Latest Agriculture Technical Articles

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when…

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.

Singularity in robotics can be problematic for programmers and manufacturers alike. We will investigate the cause of…

Singularity in robotics can be problematic for programmers and manufacturers alike. We will investigate the cause of singularities and how prevention can be considered in the design of a robot cell. 

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in…

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 and Automation Direct’s Productivity Suite to make your program flow smoothly.

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old…

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.

We will show you how to use the basic trigonometry functions to build ladder logic in a PLC, allowing for a clean,…

We will show you how to use the basic trigonometry functions to build ladder logic in a PLC, allowing for a clean, well-organized, and easy-to-use code that allows you and other users to troubleshoot your programs.

Industrial robots are a valuable investment because of their speed and accuracy. However, failing to establish the tool…

Industrial robots are a valuable investment because of their speed and accuracy. However, failing to establish the tool center point (TCP) can decrease the accuracy, effectiveness, and ROI for a robot workcell.

Electrical signal analysis has come to the forefront of predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime in industrial…

Electrical signal analysis has come to the forefront of predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime in industrial manufacturing by remotely identifying problems with electric motors and generators.

Communication protocols are a key component for an industry 4.0 compliant facility and are used to enable communication…

Communication protocols are a key component for an industry 4.0 compliant facility and are used to enable communication back and forth between cloud servers to transmit data or receive instructions.

Software obsolescence poses a threat in industrial automation equal to hardware obsolescence and should not be…

Software obsolescence poses a threat in industrial automation equal to hardware obsolescence and should not be overlooked. Many PLC OEMs offer tools to migrate upgraded software projects to the newest controller revisions.

Designing an obsolescence mitigation plan to detect and solve mitigation risks before they occur is key to avoiding…

Designing an obsolescence mitigation plan to detect and solve mitigation risks before they occur is key to avoiding costly downtime and a potential catastrophe in control environments. 

Control engineering is integrally woven together with electricity and electrical circuits. Even so, sometimes the most…

Control engineering is integrally woven together with electricity and electrical circuits. Even so, sometimes the most basic scenarios become misunderstood through lack of training or experience.

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery…

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware…

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.

In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…

In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.

‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But…

‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But a circular economy model includes manufacturing processes and raw materials as well.

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive,…

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.