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Cara Bereck Levy

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Blog Entries posted by Cara Bereck Levy

  3. Cara Bereck Levy
    If you haven't checked out the Unitronics Youtube for awhile, you may want to check out our UniLogic Tech Tidbits Playlist. The most recent Tidbit shows you how to create your own, reusable HMI Custom Controls.
    After you create a control, you can drag and drop it from the Solution Explorer, export/import it between projects as .uluce files, or add it to the Library.  You can also define tags that are local to a specific Custom Control, these tags will be exported/imported along with the control.
     
    It's all in the link below!
     
  4. Cara Bereck Levy
    This was an excellent year - a year of growth - for the Unitronics community. We now number over 20,000 members!
    I can back this up with hard statistics for 2016:
    We welcomed over 3,000 new members to our user forum… …who made 2,100 posts … in 526 new topic! We all benefit from forum members who devote big blocks of time to helping others. These people put a lot of effort into writing detailed answers to questions and aiding others in trouble-shooting their applications.
    This year, three of our top posters from 2016 were again top contributors to the Unitronics community. 
    Our top UniGuru MVPs for 2016 are:
    Joe Tauser Barry Lanier (forum name: Flex727) Ausman In recognition of their fine work, the profiles of our MVPs will be marked with a new icon for 2016:
    In recognition of their fine work, the profiles of our
    MVPs will be marked with a new icon for 2016:

    Our most valuable commodity is, always, time—to volunteer that time to help other people using your expertise is truly worthy of respect--thanks to you all!
    Youtube Channel
     The official Unitronics Youtube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitronicsWebinars is growing. In 2016, our top video clips were the:
    Webinar: HMI Tricks and Tips for VisiLogic, with over 8,000 views:  
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MwhQkdbC6s PLC Training: Introduction to UniLogic, HMI + PLC Application Software, with over 6,000 views: 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV30MkDQYPk WEBINAR: Unitronics Vision -  CANOpen, also with over 6,000 views:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIkBJ4NheCc  
    Media -  We're in the NEWS!
    Unitronics was featured in a number of trade magazines in 2016—if you missed these articles, check 'em out now!
    IEN, Industry Interview feature:
    How Will Industry 4.0 Influence the Future of PLCs?
      IEN feature article. Hardware Division
    Benny Magrafta, Unitronics R&D Manager, Software Division, was extensively quoted:
    HMI checklist: What to consider when shopping for an HMI solution
      IEN - Industrial Products in Spotlight
    IEN featured an application based on the UniStream PLC + HMI, 10.4, a project done for Djurdjevic is a meat production company based in Serbia
    Is it possible for an automated system to run so efficiently you forget it’s there? We are proud to continue to bring you Unitronics true All-in-One value: our complete range of automation products and software from the pioneers of the PLC + HMI controller, backed by Unitronics unparalleled sales and tech support.
    Enjoy them in 2017!!
     
     
  5. Cara Bereck Levy
    Hello - welcome back! The holidays are over, the New Year is here.
    Here at Unitronics headquarters, we are at work, setting up our development Road Map for 2017.
    As Unitronics users, you know that we pride ourselves on listening to our user community.
    And so, we ask you:
    What would you like Unitronics to develop in 2017?
    You can post suggestions to this blog, PM me, or email me at cara.levy@unitronics.com.
    Here is a summary of Unitronics major developments in 2016, many of which were the results of user requests – so, without further ado, I hereby present:
    The 2016 Unitronics Roundup!
    First, Hardware:
    New Samba models
    Samba now offers the TA22 configuration in 3.5", 4.3", and 7" screen sizes.
    ·        SM35/SM43/SM70 J-TA22 comprise 12 digital inputs, configurable as 1 hsc/shaft-encoder, 2 analog/digital, 2 thermocouple / pt100 inputs, and 8 pnp plus 2 analog outputs.
    ·        SM70-J-RA22 offers a 7" screen and the same inputs as the TA22; the outputs comprise 4 relay and 4 npn outputs.
    New Jazz models
    ·        JZ20-T20HS offers 6 digital, 2 analog/digital, 2 analog, 3 high-speed inputs, and 8 transistor, plus 5 high-speed outputs supporting PWM via hardware configuration.
    ·        JZ20-R16HS offers the same inputs, plus 6 Relay Outputs.
    UniStream additions
    UniStream welcomed new I/O Modules:
    ·        UIS-WCB2 Wide I/O comprises two temperature and 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, and 10 digital inputs, 10 digital pnp outputs including 2 high-speed outputs.
    ·        Slim temp module UIS-4PTKN Comprising 4 RTD inputs that support PT1000/NI1000.
    KNX connector
    UniStream supports a KNX to MODBUS Gateway device, available as GW-KNX1.
     
     
     
    Our Remote Operator mobile app for the Vision™ and Samba™ series, a major user request, was released in 2016—here are links for Apple and Android:
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/unitronics-remote-operator/id1063107386?mt=8
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unitronics.remoteoperator&hl=en
     
     
     
     
     
    Here are some of the features we added to UniLogic in 2016:
     
