Jim Custom

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About Jim Custom

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    Newbie

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  • Country United States
  1. Newbie Screwed up AB 5/04

    Hey Joe E. !! Thanks for the input. I think I almost have it figured out, but not able to validate the process yet.  It seems the PanelMate 1700 will not allow one to download ANY programs or configurations with the clock battery dead.  The memory hold all the comm configurations, passwords, etc.  That said, I'm "uploading" the config files from the 1700 to the laptop, and supposedly that will contain the config data.  I'm planning to upload the files down from the 1700 to the laptop, import into data base, replace the battery, then download back into the HMI.  If anyone knows the correct procedure, any input would be appreciated.  I'm using the PMConfig software on the PanelMate 1700, and the RSLogix (Link) for the  laptop to AB5/04.  I have made sure that all the Rockwell software is cleared out prior to attempting communications with the PanelMate.   As soon as I receive the new battery, I'll re post what events take place.  Again, if anyone knows the exact steps, I would really appreciate it.  Thanks, all.
  2. Hi Jlolonergan, I did find that section in PMConfig.  Thanks much.  The program listed on the laptop, where the port settings reside, are almost identical to the screenshot you sent me.  I've just now started researching the Panel Mate manual (108 pages) and there is software titled "PanelMate Transfer".  I think this is the area I'm missing.  Also, it specifies a specific PM cable.  I have not yet started to research the pin-out, but just wondering if it is different than off shelf 232 cable, before I started building cables.  Thanks for the input. kaiser_will -  I hope to get back on the machine next week....I'll post the part number, etc.  I'll keep on researching the manual.  Thanks.
  3. I'm making this thread, continuing from my previous one (Newbie Screwed Up) where I received tremendous help from those on this forum.    I now have the AB 5/04 working, but the Panel Mate 1700 doesn't seem to communicate with the 504.  The HMI connected to this brick is a Cutler Hammer Panel Mate Pro 1700.  It lights up,  the touch-screen buttons somewhat react to touching (might take a few strokes to react), but the functions do not react with the 5/04.  I called the equipment manufacturer, and they basically said it is all obsolete equipment, no longer supported, etc. and we are SOL. But, for a mere $100K, we can send the unit back, and they'll install all "modern" control units !! Not an option.   I get it that the unit is 10+ years old, but has very low cycle times on it.  (maybe 400 hrs)   It's my understanding that the  HMIs are just that....a means of the operators telling the PLC what you want it to do. So, my question .... is there an off the shelf software package that would emulate the Panel Mate 1700?  All I need to "control"  is to advance or retard two sets of heat seal rollers (via PacSci stepper motors), actuate two separate hole punch solenoids, and an air solenoid for a knife....it's basically a packaging machine.  I do have a program called PMConfig , but I don't see any communications buttons or icons in that software, just screen shots of what shows up on the HMI, icon selection, change fonts / colors, etc.  So, I'm looking for a resolution to make new(er) HMI (or even just a cheap a$$ laptop)  with affordable software, and easy interface to communicate with the now functioning 5/04.  Thanks for the input.
  4. Newbie Screwed up AB 5/04

    ***UPDATE !! *** Here we go...thanks to you guys and the info, I got this beast running....sort of.  The issue boiled down to clearing the memory by shorting out the Vbb and ground.  I looked all over for Vdd, and I thought of just finding the actual chip pin-outs and ground Vcc....but I found a print legend on the back of the 5/04 with "GND ___Vbb", so I shorted that for 45-60 seconds with the battery out, put back together, hooked up and all the auto config info came popped up, and it successfully loaded.  The equipment started operating and cycled just fine.  That's the good news, which is a helluva jump from where I was at, so THANK YOU GUYS VERY MUCH !!   Now, the not so good news.  The HMI connected to this brick is a Cutler Hammer Panel Mate Pro 1700.  It lights up, the buttons somewhat react to touching (might take a few strokes to react), but the functions do not react with the 5/04.  I called the equipment manufacturer, and hey basically said it is all obsolete equipment, and we are SOL. But, for a mere $100K, we can send the unit back, and they'll install all "modern" control units.  I get it that the unit is 10+ years old, but has very low cycle times on it.  (maybe 400 hrs)   It's my understanding that the  HMIs are just that....a means of telling the PLC what you want it to do. So, my question .... is there an off the shelf software package that would emulate the HMI ?  All I need to "control"  is to advance or retard two sets of heat rollers (via PacSci stepper motors), actuate two separate hole punch solenoids, and an air solenoid for a knife....it's basically a packaging machine.  I do have the PMConfig software, but I don't see any communications buttons in that config software, just screen shots of what shows up on the HMI, icon selection, change fonts / colors, etc.  So, I'm looking for a resolution to make new(er) HMI (or even just a cheap a$$ laptop)  with affordable software, and easy interface to communicate with the now functioning 5/04.  If the moderators think this should go on a new thread, please let me know.  My special thanks to Ken Roach...he had me up and running very quickly; however, all you guys input is much appreciated.  Thanks again.
  5. Newbie Screwed up AB 5/04

    Howdy gang, I will be on the machine in an hour or so.  Thanks so much for the input, I'll see what happens.  We have all the programs stored in the laptop, including the HMI programs.  The reason we needed to go back to an earlier version was a certain function was not keeping the same timing as the rest of the machine.  Think of it as a web-line printer, and we need to punch holes in the same spot every time....the problem was the holes would slowly move out of registration, and the earlier version worked OK (so I am told),   I'll clear the memory and set up the communications as you all described.  Thanks again.
  6. Newbie Screwed up AB 5/04

    Howdy Ken, Thanks so much for the quick reply....what you stated at the end makes total sense.    The Channel is set to 0, and when I go back and look at the event log, it show 1 d (I think)...  I made a few attempts at setting to 1, 1d 1 d, etc. in the Config screen,  nadda.  So, clearing it completely out and starting over makes sense.  Panel Mate? is the HMI. And I'm pretty sure the DH+ flashes every few seconds, not 100% sure on that, I'll check.   I'll be back on Monday, and give that a try.  I'll update you, and answer all the questions.   I don't have any manuals, but I'll google and see if I can find the pads you mentioned.   Thanks again. Regards, Jim
  7. Greetings everyone, I am using a VERY OLD laptop, Windows 98, the correct AB cable....and only used to download programs into equipment to restore in emergencies into AB 5/04.  I was able to connect to SLC 5/04 using RSLinx (used Auto-Config, all worked correctly) , and wanted to install a program from earlier version using RSLogix500.  It seemed to download correctly, the pop-up asked if I was sure I wanted to install new program, hit YES...then said it would change channel, pop up buttons were "ALLOW" or "DENY" (something like that). I hit "ALLOW". All seemed good until I plugged HMI back in....had a bunch of codes it didn't like, so I went to install back to original version.  When I went through the same procedure (mentioned above)....5/04 and laptop no longer wanted to communicate.  I assume it has something with allowing the channel change.  As you can tell, I know Jack Squat...I'm not a programmer (duh), but was handed a computer with instructions....and now the machine is down.  Any help with getting me in right direction is highly appreciated in advance.  I searched the forum, and wasn't able to find a solution... I suppose it has to do with an in-experienced, well intending human messing with stuff he shouldn't be messing with !!