waterboy

I did get the word from Rockwell that running an older version on VMware is the only option for these older FW revisions. Thanks to all.

I have no doubt this subject is beaten to death - But I have to buy a new laptop - Probably a toughbook CF 52 - But my question is about the interfaces used. Most new laptops come with win7, no serial port and no PCMCIA slot. This model has the serial port and the PCMCIA slot but since it is also Win7 I will no doubt have an issue with the PCMK card. XP will not be supported forever so its time to consider what the options are to communucate with older PLC5's and SLC's using DH+ and RSLinx communications under Win 7. I am aware of the Ethernet to DH+ converter that is available but I would like to keep this simple and within the confines of the laptop if possible.

I have one of those I bought a couple years ago and I made work on win7 by gutting most of win7's interface candy, but it was still "iffy". That was several iterations of RSLinx ago when Rockwell said it wouldnt work and I had more time on my hands. so I'll try that again. But it looks like the adaptor is not going to be the only problem. Attached is the compatibility matrix and while I expected that I would have problems with DH+ support, it looks like even the newer hardware is not yet fully supported. V19 is the only Win7 supported version of Logix. Here's hoping that they will patch V15 and up. I have a piece of hardware on v15 that I can't update. SupportMatrix.xls

I need a PID for dummies video :) I've see the calcs and the models done by MIT grads, but there has to be a "cliffs notes" version.

I created my first PIDE and it worked with PID of 5,0.1,0 values. I played with other values and now the PID appears stuck with zero output. What newbie mistake did I make here?

This link may help: http://forums.mrplc.com/index.php?showtopic=7138

Is there a benefit or detriment in tying the windup output bits into the windup input bits.

Would have replied sooner but site was down from here. I checked those bits. Auto, ProgProgReq, ProgAutoReq are all Set at 1 (you suggest setting to manual ??). I can change PV and I see that CV shows the change but CVEU it stuck at Zero. Limits are set at 2 and 14 EPercent shows an error value that changes based on my SP so the block is processing, but the output remains Zero. This was working until I messed with the PID values to see what they would do. Update: I read that a PID MUST be placed in a periodic task and while I can see why that could affect a heavily loaded processor, I dont see why this would affect its function. But I recreated it in a 1000ms periodic task. Its working again but it could be simply because I created another one. Still looking for other possibilities...

I do this as well and I really like it I think the A/B PN is USB-DONG. It was around $90 US. Rumor has it that any USB stick that uses a unique Serial number will work. You just transfer your FT Licensed to that dongle. Reliability becomes an issue at that point.

If thats true for FT Licensing. please post details. While I have no reason to suspect it is not possible, not many memory sticks are serialized (or reliable enough) to do this . If AB is now supporting this, I would love to know the details. I still suspect that they wil only "Support" thier USB stick for anything but the older floppy based licensing.

I would agree with that. I set mine up so that a series of important values is cycled through the screen. Its real;ly useful in a pinch which is what I wanted, but it wouild be hard to work with for long. You also can't control the backlight LED programmatically. I wanted it to light up when I opened the cabinet door but that isnt possible.

You have to use the ST registers as a source for the string you want to display.

... and crippled. the Kepware plug-ins wont work with RSLinx Enterprise.

To add to Pauls post, there can be a issue where a switch's redundancy is turned on (typically using a manufacturer specific proprietary signaling technique) and if another switch on the segment is set to use spanning tree (prevents loops from creating packet storms) the combination will produce uncertain results. As an example, a Hirschman switch set to "redundant ring" with another Hirschmann switch within the ring set with spanning tree turned on will simply shut down the segment between them... sometimes. If the switches aren't the same manufacturer who know how either would behave. Just more fuel for the thought process...

PLC-5 is the platform. I'll give that a lash, thanks. Can the entire ascii table be entered that way?

How can I send the extended ascii character [ALT+01] (Smiley Face or SOH command) out the serial port? I can send strings all day but I need that sequence and cant figure out how to get it into the ST register

I have a LONG DH+ run along a LONG length of pipe underground. This doesn't happen very often but if there is lightning in the area the DH+ ports on the PLC's of both ends will usually get destroyed along with the KE module also connected to it. Is there a device available that will protect the PLC hardware DH+ port from this induced voltage like there is for antennas? [update: ] Solved my own problem, Rockwell KB article G15914 shows several vendors. Should have tried that first.

The search for enlightment can take many forms . . .

is bootp still enabled in the config?

I need to extend the 15 pin connector on the front of several 5/20E's because the ethernet adaptor is in the way of the memory slot. I can use a standard cable but I would like to use the proper AB attachment clip style if they aren't too proud of it. Anyone know if such a cable exists? Or what those ends with the clips are called? This cable only has to be a foot long.

Now that I have seen that AUI cables include that slider I had a little trouble finding them under 6 foot long but I did at PIMFG.com for about $9.00

Update. I found it called an AUI cable (which makes sense considering thats what it is for) but a vendor wants $100 each cable. I'll keep looking.

That sure looks like it. Thanks

Doh!~

a precision (1%) 250 Ohm resistor accross the input terminals will give you 2-10 V for 4-20ma. You can then scale that range in the ML1400.