noxcuses

Yes! You can use the gearing function built into the drive with a 1:1 gear ratio. The pulse output of one drive (master) will need to be wired into the pulse input of the other (slave). Then program the slave drive to run in gear mode. When you start the drives the slave will follow the master at the same speed, etc..

Can you post the Device Settings in Panel Manager (cmore) and NET ENI settings?

I'm looking for some low point count (~8in/8out) Ethernet/IP I/O blocks. I've used AB Point and FlexI/O, but have found it expensive for low point counts. Does anyone have experience with EIP I/O that doesn't cost a arm, leg, or fingers??

I've done quite a bit of these systems throughout my career and would strongly recommend using PID. Usually, These systems have a level sensor detecting the rock level at the end of the belt. The current is used to trim the level setpoint so it doesn't overload the belt. If current only is used, a PID will control the amount of rock on the belt to keep it from overloading. The rock size and moisture content will vary quite a bit from day to day. Since the weight of rock changes based on these factors, A PID set at a good operating amperage will keep the system going without any overloads. When these belts overload.. usually they have to shovel the belt off to get it started again. So a PID will keep it running when the material changes. This would be done by having the operating Amperage as the setpoint, belt motor amperage as process variable, and VFD speed as control variable. You will have to play with the frequency range the VFD operates at because the feeder may stall out at lower frequencies. I've seen the range as little as 40-60Hz.

UPDATE: I didn't find a way to reset the Compactlogix Ethernet port. I ended up changing it via Serial port when the Keyspan device arrived. Thanks to everyone for the assistance.

I'm re-commissioning a L35E processor that already has a program and fixed IP address. I have no idea what the IP address is and my Bootp attempts have failed. Bootp must be disabled in the network configuration. Is there a way to clear the memory? I know SLC processors memory could be cleared by removing battery and jumping out some pins. Is there a way to do this on the L35E? I don't have a serial port on my computer so that isn't an option at the moment.

I've never heard of a AB being able to communicate anything other than Ethernet/IP from their ports. Over the years I have done several projects in which I had to communicate to Siemens, Modicon, and other devices over ethernet from a AB PLC. Each time I used a prosoft module to do it. They are not very easy to set up, but work well.

I agree with Paul! It's given that a program should function, but ease of troubleshooting is just as important. I've inherited several machines that have very unorthidox programming that drives me crazy. If the machine stops running it usually takes me 15-30 minutes just to find the logic that might be the problem. And trying to find out which logic is running and which coil is controlling the physical output is another mind bending task. Placing all system outputs in a continously scanned subroutine with one branch of logic for automode and a branch for not automode (manual) is a simple way to avoid this problem. Any other technique is fine as long as it is easy to understand and consistent throughout the program. Just my $.02 opinion.

I've used an ActiveX control in VB6 with a Logix PLC several years back which worked well. Check out www.softwaretoolbox.com

I'm thinking of using a Compactlogix L32E processor to duplicate the function of a ElectroCAM system. Currently, the ElectroCAM resolver is coupled to a motor in the enclosure who's speed is controlled by the operator. To speed up the machine they turn the potentiometer of the motor which speeds up the motor/resolver hence increasing machine cycle rate. All machine ouputs are triggered by degree ranges setup in the ECAM controller. Here is what I'm thinking.. Set up a Virtual Axis with 360 deg/rev in logix... jog the Virtual Axis to obtain desired cycle rate.... use LIM instruction with rotation degrees to trigger outputs. If this logic is placed in a periodic task running at 2ms and the Output module's RPI at 1ms, it should work with the max cycle being less than 80 RPM. At 80 RPM, I get .48 deg/ms Any suggestions, ideas, Affirmations of concept???

Good Questions!! The software allows the creation of a vitual axis and jog functions without complaint, so I hope it will work. This is one of those times when I wish I had a loner or test unit. Anyone out there in PLC land ever created a virtual axis in a L32E?

Great info!! Just wanted to mention that processor firmware version 18 adds the capability to set up unicast connections. I'm not sure if the PV's support this yet, but the processors definitely do! Might be worth the upgrade ??

I'm starting my first program with AB Integrated Motion and was wondering if there is a document that explains best practices, standard code, etc... I have the motion instruction set reference, but nothing that really explains how things should be done. Any info would be helpful!

I've been using PV+'s for several years and haven't looked around for alteratives. The cost of PV+'s is making it hard to justify projects. Any suggestions of comparable HMI's will be appreciated!

I looked into these when they first came out, but they only connect to Micrologix and SLC PLC's. It would be great if they offered CLX connections.

I'm planning on upgrading a paper tube machine that is pretty basic with exception of a "flying shear" to cut the tube to length. I really would like to use a Logix style processor to do it all, but have read on here the PLC might not be fast enough. I will be using the same processor to handle secondary processes, but nothing intensive at all. My plan is to integrate this machine and surrounding equipment into a work-cell using one HMI to control all. If in fact it's not advisable to use a motion card/PLC to do the "flying shear" portion, I'd still use a Logix processor to do everything else. Is there someone who has done a cut to length flying shear with logix? If not, is there a simple inexpensive motion controller that would handle only cut to length and PLC communication? I'm not sure of line speed, but it only makes about 1-2 cuts/ second.

The machine is being retrofitted for a new product of which I don't know the specifics yet. We try to keep the tolerance less than +/- .03". The current carrage has about a 3' travel. I know many factors are missing which will determine if logix processor can handle the application or not. AB's integrated motion can get very expensive when axis count is low, so if a inexpensive motion controller exist that communicates well with logix that would probably be the best bet. I then move down to a L35 Compact that would be fine.

I did a HVAC program once in a PLC5 that had quite a bit of analog inputs. I created a ladder file that used input parameters to do the math, then used a JSR with inputs to function somewhat like the SCP instruction. I wouldn't advise doing it that way if you are doing basic scaling with no filtering because it will add to scan time. IMO, the most efficient way in a PLC5 to do basic scaling is using a CPT.