5p6d

Thanks, I finally figured out that the 'com' terminals tie to 0V, and the inputs are switched to +24VDC.  I've been learning a lot about this thing, and have it running in and out via a simple PLC program, however there are so many parameters in the Motionview (this is on the drive itself, a webpage that you see via the ethernet connection) that I cannot find definitions of.  The manual mentions them and has a vague single sentence description, but nothing more. 

I've got a 300 with Motionview that I'm going to run using the IOD connector with discrete signals.  First time to touch one of these.  I see the pin 29 is enable/inhibit.  I've tried +24VDC, 0v, and nothing and the drive will never 'enable'.  What am I missing?  I've got the the STO where the safety1 & 2 inputs are tied to +24VDC and the commons shorted together.  I tried unshorting the commons.  I tried removing the connector altogether.  I've read the manual, there nothing mentioning 'enabling' other than that pin 29 being high, which obviously doesn't work for me.  Any help?

Haha, there are a very large number of things that annoy me about AB...anyways, turns out the ABCcom pins tie to 0V, but you switch +24VDC to the inputs.  Still haven't found any helpful documentation, the AB manuals, as expected, are useless from an operational standpoint.  Can't get ahold of vendor... There are some "timing diagrams" in the manual, but they are vague an not helpful.

Thanks Joe, yes, I saw that document, it doesn't go into the detail I need.  I've been unable to access the AB support page since I began this project a month ago. 

I need help understanding the indexing and what the drive expects.  I've basically 'jumped' the enable, start index, and another input to move the actuator, but with these inputs active, there is a 3 second or so delay, the shaft cranks about a 1/4 turn and that's it.

Is there a real-time help resource for this thing other than the worthless AB site, on which the support page has been giving an error message for 2 weeks?

Where can I find a reliable and real time support resource?  I cannot find anything online that explains the motionview parameters, what the drive expects, etc.  Anyone??  Beuller?

Hi Ken, This is the first time I've ever touched a servo.  The drive is an AB obviously, but we don't use AB PLCs so I'm trying to control it discretely from a different PLC via dry contacts.  If you're open to me asking questions, some of which are potentially stupid, please email me  at markrheuer@gmail.com.  I've made some progress, more detail via email, don't wanna clog this forum up with unnecessary posts.  Thanks for the reply! Mark

You're right about my attitude....you can understand how frustration sets in.  That's a great idea, thanks.

Looks like pin 29 needs +24VDC and the 'commons' need 0V for the thing to be 'enabled'.

I am looking at some new product designs and would like to find the most efficient way of evaluating my PLC options without going to each manufacturer, and reading a book on each model each has to offer. I have a list of necessary features, and am wondering if there is a company/person whose job it is to do this research for me, or if I can get input here, or if there's a comprehensive spreadsheet already, or if I have to indulge in the aforementioned book reading.

I just started looking at the RSLogix Micro v 8.20.....I'm learning the software adn trying various basic things.....I need a timer...just a regular timer that starts when true and goes for T then turns off. I see only on-delay and aff delay timers.....are these the only 2 timers available in this software?? Hard to believe! mark

Hey I want to print your example program, but the preview shows it as a new page for each section.....is there a way to cram it all on a page or two? None of the print setup pages offer options for 'fit to pages'...

I've been reading about the LCD...very confusing...here's my most basic need: I need to put an on/off switch as a parameter on the LCD for the end user (no pc, no program, etc) to be able to use. Basically, it will say something like 'mode with/without' then allow the user to toggle between 'with' and 'without'. This of course will need to close a NO XIC in the program (with = XIC closed; without = XIC open) I would think L2 source A would be a string "In mode:" (I had to define the ST data file type) L2 source B would display the (mode) data string "with" or "without" based on the input..... L3 source A would be something like "change?" L3 source B would be the answer to 'change?' L4 source A would be 'with' or 'without' which would be a string sitting at an 'ST' defined address L4 source B woudld be the that string (from L4sA) value Not having used one of these, I'm not sure how the thing handles user interfaces...I saw how you can change values, but don't really see how to do an on/off type input. It seems like I need to put a string address in as string data...

Thanks for bearing with me, I'm reading what I can when I can....couple more questions then I'll try to stop asking such stupid questions: I had a function called a 'softkey' in the logo s/w that allowed a parameter to be switched on/off on the plc (buttons on plc were 'hmi' to lcd screen) I could use a NO or NC contact in my ladder based on the setting of that parameter.....can this be done somehow in RSLogix? I'll try and look up the other questions, this is just so much faster! Thanks again!!

ya, I understand the difference between an output and a latch, I'm just a little confused with all the addressing and bit assignments....this software is a little lower level (more detail) and I haven't had to deal with it using seimens or directlogix...

ok, thanks....I think I need all my bits to be discrete.... I have several latching outputs that I use....the LOGO s/w has a box with a set input and reset input. (like an electronic RS latch) Since the latching outputs in the AB are seperated, do I assign the same bit to the latch output and the unlatch output? for example, a latch is set by 3 inputs in series. The same latch is 'reset' by 2 different inputs in series. Do I assign, say b3:0/0 to both the latch o/p and the unlatch o/p or would the latch o/p be b3:0/0 and the unlatch be b3:0/1?

it looks like if I assign an element an address (ex: b3:0/0) then change the bit (say, from 0 to 8) the green info bar goes away, turns black and only shows the new address (as opposed to the address with the description I gave it above the address)

I'm not overly clear on why (someone gave me a very very fast crash course, this was mentioned wihtout much attention), but I drag the inputs/outputs from the Data Files list over to the corresponding element....i guess it somehow sort of assigns it at that point..... Anyways, no problem with inputs and outputs and timers, but what about latch/unlatch functions? I don't really see anything that matches...they are not hard outputs, etc...Also, usually when I 'assign' an input or output, it will turn the name of it green in the ladder and put numbers near it. I have a couple that it didn't do that on...like it didn't accept it as what I was making it, even though it was exactly like the others I did....another thing (sorry) is there an AB version of a temporary memory output? Just like an output but with no physical side.

holy cow, thank you so much! I'll check them out.....I haven't looked yet, but I assume it's possible to display message text on the screen based on circumstantial events?

Oh no, I don't have any problem with it! I think it looks really cool, I just don't know how to use it yet....the fact that there are basically 2 timers that can be configured is awesome.....I rarely if ever use off-delays myself....twisted logic to me....like inverted outputs....

Wow, thanks.....it looks like the top one would stay on for 10s if you held the input on, and the bottom one would do the same, but with a momentary input.... if you switched the bottom one's "timer 2 timing" contact from TT to DN, the light would want to come on after 10s but the input would go away at the same time so it wouldn't come on, right?

ya, I found that thing, the description of how to use the function is a little light on detail......

ok....the TT 'bit' is set when the timer is running.....sort of an accessible accumulator parameter.....TT=accumulator. So, the rung starts TT and it runs until TT=PRESET, and the output DN turns on. This (TT) would be like a regular 'time lapsed' timer..... Using DN gets you the On-delay functionality.... interesting...

Oh please tell me there's a Logosoftcomfort to AB site! :)