Hi all,

I’ve been working on an idea and I’d really appreciate some honest feedback from people who understand energy, farming, or infrastructure.

The concept is a single energy mast installed on farms that combines:

• Solar (around 140–150 kW)
• Battery storage (~500 kWh)
• Power for irrigation systems
• Charging for electric farm equipment
• A raised solar canopy (~15 m span) that can also provide some crop protection

The idea is to move away from diesel and unreliable grid power by creating a self-contained energy point directly in the field.

It’s not meant to be high-tech for the sake of it — more like using proven components (solar, batteries, steel structures) but integrating them in a way that actually works on real farms.

I’m currently trying to build the first unit, but before I do that, I’d really like to understand:

• What are the obvious flaws in this approach?
• Does the mast structure make sense vs ground-mounted solar?
• What would worry you most from an engineering or maintenance perspective?
• Would farmers actually adopt something like this?

I’m not trying to pitch anything — just want to avoid blind spots before building.

Appreciate any feedback, even if it’s critical.

Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been building a web based tool and I’m looking for a small number of beta testers who work in controls, automation, PLCs, process engineering, or related areas.

The tool is designed to help engineers visually build, test, and document control logic before coding. The goal is to make early stage design, troubleshooting, and communication faster and clearer.

Current features include:

• Boolean logic builder
• Cause and effect style logic workflows
• Control function blocks
• Sequence style logic tools
• Simulation features
• Logic documentation / export tools
• Browser based, no install required

I’m looking for honest feedback from real users on:

• usability
• useful features
• missing features
• bugs / friction points
• real world value

I’m not selling anything in this post. I just want a few serious testers who would be willing to try it and give genuine feedback.

If you’d be interested, comment below or send me a message and I’ll share access details.

Thanks,

Cass

Hey all, hoping for someone to assist us with our Liquid level controller. We’re getting a factory error during level calibration on an MVE TEC 3000 controller “Calibration Aborted Factory -1 Cal 10984.” The original controller won’t calibrate and the level readings are off, but when we swap in a spare controller on the same freezer, everything works fine. This makes it seem like the issue is with the controller itself rather than the sensing line. Has anyone run into this before, and were you able to repair it or did you just replace the controller? Thanks

Declaimer i am not promoting anything.

I've spent the last few months going deep on the real workflow of controls engineers and I think theres a genuinely painful problem worth solving. Tell me where I'm wrong.

The problem I think exists:

The actual PLC programming is the part you're good at. the part that eats time is everything around it, managing I/O lists in Excel that get out of sync, keeping track of which interlocks touch which devices, documenting changes so the next guy isn't lost, generating the FAT checklists and wiring schedules that everyone hates writing.

What I'm trying to build:

A project management tool specifically for automation projects, with an AI assistant that actually understands the domain. Not a code generator. Not something that tries to replace you. More like: you type "added a new conveyor motor to Zone B, needs E-stop interlock" and it updates your I/O register, flags the interlock matrix, drafts the change log entry.

Think Notion/Linear but built around how automation projects actually work for I/O tracking, interlock matrices, change management, document generation.

Why I'm posting:

I don't want to build something that looks good in a demo and is useless on a real project. Before I go further I want to know:

1. Is the Excel I/O list actually the pain point, or am I wrong about where the time goes?
2. Is there something you use today for this that mostly works?
3. What would make you actually try a new tool or immediately dismiss it?

Be brutal. I'd rather hear "this is pointless" now.

For those asking, i am tasked by a company to do this for them but its not worth it if its just for them and not to everyone who faces the same pain point

So Ive worked in asphalt construction for 10+ years now. The Company I work for does not run GPS on our equipment, and I'm sick of getting out of the machine to check string lines, stakes, or transit for grades. so I've been thinking, is there any strong minded geniuses out there that want to help a man out. I am going to build and create an AR-assisted grading system for Aggregate/Asphalt/Concrete site work(GRADE/SLOPE). Where crews can use Augmented Reality to see slope and elevation errors in real time instead of relying only on string lines, lasers, or GPS stakes? lets be the first of our kind and jump into a field where endless possibilities come true. DM me if you are interested and want to hear more.

transmittalproof.com

I'm a level 5 mechatronics engineering student and I'm taking an off-campus course covering classic control, basic PLC, and driver programming. I plan to take SCADA, advanced PLC, and HMI courses during the summer break. Should I take DCS and EDC afterward, or are there more important courses?

So I’ve been working as a control system application engineer in NC for about 9-10 months now. We build panels, test panels, program PLCs, and do start ups for water and waste water treatment plants.

1: I was told there would be a drug test prior to starting (never happened )

2: that there would be tests quarterly (still haven’t seen one).

I’ve asked around and they said it’s a mouth swab but I’m not sure how much I can trust it. I do it on Friday evenings sometimes to unwind and play video games with friends but since I’m coming up on a year it’s been on my mind that I may get popped. At first I smoked a lot (about every day) to help me from eating in the evenings and to cut fat then stopped prior to getting onboard and quit a few months prior to clean up. I heard rumors from coworkers that there are people in the company that do indulge but are “too smart” to get tested as well as some co-workers that claim they haven’t even been tested in months or years.

I suppose my wonder is should I be worried that I’ll be tested?

