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The OPC Router program communicates with all OPC servers via the OPC DA or OPC UA protocol. As a result, OPC Router can read data from and write it to all PLCs on the market. And so far, we’ve used only a single OPC Client plug-in module. What else can you connect yourself using additional plug-in modules? Read our article.

The Irish company Horner Automation produces a truly wide range of all-in-one products, meaning PLCs with HMI and I/O. Jarda Blažek (blaja.cz) has already tested several of them for you. What impressed him about the X FOUR? Don’t miss his review.

De & Co Hranice s.r.o. supplies production lines and robotic workstations for various industrial sectors. As the company gradually moved from smaller machines to large automated lines, the complexity of its communication networks increased as well. This created a need to diagnose PROFINET and at the same time connect securely and remotely to equipment already operating at customer sites. What technologies help their technicians do that?

A device for data transfer between PLCs, databases, and the cloud reads data from machines, enables bidirectional data transmission, and connects devices from different manufacturers. How did Jarda Blažek (blaja.cz) find working with the module from the Danish manufacturer SIA Connect?

Your network, too, could be on the verge of a “heart attack” without you even knowing it. Yet you can have its health checked from as little as EUR 304. And within 50 km of Liberec, we do not charge any travel costs. At the same time, we are expanding our services to cover additional network types. We measure and repair PROFINET, PROFIBUS, CAN, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, Ethernet, ASi and Wi-Fi.

Experienced technician Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) tested a small PLC with HMI and I/O — the Horner Micro X2 — featuring a monochrome 2" display and keys for entering numbers from 0 to 9. It is ideal for smaller local control applications and simple visualization.

The European NIS2 directive introduces new obligations for companies in protecting against cyber threats. Below, we compare these requirements with the technical measures in IEC 62443 and show how to meet them easily using Ewon industrial routers, the secure Talk2M cloud service, and firewalls from the German manufacturer W&T.

Self-service equipment for unattended gas stations must operate 24/7 — in frost, heat, dust, and vibrations. Without outages. Without restarts. At the same time, it must be simple and intuitive for every driver. Read the case study to see how Dubax used rugged NODKA industrial hardware in self-service systems for paying for refueling.

Kepware Server 7.0.236.0 unifies the former KEPServerEX and ThingWorx Kepware Server into a single product. It introduces security changes, adds support for Windows Server 2025, and removes legacy technologies present in the previous products. Below is an overview of what’s new and what has changed so you can upgrade smoothly.

External I/O peripherals can be connected to Horner PLCs with HMI—and are often required. Learn how Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) tested connecting an OCS-I/O module with digital and analog inputs/outputs to a Canvas 4 PLC/HMI via the CANbus.

SIA Connect makes data from industrial devices available where you need it.
Gain real-time insight into production, technologies, or consumption—without complex integration or programming. SIA Connect (software or compact hardware device) connects OT and IT systems and prepares data for monitoring, reporting, analysis, and downstream automation.

The new version of the data connector brings major improvements for data processing, data standardization, and connecting to artificial intelligence. The features in version 5.5 create an end-to-end data flow—from collecting information at machine level to analyzing it in an AI cloud. The new version also brings the Snowflake plug-in.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and all the best for the New Year. May 2026 deal you the best cards. 
And even if the game gets tricky, there’s always a chance the cards will turn.

A dropped robot controller, everyday handling in harsh industrial conditions, or a damaged display – it takes very little for a faulty teach pendant to stop your line, delay maintenance and increase repair costs. Yet you can proactively protect FANUC, KUKA and ABB robot control panels with robust covers and protective films that prevent display damage.

Want to streamline production and keep consumption, downtime, or machine condition under control? Looking for a simple yet robust way to connect your machines with IT systems? We’ve put together a bundle for collecting, storing, and integrating machine data that stands out not only for its price but also for its completeness.

During the Christmas period, we remain available almost as usual. You can reach us on all working days between Christmas and New Year. Only on Friday, January 2nd, our company will be closed for operational reasons

Magna Powertrain lacked sufficient visibility and detail about PROFINET communication on production lines running 24/7. With ongoing digitalization and data collection from production, they no longer wanted to troubleshoot outages by “trial and error.” They wanted to quickly identify the root cause of issues or prevent them altogether, see the live topology, keep event logs, and monitor whether errors were accumulating anywhere.

