PACCONTROLBAS
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PACCONTROLBAS

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PAC Control Basic - Control Programming Software

Production Specification

PAC Control, part of the PAC Project Software Suite, is an intuitive, flowchart-based tool for programming industrial automation, process control, building automation, remote monitoring, data acquisition, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Using PAC Control, you create and debug control programs and then download and run them on a groov EPIC edge programmable industrial controller or on a SNAP PAC programmable automation controller. 

PAC Control uses a comprehensive, plain-English command set, which includes commands for analog process and digital sequential control, complex math, conditional branching, string handling, serial device control, PID loop control, data arrays, and other complex functions. PAC Control is based on flowcharts, which offer a more intuitive alternative to ladder logic programming, and it also offers an optional advanced scripting language similar to C or Pascal. PAC Control also includes subroutines and a graphical debugger.

The database of I/O points, variables, and other data elements you create in PAC Control becomes the single tagname database also used by other components of the PAC Project Software Suite. Because this database is automatically available in PAC Display HMI programming software, you save significant development time.

Developer and IIoT ready: Because Opto 22 groov EPIC, SNAP PAC R-series, and SNAP PAC S-series controllers include an HTTP/HTTPS server and a RESTful API (application program interface based on the REST architecture), you can securely access I/O point and variable tags in your PAC Control program using the language of your choice. Data is returned in JSON format. For complete information, see developer.opto22.com.

NOTE: If you need additional features, including network segmenting, redundant controllers, and a migration path for legacy Opto 22 hardware and software, see PAC Control Professsional. You can purchase PAC Control Professional as an individual application or as part of the PAC Project Professional Software Suite, which also includes software for HMI development, OPC communication, and database connectivity.

See a comparison chart for PAC Project Basic and PAC Project Professional.

Watch Quick Tips videos.

If you are using older controllers (not groov EPIC and not SNAP PAC) with PAC Project, see the SNAP PAC System Migration Technical Note (form 1688) for important information.

Installation Tips

The following applications are installed by default. If you don't want them all, when prompted during the installation process, uncheck the ones you don't want.
  • PAC Control Basic
  • PAC Display Basic
  • PAC Manager for managing SNAP PAC controllers and I/O units (To manage groov EPIC and groov RIO, use their built-in tool, groov Manage.)
  • Tools (PAC Utilities)
  • EtherNet/IP Configurator
If you are an OEM machine builder who makes many copies of the same machine, or an integrator or someone at a large company who wants to use an installation script, you can download a .msi installation file to make it easier to install PAC Control Basic.
Installation requirements:
  • A computer running Microsoft® Windows® 10 Professional (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows 11 Professional. Other versions of Windows operating systems and embedded Windows operating systems are not supported.
  • At least the minimum processor and memory required for your version of Microsoft Windows, and Ethernet capability. Additional memory may be required for some configurations.
  • VGA or higher resolution monitor (Super VGA recommended). Minimum size: 800x600 with small fonts.
  • Mouse or other pointing device.
  • (Optional) Installed Windows printer.
  • Available hard disk space required:
    • PAC Control Basic only: 95.1 MB
    • PAC Project Basic (installed with default components, including PAC Control Basic): 396.2 MB

Using Modbus Devices with Opto 22 Products Technical Note

This technical note introduces the Modbus protocol and gives you basic information for using it to communicate between Opto 22 products and other devices. Because Modbus/TCP and Modbus serial are handled differently by various manufacturers, the tech note describes specific areas that may be a concern and includes troubleshooting suggestions.

PAC Project Data Sheet

The PAC Project software suite provides flowchart-based control programming, a Microsoft Windows-based HMI, and more for your groov EPIC System or SNAP PAC System. PAC Project comes in two forms: Basic and Professional.

PAC Project Basic is included free in your purchase of a groov EPIC processor or SNAP PAC controller. It includes everything you need for most automation or monitoring applications: control programming, HMI development, and I/O configuration software.

PAC Project Professional is available for purchase as a suite or as individual software components. It includes everything in Basic and adds OPC 2.0 communication, database connectivity, additional features, and support for legacy Opto 22 hardware.

