Ethernet networks have taken over as the prominent bus architecture for industrial automation networks. And for good reason.

Ethernet simplifies and homogenizes connectivity between industrial devices. We don’t have to worry about male or female DB9 and DB25 serial connectors, no concern for DTE or DCE devices, and forget about straight-through vs. null-modem cables. In general, the world is a much happier place.

However, even with the added simplicity Ethernet offers, troubleshooting Ethernet networks can be a bit more involved than serial networks.

Let’s assume you’re trying to establish communication with an industrial Ethernet device that for whatever reason has dropped off the network. Here are a few tips I always use when starting to troubleshoot an industrial Ethernet network.

Topics: Networking, I/O

We're honored to be chosen by Automation World readers as a preferred supplier!

Every year as part of their Leadership in Automation Program, Automation World asks their readers—that's you—to choose their go-to suppliers. These are the automation equipment manufacturers that automation engineers most trust. 

Topics: groov, optonews, PACs, I/O, mobile, IIoT, Data acquisition, OptoNews 2017-01-18

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

Celebrate the New Year with a blast!

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

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

It's true: you can use your Raspberry Pi to monitor and control real-world industrial devices.

Reliable Opto 22 G4 digital I/O and SNAP digital I/O now work with your Pi. 

One of the simplest ways to program your Pi may be Node-RED, designed by IBM Emerging Technologies.

Topics: Discrete control, optonews, I/O, Node-RED, G4 I/O, OptoNews 2016-12-14, Raspberry Pi, Digital I/O for Raspberry Pi

Did you ever think a Raspberry Pi^® could monitor or control real-world electrical loads like industrial motors, sensors, and pumps?

Well, now it can!

The new Digital I/O Carrier Board for Raspberry Pi (part number OPTO-P1-40P) makes it possible.

Topics: Discrete control, optonews, New products, I/O, IIoT, OptoNews 2016-11-30

If you're looking to connect real-world signals and industrial "things" to Information Technology (IT) systems, cloud software, and mobile devices, you already know Opto 22 products will serve you well.

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, IoT, optonews, PACs, Networking, I/O, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, OptoNews 2016-11-30

Three new updates have recently been released:

• PAC Project R9.5002
• groov  R3.2b (groov Build and groov View)—Log into manage.groov.com to get your update.
• E1/E2 brainboard firmware R1.2b

Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, I/O, PAC Project, Optomux, Firmware, PAC Control, PAC Manager, OptoNews 2016-10-12

Do you use Opto iPAC or Opto aPAC on your phone or tablet to commission and troubleshoot Opto 22 systems? With these mobile apps, you can:

• Automatically discover Opto 22 systems on your network
• Change point status or variable values from your phone, wirelessly
• Create watch lists to monitor

Topics: Updates, Machine builder, optonews, PACs, OEM, Integrators, I/O, mobile, OptoNews 2016-09-28