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

• PAC Project Basic
• PAC Project Professional

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

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

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.

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

Sure, the industrial Internet of Things sounds cool. Real cool, in fact. But how do you do it and where do you get started?

For a self-proclaimed technology geek like myself, the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) is a pretty exciting topic. I wasn’t exactly born digital (individuals who have grown up with the current state of ubiquitous computing and communications).

Topics: IoT, PACs, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things

There’s a lot of talk these days about artificial intelligence, the cloud, and cognitive computing.

But what the heck do those things have to do with industrial automation, and why should automation professionals be getting up to speed on these technologies?

Topics: Discrete control, Internet of Things, IoT, Machine builder, PACs, I/O, REST API, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things

Who doesn't love a good Internet standard? I remember when I first got started in the technology world, reading RFCs was a great way to put myself to sleep at night.

But during the day, they did help considerably when trying to solve tech problems with hardware or software that wasn’t quite conforming to a defined technical specification. And that’s a problem we’re seeing with the Industrial Internet of Things today.

Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things

In a recent developer survey conducted by the Eclipse IoT Working Group, IEEE IoT, and Agile IoT, 40.8% of respondents indicated that the IoT solutions they were either currently building or planning to build are IoT platforms or IoT middleware.

Almost every large IT or OT company today has some form of IoT platform or middleware.

In fact, right now there are over 150 self-described IoT platforms in the market today. Not neccessarily created equally.

Topics: Energy management, PLCs, IoT, PACs, REST, IIoT, Node-RED

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.

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

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. 

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

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?

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

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.

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