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Tutorial: Arduino and AutomationDirect Merged in the ProOpen PLC

Having separately covered Arduino’s microcontroller platforms and AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs, it’s time to take the wheel of the ProOpen, a PLC that combines modularity with C++ programming.

4 days ago by David Peterson

Robot-To-PLC Handshaking

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.

April 16, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

The S7-1200 is Siemens’ flagship small form factor PLC, upgradable with signal boards and modules. The new update, the S7-1200 G2, demonstrated at Hannover Messe, contains an array of new features.

April 16, 2024 by David Peterson

Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.

April 11, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

Accelerate PLC Ladder Logic Learning with New Arduino Starter Kit

Tackling a growing need for education in industrial automation, Arduino has launched a starter kit for PLC learning based on the new Opta, the PLC IDE, and hardware to integrate I/O devices.

April 08, 2024 by David Peterson

Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?

April 04, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.

April 02, 2024 by David Peterson

Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.

April 01, 2024 by Munir Ahmad

How Is Your Code Backed Up? Maximizing DevOps in Industrial Automation

Shifting from manual code backup processes to more modern, automated solutions can provide more benefits to manufacturers, far above simply the time saved compared to manual techniques.

March 31, 2024 by Adam Gluck, Copia Automation

Rockwell’s Newest On-Machine Devices Speed Engineering Development

Creating a decentralized control system means selecting devices that can withstand harsh environments. New offerings in the Armor product line from Rockwell Automation are doing just that.

March 25, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Creating custom alarm systems can be complicated and overwhelming, but they can also be very beneficial for equipment builders and integrators. Follow along as we build a custom alarm handling system.

March 20, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

Introducing the PLC410, WEG’s New PLC: Smaller But with Powerful Specs

Designed with OEMs in mind, the WEG PLC410 is the smaller counterpart of the PLC500, still offering similar features but with useful improvements in expansion I/O, communication, and performance.

March 13, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

Case Study: How One Company Saved Hours on Code Review With Version Control Software

Version control software allows manufacturers to automatically save code revisions across teams. Learn how Automation NTH leveraged this strategy to save countless hours and increase reliability.

March 11, 2024 by Matthew Lee, Copia Automation

Idec Launches 7-inch Combined PLC+HMI With I/O Options

Adding to its existing SmartAXIS Touch family, Idec has released the FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI for compact and simplified control. The combined solution features a 7-inch touchscreen display and expandable I/O.

March 01, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich

ABB and Mettler Toledo To Advance Robotic Automation in Laboratories

ABB Robotics and Mettler Toledo have teamed up to accelerate the adoption of laboratory automation. The two companies are merging robotics and management software to improve laboratory workflows.

February 29, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida

AutomationDirect Combines Power and Flexibility in New CODESYS PLCs

AutomationDirect has recently released a new PLC that uses CODESYS, a software platform for industrial programming that has been widely adopted across numerous existing PLC systems.

February 26, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell

Weidmüller Upgrades U-remote for Improved Performance and Integration

The u-remote system will now be equipped with modern technology developed by Weidmüller to enhance internal back panel bus communication to celebrate the u-remote’s tenth birthday.

February 22, 2024 by Austin Futrell

Turn a Raspberry Pi Into a PLC Using OpenPLC

Using a Raspberry Pi and the OpenPLC software platform, create a simple PLC that can be programmed in ladder diagrams with remote access and I/O monitoring dashboards.

February 21, 2024 by Dr. Don Wilcher

Banner Engineering Expands IIoT Gateway Controller Series

The new DXM1200 communication gateway models from Banner Engineering promise to help users with better plant connectivity for IIoT with cellular and ISM radio capabilities.

February 21, 2024 by Damond Goodwin

Red Lion Expands FlexEdge With New Strain Gauge and Com Modules

Red Lion has added a new series of strain gauge modules to their FlexEdge intelligent edge automation platform, along with two ‘sleds’ allowing connection to CAN and J1939 automotive networks.

February 21, 2024 by Seth Price