OptoBlog

Add delays to speed up

Posted by Ben Orchard on Apr 17, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Some tech tip advice to help keep your industrial systems running smoothly.

Whenever I say this blog title out loud to the Premium Factory Training class attendees, I get some funny looks. I'm not sure if it's the Aussie accent, or the idea of adding delays to speed up that causes the double-take chuckles.

Compute power has come a long way in the last 10 years or so, but regardless, we programmers of all things industrial still need to be mindful of optimizing our code and systems to run as smoothly as they possibly can.

Arguably, one of the biggest tips for programming in PAC Control I can share with you all is to add delays through your flow charts and OptoScript blocks.

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Topics: PAC Control, groov EPIC, Factory Training, technical tips

Leveraging technology at the DX Forum

Posted by Janice Colmer on Apr 17, 2024 8:30:00 AM

Make plans to attend the first annual Digital Transformation Forum at the Boston Convention Center, May 1-2.

Experience two days dedicated to helping manufacturers take on digital transformation challenges. Join Opto 22's Director of Technical Marketing, Dan White, at the upcoming DX Forum.

On May 1st at 1:45 p.m., see how ALTA Refrigeration created more efficient, productive, and secure systems by leveraging digital technology. Dan will be joined by ALTA's Peter Santoro and Todd Hedenstrom for a presentation of their case study.

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Topics: Case studies, Events & conferences, groov EPIC, digital transformation

The move to groov for an IIoT approach in water management

Posted by Janice Colmer on Apr 8, 2024 12:40:30 PM

A new case study explains how Paloma Irrigation and Drainage District bridged the gap between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) for seamless data flow and efficient management.

The Paloma Irrigation and Drainage District (PIDD) has been operating for over 100 years in Gila Bend, Arizona. It provides essential irrigation and drainage services to 30,000 agriculturally diverse acres and nearly 100 homes. More than just irrigation, the PIDD safeguards the environment and upholds the community's water rights.

The PIDD faced several pressing challenges, including high maintenance costs, limited monitoring and control, and inefficient manual operations. These challenges led them to look at industrial internet of things (IIoT) possibilities, which highlighted the need for a more modern, cost-effective, and data-driven approach to water management.

In this case study, read how PIDD bridged the gap between their operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) for seamless data flow and efficient management, propelling them into their SCADA expansion.

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Topics: Case studies, Water & wastewater, IIoT, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, groov EPIC, groov RIO, digital transformation

How to use the groov RIO EMU

Posted by Janice Colmer on Apr 8, 2024 9:58:51 AM

Learn more about how this energy monitoring unit works with the newly published groov RIO EMU user's guide.

When introduced in 2020, the groov RIO series introduced a new kind of I/O product: edge I/O. Communicating data to other systems doesn't require a PLC, PAC, or IPC. Instead, this intelligent, distributed I/O includes security, data processing, and networking to meet the needs of IIoT projects independently.

Then we introduced the groov RIO energy monitoring unit (GRV-R7-I1VAPM-3), or RIO EMU for short, to bring the same level of connectivity to projects that require power and energy data acquisition and communication. Whether you're already using groov RIO for energy monitoring or still researching your options, the new groov RIO EMU User's Guide can help you understand its full capabilities and features.

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Topics: groov rio emu, energy monitoring

Opto 22 celebrates 50 years!

Posted by Mark Engman on Apr 3, 2024 7:42:01 AM

You can count on high-quality Opto products and continued support for all your automation and IIoT applications.

I have a hard time believing it’s been 50 years since my dad and mom started Opto 22. My dad, Bob Engman, was an engineer who helped develop a better way to manufacture solid state relays. 

SSRs had just been invented in the early 1970s, and the improvement was to pot SSRs with epoxy to protect the electronics from shock, vibration, and environmental contaminants. When Opto 22 began in 1974, our first products were, you guessed it, twenty-two SSR models manufactured by the new method.

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Topics: Opto 22, Anniversary

groov EPIC Learning Center 2 available now

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 27, 2024 7:23:53 AM

For pilot projects, proofs of concept, and exploring, get the new groov EPIC LC2 with more features and capabilities than the original.

A complete package of fully functioning EPIC hardware and software, the groov EPIC Learning Center is designed as an integral part of our free OptoU Online Training at training.opto22.com.

And it's now available to order!

See what's included in the new GRV-EPIC-LC2, and be ready to take on your industrial automation and IIoT applications.

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Topics: Training, Node-RED, CODESYS, groov EPIC, groov EPIC Learning Center, Ignition

Power monitoring is your gateway to operational efficiency

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 26, 2024 12:00:27 PM

Watch a recording of this month's IntegrateLive! Workshop and learn how to quickly start monitoring energy for meaningful insights.

Did you miss episode 16 of IntegrateLive! last week? No problem—the recording is now available to catch up on what you missed or to view it again. Benson Hougland and Ben Orchard from Opto 22, along with Alex Marcy from Corso Systems, join IL hosts Jeff Knepper and Allen Ray for an 80-minute session devoted to power monitoring.

Whether you are trying to enhance your sustainability profile, reduce operational costs, or empower your maintenance team with actionable insights, this workshop provides the knowledge and tools you need to get started.

Watch: Not Just Green - Power monitoring is your gateway to operational efficiency

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Topics: Webinars, power monitoring, groov rio emu, IntegrateLive!, energy monitoring

More chances to see live groov demos

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 20, 2024 9:08:30 AM

See what shows and conferences have been added to Opto 22's 2024 event schedule.

Have you visited the Events page on the Opto 22 website lately? A recent post shared what trade shows have been scheduled for the first quarter of the year, but now there are more opportunities to see groov products in action—hopefully coming to a city near you.

Get details on upcoming events in Boston, Chicago, and Paris, France.

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Topics: Events & conferences, groov EPIC, groov RIO, digital transformation

Real-world examples of industrial edge computing

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 19, 2024 12:19:32 PM

Visit the groov Case Study Library for application stories utilizing groov EPIC and RIO in a variety of industries.

Looking for real-world examples of industrial edge computing in action? Several new case studies featuring groov EPIC and groov RIO have been added to the Opto 22 case study library over the past year. 

Take advantage of this valuable website resource as each application story can be read via a web page or downloaded as a PDF document. Hear how current industrial automation challenges are being solved by Opto 22 customers world wide.

If you haven't visited the case study library lately, here's what you might've missed.

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Topics: Case studies, groov EPIC, groov RIO

More groov EPIC graduates for the class of 2024

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 12, 2024 1:36:09 PM

Read feedback from students in the March 2024 groov EPIC Premium Factory Training class.

It was another full class of eager-to-learn groov EPIC students who made the trip to Opto 22 headquarters in Temecula, California this month. The value of in-person, instructor-led training is once again clear after another successful week: the course benefits engineers at all levels of experience with all types of applications. And that’s thanks to the team of Opto trainers who devote their time to developing a comprehensive, integrated class curriculum.

Hear what this month's students had to say about their groov EPIC training experience. Then register to join us for the next class!

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Topics: Training, groov EPIC, Factory Training

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