    User Access Control (UAC)
    Security
    UAC enables you to require users to log in via the HMI application, and restrict access to HMI elements, including whether an element is visible or enabled.
    SQL Connectivity
    ·        Access SQL databases via IP address or Hostname
    ·        Build SQL Queries and execute them via Ladder functions
    ·        Connect Data Tables to SQL databases and transfer data
    HMI Screen to Web Page
    Click to convert existing HMI Screens to Web Pages.
    Reusable HMI Custom Controls
    Create your reusable HMI Custom Control, drag and drop it from the Solution Explorer, export/import it between projects, and add it to the Library.
    Hardware Interrupt: UID-0808THS
    A new Scenario, Measure Length, supported by the UID-0808THS module, allows you to implement length measurement via hardware-based interrupt.
    HMI File Selector Browser
    Enable your operator to select files from an SD/DOK/memory stick, store the Path and Name of the selected file in a Data Tag.
    Video Streaming Widget: RSTP
    Allows you to provide the RSTP url in the format required by your particular application and device.
    HMI Indirect Images
    Display indirect images hosted on the SD card or DOK.
    HMI Trends: FIFO
    Display a Trend as Standard or FIFO.
    HMI email Configuration Widget
    Your users can add recipients in the To, Cc, and Bcc fields of an e-mail via the HMI keyboard.
    Web Server –  new features
    ·        Trends: view Trend graphs via web browser.
    ·        mailto fields, and a new widget enable your users to add recipients in the To, Cc, and Bcc fields of an e-mail via the HMI keyboard.
    ·        A new Web Data Tables Widget allows a user to view, edit, and enter data via web browser.
    Print to pdf
    The Tools tab on the UniLogic ribbon offers Print Project, enabling you to print your Hardware Configuration and Ladder Modules.
    Data Tables
    ·        New Functions: Convert .CSV to UDTF, UDTF Count counts number of columns and rows
    ·        email .csv files as attachments.
    MODBUS
    You can now run Modbus via Serial COM Module/USB ports
    Ethernet/IP
    ·        Explicit Messages support for both Scanner and Adapter in addition to I/O (Implicit) messaging.
    ·        Scanner Node support doubled, from 16 to 32.
    DNS Resolver
    Ladder Function: resolves a server IP address from its host name.
    UID-0808T
    Advanced Functions
    New functions for counters, Immediate Reset + new Scenarios
    UniLogic
    Advanced Layout
    Pin/unpin, undock and float pane options. If you use two monitors, float panes onto different monitor screens.
    USB keyboard support
    Just plug a keyboard into the UniStream USB port.
    Alarms - Additions
    ·        Language Localization for French, Russian, Polish, Finnish and Czech.
    ·        Alarm History Widget
     
     

  6. Cara Bereck Levy
    The R&D gurus at Unitronics headquarters have been hard at work - and so, we present you with:
    >drum roll<    UniLogic 1.18.37  >drum roll<
    Here are a few version highlights:
    SQL Connectivity: Highly convenient and easy to use, UniLogic enables programmers to build SQL Queries and execute them via Ladder functions, including data transfer data between UniStream’s Data Tables and remote SQL databases. 

     
    HMI Custom Controls: A programmer can create an HMI Custom Control, and then drag and drop it from the Solution Explorer, export/import it between projects as .uluce files, or add it to the Library.  Programmers can also define tags that are local to a specific Custom Control; local tags are exported/imported along with the control.
    Other convenient features include an HMI email Configuration Widget, the ability to edit email accounts via UniApps as well as UniApps interface translations for Russian, Polish, and Chinese. To enjoy these as well as other additional features and enhancements, download it from  http://unitronicsplc.com/software-unilogic/

     
    U90 Ladder version, 6.6.24 + New Jazz® 2
    We have also released a new U90 Ladder version, 6.6.24.  This version brings you the option to create a download File (*.d90) without connecting to a physical PLC.
    You can then use the *.d90 file to create zipped project via UniDownloader Designer to be used in Unitronics' UniDownloader software utility (*.udc)
    This version also supports a new Jazz® 2 controller model, a compact, full-function PLC that comprises an excellent built-in I/O configuration, plus an integrated
    text display.  
    The new model, JZ20-UA24, offers 15 inputs:
    9 digital, 1 high-speed counter, 2 inputs that can be wired as analog or digital, and 2 analog inputs that can be wired as thermocouple or PT100 . The output configuration includes 5 relay, 2 transistor, and 2 analog outputs.
     
     
    Like all Jazz® 2 controllers, JZ20-UA24 brings you 48K (virtual) Ladder Logic memory, a built-in mini USB programming port, and is 30 times faster than Unitronics’ standard Jazz® controller, allowing industrial control processes to enjoy more power, speed and functionality at the same low price.  
     
     
     
     
         
     
  7. Cara Bereck Levy
    Did you know that Unitronics Remote Operator, the mobile app for the Vision™ and Samba™ series, is available--at no cost--from Apple’s App and Google Play stores?
    Remote Operator application enables you to remotely access your Unitronics controllers using your smartphone and tablet. Via the app, you can view and operate the controller’s HMI —as if you are physically touching the controller. Using Remote Operator you monitor automation processes, press keys and touch HMI objects, change parameter values, view Alarms and process value Trends. You can define and access multiple controllers from a single mobile device.
     
    We invite you to download the app, give a whirl--here's a link to our handy Quickstart guide to help you hit the ground running:
     
    http://www.unitronics.com/Unitronics_Apps/Unitronics_Remote_Operator_AppQuickStart.pdf
  8. Cara Bereck Levy
    2015 was a great year for Unitronics.
     
    We introduced products to round out our existing lines: UniStream, Vision, and Samba. We also leveraged the UniStream platform with powerful new features such as EtherNet/IP communications and a full Alarms system.
     
    This was also a great year for the Unitronics community. Check out some cool statistics for 2015:
    We welcomed over 9,000 new members to our user forum… …who made 2,300 posts in 571 467 new topics… …that were viewed 163,419 times!

    In addition to our Unitronics support team gurus, there are some fine forum members who devote a great deal of time to helping others, writing detailed answers to questions and helping people trouble-shoot their applications.
     

    This year, two of our top posters from 2014, Joe Tauser and Flex727, were again top contributors to the Unitronics community.
    The list of top UniGuru MVPs for 2015 are:
    Joe Tauser Barry Lanier (forum name: Flex727) Chris Antcliff (CantCliff) Keith Walker (Walkerok) Ausman

    To show our appreciation, the profiles of our MVPs will be marked with a new icon:
     



     
    Time is precious—to volunteer that time to help other people using your expertise is truly worthy of respect--thanks to you all!
     
    Now, </drum roll/> please join me—for the Unitronics’ 2015 Roundup!
     
    Our Industry Awards
     
    For the fourth year in a row, Unitronics’ products have been honored by Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice awards.
    This year, in the category of Hardware - Integrated HMI controllers, the winner was our UniStream 15.6" HMI panel – big and handsome, with an elegant LED touch-panel offering 1366 x 768 resolution and a 16M (24-bit) color range.
     