SNAP PAC System Specification Guide

This guide is a comprehensive introduction to the SNAP PAC System. The guide describes the system's components (software, controllers, I/O processors, and I/O); shows how to build a basic system and how to expand it; and includes installation instructions, wiring diagrams, dimensional drawings, and specifications for parts.

PAC Project Basic and Professional Comparison Chart

This chart compares the features included in PAC Project Basic and Professional. These software suites provide automation software for the groov EPIC system and the SNAP PAC System

SNAP PAC System Product Guide

This document lists and describes all current Opto 22 SNAP PAC System part numbers, including PAC Project software, SNAP PAC controllers, and SNAP I/O modules of all kinds. SNAP PAC mounting racks and SNAP power supplies are also listed.

PAC Project Readme Notes

Latest Readme for PAC Project Basic and Professional. Includes information on new features, enhancements, and bug fixes for each PAC Project application: PAC Control, PAC Display, OptoOPCServer, PAC Manager, and Tools.

PAC Project 10.3 Release Notes

Release Notes for PAC Project Software Suite, version 10.3. This document covers both PAC Project Basic and PAC Project Professional

These release notes describe new features and enhancements for PAC Control, PAC Display, and PAC Manager, as well as important notes on installation and use. For information about bug fixes in this release, see the PAC Project Readme

PAC Project R10.2 Release Notes

Release Notes for PAC Project Software Suite, version 10.2.

PAC Project Basic provides control programming, HMI development and runtime, and configuration and utility programs.

PAC Project Professional adds a robust OPC server, database connectivity, multiple PAC Display seats, controller redundancy, legacy hardware support, and a software-based controller for PC-based control.

These release notes include new features and enhancements for PAC Control, PAC Display, and PAC Manager, as well as important notes on installation and use. For information about bug fixes in this release, see the PAC Project Readme Notes.

PAC Project R10.0 Release Notes

Release Notes for PAC Project Software Suite, version 10.0.

PAC Project Basic provides control programming, HMI development and runtime, and configuration and utility programs.

PAC Project Professional adds a robust OPC server, database connectivity, multiple PAC Display seats, controller redundancy, legacy hardware support, and a software-based controller for PC-based control.

These release notes include new features and enhancements for PAC Control, PAC Display, and PAC Manager, as well as important notes on installation and use. For information about bug fixes in this release, see the PAC Project Readme Notes.

Legacy Edition, PAC Control Commands Quick Reference

This document is the Legacy Edition of the PAC Control Commands Quick Reference. It lists all PAC Control commands used with both SNAP PAC hardware and legacy hardware.

Use this reference card if your PAC Control strategy includes SNAP Ultimate, SNAP Ethernet, SNAP Simple, or mistic I/O units.

If your strategy works with SNAP PAC controllers and brains only, use Form 1703, PAC Control Commands Quick Reference instead of this guide.

Legacy Edition, PAC Control Command Reference

This document is the Legacy Edition of the PAC Control Command Reference. This guide includes all the commands that apply to groov EPIC, SNAP PAC, and legacy hardware.

Use this guide if your PAC Control strategy includes SNAP Ultimate, SNAP Ethernet, SNAP Simple, or mistic I/O units.

If your strategy works only with groov EPIC processors, groov RIO modules, and SNAP PAC controllers and brains, use form #1701 instead of this guide.

Legacy Edition, PAC Control User's Guide

This document is the Legacy Edition of the PAC Control User's Guide. It includes all the information you need to use PAC Control with groov EPIC, SNAP PAC, and legacy hardware.

Use this guide if your PAC Control strategy includes SNAP Ultimate, SNAP Ethernet, SNAP Simple, or mistic I/O units.

If your strategy works only with groov EPIC processors, groov RIO modules, and SNAP PAC controllers and brains, use Form 1700 instead of this guide.

PAC Control Commands Quick Reference

This document provides a quick reference to all commands used in PAC Control, part of the PAC Project Software Suite. PAC Control is control programming software for the Opto 22 SNAP PAC System.

NOTE: If you are using older Opto 22 hardware in addition to SNAP PAC controllers and brains, use the Legacy Edition of this reference card, form #1713.

PAC Control Command Reference

This document provides detailed information on commands used in PAC Control, part of the PAC Project Software Suite. PAC Control is control programming software used by Opto 22's groov EPIC System and SNAP PAC System.