Power outages mean downtime, scrap, and data loss. That’s why we’re bringing a new line to the Czech market and to our online shop—products from the German manufacturer Bicker Elektronik. Their DC UPS units maintain 24 V (or 12 V), safely save data, and—where possible—restart devices. Bicker products come with a 3-year warranty. The devices also offer smart functions for system optimization and safety.

For efficient work with Horner panels (PLCs with integrated HMI), you need a reliable and intuitive programming tool. The Cscape software allows configuration of both the PLC and the integrated HMI within a single environment—and it’s free. Once again, we asked specialist Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) to take a closer look at the software. You can find out how the installation and registration went in his review.

Horner PLCs with integrated HMI have not been part of our product range for long, but they are already attracting well-deserved attention. We asked industrial automation expert Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) to take a closer look at them — especially in terms of functionality, intuitive operation, and practical deployment options. Find out how these Horner devices performed and what he has to say about them in the following review.

Horner PLCs with integrated HMI are new not only to our e-shop, but also to our market. We asked respected industrial automation specialist Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) to explore all the functions and user-friendliness of these devices. You can find out whether he was satisfied and what it was like working with the Horner units in his review.

Kepware’s KEPServerEX software is well-known for its extensive library of communication OPC drivers for industrial devices. While drivers for protocols like Modbus or Siemens are commonly used in daily operations, there are several lesser-known yet highly practical drivers. We have selected 5 lesser-known KEPServerEX drivers worth your attention.

OPC Router is smart software that allows you to easily connect data from industrial devices to IT/OT systems without the need for programming. Everything is fast and automated, with clear visualisation showing all data flows in real time. You no longer need to purchase individual plug-ins (connectors) separately, as you can now purchase a convenient package containing the most commonly used ones. Alternatively, you can have all plug-ins and add-ons (extensions) in one licence at a great price with the "All in One" package.

Are you looking for a compact, powerful and easy-to-integrate solution for machine control or upgrading existing technology? We are pleased to introduce a new addition to our product range: panels from Horner Automation. Their PLCs, which feature an integrated HMI with a touchscreen display and inputs/outputs, are ideal for designers of new machines as well as engineers looking to innovate their companies' production.

A new fully automated dosing and weighing machine is controlled by a Horner X7 PLC with integrated HMI and I/Os. In this setup, the industrial panel manages recipes, temperature control, and precise weighing of ingredients. At the same time, it collects batch data, eliminates human errors, and ensures consistent food quality. What does it look like in practice?

To modernize a sheet-cleaning machine, W&K-Automation sought a powerful, compact solution that could be easily integrated into limited cabinet space. They replaced the obsolete control system with the Horner X4 industrial panel, which met all requirements.

A customer's production line stopped at the end of the afternoon shift. The customer's maintenance needed a working SIEMENS safety relay to put the production line back into operation. What about FOXON? Were we able to respond as quickly as the customer needed?

Read this recent real-life story about a FOXON sales representative and a manufacturer of fuel and brake systems based southeast of Prague to find out how cooperation with FOXON works.

You can currently find 170,000 types of parts in our online shop. As we sell new / used / refurbished parts as well as parts without original packaging, you can choose from more than 900,000 parts in up to seven different condition variants. How do you find the parts you need and get a quote for them within an hour? We have some useful tips for you.

In the final part of our article series on the PROFIBUS analyzer, we will show, among other things, how to connect the analyzer to PROFIBUS as a Master, control Slave stations, adjust network speed (you’ve probably never seen PROFIBUS running at 9.6 kbps), and install and use plugins that extend the tool’s capabilities. Review by Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz).

Another part of the series on the ProfiTrace2 analyzer for PROFIBUS networks, where we’ll show what the most common faults look like and how and where they appear in the analyzer. This is where things really start to get interesting. At the end, there are also some videos where you can clearly see how the signal changes—for example during a short circuit on the line. The analyzer review was prepared by Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz).

PROFIBUS—a robust communication network found in thousands of industrial systems. It has been used for years and still plays an important role in automation. But what happens when a problem occurs? Is it really enough to watch the green LEDs on the peripherals and trust that everything is fine? Unfortunately not. That’s why we invite you to read Jaroslav Blažek’s reviews of the ProfiTrace2 tool.