    Unitronics Product Launches
    These were released in 2015:
    UniStream: our award-winning 15.6" HMI panel –snap on up to 5 Uni-I/O modules, expand up to 2,048 I/Os, and employ the advanced feature profile to execute highly complex control. We also released 3 Uni-I/O™ modules offering new thermocouple and analog I/O options. Samba 7": with its on-board I/Os and a larger, 7” color touch screen, Samba 7” is proving to be a popular choice for those small machine projects with a critical profit margin. Vision700: this new member of our award-winning Vision “workhorse” series offers a 7” HMI color touch screen. Supports all Vision Snap-in and expansion I/O modules, and all advanced power features. A gateway for MBUS GSM-KIT-17J-3G (Cinterion EHS6T GSM modem)

     

    UniLogic for UniStream: New Development
     
    The feedback from our users tells us that UniLogic is a hit. This year, R&D added a number of strong features. Here’s a sample:
    C Editor, enabling you to write C functions directly in UniLogic Alarms system, designed in accordance with ISA ANSI/ISA-18.2-2009 guidelines EtherNet/IP, scanner and adapter, supporting both implicit/explicit messaging Video Streaming via RTSP SNMPv1/v2/v3 WebServer Gauges Password protection for Ladder Functions, HMI screens, Data Tables and Recipes

     

    Media Highlights for 2015
    Nataly Turgeman, Unitronics’ Global Sales and Marketing manager, was interviewed by PCN (Processing & Control News Europe) regarding the company, our products, and customer care philosophy.
    Read the two-page spread here: http://digital.pcne.eu/digitalMagazine?issue_id=635 UniLogic was reviewed twice in IEN Europe.
    I particularly recommend you check out PLC+HMI Programming Software to Hit Application Requirements
    This article reviews some features added in 2015: HMI + PLC Software Streams Videos

     
    We are proud to continue to bring you Unitronics true All-in-One value: our complete range of automation products and software from the pioneers of the PLC + HMI controller, backed by Unitronics unparalleled sales and tech support.
     
    Enjoy them in the coming year!
  9. Cara Bereck Levy
    New
    Application
    Story
    **** Starring Samba in the role of theater grip! ****
    People--high cool factor here
    ------------------------------------------------------
    Compact, Cost-Effective Samba PLC+HMI Opens Creative Avenues for Local Theater!
    “Motion Control with Unitronics PLCs has allowed us the freedom to reach for new heights of visceral creativity while expanding our technical innovation in a fast and cost-effective manner”.
    Summary:
    The Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, New Jersey partnered with Unitronics’ distributor, Bayview Bearing and Supply, to introduce innovations to a regional theater. Using a Samba PLC with 3.5” color-touch HMI and onboard I/O, the theater implemented a simple motion control application for their set pieces. Since the initial installation, the Eagle Theatre has expanded the application, creating more complex moving sets that greatly enhance the mood and themes of their productions.
    Full story:
    The Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, New Jersey is South Jersey’s only year-round professional Equity theatre. They are dedicated not only to bringing great theater to the region, but also to bringing innovation to their productions.
    To achieve those goals, the theater decided to add moving elements to their sets for one of their productions. Three screens needed to descend at a consistent speed, but at different times. The team at the Eagle Theatre initially tried to use electric winch packages, but these were slow and too noisy to use during a performance. With only one week until the show opened, the theater reached out to Bayview Bearing and Supply, a Unitronics distributor, for help.
    Bayview Bearing was able to solve these issues by implementing a Samba all-in-one PLC with 3.5-inch color-touch HMI.
    They worked with Jared Smith, a contractor with Deerfield Electric, who built the panel and installed the unit. The Samba controlled Vacon 20 VFD’s (Variable Frequency Devices) and World Wide Electric Gear Motors in order to move the set pieces. Each of the moving pieces was assigned a virtual button on the Samba; these buttons raised and lowered the screens, while also displaying their current position. Not only did the new system work beautifully, Bayview Bearing was able to get it up and running with enough time for rehearsals with the new system before the show opened.
    Not only was this particular performance a success due to the Samba, working with PLC control has created new options for the Eagle Theatre moving forward. Ted Wioncek III, Co-Artistic Director at the theater, explains “motion control with Unitronics PLC’s has allowed us the freedom to reach for new heights of visceral creativity while expanding our technical innovation in a fast and cost effective manner.”
    In fact, the Eagle Theatre has already expanded the motion control application to other shows. For one production, the entire set shifted constantly, with the walls moving in and out independently of each other. A major theme of the show was misdirection, so the moving set was used to reinforce that theme within the physical space the characters interact with. As Ryan Mayer of Bayview Bearing explains, this isn’t a typical motion control application, “this is automation technology meeting the art community and producing fantastic results.”
    To learn more about Bayview Bearing and Supply, visit them online.
    To learn more about the Eagle Theatre, visit them online.
  10. Cara Bereck Levy
    Hi people! This is a great application story, because it combines two of my favorite things--the Vision1040 HMI + PLC controller and BEER!

    Twisted Vine Brewery Achieves Consistent Control with Unitronics Vision1040


    Twisted Vine Brewery creates unique, hand-crafted beers in the picturesque hills of St. Charles, Iowa. Beer is a labor of love at this three-man operation, where they are dedicated to both the art and science of brewing. The team at Twisted Vine needed a control system that would enable them to brew with meticulous attention to detail for a consistent, delicious end result.

