Topics

1

Tips & Tricks / LattePanda

« on: May 18, 2018, 08:39:06 AM »

I know these are a bit more expensive than a Pi but if you are looking for a single board solution they rock!! And they have Arduino built right in as well!

https://www.lattepanda.com/

They do run hot so make sure you get the heat sinks and fan!!

Mike

2

Open Discussion / Happy Friday!!

« on: May 18, 2018, 08:27:49 AM »

Song does contain adult language!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo7bArVA9U0

Hope you dig it!!!

3

Application Showcase / Black Box Install

« on: May 17, 2018, 12:00:41 PM »

I created an easy install and user guide for my server application Black Box. Hope some of you find it useful!!
Let me know if you need additional help.

I have had this running in production for well over a year with very little issues. Most issues are user related.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/528vxe9kdtxny0k/AAC_JHxNlY9Gmof1d8oX3n80a?dl=0

Mike

4

Support Questions / What Changed?

« on: May 16, 2018, 12:54:00 PM »

Hey Archie,
I just downloaded the latest version and there is a ton of stuff missing in the drivers? I am trying to create an easy version of my Black Box and there is not even a read in the drivers folder.

Not sure what I am missing.

5

Tips & Tricks / Basic Database Tutorial

« on: July 18, 2016, 08:46:44 AM »

I have seen several posts on here about using a database or using CSV, Excel or Access and i thought i would try to help out a bit and see if i can get you guys up and running with MS SQL Server.

I am not a Youtuber!! I tend to juggle multiple projects all day everyday so i will just point you to some videos on installing MS SQL Server and some of the other basic stuff. I will attempt to make the AHMI videos you will need.

I do not use Entity for my database transactions. I am not saying it is good or bad just I just choose not to use it. I will post the class that i built and use in every project i create that will make for easy database transactions.

What I will cover-
1. Installation of MS SQL Server
2. Creating a Database and Tables
3.Basic SQL Statements
   a. Insert
   b. Select
   c. Update
   d. Delete
4. Adding a project to AHMI
5. Adding a connection/transaction class i wrote and use in every project
6. Using SQL Statements in AHMI
7. Using a Data table
8. Populate a datagrid

Get it installed!!

The video i decided to use if very detailed and easy to follow. The only thing is on the download page you will see a choice that will let you download and install both the Engine and SQL Server Management all in one and install them at the same time. Up to you. Make sure you make your SA password he shows you to set up something you can remember we will need it later on!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_zFM7mzFUg

This next video there is no speaking but he does a very good job of explaining both ways to create a new database and table using Management Studio. Also you will see how to use a Select and Insert statment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEpaCxu2SWk

Very in depth look at SELECT. The gentleman that put this tutorial up is an amazing instructor!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9pXnHIFj_8&index=10&list=PL08903FB7ACA1C2FB

That should get you all started and i will find the rest of the intro videos and start working on the AHMI specific tutorials over the next week.

Hit me up with any questions or requests!!!

Have fun



If you have 4 hours to devote to learning SQL Server please watch this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2huSNXLYUg

6

Application Showcase / Project Black Box

« on: April 15, 2016, 09:53:08 AM »

Well on the project i have up and coming i have to send info and store data in so many ways Desk Top app, Web and eventually mobile devices!! And all has to be routed through an OPC Server.

After some research, learning and trial and error i am on the right path!!

I started with AHMI solution and added WCF and then just a console app. I am just starting to develop this but thought i would post some info in case anyone has some ideas or suggestions. When complete it will be able to connect what i call the black box to the OPC server and then from there i can request the data from and send data back from any platform!! This could be easily configured to communicate directly with PLC's but due to where i work the Process Engineers say i have to use the OPC so they can limit access primarily on writes so i am not dumping a ladle full of molten steel on someone, so i see there point the screen shots i a attached are of the Matrikon OPC simulator. Any questions or comments please go for it!!

7

Open Discussion / Does Anything mean even non AHMI?

« on: August 25, 2015, 11:42:04 AM »

Looking for feedback on my bands latest song!! If this is bad Archie I'm sorry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMCLVC4ZB30

8

Open Discussion / SourceForge

« on: June 04, 2015, 01:51:34 PM »

Archie are you at all concerned about the trouble SourceForge is in?

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2929732/open-source-software/sourceforge-commits-reputational-suicide.html

9

Open Discussion / Structured Text

« on: May 22, 2014, 09:23:39 AM »

I understand why Ladder Logic is what it is, but with my background i think that ST is a much better fit. Does anyone know of an affordable PLC and programming platform that uses ST?
Thanks

10

Tips & Tricks / Don't Fear the Geek

« on: April 11, 2014, 08:37:01 AM »

A couple of years ago i attended an AB seminar on Benefits of Plant Wide Ethernet. Pretty much just a product demo with really great food(as a fat guy the food was the best part!!). One of the few things they pointed out is that PLC programmers and Enterprise developers should learn to work together.  I have been reading a lot of posts on here and seen things that you guys are struggling with i.e.  System.IO.StreamWriter SMTP and getting your info into a database that someone like me deals with every day.  We are not all Khaki's and pocket protectors some of us fly out tattoos proudly and play guitar in a good ol fashioned rock band on the weekend!!

11

Open Discussion / VB.net/SQL/SSRS developer willing to trade

« on: April 10, 2014, 11:08:29 AM »

Hello All
I am an advanced VB.net/SQL/SSRS developer with minimal PLC training.  I would be willing to trade my services for help in becoming  better with PLC's and HMI development.  Pretty much if you need it done in VB.net inserted into a database and turned into a report i can do it.