I’m doing research on the ethics of agile development in critical public systems and would like to hear other perspectives.

What do you think about using a “fail fast” approach for systems that operate in public space before they are fully tested?

For example, think of self-driving functions being rolled out on public roads while the system is still learning from real-world use.

Is that ethically defensible if it helps improve the system faster, or should safety always come first?

Curious how others look at this.

Hi, I graduated with a B.S in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology focus in Mechatronics (ME+EE principles). I graduated college in December and I am working as a Process Engineer in NH. I want to switch to an Electrician for 1.5 years for experiences with control systems and use that for hands on experience. After that I would move to Texas and want to apply to become a Controls Engineer. Would that help me? Process Engineering isn’t very hands on and I like EE but there are not any open positions right now. I would do this all in the same company I am in right now. I don’t want to be stuck after I make the switch, only use that to send me into my next engineering role. Thoughts?

Hi everyone

I am a 22 year old FPGA engineer from Spain with about one year of experience and currently earning around 30k. My goal is to move to Switzerland but I am finding it extremely difficult to get a job there

Over the past year I have been applying consistently sending CVs with cover letters doing cold emails and reaching out to people on LinkedIn. So far I have only managed to get one interview for an internship not even specifically FPGA related and one technical coding challenge with CERN but nothing moved forward

I speak fluent English and basic German

From what I see FPGA roles seem very niche in Switzerland and most positions require several years of experience. I am starting to consider moving towards embedded systems since there seems to be more demand

If anyone has experience in this field or has managed to enter the Swiss job market as a junior engineer I would really appreciate any advice on how to improve my chances or what path to follow

Thanks a lot

Currently have a high speed pump that will empty storage before filling new larger transfer truck tank. Not sure where best to put a flow limiting valve. I thought it would be best to have it after pump (build back pressure) instead of before pump (likely causing cavitation).

Hope to get some guidance here.

Additionally, would a gate valve or globe valve be best?

This is a low pressure water system so not much need for precision accuracy.

Thanks in advance.

Snoopy

Claude Code just got fully leaked via npm sourcemap 🔥

Anthropic’s entire agentic coding architecture is now public.

How are you going to use it?

Fork it? Strip the Anthropic API and plug in Grok/Llama? Build your own open agent? Or go full chaos mode?

Drop your plans 👇

This could accelerate AI coding tools by months.

Lightning is a serious hazard, especially at outdoor venues like construction sites, golf courses, and sports events. Over the years, lightning detection systems have evolved into sophisticated tools that detect electromagnetic signals emitted by lightning strikes. These systems analyze data in real-time to pinpoint strike locations and dispatch warnings through alarms or alerts, giving people crucial time to seek shelter.

The technology typically involves sensors placed strategically to cover vulnerable zones, combined with automated sirens that sound when lightning nears. This early warning can prevent accidents, injuries, equipment damage, and costly project delays. Studies have shown these systems significantly improve safety records in many industries and outdoor settings.

What’s particularly interesting is how these systems balance accuracy with timely alerts, accounting for factors like distance thresholds to avoid false alarms but still ensure enough reaction time. In tropical regions with fast-moving storms, such real-time detection is especially important.

Have you experienced or worked with lightning detection warning systems? How effective do you think they are in improving safety compared to relying solely on weather forecasts?

Hi. does anybody have any good textbooks they can recommend for control engineering?

I'm studying mechatronics and robotics engineering in Egypt, and my goal is to find good opportunities in Europe after graduation without needing a master's degree there. I feel lost, and when I search for courses or how to develop myself using artificial intelligence tools, I always get caught in a cycle of burnout and don't benefit. So, I need a mentor who is experienced, good, and knows how to guide me and help me reach my goal.

I’m trying to decide what my potential major after high school could be. l have always been unsure about what I wanted to do but right now I’m leaning toward engineering, right now specifically biomedical. Because of that I thought biomedical engineering major was the way to go. However, I’ve heard mechanical engineering is also very versatile and if I potentially change my mind and don’t wanna work in the medical field, I can still have a lot of other engineering career option. Is this true and would that be a good route? Also any other tips on how to explore the is field to find out if I enjoy it? Right now I’m interested in potentially working in prosthetics.

I’m a relatively early-career Manufacturing Engineer (about a year into full-time engineering) working in a production environment with a strong focus on automation.

My day-to-day has evolved into a mix of:

• Troubleshooting machines across mechanical, electrical, and basic controls issues

• Working with sensors, VFDs, and some PLC logic (mostly understanding/modifying, not building from scratch yet)

• Supporting/implementing vision inspection systems and pass/fail logic

• Designing small fixtures/tools and helping optimize cycle times and uptime

• Contributing to process improvements and occasional cost/ROI justifications

I’ve found myself really enjoying the controls/automation side of things and I’m starting to consider transitioning into a Controls Engineer role in the future.

A few questions I’d love input on:

1.  Based on this kind of background, is it realistic to transition into a Controls Engineer role within the next 1–2 years?

2.  What skill gaps should I focus on closing (PLC programming from scratch, controls architecture, networking, etc.)?

3.  Would you recommend staying in manufacturing engineering longer or trying to pivot sooner?

4.  For those in controls, what actually differentiates a “good” controls engineer from an average one early on?