#node-red gateway

Case Details

In the realm of industrial automation, Node-RED is like a "universal building block" that allows users to drag and drop to connect data, protocols, and logic. Despite offering thousands of nodes, industrial professionals typically rely on a core set of frequently used nodes. Shenzhen Barium-Rhenium Technology Co., Ltd. presents the top 10 most commonly used Node-RED nodes in industrial IoT and automation, helping you assess which ones you’ve used.

Inject (Manual/Timer Trigger) Essential for industrial debugging, this node acts like a PLC’s "start button." It supports manual data triggering or scheduled cyclic operations, making it ideal for testing Modbus or MQTT workflows.

Debug (Debug Window) Without this node, you’re working blind. It displays data flow status in the right-hand panel, perfect for debugging. Use it extensively during testing but sparingly in production to avoid information overload.

Function (JavaScript Processing) A "data processing factory" for calculations, logic, and formatting. This node offers maximum flexibility for complex data operations.

Change (Field Modification) A code-free alternative to the Function node. It allows quick modifications to msg.payload, msg.topic, or other fields, including adding or deleting properties.

MQTT In/Out (Publish and Subscribe) A top choice for industrial cloud connectivity. These nodes bridge data collection from PLCs to the cloud and enable cloud-to-device control commands.

Modbus Read/Write (Modbus Communication) The "veteran" of industrial protocols. Handles reading temperature/humidity, collecting meter data, or controlling relays, supporting both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP.

OPC UA Client (OPC UA Communication) The "diplomat" of industrial IoT, enabling communication with PLCs, robots, and devices from different manufacturers, simplifying cross-vendor integration.

HTTP Request (HTTP Requests) Essential for connecting to web APIs, enterprise databases, or cloud platforms. Supports GET and POST requests and pairs well with the Function node for data packaging.

JSON (JSON Converter) Facilitates seamless conversion between strings and JSON objects, a must for cloud platforms using JSON. Works well with MQTT, HTTP, and OPC UA nodes.

Template (Template Output) Generates formatted strings, HTML reports, or alert messages, functioning like a Word template for customized data output.

Summary

While Node-RED offers a vast array of nodes, these 10 cover approximately 80% of industrial IoT and automation needs. Shenzhen Barium-Rhenium Technology’s ARMxy series industrial controllers come pre-installed with Node-RED, enabling immediate use of these nodes for data collection, protocol conversion, and cloud integration. Node-RED ensures stability, speed, and simplicity for industrial professionals.

Product Recommendation: ARMxy Edge Computing Gateway

Shenzhen Beilai Technology’s ARMxy edge computing gateway is fully equipped with Node-RED, offering a robust solution for industrial automation.

Industrial-Grade Hardware: Supports multiple CPU options, operates in -45°C to 80°C environments, resists interference and disconnections, and features a durable aluminum alloy casing.

Modular Design: Configurable X-boards (serial and IO) and Y-boards (multifunctional IO) for flexible integration with sensors and devices.

Remote Maintenance Tool: Includes BLRAT for remote debugging, configuration, and upgrades, allowing engineers to manage sites from the office.

Protocol Support: Compatible with Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT, BACnet, HTTP, WebSocket, and seamlessly connects to cloud platforms like Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud, and AWS.

Conclusion: The ARMxy gateway is not just a device—it’s a "Node-RED battle fortress" for industrial professionals. Node-RED amplifies your logical thinking, enabling automation with simple drag-and-drop operations.

Case Details

Node-RED is a low-code, visual, and powerful development tool that is quietly transforming development in the industrial IoT and edge computing domains. Below are the five classic application scenarios of Node-RED and their key features:

1. Industrial Protocol Data Collection and Conversion

Node-RED supports a rich library of protocol nodes, including Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC UA, BACnet, MQTT, HTTP, and Serial Port.

Typical Scenarios:

Collecting data from PLCs, sensors, meters, and inverters

Converting protocols for upload to cloud platforms or local databases

Implementing "north-south protocol adaptation" in edge gateways

Practical Application: Converting Modbus RTU data to MQTT for seamless integration with platforms like Thingsboard Cloud, AWS Cloud, and Huawei Cloud etc.,

2. Real-Time Visualization Dashboard

Node-RED's built-in Dashboard plugin allows users to quickly build simple and practical HMI interfaces, as easy as dragging and dropping building blocks.

