MrAutomation

What issues are you having in particular?

Interested in the signs and AOIs. They have Ethernet/IP compatible models? Can I have a link? Thanks!

What does it do exactly? From what I could tell in the video, it counts cars in and cars out. Cars have to be manually put into their spots. Does it do anything else? Neat project!

My thoughts would be this. You need to use a Windows Based HMI software, capable of issuing CMD commands. Then use the HMI to run a software package (maybe this one? https://code.google.com/p/qrencode-win32/) to generate a QR code and save the image somewhere, and have the HMI display the image. I'm not sure if FactoryTalk View SE is capable of displaying dynamic images like that, although I can think of some full blown SCADAs that would be able. I'm not sure what HMI you plan on using though. Another option is to pre-build and save the QR codes before hand, and then display them as needed. This would work on any HMI capable of displaying images, but wouldn't give dynamic information, as it's limited to whatever codes you pre-generated.

Nope (as long as they are correctly sized). Ferrules are great. Go for it!

If you just want to measure the current in the PLC, and you already have thermal overloads, you can use a product like this: (http://www.redlion.net/sensors/current-sensors) Look in the "Current Transducers" area Another option is to use a Smart Overload Relay such as the E3 Plus (http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/Circuit-and-Load-Protection/LV-Motor-Protectors/E3-Plus-Overload-Relays). You can get the current feedback using communications (DeviceNet, although you can get Ethernet/IP with an adapter. Allen Bradley promises us that an ethernet model is coming out) Hope this helps.

In short... yes. (maybe?) There were some major issues with V21. Some wierd bugs with 21.00 and 21.01 not being compatible, and Factory Talk Alarm and Events wouldn't work at all! Other issues as well I suppose. When Rockwell found out that Studio 5000 was broken, they fast tracked out a new version to fix this. For some reason it came out as V23. I think it's because they were working on a new feature set in V22. V22 would have had all the broken "features" of V21, so they skipped it so they could continue working on V22 internally. V23 was released with the same features as V21 but not broken. V24 is now released as V23 + the V22 added feature set. Or at least, that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it!

Something worth looking at is LogixPro from The Learning Pit. It's an RSLogix 500 simulator with some cool simulations to play with. I like that the simulations are interactive, because it forces you to think harder. When you are just playing with a PLC in your basement, you might have a few buttons and turn on some lights or a small motor or something, but it's not exactly anything that you can create complex programs with. With LogixPro you get to program simulations of batch cooking processes, bottle filling assembly lines, traffic intersections, elevators and more. Best $35 you'll ever spend. http://www.thelearningpit.com/lp/logixpro.html Make sure to read and follow the student exercises! http://www.thelearningpit.com/lp/doc/index.html

Not that I know of. You'll have to get a power supply.

You need to purchase them seperately, except for the AENT module. That one comes with it's own terminal block.

Try deleting the object in RSLinx enterprise and adding it manually. Note that you'll have to turn off autobrowse for this to work.

Be careful if you have both 32 bit and 64 bit version of java on your system. This can cause confusion as to which one you're using. I recommend only ever having 32 bit java on your system (even on 64 bit systems). Check that and see.

No you can connect those all together. No extra components required.

What browser/OS are you using? In newer versions of windows/ie, you do need to add security exceptions and what not. I don't know of any other method. Try a different browser maybe?

You might find these videos (see below) helpful to get you started on using the PID instruction. After you've watched that and understand the fundementals, come back with any extra questions you have. Best of luck!

Not my explanation actually. I just googled "micrologix PID tutorial" and this is was at the top of the list.

I can't help you here sorry, I've never used the UIC. I would move your question to the Allen Bradley forum though. You'll probably get more answers there.

I still haven't solved this yet. I'll the try the server name thing and let you know. Thanks. As for my title... I figured I had to be honest!

Sorry about the delay in the comments. Yes I've seen a ControlLogix rack used in this method before. Put a 1756-EN2T (or 1756-ENBT) and a 1756-DHRIO module on the same backplane. No CPU required. This becomes your bridge between Ethernet and DH+ networks, and you can browse through the DHRIO module to DH+ network in RSLinx. It works great.

