Autonics CT6S-2P4 Programmable Digital Counter and Timer

A. Product Overview

The Autonics CT6S-2P4 is a multifunction programmable digital counter and timer from the Autonics CT series. It combines both counting and timing functions in a single compact panel-mounted instrument.

It is suitable for industrial machines where operators need to count products, machine cycles, pulses or batches and also perform time-based control functions.

The CT6S-2P4 features a 6-digit LED display that provides clear visibility of the current count, preset value or timing value.

Key Features

Brand: Autonics
Model: CT6S-2P4
Product Type: Programmable Digital Counter and Timer
Display: 6-digit LED display
Counter Operation: Count Up, Count Down and Count Up/Down
Timer Operation: Count Up and Count Down
Counting Range: minus 99,999 to 999,999
Maximum Counting Speed: Up to 10,000 counts per second
Input Type: NPN and PNP input
Control Output: 2-stage preset output
Power Supply: 100 to 240 VAC
Mounting Type: Panel Mount
Front Protection: IP65
Application: Counting, timing, batching and machine automation

B. Working Principle

The Autonics CT6S-2P4 Digital Counter and Timer works by receiving electrical pulse signals from a connected sensor, encoder, limit switch or other compatible input device.

Counter Operation

In counter mode, every pulse received by the CT6S-2P4 is counted.

For example, a photoelectric sensor can be installed on a conveyor.

Whenever a product passes the sensor, the sensor sends one pulse to the counter.

If one product passes:

Count: 1

If 50 products pass:

Count: 50

A preset value can be programmed into the controller.

For example:

Preset Value: 100

When the counter reaches 100 products, its control output can operate.

This output can then be used to:

Stop a conveyor
Activate an alarm
Operate a relay
Send a signal to a PLC
Start another machine sequence
Reset the production cycle

Count Up Operation

The displayed count increases every time an input pulse is received.

For example:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on.

Count Down Operation

The displayed value decreases as input pulses are received.

For example:

100, 99, 98, 97 and so on.

Count Up/Down Operation

The counter can increase or decrease its value depending on the input signal and selected operating mode.

Timer Operation

The CT6S-2P4 can also work as a programmable timer.

Instead of counting external product pulses, the controller measures time.

It can be configured for applications such as:

Delay before machine start
Machine running time
Interval timing
Production cycle timing
Motor operating time
Process delay
Sequential machine operation

C. Why Is the Autonics CT6S-2P4 Used?

The CT6S-2P4 is used when an industrial machine requires accurate counting, preset quantity control, timing or automatic sequence control.

Production Counting

It can count products manufactured or processed on a production line.

Examples include:

Bottles
Boxes
Pouches
Sheets
Components
Parts
Packages
Labels

Batch Counting

A required batch quantity can be programmed.

For example:

Required quantity: 50 pieces

After 50 products have been detected, the controller can activate an output.

This makes it useful for packing and batching machines.

Machine Cycle Counting

The CT6S-2P4 can count repetitive machine operations such as:

Press strokes
Cutting cycles
Motor rotations
Filling cycles
Packing cycles
Machine movements

Conveyor Product Counting

A proximity sensor or photoelectric sensor can be connected to detect products moving on a conveyor.

Preset Quantity Control

The operator can set a target quantity.

When the required count is reached, the controller can provide an output to the machine control system.

Two-Stage Control

The CT6S-2P4 supports 2-stage preset control.

For example:

Preset 1: 90 pieces
Preset 2: 100 pieces

At 90 pieces, the first output can provide a warning or slow-down signal.

At 100 pieces, the second output can stop the machine or complete the production cycle.

High-Speed Counting

The controller supports high-speed pulse counting, making it suitable for machinery where products or encoder pulses occur rapidly.

Timing Applications

The timer function can be used for controlling machine operations that must run for a predetermined period.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Autonics CT6S-2P4 Programmable Digital Counter and Timer is suitable for:

Machine Manufacturers

OEM machine manufacturers can use it for production counting, cycle counting and timing functions.

Packaging Machine Manufacturers

Suitable for:

Bottle counting
Pouch counting
Box counting
Carton counting
Packet counting
Batch control

Industrial Automation Companies

Automation companies can integrate the counter with sensors, relays, contactors and PLC systems.

Control Panel Manufacturers

Panel builders can use the CT6S-2P4 in machine control and automation panels.

Conveyor Manufacturers

Suitable for counting products moving through conveyor systems.

Food and Beverage Industries

Can be used for counting:

Bottles
Packets
Containers
Boxes
Production batches

Pharmaceutical Industries

Suitable for counting bottles, cartons, packs and production quantities.

Printing Industries

Can be used for counting:

Sheets
Labels
Printing cycles
Finished pieces

Textile Industries

Suitable for machine cycle counting, production counting and timing applications.

Factory Maintenance Departments

Maintenance teams can use the CT6S-2P4 as a replacement or upgrade for existing industrial counters and timers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Autonics CT6S-2P4?

The Autonics CT6S-2P4 is a programmable 6-digit digital counter and timer used for industrial counting, timing, batching and machine automation.

2. Is the CT6S-2P4 both a counter and a timer?

Yes. The CT6S-2P4 provides both programmable counter and timer functions in one unit.

3. How many digits does the CT6S-2P4 have?

It has a 6-digit digital display.

4. What is the counting range of the CT6S-2P4?

The counting range is approximately minus 99,999 to 999,999.

5. What is the maximum counting speed?

The CT6S-2P4 supports counting speeds up to 10,000 counts per second.

6. Does the CT6S-2P4 support count up operation?

Yes. It supports count up operation.

7. Does the CT6S-2P4 support count down operation?

Yes. It supports count down operation.

8. Does it support count up/down operation?

Yes. The counter can be configured for count up/down operation depending on the application.

9. Can an NPN proximity sensor be connected?

Yes. A compatible NPN proximity sensor can be connected for pulse counting applications.

10. Can a PNP sensor be connected?

Yes. The CT6S-2P4 supports compatible PNP sensor input.

11. Can a photoelectric sensor be connected?

Yes. A compatible photoelectric sensor can be used for product counting on conveyors and production lines.

12. Can an encoder be connected to the CT6S-2P4?

A compatible encoder can be used when its pulse output and frequency are suitable for the counter input.