Tester

Thanks, Scott The CPU21 module has 16 x inputs built in. What I was hoping to do was power everything from 24V DC; set up 16 x switches for inputs, 16 x LED's on the outputs and 4 x variable (by potentiometers) analogue in's; or some variable of this, eg banana socket in/out's, input LED's (green/red), etc. I just thought someone else may already have done this. Cheers

Hi, All I have a CQM1-CPU21, with one OC222 and one AD041 (with power supply) module. I'm in the process of builing a test rig, ie switchable inputs/outs, etc, but then I thought: what if someone's already designed and built the same? So: does anyone have a circuit diagram or a description of such a test box? Cheers

Well, this makes me feel old, too- I'm 48 this year. In my industry (high voltage electrical) in this country, the average age of a technician is 45, with about a 15 year gap to the next "crop". Good for me ($$$), but not so good for the industry. I believe this is a world-wide problem for skilled people in not only my industry. Getting back to being young/medium/old farts, perhaps someone should start a poll in the forum? Back to my Zimmerframe... Cheers

Hi, All Thanks for all the help- I'm finally talking successfully to the PLC. It was my error- really not being familiar with Syswin: at some stage I had reset all Syswin settings to default and so it was attempting to talk to a different PLC model, compounded by my USB to serial port changing from COM3 to COM4. Have a beer on me... on second thoughts, as that's not possible, bask in the glow of my appreciation of your help, next time you're sipping your favourite tipple. No doubt I'll be back! Cheers

Hi, PdL and Sleepy Wombat Sleepy Wombat: Hmm, some discrepancies between what you mention and PdL's diagram. What I have is- PC 1 screen 2 connected to PLC 2 3 connected to PLC 3 4 bridged to PC6 5 connected to PLC 7, bridged to PLC 9 6 see PC 4 above 7 bridged to PC 8, connected to PLC 4, bridged to PLC 5 8 see PC 7 above 9 not used, PLC 1 not used 2 see PC 2 above 3 see PC 3 above 4 bridged to PLC 5, connected to PC 7, bridged to PC 8 5 see PLC 4 above 6 not used 7 bridged to PLC 9, connected to PC 5 8 not used 9 see PLC 7 above. PdL: this is where the Newbie becomes a bit lost. Background information is- the PLC came out of an existing installation (a pumpstation, I think). It has a program in it. It has a peripheral port and an RS232C port- I'm using the RS232. The PLC is standing alone, ie no IO connected. It has a PD026 P/S module, a CPU21 module, an OC222 output module, an AD041 analogue module an an IPS01 analogue P/S module. On powering up the PLC, the LED stati are: PD026 PWR is green CPU21 RUN is green ERR/ALM is unlit COM1 is unlit COM2 is unlit OUT INH is unlit all inputs unlit OC222 outputs 6 and 7 active, others inactive AD041 RDY is green BROKEN WIRE is red 4CH is orange IPS01 PS is green. Hope this helps. Cheers.

Hi, BobB and Pdl Thanks. I have since tried installing Syswin 3.4 on another PC, because my laptop has a USB to serial converter, which I thought could be causing problems. However, the PC (with proper serial ports) reports the same error. PdL: no, no Comms LED's. BobB: I'll have a look in the area you suggested. Your being willing to set up a test is much appreciated. Cheers

Hi, ECSI Thanks. I assume by standard cable, you mean standard or null modem serial. No, I am not using one of these, but rather made one up as per PdL's link and have just checked it for the fifth time... Cheers

Ah, well... BobB: Thanks. Sorry, mate, I don't know what you're getting at, as I can't relate the item you suggested to the Syswin 3.4 comms parameters. gtsport: Thanks. The CPU21 lot number is 24X6. I have tried DIP 5 in both 0 and 1 positions, with PLC powerdowns inbetween, with no luck. In short, I get the message "Received header too short" when attempting to connect to the PLC via the RS232 port, using Syswin 3.4. Further suggestions will be appreciated. Cheers

Hi, All Right, I'm up and running, using Syswin 3.4 on a CQM1. Problem is, whenever I try to connect to the PLC, the message "Received Header Too Short" appears. I've tried the standard settings (7bit, even, 2 stop, 9600b and 1 stop, 2400b). Help! Any ideas (the Manuals weren't much help)? scottmurphy I'm in the Waikato, working in Hamilton, living in Cambridge. Cheers

Thanks, all Beggars are Neanderthals, not choosers... BTW: is there a free (ie not a trial) version of CX-One? Gtsuport Thanks for the welcome. It's a CQM1 system, with a CPU21 processor, power supply, 1x analogue, 1x digital in and 1x digital out modules. Cheers.

Hi, All I have a basic knowledge of PLC hardware and ladder programs- I want to do a bit of self-training. I have: - a SYSMAC C20 (CPU73) - a SYSMAC CQM1 (CPU21) - Syswin3.4 - herds of standard serial cables, standard and null-modem - laptop with RS232. I've read the FAQ's, have gotten confused! What I want is the simplest, cheapest to set up system. It appears to me that the C20 requires a custom cable and an adaptor to link to the 48-pin D-like female socket (unless the custom cable can be made to directly link to the socket); while the CQM1 possibly only requires a custom cable. Advice/help/recommendations regarding the following will be appreciated: - which of the two PLC's would be the easiest/best/simplest for my purposes? - exactly what do I need to get going, ie software, cable, etc? - if what I need requires OMRON parts to be bought, what are their approximate costs? Thanks and regards