Jon Frank

03/21/2026

07/19/2025

I just made a new friend.

03/06/2025

🚀 Exploring the Future of Motion Control: What are planar motors, and where are they used? 🚀

At the Pack Expo Las Vegas, I witnessed planar motors' extensive capabilities in action and was genuinely impressed.

Planar motors are a revolutionary advancement in motion control technology, and I wanted to share what they are and where they are making a significant impact.

🔍 What Are Planar Motors? Planar motors are like the futuristic cousins of traditional linear motors. Their design allows motion in two horizontal directions, X and Y, which sets them apart from linear motors, which typically move in a straight line along one axis. Their unique ability to move freely along complex paths, including diagonals and curves, makes them "planar."

💡 Two Innovative Designs:
1 - Iron Core Linear Motors: Tiles or movers contain iron cores with windings and magnets in this design, while the stationary stator features a toothed structure. An air-bearing system supports the tiles and load, offering excellent flexibility but requiring careful cable management for each tile.

2 - 2D Coil Matrix (Maglev) Motors: These planar motors use a 2D coil matrix in the stator to generate 3D magnetic fields, effectively "levitating" the tiles above the stator. What's remarkable is that these tiles are entirely passive, with all cabling connected to the stator, eliminating cable management concerns.

🌟 Unique Benefits:
No moving parts, ensuring exceptional reliability.
Suitable for demanding environments like cleanrooms, vacuum conditions, and hygienic applications.
Customizable stator configurations for versatile routing around machinery and obstacles.
Some designs can be used overhead or in vertical orientations.

🏭 Where Are Planar Motors Used? Planar motors are finding applications across various industries:
Conveyors: Ideal for light payloads and adaptable configurations.
Assembly Lines: Precise and flexible motion control.
Inspection Systems: High-precision positioning for quality control.
Semiconductor and Electronics: Critical for delicate, precise movements.

The many possibilities of planar motors are reshaping how we think about motion control, enabling intricate movements, and enhancing productivity in industries that demand precision and flexibility. I'm excited to see how these innovations continue to evolve and transform automation solutions. 🤖💼

What potential applications do you see for this design? Leave a comment and let us know!

02/26/2025

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 - 𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐢𝐩. 👀

If you're like me and have spent (too) much of your career in quagmires troubleshooting technology, this activity is especially daunting in an industrial control system.

It goes deeper than, "... is X plugged in, turned on," and so on.

Coordinating the efforts of an operational technician, information technology professional, and electrician is a challenge (to say the least) when the plant is down.

It must get up and running (right now!).

But no worries! We will help you understand how Industrial Control System Integration technicians analyze errors from various systems and use that information to determine the root cause.

⚙️ LAYERS

One of our esteemed Account Managers called a control system "a SCADA Onion."

This difficulty may be because, when troubleshooting, cutting through the layers can lead to tears!

A key aspect of control systems is that they are comprised of layers. These layers interact with one another to provide the functionality an organization requires.

In the graphic for this post, I've shown one example of how these different components interact and in what layer they lie in relation to other parts of the system.

⚙️ PROBLEMS PRESENT IN DIFFERENT PLACES

The SCADA layer is just one place. The problems presented in this layer may be caused by various issues in other layers, such as the instruments and control layer or the PLC layer, or the cause may lie within the same layer.

For example:

A network problem could result in corrupt data being sent to your SCADA system and causing it to fail.

An issue with one of your devices could cause unexpected results when communicating with others on the network, causing additional instruments to fail.

However, we often see the issue at the instrument and control layers.

⚙️ TROUBLESHOOTING TIP

The first step I recommend in troubleshooting a control system is to ensure you're getting a signal from the devices responsible for providing information to the SCADA, beginning at the instrument or control.

Look outside if you can't find the problem in an instrument or control. Then, move to the next layer: the Programmable Logic Controller and the control cabinet.

This inspection may include checking communication lines and power supplies or inspecting components like cables or switches.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: Start at the bottom (layer 1) and then up through the rest of the layers (2-5).

Troubleshooting industrial control systems can be challenging, but I'm confident that we can make our jobs more manageable with the right tools and knowledge!

If you want to learn more about control system integration, contact me here: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/9e6150aa1ff349778bebb597f5fc50d2%40advancedcontrol.com?anonymous

02/20/2025

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐝𝐚𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐬

If you've ever hiked the Idaho Centennial Trail, you know how critical trail maintenance is.

Encountering a fallen tree on a steep incline can turn a great adventure into an impossible obstacle. The reality is that fewer workers now stand between you and those barriers.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is facing significant budget cuts, with Idaho taking a heavy hit. Over 3,400 USFS positions were eliminated nationwide, many in Region 6, including Idaho (Refer to comment sources: 1,2,3).

The Payette National Forest alone lost 34 workers, slashing trail crews, timber production teams, and watershed restoration staff.

Recreation programs in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest are already feeling the strain. Crew sizes for maintaining trails and campgrounds have dropped by as much as 70% (Refer to comment source: 4).

While volunteers do their best, they can't fully replace trained professionals. Some trails may close without proper upkeep, and bridges or roads could become unsafe.

Fire prevention efforts are also in question beyond access to Idaho's natural beauty.

The cuts halted fuel reduction projects, raising concerns about wildfire risk (See comment source: 5).

