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
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
Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read decimals. Computers read binary. Processors read sets of bits. Not so simple.
January 10, 2024 by David Peterson
A complete diagram for wiring nearly any kind of discrete I/O module, including digital, AC, or relay, including both sourcing and sinking varieties.
It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.
December 28, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
We begin to wrap up our data flow project with an introduction to visual-based (GUI) tools and dashboards to present the data ingested from the Google Sheets fault data source.
December 21, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.
November 27, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept of troubleshooting I/O without ever opening the PLC software.
November 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Rebooting industrial controllers and computers incurs costs, not only from the downtime but also from cascading effects of communication with up/downstream controllers. How can this downtime be managed?
October 30, 2023 by Seth Price
Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order to connect and publish Sense HAT sensor data.
October 17, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end, from the initial data collection to web-based visualization and analytics. This first article in the series will explore the setup of the edge device.
October 11, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what do these modes mean, and when should they be used?
September 18, 2023 by David Peterson
Explore the sensors used to obtain temperature, pressure, and humidity for industrial applications on this value-packed, compact add-on for the Raspberry Pi.
September 17, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
If you’re working collaboratively with teams in a corporate industrial setting and require a version control system for critical software or documents, Git is a must-have in your skillset.
September 07, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.
September 05, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?
September 04, 2023 by Seth Price
This top-mount accessory for the Raspberry Pi offers various capabilities at a low cost, perfect for analyzing and solving problems related to vibration, temperature, humidity, and others.
September 03, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?
August 29, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?
August 28, 2023 by David Peterson
Automation can be inexpensive for small projects by using development boards. This article presents a walkthrough of the setup and installation steps for the popular Raspberry Pi.
August 27, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
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