Predictive Analytics from Process Control Data Blog - Published: The holy grail of IIoT applications is the ability to basically predict the future. We want to know when something, either a system or a component in our process is going to fail—before it actually does. The holy grail of IIoT applications is the ability to basically predict the future. We want to know when something, either a system or a component in our process is going to fail—before it actually does. <less
A Survey of Big Data Analytics Software Blog - Published: In a previous post we covered time series data. We talked about how process automation and control data can feed our big data applications and cloud-based software platforms, to build Industrial Internet...moreIn a previous post we covered time series data. We talked about how process automation and control data can feed our big data applications and cloud-based software platforms, to build Industrial Internet of Things applications. In this post we'll take a look at how time series data can be used to develop time series models. <less
Increase Uptime With An Asset Management Strategy Blog - Published: We’re all concerned about maximizing our manufacturing equipment uptime and decreasing downtime. If our machines go down, we lose money. It’s that simple. In fact, according to www.industryweek.com, the...moreWe’re all concerned about maximizing our manufacturing equipment uptime and decreasing downtime. If our machines go down, we lose money. It’s that simple. In fact, according to www.industryweek.com, the average cost of downtime in most industrial applications is $30-$50K per hour. And that number is increasing each year. According to Aberdeen Group, downtime costs in some industrial applications can top out at $250K per hour. <less
Using a serial to USB converter with groov EPIC Blog - Published: This newly released video walks you through using a serial to USB converter with your groov EPIC PR1 controller. In our latest video, Applications Engineer Ben Orchard is back to give you step-by-step...moreThis newly released video walks you through using a serial to USB converter with your groov EPIC PR1 controller. In our latest video, Applications Engineer Ben Orchard is back to give you step-by-step instructions for reading serial data via the EPIC's USB port with a RS-232 to USB converter. <less
Adventures of an Applications Engineer - Part 1 Blog - Published: As an applications engineer, sometimes known as OptoMary on our OptoForums, perhaps I shouldn’t have favorite customers. They’re all my favorites! Sure, our products and people have helped build flashy...moreAs an applications engineer, sometimes known as OptoMary on our OptoForums, perhaps I shouldn’t have favorite customers. They’re all my favorites! Sure, our products and people have helped build flashy Vegas shows, huge amusement parks, and various NASA endeavors that we may or may not be allowed to discuss in detail. We also have the less flashy water/wastewater installations and beloved "dam customers" that can be pretty Coulee, too. In these Adventures of an Applications Engineer posts I'll share some of my favorite favorites. <less
EPIC w/o I/O? Sure! Blog - Published: The groov EPIC system now includes a chassis option for applications that don't need (or want) I/O. As we continue incorporating your feedback to improve and extend the groov EPIC system, we're pleased...moreThe groov EPIC system now includes a chassis option for applications that don't need (or want) I/O. As we continue incorporating your feedback to improve and extend the groov EPIC system, we're pleased to announce the latest release of a new system chassis: GRV-EPIC-CHS0. <less
OptoNews: New IoT resources page answers your questions Blog - Published: What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and what is it good for? Is anybody actually using it yet for real applications? Here's a page of resources to answer some of your questions: The Internet of Things.What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and what is it good for? Is anybody actually using it yet for real applications? Here's a page of resources to answer some of your questions: The Internet of Things. <less
New I/O modules for the groov EPIC system Blog - Published: Meet our latest line up of modules designed to give you more I/O choices for your groov EPIC system. Along with the recent news of including IEC 61131-3 programming options for groov EPIC, there are 5...moreMeet our latest line up of modules designed to give you more I/O choices for your groov EPIC system. Along with the recent news of including IEC 61131-3 programming options for groov EPIC, there are 5 new I/O modules being added to the groov EPIC product line. Learn more about each module to see what new capabilities can help with your applications. <less
New Automation 101 video explains Sparkplug for MQTT Blog - Published: The industrial MQTT communication protocol is a powerful tool that allows you to exchange device data freely among devices and applications, with little or no IT involvement. Its simplicity and...moreThe industrial MQTT communication protocol is a powerful tool that allows you to exchange device data freely among devices and applications, with little or no IT involvement. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a popular choice for today's IIoT applications. Adding the open-source Sparkplug specification to MQTT adds even more structure and better support for industrial applications. <less