From the documentation on the ENBT module: If you enable more than 16 MSGs at one time, some MSG instructions may experience delays in entering the queue. To guarantee the execution of each message, perform one of these tasks:• Enable each message in sequence.• Enable the messages in groups.• Program a message to communicate with multiple modules.• Program logic to coordinate the execution of messages See Manual Page 73 Since the SMTP uses the MSG instruction, I don't see it as any different than any other MSG instruction. If you flood the card with MSGs, it will cause delays and problems. You can probably send simultaneous (not exactly simultaneous... the card will queue the instructions and run them sequentially, but the delay would be inconsequential) emails from all three CPUs, as long as you keep it below the 16 limit. Best of luck!

Depending on the physical design of the arm, a linear position sensor might make more sense than the encoder. This is a sensor installed inside a cylinder (ie. hydraulic/pneumatic) and uses a magnet to determine the exact position that the cylinder is currently in. It requires no teaching as the feedback you are given is the actual position (scaling required of course). SSI and analog inputs are common for these types of sensors. MTS Sensors makes a Temposonic R-Series which is available in an Ethernet/IP option as well. I haven't used the Ethernet/IP option, but plan on using it in an upcoming project. I can't say for sure if this is the best solution for your arm, but it's worth looking in to. The Temposonic RP or EP models don't need to be installed inside a cylinder, but can be surface mounted outside your machine, so this may be on option as well. (R series is the flagship line, while the E series is more basic, but may suit your needs if you don't want/need Ethernet/IP or SSI, among other features). Check it out. http://www.mtssensors.com/products/industrial-sensors/index.html

@ devo.xx, whenever I'm developing a new project, I have to create tags and logic for each motor, valve, device etc. I also have to create the mapping for all the inputs and outputs. All of these use UDTs and standard blocks of code (with associated global objects in Factory Talk View SE). Some of them are entirely contained in an AOI, some use AOIs in the logic and some are written entirely in logic. It's dependent on what it is. (My motor routines, for example, are written in ladder to set up the interlocks/faults etc, but use AOIs for the standard chunks of logic) All of this is done in excel. When I'm done, I have all my inputs/outputs mapped, and all of the standard device blocks are programmed and in the correct place. This is the boring part I hate to do manually. After that, all I need to do it "connect the pieces" to make the devices interact in the way that's needed. It saves a lot of work, and I get to skip by the boring part and go straight to the fun stuff!

You don't necessarily need a pressure switch. A pressure sensor/transmitter will work as well, plus it's easier to change the setpoint. There are a variety of brands that will suit your needs. Rosemount is a good one. Foxboro is also very good, and not quite as expensive. Contact a sales rep to get the exact model. Note, if you're using this for a safety feature, then a pressure switch is probably better.

Assuming you're using Windows 7, the parameter file are here: C:\Users\Public\Documents\RSView Enterprise\ME\HMI Projects\Your Project\PAR\ Adding new files to this folder won't add them to the project however. That's just for the sake of reference. Once you've created a bunch of parameter files, you can import them all at once by openning your project, right clicking the Parameters tree item, selecting "Add Component Into Application...", and selecting all the files at once. This will import them all at once. You can create a bunch of file in notepad, or, as JRoss mentioned, generate them with excel. If you don't know excel VBA, learn it! It will take extra time now, but in the future it will save a bunch of work on redundant tasks. I use it to write about 70-80% of my Ladder logic PLC code on projects, plus all other sorts of useful stuff.

I've had luck with Superlogics. They are a smaller company, but they make industrial grade PCs. They have Rack-Mount, Touchscreen Embedded and other options. I've deployed several of the touch screen embedded ones succesfully, for server based HMIs (using Windows Remote Desktop). You can choose a model that uses a fanless atom processor and SSD, which means little heat and no moving parts. This is great for putting into an enclosure. NEMA 4 and/or IP65 rated. The price is way less than the competitors, but the quality is still there. It's a no brainer in my opinion.