    In order to produce their great craft beer, the team at Twisted Vine was searching for a robust and reliable controller. They needed to be able to monitor and control the fermentation temperature, to implement tools like the timers for tracking hop additions, and to monitors trends and outputs remotely. They also wanted a control system that would expand easily as their business grows.
    Of course, there were some limiting concerns. Everybody at Twisted Vine was a first time PLC user, so they needed a controller that was easy to learn and to configure. They also wanted a feature-rich PLC and HMI that would provide a lot of functionality on a tight budget, while looking great when customers toured the facility.
    Most importantly, as space in the brewery is very limited, the PLC would have to be mounted next to the mash tun. This mash tun is kept at 150 degrees Fahrenheit during the brewing process; at times the mash is rinsed in water as hot as 170 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions would require a PLC robust enough to be exposed to high temperatures and large amounts of steam and condensation without failing.
    The Unitronics Vision1040™, paired with a V200-18-E3XB snap-in I/O module, was able to accommodate all these requirements with ease. The Vision1040 controls a rotary phase converter, which powers a three-phase chiller, glycol pump and the glycol valves on the jacketed fermentation and conditioning tanks. Using this system, the Twisted Vine team can also check temperature trends remotely, turning temperature loops on and off as needed from anywhere with internet access. Additionally, with a NEMA4X/IP65 environment rating, the Vision1040™ was able to withstand the hot steamy conditions.
    Not only did Unitronics provide a powerful PLC, according to co-owner Steven Becker, the all-in-one design and complimentary, single-environment software made the Vision1040 an intuitive and cost-effective choice for their operations. “The free software and many online tutorials made it easy to learn and it was a low cost and powerful solution,” explains Becker.
    In fact, Twisted Vine Brewery is already planning to expand their control system. They are introducing water-use monitoring and valve control to control the amount of water in their mash, which will improve the consistency of the product and free up their attention from watching the water meter to more productive tasks.
    Becker says, “my experience with Unitronics products has enabled me to produce systems that are more productive and user friendly … This system has kept our products at the optimum temperature while keeping our development and operating cost at their lowest.”
    For more information on Twisted Vine Brewery, visit:
    http://www.twistedvinebrewery.com/
    http://madisoncountywinery.com/
    For more Unitronics case studies, visit:
    http://www.unitronics.com/plc-hmi/application-stories-videos
  11. Cara Bereck Levy
    Have you checked out our YouTube channel recently? We posted these new UniLogic how-to videos:




    Our channel, UnitronicsWebinars, offers videos and recorded webinars on a variety of subjects. These playlists may be helpful to some of you:

    These are short videos, just a few minutes long. Each simple how-to shows how to accomplish a single task, such as displaying Chinese on the HMI screen.



    These are 'tech tidbits' for UniStream and UniLogic.
    Happy viewing!
  12. Cara Bereck Levy
    We've had some new Application Stories submitted recently. I'm posting two stories and a video here--visit our site to see them all!
    If you are interested in submitting your story, contact us at Usa.sales@unitronics.com for details.
    Story 1 - Waterplay® Aquatic Play Pad Uses V130-33-R34 to Bring New Life to Communities
    Waterplay® Solutions Corp. provides premium aquatic recreational features world-wide. They needed a PLC with a built in HMI that could meet their specific programming and space requirements.
    Unitronics' V130-33-R34 was the perfect solution to their specific needs.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    With thousands of installations world-wide, Waterplay® Solutions Corp. has provided their customers premium aquatic recreational features since 1987. Offering a variety of innovative products that are designed to turn any space into an exciting attraction, Waterplay® responds directly to their customer needs; including aquatic play features, slide activity centers, waterslides urban water features, and water management solutions.
    With one particular project Waterplay® was working on in Texas, they had an aquatic play pad that had a very small area where a PLC controller could be placed. In their existing line of controllers they were using at the time, they specifically needed a digital output to control a relay, and the particular manufacture they were using did not have a PLC with high enough rated built in relays to operate the valves that they used. As a result, they were on the search for a PLC with an integrated HMI. The controller need the following operations either built in or programmable to meet their requirements:
    Programming requirements:
    · Start/stop time for the week
    · To be able to have the system on/off for each day of the week
    · Receive an input from the field to start a sequence
    · Log number of activations/per day and downloadable
    · Automatically open/close each output
    · To have internal relays that can operate a solenoid valve that requires 0.41 amps of in rush current (0.25 amps holding)
    · Relatively easy to program with minimal cost for software
    · Field reprogrammable with a flash card
    Physical requirements:
    · To be able to fit in a 6 x 10 inch space
    · Multi line graphic interface
    · Expandable without taking up additional space, or using minimal additional space.
    "The Unitronics V130-33-R34 was able to reach these requirements and more." Said Carney Neave of Waterplay® Solutions Corp. "The controller was very easy to program and customize for our application. The staff and tech support of Unitronics are very efficient and knowledgeable”
    Unitronics is proud to be a part of Waterplay's role in bringing the joy of water to people and communities. "We do more than build aquatic play features. We’ve helped turn crime-ridden downtown parks into family attractions." Says Neaves. "We’ve given new life to abandoned community facilities, bringing kids back to play in them. We work with you to create environments that promote exploration and discovery, fostering imaginative, interactive play."
    Story 2 - MSI Tec Uses Vision570™ to Control the City of Tucson's Natural Gas Engine Well Pumps
    MSI Tec needed to replace inadequate controllers for the City of Tucson's natural gas engine well pumps. Their main requirements were: Improved screen readability, remote connection to the customer's SCADA system, historical data availability, and an easy to use interface.
    Unitronics Vision570™ was chosen and met each of their requirements and more.


