i4 Automation Podcast

i4 Automation
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TECHNOLOGY

 A podcast from Andrew & Tom of i4 Automation about the automation industry and updates about the latest tools and equipment they offer from Unitronics and other manufacturers. Including some little bits of knowledge and queries answered along the way. Everything you need to know about factory automation. 

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    8 ways to expand UniStream Control (Podcast 13)

    Lots of options to add Inputs and Outputs (I-O) to your controller, either on the screen, DIN rail mounted, or a combination, plus distributed I-O on networks. We list a few below. 1 Unistream modular I-O 2 Unistream Built-in I-O 3 Unistream Din Rail Mounted I-O  4 Unistream DIN rail-mounted expansion (powered non powered and Long) 5 EtherCat Slice I-O 6 Modbus Slice I-O 7 Modbus Using Vision I-O 8 Ethernet IP Slice I-O

    14 min

  2. FEB 17

    5 ways to expand your Vision controller and the pros and cons (Podcast 12)

    Unitronics is known for its all-in-one PLC but how do you add more inputs and outputs? What are the options? In this short video we show you 6 ways to expand your IO. 1.  CANbus, using Unitronics own brand IO modules and slice IO 2.  Ethernet using slice IO 3.  Standard expansion using the expansion port 4. Snap-in module fitted to the rear but what are the restrictions..... ### 🛠 Quick Tips Mix methods: You can combine local SNAP in and DIN rail, IO solutions with remote (CANbus), and Ethernet IO system — but total IO must fit the controller’s addressing limits.  Consider UniStream Slice IO remote modules for very high IO counts or long distances over Ethernet. and/or CANbus Always check cable specs and termination on CAN networks — UNI-CAN expects defined terminations for long runs.

    13 min

  3. FEB 11

    How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by Step (Podcast 11)

    How to Specify a Unitronics Servo Drive – We’ll Guide You Step by Step Choosing the right servo system doesn’t need to be complicated. At i4 Automation, we’ll talk you through the process to make sure you get the right solution first time. Here’s what we’ll help you define: 🔹 Encoder Absolute encoder  🔹 Motor Selection With or without mechanical brake Low or medium inertia motor Required torque calculation Do you need a braking resistor? Energy dissipation considerations 🔹 Servo Controller Communication CANopen EtherCAT + STO (Safe Torque Off) function 🔹 Installation Considerations Cable length between motor and controller Cable type: highly flexible robot cable or standard cable Getting these details right ensures performance, reliability, and long-term efficiency.

    15 min

  4. FEB 3

    How do analogue work with PLC's and controllers (Podcast 10)

    Today we discuss the basic principles for using analogue on inputs and outputs. We cover scaling features and the difference in VisiLogic and UniLogic. https://www.i4automation.co.uk/podcast-10

    15 min

  5. JAN 27

    Meet the New Andrew :-) Your local contact for everything Unitronics

    Today we have a brief chat with the new member of the team and explain our consulting way of selling you our automation

    4 min

  6. JAN 20

    Unitronics Modems and Routers

    Tom and Andrew discuss the modems and routers from Unitronics, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.

    11 min

  7. JAN 13

    Within Unitronics range of controllers, we look at 3 types of controllers and the pros and cons

    Within Unitronics range of Controllers we look at the Unistream offering and the 3 types of controllers and the pros and cons of each option 1.   DIN rail-mounted models that fit on the back of the display, flexible but deeper than other options.  2.   Display with built-in IO (8 options), small compact ideal for OEM customers, but does mean all cables need to be returned to the display- longer cables and cable weight 3.  DIN rail-mounted CPU and IO modules with a screen (lightpanel) mounted separately via Ethernet. More of a conventional control solution

    16 min

  8. JAN 6

    Questions and Answers about i4 Automation aims and ambitions (Podcast 6)

    Episode 6 Why did you decide to start your own business? Tell us what your company does. On a basic level, we import and distribute electrical controllers (Programmable Logic Controllers with integrated screens). But more than that, we build in-depth relationships with our customers so we can really understand how they can get the most from automation. We help them specify cost effective solutions and we then support them through the complete machine build journey from concept to full production. Why did you decide to start your own business? I have worked for many different companies over the years and this has given me an in-depth understanding of the automation industry, and as a result, I started to realise that I could offer a better solution than the competition. I absolutely love what I do, so taking control of my own destiny felt like a natural next step.  I recognised an amazing opportunity with Unitronics as I felt they offered a great solution that would benefit from a technical distributor. No one else in the industry was offering this so it seemed like the perfect time to explore the potential a partnership with them had to offer. Other control companies see software and support as revenue streams. I could see that the integrated display and controller Unitronics offered would be a cost-effective solution for many OEM’s and machine builders.  When / how did you start your business? After seeing what felt like such a missed opportunity within the industry, I really felt like it was the right time to take a risk and try and build something great. The business actually started in my garage! So it makes me incredibly proud to see how we’ve grown from fairly humble beginnings. What do you think was your biggest obstacle when you first started?  Getting people to change! For engineers working on cutting edge technology, you would think that would be pretty easy. Unfortunately, if a project had been recently completed, people seemed to stick with what was familiar, rather than explore something new and take the risk. However, we countered this with free training, support and engineering time to fast track our customers’ applications. What main things do you think contributed to the growth of your business? Listening. Talking with our customers and taking the time to understand their requirements. Many people just don’t take the time to do this. We want to have lasting relationships with people we work with so they know they can rely on our expertise as well as our products. If we don’t have the hardware to meet our customers’ needs we tell them so, as Unitronic’s are always coming out with something new. I truly believe in generating a trusting relationship with my customers and being an extra resource to them. How do you stay on top of industry trends? Visiting customers to see what challenges they are facing and how we can be of assistance. We’re not a huge business with a faceless contact centre. We’re people who care and want to get the very best outcome for our customer’s projects. Face to face visits and being regularly available to them means we get a much deeper understanding of what they need.  How do you balance life with running a business? It’s very possible I work too hard and I do find it difficult to switch off… I’m certain that’s what my wife would say anyway. I suppose that’s what comes with owning a business and loving what you do. However, any free time I get I do enjoy getting out on my bicycle and regularly commute into the office by bike across our local bridal ways. I often turn up to work covered in mud… good job we have a shower at the office! How have you managed to keep the business going over the last 15 years, considering ‘The great recession’, Covid and the current financial climate.  Keeping costs to a minimum, adapting and willing to listen to customers ideas.

