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Coating Systems International deploys their products worldwide. They needed a low cost, flexible controller for machines with a payload of up to 500 liters., as well as an operator interface that could be easily customized to suit different markets. UniStream 7" fit the bill--as one engineer noted: “With the use of a base GIF animation file and almost unlimited overlay for conditions such as off, warnings or alarm status, a comprehensive screen can display everything the operator needs to know with little requirement to build up many different screens as has been done in the past, one screen replaces three.” To read about their fascinating implementation, click here.

Let me tell you--this is going to be GREAT!!!! We are proud to introduce an addition to the UniStream family that is going to be a favorite among those of you who enjoy the compactness, the no-hassle approach of the All-in-One Vision series. UniStream 5" is a PLC+HMI+I/Os , with the impressive UniStream user panel built-in, available in a number of I/O configurations, that you program in UniLogic. Below is the official release document--you can access specs, etc, over here. UniStream® 5”: PLC+HMI+I/Os Compact. Contemporary. Connected Unitronics’ newly-released UniStream® 5"- a multi-function programmable logic controller in a superbly compact hardware profile: PLC+HMI+I/O built into a single unit. All-in-One, compact PLC + HMI with built-in I/Os fills a niche in the programmable controller market—serving OEMs and system integrator who need space-saving controllers that deliver the functionality to control complex machines, while creating a competitive advantage via a color-touch HMI panel. This All-in-One controller is available in two series: UniStream 5" and UniStream 5" Pro. Both series support SNMP, VNC, FTP, SMS, email, and communications via GSM/GPRS modem. The Pro version also offers a built-in Webserver, audio jack, and video support, as well as SQL, a plus for system integrators and OEMs facing Industry 4.0. The Hardware UniStream 5", with its resistive color touch-screen reduces space and wiring requirements, and eliminates the need to set up Panel-PLC communication. Built-in I/O configurations vary according to model, offering digital, analog, high-speed and temperature I/Os. Users can expand the configuration up to 2,048 I/O points. Built-in COM ports include Ethernet, 1 USB host and 1 Mini-B USB device ports; additional add-on ports for serial and CANbus are available. Powerful Programming The rich feature range of UniStream includes auto-tuned PID, data logging, data tables and Recipes, data sampling displayed via built-in Trends and Gauges, Alarms, multi-level passwords, and plug & play communications for CANopen, CAN Layer2, MODBUS, EtherNet/IP, and more. A Re-Use paradigm enables the programmer to build Ladder and C functions, design HMI screens, and create Web pages in multiple languages including Asian languages—then save it all in a Library to reuse in other projects. Another benefit to the bottom line for the OEM and system integrators is Unitronics standard policy of customer care—no hidden costs or tiers. All software, utilities, and support—including membership in Unitronics’ Community Forum—are provided at no additional charge

