G_DeMark

I did click the plus and nothing expands out for some reason.  Not sure why.

Yes, I did verify and it appears that the file was found successfully.  However, I can not seem to expand the RSLinxEnterprise node to find the file. Thanks

Hello All,   I have been researching KEPServerEX and Rockwell's Factory Talk Transaction manager.  I would appreciate this forums opinion/recommendations.  I think the going rate for these packages is about $2,600.   Typically my applications require a very small amount of SQL Database interaction.    A typical application would be a small system using a compact logix such as an (5069-L306ER).   I could have less than 100 tags holding string data I would like to write to a table in the SQL database. I have some basic part configuration data I might like to read into the PLC from a database. Do either of these software packages have the ability to trigger queries or stored procedures? (probably don’t need that, but I am curious)   Please let me know what your experience has been.   Thanks

I have always used a simple Red Lion N-Tron un-managed switch for my PLC controls application (ie: 108TX).  recently i have been trying to understand if there are any advantages in going with the more expensive managed switches.  I understand that the managed switches give you more control over ports and subnet access.  However, I have not had a problem with the un-managed switches so far.  Could anyone give me recommendations or offer more specific examples of what could go wrong when using an un-managed switch from the industrial controls perspective?  I have attached a picture of my simple controls topology for the purpose of discussion.  Thanks.  

Hello All, I have a basic application where I am trying to understand the pros/cons of using a surge suppressor diode in parallel with my output solenoids. I am using an AB compact Logix model (5069-L306ER) with a 24 VDC output model (5069-OB16).  The output I am dealing with is a numatics solenoid valve.  The solenoid draws very low current (less than 0.5 amps). Over the years I have noticed that some people use a suppressor diode around the outputs and some do not.  does anyone have any practical recommendations in this regard.  My figure below shows solenoids 1 and 2 without the diode and solenoid 3 with the diode.  Thanks    

I am having an issue with a 1746-NI8 analog input card installed in slot 3 of an SLC 500 1747-L541.  Apparently the PLC is not seeing the card.  The card has been replaced one time already.  I am wondering if there is an issue with the backplane?  I do have an open slot available in position 4.  I may try and install the card in that slot next.   One very important note is that after replacing the input card the machine worked for several hours without any errors.  Only after the machine was powered down briefly and then powered back up did the card show the error. If anyone has suggestions that would be super. Thanks

I have been down at the plant all day and I can not re-create the issue.  I have  cycled power on the machine a half dozen times and no issues were found.  Very strange.

At the moment the machine is working fine again.  I think there is some requirement that the processor should be in program mode when the new analog module is installed so that when it powers up the module is initialized.  I am not sure about this, can anyone comment on the specific requirement. -  All channels are enabled (however, I do not believe they are all being used)  I am trying to find a reliable electrical print from the people that work at this plant.  I am assuming is a best practice to disable unused channels? - Ch 1 and Ch 6 do have an under range errors.  But I think that goes away when the machine is cycling and reading real data. Thanks

I have  a simple question that I think I know the answer to, but I want to confirm with you more veteran members. When I am selecting a compact logix controller, the different models provide various numbers of Ethernet IP nodes.  For example, the 1769-L18ERM-BB1B is specified with 8 nodes.  What specifically is meant by nodes.  I have been assuming that the number of nodes is the number of Ethernet IP devices I can connect to the PLC.  So if I had the following Ethernet capable devices; HMI, Dataman, Atlas Power focus, then I would be using 3 of the 8 available nodes.  Therefore, with an 8 node PLC I would need at most an 8 port switch. Do I have this thinking correct?  I am not sure.  Please correct me if I am wrong.  Thanks

Hello Armadillo852 , So what do you prefer to use to get data out of a smaller system running a compact logix PLC?  Do you prefer an OPC server like KEPWareEX?  From what I can tell a license of KEPServer EX would cost about $1,500.  This is much cheaper than the OLDI module.  However, it will require a PC to run the software.  Thanks My Family grew up in Racine as well.  Racine is OK, but it is NO Myrtle Beach, SC!

