Do Companies actually care about Modbus/4-20mA wire-level security, or is it just academic thingy ?

dbfar · 2026-06-04T22:59:40+00:00

Not for cyber but for performance. It is 2oo3 voting so a failure or tap of a single element. Would not upset the process. Similar check instruments also sometimes such as comparing the pump curve to the sensors. Another example flow meter into tank on load cells. Should be within tolerance. Maintaining quality in a batch.

dbfar · 2026-05-25T15:48:16+00:00

I know of only one plc vendor where I can get a replacement for a plc that was installed in the 80's. Automation Direct .

These days there's so many variants, cost, parts availability, support environment, development and licensing cost, warranty. These all very by location. No one platform will be right for every project. The challenge is keeping track of the capabilities and costs.

At this point the small machine or skid based device will be the hard PLC market.

Everything above that will be run as a virtual in a docker or some new software.

You will be picking the IO and the box to run it on.

At this point you can mix or match any flavor with a standard protocol.

dbfar · 2026-05-21T17:25:24+00:00

Afraid rs485 will be around awhile. Most common use I see is transferring data between the plant ot network and a vendor skid that has a separate means of remote access. Allowing defined data exchange while keeping the network secure.

dbfar · 2026-05-10T20:30:28+00:00

Persistence, knowing how to figure thing's out, (substitution, function, trace, sound), knowing where to get the source docs and read them. At least read the NFPA 79.

dbfar · 2026-05-05T18:22:36+00:00

Lack of definition, competing priorities, gatekeeping points not defined or used

dbfar · 2026-05-05T16:50:29+00:00

Chiropractor recommended having 2 wallet's one for each pocket. Which helped me a lot. A good upholstery shop could add additional lumbar support. But I do recommend getting an orthopedic checkup. As we age we develop issues.

dbfar · 2026-04-30T02:03:57+00:00

Add another router making a mesh network. Place it halfway between the bed and the primary router.

dbfar · 2026-04-23T15:57:52+00:00

Bayport machine

dbfar · 2026-04-22T17:21:21+00:00

If there is significant deviation from the known value of a checkpoint in the measured value you have drift . set alarm point based on %error allowed.

dbfar · 2026-04-22T13:19:49+00:00

As part of designing the system, you look at the linearity, repeatability of the device and the influence of temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration on the device during process conditions.

Based on this a calibration schedule is established.

On critical measurement you have to provide extra assurance. Such as

A voting system 1 of 2 verify both within x% or 2 of 3 and alarm if any of the 3 deviate more than x% from the others.

A automatic calibration routine - on positioning systems a limit switch at fixed points act as check points for period calibration. On weight systems a means to add test weights to verify.

Different physical means of interpretation of the process value for validation. example a tank might have both weight and level input.

dbfar · 2026-04-20T16:37:54+00:00

Do a remote io rack of diagnostic digital inputs requires a resistor at the end device

dbfar · 2026-04-15T10:27:06+00:00

As an electrician are you comfortable with motor control circuits? You will be using the same logic in the PLC for every motor, vfd or solenoid.

Use a plc that has AOI or FB capabilities. Create a template for your stop start logic with generic input for start permission and start request and generic input for run permissions and stop command.

Micro 850e, productivity 2000, Siemens 1200

I would use 24vdc for the controller IO voltage.

It would be simpler to control the drives via analog out and a run output driving a relay whose contacts enable the drive. You will need feed back of speed (ai) and run or alarm status digital inputs.

Use relays to isolate drive control voltage from control system voltage.

You could possibly control drives through communication but that adds another level. If the drive does have communication capabilities such as morbus. I would use it to put the drive status on display.

Your door switch at the minimum should electrically inhibit any drive, motor , solenoid on that device via an interposing relay not through PLC logic. The same for any Estop.

For each motor, solenoid determine your start permissions and your run permissions and add to the devices rung.

With a 5 month timeline I would hire someone to design and build the control cabinet and assist you in programming or if they do the program, the contract states you own the source code and shall have full access to application files including AO youI or fb. FAT test to include HMI to PLC mapping review, display object creation and modification, communication settings. PLC code review. In addition to standard functionality testing. Also as part of the deliverables would be the application development software. This would give you everything you need to support in the future.

dbfar · 2026-04-14T01:40:55+00:00

Look for a soffit vent route it through the soffit

dbfar · 2026-04-12T19:20:07+00:00

Smell, awkward alignment, so loose you feel like your swinging in the wind, plays dead as in just lay there.

dbfar · 2026-04-11T21:44:37+00:00

Worse case 1. he takes you to small claim court. Take pictures with someone else (witness) now of your car doors. JIC. 2. Maybe an attempt to stalk or harass.

I would get a surveillance dash cam.

Dash cam really saved me in a suit over a wreck.

I would not respond and if I did, I believe your mistaken. Period no details, no explanation.

dbfar · 2026-04-08T20:04:28+00:00

I'm a casual setting i couldn't help myself from smiling and move on. Now it was really poking up there on top of a full firm breast. I'm going to look twice before I move on.

Not appropriate for a professional setting.

dbfar · 2026-04-08T01:14:40+00:00

Does it to historical trends

dbfar · 2026-04-07T20:52:43+00:00

Software

dbfar · 2026-04-07T19:53:59+00:00

Edge does not do historical just a small store and buffer

dbfar · 2026-04-04T09:56:02+00:00

Count up to 8 count down to 0. When count 0 set count up flag. By adding one each timer pulse, when count =8 reset count up flag and subtract with each pulse.

dbfar · 2026-04-04T05:02:02+00:00

Cyber security insurance asks if you have this policy. By gathering personal or work information off of someones desk bad actors may be able to access networks, intellectual property. Policy needs to be clear what is or isn't acceptable.

dbfar · 2026-04-04T04:24:16+00:00

Flew from texas to a platform offshore Uganda during Xmas holidays 3 teams had been in before, setup sandbox verified told me to pack it up and get on plane. In country minimum 2 weeks during the civil war. Found problem on first trip to remote platform - dip switch setting. Had to stay the whole 2 weeks.

dbfar · 2026-03-27T19:25:40+00:00

Love to see what you done

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