Design engineers can get two complimentary seats (a $1,990 value) with the purchase of an Opto 22 groov EPIC Learning Center.

The groov EPIC Learning Center (GRV-EPIC-LC) is a pre-integrated system with EPIC hardware and software — suitable for pilot projects, proof of concept (POC) work, and other prototyping and research demonstrations.

Hardware in the Learning Center package includes a groov EPIC processor (GRV-EPIC-PR1); four-position chassis (GRV-EPIC-CHS4) and power supply (GRV-EPIC-PSPT) with AC/DC adapter and power cable; groov discrete dc output module (GRV-ODCI-12); groov discrete dc input module (GRV-IACDCTTL-24); groov ICTD temperature input module (GRV-IICTD-12); and groov analog voltage input module (GRV-IV-24).

Software on the groov EPIC Learning Center includes groov Manage (to configure, commission, and troubleshoot) as well as groov View to build browser-based operator interfaces viewable on the EPIC touchscreen or mobile devices and computers. Other software includes:

Control programming with flowchart-based PAC Control and IEC-61131-3 compliant languages through the CODESYS Runtime Engine — including Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Charts, and Ladder Diagram languages; a GROOV-LIC-CRE license is available for free

Free trial of Ignition Edge from Inductive Automation with drivers to Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs and Modbus /TCP devices — with full GROOV-LIC-EDGE licenses available for purchase

MQTT with Sparkplug messaging for secure bidirectional and lightweight data communications

Node-RED to connect databases, cloud services, and APIs

Optional Linux secure shell access to download and run a custom-developed automation application built in C/C++, Python, Java, or other languages — using a GROOV-LIC-SHELL license, also available at no charge

The load panel on the pre-integrated GRV-EPIC-LC includes two illuminated pushbuttons and potentiometer; ICTD temperature probe; Sonalert alarm; and multi-color LEDs.

Accessories of the Opto 22 groov EPIC Learning Center include a Pelican 1557 Air Case (which is watertight, crushproof, and dustproof) as well as an ac/dc adapter and power cable with input of 100-240 Vac and 50-60 Hz at 1.6 A and an output of 12 Vdc at 6 A. The Learning Center also comes with a screwdriver to release or tighten module terminal connector.

The free training that comes with the groov EPIC Learning Center is held at Opto 22’s southern California headquarters. Called An Introduction to the groov EPIC System, the three-day course lets each trainee use his or her personal workstation equipped with a groov EPIC Learning Center. Engineers and programmers will learn how to:

• Initialize and configure a groov EPIC processor and I/O; create control and other programming (including flowcharting, ladder logic, and Secure Shell access)

• Create mobile and web-based HMIs with drag-drop-tag software setup

• Secure legacy PLCs; collect data and share with databases and other PLCs

• Build IIoT systems with Cloud connectivity

For more information on these classes, check out Opto 22’s monthly schedule of upcoming classes or purchase a classroom seat on opto22.com.