Economically, communities relying on seasonal forestry jobs are experiencing a loss of income, forcing workers to relocate or reconsider their careers.

What gaps stand out?

[1] Fewer professionals to clear debris and maintain trails.

[2] Limited capacity to monitor and reinforce fire-prone areas.

[3] Increased reliance on volunteers, with no long-term solution in place.

[4] A lack of real-time data and automation to help manage reduced resources.

The question is: How can technology help bridge these gaps and ensure safe access to our public lands?

Advanced automation solutions can improve resource planning, real-time monitoring, and operational efficiency—factors that can help keep our forests safer even in times of reduced funding.

Set up a meeting to explore how control systems can support conservation efforts while making operations more reliable.





Sources:
1. U.S. Forest Service Budget Performance: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/budget-performance
2. Government Executive: https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2024/09/forest-service-chief-signals-budget-belt-tightening-horizon-fy2025/399242/
3. High Country News: https://www.hcn.org/articles/the-forest-service-is-cutting-its-seasonal-workforce-and-public-lands-will-suffer/
4. BoiseDev: https://boisedev.com/2025/02/18/boise-payette-forest-cuts/
5. USFS Inside-FS (FY25 Updates): https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/leadership/fy25-budget-updates

02/19/2025

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

George Washington wasn't just a leader but an engineer and land surveyor.

That's why National Engineers Week, founded in 1951, aligns with his birthday.

It's a time to recognize the people who turn scientific principles into practical solutions, driving industries forward and solving the complex problems we face every day.

Every innovation you rely on—clean water, reliable automation, sustainable energy—has engineers behind it.

Their work ensures that control systems remain secure, efficient, and adaptable.

In the third act of my career now, I reminisce that how I got here has much to do with the engineers who have mentored and worked with me.

In fact, one of these engineers I find myself working with again here at ACS was also present in the first act. I turn to him for answers to the difficult questions.

Where Sciences transform into Engineering and solutions that are useful for resolving, engineers are invaluable.

These engineers provide new solutions to our problems, benefiting our customers. I am grateful for all the engineers in my life and am celebrating them this week.

Every industry relies on them to ask the right questions and solve the most complex problems. How do we improve efficiency without sacrificing reliability? How do we integrate automation while maintaining security?

Engineers bridge those gaps with practical, tested solutions.

What's one engineering breakthrough that's impacted your business the most?

Integrated control systems play a vital role in optimizing industrial processes.

If you're looking for a custom, complete, and easy-to-use system tailored to your needs, set up a meeting with me today: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/9e6150aa1ff349778bebb597f5fc50d2%40advancedcontrol.com?anonymous

Advanced Control Systems is here to support the next generation of innovation.

02/14/2025

💙 𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡, 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕤𝕥.

In control systems, relationships, reliability, and communication are everything.

If a system isn't 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲, it's bound to cause frustration.

That's why we design automation solutions that work seamlessly, ensuring you never feel left in the dark.

We're celebrating Valentine's Day's perfect match: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐀 and your operations.

Because when everything runs smoothly, you can focus on what truly matters.

🔹 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 – Always there when you need it.
🔹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 – Keeping your data safe and sound.
🔹 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 – Growing alongside your needs.

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬—𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞!

Happy Valentine's Day! 💙

02/11/2025

These folks are champions for Idaho water!

02/10/2025

Revolutionizing Water Management in Small Towns with Advanced Control Systems

🚀 Transforming the Future of Water Management in Fairfield! 🚀

Picture this: A small town anxiously awaiting calls from neighbors to report critical water issues because their water systems were on the verge of collapse.

Sounds nerve-wracking, doesn't it?

This was the reality for Fairfield, a quaint town nestled in the State of Washington until Advanced Control Systems, LLC (ACS) stepped in to bring a groundbreaking solution!

🛠️ Challenge at Hand:

Fairfield's water and wastewater systems were aging gracefully but not without issues.

The SCADA and alarm systems for water were non-functional, and the wastewater systems were restricted to onsite monitoring.

Imagine the logistical nightmare of having an individual at each of the four critical sites - three wells and one reservoir - round the clock, just waiting for an alarm to go off! 💼🕒

💡 The ACS Solution:

Enter ACS and the Carefree©SCADA upgrade - a game-changer for Fairfield. ACS delivered a cellular-based telemetry system that allowed seamless project control and monitoring and eliminated the need for third-party monitoring vendors.

Result? Cost savings and direct data access for the owners! 👏💻

🔍 Key Highlights of the Project:
✅ Conducted a cellular path study ensuring robust connectivity
✅ Integrated water and wastewater systems into ACS's cloud-hosted SCADA platform
✅ Resolved alarming issues for streamlined operations
✅ Completed operational testing to guarantee full functionality

📈 Impact and Beyond:
This project wasn't just about fixing a problem; it was about revolutionizing water management for Fairfield and setting a new standard for rural water communities.

ACS is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, delivering reliable and innovative solutions where needed. 🌊💚

We are more than just a company; we are catalysts of change, striving to make a difference in the communities we serve.

This case with Fairfield is just one of the many success stories of which we are honored to be a part.

Let's connect and explore how we can revolutionize water management in your community, too!

02/06/2025

Thank you IRWA!

A BIG THANK YOU to Deanne, Nathan, and the rest of the Advanced Control Systems team! We appreciate your support!