MrAutomation

MrPLC Member
  • Content count

    212
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by MrAutomation

  1. You need to use multiple copy instructions. One for each array element of your UDT. Make the length of 14 bits, then keep changing the start point of your INT array for each sequential copy instruction (incrementing the UDT array element each time).
  2. If you upload a screenshot of the code in the SLC, that would be helpful.
  3. You got it. And since your interval times are varying from 4.9 to 5.1 mS, it looks like it's working just fine.
  4. Available IO Database Solutions

    You should be able to use an Access database successfully to create a database of all your IO points. For an application like yours, the main difference with SQL would just mean that you need a custom built front end instead of being able to use the front end tools built into Access. I used to work with an integrator that had developed something like this in Access, except it was used for commissioning. It was pretty powerful. Each IO point was assigned to a control system, a process area, sub area, and device. It also had fields to let you know what page to find the io point/device on the electrical schematics and P&IDs.There was a bunch of fields for the commissioning process, and once all the fields were checked off (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, DCS check, HMI check etc...) the point was considered commissioned. You could then pull reports of all the devices that are commissioned, not commissioned, or had marked deficiencies. The system was invaluable on large scale commissioning projects spanning multiple months. This is obviously more than you're looking for, but you could contact them and let them show you their system, maybe you could purchase a reworked/simplified design. See the link. http://www.autopro.ca/what-we-do/solutions/checkmate
  5. That number is the time it takes to execute the logic, not the interval between scans. Open RSLogix, right click on the task, click on properties and open the monitor tab. From there you can see the Scan Times and the Interval Times. Interval Time is what you're looking for.
  6. Can you put up a screenshot of the scan times?
  7. I saw that the D400 supports Modbus on this page (https://www.gedigitalenergy.com/multilin/energy/catalog/d400.htm#mm). However, DNP3 is a better protocol than Modbus anyways, so I'd suggest going that route.
  8. I've never used a GE D400, but after a quick google search, it only supports a limited set of protocols (namely, ones more commonly used in power distribution/substation SCADA systems). The ControlLogix doesn't natively support any of these protocols. You have a few options: - Implement the Rockwell Modbus Sample Code (V20 and certain hardware needed) http://bit.ly/1t5jX8r - Use a Ethernet/IP to Modbus or DNP3 Gateway (Multiple vendors, I've linked to a ProSoft model) http://bit.ly/1Acn9zl - Use a ProSoft DNP3 card (or Modbus card, I've linked to DNP3) http://bit.ly/1vLW9aV Hope this gets you pointed in the right direction!
  9. Then just do an upload or download into your program (I'm assuming upload). Then you'll be synced and everything is good!
  10. "MicroLogix 1400 controllers support various protocols on the RS-485 network, including DH-485, DF1 Half-Duplex Master/Slave, Modbus RTUMaster/Slave, ASCII and DNP3 Slave protocols."http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/um/1766-um001_-en-p.pdf Page 70 SSI might be loosely based on RS422, but in the end it's a different protocol, right down to the driver level. No matter what type of hacking and reverse engineering you do, you won't be able to take an RS422 port on a PLC and convert it to an SSI port. Maybe you could do it on a PC with software, but you would have to be able to directly manipulate the data on each pin. Besides that, as you'll see in the terminal connections, the RS485 port on the MicroLogix is for 2 wire RS485, and is not compatible with 4 wire RS422. And certainly not with 4 wire SSI. The only possible option I could see is to create your own embedded chip that you designed yourself, modifying the RS422 components to match the SSI requirements. Oh wait, you just created an external SSI module, and AMCI already did that for you!
  11. 1.Can it be done using the HSC inputs? No. 2. I found an AMCI card I could use but I am trying to keep everything AB and in the Micro Family. Never used it, but it looks good. Go for it. 3. I don't want to use Gray Scale encoders because of the number of Inputs I have to use. Trying to package a small enclosure and don't much room left. You could consider an Ethernet/IP encoder, but the cost is going to be higher most likely. AMCI Encoder Rockwell Encoder 4. AB sells an SSI encoder but they don't have any info on hooking up to anything other than Point IO module.(kills my budget) This is because they don't have any option other than a Point IO module for the Micrologix. There is no native option for SSI on the Micrologix Hope that helps. Best of luck!
  12. If you are just trying to ensure that both copies are the same before going online, there is a "better way" as you mentioned. Just go online! Before it goes online, RSLogix (or Studio 5000) will compare the project file and the online copy. If they match, it will go online. If not, it will open a dialogue screen asking if you want to upload or download. This is true for RSLogix 5 and 500 as well, although the upload and merge is a bit clunkier. If you are trying to find the differences between the PLC and an offline file, you need to use the compare tool using the method you mentioned.
  13. Is there a tool to digitally document all of the PLC changes made by maintenance personnel? Currently everything is being written into a pen & paper log book. I'm not looking for anything wild like FactoryTalk AssetCenter, but I would like to see something nicer than say, notepad. I've seen someone set up a Wiki on a local http server, and everyone added to the wiki. It was actually pretty cool, but the markup language took some learning. What does everyone use to document their logic changes? Any ideas?
  14. ochoya, start a new thread with your question. Also, provide more information. What do you mean your system is not operating? What kind of alarm? What kind of system?
  15. Wonderware 8.0 on Windows 7--possible?

