i4 Automation Podcast

Tired of restrictive PLC graphics? See how Unistream's colour density and layering capabilities blew away a customer using Raspberry Pis. Get custom, 'sexy' graphics for your application.See how one customer brilliantly matched their physical buttons and lamps to their website's colour scheme. The HMI editor allows for incredible customisation, including changing button colours, curving elements, and adding borders—making virtually anything on a webpage possible in your physical interface.Upload custom logos to an SD card for dynamic PLC branding. Change branding without altering the core program, offering flexibility for different customersUnlock remote access to HMI screens directly from your PLC. Configure it as a VNC server for seamless connectivity across your site, even for remote monitoring at exhibitionsUnlock real-time production insights from your shop floor. A web server displays critical data from PLCs, offering a SCADA-like overview without disrupting workflows. See line status (red/green) and throughput at a glance

Flowcharts and PLC programming go hand-in-hand — especially in industrial automation projects like the onessupplied by i4 Automation.Why Use Flowcharts in PLC Programming?A flowchart is a visual representation of the control logic before you write code.For PLC projects, flowcharts help you: • Clarify the machine's sequence of operation • Reduce commissioning time • Avoid logic conflicts • Communicate clearly with customers and electricians • Simplify documentation for CE/UKCA complianceThey’re especially useful for: • Sequential machines • Multi-stage processes • Fault handling logic • Alarm management Flowcharts vs PLC Programming Languages Most PLCs (including platforms like Unitronics) are based on IEC 61131-3 languages:  • Ladder Logic (LD) – Electrical-style logic  • Function Block Diagram (FBD) – Block-based logic  • Structured Text (ST) – High-level text programming  • Sequential Function Chart (SFC) – Flowchart-style sequencing 👉 Flowcharts most closely resemble Sequential Function Charts (SFC).  Example: Simple Machine Start Sequence Flowchart Logic  1. Start button pressed  2. Check the safety circuit OK  3. Start motor  4. Wait 5 seconds  5. Enable conveyor  6. Monitor fault condition  7. Stop if fault  How That Becomes PLC Logic In Ladder Logic:  • Start latch  • Safety interlock contacts  • Timer block (TON)  • Output coils  • Fault reset rung  When to Use Flowcharts (Best Practice) Flowcharts are most valuable when: ✔ Designing new machinery ✔ Upgrading legacy relay systems ✔ Working with OEM clients ✔ Training junior engineers ✔ Documenting process sequences For smaller logic (simple pump control, level switching, etc.), they’re often unnecessary. Practical Workflow (Professional Method) Here’s a structured approach many experienced automation engineers use:  1. Define I/O list  2. Write a sequence of operations  3. Draw a  flowchart  4. Convert to SFC or Ladder  5. Simulate  6. Commission on site  7. Add fault handling refinement  Key Takeaway Flowcharts are not programming — they are thinking tools. The better the flowchart:  • The cleaner the PLC code  • The faster the commissioning  • The fewer the late-night callouts

Lots of options to add Inputs and Outputs (I-O) to your controller, either on the screen, DIN rail mounted, or a combination, plus distributed I-O on networks. We list a few below.1 Unistream modular I-O2 Unistream Built-in I-O3 Unistream Din Rail Mounted I-O 4 Unistream DIN rail-mounted expansion (powered non powered and Long)5 EtherCat Slice I-O6 Modbus Slice I-O7 Modbus Using Vision I-O8 Ethernet IP Slice I-O

Unitronics is known for its all-in-one PLC but how do you add more inputs and outputs? What are the options?In this short video we show you 6 ways to expand your IO.1.  CANbus, using Unitronics own brand IO modules and slice IO2.  Ethernet using slice IO3.  Standard expansion using the expansion port4. Snap-in module fitted to the rearbut what are the restrictions.....### 🛠 Quick TipsMix methods: You can combine local SNAP in and DIN rail, IO solutions with remote (CANbus), and Ethernet IO system — but total IO must fit the controller’s addressing limits. Consider UniStream Slice IO remote modules for very high IO counts or long distances over Ethernet. and/or CANbusAlways check cable specs and termination on CAN networks — UNI-CAN expects defined terminations for long runs.

How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by StepChoosing the right servo system doesn’t need to be complicated. At i4 Automation, we’ll talk you through the process to make sure you get the right solution first time.Here’s what we’ll help you define:🔹 EncoderAbsolute encoder 🔹 Motor SelectionWith or without mechanical brakeLow or medium inertia motorRequired torque calculationDo you need a braking resistor? Energy dissipation considerations🔹 Servo Controller CommunicationCANopenEtherCAT + STO (Safe Torque Off) function🔹 Installation ConsiderationsCable length between motor and controllerCable type: highly flexible robot cable or standard cableGetting these details right ensures performance, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

Today we discuss the basic principles for using analogue on inputs and outputs. We cover scaling features and the difference in VisiLogic and UniLogic.https://www.i4automation.co.uk/podcast-10