The Automatec Test system is a complete control and data acquisition system designed specifically for AJT Equipment machines. The test executive running on a National Instruments CompactRIO controller performs the control of the test, communicating over an Ethernet connection to the supervisor program running on a laptop.

AJT Equipment and our partner, Branch Hydraulic Systems, will work with the customer to tailor the test system to requirements. We can work with a wide variety of load cells and other sensors, adding additional logged channels to the system. We are also able to integrate with existing hydraulics systems.

The Supervisor software allows the operator to set test/rig parameters and setpoints, configure and control tests, view live graphics, and to download reports and datalogs from previous/current tests. The Supervisor is connected to the controller over a TCP/IP network, and so does not need to be in the immediate vicinity of the controller. The controller is also capable of running headless for long running tests, or in the event of a network fault. This architecture is carefully designed to minimise test downtime, isolate the test from any potential issues with relying on the Windows operating system, and allow for unattended automated tests.

A tool is included for the configuration of some common test types: load and hold, stepped loading and cyclic testing. More complex test types can be created by Automatec and the files imported into the test software without needing an update. These are very flexible test programs capable of performing any sequences required.