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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.


Methods of Controlling Motor Speed With a VFD

Methods of Controlling Motor Speed With a VFD

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed values, digital or analog signals, or communication networks.


Industry Insights: Understanding Hybrid Linear Motion

Industry Insights: Understanding Hybrid Linear Motion

Kyntronics’ mission is to combine servo control with hydraulic actuators to form hybrid motion control. Our engineering team posed a few questions in hopes of learning more about this technology.


Inside Rockwell Automation’s Factory Where Automation Is Built

Inside Rockwell Automation’s Factory Where Automation Is Built

Join Control.com for an inside look at the Rockwell Automation HQ in Milwaukee, WI, and check out a fully automated assembly line. Plus, a preview of new product tutorials, coming soon!


Obtaining System Values in a PLC

Obtaining System Values in a PLC

It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s built into the PLC? How can we access and use that information?


New to PLCs? Five Critical Features Every Beginner Should Know

New to PLCs? Five Critical Features Every Beginner Should Know

Learn five essential features to consider when selecting a controller, from I/O and software licensing to networks and web access.


Creating and Running a Robot Program for a Meca500

Creating and Running a Robot Program for a Meca500

This tutorial explains how the Meca500 executes stored motion programs triggered by a PLC.


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.


The Guide to Commissioning a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

The Guide to Commissioning a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

Learn how to set up a VFD, from initial unboxing to configuring the network parameters necessary to drive some simple motion from a PLC.


Electric Actuators Designed to Replace Fluids: Hands-on Tutorial

Electric Actuators Designed to Replace Fluids: Hands-on Tutorial

Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro


Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.


Avoiding SCADA Pitfalls: 3 Tips for Operational and Business Advantages

Avoiding SCADA Pitfalls: 3 Tips for Operational and Business Advantages

A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation requires consideration from both an operational and a business perspective.


Analog and Digital Signal Filtering in PLC Systems

Analog and Digital Signal Filtering in PLC Systems

Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.


Actuator-Sensor Interface: ASi Installation and Commissioning

Actuator-Sensor Interface: ASi Installation and Commissioning

A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data and commands between I/O devices and the PLC control system level.


Hands-On with the Arduino Opta Using OpenPLC

Hands-On with the Arduino Opta Using OpenPLC

Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.


Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.


Intro to CODESYS: First Project Using CMZ Hardware

Intro to CODESYS: First Project Using CMZ Hardware

CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion operations. However, being vendor-agnostic can present challenges. Learn how to get started.


Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy. It’s important for companies to establish an SOP for standardized LOTO practice.


A Visit From Safety Nick

A Visit From Safety Nick

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.


Merry ControlByWeb-mas! A Fun Holiday Light Show Project

Merry ControlByWeb-mas! A Fun Holiday Light Show Project

As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead, spend many hours automating this very important December job? Let me show you.