For this tech tip we go to a recent blog post that takes a good look at the basic tools you need if you're a technician, an electrician, or a maker.
From oscilloscope to pliers to power supplies, these are the tools we find essential.
Get suggestions on what quality you need, what features to look for, and where to buy them, new or used.
Topics: Electronics, Tips, optonews, OptoNews 2017-01-18
If you’ve been listening to all the hype around the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Internet of Things, Industrie 4.0, or my favorite, the Industrial Internet of Things (pretty sure they’re all roughly the same thing), you’ve no doubt heard the term machine learning thrown around.
Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things
In a previous blog post I wrote about the Internet of Things getting hacked. As the IIoT ramps up and we continue to connect more devices to networks, we increase our industrial assets' exposure to cyber attacks. And we all need to start thinking about cyber security first, not as an afterthought.
It's everyone's responsibility to plan for cyber security, starting when you first evaluate industrial assets for purchase.
Here are five checklist items to think about before connecting any industrial device to a network. No, this is not an exhaustive list, but frankly I don't want take up that much of your time. (You're welcome!) This is good starting point, though.
Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, Security, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things
The image below still cracks me up. The captions for each of the devices are hilarious.
But in truth, ransomware is a pretty scary subject, especially when you think of it in the context of industrial technology and applications. And there’ve been quite a few unnerving stories about ransomware hacks in industrial applications lately.
Topics: Internet of Things, Tips, IoT, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things
Whether you work in industrial automation, process control, machine design, or any other industrial application, at some point in time you’re going to run into an RS-485 network. And troubleshooting these networks can be an absolute nightmare.
Topics: Tips
What technician, engineer, or maker doesn’t like tools? Having the right tools for the job is essential in getting things done.
Few things are more satisfying than applying just the right tool to a specific problem to easily rectify the situation. Having a shop outfitted with the right tools and a good place to work makes fixing things and resolving problems that much easier.
Topics: Tips, I/O, Raspberry Pi
And then keep on using your Raspberry Pi for industrial I/O prototyping and projects. All you need is your Pi and power supply, plus our Digital Industrial I/O Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi. Just $99 (shipping included in the U.S.A.)—a $215 value.
Topics: optonews, New products, I/O, OptoNews 2017-01-04, Raspberry Pi
With the new Data Store device in groov R3.3, you can put data into groov from anywhere—like a database, another device or system—and monitor or change it in your mobile operator interface.
Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Updates, IoT, optonews, API, REST API, REST, mobile, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, OptoNews 2017-01-04
Once a haven for pirates, today Nassau and nearby islands host thousands of tourists.
One essential to keep tourists happy and healthy is fresh water, and most resorts rely on desalination to provide it.
Topics: Case studies, Process control, Water & wastewater, optonews, PACs, Integrators, OptoNews 2017-01-04
Did you miss any of these technical tips?
Now's a good time to review some automation basics—and look ahead to new technologies in our field.
Accuracy and resolution. Specifications for both of these are included for our analog modules. What's the difference?
Sinking and sourcing. What do these terms mean when you're wiring digital DC outputs, and which is the better way to wire? Lots of questions and answers on this one.
Topics: Discrete control, Tips, optonews, I/O, SSRs, Node-RED, OptoNews 2017-01-04, Raspberry Pi, Digital I/O for Raspberry Pi