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

Documenting the journey from the outside world into the world of Opto: First in a series.

After more than a decade as an automation engineer, I recently joined Opto 22’s marketing group. A few weeks ago, my workday was focused on maintaining the cell culture process automation of a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturer. This system had dozens of distributed controllers and hundreds of devices that worked together to deliver thousands of kilograms of the finest monoclonal antibodies you’ve ever seen. It was big.

What I enjoyed most about my job, though, was helping other engineers succeed. In the early years, I learned pretty quickly that you could take a group of smart people, give them bad tools, callous management, and a ridiculous schedule, and they would fail every time. I did the best I could to fix the managerial and scheduling issues, but the tools were always a limitation.

Now it’s my job to help connect other engineers with the kinds of tools and technologies I wish I’d had. I’m kicking it off with a deep-dive into the first place I visited as a new Opto employee: the training room.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time and money to get some Opto training yourself, I’ll be walking through everything you can expect to experience.

Topics: Training, PAC Control, Node-RED, Ignition Edge, groov EPIC, groov EPIC Learning Center, Factory Training

Pick from three options to fit your time and budget.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin

Topics: PAC Control, IIoT, Node-RED, MQTT, Ignition Edge, CODESYS, groov EPIC, HMI, groov EPIC Learning Center, OptoU

Learn how to set up, install, and communicate using a groov EPIC serial I/O module.

Many industrial automation applications require communication between the controller and multiple serial devices. The GRV-CSERI-4 module provides four independent and isolated serial ports for this purpose. Each port is software configurable to communicate with RS-232 or RS-485 (half duplex or full duplex) serial devices.

Topics: PAC Control, I/O modules, groov EPIC, I/O, serial module

New video workshop takes a closer look at the LED quality indicator on groov EPIC I/O modules.

Are you seeing a yellow light on one of your groov EPIC I/O modules? This means that one or more of its values is outside of the expected range. Opto 22 applications engineer Ben Orchard explains why this is important and how to use this feature in a video that's just been added to the groov EPIC hardware playlist.

Topics: PAC Control, I/O modules, groov EPIC

New PAC Project version R10.2002 now available

Take advantage of several fixes and improvements in this latest release of the PAC Project software suite, both Basic and Professional editions. 

Topics: PAC Project, PAC Control, PAC Manager, PAC Display, OptoOPCServer, OptoDataLink

Have you ever been stuck on a coding problem? Unsure of which tool to use for an application? Or if you have the functionality you need to get the job done? Maybe you’ve just got a new system and need a map to help you learn the new features and functionality.

Topics: PAC Control, REST API, Node-RED, MQTT, Ignition Edge, IEC 61131-3, groov EPIC, developer

Ready to see groov EPIC in action? Have some holiday fun by taking control of our lobby Christmas Tree lights and Lionel Train.

Visit our live groov demo site and you'll find a section dedicated to Holiday Lights.

Topics: PAC Control, Node-RED, groov EPIC, holiday schedule

Do you use PAC Control, PAC Display or OptoOPCServer?  Then you'll want to download version R10.2 of PAC Project software. 

This update adds support for soon-to-be released groov I/O modules, and also addresses important bug fixes. 

Topics: PAC Project, PAC Control, PAC Display, OptoOPCServer, software

Opto 22 has just announced the release of the groov serial I/O module, GRV-CSERI-4. This module plugs into a groov EPIC chassis alongside groov EPIC analog and discrete I/O modules, allowing you the mix of signals you need at any location.

Topics: groov, PAC Control, EPIC, I/O modules, serial