Why VirusTotal is the First Line of Defense for Industrial Systems

🛡️ VirusTotal for Industrial Pros 1. Why “Scan Before Execute” is Non-Negotiable In a factory environment, your workstation is a gateway. A single infected driver can bridge from your laptop to a PLC network. VirusTotal provides a multi-engine consensus that a single local antivirus might miss. 2. What is VirusTotal? It is not just one … Read more

Industrial Automation Trends 2026: The Shift to Open Logic

As we move through 2026, the industrial landscape is experiencing a fundamental shift. For decades, the “Big Automation” players kept their ecosystems closed. However, the demand for data, flexibility, and edge computing has forced a transition toward Open-Source Industrial Technology. The most significant trend this year? The mainstream adoption of Linux-based PLCs. 1. The Death … Read more

The Torque Converter Tool

📘 Introductory Guide Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. In the world of Industrial Automation, selecting the right motor or gearbox requires precise torque calculations. While the SI unit for torque is the Newton Meter (Nm), many components—especially in the US market—are rated in Pound-Feet (lb-ft). Using the wrong torque values can lead … Read more

Industrial Automation Glossary: Key Terms Defined

The world of automation is full of acronyms and technical jargon. Whether you are a student, a hobbyist, or a professional engineer, this glossary provides clear, logical definitions for the most common terms used in the industry. A – E: The Building Blocks F – L: Logic and Control M – R: Protocols and Parts … Read more

Getting Started with Node-RED: The Modern Logic Hobbyist’s Tool

In modern automation, the ability to visualize data and connect different protocols is just as important as the logic itself. Node-RED is an open-source, flow-based programming tool that allows you to create professional “Dashboards” (HMIs) and manage data without writing thousands of lines of complex code. 1. What is Node-RED? Node-RED was originally developed by … Read more

The Best Free Industrial Automation Software for Logic Prototyping

In the world of industrial automation, commercial software licenses can easily cost thousands of euros per year. However, for the Logic Hobbyist—the engineer, student, or entrepreneur bridging DIY creativity with professional systems—there is a powerful ecosystem of free and open-source tools. These tools allow you to design, simulate, and test professional-grade systems on your home … Read more

Bar to PSI converter

📘 The Complete Guide: Pressure Conversion in Automation Pressure is one of the most critical variables in industrial automation, fluid power, and pneumatic systems. Understanding how to switch between the Metric Bar and the Imperial PSI is essential for any technician or hobbyist working with international equipment. 1. What is a “Bar”? The Bar is … Read more

NPN Transistor Base Resistor Calculator

Designing a reliable transistor switch requires more than just picking a random resistor from your bin. To ensure an NPN transistor moves into saturation—where it acts as a fully closed switch with minimal heat—you must provide enough current to the base. This NPN Base Resistor Calculator simplifies the process. By factoring in your microcontroller’s output … Read more

Using Transistors as Switches: A Complete Engineer’s Guide

Published by LogicHobbyist Automation Lab — From blinking an LED to switching industrial solenoids. Learn how to use NPN and PNP transistors as reliable electronic switches with real‑world examples and interactive simulation. 1. Why Use a Transistor as a Switch? A microcontroller (like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi) can only source or sink a few … Read more