Latest IPCs (Industrial PCs) Technical Articles

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Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

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

Troubleshooting PLCs and I/O Modules Using Tools and Instruments

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

Industrial Computing Tackles the Challenge of Long Rebooting Time

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

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 3: Commissioning MQTT Broker

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

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 1: MQTT Client Setup

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

PLC CPU Modes Explained: Run, Stop, and Program

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

Raspberry Pi Sensors: Sense HAT Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity

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

Managing Program Versions: Use Git to Commit and Track Files

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

PLC Programming: Best Practices for Function Block Diagrams

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

Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

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

Sense HAT: The Coolest HAT for the Raspberry Pi

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

PLC Programming With Function Block Diagrams

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

A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

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

Small-Scale Automation Projects: Setting the Table for Raspberry Pi

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

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.

August 16, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.

August 15, 2023 by David Peterson

Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.

August 14, 2023 by David Peterson

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian capabilities for short-term data visualization.

August 09, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.

August 09, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and from a device, either to provide the user interface or interact with the machine.

August 09, 2023 by Michael Levanduski