(English version at the bottom)
Automation In Practice
Sharing practical tips about the craftsmanship of Industrial Automation
February 5, 2025
#250 - Chat with Isabele Dal Pont
January 30, 2025
#249 - AVEVA Citect How to configure roles and access
- In the Graphic view, assign an area to the object
- In the Studio, create a new role in the Security section:
January 23, 2025
#248 - AVEVA Where to download installation files
- Go to the AVEVA's Knowledge and Support Centre website to download the installation and update files.
January 15, 2025
#246 - Book "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
January 6, 2025
#245 - AVEVA How to structure a project for redundant AOS Servers
To structure a project for redundant AOS Servers, create the WinPlatforms for each PC:
December 25, 2024
#244 - Studying a PLC programme with the RSLogix Emulate500 emulator
December 21, 2024
December 20, 2024
#242 - AVEVA Citect How to activate a license
The Citect license is managed by Schneider's Floating License Manager (FLM).
December 17, 2024
#241 - AVEVA How to set-up a Client Platform
- Configure SMS in the server, then the Identity Manager
December 6, 2024
#239 - AVEVA Citect How to Pack included projects and update pages
- In Citect Studio, open the Projects window and click on "Pack" and then "Pack with Included Projects"
December 5, 2024
#238 - AVEVA How to configure a Web Client
- Configure the "System Management Server" (SMS) in the Configurator. Set this machine as the System Management Server. During this process the system will automatically update the Web ports that are going to be used after by the WebViewEngine.
November 30, 2024
November 29, 2024
#236 - AVEVA How to configure a Client View
- Configure the "System Management Server" (SMS) in the Configurator
November 27, 2024
#235 - AVEVA How to add a Trend and Historical Events
- The firs requirement is to configure the AVEVA Historian
November 25, 2024
#234 - Schneider - How to link the local License Manager to the License Server
- Knowing the IP address of the License server open "License Manager" in the VM:
November 15, 2024
#233 - AVEVA How to upgrade the GPL
- Import the files inside the folder "Installation Files" with its sub-folders: xxxxx\GPL for ASP (OMI) Setup\Installation files
#232 - Chat with Nelson Terra
(English version at the bottom)
Tive o prazer de bater um papo com Nelson Terra, mestre em computação aeronáutica e engenheiro sênior de sistemas embarcados para foguetes lançadores de satélites. Durante o nosso bate-papo, exploramos sua trajetória profissional, alguns dos projetos em que esteve envolvido e os desafios de desenvolver sistemas embarcados para missões críticas.
October 23, 2024
#231 - AVEVA Citect SCADA - How to configure the OFS for the PLC data exchange
- Open "OFS Configuration Tool"
October 21, 2024
#230 - AVEVA Citect SCADA How to Restore a project from backup *.ctz
- Open "Citect Studio" - Select the *.ctz project file
October 14, 2024
#229 - Schneider Control Expert - How to update the library in a project
Right-click on "Derived FB Types" and "Get from Library":
September 5, 2024
#228 - Chat with Sigifredo Nino
I had the pleasure of chatting with Sigifredo Nino, an electrical engineer with more than forty years of experience in the process control industry. His career began in the 1980s at a coal power station in Colombia, after which he spent nearly a decade working at a pulp and paper mill. Later, Sigifredo moved to Canada, where he became a leading expert consultant in process control. Our conversation delved into his professional journey, various projects, and significant contributions to the field.
September 4, 2024
#227 - Schneider How to troubleshoot PLC Halt
There are different system words that help the troubleshooting:
August 28, 2024
#226 - Pepperl-Fuchs ATEX Switch Amplifier
- The Pepperl-Fuchs Switch Amplifier KFD2-SR2-Ex2.2S can be used between a sensor installed in a hazardous area and the digital input card.
#225 - AVEVA How to edit the alarm properties in OMI
Runtime alarms: Open $ViewAppGP and click on "Edit Layout":
#224 - VEGA How to connect and calibrate a VEGAPULS C 21 radar sensor
- Download the VEGA Tools app
- Connect to the device via Bluetooth
#223 - Schneider Link to the Modicon Libraries
Link to the Modicon Libraries (GPL for Control Expert, AVEVA OMI, etc).