    Unitronics distributor, MSI Tec, was put to the task of designing a panel to control natural gas engines at the City of Tucson’s (population >500,000) well pumps. The control panels would need to be installed at 43 sites around the city. The cost per engine and shaft can be greater than $400,000. Rapid changes in RPM can cause a large column of water to shift up and down quickly and become a very expensive jackhammer, so the importance of a robust and reliable controller for these control panels was a necessity. The previous controllers that were used had screens that became increasingly difficult to read after a couple of years, which is why they needed to be replaced with a controller that had improved readability. Other necessary requirements were the ability to remotely connect to the customer's SCADA system, historical data availability- to diagnose possible causes of any issues that may arise- and an easy to use interface.
    "The Vision570™ was selected because of its ideal size, color touch screen, and terrific feature set for the price." Said Matthew Cronin of MSI Tec. The Vision570™s are mounted in un-insulated panels outdoors.
    Tucson’s high temperature frequently climbs above 110 degrees (the record is 117 degrees), and the low often drops below freezing (the record low is 6 degrees). In the three years the panels have been installed, there have been over 250 days with the temperature above 100 degrees. Meanwhile, humidity ranges from an average low of 5% in June to an average high of 75% in July. The high quality of Unitronic's touch screens allowed them to be resilient to the temperature and sun exposure. "The temperature was so hot that we couldn’t keep our computers running for more than 10 minutes…in the shade. In order to update the stations, we used cars with air-conditioned seats. We had to leave the cars running the entire day to keep the air and the seats cool enough for the laptops to not lock up. Even if there were multiple PLCs at a single station, we still had to go put the laptops in the car for a few minutes between each code download to keep the laptops running. Despite this excessive heat, the Unitronics kept running without a problem. And they continue to do so to this day.” said Cronin.
    Using Unitronics’ Modbus TCP functionality and a cell modem, Tucson Water’s SCADA system is able to communicate with each well site individually. They are also able to use the V570's SD card functions to write data out every 1-120 minutes depending on user settings- which aids in problem diagnosis. The Unitronics V570 also provides an elegant and reliable 5.7” touch screen for a comparable price to the customer's previous 2-line display system. Utilization of the touch screen system allowed for significantly easier interfacing.
    “After the systems were all installed, an upgrade was requested. They systems are not networked, so this required an onsite code change to approximately 40 stations…in July. Interesting hurdles were experienced during this upgrade, but none of them were because of the Unitronics." Said Cronin. "The Vision570 was the most cost effective solution for this application. By combining low cost I/O, communications, PLC functionality, and an HMI in a single package, Unitronics delivered more capability for less money. Because Unitronics is an all-in-one solution, programming is very rapid because no time is spent trying to get the HMI to “talk” to the PLC. This system required a diverse combination of analog inputs and outputs, digital inputs and outputs, and high speed pulse outputs. Unitronics had a flexible and affordable set of I/O cards to accomplish this."
    Video --This very cool app story features the SABCO Commercial & Home Beer Brewery

  13. Cara Bereck Levy
    This past year, 2014, was a stellar year for Unitronics. Not only did we introduce products to round out existing lines, we launched a brand-new line of PLC + HMI touch-screen controllers, Samba.
    Samba, with its beautiful display, on-board I/Os , fine feature range, and highly competitive price was snapped up by small machine manufacturers, showing impressive sales volumes from day 1.
    In addition to the great market response, our Samba was nominated for—and won—the prestigious Engineers’ Choice award.
    This was also a great year for the Unitronics community. Check out some cool statistics for 2014:
    - We welcomed 5,713 new members to our user forum…
    -…who made 2,113 posts in 467 new topics…
    - …that were viewed 132,568 times!
    In addition to our Unitronics support team staff, there are some fine forum members who devote a great deal of time to helping others, writing detailed answers to questions and helping people trouble-shoot their applications.
    Our top UniGuru MVPs for 2014 are:
    Joe Tauser
    Simon Webb
    Barry Lanier (forum name: Flex727)
    Ober Yela (forum name: HighTech)
    In addition to his activity on the forum, Ober has posted a number of videos featuring Unitronics products—check them out on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/oberyela/videos

    To show our appreciation, the profiles of our MVPs will be marked with a new icon:

    It is no small thing, when time is your most valuable commodity, to use that time to help other people benefit from your expertise – kudos to you all!
    Okay—without further ado, please join me—here it is, the Unitronics’ 2014 Roundup!
    Our Industry Awards
    I am proud to note that this is the third year in a row that Unitronics’ products were honored to receive a Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice award—and this year, we won in one category, and received an honorable mention in another!

    Samba, All in One PLC + HMI received the Engineers’ Choice Award in the category: Hardware—Integrated HMI Controllers.
    UniLogic Studio, the unified environment for UniStream hardware and communication configuration, Ladder, and HMI applications, received an Honorable Mention in the category: Software — HMI.

    Unitronics Product Launches
    Samba, available in 3.5, 4.3, and 7”, was not the only new product line launched in 2014.
    Vision™: our award-winning series of powerful PLC + Color-touch HMI controllers, welcomed additional offerings:
    Vision430™, a new line comprising a beautiful LED 4.3” wide graphic touch-screen.
    Currently available in 9 models, the V430 offers an expandable I/O configuration with a broad range of digital, analog, high-speed, and temperature I/Os, USB programming and serial ports, and a CANbus or Ethernet port option.
    Vision1210™ - Black, an elegant, big-screen model with a flat, black fascia and an NEMA4X/IP66/IP65 rating—excellent for applications that require a powerful, flexible controller with a big screen that matches the spray & wipe requirements of the food and beverage industry.
    The EXF-RC15 -a stand- alone, remote I/O Module that brings you high-Speed I/O plus PWM/PTO.

    The UniStream™ platform is our completely modular PLC + HMI controller for large-scale machine applications. This 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner also broadened its range:
    UniStream 15.6" HMI panel – big and elegant, this LED touch-panel gives you 1366 x 768 resolution and a 16M (24-bit) color range.
    You can snap up to 5 Uni-I/O modules onto the back of the panel, integrate up to 2048 local & remote I/Os – and communicate with third-party devices via a broad range of CANbus and IP protocols, including EtherNet/IP.
    Uni-I/O™ modules can be snapped to a panel or hooked up via Expansion adapters. New modules include a thermocouple module and new analog options, plus a new line of space-saving, densely-populated ‘wide’ I/Os.
    Expansion Adapters are now available in more lengths, from: 125cm up to 3000cm.

