Confused about sinking and sourcing in DC circuits?

Want to find out which digital output module to use in a DC circuit?

Manufacturers label their DC outputs in different ways. This new animated demo defines sinking and sourcing and shows you which type of Opto 22 output module to use, depending on your application.

Topics: Discrete control, optonews, Training, I/O, OptoNews 2015-10-07

The international Automation Inside Readers' Choice Awards 2015 are now open for voting.

And we're happy to announce that Opto 22 was nominated in the Best Automation Company category, and groov was nominated in the Best Embedded System/HMI category.

Topics: groov, optonews, OptoNews 2015-10-07

A SNAP PAC controller communicates over Ethernet. Is it OK if two PCs are trying to communicate with the PAC at the same time, or will they interfere with each other? 

This was the question in a recent OptoForum post, and it got a quick answer: yes, it's OK.

Whether it's a standalone S-series or a rack-mounted R-series PAC, you can have many devices simultaneously requesting data from and sending data to a SNAP PAC.

Topics: Tips, optonews, PACs, Integrators, Networking, OptoNews 2015-10-07

Seeing your key machines and sensors on your smartphone or tablet—whether they're in your facility or remotely located—could be mighty useful, you may be thinking.

But maybe you don't have the time or interest to develop your own groov mobile operator interface, or configure devices and set up networking.

If that's the case, take a look at the groov Action Plan.

Topics: groov, optonews, New products, OptoNews 2015-09-23

You've heard us talk about how you can monitor and control your Modbus/TCP devices from a groov mobile operator interface on your tablet or smartphone.

But what if your Modbus device uses a serial link? 

Topics: Energy management, Videos, groov, Remote monitoring, optonews, Integrators, Building management, OptoNews 2015-09-23

See groov and the SNAP PAC System in action at two trade shows in early October:

• Smart Industry 2015, October 5-7 in Chicago, Illinois
• Unlimited Electro, October 6-7 in Tijuana, Mexico

Topics: groov, PLCs, IoT, optonews, PACs, Events & conferences, OptoNews 2015-09-23

When you turn on an output, do you set a flag and then check it to see the output's status before turning the output on again? 

Or do you just turn it on without checking?

Is setting a flag a good way to speed up the program and avoid tying up the network with unnecessary communications to I/O?

Or does it just add a lot of extra variables and decision blocks that make debugging and maintenance harder?

Topics: Discrete control, Tips, optonews, PACs, I/O, PAC Project, OptoNews 2015-09-23

Just released: the free groov R3.0c update.

This update improves security and performance and adds an enhancement to the Momentary Button gadget.

Security and Performance. We're always looking for ways to improve product performance, and providing the best possible security is a top priority.

Topics: Process control, groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-09-09

Usually our case studies feature Opto 22 customers solving an automation problem.

But this time we're the customer. 

Some of you probably remember when we switched the groov Box from the larger GROOV-AT1 to the more compact, fanless GROOV-AR1. 

Topics: Case studies, Videos, groov, optonews, OptoNews 2015-09-09

Just a couple of reminders about upcoming events in your area: 

• Hands-on SNAP PAC System training September 22-24 in Amherst, New Hampshire
• SORT Technology Showcase September 22 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Topics: groov, optonews, PACs, Events & conferences, Training, PAC Project, OptoNews 2015-09-09