NOTE: If you are using older Opto 22 hardware in addition to groov EPIC processors, groov RIO I/O modules, and SNAP PAC controllers and brains, use Form 1711, the Legacy Edition of this guide.

PAC Control User's Guide

This document shows you how to use PAC Control, part of the PAC Project Software Suite, to develop control programs to run on groov EPIC processors and SNAP PAC controllers. These programs, called strategies, contain the process logic that controls, monitors, and gathers data from your equipment and devices.

PAC Control strategies form the foundation for other PAC Project software, providing the single tagname database used for HMI creation in PAC Display, for OPC data elements in OptoOPCServer, and for data to be shared with databases in OptoDataLink.

This document also contains helpful information about the groov EPIC and SNAP PAC Driver Module (a product of Cirrus Link Solutions®), included with Ignition Edge® in the GRV-EPIC-PR1 and the GROOV-AR1, and also distributed by Inductive Automation®.  Use this driver to:

  • Publish SNAP PAC System data via MQTT.
  • Use other Inductive Automation applications with SNAP PACs.
NOTE: If you are using older Opto 22 hardware in addition to groov EPIC, groov RIO modules, and SNAP PAC controllers and brains, use the Legacy Edition of this guide, form 1710, PAC Control Users Guide Legacy Edition.

Case Study: Amalgamated Research, LLC

As the research and development department of Amalgamated Sugar in the 1970s, ARi began with a mission to develop efficient processes to extract sugar from sugar beets.

But over time, their continuous research in the industrial separation field has led them far beyond sugar.

Best Practices for PAC Project and groov View Technical Note

Opto 22’s PAC Project automation software suite and groov View HMI software are flexible tools that offer many choices for developing your monitoring, control, and data acquisition projects.

This flexibility provides the power to do everything you need, but the choices you make can sometimes cause problems.

This technical note suggests some best practices you can use when developing your control programs and operator interfaces (HMIs), to help make building and maintaining your projects easier. Included are tips on building, documenting, and backing up your projects.

RPM Measurement Techniques

This technical note discusses field devices and methods for measuring the rotational speed of a shaft in revolutions per minute (RPM). RPM measurement is important when controlling or monitoring the speed of motors, conveyors, turbines, etc.

Optimizing PAC Project System Performance Technical Note

This technical note includes optimization tips to help you design your PAC Project™ system and program your PAC Control™ strategy to ensure optimum system performance. These tips are also helpful if you have already designed your system, and can be used during or after system startup.

The technical note covers groov EPIC®, SoftPAC, and SNAP PAC controllers, as well as groov RIO® and SNAP I/O units. Tips are included for host communication, I/O communication, and HMI, SCADA, and other software performance.

Using Floats Technical Note

This technical note describes the format for floating point numbers used in Opto 22 products (IEEE 754 32-bit floats). It also discusses some issues that may occur as you use floats in software such as PAC Control or custom software built with the OptoMMP Protocol.

Software for Programmable Automation Controllers (Chinese)

This document is written in Chinese.

This white paper explores some important features of programming software for a programmable automation controller (PAC).

For additional white papers on PACs, see About PACs.

Software for Programmable Automation Controllers

This white paper explores some important features of programming software for a programmable automation controller (PAC).

For additional white papers on PACs, see About PACs.

PAC Project Demo Quick Start

The PAC Project Demo Quick Start pdf explains how to run the PAC Project Demo. The demo download includes the pdf as well as PAC Control, PAC Display, and SNAP PAC Sim (a software simulation of a SNAP PAC controller.) The download also includes a pre-made control strategy, which will run on the PAC Sim, and several HMI projects you can explore.

Using the PAC Project Demo, you can demonstrate and experiment with Opto 22's control and HMI development software even before purchasing SNAP PAC hardware.

6 Razones Para Considerar el Sistema SNAP PAC

Este documento corto sugiere seis razones porqué debe de considerar el Sistema SNAP PAC para su siguiente proyecto de automatización.

6 Reasons to Consider the SNAP PAC System for Your Next Project

This short document suggests six reasons why you should consider the SNAP PAC System for your next automation project.

SNAP PAC System Migration Technical Note

This document describes migration options for customers integrating the SNAP PAC System with older Opto 22 systems. It explains the SNAP PAC System's similarities and differences with earlier systems, defines legacy products, and shows how to mix old and new hardware.

