Dev Tools
21 dev tools articles on the Voltrus blog.
Web-Based HMI: Build Operator Dashboards That Run in Any Browser
Web-based HMI dashboards explained: how browser HMIs connect to PLCs, the single-file export pattern, WebSocket vs polling, deployment to Raspberry Pi and ESP32, and when a web HMI beats a desktop one.
Read articleHMI vs SCADA: What's the Difference for System Integrators?
HMI vs SCADA for integrators: local machine screens vs plant-wide supervision. Where each fits, when a web HMI is enough, when you need full SCADA, and how the two work together.
Read articleHMI on Raspberry Pi: Turn a $60 Computer Into an Industrial Touchscreen
How to run an HMI on a Raspberry Pi: kiosk mode, serving dashboards, connecting to PLCs over the network, and the watchdog + auto-start setup that makes a Pi a reliable industrial operator panel.
Read articleOEE Formula Explained: Availability × Performance × Quality With a Worked Example
The OEE formula broken down step by step. How to calculate Availability, Performance, and Quality, a full worked example, the ideal 100% benchmark, and the mistakes that inflate your score.
Read articleHow to Track OEE on the Factory Floor (Without an MES Project)
How to track OEE without buying an MES: machine state classification, downtime reason codes, automatic data capture with sensors, and the step-by-step rollout that takes days, not quarters.
Read articleManufacturing Downtime Tracking: How to Measure, Classify, and Reduce Stops
Manufacturing downtime tracking explained: automatic vs manual capture, machine state classification, downtime reason codes, the Pareto that finds the real losses, and why micro-stops are the hidden killer.
Read articlePLC vs Microcontroller: When to Use Each in Industrial Projects
A PLC is rugged, deterministic, and supported for a decade. An Arduino is cheap and flexible. Why hobbyist microcontroller builds fail on the factory floor — and when each wins.
Read articlePostgres CLI Tools vs pgAdmin: When the Terminal Wins
pgAdmin is a heavy web UI that is painful over SSH. Terminal Postgres browsers like PostgresTUI start instantly, work natively over SSH, and stay out of your way for quick queries.
Read articleVoltrus PLC v1.0 — The First Native macOS PLC IDE Ships Today
Voltrus PLC v1.0 is available now: IEC 61131-3 Structured Text editor, built-in softPLC runtime, AI-assisted programming, and multi-driver I/O (Modbus, OPC-UA, S7, EtherNet/IP, MQTT).
Read articleCODESYS Alternative for macOS (2026): Native PLC IDE Without Windows
CODESYS doesn't run on macOS. The best CODESYS alternative for Mac is native, costs under $30, and includes a full softPLC runtime. Compare features, pricing, and workflow.
Read articlePLC Programming Languages: The 5 IEC 61131-3 Languages Explained
The 5 IEC 61131-3 PLC programming languages explained: Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart, and Instruction List.
Read articleIEC 61131-3 Structured Text: A Practical Guide for Modern PLC Programming
Learn IEC 61131-3 Structured Text (ST) — the modern way to program PLCs. Syntax, data types, function blocks, timers, counters, and real examples.
Read articlePLC Programming on Mac (2026): Write, Run, and Test Without Windows
Write and run PLC programs on your MacBook — no Windows VM, no CODESYS, no TIA Portal. IEC 61131-3 Structured Text editor with built-in softPLC runtime. Native Apple Silicon.
Read articlePLC Simulator for macOS: Write, Compile, and Test Without Hardware (2026)
PLC simulator for macOS. Write IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, compile, and run on a built-in softPLC runtime — no hardware needed. Breakpoints, watch tables, and real I/O drivers.
Read articleWhat Is a SoftPLC? Run PLC Programs on Your Mac Without Hardware
A SoftPLC lets you write, compile, and run IEC 61131-3 programs entirely in software on your Mac — no PLC hardware needed. Learn how softPLCs work and what they can do.
Read articleStructured Text vs Ladder Logic: Which PLC Language Should You Learn?
Structured Text vs Ladder Logic — honest comparison for 2026. ST is better for complex logic, math, and modern workflows. LD is better for maintenance and troubleshooting simple circuits.
Read articleTwinCAT Alternative: PLC Development Without Beckhoff Lock-In (2026)
TwinCAT locks you into Beckhoff hardware and Windows. Compare alternatives: Voltrus PLC (macOS native, IEC 61131-3 ST, multi-vendor I/O), CODESYS, and OpenPLC.
Read articleHow to Run a Self-Hosted Pastebin on Cloudflare Workers
Deploy a self-hosted pastebin on Cloudflare Workers, D1, and R2 in under 5 minutes. No servers, no Docker, no recurring costs. Zero data leaves your Cloudflare account.
Read articleHow to Share Files Between Remote Servers Without Cloud Storage
Remote server file sharing without cloud storage. Transfer logs, configs, and screenshots between isolated networks using a self-hosted pastebin. No Dropbox, no Google Drive.
Read articlePastebin Alternatives 2026: Why Self-Hosted Beats SaaS for Engineers
Comparing Pastebin.com, PrivateBin, GitHub Gist, and self-hosted pastebins. Why engineers working on remote client infrastructure should self-host their pastebin on Cloudflare Workers.
Read articleTerminal Database Browsers — Why CLI Tools Beat pgAdmin and SSMS for Daily Work
pgAdmin and SSMS are heavy, slow to open, and impossible over SSH. Terminal database browsers like PostgresTUI, Sqltui, and MSSQLTui give you instant access to your data.
Read article