Spencer Systems Provided Simple User Interface from INGEAR

The INGEAR.NET software from CimQuest is a setswitches and patch panels, and making this data
of runtime free class libraries that simplify building,available via an OPC server that any HMI could utilize
developing, and deploying connected systems forit.  The idea was to try to monitor as many devices
manufacturing applications using Visual Basic or Visualand network paths as possible in order to speed up
Studio .NET. It uses only three primary classes ofthe troubleshooting time when a network problem
.NET code:arose.  We again chose INGEAR as one of our
 technology partners and utilized their NET.ABLINK and
- one of which manages the PLC,NET.LOGIX class libraries as we had a mixture of
- one manages the data that are read from ornew and old PLC's to monitor," noted Spencer.
written to that PLC, 
- one manages groupings of methods, properties, andThe company was attempting to do this without
events to optimize read/write operations on aadding programming to the existing PLC's.  This was
collection.working great with the older PLC but when it came
 to the newer controllogix the company was stuck,
Googling the phrase ".NET PLC driver" lead Rhettand it looked like they were going to have to add
Spencer of Heber City, UT, Spencer Systems toprogramming; it looked like they would not be able to
 have the status desired when the PLC was in
According to Spencer, "Our first project usingprogram or faulted.  After talking to INGEAR, there
INGEAR was to provide a simple user interface towas an appropriate update; the needed functionality
operate a string of lights near the top of a mountainwas up and running within a couple of weeks. 
in Utah. The lights illuminated the large letter for the 
school below.  In the past someone had to hike or"INGEAR's .NET class libraries worked seamlessly with
take an off road vehicle up to the lights to turn themour OPC server and HMI systems, our project was
on and off.  The proposal was to create a simplefinished and is working as advertised," enthused
C# web application that anyone with the correctSpencer.
username and password could operate the lights 
using a computer or cell phone web browser." 
 It includes a direct Ethernet communication channel to
INGEAR had just the technology Spencer Systemsthe PLCs enabling developers to write HMI interfaces
required to communicate with Visual Studio and theto PLC controls or acquiring data from them.  No
Micrologix 1100 controller located on the mountainadditional third-party components, drivers, APIs or
side and connected via WiFi radios.tools, such as OPC Servers, are required. This simple
 programming model by CimQuest
"Our second challenge was the monitoring of a PLCInGear                 contributes to
network that was spread across hundreds of squarefaster response times and ease of use and ultimately
miles of Utah mountains and valleys.   Connected– profitability.
together via fiber optic cable, Wifi Radios, Cat5,CimQuest  INGEAR
Controlnet, Data Highway and numerous ethernetChuck Toll Free: 1.866.935.7979 | Telephone: 1.610.935.