The PROFIBUS industrial bus is highly tolerant and will forgive many faults. But if a critical fault occurs—or several small ones accumulate—you will definitely notice. That’s why this aging industrial network deserves attention. Even if faults on your network are still rare, they will gradually accumulate. What do our technicians recommend? What are their 10 tips for maintaining PROFIBUS?

The new version of the data connector focuses especially on management efficiency, increased security and better system monitoring. New features make everyday work with OPC Router easier and improve its deployment in large industrial environments. There are many improvements — what are the main ones?

Power failures are a problem in industrial environments. Sudden system shutdowns can lead to data loss, file corruption or even equipment failure. That's where the NODKA UPS Supercapacitor comes in. How long can the Supercapacitor keep a computer running and how does it control the shutdown of the computer in the event of a power failure? You'll see in the videos below.

The most frequent users of Ewon industrial routers are machine and equipment manufacturers. The remote access capability of these routers enables them to communicate with the control systems of the machines they manufacture and sell, even if they are on the other side of the world. In addition, Ewon Flexy makes it possible to collect data from machines and make it available to customers via visualisation. One of the companines that cleverly use all the benefits of these routers is the leading Czech engineering company ŽĎAS.

Have you written to Santa yet? And what did you ask for? We asked for a new promotional video to introduce our company to you. We want you to know what we can do for you in the fast-approaching year 2025.

At FOXON, we will be using the Christmas holidays at the turn of the year to switch to a new ERP system. This will result in temporary restrictions in our operations. However, we are confident that due to planned production shutdowns and holidays during the holiday period, these restrictions will not have a significant impact on cooperation with our customers.

A good reason to upgrade to a higher version of KEPServerEX is always security, which has been improved in several areas in the latest version. Therefore, we recommend upgrading to the higher version of the software after testing. Other reasons include feature and device connectivity updates as well as fixes and enhancements, which you will find briefly in this article.

We have been selling NODKA panel PCs for over a year. Let's ask one of our satisfied customers, the company Kronospan, why it chose NODKA panel PCs and how it uses them.

In October, Inray and PTC (Kepware) hosted a joint webinar. They presented three case studies of customers taking advantage of the KEPServerEX machine data acquisition software and the OPC Router data connector, as well as their joint synergies. The two platforms have enabled these customers to increase their production efficiency and machine uptime. The customers have also used these tools for remote and predictive maintenance.

Are you using a perpetual license of the KEPServerEX software to collect data from machines? Read our 3 recommendations in response to the changes to the Update & Technical Support (hereafter referred to as Technical Support) purchase terms for perpetual licenses that will take effect on January 1, 2025. We know that expert technical support and upgrades to new software versions are important. Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase Technical Support at a volume discount before the end of the year or to convert your perpetual license to a subscription (Subscription Conversion) under unique conditions. The Subscription Conversion license already includes Technical Support. 

Jaroslav Blažek reviews one of the many NODKA industrial monitor models. Did the connection and commissioning go smoothly? How does its touchscreen work? You’ll find out in the review.

Our engineers perform diagnostics of industrial networks in hundreds of manufacturing companies. They travel across the country to find the causes of failures. We have asked them what problems they have most frequently diagnosed in customers' PROFINET networks recently. What have they told us?

In his review, Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) focused on the UPS Supercapacitor from the manufacturer NODKA. Did it protect a connected device during a power outage as it should have? And for how long did it supply the device with power? Find out in the video below.

NODKA industrial computers offer a wide range of applications and are available in several designs, including embedded versions for control cabinets, desktop models, and rack-mounted variants. Jaroslav Blažek (blaja.cz) tested the embedded version designated eBOX-3240. How was his experience working with this computer?

Do you use one or more Talk2M free accounts? Have you found that this solution is no longer enough and that you need Talk2M light or Talk2M pro? This guide will show you:

• how to upgrade your existing Talk2M free account to Talk2M light or Talk2M pro,
• how to import Ewon devices from one or more Talk2M free accounts into the upgraded account,
• how to create a group of routers in the upgraded account and assign users to it, including access rights.

