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The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be shocked at the results: Who will win… And who will lose?


Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.


Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.


The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system. Control.com talks to the experts at NORD, a motor specialist, to learn more.


Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic, which promises to simplify the integration. We’ll see how it lives up.


Dot Notation: A Different Way Of Addressing Integers in PLCs

Dot Notation: A Different Way Of Addressing Integers in PLCs

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to understand.


Applying Fail-Safe Solutions to Protect Motor Control Systems

Applying Fail-Safe Solutions to Protect Motor Control Systems

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads toward a defined safe state under real‑world faults.


Tutorial: Driving Mecademic Robots with Siemens PLCs

Tutorial: Driving Mecademic Robots with Siemens PLCs

Learn how to create programs that directly drive a Meca500 robot arm using a Siemens S7 PLC, including adding the hardware and using pre-built function blocks for STEP7 TIA Portal.


The Spectrum Between Human and Machine: The Industrial HMI

The Spectrum Between Human and Machine: The Industrial HMI

Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the interface extends far beyond this device.


First Test Run: Getting to Know the Bosch Rexroth ctrlX CORE

First Test Run: Getting to Know the Bosch Rexroth ctrlX CORE

Get a first look at Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX CORE, an industrial PC that unifies PLC, motion, and HMI through an app-based automation platform.


Tutorial: Setting up an Inovance HMI With A Mitsubishi PLC

Tutorial: Setting up an Inovance HMI With A Mitsubishi PLC

This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and Ethernet methods, including practical setup steps and common mistakes to avoid.


Synchronized Motion for Servos | Cam Profiles

Synchronized Motion for Servos | Cam Profiles

Cam profiles are a great way of strictly controlling two servo axes to follow a predefined path. Follow along as we dive into setting up and programming an electronic cam profile.


Synchronized Motion for Servos | Gearing Profile

Synchronized Motion for Servos | Gearing Profile

Synchronized motion has become an industry standard with robots, gantries, and pick and place automation. Follow along this three-part series as we discuss methods of synchronizing servo motors.


How to Choose the Right Industrial Power Supply for Your Cabinet

How to Choose the Right Industrial Power Supply for Your Cabinet

A clear overview of industrial power supply types, specs, and design factors for building dependable control cabinet systems.


Understanding PLC Tags: Controller Scope vs. Program Scope

Understanding PLC Tags: Controller Scope vs. Program Scope

Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.


All About The Legendary Stack Light

All About The Legendary Stack Light

The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.


Methods of Precision Alignment: Mechanical, Laser, and Vibration Analysis

Methods of Precision Alignment: Mechanical, Laser, and Vibration Analysis

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.


Control.com Asks the Experts: Serious Questions About Fluid Valves

Control.com Asks the Experts: Serious Questions About Fluid Valves

After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we really need lubrication? I turned to an expert for some answers.


Tutorial: Using SMC E-Actuators with a PLC

Tutorial: Using SMC E-Actuators with a PLC

Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting electric motion axis designed to operate with only simple discrete signal inputs.


Managing and Configuring Switches for Secure SCADA Networks | Part 2

Managing and Configuring Switches for Secure SCADA Networks | Part 2

Learn about OT resilience strategies, including SSH, authentication, port blocking, and MAC address binding, methods that can be employed to protect network switches.