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Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 6: Refined Data Presentation

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 6: Refined Data Presentation

We conclude the data flow project with the step of developing a business intelligence dashboard to present machine data, at a reliable schedule, to a leadership or maintenance team.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 5: Basic Data Dashboards

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 5: Basic Data Dashboards

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.


Strain Gauges: Real-World Considerations and Typical Applications

Strain Gauges: Real-World Considerations and Typical Applications

In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.


Implementing an OpenPLC Visual Annunciator Flasher Using an Arduino

Implementing an OpenPLC Visual Annunciator Flasher Using an Arduino

A flasher can easily be implemented using interlocking timers in a PLC environment on an Arduino Uno using OpenPLC, UiFlow Blockly Code, and a programmable HMI-based LCD unit.


Strain Gauges: Basic Operating Principles, Materials, and Properties

Strain Gauges: Basic Operating Principles, Materials, and Properties

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.


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

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.


PLC Input and Output Module Troubleshooting Techniques

PLC Input and Output Module Troubleshooting Techniques

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.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 2: Initializing the Software

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 2: Initializing the Software

Data pipelines are software services that progress the data from source to storage, hopefully without too much programming complexity. In this article, we begin by initializing the mage.ai software.


Troubleshooting PLCs: Recognizing Visual Status Indicators and LEDs

Troubleshooting PLCs: Recognizing Visual Status Indicators and LEDs

Machine downtime can be very stressful for everybody involved. Next time you face a challenging system failure, try some of these LED troubleshooting techniques to reduce stress.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 1: The Challenge of Data

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 1: The Challenge of Data

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data movement, we explain the challenge of data flow and build a fault list.


Handling of Power System Data: Engineering Limits and Data Currency

Handling of Power System Data: Engineering Limits and Data Currency

Power systems rely on meaningful data, as do most other processes. Within SCADA environments, individual data points are tracked, compared to limits, and evaluated to obtain current readings.


Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 6: Node-RED Development

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 6: Node-RED Development

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of the solution that we have created up to this point.


Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 5: Database Setup

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 5: Database Setup

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore the setup of an InfluxDB database to store the incoming sensor data.


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

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.


Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 2: Testing The Data Payload

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 2: Testing The Data Payload

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge device publisher script, and viewing the payload using a sandbox subscriber script.


Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM): It’s Not PWM, But Related

Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM): It’s Not PWM, But Related

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) is not brand new, but still unknown to many engineers.


A Look Inside the Circuit Construction of an NPN and PNP Sensor

A Look Inside the Circuit Construction of an NPN and PNP Sensor

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from which they are derived. But how exactly do those transistors play a role in inputs or outputs?


5 Reasons Why Sensors Are Crucial For Modern Manufacturing

5 Reasons Why Sensors Are Crucial For Modern Manufacturing

Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears of modern manufacturing units by providing real-time data on machine performance.


Loop Powered Process Displays to Add Easy Measurements

Loop Powered Process Displays to Add Easy Measurements

Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way off in the control room? Here’s an easy way to add a readout in the field.


Advanced Web-Based HMI Project: Part 1

Advanced Web-Based HMI Project: Part 1

Taking web-based HMI design from a simulated project to the real-world environment. Part 1 introduces tag instances and attributes.