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Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

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

Accelerometers and Gyroscopes: Understanding The Metrics of Motion

Many sensors, like prox, optical, and ultrasonic, are familiar to control engineers. More and more modern devices are incorporating advanced motion profiles requiring motion sensing in many axes.

February 19, 2024 by David Peterson

Understanding RMS and True RMS for Meters and Mechanical Measurements

Electrical and mechanical measurements are often labeled with "RMS" and "True RMS." Aside from the simple math definitions we learned in electronics class, why is this distinction actually important?

January 29, 2024 by Gunner Scott

How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?

January 16, 2024 by Gunner Scott

How to Convert Numbers: Binary, Decimal, and Hex Systems

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

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.

January 03, 2024 by Michael Levanduski

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.

December 21, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

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.

December 12, 2023 by Harry Trietley

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.

November 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

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.

November 08, 2023 by Munir Ahmad

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.

October 26, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

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.

October 24, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

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.

October 03, 2023 by Harry Trietley

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

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

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

What Can Go Wrong With Electrical Process Measurements?

Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them.

August 24, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

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

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.

August 07, 2023 by Dr. Don Wilcher