groov EPIC 1.5.0 is ready, and here's why you'll want to update Blog - Published: groov EPIC firmware version 1.5.0 is available now and has several great new features and a few bug fixes. While our groov EPIC Readme file has all the technical details, here's a sweeping look at the...moregroov EPIC firmware version 1.5.0 is available now and has several great new features and a few bug fixes. While our groov EPIC Readme file has all the technical details, here's a sweeping look at the new features I'm most excited about. (Existing groov EPIC users can log into your MyOpto22 groov Manage account now to get your free update!) <less
2019 Holiday Greetings, Recap & Schedule Blog - Published: The end of 2019 is quickly approaching, and the Opto 22 team is once again preparing for the holidays. As we look back on 2019, it was another EPIC year that included exciting new features and changes...more The end of 2019 is quickly approaching, and the Opto 22 team is once again preparing for the holidays. As we look back on 2019, it was another EPIC year that included exciting new features and changes for the groov EPIC system. Here's a recap of some of the highlights and our upcoming holiday schedule. <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
Open source is the future of automation Blog - Published: Opto 22 speaks up for open-source software. For this month’s IoT feature in Design World magazine, Opto 22 had the chance to weigh in on the value that open-source software brings to industrial...moreOpto 22 speaks up for open-source software. For this month’s IoT feature in Design World magazine, Opto 22 had the chance to weigh in on the value that open-source software brings to industrial automation. Some key points for the industry: Open source is everywhere in the enterprise and consumer sectors, powering innovation in products, services, and projects we all know. Open source changes the economic model for industry, freeing engineers and end users from the trap of vendorlock-in. Open source accelerates innovation and offers key technologies that empower IIoT growth. <less
Find the IoT Certified OptoPartner you need Blog - Published: Three more companies join the OptoPartner program to give you cutting-edge IIoT product solutions. Do you need help integrating, installing, or updating your Opto 22 system? An OptoPartner can help...moreThree more companies join the OptoPartner program to give you cutting-edge IIoT product solutions. Do you need help integrating, installing, or updating your Opto 22 system? An OptoPartner can help. OptoPartners have a proven track record of working with Opto 22 industrial control products (like the groov EPIC system). And if you need help on an industrial internet of things (IIoT) project, contact one of our IoT OptoPartners. <less
Important news for PAC Control users Blog - Published: If you are using PAC Control with either SNAP PACs or groov EPIC, please be aware of an urgent bug fix related to how the control engine configures PID loops. The issue affects: SNAP PAC firmware R10.0a...moreIf you are using PAC Control with either SNAP PACs or groov EPIC, please be aware of an urgent bug fix related to how the control engine configures PID loops. The issue affects: SNAP PAC firmware R10.0a - R10.0f: It is advised you update to SNAP PAC firmware R10.0h immediately. groov EPIC (all versions): We recommend you update to groov EPIC R1.4.4. If you are using PID loops, check your strategy after updating to make sure everything works as you expect. <less
Stay up-to-date with SNAP PAC firmware R10.0h Blog - Published: The latest SNAP PAC firmware release is now available for the SNAP PAC system. If you are using any of the following SNAP PAC system controllers or brains, you'll want to take a look at the new R10.0h...moreThe latest SNAP PAC firmware release is now available for the SNAP PAC system. If you are using any of the following SNAP PAC system controllers or brains, you'll want to take a look at the new R10.0h update: SNAP PAC S-series SNAP PAC R-series SoftPAC SNAP PAC SB brains SNAP PAC EB brains G4EB2 brains <less
Attend Free Inductive Automation Discovery Day Seminar in Chicago Blog - Published: 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 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 <less
Outside-In Journal: Unboxing the groov EPIC Learning Center Blog - Published: 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! 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! <less
Get your October product news and updates Blog - Published: 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...moreWhat'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. New groov I/O modules available now 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. <less
New VPN Client in groov EPIC simplifies remote equipment communications Blog - Published: 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...moreOne 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. <less
groov EPIC announced as a Finalist in the 2020 Engineers' Choice Awards Blog - Published: Control Engineering magazine hosts its annual awards program, which highlights some of the best new control, instrumentation, and automation products. We're excited that Opto 22's groov EPIC (Edge...moreControl Engineering magazine hosts its annual awards program, which highlights some of the best new control, instrumentation, and automation products. We're excited that Opto 22's groov EPIC (Edge Programmable Industrial Controller) is once again in the running for an Engineers' Choice award! Major new features were added to the groov EPIC controller this year, making it a repeat contender: 1 - Programming options now include IEC 61131-3 compliant languages like: Function Block Diagram (FBD) Structured Text (ST) Sequential Function Charts (SFC) Ladder Diagram (LD) 2 - For greater security in data communications, you can now connect the GRV-EPIC-PR1 to a virtual private network (VPN), and configure the EPIC as a client to connect to an OpenVPN server. 3 - For Ignition users, you can now choose Ignition or Ignition Edge platforms. Full Ignition gives you access to more Ignition modules, external access to the OPC UA server (no need for a PC!), scripting, and database support. But groov EPIC can't get the recognition without your help! <less