    Our Jazz line is the PLC + textual HMI + onboard I/Os that replaces “smart relays” with a real PLC—for the same low price. Two new models were launched in 2014:
    JZ20-T10: 6 Digital Inputs, 4 Transistor Outputs
    JZ20-T18: 6 Digital, 2 Analog/Digital, 2 Analog Inputs, 8 Transistor Outputs

    Other products released to market are compatible with all of our PLC + HMI controllers:
    GSM/GPRS modem
    BACnet to MODBUS Gateway

    More than ever, Unitronics offers you true All-in-One value: a complete range of automation products and software from the pioneers of the PLC + HMI controller, backed by Unitronics unparalleled sales and tech support.
    Enjoy them in the coming year!
  14. Cara Bereck Levy
    Last month, I blogged about recent Application Stories. One was a retrofit application - a rice-filling machine - done by Imapsa Automation of Guatemala and Honduras.
    The story was picked up by IEN. You can find it featured on page 22.
    Hat-tip to Ober Yela (HighTech on the forum) for collaborating on the application story with us! Remember, guys - if you have an interesting application, we'd love to hear about it
    http://digital.ien.eu/digitalMagazine?issue_id=573
    Imapsa also posted
    showing the application itself:
  15. Cara Bereck Levy
    All-in-One HMI + PLC programming software, UniLogic™ version 1.12.20, introduces features and enhancements that extend the application reach of UniStream™, Unitronics’ award-winning All-in-One HMI + PLC controller.
    Machine builders can now display streaming video via an Ethernet networked camera using the RTSP Real Time Streaming Protocol, enabling users to easily integrate a network camera and display its video stream output on the elegant UniStream HMI panel.


    SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) now enhances UniStream’s broad communication capabilities. UniStream can function as an SNMP Agent and communicate with an SNMP server. In addition, the Ladder Toolbox function SNMP Trap Send, enables UniStream to send SNMP Trap messages to an SNMP server. UniStream supports SNMP Versions 1, 2, and 3.
    UniLogic’s Webserver’s Drag & Drop editor has added beautifully polished Linear and Circular Gauge widgets, to display running application values for remote users via Internet browser.


    An enhancement of HMI action elements enables programmers to raise popup message boxes when these elements are touched; the message can ask the user a question, give instructions and warnings, and drive actions via buttons.


    This version also supports new hardware: a new Uni-I/O™ analog module comprising 8 13-bit analog input channels; with input ranges of 0-10v, 0-20mA and 4-20mA, and a new 3G modem, the Cinterion EHS6T.
    A novel feature launched with this version, Hardware Configuration profiles, can save considerable programming. These enable a controller to run an application if it has a physical I/O configuration that is different from the full I/O Configuration in the project. The application will run according to the selected profile without error--even if the application uses data tags of I/Os that belong to the full I/O configuration, but that are not part of the selected profile. This feature can save time for programmers who may need to run the same application in systems containing different I/O and COM module configuration.
    UniLogic 1.12.20 contains a number of additional features and enhancements. The software and complete feature list is available for free download at http://www.unitronics.com/support/downloads
  16. Cara Bereck Levy
    The award-winning Vision controller series welcomes its newest member—the Vision430™. The beautiful, wide 4.3" built-in color touchscreen brings added value to any application that requires a compact PLC controller with onboard I/Os. The touchscreen and five function keys are housed in a flat fascia with an IP66/IP65/NEMA4X rating—a fine fit for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
    Each Vision430™model offers a unique onboard I/O configuration that can include digital, high-speed, and analog I/Os, including PT100/Thermocouple and weight/pressure measurement. Expansion modules enable local and remote I/O at distances of up to 1000 meters, making Vision430™ a cost-effective solution for applications up to 512 I/Os.
    Power features include 24 auto-tuned PID loops to control temperature, level, and pressure. Time-based and immediate interrupt support make Vision430™ a natural for ‘rapid response’ applications such as packaging machines.
    Built-in recipe capabilities are supported by Data Tables, which store the parameters required to control a specific process. Data Tables also enable the controller to store data logs to micro-SD card. The micro-SD card also stores application back-ups, and allows complete PLC cloning.
    Communication options include Ethernet, cellular, and industrial protocols such as MODBUS, DF1 slave, BACnet, J1939, CANopen and more. In addition, the ‘Protocol’ utility allows Vision430™ to communicate via almost any ASCII protocol. The unit can be directly accessed via mini-USB programming port, and remotely accessed using GPRS/GSM/CDMA and other IP networks for data acquisition and program download. Another major benefit is the ability to notify supervisors of critical information via e-mail and SMS, enabling real-time remote management.
    The machine operator communicates directly with the application via the resistive analog touchscreen—or remotely, via the free Remote Operator utility—which displays data, color trend graphs, and attention-grabbing alarm screens. Display options are almost endless, with more than 1024 user-designed screens supported by 12 MB of memory for images and 1MB for fonts.
    OEMs and machine builders profit from intuitive, all-in-one VisiLogic software that enables rapid hardware configuration, PLC, and HMI application programming. VisiLogic includes a full library of Drag & Drop function blocks for complex automation control tasks, such as PID, and a rich, FREE color library of industrial images.
    Produced by Unitronics, a global developer and manufacturer of PLC + HMI controllers, Vision430™ is backed by Unitronics standard policy of customer care, includings FREE software and utilities, plus FREE personalized technical support. This combines with reduced overall system costs—minimized hardware requirements, saved cabinet space, and reduced Panel-PLC –I/O wiring—to bring an excellent price-performance ratio.
    Product page is here.
    Specifications are here.
    Happy Automating
  17. Cara Bereck Levy
    Hi guys!
    We know that people sometimes use the forum to find Unitronics programmers, and that programmers have on occasion contacted members who they believe may require automation project services.
    This is why we have added a new section to the forum: the Job Board. We hope this will make it easier for people within the Unitronics Community to locate each other.
    The Job Board is located here:
    http://forum.unitronics.com/index.php?/forum/71-job-board/
    Please note:
    **Disclaimer: Unitronics bears no responsibility. This is just a place for people to find each other**
    Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, general Happy Holidays and good cheer to all!


