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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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Recent Posts

OptoNews: Opto 22 partners with IBM Watson IoT

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 15, 2017 4:35:22 PM

What could cognitive computing do for you?

Cognitive computing involves analyzing huge quantities of data and spotting correlations and patterns that are valuable—similar to what a human brain can do. But computers can analyze lots more data, much faster. 

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Topics: Process control, Internet of Things, IoT, optonews, Integrators, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Data acquisition, OptoNews 2017-03-15

OptoNews: New white paper - 2017 State of the IIoT

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 15, 2017 4:34:56 PM

The next industrial revolution, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is happening now.

In March 2016, a Gartner survey reported that 43% of organizations were already using or planned to implement IIoT applications during the year.

But it's not necessarily easy. There are still challenges to be met and a lot of decisions to be made as you move ahead. 

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Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, optonews, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, OptoNews 2017-03-15

OptoNews: PAC Project R9.6002 released

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 15, 2017 4:32:31 PM

We've just released PAC Project R9.6002, and you can get the updates here:

PAC Project Basic is free automation software for control programming and HMI, and is used with our SNAP PAC controllers.

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Topics: Updates, optonews, PAC Project, PAC Control, OptoNews 2017-03-15

OptoNews Tip: Essential network cables & adapters

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 15, 2017 4:31:37 PM

When you're working on your network, what's in your toolkit? 

For automation networks or IT computer networks, a few essential cables and adapters should be in your kit.

That way you've got them handy, whether you're troubleshooting network problems or just keeping your equipment and line up and running.

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Topics: Tips, optonews, Integrators, Networking, OptoNews 2017-03-15

OptoNews: New version of Node-RED for groov Box

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 1, 2017 4:02:04 PM

We've just released version 3 of Node-RED for the GROOV-AR1 groov Box. 

Node-RED is an open-source software tool for digitally wiring together hardware devices (like the groov Box), APIs (application program interfaces), and online services.

If you have a GROOV-AR1, Node-RED is included starting with groov Admin 44.

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Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Updates, IoT, optonews, Integrators, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Node-RED, OptoNews 2017-03-01

OptoNews: Industrial I/O for Raspberry Pi - new code examples

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 1, 2017 4:01:52 PM

Are you using G4 or SNAP digital I/O with your Raspberry Pi®?

A lot of engineers are finding a Pi surprisingly useful in real industrial applications, as well as for prototyping and experimenting. Used with Opto 22's reliable industrial I/O, your Pi can safely switch 5-60 VDC, 120 VAC, and 240 VAC loads. 

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Topics: optonews, I/O, GPIO, G4 I/O, OptoNews 2017-03-01, Raspberry Pi, Digital I/O for Raspberry Pi

OptoNews: Learn about KPIs for automation

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 1, 2017 3:59:05 PM

You've probably heard about KPIs (key performance indicators). You may be responsible for meeting these goals or even determining what they should be.

But what are KPIs and how are they used in process control and automation?

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Topics: Process control, optonews, OptoNews 2017-03-01

OptoNews Tip: Direct I/O & PAMUX SDKs now support Windows 10, 8.1, 7

Posted by Jean Femia on Mar 1, 2017 3:58:37 PM

Two of our software development kits (SDKs) have just been updated to provide support for Microsoft® Windows® 10 Professional, 8.1 Professional, and 7 Professional, both 32-bit and 64-bit.

PC-DIRECT-SDK

The PC-Based Direct I/O SDK for PCI Adapter Cards is for direct, high-speed control of digital I/O points.

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Topics: Discrete control, Updates, Tips, Machine builder, optonews, OEM, I/O, OptoNews 2017-03-01, Pamux

OptoNews: Opto 22 helps CAT provide power for the "Big Game"

Posted by Jean Femia on Feb 15, 2017 6:01:16 PM

Did you watch the Big Game on Sunday, February 5?

Not only was it a great game, with the outcome in doubt till a first-ever overtime settled it, but also... power for the Fox Sports television broadcast never failed.

Pretty important, right?

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Topics: groov, Internet of Things, IoT, Machine builder, optonews, PACs, OEM, Integrators, mobile, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, OptoNews 2017-02-15

OptoNews: CLI, transparent windows, and more now in PAC Project R9.6

Posted by Jean Femia on Feb 15, 2017 5:59:35 PM

Announcing the release of PAC Project R9.6000, with new features, enhancements, and bug fixes—available now. 

PAC Control

Here's good news for system integrators, OEMs, and others who build PAC Control strategies for users who don't have PAC Control on their systems. PAC Control now provides a command-line interface (CLI) 

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Topics: Updates, Machine builder, optonews, PACs, OEM, Integrators, PAC Project, PAC Control, OptoNews 2017-02-15

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