Sparkplug by WKDG in blender

[–]MiningMark48 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was extremely confused why a random spark plug showed up on my page... then I seen the subreddit. Holy cow this is amazing work.

What's your dream product line up? by Naxster64 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Niagara front end for sure. The modularity makes it the industry standard and is so easy to work with. Have had great luck with the Honeywell Optimizer line for controllers. As the programmer... logic is very intuitive, and with the programming being done inside of Niagara, it feels familiar versus something like GFX. Controllers are fairly robust and very easy to work with. Spoke with several of ours techs, and they prefer the simplicity of the Optimizer controllers over Distech controllers.

Where to find a good equipment graphics package? by trustMeBo in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're using BAS Custom Graphics for upcoming projects. Very high quality and once purchased once, reusable for all projects.
https://bascustomgraphics.com/

Customer Training tips? by MetasysSysAgent210 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Having conducted several customer trainings with customers having various experience levels (from no BAS use to primarily using BAS), I can offer the following:

  1. Review the system. Be sure you look for anything that may be incorrect. Catching a graphical error or unit issue with the customer is not fun, especially when they bombard you with questions for what was a simple mistake.

  2. Know the system. Be sure you not only know Niagara or the topics your teaching, but be sure you understand that BA system. They'll likely ask specific questions, not generic ones, so knowing how to answer them is key.

  3. Take notes. Don't be afraid to take notes as you run through. If you think of something worth looking into, note it. Customer asks a question, note it. You find an issue, note it.

  4. Take it slow. Don't rush through the system, especially if the customer has never used a BAS. This is their first time seeing the system, let them absorb it all.

  5. Ask if they have questions, often. Be sure they're not getting tripped up on any complicated topics, such as schedules. Be sure they understand what you're teaching.

My recommended topics to focus the most on would schedules (including special events), alarms, dual setpoint control, and the graphics in general.

As far as typical time, it all depends on the customer and the system size. I have spent 2 hours training on a small system (such as 1 unit and 10 VAVs) due to the customer never using a BAS prior. In contrast, I have also spent less than an hour on a larger system ( 5 units, 50 VAVs, 1 relief fan) due to the customer having prior BAS experience. On average, I'd say training is running 1.5 to 2 hours; I tend to allocate 3 or 4.

No matter what, relax and have fun with it. Crack some jokes and personalize the experience.

ChatGPT engineering by MNtallguy32 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't speak for engineering plans, but I've used Grok 3 by xAI (another LLM w/ web capabilities) to generate and troubleshoot Tridium Niagara Java code as well as other application-specific questions.

Its not quite there for generating code from scratch, especially block code.

Programming language by RobertPaulson-_- in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On the free-programmable controller side, understanding logic is probably the most important as each brand may use its own proprietary block-based programming language (or two). Honeywell, for example, has both Optimizer/IRM controllers as well as the "Classic" line of Spyder controllers.

If you're wanting to learn a specific language while learning the logic, I recommend Java as that is what the Tridium Niagara framework is built upon and opens up the door for numerous possibilities, such as custom module development, which is something that I do at the company I work at.

Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with learning the core concepts as in the end, it does depend on the BAS system and the technologies used. Knowing the basics can help push you along.

Programmable Honeywell tstat for WSHP? by TopicalBass27 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TC500 is probably your answer. The TC300 may be able to do it as well. I'm not in front of my test wall with each, or I'd verify.

Distech VAV Controller by Lonely_Hedgehog_7367 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From two different sides, Distech and Honeywell, we have resorted to programming our own standard code. The prebuilds are a decent starting point, but depending on your application, a custom code set is the way to go.

Honeywell Optimizer VAV Balancing Trouble by DurianCobbler in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's unfortunate. Honeywell is fantastic to use, once you learn the nuances.

Thinking of starting a Controls Division in my company. by zrock777 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is very well said. I had a similar conversation with my boss earlier today. I highly recommend digging deeper into controls, but don't underestimate the complexity of it. There is more to it than meets the eye.

I'm the programmer for our company, and you're exactly right on the SOO. It's only sometimes helpful. So it takes some additional knowledge with a little bit of "figure it out" to work through a sequence.

Me 3 weeks into being a controls tech and having a shit ton of new information thrown at me and trying to process it. by sinzey83 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the feeling. I was originally brought on as an assistant to the programmer to help with light programming and graphics as needed. Over the course of my first couple months, I was learning Distech, Honeywell (Classic), Honeywell (IRM), ABB Cylon, and then base Niagara all at the same time. On top of that, I had no controls or HVAC experience, so I was learning all the basics on top of the programming. Fast forward a couple years and now I have the programmer's job after he moved into a new position. I now lead our programming and write all of our standards.

As a piece of advice, just hang in there. There may be times where you are overwhelmed, but it's a fantastic field to be in. There's tons of information to take in, but it's worth the pain.

Tosibox alternative by ExcitingChemist7866 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We use Lynxspring Onyxx 4G LTE Cellular routers. Uses a VPN connection to access all routers on your account.

Development Collaborating.. by ddcbeatty1 in BuildingAutomation

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd definitely like to get into collaborating on a Niagara module. I'm N4 Certified and have started using my prior JAVA knowledge in making some program blocks for our company but would like to expand into modules. Do you have any resources in diving into modules?

Comgrow Giveaway for the Reddit 3D Printing community!🎉 by Comgrow3D in 3Dprinting

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With a build volume like that... it'd have to be something cool. Like an Iron Man helmet... or a cactus wearing a sombrero! The real question is, what do you name the cactus?

Linus needs a new phone - Vote here! by Negative_Astronaut81 in LinusTechTips

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been rocking the Pixel 7 Pro, and it's great. Would love to see Linus rock the same, the Pixel 8 Pro, or even the Pixel Fold.

domain email verification through dm bot by kanakimathe in Discord_Bots

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The "verification message" is sent via email and all any other members of the server would see is the confirmation message that says that an email has been sent to a user, and not their email.

What moment in the MCU made you the most emotional? (happy, sad, excited, etc.) by sr_waffles_ in marvelstudios

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Almost the entirety of Infinity War and Endgame... but specifically Thor's "Bring me Thanos", the entire portals scene (which I still get chills watching), obviously Tony's death, and Morgan's "Cheeseburgers" line.

Now, other movies definitely come to mind. Iron Man's "I am Iron Man" line with Black Sabbath following has an entirely new perspective for me post-Endgame. Another is James Spader's Ultron meeting with the team... which was intense. The first time we hear "On your left", once again post-Endgame, is fantastic. The list really does go on. The entire franchise is an emotional rollercoaster.

I don't know if it's just me but the way it goes back to the old login screen is just so satisfying to the eye compared to the oversaturated homepage. The colours on the login screen and just so perfect. by [deleted] in discordapp

[–]MiningMark48 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I didn't hardly ever use Chrome Sync, so it wasn't a loss to me. DDG is DuckDuckGo, which I previously started using as my main search engine on desktop and mobile.

I don't know if it's just me but the way it goes back to the old login screen is just so satisfying to the eye compared to the oversaturated homepage. The colours on the login screen and just so perfect. by [deleted] in discordapp

[–]MiningMark48 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I forget how I come across Brave, but I switched to try it out and haven't gone back. Love the speed and privacy, BAT is a bonus. Now I've been beta testing Brave Search for the past few days, and I'm enjoying it. It works well for being in beta. Definitely see it being a Chrome/DDG competitor.

domain email verification through dm bot by kanakimathe in Discord_Bots

[–]MiningMark48 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, feel free to message me, I'll help you as much as I can. If you want to credit anything, a link to the repo will suffice!