This major release of UniLogic, the programming software for UniStream programmable controllers, introduces Multi-Touch HMI screen technology, familiar to us all from the world of cell phones and tablets. Our new UniStream model, the USP-104M10-PLC, supports a range of gestures such as “Swipe” Navigation, Press, Press & Hold, Double-Tap, Press & Tap and more. Use these to boost your client’s user experience, as well as Two-Hand Operation to increase the operational safety of your end-users. Other important features in this release: CANopen: EDS Import, View, Edit, & Ladder Functions UDFB Online: view running values in UDFBs, including local tags MODBUS: Aperiodic/ Periodic Operations per slave, singly or in batches Receive SMS: new Ladder Element, plus Authorized Numbers option SQL: supports MySQL Server and an option to communicate via Port or Instance Name *Cyber-Security Update for FTP & VNC All applications using FTP or VNC must now use passwords of 6 to 8 characters that contain upper and lower-case letters and digits. Upgrading older applications with passwords that do not meet these criteria will result in a compilation error. Hardware Configuration New UniStream: Multi-Touch panel Hardware Configuration now offers the USP-104-M10. This multi-touch model offers gestures such as Swipe navigation, and enables you to trigger actions via Press, Long Press, Press & Tap, double-tap and more, including Two-Hand operation – a recognized safety measure. A single screen can contain elements configured to different triggers. This enables you to add a layer of safety to your screens. For example, you can implement a 2-point press (two-handed operation) that requires the user to press the screen in two distinct locations to activate a task. Communications CANopen EDS Import, View, Edit You can now easily import, view, and edit EDS files for CANopen devices, as well as automatically create PDO structs. New EDS Ladder functions EDS functions enable you to initialize the device with values currently in the EDS file, including values that you edit/enter via UniLogic's EDS utility. In your program, use the In Progress bits to condition the functions. Init Node EDS: Initialize a specific node with values edited/entered via the EDS utility. Init All Nodes EDS: Initialize all of the CANopen nodes in your project Restore Node Defaults: If your CANopen device enables this function, which refers to object 1011 in the node's dictionary, you can use this to reset all of the node's addresses to the manufacturer's default values. Heartbeat CANopen Properties now include Enable Heartbeat. Select this to send a heartbeat from the PLC, according to the time interval specified in the parameter Heartbeat time. The time range is 100 (default) to 100000ms (10 seconds). CANopen CPU Stop Mode Switching to Stop Mode will automatically send a reset command to all nodes. MODBUS New: Aperiodic via Ladder, Operation Batches This version offers the ability to create both Periodic and Aperiodic operations, either one at a time or in batches. Most application requirements are met by Periodic operations, which run according to the time intervals you set. However, you now have greater flexibility to: Use simple Periodic Operations to read/write data from/to many sensors, Use an Aperiodic Operation to write a single setpoint as the result of a run-time condition, Use an Aperiodic Operation to turn a group of outputs ON as the result of a run-time condition. Note that you can prevent an individual operation from running via a bit in the operation's Active parameter. Two new MODBUS Ladder Elements, Aperiodic InDirect and Aperiodic InDirect Group to enable you to trigger a single operation, or a group of operations, via your application. Troubleshooting MODBUS You now have new MODBUS troubleshooting options: A new parameter in the Remote Slave's struct, Drops can help you to troubleshoot projects with a large number of sensors, where the entire queue of operations may not be able to run during the scan. A Status field has been added to the MODBUS operation Parameters. This will hold the error codes from the MODBUS protocol itself. Note that it must be reset in your application. Other Communications SMS: Receive SMS + Authorize Numbers Use this new Ladder element to receive an SMS message and store it along with its metadata. You can also block messages from unauthorized numbers by creating an Authorized Numbers list in Modem Configuration. SQL Server Now supports MYSQL, and the option to use either Instance Name, or Port. Message Composer Float values are now supported. EthernetIP The Scanner Node struct now contains the parameter Connection status. This contains the response status of the connection attempt. HMI & Web HMI: FTP Image Widget Use this widget to stream files from an IP camera that uploads images to an FTP server. The images are cached in a folder on the SD card. Buttons the user to display images, clear the image cache, or to save the images currently being displayed. Data Table Widget This version brings added widget features. You can now: Assign Column Width/Visibility to each individual widget Move the focus and highlight a specific row in a data table by writing a value to the property Tag: Selected Row Index When a data table is displayed, touch anywhere within a row to select that row If you assign a Float value to a column, you can determine the location of the decimal point via by right-clicking the column and assigning it HMI and Webpage Editor Redesign Both editors have been redesigned for faster, smoother function, and load screens - even screens with many elements -faster than before. Other added features include "Snap" behavior: Rotation: While rotating, elements will now automatically snap to angles of 90-180° when approaching these angles. To rotate without snapping, first hold down the Alt button on your keypad, then click and begin the rotation. Alignment: Now, the active element is marked by handles. When moving elements, a snap to middle line is displayed. HMI: Live Trend Widget New Live Trend displays a running variable integer value as a curve on a Trend graph. You may define up to 4 curves. Unlike Trends derived from Data Sampling: Live Trend values are not drawn from a Data Sampler. Live Trends do not store any values, log any data, or create any files. They are convenient for tasks such as representing temperature values, where only monitoring is needed and logging is not required. Web: State Machine Button State Machine Button is now available for Web pages as well as HMI display; use the value of a register to display variable text within a button, and to drive multiple Actions via the button. HMI Element: Password A new attribute, Password Length, allows you to enter a number to limit the number of characters, 1-32, that the user can type into the field. Asian Language Support UniStream now supports the WenQuanYi Zen Hei font which supports Chinese, simplified/traditional, and also Korean. HMI Elements: Digital Schedule & Digital Time When checked, a new attribute, Retain AM/PM Space, retains the Placeholder space for AM/PM when H24 (24-hour format) is selected. Usability Boosters UDFBs: Online Values View online/debug values within UDFBs, including local tags, along with a counter 'since last update': simply right-click the Call UDFB function in the Ladder, and select Monitor. Drag Tags: Assign Tags via CTRL + Drag & Drop A new, easy way to assign tags is via CTRL + Drag & Drop. Press and hold down the CTRL keyboard key, click a tag, and then drag and drop it to assign a ladder parameter or an HMI option. You can drag tags from the tag database window, or a tag assigned as a ladder parameter or HMI option. Formula: Drag from Ladder You can now drag any Formula directly from the Solution Explorer, instead of placing a Formula Ladder element via the Ladder Toolbox and linking it to a Formula. Start Online after Download If you download the same project into UniStream, and are connected to the unit, Online mode now begins automatically. You can cancel this behavior via the UniLogic Project tab, by clicking Options and deselecting Start Online after Download. Handy "Find" ptions The Ladder ribbon tab contains two new icons: that enable you to find rungs that are disabled, as well as rungs marked "ToDo:". To mark a rung, enter the text "ToDo:" including the colon. (the text itself is not case-sensitive) The complete list of features, as well as Bug Fixes may be found at https://unitronicsplc.com/Download/Support/UniLogic/UniLogic_Example_Projects.zip

We invite you to take part in our webinar: SQL - Adding a Piece to the Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory Puzzle. UniStream PLC + HMI controllers support MS SQL and My SQL, server and can connect to SQL databases. This enables you to set up UniLogic to communicate SQL data ERP/MRP servers - sign up to learn how!

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!!

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!