Modiconbob

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Everything posted by Modiconbob

  1. You must first be connected to the PLC with the proper cable, then you must "attach" (NXT lingo to begin online communications). Also the PLC must have the memory protect key in the off position and the NXT program must be in Program vs Monitor mode.
  2. AEG plc

    The inputs are designated by the 1 (=I for input) and outputs begin with a 0 (o=O for output) They are continous, but the original programmer isn't forced to make them consceutive, so the second input card may begin with 10017, and probably should, but it may not. It will definately begin with a muliple of 16 though. The programmer has the flexibility to put the addresses most anywhere. You will need to view the "traffic cop" or the I/O map located within the PLC. This will show you the I/O layout. Modsoft is your best bet for programming this unit. Althought it's no longer sold you should be able to locate a copy. Additionally there is Taylor Proworx, Proworx NXT and the latest Proworx 32. Proworx32 is is for sale but is overkill for this unit. Let me know if you need more help.
  3. Have you checked the raw data value coming from your analog input card? I have seen these cards fail with an "offset". Another possibility is that someone or something has overwritten a parameter in the PID2 block.
  4. Modsoft-Micro

    Marjan, Actually I misspoke when I stated that Modsoft would work with the regular Micro-84 it will only function wtih the Micro-984. For the Micro-84 there was a software package called DMC that you could use along with the RS-232 conveter (J-375). On the Micro-984, simply use the Modsoft as with any 984 using Modbus to the 9 pin connecter. There is a compare function where the program within the PLC can be compaired to the offline one.
  5. Yes, the proworx32 demo is very limited. If you'd like I will convert your Modsoft program to proworx32, but you will only be able to view the first 23 networks.
  6. Modsoft-Micro

    Modicon has several products called "Micro".....do you have the part number? Modsoft will only function with the older Micro-84 and the Micro-984, it will not work with the TSX micro.
  7. Modicon 884 PLC

    Crossbow is correct. There are no current programs to view the 884 code. The original method was with the Modicon P190 programming panel and tapes, then Modicon produced some pc based (DOS) software called P190 emulator. Later Taylor produced a pc based (DOS) program specifically for the 884. All of these have long since been obsolete. I have all of the programs and the platforms to run them on. Email me, I can possibly look at your code and get you a hard copy or convert it to 984 ladder.
  8. On the 984-485 the circuitry that controlls the I/O (ourbus) and the comm ports (MB and MB+) is shared. I think that you have a hardware issue here, and the processor should be replaced and repaired. It is true that the Mem/dip switch determines where the setting are read from. Does the MB+ light flash 6 per sec when you connect another MB+ device to the port? This should occur when just two nodes are connected (point to point) unless they are set to the same address.
  9. Modicon 984 685E

    You most likly had an error of some type. Were there any other lights flashing on the processor or other cards? If/when it occurs again, try to log into the processor and get an error code...this will lead you to the problem. Simply cycling power allows the processor to complete a power up reoutine and clear any "soft" errors, with no record of the error.
  10. AEG Modicon PLC Replacement

    All that is trua about the software upgrade, but why do you need to upgrade? Do you require the additional features of the Quantum? If so, then the upgrade to Quamtum wil be fairly easy, even if you only replace the processor, you can can keep the 800 series I/O (with a few adaptors) If not, there is no reason to replace the hardware.....don't let the Schneider salespeople "force" you into something that you don't need. There is PLENTY of support for all of those products that you have there. Good luck!
  11. Hot Standby Question

    Modbus is an RS-232 serial comm link. You cannot "parallel" the connections. They must be isolated with a modem of some type. As mentioned the address' will (if selected to) be offset by 128.
  12. Modsoft to ProWorx32

    I have to agree with crossbow. The "conversion" doesn't change anything in the PLC processor at all.........therefore it should have not made any difference to your application. I suspect that somehow, somewhere in your conversion process, you inadvertantly changed something in one or more of your original PLC programs. Do you still have the original unaltered versions that you had backed up with Modsoft? If so, then I would reload each of your RTU's, one at a time, until the issue goes away, using the ORIGINAL Modsoft program and application software. If that doesn't rectify the issue, you may have other problems not related to your "conversion" process. I have done these software conversions and it is not a straight forward process. They should always done "offline".......... The proworx32 program was apparantly written by an individual(s) that has never used any previous proworx products and possibly never programmed a PLC! Having said that, you just have to "beat" your way through the proworx32 program........The manual that comes with it is poor. There is another downloadable manual that's a little better. Also there are two patches for bugs....patch A and patch B, also downloadable.
  13. Modicon

    This is probably the best way to go (replacing the unit) but there are other options. You could send the PLC top someone (like me) or an integrator and they could reoad your program and start the unit to place it in run. There is also available, floating around, and old DOS verison of what Modicon called P190 replacement software. This would allow you to view, load and staryt/stop your unit. But being DOS........it's a hassle to use.
  14. cognex to 984 plc

    Can't answer that one, I have never used that particular unit. I used to work for Modicon and I know one of my old application engineer buddies that is still there, and he may could help you more. Email me directly and I'll give you his number. bobculley@deltaautomation.com
  15. cognex to 984 plc

