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OptoNews: How to control your MicroLogix PLC from your phone

Posted by Jean Femia on Jul 1, 2015 5:01:13 PM

groov your MicroLogix videoWhat's on your MicroLogix™ PLC that you'd like to monitor or control from a mobile device?

Machine status? Temperatures and pressures? Valves and pumps?

Whatever it is, you can see it and do it now with a groov mobile operator interface. 

In our latest groov Workshop video you'll watch Opto 22's Director of Training, Mary St. John, build and use a simple interface for a MicroLogix PLC that's communicating as a Modbus/TCP slave. You'll learn how to:

  • Add the PLC to your groov project and configure a tag
  • Scale the tag so the data you see on your phone makes sense
  • Drag and drop a gauge to build your interface—with no programming!
  • Adjust the interface for tablets and smartphones

And you'll see what happens when Mary turns the knob to test her simple interface. 

Modbus/TCP or OPC UA?

Using Modbus/TCP is one way to get your Allen-Bradley PLC on your smartphone. Another simple way is using your OPC UA server, if you have one. Build your groov interface and use tags already in the server. If you're interested in this approach, take a look at another video, groov your A-B

Either way—Modbus/TCP or OPC UA—you can put whatever you need from your A-B PLC in your pocket to securely access data and controls from anywhere.  

Watch groov your MicroLogix (Modbus)

Watch groov your A-B (OPC UA)

Topics: Videos, Process control, Discrete control, groov, PLCs, Remote monitoring, optonews, Integrators, OptoNews 2015-07-01

Written by Jean Femia

Jean Femia writes about technical subjects and has focused on automation and control systems for more than 15 years. She likes learning about technology and taking corners in her Honda S2000.
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