OptoNews: Sneak peek - SNAP PAC delivers the data Blog - Published: Are you thinking about how you could use data from some of your SNAP PACs in databases, other applications, even the Internet of Things (IoT)? If so, you'll be pretty excited about the upcoming release of SNAP PAC firmware, R9.5. Are you thinking about how you could use data from some of your SNAP PACs in databases, other applications, even the Internet of Things (IoT)? If so, you'll be pretty excited about the upcoming release of SNAP PAC firmware, R9.5. <less
OptoNews: Accuracy/Resolution hands-on demo Blog - Published: In an earlier OptoNews we defined the terms accuracy and resolution as they apply to analog I/O modules. These specs help you choose the right module for the job, so you get the results you need. Some...moreIn an earlier OptoNews we defined the terms accuracy and resolution as they apply to analog I/O modules. These specs help you choose the right module for the job, so you get the results you need. Some applications require highly accurate values or very fine resolution, while others do not. Choosing the right module for your application will save you time and money. <less
I/O module quality indicator LED sheds light on system status Blog - Published: 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...moreNew 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. <less
groov EPIC Security Series, Part 4: User Accounts Blog - Published: In this blog post, let’s take a closer look at user accounts on the groov EPIC system, and how you can improve your system security by giving users and services fine-grained access to applications...moreIn this blog post, let’s take a closer look at user accounts on the groov EPIC system, and how you can improve your system security by giving users and services fine-grained access to applications running on EPIC. In other words, make sure each person or service has only the access they really need and nothing more. But before we get deep into user accounts, let’s first discuss user account credentials. Take a moment and ask yourself the following questions: Do you use the same password for multiple accounts? Do you use a mix of punctuation and capital letters in your passwords? Do you use long phrases as your passwords? <less
Welcome new OptoPartner, Merlin CSI Blog - Published: With over 25 years of experience in industrial controls and automation and a focus on the future, Merlin CSI offers valuable expertise and the vision to help with your applications. We're pleased to...moreWith over 25 years of experience in industrial controls and automation and a focus on the future, Merlin CSI offers valuable expertise and the vision to help with your applications. We're pleased to add them to our growing list of IoT Certified OptoPartners. <less
New video: What is an MQTT broker? Blog - Published: This latest video in our Automation 101 series provides a deeper dive and explanation of the MQTT central server, or the "broker". As you recall from previous posts, the industrial MQTT communication...moreThis latest video in our Automation 101 series provides a deeper dive and explanation of the MQTT central server, or the "broker". As you recall from previous posts, the industrial MQTT communication protocol is a powerful tool that allows you to exchange device data freely among devices and applications, with little or no IT involvement. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a popular choice for today's IIoT applications. <less
OptoNews: Industrial I/O for Raspberry Pi - new code examples Blog - Published: 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...moreAre 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. <less
2018 Holiday Greetings & Schedule Blog - Published: It's hard to believe 2018 is nearly coming to a close! Our Opto 22 lobby is once again transforming for the holidays. As we reflect on an exciting year that included the epic launch of our award...moreIt's hard to believe 2018 is nearly coming to a close! Our Opto 22 lobby is once again transforming for the holidays. As we reflect on an exciting year that included the epic launch of our award-winning groov EPIC platform along with many successful new customer applications, we want to extend our warm wishes and appreciation for your support and business this past year. We thank you for your investment in Opto 22 products and solutions, are eager to continue assisting you in any way, and are excited to see your projects grow and succeed. You can count on Opto 22 for cutting-edge technology, quick responses to your needs, and a sleigh full of new products in 2019. As we do each year, we'll be taking a few extra days around the holiday to spend with our families. So, please review the following schedule for placing orders and making any calls to our sales and support teams. <less
Start EPIC communication to your serial devices Blog - Published: 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...moreLearn 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. <less
