At the end of last year, we held a hackathon together with the Start-Up Actyx. Here is what happend:
Every software developer should be able to easily program software for production: this is the credo of the Munich-based start-up company Actyx, which, in cooperation with SmartFactoryOWL, Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, PHOENIX CONTACT and Weidmüller, organized a hackathon in Lemgo on December 3 and 4. The aim was to re-program a modular production plant, in which the logical networking of the modules was programmed by means of a central superimposed programmable logic controller (PLC), using a decentralized approach. The modules are a pick-by-light assembly workstation, a collaborative robot and a conveyor belt system with RFID-equipped workpiece carriers.
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As a C++ programmer, when updating to firmware 2020.0 LTS you need to update the Eclipse® Add-in as well. The new Add-in version requires Java version 9 or above, while Eclipse® only needs version 8. Here's how to update Java and set it for Eclipse as default.
Due to the fact, that oracle requires subsciption beginning with Java 8 you need to install and maintain later versions manually.
You can find the instruction on https://openjdk.java.net/install/ the first instructon at the top.
To get the packages we can recommend two pages:
https://jdk.java.net/13/
or
https://adoptopenjdk.net/
After installing the JDK version 9 or later, you have two options:
- You can edit the eclipse.ini file, so that Eclipse is launched with the newer Java version.
Instructions see here: https://www.matsim.org/docs/devguide/eclipse/jdk
- You can set your system environment variable JAVA_HOME to the new JDK.
Instructions see here: https://docs.opsgenie.com/docs/setting-java_home
After a year with three quarterly feature releases, we've published today our new version Firmware 2020.0 LTS with long-term support for the PLCnext Control AXC F 2152!
In this cumulative update, all previous features, functions, and fixes are integrated as well as some new features:
- Docker™ readiness
- Some improvements for the Real-time DataLogger
- Implementation of the “SysV IPC” Linux extension
- OpenSSL update to version 1.1.1 (which is recommended)
- Axioline Smart Elements support
- Some bugfixes - see Change Notes
There will be security updates and bugfixes for this LTS version throughout the next year. And there will be some feature releases available for those of you who are eager to develop faster and adopt early...
Don't hesitate and update your PLCnext Control AXC F 2152 to firmware 2020.0 LTS now, and don't miss the updated SDK and PLCnext CLI for your operation system, and the according PLCnext Engineer 2020.0 LTS.
Users with the need for higher performance will find their PLCnext Control RFC 4072S firmware here, next to their according SDK and PLCnext CLI for both operation systems.
Note: Updating the Eclipse® Add-in maybe requires updating your Java installation to version 9 or above. Since Eclipse® only requires Java v8, you might check this first. Linux users: find a brief description for updating to JDK v9 or later Updating Java to JDK version 9 for use with the Eclipse Add-in 2020.0 LTS.
A new API for Java is available to use Remote Service Calls (RSC) from remote or locally on a PLCnext Control.
You will find all information how to use it in our PLCnext InfoCenter. The download package contains the libraries including JavaDocs.
An example application for a remote Java client using RSC will follow the next days in our Makers Blog. Looking forward to see your first applications using the API in the Makers Blog.
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Take the next step with PLCnext Technology and accomplish our new E-Learning!
Learn how to create your own function extension in C++, Integrate open source libraries, use threads and call firmware services!
Use the possibilities of PLCnext Technology and be faster than any others!
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With Firmware 2019.9 , we introduce another bunch of new features in PLCnext Technology. This time it's all about making life in the PLCnext ecosystem easier for all you hardworking engineers:
With the new LDAPs access mode, user management will be much easier: the "Lightweight Directory Access Protocol" (here over SSL, so therefore it's LDAPs) allows to manage all the users on all your controllers from a single point, e.g. your Active Directory. Read more on this feature and how to implement it in the PLCnext Technology User Manual (PDF here).
In addition, you can use more features for Diagnostics from the Web-based Management and force I/Os. And of course there are some bugs fixed. So if you're already hooked on one of our feature updates (2019.3, 2019.6), don't hesitate and update to Firmware 2019.9 now, and don't miss the updated SDK for your Operation System, and the PLCnext Engineer 2019.9 update.
Do you have something special everyone should have?
Do you want to share your stunning project or your smart PLCnext function with the world at PLCnext Store and need some help getting it off the ground?
Here's a little guide how to create your app for the PLCnext Store.
Eager to work with the advanced eHMI functions of PLCnext Engineer 2019.x?
After accomplishing this new E-Learning session, you can dive into creating your own PLCnext Engineer visualization right away.
These are the main topics:
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