The end of 2019 is quickly approaching, and the Opto 22 team is once again preparing for the holidays.

As we look back on 2019, it was another EPIC year that included exciting new features and changes for the groov EPIC system. Here's a recap of some of the highlights and our upcoming holiday schedule.

Topics: groov EPIC, holiday hours, holiday schedule

This newly released video walks you through using a serial to USB converter with your groov EPIC PR1 controller.

In our latest video, Applications Engineer Ben Orchard is back to give you step-by-step instructions for reading serial data via the EPIC's USB port with a RS-232 to USB converter.

Topics: Training, serial, groov EPIC, groov EPIC Learning Center

Three more companies join the OptoPartner program to give you cutting-edge IIoT product solutions.

Do you need help integrating, installing, or updating your Opto 22 system? An OptoPartner can help. OptoPartners have a proven track record of working with Opto 22 industrial control products (like the groov EPIC system).

And if you need help on an industrial internet of things (IIoT) project, contact one of our IoT OptoPartners.

Topics: IoT, IIoT, groov EPIC, system integrator, OptoPartner

If you are using PAC Control with either SNAP PACs or groov EPIC, please be aware of an urgent bug fix related to how the control engine configures PID loops.

The issue affects:

• SNAP PAC firmware R10.0a - R10.0f: It is advised you update to SNAP PAC firmware R10.0h immediately.
• groov EPIC (all versions): We recommend you update to groov EPIC R1.4.4.

If you are using PID loops, check your strategy after updating to make sure everything works as you expect. 

Topics: Updates, Firmware, PAC Control, groov EPIC, snap pac

The latest SNAP PAC firmware release is now available for the SNAP PAC system.

If you are using any of the following SNAP PAC system controllers or brains, you'll want to take a look at the new R10.0h update: 

• SNAP PAC S-series
• SNAP PAC R-series
• SoftPAC
• SNAP PAC SB brains
• SNAP PAC EB brains
• G4EB2 brains

Topics: Firmware, PAC Manager, snap pac

Opto 22 is once again partnering with Inductive Automation for a free all-day seminar in downtown Chicago on November 19, 2019:
Digital Transformation Made Easy with Ignition and MQTT: Learn how Combining IT & OT Empowers Innovation Within Your Enterprise

Topics: MQTT, Ignition Edge, groov EPIC, Ignition, Discovery Day

What's new at Opto 22? We've had plenty to talk about this past month, so here's a recap of product, firmware, and software updates, as well as new groov I/O module releases!

Learn about new groov EPIC system capabilities, and make sure you are using the latest versions of firmware and software to optimize system performance.

New groov  I/O modules available now

Three new groov I/O modules were released this week as we continue to expand the groov EPIC system to support your application requirements. These modules include designs for mixed signal types, signal isolation, channel density, and also meet precise requirements for temperature control. 

Topics: Updates, PAC Project, I/O modules, CODESYS, groov View, groov EPIC

Control Engineering magazine hosts its annual awards program, which highlights some of the best new control, instrumentation, and automation products.

We're excited that Opto 22's groov EPIC (Edge Programmable Industrial Controller) is once again in the running for an Engineers' Choice award! 

Major new features were added to the groov EPIC controller this year, making it a repeat contender:

1 - Programming options now include IEC 61131-3 compliant languages like:

• Function Block Diagram (FBD)
• Structured Text (ST)
• Sequential Function Charts (SFC)
• Ladder Diagram (LD)

2 - For greater security in data communications, you can now connect the GRV-EPIC-PR1 to a virtual private network (VPN), and configure the EPIC as a client to connect to an OpenVPN server.

3 - For Ignition users, you can now choose Ignition or Ignition Edge platforms. Full Ignition gives you access to more Ignition modules, external access to the OPC UA server (no need for a PC!), scripting, and database support.

But groov EPIC can't get the recognition without your help!

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, IoT, New products, Awards and recognition, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, EPIC

Learn how tech-based company netDNA automates water management for fracking and water transfer with the help of groov EPIC.

In the oil and gas industry, technological advances like hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling have caused a boom in exploration and drilling. The initial “gold rush” approach to oil and gas development focused on people resources, with most work done manually.

But now companies are looking to add automation in the field, especially for water pumping and treatment, key ingredients in successful unconventional oil and natural gas production. In an industry with remote, widely separated, and changeable operations, automation and data communications aren't easy.

Topics: Case studies, Oil & gas, Node-RED, MQTT, groov EPIC

Opto 22 engineers discuss the latest news and happenings from the annual Ignition Community Conference hosted by Inductive Automation.

As an Ignition Onboard partner, Opto 22 was once again a part of this year's Ignition Community Conference (ICC). This annual event is a great opportunity for engineers and developers to network, get technical training, and learn from the Ignition software experts. You can meet with other Ignition users who are using this tool every day in all sorts of applications, from all over the world. Whether you're an advanced user or new to the software, you'll leave with a new perspective and set of ideas for your projects.

Opto 22's Senior Applications Engineer, Garrick Reichert, and VP of Marketing & Product Strategy, Benson Hougland were on hand to answer questions about how this Ignition platform is used in the groov EPIC system.

Topics: Ignition Edge, groov EPIC, Ignition, ICC, Ignition Community Conference