Selecting a solid-state or electromechanical relay for an application Blog - Published: Opto 22 knows solid-state relays (SSRs) very, very well. We’ve been manufacturing our optically isolated, epoxy-filled SSRs for more than 40 years, and over that time have gained quite a bit of...moreOpto 22 knows solid-state relays (SSRs) very, very well. We’ve been manufacturing our optically isolated, epoxy-filled SSRs for more than 40 years, and over that time have gained quite a bit of practical knowledge and experience about using SSRs in applications. SSRs have replaced electromechanical relays (EMRs) in many applications, thanks to their advantages: long service life low noise generation compact size no moving parts total absence of arcing <less
Automation 101: New videos show you how to wire, configure, & move data Blog - Published: How do you get machine data without interfering with the process? What's an easy way to monitor temperature in a server room? How can you control the flow of heating and cooling water in your HVAC...more How do you get machine data without interfering with the process? What's an easy way to monitor temperature in a server room? How can you control the flow of heating and cooling water in your HVAC system? These are the kinds of fundamental questions that come up over and over in automation applications, and our new Automation 101 video series aims to answer them. <less
New IoT Webinar: Live technologies demo Blog - Published: Is the Internet of Things (IoT) just a lot of hype, or can the IoT technologies we keep hearing about provide real value? RESTful APIs, Node-RED, and MQTT are just some of the new technical terms we...more Is the Internet of Things (IoT) just a lot of hype, or can the IoT technologies we keep hearing about provide real value? RESTful APIs, Node-RED, and MQTT are just some of the new technical terms we're all starting to learn. If you'd like to see these technologies in action to understand how they might be useful for your applications, then join us for a new webinar on December 12. Opto 22's Senior Applications Engineer Kyle Orman will demo these technologies and more. He'll show you how to exchange live data between real-world I/O and IoT platforms. You'll see: - IoT hardware that's proven in industrial locations- RESTful APIs to get data from PAC controllers- Examples of simple logic flows created with Node-RED - Ignition Edge® OPC-UA drivers built into the groov Box <less
Are you protecting your SCADA system from ransomware? Blog - Published: In a previous blog post we covered what ransomware is and how it’s being used to target industrial users like water and wastewater SCADA systems. Ransomware is basically when a hacker obtains control...moreIn a previous blog post we covered what ransomware is and how it’s being used to target industrial users like water and wastewater SCADA systems. Ransomware is basically when a hacker obtains control of your data, or even your control network and automation systems, and won’t relinquish control back to you until a ransom is paid. It's a major potential threat against IIoT applications. <less
September webinar: groov EPIC system Blog - Published: Advanced Control Solutions hosts your next chance to see the groov EPIC system in action Join OptoPartner and distributor Advanced Control Solutions (ACS) for a groov EPIC webinar on September 24th...moreAdvanced Control Solutions hosts your next chance to see the groov EPIC system in action Join OptoPartner and distributor Advanced Control Solutions (ACS) for a groov EPIC webinar on September 24th. An automation solutions provider for the Southeastern United States, ACS is also a regional supplier of the groov EPIC system. At this live webinar, you'll learn how to add simplicity, security, and performance to your applications, with little reliance on IT personnel. <less
Top takeaways from the 2019 Ignition Community Conference Blog - Published: Opto 22 engineers discuss the latest news and happenings from the annual Ignition Community Conference hosted by Inductive Automation. As an Ignition Onboard partner, Opto 22 was once again a part of...moreOpto 22 engineers discuss the latest news and happenings from the annual Ignition Community Conference hosted by Inductive Automation. 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. <less
Big Updates for groov: New Programming Option and OPC-UA Included Blog - Published: Take advantage of several new features and enhancements now available for the groov EPIC system, groov Edge Appliance, and groov Server for Windows. A free firmware upgrade is all it takes to start...moreTake advantage of several new features and enhancements now available for the groov EPIC system, groov Edge Appliance, and groov Server for Windows. A free firmware upgrade is all it takes to start enjoying the new programming capabilities available for your groov EPIC system: CODESYS to run your IEC 61131-3-compliant applications! Many performance improvements are also included. And for the groov Box, and groov Server for Windows, you'll benefit as well with a simple software download to update your groov View projects that improves performance, and now connects to any OPC UA Server for no additional charge! This goes for groov EPIC, too! <less