Honest answers to your questions about making the move from SNAP PAC controllers to groov EPIC.

I’d like to try and feed two birds with one handful of grain in this blog…

We often get these two questions from existing Opto 22 customers who are moving or migrating from SNAP PAC controllers to groov EPIC (or sometimes keeping SNAP I/O to work with an EPIC system).

1. Are they the same?
2. Which should I configure first, groov Manage or PAC Control?

New technical note shows you how to update security settings for your email applications.

You can use many Opto 22 products to send email notifications to keep engineers and technicians aware of important conditions in your system. For example:

• You can send email through a PAC Control strategy running on a groov EPIC or SNAP PAC controller.
• Your groov View HMI can send event notifications via email.
• Your Node-RED flow on groov RIO or groov EPIC can send email.

But you must make changes now to keep receiving emails!

Prepare to make security changes to your email accounts by May 30, 2022.

For a long time, automation engineers have sent email alerts and reports from automation applications via a ‘throwaway’ Gmail account. This seemed harmless enough at the time and really useful, but it wasn’t very secure. As email abuse has risen over the years, it's time for the “less secure” party to come to an end.

Does this mean an end to all email alerts? Not at all. You just need to adjust your Google Gmail settings and update to a new application password in each application. Of course, this applies (with different end dates) to most other email providers as well as Google; check with your email provider for details. This blog will focus on Google Gmail.

It's the end of an era for Opto 22's original SNAP Ethernet I/O

First introduced in 1998, the venerable SNAP-B3000-ENET was the genesis of our SNAP Ethernet I/O line. Genuinely industry-changing when we first launched it, now, we regret to announce that Opto 22 is nearing the end of production for this flagship legacy product.

As you know, we always continue producing older products as long as technically possible (see Opto 22's product philosophy). But unfortunately, we are once again faced with the unavailability of essential parts that make up the original Ethernet I/O. Although limited inventory is still available, SNAP-B3000-ENET will become obsolete once current stock is depleted.

Direct replacement available with SNAP-PAC-R1

Effective March 1st, 2022 the SNAP-PAC-EB1 and SNAP-PAC-EB2 Ethernet Brains will be End-of-Life (EOL). We always continue producing older products as long as possible (see Opto 22's product philosophy), but unfortunately we can no longer source an essential part for these brains.

We'll continue to accept new orders for these products until February 28th, 2022. Opto 22 reserves the right to approve and schedule all purchase orders for these products before confirmation.

Opto 22's updated technical note helps current SNAP PAC users decide if, when, and how to migrate to the newer groov EPIC system.

Opto 22 customers have been relying on the SNAP PAC system for their controls and automation applications for almost 15 years. But now you keep hearing about the new technology of the groov EPIC system.

How is it different?

Should you make the switch?

What would be the benefits of upgrading, and what issues would arise from making the change?

Updated technical note includes tips and design advice for ensuring optimal performance on all devices using PAC Project software.

If you've been keeping up with your OptoBlog posts, you saw last week's news about an available update for the PAC Project Software Suite, version 10.4. If you haven't already, make sure you download it to take advantage of the new features, enhancements, and important fixes included in this update.

But now we have more good news! Whether you're a new user or very experienced with PAC Project and PAC Control programming, you'll want to spend some time reviewing our latest updated tech note: Optimizing PAC Project System Performance (form 1776).

Experienced S.I. harnesses the power of Opto 22’s control system.

One thing is for sure -- RDI Controls knows turbine and governor control systems. That said, if you are looking for an experienced Opto 22 systems integrator that can tackle most any application, have a look at our latest OptoPartner video. 

The latest firmware release for all SNAP PAC controllers and brains introduces new features as well as addresses important bug fixes.

For all you SNAP PAC users, an important update is available now! SNAP PAC firmware 10.4c is ready for download.

This latest maintenance release has some noteworthy updates you'll want to review. You can check out the README for a complete list of enhancements and bug fixes. It lists revision changes made to the firmware used in SNAP PAC S-series, R-series, and SoftPAC controllers; SNAP PAC EB-series and SB-series brains; and G4EB2 and G4D32EB2 brains.

The latest firmware release for all SNAP PAC controllers and brains addresses important security fixes.

For all you SNAP PAC users, an important update is available now! SNAP PAC firmware 10.3b is ready for download.

This latest maintenance release has some noteworthy updates you'll want to review. You can check out the README for a complete list of bug fixes and exact details. It lists revision changes made to the firmware used in SNAP PAC S-series, R-series, and SoftPAC controllers; SNAP PAC EB-series and SB-series brains; and G4EB2 and G4D32EB2 brains.