Hello everyone, any input will help and be greatly apreciated, I am starting up a new project and was requested by my client to run everthing I can on Profilbus, the initial cost of running all transmitters and discreat devises can be very costly in an explosion proof area so ...
I will be using a Rockwell CompactLogix system with a L42 processor and a Prosoft Tech Profibus Master scanner.
My 1st question is which one do I use - the DPV1 PS69 Master or the MVI69 PDPMV1 master, why and what is the difference between the 2.
I will have about 14 TXs (PT, TT, LT FT), 6 control valves, 10 solinoide valves, 3 motor drives, and 3 contact motors - all within 40 feet of each other and 100 feet from the main Control Panel.

All other feedback or thoughts will be considered, I have allready looked at Profibus cources, E&H are charging me $3500 for 4 days of classes - seems steep ( yes?, no?), maybe good for me in the long run ....

Anyway thanks

I usually don't recommend CompactLogix for a 1-controller system, just because your expandability is limited and you're not benefitting a whole lot from the economies of scale. I also really like the "CIP Connect" feature that allows your FDT-based configuration tools to route through a ControlLogix network and backplane.

I'd recommend the newer of the two Prosoft Profibus DP master modules, the "PS69-DPM" unit, because it has the FDT-based configuration tool and is most likely to be the platform Prosoft does their future development on.

Remember that your scanner module is using Profibus DP, while most process transmitters use Profibus PA. The protocols are largely the same, but the physical layer of wire is different. An interface device is going to be necessary in at least one location in your network.

I'd say those classes will be worth every penny; since you are working in a hazardous atmosphere environment, your understanding of intrinsic safety and explosionproofing with regard to communications networking is crucial to your technical success and the safety of those working around your systems.

Another approach you may wish to consider is the 1788HP-EN2PA standalone network gateway, which interfaces directly from EtherNet/IP to Profibus PA. I have found it very easy to use.

Profibus has been around long enough to have a well-developed user community, centered around the Profibus Trade Organization. Start reading and learning about Profibus DP and PA on their website, www.profibus.com.

What you won't find is a strong enthusiasm for Profibus in the Rockwell Automation community. Any RA sales or support person has spent a lot of energy competing with Profibus and other Siemens-backed networks and is unlikely to have much experience or stake in getting a Profibus-based system running. When you mix competing technologies, there is necessarily some burden of support and integration that you assume yourself.

I did a system that had profibus on a controllogix. It was a pain. We used a Profi module that was made in canada. They sent us sample code that didn't work. It was difficult getting ahold of them in general for support. And I've heard they were the better company of the 2 that make the profi modules. I think it was Woodhead.

Anyway, you have to reverse your data when it comes in. this might be what Ken was talking about with DP vs PA (I'm sure there is more to it). Like he hinted at, I would stay away from putting competing technologies togther.

But if I were a more positive person I could put it this way: Woodhead did end up sending us code that worked (after 2 weeks). Once I got everything communicating, it was very convenient using the Fieldcare package to troubleshoot our equipment. But that is more cost and time to buy and learn that. we hired a fieldcare tech to come out to the site and work with us.