Customers moving to the SNAP PAC System may also want to consult form #1693, Legacy and Current Product Comparison and Compatibility Charts.

Comparison of PLCs and Ladder Logic with Opto 22 Hardware and Software

Opto 22 controllers like the groov EPIC edge programmable industrial controller and SNAP PACs (programmable automation controllers) are fundamentally different from PLCs (programmable logic controllers). This technical note explains the differences and compares automation systems built with them, in terms of efficiency, scalability, capabilities, programming, and cost.   

Message Queue Logger

This strategy and project demonstrate how to log messages from a controller's error (or "message") queue to the computer's hard drive. Having this information can make any troubleshooting needed easier.

The message log created provides a history of how your system runs under normal conditions. When problems occur, you will have a history of normal messages as well as error messages to help troubleshoot the cause.

The strategy and project were originally created in ioProject 7.0 Basic, and can be used with ioProject 7.0 and 7.1 as well as PAC Project 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2. It can also be used with Basic or Pro versions.

These are sample files. Before you download, read the Legal Agreement.

OptoTutorial 1641: PID with PAC Control

This supplement to the SNAP PAC Learning Center Tutorial teaches you how to use proportional integral derivative (PID) loops with PAC Control software and a SNAP PAC R-series controller. This zip file includes the complete tutorial, sample files, and documentation.

The tutorial is designed to be used with a SNAP-PACLC learning center kit. If you don't have a Learning Center but are using PID with PAC Control, you will find conceptual information in the PDF document to be useful.

PAC Control Basic

PAC Control, part of the PAC Project Software Suite, is an intuitive, flowchart-based tool for programming industrial automation, process control, building automation, remote monitoring, data acquisition, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Using PAC Control, you create and debug control programs and then download and run them on a groov EPIC edge programmable industrial controller or a SNAP PAC industrial controller. In addition to industrial control, groov EPIC, SNAP PAC R-series, and SNAP PAC S-series controllers are developer and IIoT ready with a built-in HTTP/HTTPS server and a RESTful API.

This product is a download that includes software and documentation in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. The download file includes other PAC Project software in addition to PAC Control. 

PAC Project Demo

PAC Project Demo contains everything you need to demonstrate or experiment with Opto 22's PAC Project Software Suite:

The PAC Display project includes some highly graphical HMI examples, including a bottling plant and a yacht.

PAC Project Software - MSI for Command Line Installation

Use this .msi (Microsoft® Installer) installation file to install PAC Project software from the command line in Microsoft Windows®.

A command line installation of PAC Project in silent mode requires no user input once installation has begun. This is useful if you are an OEM machine builder who makes many copies of the same machine, or if you are an integrator or someone at a large company who wants to use an installation script. An .msi installation file is designed for a network-wide installation, and it works with Microsoft network features such as Active Directory.

Sample PAC Control Basic Chart to do Base64 encode/decode

A PAC Control Basic chart to do Base64 encoding and decoding.

Base64 encoding is often used on binary data to be stored and/or transferred (such as in email via MIME) or for encoding passwords.

Import this chart into your PAC Control Basic or Pro strategy. (The chart was developed in PAC Control Basic 8.2 so it can be imported into any PAC Control versions 8.2 or newer.)

Before you download, read the Legal Agreement.

Here's a link to the OptoForums discussion on the topic: Base64

Sample PAC Control Basic Chart to do HTTP Get or Post

A PAC Control Basic chart to show how to do an HTTP Get or Post. For example, to GET the Internet IP address of the device running this chart. These commands are available in firmware R9.1b or newer, PAC Control versions R9.1 and newer. Import this chart into your PAC Control Basic or Pro strategy.

Before you download, read the Legal Agreement.

Sample PAC Control Basic chart to send email

A PAC Control Basic chart to show how to send email from a controller using the SendEmail and SendEmailWithAttachment commands. These commands are available in firmware R9.1b or newer. Import this chart into your PAC Control Basic or Pro strategy. Before you download, read the Legal Agreement.

Scaling and Linearization Example

A example strategy written in PAC Control Basic R8.2f that demonstrates how to scale and linearize values. This example strategy uses subroutines to perform most calculations.

Before you download, read the Legal Agreement.

