rlbarras

On a recent startup I had a problem with a concept application. We are using Version 2.6 XL SR1,a,b,c -I opened the concept file and deleted six program sections (Funstion Block) while being offline. -After deleting these section the program was left with over 500 unused tags/variables. -Attempting to delete the tags would result in the an error message "Definition of Datatype does not exist" (see attached image). The error would corrupt and lockup the program to the point where almost all concept functions were locked out. -Attempts were made to delete the tags in smaller groups or segments with no success at avoiding the error. I even tried doing periodic saves and backing out and re-opening concept between deletions. None of this avoided the error message and the program corruption. -The only way I was successful in removing the tags was to delete about half of the tags (about 200 or so), and export the program to an .asc file. -I rebuilt the program by importing the .asc file and continued deleting tags without error this time. -I was notified after I left the job site that the app lost a portion of its IO Map in the program configuration, but only part of it. It retained the CPU and NOE cards, but no IO cards. -I assumed that through the exporting and importing of the .asc file that the program's configuration was corrupted. I never back checked the IO Map after I rebuilt the program since I've never known the backup process to result in a configuration loss. -I helped to the guys on site to correct the issue and the problem was resolved. Does anyone have any insight on this issue? My client is particularly upset that we are having software glitches on this high dollar equipment. They have even gone so far as to question the quality of engineering skill (my skill). I need to pin point this issue and I beleive its a fault in concept. I apologize, but I am not able to post the program itself on the internet due to confidentiality issues. Thanks in advance.

Sorry I never got back... We cut it over yesterday, I've been offshore at the site since thursday, and yesterday we got a chance to bring the rack down. So, I guess it was a mute point, but I wanted to know if could've been done. All is well and running!!!!... Thanks.

Its configured for a 1/2 rack and this would be the fourth base/module. If I were to attempt this, I guess I should plug the base in first then clamp down the module? You think it can damage the existing components?

Can you add a module to a flex io rack while the bus online (processor in RUN)? I know its never recommended to do this, but some families of PLC/Cards are "Hot Swappable"... I have a Prosoft MV194 module I need to add to a remote flex io rack (from a PLC-5). I can't take the bus offline at this time.... so, has anyone ever had experience with this or knows if it can be done? This particular module is externally power, so I'm hoping someone tells me yes. The manual does say "do not install while powered", but I'm not sure if its talking about its external power or bus power... help!!

I beleive its RTU, Slave and function code 03. I do not have the Moore in hand. I will have it Monday and will know for sure. But ok, I was not aware that Prosoft had sample codes on there site. I'll do some clicking around later. I might just have to re-visit this next week since I dont have all the equipment right now. I was really looking to just get pointed in the right direction as far as where to start.

The Flex I/O rack has some I-O cards that are connected to the 1794-ASB I/O Adapter which is connected back the the PLC-5. The client purchased the Flex I/O prosoft module thinking that we can install it into that rack and link it. But anyway, yes, I need to get the PLC-5 to talk to a modbus device (a Moore Controller), but there is no room in the PLC-5's rack for another card.

I have a MVI94-MCM Flex I/O Prosoft module that needs to be programmed. The Flex I/O rack is being used as remote I/O for a PLC-5 back at the control building. In other words there is no Flex I/O processor. I have never programmed a prosoft card before nor this type of Flex I/O setup. Can anyone help with this or have some kind of sample code that I can use to go off of? I really just need some help getting started. Thanks.

Good Advice... I'm coming in on the back end of this system, but as I get more into it, I will get this code documented better.

Its RIO, but the way its setup, I already tried it and it works well. Thanks for the advice

oK i'm gonna try it. That sounds like it will work perfect. Thanks for the help.

This should be an easy one for you guys. I have a timer address, T4:2, the timer base is 1.0, how do I display that timer in the Panelview. The operator needs to see when this thing times out, and its giving me hell trying to display it. I guess I'm not setting up the tag correctly. I'm using a PLC 5/30 and a Panelview 1400 with Panelbuilder 1400e. I know what ya'll are thinking, but yeah my clients aren't ready to upgrade their equipment yet.

Ok I got it fixed and it was apparently a rookie mistake. The target path was set correct as well as the deivce shortcuts. The problem was on the communications tab. On the left menu at the bottom, there is an Application Tab and a Communication Tab. Because I did not add the DH485 Driver on the Communication tab, it would not work. I can't say I really understand the logic behind this, since again the target paths were all setup correctly. Anyway, its working.. thanks

Ok, this is killing me. I download my app to the panelview (same exact runtime file as used on three other units with no problem), the app goes through, the unit restarts, but will not communicate with the PLC. I am using the Panelview Plus 1500 with the DH485 comm module installed. I have three units that are all giving me the same problem (six units all together, three work, three dont). It seems as though none of the three units are recognizing the comm module. When the app starts, normally I should see the green leds light up on the module. This is not the case. Its just dead. When I look at the terminals configuration no DH485 drivers are listed in the RSLink Communications screen. I stumped the local sales Rep, he's no help, and the client is expecting these units later this week. Any advice is appreciated.

Yeah I guess you could say that. Thanks for the info, I'm loading 5.20 now... and no there aren't any Solar Turbines on this particular site, possibly on other sites, but that's not in my scope right now. Something I should know?

Ok, I didnt mean to start a contraversy. I agree that the latest and greatest is best, but the Client I'm working for has several offshore sites all running old PLC5s with and have standardized on version 5.00.01. I'm doing a small upgrade for them at ONE site, we don't want to upgrade all of the platforms to a new version to integrate a small chunk of equipment at one. Its just not feasible, ergo I just needed some feedback on the best way to do this using my XP machine. Worst comes to worse I will just partition my laptop and load NT on it. I'll try version 5.20 first though and see what happens. Thanks for the advice.