  18. Cara Bereck Levy
    Oil recycling, textiles, retrofits in the printing and packaging industries - here are some of the latest application stories submitted by Unitronics customers .
    Read, watch, and enjoy!
    Company: Aaron Oil Company Inc., USA
    Sector: Oil Recycling and Petroleum-Based Hydrocarbon Reclamation
    PLC + HMI Controller: Vision560™ + V200-18-E6B Snap-on I/O module
    Aaron Oil needed to track the amounts—and analyze the type—of liquid pumped through a collection truck during loading.
    They also needed to communicate the analyzed data in real-time to a central office for accounting purposes.
    An additional requirement was the ability to communicate with a GPS system in order to dispatch and track drivers.
    Read the whole story here.
    Watch
    .
    Company: Imapsa Automation, Guatemala & Honduras
    Sector: Packaging
    PLC + HMI Controller: Samba, model SM35-J-T20
    Imapsa was tasked with modernizing a rice packaging system. This particular machine had space limitation; as a company dedicated to providing its customers with beautiful HMI applications, Imapsa selected the palm-sized Samba™, which comprises a high-quality color touchscreen . Since speed was an application requirement, the SM35-J-T20 with its high-speed encoder inputs was an excellent fit.
    Read the whole story here.
    Watch
    .
    Company: B3Servis d.o.o, Slovenia
    Sector: Printing
    PLC + HMI Controller: Vision570™
    This company, which deals with bookbinding machines, had outdated machines that were only capable of reading 1-dimensional barcodes of up to 40 characters. These needed to be updated to support extended 2-dimensional barcodes. They needed a compact PLC with a color touchscreen able to support serial communications and Ethernet UDP—that could also log orders, production data, and generate reports. V570™ fit the bill.
    Read the whole story here.
    Watch
    .
    Company: Turkmenistan Aşgabat Dokuma Toplumu (TDT), Turkey
    Sector: Textiles
    PLC + HMI Controller: Vision130™, model V130-33-TR20
    Turkmenistan Aşgabat Dokuma Toplumu (TDT) plant comprises machines that process and size yarn preparatory to weaving, and that weave yarn into cloth for home products. Here, the application need was to collect process data and track operator efficiency, as well as to log and report alarms relating to yarn ruptures that require stopping the machine.
    All machines are monitored by SCADA.
    Read the whole story here.

  19. Cara Bereck Levy
    Hello everybody!
    In addition to the UniStream products I blogged about recently, there are other great, new products now available from your local Unitronics' distributor.
    A picture paints a thousand words--so, look below
    Remember that you will need to update your software and firmware in order to support these powerful additions to your application range.
    New Product List
    UIS-08TC: 8 Thermocouple inputs, standard size Uni-I/O Module
    ​Wide Uni-I/O modules
    - UID-W1616T - 6 isolated pnp/npn digital inputs, 16 isolated relay outputs
    - UID-W1616R offers 16 isolated pnp/npn inputs, and 16 isolated relay outputs.
    USP-156-B10 - a striking new BIG 15.6” UniStream HMI panel
    Samba - now with a gorgeous 4.3" color touchscreen plus a USB programming port
    - SM43-J-T20 with 10 Digital Inputs, 2 Digital /Analog*, 8 Transistor Outputs
    - SM43-J-R20 with 10 Digital Inputs, 2 Digital /Analog, 8 Relay Outputs
    GPRS/GSM modem kit GSM-16J
    BACnet to MODBUS gateway GW-BAC1
    And last, but not least, a sexy new black V1210V, model 1210-T20BJ, to awe your clients

    Enjoy!


  20. Cara Bereck Levy
    Here is a quick recap of the latest and greatest updates to our UniStream controller line.
    We’ve rounded out the HMI panel offerings with a big, beautiful 15.6” screen, added ‘wide’ I/O modules, and boosted your potential application range with a new thermocouple I/O module.
    There are some incredibly cool features now available: a powerful, embedded Web Server together with a drag & drop web page editor, CAN Layer 2, UniCAN, a built-in CANbus sniffer, and a UniBACnet Configurator.
    UniLogic software is now up to 1.9.19, paired with the UniStream OS version 1.9.6.
    You can read more below – or click over to the Downloads page. To access the complete Version Changes document, click here.
    Hardware
    USP-156-B10: 15.6” HMI panel
    This quality HMI panel measures 15.6”. In terms of I/O and COM module capacity, it is identical to the UniStream 10.4”.


    “Wide” Uni-I/O™
    This is a line of I/O modules that are compatible with the UniStream™ control platform. ‘Wide’ modules are 1.5 times as wide as standard Uni-I/O™ modules, and comprise more I/O points in less space. Up to two wide I/Os may be snapped onto the back of the UniStream 7”.

    Standard-sized I/Os and Wide I/Os may all be included in a single configuration.
    There are currently two modules available:
    UID-W1616T - 6 isolated pnp/npn digital inputs, 16 isolated relay outputs
    UID-W1616R offers 16 isolated pnp/npn inputs, and 16 isolated relay outputs.

    UIS-08TC Temperature I/O Module
    This standard-sized Uni-I/O™ module provides 8 thermocouple inputs supporting the following input types and ranges: J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, C, and Voltage

    Software
    Embedded Web Server + Web Page Editor
    The powerful, built-in Web Server enables multiple users to simultaneously access webpages within a UniStream controller. Web page access may be controlled by password, permitting users to view and/or edit data via any browser and from any smart phone or tablet.


    Designing web pages in the editor is as easy as building HMI pages, and requires no knowledge of HTML. The programmer drags and drops elements from the Toolbox onto the web page, and customizes them via the element properties.
    The drag & drop interface has the same look-and-feel as the HMI Editor.