The Talk2M cloud service allows EWON router users to easily and securely connect to their devices/machines remotely via the Internet from anywhere in the world. Until now, two types of service have been available – Talk2M free and Talk2M pro. From 2 May 2024, a new, affordable account type – Talk2M light – will be available. In addition, the rules for the free account will change.

At the beginning of 2024 we introduced a new product from the German manufacturer of industrial modules W&T to the Czech market. Check out our short videos to see how easy it is to set up and use W&T sensors and digital and analogue inputs and outputs for data acquisition using OPC UA and MQTT communications. 

In 2023, we established cooperation with Nodka, a manufacturer of industrial computers, panel PCs and monitors, and it turned out to be a good choice. We successfully tested the products and then implemented them in full operation at our customers. Let us take a closer look at this innovation in our market, starting with computers.

Learn how a customer securely connected an older CNC mill with an older operating system to the corporate Ethernet network using a MicroWall VPN firewall appliance.

The new version of OPC Router 5 brings some big changes. The biggest change is the user interface, which brings the user more comfort when working with the program and the ability to work in Linux, macOS, etc. There are also new options for creating user accounts, improvements in application performance optimization and many other improvements.

The rules for building PROFIBUS DP networks state that a maximum of 32 PROFIBUS DP stations can be connected to one segment. The second limitation is the length of the segment cabling, which is inversely proportional to the speed of the PROFIBUS network used. In addition to these rules, there is another rule of thumb that says that 32 stations in one segment means de facto 32 potential points of failure. Each PROFIBUS device has an impact on the quality of the network by its connection to the network. Therefore, reduce the number of PROFIBUS devices in a PROFIBUS segment to a lower number by using ProfiHub repeaters or multirepeaters. The result will be a maximally reinforced, reliable, functional and robust PROFIBUS network that will not be brought down by anything.

Unlike competitive products, PROCENTEC repeaters and multirepeaters have better results in galvanic separation of segments and also digitally smooth the messages between segments. An error in one segment will not move to the other segment, which unfortunately cannot be claimed 100% for all repeaters on the market. If you want quality repeaters and multirepeaters, choose PROCENTEC products. 

Wireless transmission via optics or radio waves? Optical transmission causes minimal delay and requires direct visibility of the optical modules. Wave transmission works at 869 MHz and 2.4 GHz and is useful where optics do not work. For a video demonstration of the German company Schildknecht's products, click HERE.

Getting started with KEPServerEx and want to do a basic configuration of this OPC Server in 5 minutes?  Watch the video demonstration where we will walk you through the basic setup so that you can start reading data from the connected PLC directly into the OPC Server.

Carrying out successful PROFINET network diagnostics can be a challenge – we know that from our own experience. FOXON has been involved with PROFINET diagnostics, repairs and commissioning since 2010. Our portfolio includes testers for active as well as passive PROFINET diagnostics. We have extensive experience working with these testers. Sign up for one of our PROFINET training courses to learn how to use them. We'll be happy to share our expertise with you. For more information on PROFINET network basics training, diagnostics and repair, click HERE.

Do you buy power, signal and communication industrial cables?  Do you pay a lot for them?  Do you need special lengths or different connector designs? We offer replacements for well-known cable brands that we manufacture for you in Italy. We have attractively priced cable replacements for Siemens and FANUC servo motors and more. Find out what other benefits this brings to our customers.

Is it advisable to use cheap unmanageable switches for a few crowns or is it worth paying extra and buying manageable switches? Should I save money on buying switches for the production line or should I buy a quality PROFINET switch?

A comprehensive range of replacement Plug&Play monitors for the most popular FANUC CNC series. Original order codes are supplemented with direct replacements for new monitors that can be delivered at short notice.

We offer replacement Plug&Play monitors for the most famous HEIDENHAIN CNC series. The table below shows the original ordering codes for the monitors and we have added direct replacements for the new monitors. We will ship most new monitors to you within 7 days.

If you are in charge of several PROFIBUS networks and want to check their quality from time to time or troubleshoot problems that have already occurred in a particular PROFIBUS network, the ProfiTrace2 tester is a great tool for you. You connect to the PROFIBUS network and measure signal qualities, voltages, communication errors, presence of interference, etc. When the measurement is complete, you create a report and disconnect again. The tester can be left connected to the PROFIBUS network for longer periods of time, but requires a laptop to which it is connected via the USB port.

