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Programmable Controllers
Leaving Your Legacy Control Equipment
Some will argue that there's no reason to remove part of a control system that today is running as good as it has for...
DH-485 Comms Hardware and RSLinx Setup (Video, TAS 25)
In this week's episode of The Automation Show, I cover the different hardware used to connect a PC to a DH-485 network, as well...
Documenting PLC Code Using UDDTs And AOIs
In yesterday's article I covered the advantage of using verbose tag names in place of pages of comments to document programmable controller programs.
Beyond that,...
HMI & SCADA Software
HMI and SCADA Alarms with Meaning
Picture this: You enter a control room and immediately suffer sensory overload as a result from an overwhelming number of audible alarms and flashing...
Using the Micro800 Simulator with CCW and FTView (Video, TAS 15)
In this week's episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at how you can use the Micro800 Simulator with CCW and FactoryTalk...
Connect FactoryTalk View and Linx to the Micro800
One of my connections recently shared how he was able to connect FactoryTalk View Studio to the new Micro800 Simulator (thanks Floyd!)
After reviewing his...
HMI Terminals
HMI and SCADA Alarms with Meaning
Picture this: You enter a control room and immediately suffer sensory overload as a result from an overwhelming number of audible alarms and flashing...
First Time Using A Siemens Basic Panel (Video, TAS 23)
In this week's episode of The Automation Show, I connect a Siemens KTP-700 Basic Panel to a S7-1200 for the first time:
For more information,...
Using the Micro800 Simulator with CCW and FTView (Video, TAS 15)
In this week's episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at how you can use the Micro800 Simulator with CCW and FactoryTalk...
Drives and Motion
New Micro800 lessons on PowerFlex, PanelView, and more!
The world's highest rated Micro800 course, Nano Basics, just got better!
We've recently added new lessons covering Expansion I/O, Modbus, Ethernet, VFDs, and HMIs!
In the...
Coming: Connected Components Workbench R11
Welcome to part four of the nine part series covering my picks for the top new PLC and HMI products shown at Rockwell's Automation...
Learn how to use CCW to backup, edit, and restore A-B VFD parameters
Do you or someone on your staff need to backup, edit, or restore A-B VFD parameters?
If so, you may be interested in my new...
Recently Published
Safety Instrumented Systems vs Basic Process Control Systems
Most industrial processes incorporate Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Basic Process Control Systems (BPCS) in their operations. This article compares the features of each system.
SIS and BPCS Compared
A Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) function is to monitor and maintain process...
Episodes Of The Automation Minute Now Available!
Today we're happy to announce that every single episode of The Automation Minute is now available to download right here in The Automation Blog's store for either a $0.99 donation per episode, or completely free with a pledge of...
The Realities of Project Management: You Can’t Always Do It Faster
In 1975, computer architect Fred Brooks published a series of essays on software engineering and project management called “The Mythical Man-Month”.
These cautionary tales and inevitable realities not only stand the test of time, but also can crossover to many...
Insider News: Prepping for Automation Fair Part 1
Note: Insider News articles cover behind the scenes topics at The Automation Blog and Show exclusively for our supporters at http://patreon.com/automation.
Let me start by wishing everyone a very happy November, and thank you all for your continued support and...
Leaving Your Legacy Control Equipment
Some will argue that there's no reason to remove part of a control system that today is running as good as it has for the last twenty years (or longer.)
Especially when that legacy hardware has been as durable as...