Typical Features:

Real-time data display

Equipment status charts

Button controls and sliders for parameter adjustment

Alert pop-ups or voice notifications

Practical Application: Creating a LAN-accessible intelligent monitoring webpage without complex front-end development.

3. Local Logic Control and Edge Intelligence

Node-RED's function nodes, timers, and logic judgment capabilities can replace simple PLC control logic, ideal for edge controllers or intelligent gateways.

Typical Features:

Conditional control (e.g., turning on a fan when temperature is high or activating a humidifier when humidity is low)

Scheduled task execution

State linkage and combined control logic

Practical Application: Deploying edge gateways in scenarios like farms or greenhouses to automate environmental regulation.

4. Data Storage and Database Integration

Node-RED supports integration with various databases, such as MySQL, InfluxDB, SQLite, and MongoDB.

Typical Features:

Storing historical data

Querying historical records for reports

Combining with Grafana for large-screen visualization

Practical Application: Storing equipment operation data in InfluxDB and displaying trends via Grafana.

5. Cloud Platform Integration and Remote Control

Node-RED natively supports modern web communication methods like REST API, MQTT, WebSocket, and HTTPS, enabling seamless cloud platform integration.

Supported Platforms:

ThingsBoard

Alibaba Cloud IoT

Huawei Cloud IoT

AWS IoT

Node-RED Remote or self-hosted web services

Practical Application: Remotely issuing control commands, modifying device parameters, and receiving alerts via cloud platforms.

Summary of Applications and Capabilities

Application ScenarioKey CapabilitiesIndustrial Protocol CollectionModbus, OPC UA, MQTTDashboard DisplayDashboard, Real-Time MonitoringLocal ControlConditional Logic, Scheduled TasksData StorageMySQL, InfluxDBCloud IntegrationHTTP API, MQTT, Remote Control

Recommended Product: Node-RED Edge Computing Gateway BL335

The BL335 is an industrial-grade edge computing gateway with Node-RED, with the following features:

Industrial-Grade Hardware: Allwinner T113-i dual-core A7 processor, operating in -45~80℃ temperature range, aluminum alloy casing, resistant to interference and disconnections.

Modular Design: Flexible configuration with X-board (serial and IO) and Y-board (multifunctional IO) to meet diverse sensor and device connection needs.

Remote Maintenance: Built-in BLRAT remote management tool for debugging, configuration, and upgrades from anywhere.

Protocol Support: Comprehensive support for Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT, BACnet, HTTP, and WebSocket, with one-click integration to major cloud platforms.

Summary: Node-RED is more than a tool—it’s a magnifying glass for your logic and thinking. Paired with the BL335 edge computing gateway, Node-RED becomes a powerful "battle fortress" for industrial automation, enabling efficient and flexible IoT solutions.

Case Details

Introduction

In modern building management, intelligent monitoring of heating systems is key to improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability goals. ARM Edge Gateways, with their high performance, low power consumption, and flexible scalability, combined with Node-RED’s visual workflow editing tool, enable rapid development of efficient heating monitoring systems. This article outlines how to leverage these technologies for building heating monitoring.

System Architecture

The heating monitoring system combining ARM Edge Gateway BL340 and Node-RED includes the following components:

Sensors: Collect critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and flow.

ARM Edge Gateways: The core device connecting sensors to cloud/local servers.

Node-RED: Runs on the gateway or server, handling data flow, visualization, and alarm logic.

Communication Module: Supports Wi-Fi, 4G, or Ethernet for reliable data transmission.

Management System: Cloud or local platform for data storage, analysis, and remote access.

Implementation Steps

1. Hardware Selection and Connection

ARM Edge Gateways: Choose ARMxy BL340 series, equipped with RS485, RS232, Ethernet, and USB interfaces, suitable for industrial environments (-40°C to 80°C).

Sensors: Install temperature, pressure, and flow sensors, connected to the gateway via Modbus or BACnet protocols.

Communication: Configure Wi-Fi, 4G modules based on the building’s network environment.

