Paul B

Wow, you are even newer than me. I'm not even a sparky yet.

I've not done this before with CPU's but I've done a bit with devices on Profibus like drives, encoders, I-O, etc. For your question #1 the reason you get the SF light is because you added a Profibus slave that it cannot talk to. Profibus is a hardware level thing, doesn't matter about your OB1 program. Well it does for data transfer but there are different levels of LED blinking lights so read the manual. Not sure why you'd get the light when PLC is in stop mode. But positive about what I just said about it being independent from the software program. I'm sure there will be others that will contribute.

You guys need to get a room. [American humor, please pardon.] I have some good code for setting PLC clock from HMI if you need it.

I'm late but what the hey. It is for this reason I write my own counter instruction in an FC with input & output parameters. The instruction is very simple and uses integer addresses. I'm sure you can picture it in your head... When input turns on, add a 1 to accumulated as long as accumulated is less than preset. Next rung compares accumulated to preset and if GE, turns on done output. Last rung resets the accumulated when reset input turns on.

On the Quickpanel the IP address is set on the unit itself, in the Windows CE operating system. For the PLC you set the IP address in the hardware configuration. The first time I download to a new PLC I use the serial connection. This is the Horner SNP adapter. The download settings are available in the window at the bottom left when you select the target. So for me, I select the target then look at window on bottom left. Set interface to COM1. Download hardware configuration. Then you should be able to ping the plc and then you can change to Ethernet for your target.

I used AB and GE and then started doing Siemens S7-300 in '99. It was quite a learning curve as the software was more complex. But with complexity comes power! After the first year of programming Siemens I became very comfortable with it - but it took a year. In the past ten years I have come to prefer the Siemens software and hardware over AB and GE. As with any tool, it is about what feels comfortable to you. You should know, already been stated: The S7-200 package is different software than the 300. I will say that if you can use it - do so. It's not going anywhere soon. Yes the S7-1200 is out but the 200 will be around for a while. The S7-200 software is awesome - best micro plc software around if you ask me. Program Edit in Run Mode!!! Another poster in this thread said the Siemens S7-300 was better for reusable code and then the AB guys countered with the Add On Instructions. Well I've used both and the Siemens is better in my opinion. With Siemens I can put all the code for a process in individual blocks, DB's, FC's, FB's, whatever. Then when that process (machine) has to be copied to another program or duplicated it is very simple to move or copy the blocks. The Add-On instructions give you code portability but you still need the tags. With Siemens the tags are in a Data Block that is just as portable as the code. Now Siemens has its shortcomings - every programming package does. For me, the pros outweigh the cons and it is my preferred platform. The last thing I will say is that when you have the opportunity to try something new, it could be a good thing. Your customer spec gives you the chance to try it out for yourself. Particularly on a simple application you know like the back of your hand.

What a thread... I'm such a geek I really enjoyed it. It was very nice to see many people here. I don't have much to add, it has pretty much been covered. This is my take. There is no substitute for a folding table and chair. I see people programming in awkward positions and there is no way I can do that. I require a table and chair to do quality work. This makes a huge difference in success. I also take a Rubbermaid 2x4 cart with me everywhere. I drive a minivan you see! So when I unload I pull a big grey Rubbermaid cart out the back and then stick a polymer 2x4' table on top with a PADDED folding chair. Then I put my laptop case on top. 50-foot dropcord on the bottom. I use a large contractor toolbag to store all my cables, that goes on the bottom. All cables are folded into 14-16 inch lengths and wrapped with two rubber bands. When the rubber bands wear out I replace them, keep a bag of rubber bands in the van. That pretty much sums up all laptop and comms issues in a plant. The Rubbermaid cart is one you've all seen, it has a handle at one end and a cupholder and trays. You can find them for around $200 on the net. When I need to go from panel to panel (remember when there were no networks?) then I collapse the folding table and put it face up and set the laptop on top. Folding chair on the bottom so I can take it with me, wheel from panel to panel. There is no substitute for comfort. You must have a folding table and chair with you when you go for programming. Forget that standing up and your back aching - you will not do the same job as if you have the table and chair. But then I've always been a wussy. LOL If you are dealing with Ethernet networked devices in close proximity a wireless router is very cool. Just set it up yourself and you can be wireless online to your systems during startup. Be sure to configure security so the IT guys won't hold that over your head.

Don't you mean brown for positive and blue for 0vdc? The reason I remember it is our panels always use blue for 24vdc (as posted above) and when I use a European sensor it stands out that the blue is the 0vdc, the brown is the +24vdc.