Does anyone have any experience using OLDI modules with AB PLC?  I want to learn more about their capability and potential uses.   Thanks   http://www.softing.us/ra/

I am still researching my best and most cost effective method to connect a small PLC based system with a database so I can record small amounts of basic data.  For example, if my station has a Cognex  Insight camera that reads the data matrix off a bank of solenoids.  I would like to have the PLC send that part data back to the database.  Unfortunately, most of the machines I am developing are small standalone machines.  Therefore, a cost effective means of moving small amounts of data is needed.   I talked with the Softing representative today (Provides the OLDI module) about these OLDI modules and they seem like a great solution for larger scale projects.  The module plugs into the PLC rack and you get very clean Ethernet communication to a Database (like SQL Server).  All the PLC TAGS are available as well as the Database tables, queries, and stored procedures etc.  Then it appears to be a very simple process to link the PLC tags to the corresponding fields in the database.  The drawback for me is that the module cost $7,000 and only plugs into Control Logix PLCs (not compacts).

I have not used an E-Web module before.  What I have read about them so far sounds very interesting. According to AB..."the EWEB module can store custom Web pages, and documents such as drawings and user manuals. This provides users quick and easy access to system-related information on the plant floor, saving valuable time when troubleshooting a problem on the line." Does anyone have any experience good or bad with these modules? I would be very interested in a solution that enabled a PLC to call up a work instruction residing on a company web page.  To my limited knowledge, I assume that I would need to use an OPC server and a simple program (like VB) to call the web page.  Could an EWEB module be a simpler solution? Thanks  

Does anyone have any experience using AB SoftLogix?  What are the advantages / disadvantages?  Obviously you do not get the benefit of a robust PLC processor when you are running on a PC.  However, if you do not have a mission critical operation and you would still like to utilize the ladder logic environment it is an interesting option.  Does the SofLogix offer any advantages in regard to integration with other Windows programs (like a database or even excel) given that is already running on a PC.  Thanks

That is what I figured.  I am trying to keep an open mind, but I am really disliking the LabView data flow model. With all of this said, I wonder why someone would use Softlogix.  Perhaps just to save some money on the processor.   Thanks

So I am very clear that the "hard" PLC is the more robust solution.  Unfortunately, my current employer is in love with LabView.  I am trying to get them to consider PLC.  from what I can tell LabView does have some advantages.  For example, LabView's ability  to exchange data with a database like SQL server is very nice.  When I propose a PLC there is the need to purchase an OPC server (like Kepware) which adds some cost and complexity.  So, I am wondering if the softlogix can more easily integrate with windows applications given that it is also running on windows.  This would only apply to smaller applications that do not need 24/7 uptime.  Thanks

I have a request from a customer to coordinate the process steps (assembly process) with the operator electronic work instruction display.  This company does not have any MES or other work instruction display system.  Therefore, I am wanting to know if there is a reasonable method to use a PLC output bit (or message) to open a file on a PC (such as a word or power point).  Possibly even to advance the power point slide when triggered by the PLC.   My feeling is that this not a robust PLC function, but I am researching the potential just in case.   Any thoughts you have are appreciated.

I am not clear on what you are asking?  Are trying to write a Do loop like in Basic?

I have never done this.  But would the GSV work for you?

   I have a fundamental question regarding the scan cycle and timing of the Logix 5000 platform.  I have attached a very simple ladder rung for reference.  In this fictitious rung I would like to make sure that the CPT instruction finishes prior to the execution of the COP instruction.  How do I make sure of this?  Is it enough to simply put the COP instruction after the CPT?  I am worried that if the CPT was complex it may take too long and finish the calculation after the COP executed.  In that case I would not have copied the latest value into TAG 'B'.  What are your thoughts? Thanks and Regards

Yes, I am still uncomfortable putting output instructions in series.  However, it seems like a good solution in this case.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an OPC server to connect to an AB compact Logix?   RS Links, KepServer, and Matrikon seem like the popular ones (I assume they are expensive and paid for by license).  I only need to manage a few Tags and I want to keep the cost down.  Any suggestions? Thanks

1) I will be using a compact logix ( AB 1769-L24ER-QB1B CompactLogix). 2) I will be using a Panel View or Pro-Face HMI.  However, I do not intend to use this for the work instruction display.  Rather I will have a windows PC adjacent to the system running the power point etc. 3) The engineer would create and maintain the power point files on the PC system. 3) The attached picture shows one method that might work.  I am not sure if there is a better way.  Thanks      

Yes,  I was planning on writing a simple VB.NET application.  I should have included that in my figure.  Thanks. What do you think of this method? Is there a better way?

Great...Thanks for the help