Nucor Vulcraft recently ordered a customized DC-60T-UP-BCD Indoor Production Threshold Count-Up Timer with a relay interface to help monitor production uptime within its manufacturing operation. The custom-built timer provides a large, highly visible display for tracking how long a production process or piece of equipment has been operating while also providing a relay signal when a predetermined uptime threshold is reached.

The DC-60T-UP-BCD is designed specifically for applications where production uptime needs to be measured and a defined operating-time threshold needs to trigger an additional control function. Rather than simply displaying elapsed time, this configuration combines a count-up timer with programmable BCD controls and an End of Period relay, allowing the timer to become part of a larger production monitoring process.

Monitoring Production Uptime

The timer counts upward from zero when activated, providing operators with a continuously visible indication of elapsed production time. The DC-60T-UP-BCD can count from 00:00 through 99:59, making it suitable for monitoring production processes and equipment operating periods that fall within that range.

For the Nucor Vulcraft application, the timer can be programmed to identify a specific uptime threshold. When the timer reaches that programmed value, the End of Period relay activates. The timer does not stop when the relay activates; instead, it continues counting upward. This allows the display to continue showing the total elapsed uptime while the relay provides a separate signal indicating that the designated threshold has been reached.

This combination can be useful in manufacturing environments where reaching a specific amount of operating time needs to initiate another action, provide an indication to operators, or interface with another part of a production control system.

Programmable BCD Threshold

A major feature of the DC-60T-UP-BCD is its BCD rotary switch configuration. Separate rotary switches are provided for setting the minutes and seconds of the desired threshold.

The threshold can be changed directly at the timer using a flathead screwdriver. This provides a straightforward method for adjusting the amount of uptime required before the End of Period relay activates.

For example, the timer can initially be configured to activate the relay after 5 seconds. The BCD setting can then be changed to 15 seconds, after which the timer can be reset and restarted. When the timer reaches 15 seconds, the End of Period relay activates while the count-up display continues operating.

This adjustable threshold makes the timer adaptable to production requirements that may change between processes, equipment settings, or operating conditions.

Start, Stop and Reset Controls

The custom configuration includes three separate dry-contact control functions. These connections allow the timer to be operated from external equipment or input devices rather than requiring operators to control the timer directly from the enclosure.

The control functions include:

• Start the count-up timer
• Stop and hold the current elapsed time
• Reset the timer to zero and restart the count-up process

Because the inputs use dry contacts, they can be incorporated with different types of external input devices selected for the production application. This gives the DC-60T-UP-BCD flexibility when integrating it into an existing manufacturing environment.

The reset/start function is particularly useful when a new production uptime cycle needs to begin. Activating the reset input returns the display to zero and starts a new timing cycle.

End of Period Relay Interface

The End of Period relay is an important part of the custom configuration supplied to Nucor Vulcraft. Once the programmed BCD threshold is reached, the relay switches and provides an output that can be connected to external equipment or a control system.

The relay connections are accessible through the terminal ID block located inside the pigtail junction box. The terminal identification makes it possible to determine the appropriate connections for the relay output and timer control functions.

This provides a convenient interface for incorporating the timer into a production process where reaching a specific uptime threshold needs to generate an electrical signal.

Large 6-Inch LED Display

The DC-60T-UP-BCD uses four 6-inch LED digits to provide a large, easy-to-see elapsed-time display. The display is designed to be visible from distances of up to approximately 300 feet, allowing operators to monitor production uptime without needing to stand directly beside the timer.

The four-digit display provides a maximum count of 99 minutes and 59 seconds. This combination of large digits and count-up functionality makes the timer useful for production areas where elapsed operating time needs to remain visible to personnel throughout a process.

Durable Indoor Enclosure

The custom timer is housed in an IP65-rated aluminum enclosure with a black powder-coated finish. The enclosure is intended for indoor production applications and provides a durable housing for the timer electronics and display.

Mounting ears located on the rear extrusion provide a practical method for installing the display in the desired production location. Power is supplied through a 9-foot, three-prong power cord.

DC-60T-UP-BCD Key Features

• Custom production uptime count-up timer
• 6-inch four-digit LED display
• Counts from 00:00 to 99:59
• Programmable BCD minute and second thresholds
• End of Period relay output
• Separate dry-contact start, stop, and reset/start inputs
• Relay terminal identification inside the pigtail junction box
• Approximately 300-foot viewing distance
• IP65 aluminum indoor enclosure
• Black powder-coated finish
• Rear mounting ears
• 9-foot three-prong power cord

A Custom Production Timing Solution for Nucor Vulcraft

The DC-60T-UP-BCD supplied to Nucor Vulcraft combines several functions into one purpose-built production display. It provides a continuously visible measurement of elapsed uptime while giving the production system a programmable threshold and relay output for a secondary control or notification function.

The ability to adjust the threshold through BCD rotary switches, start and stop the timer through dry-contact inputs, reset and restart the timing cycle, and activate a relay at a predetermined uptime makes this configuration well suited for production environments where operating time is an important measurement.

For Nucor Vulcraft, this custom-built timer provides a straightforward way to make production uptime visible while integrating a programmable time threshold into the surrounding production process.

DC-Digital manufactures custom digital LED timers, counters, clocks, and displays for industrial and manufacturing applications. Standard products can also be customized to meet specific production, control, mounting, enclosure, and interface requirements.

Where whatever gets measured, gets managed!

See video tutorial video on YouTube

Visit DC-Digital website

Contact us to ask about our customized products!