Riding out the storm with the groov EPIC system Blog - Published: How one integrator used the remote connectivity in groov EPIC and groov View to save his systems from Midwest storms. Rainstorms have pounded Wisconsin this season, along with much of the Midwestern...moreHow one integrator used the remote connectivity in groov EPIC and groov View to save his systems from Midwest storms. 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. <less
A closer look at OptoTagPreserve Blog - Published: 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. 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. <less
An EPIC case study in the oil and gas industry Blog - Published: Learn how tech-based company netDNA automates water management for fracking and water transfer with the help of groov EPIC. In the oil and gas industry, technological advances like hydraulic...moreLearn how tech-based company netDNA automates water management for fracking and water transfer with the help of groov EPIC. 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. <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
CODESYS Users Unite Blog - Published: We hope to see you at one of three CODESYS Users Conferences Opto 22 will be attending and exhibiting at in October. You might recall one of our EPIC announcements earlier this year was adding more...moreWe hope to see you at one of three CODESYS Users Conferences Opto 22 will be attending and exhibiting at in October. 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. <less
Outside-in Journal: Training Day Part 3 Blog - Published: See what the final day of Opto 22's factory training looks like from the inside. As the resident engineer-in-training, I’ve taken on the job of communicating to the outside world what it looks like...moreSee what the final day of Opto 22's factory training looks like from the inside. 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. <less
New tech tip videos help you configure your groov EPIC Blog - Published: Two new videos just added to the OptoU groov EPIC training series to help you with system configuration options. Have you visited training.opto22.com lately? The OptoU groov EPIC training series...moreTwo new videos just added to the OptoU groov EPIC training series to help you with system configuration options. Have you visited training.opto22.com lately? The OptoU groov EPIC training series continues to expand with videos that provide technical tips for getting the most out of your groov EPIC system. Here are two recently added videos you might've missed. <less
Outside-In Journal: Training Day Part 2 Blog - Published: Step inside Opto 22 HQ again for day 2 of groov EPIC training. The Outside-In series brings you an outsider’s perspective into the way Opto 22 operates behind the scenes. Today, we’re back in Temecula,...moreStep inside Opto 22 HQ again for day 2 of groov EPIC training. The Outside-In series brings you an outsider’s perspective into the way Opto 22 operates behind the scenes. Today, we’re back in Temecula, CA (not Australia… I know! I was surprised too) for the next day of groov EPIC® system factory training. If you missed the first day, the class was introduced to groov Manage and PAC Control™. Plus, we got to see Terry Orchard demo Linux® secure shell access on the EPIC. Day 2 wraps up PAC Control and covers PAC Display™, groov View™, Ignition Edge® and CODESYS®. If you’re interested in the hands-on training available for HMI/SCADA development or IEC 61131-3 languages on the EPIC platform, keep reading. <less
Outside-In Journal: Training Day Part 1 Blog - Published: 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...moreDocumenting 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. <less
A local database server on your groov EPIC processor? Blog - Published: In a recent blog post, Terry Orchard covered one of the programming options available on the groov EPIC: secure shell (SSH) access. If you’re familiar with Linux shell commands, you can use secure...moreIn a recent blog post, Terry Orchard covered one of the programming options available on the groov EPIC: secure shell (SSH) access. If you’re familiar with Linux shell commands, you can use secure shell access to install application packages and add functionality to your groov EPIC Edge Programmable Industrial Controller. For example, you could add a local database server. <less
groov EPIC Learning - You Have Options! Blog - Published: 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 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 <less
Making the switch: SNAP PAC to groov EPIC Blog - Published: New technical note helps current SNAP PAC users decide if, when, and how to migrate to the new groov EPIC system. Opto 22 customers have been relying on the SNAP PAC system for their controls and...moreNew technical note helps current SNAP PAC users decide if, when, and how to migrate to the new groov EPIC system. Opto 22 customers have been relying on the SNAP PAC system for their controls and automation applications for over 10 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? <less
groov EPIC 1.4 means more Ignition Blog - Published: The groov EPIC has always come pre-installed with Ignition Edge® by Inductive Automation® on board. Ignition Edge in the EPIC means you have OPC-UA drivers built in to communicate with other control...moreThe groov EPIC has always come pre-installed with Ignition Edge® by Inductive Automation® on board. Ignition Edge in the EPIC means you have OPC-UA drivers built in to communicate with other control systems (for example, Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs). It also means you can use MQTT/Sparkplug for more efficient and secure data communications. But starting with groov EPIC firmware version 1.4.0 (released in August 2019), that changes—in a good way. You now have the option to choose which edition of Ignition you run on your Edge Programmable Industrial Controller—either Ignition Edge or full Ignition. <less