Dr. Kindorf

I have a facility where we have D2-260 PLC's installed for purposes of control and monitoring of equipment and processes. In the same facility there is a separate system that consists of several WIN PLC's that are connected to a Think 'N Do SCADA system for purposes of monitoring and trending various processes. We would like to give them access to our PLC's so that they can also read our process values ( i.e. memory registers) for the same purpose of trending data. I have not worked in any real depth with Think 'N Do, so I do not know if this can be done with PLC's other than Win PLCs. We have D2-260 CPU's and ECOM100 Ethernet modules in each backplane , and all of our PLC's are on the same physical network as the Think 'N Do PC. I believe that in TND software you would typically select a device to add, select the particular communication protocol for the device and then set up its particular parameters (such as IP address, etc.). I have a demo version of Think 'N Do, but it will only target Win PLCs in demo mode. Is what I describe possible, or would I have to install Win PLCs in each of our backplanes, and if so, could someone explain the necessary steps to allow them to access our CPU's so that I may properly outline it for them? A follow-up to this post: Using the Think 'N Do PC at the site, I was able to easily able to communicate with the standard D2-260 PLC's by simply adding a Modbus TCP Node, linking the PLC's to it, and reading the V memory addresses in Modbus. Thanks rlp122 for responding...

I have a project where I need to control water pressure by using a VFD and Transducer for the pump. I have used the Koyo PLCs and GS drives extensively, but I one thing I haven't had the occasion to program with either a Koyo PLC or a GS Drive is a PID control. As you know there is always a little learning curve writing a PID operation for different models of equipment, and I have to get this up and running fairly quickly. Would anyone perhaps have a PID routine for this type of control written up for either of these they wouldn't mind sharing? I have a PLC that I will be used for control and signaling, so the function can either be in the drive or the PLC. Thanks...

Problem solved... The version I have on my desktop PC didn't work, but the version I have on my laptop did the conversion with no problem(even though they show that they are the same). Go figure...

I have an EZ-Touch Screen that has failed, and I am replacing it with a C More screen. I have the EZ Touch program saved with Ez Touch Software version 3.14-A, which should convert to a C More *.eap file, but it will not. Anybody know what the issue may be, or if has had any luck doing the conversion?

I inherited a machine project that has a Mitsubishi FX1s, and is connected to an HMI that was fitted with the machine in China. Apparently they didn't test the machine before it left, because the control transformer was connected backwards,and as a result incinerated most of the controls. Here is my dilemma: I have built new controls for the machine however; the data I need to determine the original scaling info for a length encoder on the machine is in the HMI, and I have no software to retrieve it. If they hadn't already built their product database around the original scaling parameters written to the PLC, I could just easily start over, but without knowing the DDIV variables that the HMI sends, it would be very difficult to match the exact scaling they have utilized . The HMI is called a "TouchWin" Model OP320, manufactured by Xinje Electronics. Does anyone know where I may obtain a copy of the software for one of these HMI's? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I had actually checked out the Theben clocks before, however at the time only the 4 channel clocks were available in the U.S. It appears that the 16 channel units are now available. I have the Obliesk software,and it is very easy for a novice to program. I'll check with the rep, if they're in stock they will do the trick.Thanks for prodding my memory.

I currently have two applications that require control of certain plant operations by time and date. What is required is a PC database that would write ASCII code to a PLC to control machine on/off times from multiple schedules written by the Plant Manager according to date,shift schedules,and holidays.(Basically, a text based electronic time clock with 10 or 12 time channels) The program does not require any other function other than an easy set of fields for the Plant Manager to fill in as required for scheduling. I have written similar things with Access, however a rather large crush of projects does not allow me the time to do much more than try to find something to plug into the system. They are currently using standard electronic time clocks, but their programming requirements are rather tedious for the plant manager to change on a regular basis. Does anyone know of an application available that is specifically written for time control?

Hello, I just noticed your post regarding the long range ethernet installation you need. The best product I've used for this is manufactured by RAD Data. They make an VDSL modem that is specifically designed for what you are doing. Go here: http://www.rad.com/Article/0,6583,30487-4_...L_Modem,00.html I've run a full 10MB with these over 3.5 miles of some of the worst POTS wire you've ever seen, with rock solid transmission. These units are also Opto-isolated on both RX and TX, so noise immunity is very high. If the phone lines have station protectors at each end (or at least one end) high voltage transients or line overvoltages shouldn't be a problem. Since they use FSK transmission format, they are pretty well immune to analog induction or digital crosstalk. Regards, Dr. Kindorf

Mr. Sleepy,I checked out the Demo Software for the Theben clock...it's exactly what I was looking for...Simple and flexible GUI, with an editable holiday scheduler. Thanks for the info...

Thanks for the info Mr. Sleepy..I've actually looked at a few programmable timers, however most of them seem limited to one or two channels and still require the uninitiated to have a fair list of programming instructions in front of them . An example of what I'm encountering is , for instance, I currently have a plant that needs a main boiler to come on along with varied sets of circulating pumps throughout the plant to come on a couple of hours before a shift to allow the machinery to warm up, and at the shift's end,shut off the boiler, but allow the pumps to run for two hours to cool off the machines.( In addition, controlling the air compressors and the lighting would be a bonus) I am doing this very easily right now with a two circuit time clock( which being only two circuit still limits me to controlling the boiler with one time channel, and having to turn on all of the plant equipment together with the other channel) whose contacts are connected to a PLC, which provides the proper start and stop intervals to the respective motor starters. This is all fine until the Plant Manager wants to change the schedules. It is then that the typical user unfriendliness of an electronic time clock comes into play. A simple PC screen that would display a menu of date and time to control the loads would be so much more foolproof. I'm thinking of writing a link to the PLC with an Access database,but for such a simple function is still a bit of work. Maybe it just has to be done...

Hello, Is anyone aware of a PC based app that has a date and time GUI that can drive discrete outputs according to times and dates programmed in a calendar format? Something similar to a PC based energy management system, but a little simpler for the end user. I have several applications where a customer just wants to schedule certain equipment to start up or stop on certain days at certain times. I could write something for a PLC with an HMI using clock tags, however that is a bit of work just for a simple calendar program. Mostly what they use now are multichannel electronic time clocks, however if any of you have used them, you know they are a bit convoluted and I usually have to go out to the customer's site and reprogram them after they have totally confused themselves setting them. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dr. Kindorf

My question was pretty much a 99% didn't think so, so I've pretty much already planned to pick up the card. Thanks...

I have a machine with a 5/04 processor that will not connect with a PC using the normal DF-1 connection through the serial port. The machine was built with a panelview connected to the serial port, so there may be an issue there. I just need to get the program downloaded so that I can reconfigure it , but being unable to use the serial port I need to connect through the DH+ port Short of using a variety of DH-485 link couplers and other hardware, has anyone used a 1747-pic, mabye with a little rewiring to supply 24V from the PLC, to connect to the CH1 485 port on the 5/04 through the PIC to a PC? ( Or any other ideas requiring a minimum of hardware?)

Yes, the driver is for an FX2n, and I have connected it through the RS-422 Port. I even put my oscilloscope on the RS-422 to check bit transition, which it has, but it still won't communicate

David, I think I have a complete Mitsubishi Communications Referenece Manual around somewhere. I'll look for it. An alternative, (instead of buying an SC-06 232 to 422 converter) would be to get a less expensive 232 to 422 converter from B+B Electronics (www.bb-elec.com) I'll let you know if I can find the manual