SNAP PAC Learning Center Tutorial

NOTE: Due to the unavailability of essential parts, the SNAP-PACLC is obsolete as of April 2022. This download will remain available on our website for customers who already own a SNAP PAC Learning Center.

The SNAP PAC Learning Center tutorial is a hands-on, learn-by-example training course developed for use with the SNAP-PACLC Learning Center kit.

Each part of the tutorial introduces aspects of the SNAP hardware and the PAC Project software suite. You'll learn to install and configure hardware, read and write to points, develop a control application (called a strategy), and create an HMI (human-machine interface) to interact with the controller and I/O.

This zip file includes the complete tutorial with sample files and documentation.

SNAP PAC Sim Control Engine Simulator

SNAP PAC Sim is Microsoft Windows-based software that simulates the control engine of an Opto 22 programmable automation controller (PAC). You can use SNAP PAC Sim with Opto 22 PAC Project software to develop, download, and debug your PAC Control strategy without a hardware PAC.

Note that PAC Sim is a control engine simulator, not an I/O simulator. If you configure I/O units in your strategy, and the I/O units are not on the Ethernet network of the computer running PAC Sim, you will get errors. For more information, read the Readme (listed below).

IMPORTANT: SNAP PAC Sim is intended for demonstration and testing only and is NOT intended to be used in an actual application. SNAP PAC Sim is time limited and will operate for only 12 hours at one time. After this time has elapsed, the software must be restarted before it can be used again.

Video: SNAP PAC System Overview

This overview describes the four integrated components of the SNAP PAC system: software, controllers, brains and I/O. This hardware and software system is designed for industrial control, remote monitoring and data acquisition.

Video: PAC Project Software Suite

A quick overview of the PAC Project Software Suite.

Video: PAC Control Programming Software

A quick overview on PAC Control programming software.

Video: Webinar: SNAP PAC System Basic Troubleshooting

A webinar on basic troubleshooting for the SNAP PAC system.

Video: PAC Control Basic

An overview of PAC Control Basic describing how to use the strategy tree, control engine and flowcharts.

Video: PAC Control Debug

An introduction to the powerful debugging features available in PAC Control.

Video: Three Steps for Building Maintainable Code

Learn the three steps for building maintainable code.

Video: PAC Control Shortcuts

A quick tip on PAC Control shortcuts.

Video: PAC Control Debug: Right Click to Inspect Variables

A quick tip on how to right click to inspect variables during PAC Control debug.

Video: PAC Control QuickStart 1: Hello World! (Part 1 of 3)

Learn how to create a simple control strategy.

Video: PAC Control QuickStart 2: Basic Logic (Part 2 of 3)

Learn how to add a few instructions and create a loop.

Video: PAC Control QuickStart 3: Debug Mode (Part 3 of 3)

Learn the basics of PAC Control's debugging tools.

Video: Webinar: Introduction to OptoDataLink

Learn about how to use OptoDataLink in this webinar.

Playlist: Automation 101

Learn the basics about automation in these videos.

SNAP PAC Sim Control Engine Simulator

SNAP PAC Sim is Microsoft Windows-based software that simulates the control engine of an Opto 22 programmable automation controller (PAC). You can use SNAP PAC Sim with Opto 22 PAC Project software to develop, download, and debug your PAC Control strategy without a hardware PAC.

Note that PAC Sim is a control engine simulator, not an I/O simulator. If you configure I/O units in your strategy, and the I/O units are not on the Ethernet network of the computer running PAC Sim, you will get errors. For more information, read the Readme (listed below).

IMPORTANT: SNAP PAC Sim is intended for demonstration and testing only and is NOT intended to be used in an actual application. SNAP PAC Sim is time limited and will operate for only 12 hours at one time. After this time has elapsed, the software must be restarted before it can be used again.

1725 PAC Project Demo Quick Start

The PAC Project Demo Quick Start pdf explains how to run the PAC Project Demo. The demo download includes the pdf as well as PAC Control, PAC Display, and SNAP PAC Sim (a software simulation of a SNAP PAC controller.) The download also includes a pre-made control strategy, which will run on the PAC Sim, and several HMI projects you can explore.

Using the PAC Project Demo, you can demonstrate and experiment with Opto 22's control and HMI development software even before purchasing SNAP PAC hardware.