The Hydraulics Technology 1 and 2 tekLINKs introduce students to the principles of hydraulics, both at the basic and advanced level. Students grasp the fundamentals of fluid power systems, essential to modern automated manufacturing systems.

Hydraulics Technology 1 tekLINK teaches students basic operation of simulation software and industrial components, while Hydraulics Technology 2 tekLINK advances students to the world of electro-hydraulics, using the CP/C 2000A computer interface controller, which allows the HydraMotion software to provide control and on-line graphic tracking of the HydraFlex panel.

tekLINK activities challenge students to design and build hydraulic circuits with simulation software and actual hardware panel components. In addition, intelitek's Hydraulics Technology tekLINKs use applied science experiments to demonstrate the physical principles of fluid power.

Intelitek's Hydraulics Technology tekLINKs feature HydraMotion simulation software, which provides an accurate working simulation of hydraulic devices and circuits. With HydraMotion, students can create, operate and observe simulated hydraulic and electro-hydraulic devices and circuits. Circuits can be printed, altered and improved as needed. The tekLINKs also include the HydraFlex panel with its wide variety of   industrial-grade hydraulic components. Students can connect different components, change physical parameters and observe system responses. This unique combination of software and industrial equipment enables students to test and troubleshoot simulated hydraulic circuits before hardware connections are made.

Students will design solutions for industrial hydraulic applications with emphasis on real industrial concerns, such as power losses across components, system overheating and optimized hydraulic power.

The curriculum for each tekLINK incorporates SCANS and National Skills Standards in a 15-lesson format designed to bridge the transition between school and the workplace.

Both Hydraulics Technology 1 and 2 tekLINKs are supported by optional tekSURF multimedia enhancements, and tekSCOPE lab/classroom management software which allows the instructor total classroom control.

The tekLINK's Activities Book contains 15 activities, each of which can be completed in one 45-minute lab session. Each activity includes the following sections:

• Objectives - goals the student will achieve,
• SCANS skills - competencies the student will develop,
• Materials - specific items needed for the activity,
• Overview - description of the subjects to be explored,
• Procedures - includes a series of tasks or operations the students perform; questions and review conclude each activity,
• Worksheets - all questions and tasks are printed on a set of worksheets for recording the student's answers and lab results,
• Academics - contains enrichment materials such as industrial applications and opportunities.

1. Getting Started
2. Pressure and Force - Part 1
3. Pressure and Force - Part 2
4. Hydraulic Power Transmission - Part 1
5. Hydraulic Power - Part 2
6. Hydraulic Power Source
7. Determining Component Characteristics
8. Controlling the Flow Rate
9. Flow Control Valve
10. 4/3 Closed Center Valve - Construction and Function
11. 4/3 Closed Center Valve - Characteristics and Operation
12. Power Transformation Using a Double Acting Cylinder
13. Loading a Piston
14. Controlling the Piston Location
15. Final Projects and Conclusion

1. Getting Started
2. Electrical Control of Mechanical Components
3. Simulating an Electro-Hydraulic Circuit
4. Building a Real Electro-Hydraulic Circuit
5. Controlling a Cargo Plane Door
6. Controlling a Cargo Plane Door
7. Increasing System Efficiency
8. Increasing System Efficiency
9. The Relay
10. Using Relays to Increase Efficiency
11. Simulating a Relay to a Hydraulic Circuit
12. Adding a Relay to a Hydraulic Circuit
13. Simulating a Timer in a Hydraulic Circuit
14. Adding a Timer to a Hydraulic Circuit
15. Final Projects and Conclusion