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Did you know that over 500 articles and
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tutorials are now freely available on
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ACC Automation? That's right. More than
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a decade of accumulated PLC programming
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knowledge, HMI design guides,
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communication tutorials, and hands-on
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examples waiting for you to explore, all
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without spending a dime. Whether you're
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a complete beginner trying to understand
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your first rung of ladder logic or a
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seasoned controls engineer looking for
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that one specific Modbus configuration
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tip, there's something here for you. As
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we wrap up another year of learning PLC
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programming at ACC Automation, we're
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excited to reflect on the progress,
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innovations, and milestones we've
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This year has been filled with growth,
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learning, and pushing the limits of
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industrial automation. Let's highlight
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some key events from the year. Detailed
0:47
information contained in this video can
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be found at accccclautomation.ca.
0:51
A link has been put in the description
0:53
below. The website offers extensive
0:56
links, references, and coding samples,
0:58
making it a one-stop shop for all your
1:00
automation queries. accautomation.ca
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January February Node Red integration
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takes center stage. We kicked off 2025
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with extensive coverage of the Click
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Plus C2N module. This Node Red
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integration opened up incredible
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possibilities for connecting PLC's to
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IoT platforms, dashboards, and cloud
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services. The series covered everything
1:22
from basic installation to advanced node
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configurations and Modbus TCP
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communication between Node Red and both
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the BRX do more and click PLC's. For
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those looking to bridge the gap between
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traditional PLC programming and modern
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IoT connectivity, these tutorials
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provided a practical pathway forward.
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March, April, Modbus communication deep
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dives. Spring brought comprehensive
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Modbus communication tutorials. We
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explored RS485 serial connections,
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demonstrating proper wiring techniques
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and configuration settings that many
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beginners struggle with. The Click PLC
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Modbus RS485 series became one of our
1:59
most referenced resources. We also
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continued expanding the click PLC series
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with topics ranging from remote IO
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configurations using stridefield modules
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to the BX MBIO Modbus TCP RTU remote IO
2:11
controller real world communication
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scenarios that control engineers face
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daily were addressed with step-by-step
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solutions May June PLC simulators and
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baggage claim automation in May and June
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we doubled down on the importance of PLC
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simulators for learning the post
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emphasized how simulators can reduce
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programming develop- velment time by up
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to 50%, a claim backed by real
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experience. The airport baggage claim
2:35
automation series captured the reader
2:37
attention. Globally, airlines handle
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over 4 billion bags annually with 99.6%
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arriving on time. We explored how PLC
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programming enables this, walking
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through the design and programming of an
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automated baggage handling system. The
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troubleshooting follow-up addressed
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sensor issues and PLC tweaks that
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maintenance technicians encounter in the
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July PLC programming myths exposed. July
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tackled something different. The myths
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and misconceptions that hold beginners
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back from mastering PLC programming. We
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addressed common fears and
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misunderstandings that prevent people
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from diving into industrial automation,
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providing clarity and encouragement for
3:15
those just starting their journey. The
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Freeclick PLC software post reminded
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everyone that professional-grade
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programming tools don't always come with
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professional-grade price tags.
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Automation Direct's commitment to free
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software downloads continues to lower
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barriers for learners worldwide.
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August timers, static IP, and why
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simulators matter. August focused on
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foundational topics that every PLC
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programmer needs to master. The Click
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PLC timer tutorial walked through
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practical applications using a
3:43
storydriven approach. Mark, a veteran
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automation engineer dealing with
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conveyor bottlenecks, served as our
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guide through timer configuration and
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troubleshooting. We also covered static
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IP assignment on the Click Plus PLC, an
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essential skill for anyone setting up
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worked control systems. The simulator
4:00
advocacy continued with content
4:02
explaining why every beginner needs
4:04
hands-on practice before touching real
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hardware. September PLC scan cycles and
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latter logic fundamentals. September
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dove deep into the mechanics of how
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PLC's actually work. Understanding scan
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cycles, how PLC's process inputs,
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execute programs, and update outputs in
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a continuous loop, separates proficient
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programmers from those who struggle with
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timing issues and unexpected behavior.
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We addressed the most commonly asked
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latter logic questions and explored why
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specific logic patterns confuse
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beginners. These fundamental concepts
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apply regardless of which PLC brand
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you're working with. If you are enjoying
4:38
this video, please hit the like button
4:40
below. Keeping up with all the latest
4:42
automation innovations can be difficult,
4:44
so hit the subscribe button. Remember to
4:47
hit the bell beside your subscription to
4:48
receive the notifications. October AI
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meets PLC programming. October marked a
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significant milestone exploring the
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intersection of artificial intelligence
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and PLC programming. The Claude AI post
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investigated whether modern AI tools
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could successfully assist with PLC
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programming tasks. This emerging
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technology presents fascinating
5:08
possibilities for how we'll develop and
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troubleshoot control systems in the
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future. Digital twins also received
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attention examining how virtual replicas
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of physical systems can transform
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factory operations. The machine
5:20
simulator software suite continues to
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provide hands-on digital twin
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capabilities for learners and
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professionals alike. December power
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supplies, wiring best practices, and
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fererals. We're closing out 2025 with
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essential infrastructure topics. The
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PSRS 2460 power supply post addressed
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why PLC's die without proper power,
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covering galvanic isolation, voltage
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regulation, and the critical role power
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supplies play in control system
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reliability. Wiring best practices
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receive dedicated attention,
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particularly the use of fererals with
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stranded wire. This seemingly simple
5:54
topic prevents countless field failures.
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When stranded wire meets screw terminals
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without proper termination, connections
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loosen, strands break, and systems fail.
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Fuels elegantly and inexpensively solve
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this problem. Ethernet switch selection
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for industrial networks is also
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currently under development, addressing
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the networking infrastructure that ties
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modern control systems together. Looking
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As the year draws to a close, we're
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already planning next year's content.
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Expect coverage of the Productivity Mini
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PLC series. Compact controllers with
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built-in IO that represent an exciting
6:27
evolution in the productivity family.
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The Seymour CM5 HMI series will continue
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receiving attention as we explore its
6:33
enhanced capabilities and integration
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options. Perhaps most exciting is our
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planned exploration of AI with model
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context protocol MCP for industrial
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automation applications.
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The convergence of artificial
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intelligence and traditional control
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systems opens possibilities we're only
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beginning to understand. 2025 was filled
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with growth, innovation, and meaningful
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connections. At ACC Automation, we
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introduced practical tutorials, shared
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hands-on programming examples, and
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continued building resources that help
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people learn industrial automation
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without expensive training courses or
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equipment investments. As we enter 2026,
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we remain committed to supporting
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readers and viewers in their automation
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projects. Thank you for being part of
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the ACC Automation family. Here's to
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another year of success and progress. As
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always, we will answer your questions
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and applications so you can quickly
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implement your control solution.
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Accelerate learning, accelerate
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machines, accelerate knowledge, ACC
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automation. To learn more about the
7:32
machine simulator and digital twins for
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PLC learning, click here. Click here to
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view the entire series on the click PLC.
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If you have any questions or need
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further information, please get in touch
7:43
with me. Thank you once again for your
