TimWilborne

While becoming more obsolete as an example due to network interfaces, used to you would programm a numeric BCD display at the word level instead of the bit level since you are using them together to display a number

The SLC 5/03's RJ45 (Ethernet looking) port is not an Ethernet port.  It is an RS485 port.  Try to do that and you may end up burning up the Ethernet device you are connecting to or the SLC 5/03's port, it has 24VDC on it. Since you mention wireless, how about two wireless serial adapters?  You could also use two 1761-NET-ENI modules to put them on Ethernet if the DB9 bottom port is available.

Is the red fault light flashing or solid?

There are various exercises here for free that may be helpful http://www.theautomationstore.com/articles/#plc

Unfortunately it isn't as easy as a memory card slot. I have a laptop I send out along with a cell modem that I teamviewer into.

The probability is high that you wouldn't be able to login to a processor with a solid fault light. It means that there is a physical problem with the processor. If it is flashing then it is likely in the communications configuration. Do you have an offline copy of the program?

Also is the fault light solid or flashing?

There would have been a better chance at someone helping you if you had show what you had tried then asked for help instead of offering a $12...then $50 bribe, both of which are insulting to almost all of our time.

If you'll try it yourself then you be making much more than $12 in 30 minutes when you get out.

Posting you program will probably give the specific reason, but lots of time you will see one Ethernet card used for HMI and programming access and the other used for connections to Ethernet devices.  Also while they may be on the same physical network they could be on two separate IP networks...192.168.1 vs 100.99.88.  Sometimes I would say it is overkill but it could have to do with the number of connections. Each Ethernet module is only capable of so many connections so adding multiple modules can increase the maximum number of connections

If a drive doesn't have phase loss protection or there is a way to disable it then yes, a drive can run roughly at roughly 1/2 the hp rating on single phase.  Some drive even have single phase ratings.  The Automation Direct GS2 drives we use in our VFD control panels have single phase ratings up to 3 hp though I've build Hitachi units up to 50hp single phase. Here is another way to make three phase from single phase.  I don't use it for testing control systems but I've heard of a lot of backyard machine shops using these.  I've built one to test and it works surprisingly well. http://www.theautomationstore.com/3-phase-electrical-power-from-single-phase/

It is still single phase so you can't run the drives but they usually will power up.

I'll have to write up a wiring diagram for this. It is my test transformer that I feed 120VAC and can switch between 240 and 480 with a selector switch for testing controls.

They would need to be in the same IP range to communicate with one another unless you used a router to coordinate packets in between them.

The 1100s can do messaging in between each other.  Given the preference I usually choose the 1400 mainly because of its additional expansion module capabilities but if your I/O count isn't an issue then the 1100 should do just fine.

There are several examples of how to sequence machine steps at the following link including an SQI SQO example http://www.theautomationstore.com/sequencing-machine-steps-in-an-allen-bradley-micrologix-plc/

You are going to get tons of varying opinions on this. I my opinion is it is like comparing two car brands.  You may have a preference, but they both with do the job just fine.  I think the question you have to ask is what are you dissatisfied about your current PLCs that you think the new ones will solve and are you prepared for support both brands during the transition plus are you prepared to retrain those involved on the new brand?

Post your file here and someone can probably convert it for you.

Just to clarify, the encoders are loosing their MAC address (super strange) or IP address? What is the part number of the encoders?  If you mean IP is the IP configuration set to static or dynamic?

I agree it's a legit question. Just be careful that it doesn't go down the slippery slope. Rockwell keeps an eye out for threads like this and we get in trouble if it turns towards password hacks.

That one is only going to be able to be addressed by Rockwell Support.  We can't discuss passwords here.

Plus the built in cell is a negative. That means you have to change them out when the next cell standard comes our as opposed to changing the USB modem only. Still plenty of CBR400s out there so I'm not in a hurry to switch.

I use a Cradlepoint CBR400 and a 24VDC to 12VDC convertor. Cradlepoint has obsoleted then so I'm hoping someone else will step in with a similar product. It is a single port Ethernet and USB device with wireless. So you can not only connect wirelessly to a machine but you can use a USB cell modem to connect to your machine also.

Still need more definition of "access".  What do you want to do between the two sites once they are connected?  Is their line of site, do both have internet, etc.   At five miles options that come to mind is beaming a signal point to point, a VPN tunnel through the internet, or tunneling through a cell service.

Great to hear. Thanks for reporting back!