    Well I'm glad that you got it all to work! The only other ways to get the info into a 984 are through a ASCII port (rs-232) on a remote I/O interface like a J890/P890. This can be a little cumbersome when using the acsii read/write blocks in ladder logic though. It would however eliminate the need to convert from MB+ to rs-232 though. Not sure if the hassle of the additional programming would be worth it. Another way is, I believe there is an after market 800 series card that takes in bar code data and puts it right on the I/O bus to be retrieved. I don't recall who makes it. Maybe Data Logic? Good luck!
  16. cognex to 984 plc

    You have quite the "cluster" there! I'm not familier with any of the equipment other than the Modicon 785E, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work. That is assuming all is set up correctly. Sounds like you are converting a "read" MSTR command on MB+ to RS-232 via one "box" and then reading the vision system. First, I'd place a dumb terminal type device where the vision system is connected to see if indeeed you are getting a read command converted to the RS-232 port. I'm pretty sure that's where you'll find that you're in trouble.
  17. Modicon PC0085

    What is the number on the card? I may have a replacement or possibly I can repair the one that you have. The software is an old DOS based program which is pretty simple. The unit originnally programmed in boolean via a small snap on panel. Modicon later added this DOS software to make the program appear in ladder logic and allow the user to up/download the program. The kicker is that cable has a built in dongle that is keyed to the software. I have both. I realy don't want to get rid of either though. These units are/have been pretty reliable. Modicon added them to their line in the early 80's to compete with the other manufacturers low cost units. Let me know how I can help.
  18. Remote control

    Do you mean control over the network as in data and I/O? If so, any controller that will communicate MB+, will have that ability through the use of a MSTR programming block. Additionally there is a method of I/O to I/O transfer between MB+ controllers called "peer I/O" which is basically programmed right in the selected controllers traffic cop.
  19. Modicon 984

    Crossbow is correct. There are many types of 984's and they all have some slightly different features and options. I also my have some of the manuals if you can't find them elswhere.
  20. This unit (984-230) was produced by Modicon to replace the original "Micro-84" which was unique in all aspects. It used a special programming panel, a special program pack, and 300 series I/O which were only used on this model. It was not compatiable with any other Modicon processor or system. The "Micro 984-230" was basically a 984 type processor that used the 300 series I/O. Other than that is was just like a 984-380 etc. I could go on about this unit but most have been replaced. If you want to discuss more offline, email me at bobculley@deltaautomation.com and I can tell you more. It programs just like the "slot mount" 984s. You configure it the same way and traffic cop it using the 300 series cards. Any programming software that talks to the slot mount 984s will work on this unit. Hope this gives you some more insight.
  21. This is an early model card. The card it was modeled after would "lock-in" at zero if the value went negative and "lock-in" at 4095 if the value went above 20 mA. However this card does what it is told.......this caused many issues when folks were doing upgrades from the older systems to this card. You must program in logic some limits to prevent this, or use a "newer" model card such as the B875-111. I would still sugest the limits be programmed as someone may later substitute an older card in an emergency and really screw things up.
  22. The 984 230 uses a Modicon W956 cable, the same as a 984-381 through 984-785. The cable pin out should be available from Modicon or you can contact me directly.
  23. Modicon Quantum

    I was employed directly by Modicon for many years. They always have done a POOR job of their software support. Today that is still true. It's way too expensive for the "little" guys. Of course AB just "rents" theirs! They claim that you get several hundred thousand dollars worth of software for "only" about $4K a year! Only $4K.....LOL! Depending upon what Quantum platform that you'll be using, and what functions, you could utilize anything from an old Modsoft version, regular Taylor, Proworx, ProworxNXT, Proworx32 on into Unity. Modicn, Square D, Schneider...whoever, is trying to "force" the user to go to Unity by sharply increasing the prices on the older products and reducing their availability. Maybe this has led to their decline in the market? When you attempt to force your clients to do something, you tend to force them away.
  24. Gamble, It appears that your network itself is OK. I worked for Modicon for over 17 years an still do MB+ network certifications. If all of your testing results are as you say, then the network structure is not the issue. I do have a couple of questions: Are you taking the resisstance reading at each end where the terminator is located? And were the nodes connected or disconnected? Have you looked at the cable system with a TDR? What are the drop cable lengths from the tees? Are they ALL grounded? When you say "the last node", what are you referring to? What do you mean by "drops out"? What types of nodes are on the system? Do you have any bridge-plus devices? Have you monitored the system statistics with MBP Stat? If so, what are the results? If indeed the system structure is OK, there are three other possibilities that we usually run across: A defective piece of hardware ie: CRA that you mentioned. Electrical noise, ie: the grounding question. A "bottleneck" of data due to faulty programmng techniques ie: excessive data paths etc. Let me know if I can be of more help. I'm traveling this week so I may not be able to respond as swiftl as I normally could. If you'd like, you can contact me via my regular email and I'll give you my cell#. bobculley@deltaautomation.com Good luck and let me know what you find! Bob
  25. You should be able to get an error out of the "failed" unit. This should lead you to at least a suspect piece of hardware to swap or replace. Is it always the same cpu, crp and ps that fail?