August 23, 2024
#222 - Schneider How to update the TeSys island firmware and DTM library
Check the latest firmware version at Schneider's website:
August 15, 2024
#221 - Schneider How to load a configuration file on the Modicon Switch
Check the compatibility of the profiles with the switch (reference document: System Guide Hardware in a Complex M580 System):
July 25, 2024
July 23, 2024
#219 - Schneider Disabling backplane on NOC card
Open the DTM Browser and Open the NOC card configuration
July 7, 2024
July 6, 2024
#217 - Chat with Michel Ruel
I had the pleasure of chatting with Michel Ruel, a Canadian electrical engineer, Fellow of the International Society of Automation (ISA), and a legend in the process control industry. With over forty years of experience, Michel has worked in various fields, including pulp and paper, mining, and petrochemical, tackling some very challenging problems with great return on investment to his clients. During our conversation, we explored his professional journey, his numerous projects, and his significant contributions to the field.
July 5, 2024
#216 - Schneider Tips and Tricks when commissioning an Altivar VFD
It can be tricky to properly commission a VFD application. Here below some tips and tricks for the Schneider Altivar :
July 4, 2024
#215 - Asking questions
Asking good questions is key to learning. Some tips are to keep simple and follow-up when necessary.
Here are some examples of questions:
June 26, 2024
#213 - Schneider configuration of the PLC Simulator to connect to the ASP MCS
- Connect to the PLC Simulator and download a project file
June 25, 2024
#212 - Schneider Upgrading DTMs
- Working with different versions of Control Expert and projects may create some DTM discrepancies.
June 24, 2024
#211 - Schneider Configuration of the managed switches
- Connect to the switch via Ethernet cable or USB-C
- From "Ethernet Switch Configurator" scan the network and identify the MAC address of the switch. Set the desired IP address and click on WWW to open the web interface.
- Using the USB-C cable, try the default web page: 91.0.0.100
- A ring topology, redundancy, needs a managed switch
June 22, 2024
#210 - Training and Learning Material
IMechE:
- imeche.org/library-archive: Browse e-books, do the advanced search with key words such as: "Controls" (kw:(Controls)) Author (au="McMillan, Gregory K" AND au="1946"), (au="Shinskey"), (au="Kister, H"), (au="Åström, KJ").
Enquiries: library@imeche.org, archive@imeche.org, imeche.org/library-archive/library-services
June 20, 2024
#209 - Tips on writing software for industrial automation
- DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself)
- Single codebase for similar functions. Create parameters to configure / enable specific functions but keeping a single code base for better code development and maintenance. Examples: Loading / Offloading. Think about instances, for example rather than 87 different functions create 3 instances.
June 17, 2024
June 2, 2024
#207 - Schneider Advanced functions on Altivar 930 (Limit Switches, Hoisting, Break, Boost)
Advanced functions and their configuration in SoMove:
May 23, 2024
#206 - AVEVA How to restore a backup project .cab
A project backup can be made from the OCMC: Galaxy Database Manager > Project (right click and Backup).
To restore a project, right click on the Platform Manager and select "Remove Local Platform".
May 20, 2024
#205 - Question to the ISA's “Ask the Automation Pros” program
Check out my question to the ISA's “Ask the Automation Pros” program regarding the migration of a project.
May 15, 2024
#204 - Schneider PLC to PLC communication
To establish a PLC to PLC communication add a Modbus device into the desired network (NOC or PLC) and then:
May 14, 2024
#203 - Schneider How to Connect to the PLC via USB and Ethernet cable
In Control Expert, from PLC tab, click on "Set Address..." button.
May 11, 2024
#202 - Book "O rei dos dividendos" written by Luiz Barsi Filho
(English version at the bottom)
Esta autobiografia trata alguns dos episódios que marcaram a trajetória do autor, Luiz Barsi Filho, o maior investidor pessoa física do Brasil.
April 18, 2024
#201 - How to cross reference in Simatic Manager STEP 7
From Blocks, right click Reference Data > Display.
Then select Update or Regenerate the data.
Use the filters as required.