Sending email messages from the PLC sounds like an easy task. However, very few applications do this on the production floor. This is probably due to the networks involved and user authentication can be complicated. In our example, we will use a restricted Gmail SMTP server so no authentication will be required. We will walk through sending email and text messages from the PLC to Google Gmail. Once in your Gmail account, the message can be automatically forwarded to another verified email or SMS text message address.
The BRX Series PLC also has this Email capability along with attaching files. We will also be looking at secure email services with the BRX Series PLC. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Tag Archives: plc data logging
Now You Can Have Data Logging Free
A data logger is also known as a data recorder or data acquisition. It is a method to record data over a period of time and/or events.
The recorded information can come from sensors in the field. They can be digital or analog. With the analog (voltage or current) we can measure temperature, pressure, sound, weight, length, etc. Digital data can be used for counts, times, events (motor overload), etc.
Data collecting can be time or event-driven. Time-based would be like collecting data every minute, shift, day, etc. An event-based collection would be from an error in the field such as an overload of a motor or a fault with a temperature controller.
Data mining / analysis is the most important part of the data logging.
Data mining/analysis is the way in which we look at the data and determine what to do. Clustering is a method to look at the data in similar groups for comparison. An example of this would be the amount of material made on individual shifts in the plant. Setting up the data logging in a way to examine the output over time is very helpful in determining methods to increase productivity in the manufacturing environment.
Time studies or observations are vital in the lean manufacturing world. Data logging can be useful in assisting with these studies. However, unlike the usual manual approach, this time study can be continuous.
Data logging does not have to be expensive. It is also not as intimidating as it may sound.
The ‘Robust Data Logging for Free’ eBook is available in a free download. Just subscribe to ACC Automation to get the link for the free download.
This eBook will walk you through step by step on getting information into a database so you can start analyzing the data. With traditional loggers, the software will read the memory of the PLC and store in a local computer. If the network stops or the PLC communication fails then the logging will stop.
Creating a robust PLC data logger allows the communication to be stopped for a period of time without losing any of the data for collection. This is accomplished by storing the data locally on the PLC until communication is restored. All of the data is then read without loss. The amount of time that the connection can be lost will be dependent on the memory size of the PLC and the frequency of the data collected.
This series will walk you through the steps to create and implement a robust PLC data logger using the following equipment and hardware.
- Automation Direct – Do-More – H2-DM1E PLC (Ethernet Modbus TCP)
- Do-more Designer 1.3 (Simulator instead of PLC mentioned above)
- Windows-based computer running IIS
- Visual Basic 6
Additional information on Omron Host Link Protocol and Indirect Addressing can be found in the eBook.
The ‘Robust Data Logging for Free’ eBook is available for a free download. Just subscribe to ACC Automation on the left side menu of the website to get the link for the free download.
Watch on YouTube: Now You Can Have Robust Data Logging For Free
If you have any questions or need further information please contact me.
Thank you,
Garry
If you’re like most of my readers, you’re committed to learning about technology. Numbering systems used in PLC’s are not difficult to learn and understand. We will walk through the numbering systems used in PLCs. This includes Bits, Decimal, Hexadecimal, ASCII and Floating Point.
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The ‘Robust Data Logging for Free’ eBook is also available as a free download. The link is included when you subscribe to ACC Automation.