If you operate a PROFIBUS line that is critical to you and an unplanned failure of the PROFIBUS network is not desirable, then get permanent diagnostics via the ComBricks solution. You connect the device to the DIN rail, connect it to the PROFIBUS network, without the need to assign an address or change the PLC program. From the first moment of connection, the tester measures the PROFIBUS network 24/7 and provides comprehensive overviews of the network quality in clear tools. It alerts you in time to the first undesirable event such as lost stations, lost packets, corrupted messages, voltage drops, interference, etc.

U We recommend that users of Ewon routers upgrade to the latest firmware version. Firmware updates are usually released to implement new features, security enhancements and use, or to rectify errors. We can upgrade the firmware in several ways and each of It is intended for a different situation.

ComBricks is a unique solution that features user-friendly remote monitoring of PROFIBUS networks and thus provides you with an overview of their health. As part of prevention, ComBricks will alert you by email if any of these problems occur on your PROFIBUS network – repeats, lost stations, slaves requesting diagnostics, etc. All problems are saved to the internal memory and can then be reviewed via a web browser.

ComBricks doesn't require any special software installations on your PC. You only need to type your ComBricks' IP address into a web browser.

Comparison of the features of individual versions of SIEMENS PROFINET switches of the SCALANCE X-200, X-300, XM-400 and XR-500 series.

PROFIBUS connectors are part and parcel of every network. Their quality and ease of installation are factors that contribute enormously to a healthy network. We're the only company offering special Canon PROFIBUS connectors with multi-angle cable outlet (the connector's cable outlet can be at 35° or 90° to the device's PROFIBUS port). These connectors allow you to set the cable outlet direction to meet your needs. Apart from that, they feature screw terminals, which means that A and B wires are screwed in using terminal blocks. We sell connectors with PG port for the same price as those without it. We're in favour of PG port as it enables PROFIBUS diagnostics. That's why we actively encourage our customers to buy connectors with this port.

Comprehensive range of replacement Plug&Play monitors for the most famous SIEMENS SINUMERIK CNC system series. Original ordering codes are supplemented with direct replacements for new monitors.

Save more than 50% compared to the price of original SIEMENS SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-200 I/O modules, power supplies and memory cards. The clear compatibility table helps you find suitable SOFTLINK and VIPA replacements by the order number of the original SIEMENS part. Selected modules are in stock at FOXON in Liberec and can be delivered immediately.

OPC Router is a software program that allows you to connect various industrial devices and IT/OT systems to each other. All this is fast, automated and without programming knowledge. In addition, you can see all data flows in a clear visualization. For example, you can connect PLC control systems, OPC servers, printers, RFID readers, e-mail, databases, SAP R3 or SAP HANA, etc.

In stock in Liberec we have a large number of tested SIEMENS SIMODRIVE 611 series cards 6SN1118, 6SN1123 and 6SN1145. We offer all modules for sale or exchange for your non-functioning module. The cards have been tested under long term load for about 50hrs, are refurbished and fully functional. We also offer repairs of SIMODRIVE 611 cards, which are carried out in the foreign center of UnisGroup.

Do you want to know why your industrial communication is dropping out? Know where the errors are on the bus and fix them quickly? How the PROFIBUS network works and how to upgrade it and make it more robust? Learn all this in a training session full of practical examples

Do you know how the PROFINET industrial network works? Do you know how to find errors that can cause it to drop out? Do you regularly check the condition of the cabling and connectors? You can learn everything in a two-day training course full of practical examples.

Do you use Ewon Cosy or Flexy routers for remote management and are you wondering which Talk2M remote access service is right for you? We’ve put together a few points to help you decide.

Ewon industrial routers are rightly among the most widely used global solutions for the remote management of PLC control systems, robots, industrial computers and HMI panels via the Internet. Simply managing systems remotely is no longer enough, and Ewon routers are the only ones that can offer you so much more. They can read (and write) data from remote PLC control systems such as SIEMENS, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Schneider, Modbus and others.  This data is sent via the Internet to your computer, where you can store it in a database and display it in visualisations or in Power BI reports. Find out more in our video guide.

M2Web provides browser access to web interfaces, HMIs and device remote desktops via Ewon and Talk2M. See supported protocols, LAN device configuration, six Flexy KPIs and current service limits.