suppliers, Blaster-One selected VCC for several reasons. As stated by Cory Star of Blaster-One:

“VCC had the perfect components, and just as important, they have outstanding customer service. When we queried about a “super-bright” bi-color 3mm LED (that doesn’t exist elsewhere) they told us they had just created one! Needless to say, we promptly placed an order. The current project uses one super-bright white LED-VAOL-3GWY4, one super-bright bi-color LED-VAOB-3GRGE4-C, one yellow Fresnel lens-SMB200YTP, and one clear Fresnel lens-SMB200CTP.

Mr. Gregg Johnson and Mr. Mark Baker took extra concern in finding me the right components, and providing many samples. We will continue to choose VCC for all of my opto-electronic components now, and in the future – and I sincerely recommend them to anyone looking for such.”

VCC is devoted to producing highly technical and precise devices for every application and was pleased to provide the LEDs and lenses for this important project. VCC has taken a pro-active role in encouraging our clients to achieve their best by providing ours daily.

In that interest, VCC presents its Design Award to Blaster-One EOD Equipment for their dedication to excellence in research and development in a field demands only the best.

Additional information about Blaster-One EOD Equipment can be found at www.blasterone.com

Talk-A-Phone, a Chicago-based communications manufacturer was in need of a set of LED indicators for its series of VoIP emergency phones. The indicators needed to be outdoor-rated, due to the phone systems being installed in settings such as parking facilities, college campuses, medical centers, and industrial parks.

VCC’s solution included our CNX C Series connector (5mm LEDs) and a CMS 322 RTP lens. The CNX C Series requires no tools for assembly while providing a simple, fast press-fit connection to the panel lens. The CMS 322 RTP low-profile panel lens is designed to provide a means of protecting equipment from both drip or splash conditions. It meets IP 56/NEMA 4 requirements; providing a highly effective seal against water and dust. Additionally, the aforementioned low-profile design minimizes the potential problem of snagging, interference, or other physical damage that might result from outside agencies such as clothing, jewelry, tools, etc.

Additional information about Talk-A-Phone and its products can be found at www.talkaphone.com.

Mesa Boogie, the Petaluma-based company known for their diverse range of power-style guitar amps, has selected VCC to provide panel indicator lenses for its products. The CLB 300 is a low-profile, button-type lens that is designed for use with 5mm LEDs. It has a smooth, clean look with a convex shaped surface protruding above the panel. This minimizes the potential problem of snagging or other interference that might result from varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the CLB 300 uses striated lines and Fresnel rings to increase the apparent brightness to 125% and deliver a 180 degree viewing angle. All of the features above helped  VCC distinguish itself as having the fit and feel Mesa Boogie was seeking.

Jim Albritton, a VCC Sales Representative explained, “For Mesa Boogie, aesthetics are very important. The indication products offered by VCC’s competitors just didn’t provide the clean look and feel that Mesa Boogie was looking for.”

Find more information about Mesa Boogie and its products here.