    CAN Layer 2 Ladder Functions
    The CAN Layer 2 functions enable you to support any CANbus protocol, according to the CANbus V2.0 standard.
    A UniStream controller can both send and receive standard messages with 11-bit identifiers, as well as extended messages with 29-bit identifiers
    UniCAN
    UniCAN, Unitronics' proprietary CANbus protocol, enables fast data communications.Via UniCAN, a Unitronics' PLC can exchange data with up to 60 other networked PLCs.
    UniCAN Communications are determined by configuration rather than programming. Note that UniCAN also enables easy data transfer between UniStream and Vision controllers.
    CANbus Sniffer
    The embedded CANbus Sniffer enables you to easily monitor CANbus communications and boosts your troubleshooting capabilities.
    UniBACnet Configurator
    UniStream controllers now support a BACnet to MODBUS Gateway device, available as GW-BAC1.
    Use the UniBACnet Configurator, located under the new Tools tab on the UniLogic ribbon, to create a configuration file for the BACnet to MODBUS Gateway. Download this file to the GW-BAC1 in order to set up communications between a UniStream controller and BACnet slave devices.
  21. Cara Bereck Levy
    With millions of products installed worldwide, hundreds of thousands of installations, and a vibrant user forum, we decided that establishing a Developers' Market would be a highly effective way to enable individual users to impact the Unitronics' community.
    To purchase applications such as Virtual PLC Simulator for PC, UniGo SCADA for Android mobile, or marvelous graphics for HMI applications, you simply create a secure account in our on-line store located at http://www.plc-apps.com.
    If you are a developer and want to submit an app, all of the pages in the on-line store contain a Contact Us tab on the right side—click it to open the Contact form.
    Currently, applications are available for both PC and mobile.


    The Market also offers a broad range of images, which you can purchase as single images or as collections.


    We hope that you will enjoy the products that are there—and that you will add your own!
    Disclaimer
    All products presented in the Unitronics Developers' Market are 3rd party developments, and are therefore supported by the application developer.
    If you require support regarding a specific product, please contact the developer using the contact information presented with that product.
  22. Cara Bereck Levy
    I am proud to report that our new Samba controller was reviewed in the CAN Newsletter!!!!
    Here is the article:
    http://www.can-newsletter.org/hardware/host-interfaces/140617_palm-sized-all-in-one-device_unitronics/
    Palm-sized all-in-one device
    Published 2014-06-17
    The Samba 3,5-inch touchscreen with an integrated programmable logic controller (PLC) by Unitronics (Israel) supports CANopen and J1939. It measures 109 mm x 114,1 mm x 59,6 mm and weighs 205 g.
    The all-in-one device supports up to 24 user-designed screens and up to 40 images per application.
    The integrated PLC offers two auto-tuned PID loops, time-based RTC control, data-logging, pre-programmed recipes, etc. The internal memory provides 512 KiB for application programs and additional 512 KiB for fonts as well as 512 KiB for images. The all-in-one device features also local analog and digital I/O ports. This includes 10 digital inputs and eight transistor outputs as well as two analog ports.
    The housing is IP65/66-rated. According to the manufacturer, the panel-mountable device is suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications, especially wherever spray/wipe down requirements apply. Besides the CAN connectivity, the PLC/HMI can be equipped optionally with an EIA-232, an EIA-485 and an Ethernet port. Additionally, it supports GRPS/GSM.
    The 24-VDC powered device comes with Visilogic software supporting the configuration of communication interfaces, allowing ladder logic programming and HMI designs. This also includes a library of images and utility software for remote PC access and data support.


  23. Cara Bereck Levy
    Samba™ is an all-in-one palm-sized HMI + PLC + onboard I/Os.
    As a trendsetter in the field of all-in-one PLC + HMI integrated controllers, Unitronics has specifically developed Samba for applications that require PLC control, but that are limited by budget to simple text displays.
    System integrators and OEMs often develop applications that require PLC control, but that settle on simple text displays due to limited budget.
    Samba's beautiful HMI 3.5” QVGA 16-bit touchscreen enables data entry and display of variable data, including color Trend graphs and alarm screens. The HMI supports 24 user-designed screens, and up to 40 images per application.
    The integrated PLC controller offers a broad range of features including 2 auto-tuned PID loops, time-based RTC control, datalogging, recipes and more. Internal memory holds 0.5 MB of application logic, plus 512K for fonts and 0.5 MB for images.
    Onboard I/Os offer digital, analog, and high-speed functionality.
    The flat fascia and IP66/IP65/NEMA4X rating makes Samba an excellent fit for the food & pharmaceutical industries--ideal wherever spray/wipe down requirements apply.
    Samba offers a built-in RS232 port. You can add an additional RS485 serial, Ethernet, or CANbus port. Samba supports GPRS/GSM, email, SMS, as well as industrial TCP/IP protocols, MODBUS, DF1 slave, CANopen, J1939 and more—and it may be adapted to any 3rd-party protocol.

    Unitronics free VisiLogic software provides a single simple environment for hardware and communications configuration, Ladder application development, and HMI design, including a free library of industrial images. Free utilities support remote PC access and data export. Unitronics offers free technical support for all of their products, and an active user forum.
    Samba offers all the functionality system integrators need for small applications, reduces space requirements, wiring, and eliminates the need to set up Panel-PLC communication—resulting in an excellent price/performance ratio.
    For more information, go to: http://www.unitronics.com/plc-hmi/samba
  24. Cara Bereck Levy
    I've got some great news to share with you!
    Unitronics is proud to announce that UniStream has been nominated in Control Engineering's Engineer's Choice awards, in the category of Hardware: Integrated HMI Controllers.
    The Engineers' Choice Awards includes 29 categories of control, instrumentation, and automation products, revealing the best as chosen by Control Engineering's print and digital audience.
    If you would like to cast your vote, go to:
    http://ocreg.controleng.com/onecount/flexreg/displayform.cgi?g=0&form=369
    We will be running another UniLogic training webinar, this time on the subject of Timers and Actions.
    This free webinar will be held on November 13th.
    Click below to register:
    https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/269067086
    On another note, Unitronics Support is setting up training schedules for the US, 2014. We have a proposed list of cities and would like to offer you the opportunity to let us know where you would like to see training held:
    http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e8gefzt7hnhg154m/a013lhnva2ir8/questions
    Finally, I'd like to invite you to join us on our Facebook page--it's a great way to keep updated with current Unitronics news
    http://www.facebook.com/UnitronicsUSA
    Have a good week--may all your programs be perfect :-)
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