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Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans.


Mitsubishi HMI Programming Tutorial: Controlling On/Off Bits

Mitsubishi HMI Programming Tutorial: Controlling On/Off Bits

Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming.


The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Making Sense of Prox Sensors

The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Making Sense of Prox Sensors

Detecting objects is the first field-level task that must be considered before any feedback-based control can happen. Choosing from among the nearly unlimited proximity sensors can be challenging!


How-to: Programming Discrete I/O With a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC

How-to: Programming Discrete I/O With a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC

Learn how to use DirectSOFT6 to program discrete I/O functions in a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC. Although these PLCs are older, they are found in many existing automation installations.


Setting IP Address and Networking Parameters on a PowerFlex VFD

Setting IP Address and Networking Parameters on a PowerFlex VFD

Parameters control the operation and command sources for VFDs. The PowerFlex series from Rockwell Automation is no exception. Learn how to adjust the parameters for networking and IP configuration.


Beginner’s Guide to Automation: How to Choose the Right Project

Beginner’s Guide to Automation: How to Choose the Right Project

There are a lot of companies considering in-house automation or consulting with integrators for automated systems. But where do you start, and how do you even pick a project for automation?


What Is a ‘Valve Spool’ and How Do Spool Valves Work?

What Is a ‘Valve Spool’ and How Do Spool Valves Work?

Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do they look like inside, and how do these ‘valve spools’ actually work?


Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.


Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?


DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?


Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.


Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference can help with network troubleshooting, design, or alteration.


Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.


How-To: Servo Motor Control Concepts and Programming

How-To: Servo Motor Control Concepts and Programming

Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a simple-to-understand method.


Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Creating custom alarm systems can be complicated and overwhelming, but they can also be very beneficial for equipment builders and integrators. Follow along as we build a custom alarm handling system.


Setting up Discrete Sensors: Polarity, Mode, Range, and Limits

Setting up Discrete Sensors: Polarity, Mode, Range, and Limits

Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false decisions. But what settings must be adjusted when you install these sensors?


Case Study: How One Company Saved Hours on Code Review With Version Control Software

Case Study: How One Company Saved Hours on Code Review With Version Control Software

Version control software allows manufacturers to automatically save code revisions across teams. Learn how Automation NTH leveraged this strategy to save countless hours and increase reliability.


Turn a Raspberry Pi Into a PLC Using OpenPLC

Turn a Raspberry Pi Into a PLC Using OpenPLC

Using a Raspberry Pi and the OpenPLC software platform, create a simple PLC that can be programmed in ladder diagrams with remote access and I/O monitoring dashboards.


Back to the Basics: Pressure Units and Measurements

Back to the Basics: Pressure Units and Measurements

What is pressure? Everybody knows about this important quantity, but how do you define it? How do you measure it? Where does it come from? In this article, we’ll learn about the basics of pressure.


How to Wire Motor Starters and Contactors

How to Wire Motor Starters and Contactors

This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter configurations, including direct online, reversing, and star-delta.