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
Curious to get your hands on a groov EPIC learning center (LC)? So was I. Lucky me, this was dropped off at my cubicle recently. Let’s see what’s inside!
Topics: Training, IIoT, groov EPIC, groov EPIC Learning Center
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.
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
One of the new features in recent versions of the groov EPIC firmware (R1.4.0+) that hasn’t gotten much attention yet is the built-in virtual private network (VPN) client. I’m excited about it because it’s an incredibly rare feature in PLCs and PACs and makes it much easier to create a secure architecture for managing remote equipment.
Why? Because a VPN essentially creates a secure tunnel through the internet—using encryption and user authentication—that can connect remote EPICs to your PC or trusted company network. From a security and connectivity standpoint, it’s like the EPIC is on your desk or in your facility, protected in all the ways you protect your company network. Anything you can do with a locally networked device, you can do with a remote system using VPN.
Topics: Security, groov EPIC, EPIC Security, OpenVPN
Rainstorms have pounded Wisconsin this season, along with much of the Midwestern United States, producing strong winds, flood waters, and tornadoes. Opto 22 field sales rep Dave Engsberg calls this area home and shared a story last week about one groov EPIC system on a particularly rainy night.
His story is a great example of what secure remote connectivity can mean for your applications: the difference between continuing operations or being submerged under water.
Topics: groov View, groov EPIC
First, OptoTagPreserve has been updated! If you are a fan of this useful utility program (as I am), be sure to download the latest version.
If you're new to PAC Control, or haven't tried OptoTagPreserve, here is why you should take a closer look.
Topics: Firmware, PAC Control, OptoTagPreserve, groov EPIC, snap pac
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
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
You might recall one of our EPIC announcements earlier this year was adding more programming options to groov EPIC. One of those programming options is the CODESYS Development System to create IEC 61131-3 compliant control programs. You can choose among Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, and Sequential Function Charts. And you can expand functionality even more using products from the CODESYS Store.
Whether you're new to CODESYS or have developed with it for a long time, the first annual CODESYS Users Conference North America is an event you won't want to miss. And Opto will be there.
Topics: Codesys, IEC 61131-3, groov EPIC
As the resident engineer-in-training, I’ve taken on the job of communicating to the outside world what it looks like inside of Opto 22. I’ve started off by giving you a look into the mindset and technologies at work here through the lens of our on-site training. Follow these links if you missed part 1 or part 2 of the series.
Last time I left you hanging right when we were about to get into CODESYS® near the end of Day 2. Today I make good on that teaser, as well as looking at Day 3 content (including Node-RED, MQTT, and the groov View™ graphics library) before Ben and Norma wrap up the class with a lesson on design fundamentals.
Topics: Training, Node-RED, MQTT, Codesys, groov View, groov EPIC, groov EPIC Learning Center, Factory Training