Two products that both belong on a control wiring cart can still be hard to compare on paper, because one is a network module and the other is a physical fitting. The AUTOMATION DIRECT H2-ERM100 remote I/O module and the Arlington Industries 38AST Snap2 IT Connector Lot of 50 are both relevant to control cables, connectors, and I/O work, but they solve different problems. The first is designed to let a compatible PLC communicate with remote racks. The second is a conduit connector lot for cable terminations. So the right choice depends on whether your bottleneck is controller communication or cable termination.
Quick verdict
If your PLC needs remote I/O, the H2-ERM100 at $159 is the module that extends your system. If you're doing bulk cable terminations, the Arlington 38AST 50-pack at $52.26 puts 50 connectors on hand for one list price.
Comparison
| Feature | AUTOMATION DIRECT H2-ERM100 | Arlington 38AST 50-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $52.26 |
| Main role | Remote I/O module | Conduit/cable connector lot |
| Condition | New - Open box | New |
| Best fit | Adding remote I/O to a compatible PLC | Bulk cable terminations |
Where each product wins
The H2-ERM100 wins when your CPU is compatible with this module. It is not a universal remote I/O option, so the matchup depends on the controller you already have.
The Arlington 38AST wins when the job calls for many cable connections and you want a full lot to keep the work moving. Its strength is volume, not network features.
Product notes
AUTOMATION DIRECT H2-ERM100 / H2ERM100 DirectLOGIC DL205 remote I/O module
The H2-ERM100 gives an existing DirectLOGIC DL205 system a practical path to remote I/O without replacing the CPU. It includes one 10/100Base-T port, which connects remote racks to compatible D2-240, D2-250, D2-250-1, D2-260, D2-262, or Do-more H2 series CPUs. If you already run one of those controllers, this module is the missing link between the local rack and remote I/O. It doesn't fit every system, though: D2-230 CPUs and H2-WPLCx-xx are not supported, so the module only makes sense when your CPU matches that list.
Arlington Industries 38AST 3/8" Snap2 IT Connector Lot of 50
Arlington's 38AST-50 removes the fiddly part of terminating MC/HCF and AC/HCF cables. Each zinc die-cast connector accepts cable diameters from 0.405 to 0.612 inches, and the snap-in design means you push the cable into the fitting and snap the fitting into the box without tools. If you need to pull the cable back out, loosening the top screw releases it. The plus side is speed: these tool-free connectors let you work through a wiring job quickly. The trade-off is the cable envelope: only steel or aluminum MC/HCF and AC/HCF cable inside that diameter window will work, so different cable styles or sizes need a different connector.
Final choice by use case
Choose the AUTOMATION DIRECT H2-ERM100 when your control system uses a compatible CPU and you need remote I/O. Choose the Arlington 38AST lot when you're doing many cable terminations and want a connector pack built for volume. If a project needs both, the module and the connector pack are not competing solutions; they cover different requirements in the same control wiring job.
