RussB

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Posts posted by RussB


  1. I have no clue, but if it were my system I would insist on a software upgrade as version 7.00 is currently shipping. If that will not fly: Do a "clean" uninstall of the software (KB12350: Machine Edition Uninstall Checklist ) re install and add the latest update(s) for the version being installed.

  2. Maybe it would not surprize you to know that a lot of newer PLC/PAC processors are Linux based OS's. They are proprietary in most cases but that is how it is relatively easy to do web publishing and other hosting type of activities. Wind River does a fair amount of this development.

  3. Your suspicions are correct, the 644 number is the best you will get in the CPU331, the CPU350 and above have Floating point capability. An alternative would be to parse the data into two INTs, putting the 6 in one and the 44 in another, but I don't know how that would help in your log. In the PV, can you use a script to put the "6.44" value into an internal variable, then log it instead of the PLC value? You could always upgrade the PV to a nice new QuickPanel View. :)

  4. Keep It Simple. - Start by outlining a simple Sequence of Operations on paper. - Write the logic to control the process, leaving out any and all diagnostics. - Make notes on needed/wanted diagnostics in your paper outline, nothing fancy. - If possible simulate the control sequence for verification. - Begin adding the diagnostics, put these in a separate Block or subroutine if possible, this keeps the 'control' simple. Of course some of these will need to interact with the control blocks. Of course there are hundreds of other valid ways to begin. HTH

  5. Write GEIP an email and find out who your "Channel Manager" is, then report your distributor to that person. The Channel Manager may be able to explain it to you in a way that is better understood. In summary, to get free software updates you need a current GlobalCare contract, without it you can still purchase the update. This is not the case to purchase hardware updates, all they need is a PO and a part number, for the CPU331 PROM chip it is 44A731232 which is Version 8.40. Just checked and GEIP has at least 25 in stock and sell them for $111.00 (USD in NA) ea.

  6. I know almost nothing about Panelview, so not sure what to say here, other than leave it at %I161. BTW, you may want to remind management that their competitors who are keeping their technology up-to-date will eventually out pace you to a point-of-no-return.

  7. First: It is likely a quirk of the CPU331, its memory tends to get fragmented when doing multiple run mode changes. Stop the CPU once in a while to download and/or clear the CPU before downloading after doing many run mode changes. The CPU331 has not been available for about 10 years but if you have the latest version it will be fine, double check that. If not the latest, you should update it by purchasing a PROM chip or better yet, trade it in for a new IC693CPU350. Or trade in the old CPU and old Ethernet module for a new IC693CPU372. Second: Why a "new" system with a near 15 year old CPU? All addresses used as coils in the PLC will over write the same address used in the HMI, use two different %M bits for your buttons and parallel them in logic. If you change the IP address of the PLC the HMI will not be able to write or read any addresses, unless it has a serial cable and driver installed. Hopefully the advice you get here is worth its cost. :)

  8. One of the biggest differences is that the PAC is a dedicated control which usually uses a dedicated programming platform. With the best of the lot one has at least 5 programming languages to choose from. The GEIP PAC gives you the 5 EIC-61131 programming environments plus 'C' Blocks. Being dedicated there are certain liabilities built in that are not necessarily available with an SBC running a standard OS like Windows or Lynux. Yes there are trade offs so choose the platform that best fits your project. Generally a PAC makes more sense for the one-off or low volume systems and the SBC for an OEM who needs to clone hundreds of systems.

  9. Attached is an undocumented "feature" in GEIP PLC's that allows one to Download and run your logic but as of today there is no way to upload the logic from the processor. This does not use any passwords, just logic. Be careful with it, there is no workaround or backdoor, AFAIK. There is no guarantee that this will never change, but as of today there are no plans to "fix" it. GEIP_Upload_Lock.zip

  10. 1. Start QuickDesigner.(Optionally use Proficy Machine Edition View software). 2. Connect the cable from the round Din connector on the QuickPanel to the 9 pin serial port on your computer. Cable number HMI-CAB-C49. 3. In the QD software select 'Project > Upload'. (This is prerequisite to the developer downloading the project for future upload to this QP.) 4. Make your edits. 5. select Project Download. 6. now archive your project by selecting 'Project > Export' (This is the file to import into Proficy ME above.)

  11. You can re-create this in VB or do as The Wizard suggests and use the Windows CE built in User Accounts. they integrate very nicely into the QuickPanel View platform. There are examples in "Samples" within the Proficy ME development software package.

  12. I suggest that you call a near by integrator and hire them to do this for you. Maybe they will let you watch and learn. Else. Collect all of the manuals and installation instructions for each component, read them and follow their recommendations. Come back here with specific questions if you run into problems that you do not understand.

  13. If you work for a large company with a strict software policy, if there is the potential, or capability to run more than one OS at the same time, your legal department, and Microsoft's will tell you that you need a separate license for each. You may be able to get around this by keeping your images on an external HDD and load just the ones that you are using. But again this is subjective and open to interpretation, you will need to decide. On the Windows 7 Pro thing, I like it because it is quick, easy and has support from Microsoft. I have several images on my laptop and more on the external HDD, of course they are all XP. Do an internet search and you will find many variants and other virtual OS wrappers, including Linux system with DOS and Windows running in virtual mode. Have fun. :)

  14. Not with that trend object alone, it is "Quick" not flexible. Log the data, changing the 'Default Path' of the log file, in the 'properties' of the 'Logging Group' that you setup. There you can specify how often to log and how long to keep the data. You then change the 'Logging' parameter of the variables to log to this 'Logging Group'. You will likely need to write a script or two to manipulate these files, and/or to map the Compact Flash drive to view them from the network using the offline trending application that comes with Proficy ME. The online help files of PME will help with this.

  15. The IC200SET001, by its self will not give you a connection, but you can put one on each PLC and tie them into the plants intranet allowing you to VPN to them. Your friendly IT department can help with this.

  16. In Proficy ME go to the section of your 'Target' labeled 'PLC Acess Drivers'. Here you select the Protocol Driver that matches the one that you want to use in the PLC. I suggest that you use the "OPC Driver" instead of the "Native" drivers whenever possible.