Still Kicking!

 Hello Folks,

Just letting you know I'm still around and working on stuff.  I have some new ideas on a scanner to add to the robot.  I will be implementing these for the coming spring.  I'm looking at using a round, spinning wheel with a VLF coil on one side, and a PI coil on the other.  If I spin the wheel one direction, I can go back and forth with a wired coil, and if I use my Deus XP coil, I can spin continuously. 

https://www.xpmetaldetectors.com/en/produit/xp-9-fmf-coil.php

-Since its wireless, I can still receive targets from this..

I just received my copy of the Arduino Nano VLF metal detecting book:

https://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Nano-Metal-Detector-Project/dp/B0CR9DP59X/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1706539113&refinements=p_27%3AGeorge+Overton&s=books&sr=1-2

I am thinking about using the VLF and PI designs from the previous book.  I would use the PLC as a supervisory, and interface to the Nanos (Teensy 4.0 or 4.1's actually) and pass data back and forth for the HMI over Modbus.  It's slow, but it doesn't need to be fast for the HMI control.  I can also log data on the Slippy Maps in VTScada with GPS data. 

I'm still using VTScada as a cheap HMI interface.

https://www.vtscada.com/

I'm currently using Teensy 4.0 microcontrollers.

https://www.pjrc.com/store/teensy40.html

Lately I am using the Teensy 4.1 with a Ethernet interface, and Free RTOS and Modbus TCP for the interface.

I am also using Codesys with several PLCs.  One in particular I am using which is cool is Bosch Rexroth Ctrlx Cores.  I still have my Wago PFC100, but I am debating on moving away from using it.

Its a Ubuntu Core based PLC that uses Snap Apps.  I am using the Core Virtual PLC running on a Laptop, which gives me 4 hours of runtime. before rebooting. Oh yes, its free also.  Hardware is what you need to pay for. 

https://apps.boschrexroth.com/microsites/ctrlx-automation/en/portfolio/ctrlx-core/

https://youtu.be/hIShzM7Og4s

 Hi folks!  Check out this cool new hardware..

https://www.opto22.com/products/groov-epic-system

Interesting software

Hi folks.  I haven't been on in a while.  I've been working with some pretty cool software recently, and wanted to bring it up.  VT Scada (https://www.trihedral.com/free-scada-software) is SCADA software (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), which it does this very well.  Normally this stuff can start at $3K and go as high as $100K or more based on features.  Cool thing about there product is that they offer a 50 point version for FREE.  Yep. Free.  Up to 10 installs per person (or company).  This is great for me because it has Modbus drivers, and can be run from a tablet or Smart phone.

Here is a quick sample screen:



I can have VT Scada interface to the Codesys project using either Modbus or OPC UA tags. I like this method over using the Webvisu in Codesys, because by default, all data is historian ready. 

Another thing I really like about VTScada.  I runs very well on really small PCs.  They've even run it on Atom quad core 2GB PCs.

On a side note, I will try to at least post more often.  I'm still piddling around with my MD robot chassis.  I'm thinking of changing up the drive system again.