2. Configuring Node-RED

Installation: Run Node-RED on the ARM Edge Gateway’s Linux system and access its web editor for configuration.

Extensions: Add Modbus support for sensor data reading, dashboard modules for visualization, and notification modules for alarms via email or messaging.

Environment: Ensure stable Node-RED operation with support for remote access.

3. Data Collection and Processing

Collection: Read temperature, pressure, and other data from sensors via Modbus, with periodic collection (e.g., every 5 seconds).

Processing: Convert raw data into readable formats (e.g., temperature to Celsius) and filter outliers.

Storage: Send data to the cloud (e.g., AWS IoT) or store locally on the gateway to prevent data loss during network interruptions.

4. Data Visualization

Dashboard: Use Node-RED’s dashboard feature to display real-time temperature, pressure, and flow data, supporting trend charts and gauges.

Access: View the dashboard via a browser to monitor the heating system’s status.

5. Alarms and Remote Management

Alarms: Set thresholds (e.g., temperature >30°C or pressure <1bar) to trigger notifications via email or mobile app.

Remote Management: Adjust parameters (e.g., thresholds or operating modes) via a secure web interface.

6. Deployment and Testing

Deployment: Deploy the system on the ARM Edge Gateway, ensuring proper sensor data collection.

Testing: Simulate anomalies (e.g., temperature exceedance) to verify alarms and dashboard functionality.

Optimization: Adjust collection frequency, alarm rules, or dashboard layout based on needs.

Advantages

Efficiency: ARM Edge Gateways support multitasking, and Node-RED simplifies development.

Flexibility: Supports multiple protocols and devices, adapting to various heating systems.

Scalability: Can extend to multiple buildings with centralized management.

Energy Savings: Real-time monitoring optimizes operations, saving 15%-35% energy (per MClimate case studies).

Cost-Effective: ARM gateways and Node-RED are open-source or low-cost, reducing deployment expenses.

Considerations

Network: Ensure stable connectivity with backup communication options.

Security: Set access controls for Node-RED and use encrypted data transmission.

Compatibility: Verify sensor-gateway protocol compatibility.

Maintenance: Regularly check gateway storage and system logs, updating firmware as needed.

Conclusion

The combination of ARM Edge Gateways BL340 and Node-RED provides an efficient, flexible solution for building heating monitoring. The robust hardware of ARM Edge Gateways and Node-RED’s visual programming enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and remote management, supporting energy efficiency and intelligent building management. For further optimization or hardware recommendations, provide additional project details!

Download the environment from Node.js

Enter the node.js official website

Click Download in the navigation bar to download the node.js version we need.

Click the selection box behind Get Node.js® and select the version we need to download. Here we choose v20.19.1 (LTS)

We install it through the binary package. We select the Linux version below the instruction installation box. Because BL410 is the ARM64 version, we select the corresponding version and click Standalone Binary (.xz) to download the binary package.

Unzip the environment package

Use a USB flash drive to copy the installation package to the device. There is a script in BL410 that automatically mounts the USB flash drive. We use ls to view the installation package in the USB flash drive.

create a Node folder in the root directory in advance, and use cp node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64.tar.xz /Node/ to copy the node.js installation package to the Node folder

Enter tar -xvJf node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64.tar.xz to decompress the installation package.

Link operating environment

The unzipped installation package will generate a node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64 folder in the /Node folder

Enter cd node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64/bin to enter the bin folder. At this time, we can see four files, namely corepack node npm npx

Use ln -sf to create link files ln -sf /Node/node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64/bin/node /usr/bin/ and ln -sf /Node/node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64/bin/npx /usr/bin/ and ln -sf /Node/node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64/bin/npx /usr/bin/

Enter node -v and npm -v to verify whether the node.js and npm package management tools are installed successfully. The version number indicates that the installation is complete.

Install Node-Red

Use the command npm install -g --unsafe-perm node-red to install node-red.

Run Node-Red

After node-red is installed, enter ls and we can view the node-red file

Use ln -sf /Node/node-v20.19.1-linux-arm64/bin/node-red /usr/bin/ to create a link

Enter node-red to verify the software installation environment.

Using node-red

Open the browser and enter the device IP + 1880 in the browser address bar to access

When the browser now opens Node-red, the installation is complete.