    17 min

  9. 12/23/2025

    Its a wrap 2025 reviewed in 9 social media highlights plus surprise quiz for Andrew (Podcast 5)

    9. Protocols Without Limits: Integration Done Right Avoid future integration headaches by choosing the right protocols from the start. Webinar: December 17th. (waiting for the link to this interesting overview) 8. Webinar: Pay-Per-Use — Redefining Machine Sales Learn how OEMs are transitioning to PPU models, where customers pay based on actual machine usage. Practical Control & Smart Data Collection – Live Webinar Recording 7. Pump Control Without the Complexity Reliable, flexible pump control for applications from pasteurisation and HVAC to biogas, clean water, and fountains. https://www.unitronicsplc.com/how-to-optimize-pump-control-hvac-water-management-oil-gas-agriculture/ 6. Real-Time Weather Data Inside Your PLC See how Unlogic's REST API function blocks can pull live weather data directly into your control system. https://lnkd.in/dRaeSg88 Spanish - Spain 5. CFR 21 Part 11 Made Simple with UniStream® Built-in features that streamline validation, compliance, and audits. https://www.unitronicsplc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Unitronics-Vision-PLCHMI-FDA-21-CFR-.pdf 4. Servo-Based Motion and PLC Controls Deliver Precision for Heat-Staking Automation at Rutland Plastics https://www.ien.eu/article/servo-based-motion-and-plc-controls-deliver-precision-for-heat-staking-automation-at-rutland-plastics/ 3. Automation That Preserves Tradition Thanks to IEN Europe Magazine for featuring how smart automation helps Raw Milk Company scale production without compromising traditional methods. https://shorturl.at/lL8QW 2. Award Winner: UniStream Built-In 15.6” First place in Control Engineering’s 2025 Product of the Year Awards — Control Systems category. Sorry, no link for this. NUMBER 1.  Meet the New 21.5” HMI Panel Our biggest HMI panel yet—designed for maximum visibility and performance. https://www.unitronicsplc.com/Download/unitronics_shared/NewHMIDISPLAY21.5.pdf

    18 min

  10. 12/11/2025

    Unitronics Software_ U90, VisiLogic, and UniLogic Explained (Podcast 4)

    In our 4th podcast, recorded to camera and available from your local podcast supplier, we explore Unitronics' software offerings, when you would need which package, and demystify the many options open to you.  Calendars are going out this week. Christmas opening, last day for shipping December 23rd, back on January 5th. Skeleton staff during holidays, but we do offer cover. Please phone or email, and be patient, we will get back to you. We still have an EXTRA 10% OFF controllers and VFDs when purchased together. Offer ends on orders delivered before the end of the year. New UniCloud Templates https://unitronics.cloud/unicloud-template/ Software     U90     VisiLogic     Unilogic #plcautomation   #Automation #Unitronics #Visilogic #UniLogic #Software

    29 min

  11. 12/02/2025

    No-Code IIoT Cloud Platform for OEMs and Machine Builders.

    Episode 3 Unistream training in early December UCR Routers and data redundancy UniCloud -all you need to know  - Commission with confidence  - VPN  - MQTT  - AR (Augmented Reality)  - Configuration -No Programming  - -Alarms    ○ Emails   ○ SMS  - Telegram Messenger  - Pricing, Update speed & Tags   New revision of Ethernet card V200-19-ET2 (new revision F) as used with V560, V570, V1040, and V1210.  Updated OS version that supports both the current and the new design. OS1.13.30 and higher. The new product package is marked with an informative sticker with this information on it. Tom's Technical Terminology  - MQTT  - AR  - Modbus Christmas OFFER -Black Friday Sales V200-18-E3XB part number correction -sorry. UK Stock UK Support UK Training www.i4automation.co.uk Innovative solutions for Factory Automation Contact us at Podcast@i4automation.co.uk

    26 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

 A podcast from Andrew & Tom of i4 Automation about the automation industry and updates about the latest tools and equipment they offer from Unitronics and other manufacturers. Including some little bits of knowledge and queries answered along the way. Everything you need to know about factory automation. 

Information

  • Creator
    i4 Automation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 i4 Automation Podcast