    If you can't use a newer version of InTouch, you can always run it on a Windows XP virtual machine.
  16. Click on Tools > Cross Reference Type pump_on.0 into the box and hit search. Easy as that!
  17. Modbus RTU over UDP/IP

    Thanks for the reply. I've already decided that Modbus USP is entirely obscure and I have no idea why the company decided to use this protocol. I'm going to use a Digi One IAP, as I'm familiar with the excellent little device.
  18. I need to connect a ControlLogix V20 to a modbus slave device. It supports Modbus RTU over UDP. I'm fully aware of the Modbus TCP sample code from Rockwell, but this is not Modbus TCP. Does anyone know if there is a ready solution for this? There's also a Modbus RTU RS232 port on the device, so I think I'll mount a box on the wall somewhere with a Digi One IAP in it and use that, but going ethernet direct to the device would be a cleaner install if possible.
  19. You haven't added the processor of the other device to the io tree, which is why you can't browse to it. Adding the slot number manually works fine though.
  20. You could upgrade to a PLC 5/40e and just use ethernet. Also, does your panelview c400 have a DF1 link? You could use that as well.
  21. Need some help... Interesting.

    Specifically, use a voltage divider. You would probably want to set up the ratio so that your card can read from 0 - 20 VDC (For simplicity, and also in case the voltage goes up for some reason). Connect 2 x 5K Ohm resistors, in series, between the track voltage and DC common (The input impedance of the analog card is 760K Ohms. If you want to get really accurate, factor that into your calculations and get high precision resistors. Typically, you can just ignore this high value). Connect the point between the two resistors to the 0-10V analog input card. You can then scale the input in the PLC so that 0% = 0 Vdc and 100% = 20 Vdc. Done. Easy as that. Bear in mind that this circuit will draw 1.6 mA with a 16V supply. This should also be non consequential, but you can increase the resistors to reduce the current draw if needed. Just don't go too big, or you will have to start factoring the 760K input impedance into the calculation.
  22. Newbie fatek second pulse detection

    Not ever using this PLC, I'll give some general pointers. When the button is pressed, start a 1 second timer. This timer continues to time until it runs out (Use a one-shot and latch the timer on). While the timer is timing, if the button is pressed again (use a oneshot for this as well, or the PLC will always turn on the latching bit), latch the motor on until it runs all the way to the end. Make sure you have limit switches at both extremities of your blinds to stop the motor, or you could wear the motor out.
  23. Measuring motor current without VFD?

    I've never done this before, but after searching "DC Current Transducer" I found this: http://www.ce-transducer.com/Current_transducer.asp In particular on that page there is this: http://www.ce-transducer.com/CE-Az11-1.asp It just might fit the bill.
  24. plc traing classes for allen bradely

    ASForrest, he's talking about the LogixPro training simulator, so it'll definitely not be a physical problem. white lightning, can you upload a screenshot of your program? I imagine it should all be able to fit into a single screen.
  25. Click PLC with Analog and RS-485

    Good to know. I don't need one today, but I'm sure that I'll find a use for one. Most of the current displays at the facilities I work at are RS485 based (even for relatively new installs). I'll like to look at an Ethernet option. Thanks