How to Troubleshoot a 24V DC Power Supply in an Industrial Control Panel
A step-by-step approach to finding why a 24 VDC panel supply has dropped out, including load tests, short hunting, and when to swap the unit.
May 12, 2026 9 min read
Industrial Tech
Barcode systems, warehouse infrastructure, rugged devices, and WMS software. I've designed these systems from scratch and kept them running.
#Zebra Scanners#Barcode Systems#WMS#Label Printers#Rugged Tablets#Warehouse Wi-Fi#Cable Testing
Identify a barcode symbology
Paste or type a barcode value and find out what format it is — Code 128, Code 39, QR, DataMatrix, and more.
4-20 mA Current Loops Explained: Wiring, Powering, and Troubleshooting
How a 4-20 mA loop works, the difference between 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire transmitters, and how to troubleshoot a dead loop with just a multimeter.
May 5, 2026 10 min read
Modbus RTU vs Modbus TCP: When to Use Each in Industrial Networks
How RS-485 Modbus RTU and Ethernet-based Modbus TCP differ in wiring, addressing, throughput, and timing. When to pick each in a real plant network.
Apr 30, 2026 9 min read
PDU vs. Power Strip in a Server Room: What You Actually Need
Understand the real differences between a PDU and a power strip, and how to choose the right power distribution for your server room or rack.
Apr 21, 2026 6 min read
PoE Switch Basics: Powering IP Cameras and Wireless Access Points
Learn how to select, size, and configure a PoE switch for IP cameras and wireless access points in a commercial or warehouse installation.
Apr 21, 2026 8 min read
Best Label Printers for Shipping and Warehouses in 2026
Direct thermal vs thermal transfer, Rollo vs Dymo, Zebra ZD420 vs ZT411 — real picks for shipping and warehouse label printing.
Feb 3, 2026 10 min read
Industrial Ethernet vs Standard Ethernet: What Actually Differs
Same 802.3 protocol, completely different hardware and protocols. What industrial Ethernet means and when standard gear falls short.
Dec 3, 2025 10 min read
How to Give Your Barcode Scanners Static IPs (And Why You Should)
Static IPs vs DHCP reservations for networked barcode scanners — how to set them on Zebra and Honeywell devices and common routers.
Nov 19, 2025 9 min read
Featured
How to Configure a Zebra Barcode Scanner for Custom Workflows (123Scan Guide)
Configure Zebra barcode scanners with 123Scan: ADF rules, prefix/suffix stripping, symbology filtering, and output customization for real warehouse workflows.
Oct 20, 2025 11 min read
ZPL Basics for Warehouse Labels — Understanding Zebra's Label Programming Language
What ZPL is, the essential commands you need to know, how to read a real template, and when to use Labelary vs ZebraDesigner.
Jul 29, 2025 6 min read
Cycle Counting vs Full Physical Inventory — Which Is Right for Your Warehouse
Annual full counts are disruptive and error-prone. Here is how cycle counting works, what accuracy targets to set, and how to start with a spreadsheet.
Jul 8, 2025 6 min read
WMS Basics for Small Warehouses — Do You Actually Need One?
What a WMS does, when spreadsheets stop cutting it, which SMB-realistic options exist, and the questions to ask before spending money on software.
Apr 22, 2025 6 min read
Barcode Scanner Not Reading — A Systematic Troubleshooting Guide
A step-by-step guide to diagnosing barcode scanner failures — from dirty windows and symbology config to host interface mismatches and label quality.
Mar 25, 2025 5 min read
Thermal Label Stock Guide for Warehouses: Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer
Know when to use direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels in warehouses. Covers materials, adhesives, core sizes, and where to buy in quantity.
Feb 4, 2025 6 min read
How to Size a UPS for a Server Room or IT Closet
Learn how to calculate UPS load in watts vs VA, estimate runtime, choose pure vs simulated sine wave, and avoid common SMB sizing mistakes.
Dec 17, 2024 7 min read
Wi-Fi Access Point Placement Guide for Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Practical guide to warehouse Wi-Fi AP placement — covering metal rack interference, roaming for RF guns, channel planning, 2.4 vs 5GHz, and PoE cabling.
Dec 3, 2024 7 min read
RFID vs Barcode in the Warehouse: Which One Actually Makes Sense for You
A no-hype comparison of RFID and barcode technology for warehouses — covering real costs, read rates, and where each technology actually pays off.
Oct 14, 2024 7 min read
How to Configure Honeywell Barcode Scanners with EZConfig
Step-by-step guide to configuring Honeywell barcode scanners using EZConfig for Mobility — interface modes, suffix keys, 2D codes, and saving configs.
Aug 27, 2024 6 min read