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Hi everyone! I have a question to all of you guys - do you ever use any software or online tools to manage your automation/electrical engineering projects? I have worked in a number of companies and have seen various scenarios, from using excel tables to run multi-million dollar projects to using proprietary SW for every little tiny project. Unfortunately I do not have experience working for any major big integrator and am very curious how projects are managed at this level (and if every engineer likes the way it is handled).  Additional question - does anyone have ever used a software to automatically generate the PLC code? I know some companies develop products to generate the "skeleton" of PLC program and I think it is a great thing to have.

Hello. I am working on a pilot project building an automated RV park. Our goal is to have people sign in online, or in person at a kiosk. Make their reservation, payment, and get their confirmation e-mail. In that e-mail, will be a QR, or Bar Code, that when scanned at the gate opens the gate, and starts a light that flashes at the site they rented. Power will then be turned on at that site, and a timer in the process will begin, based off their rental time. Once their time has expired, the power at the site will be turned off, controlled by a PLC, and relays.  So I am looking for help in all directions. I have some leads on some plug-ins for Wordpress that offer reservations, and other plug-ins that do Bar code production. As far as the web part I have that covered. We can generate a custom barcode, or QR code based on individual rentals and those can be sent to customers. So what I need is someone to help point me in the right direction of equipment that can speak between the online Barcode process and the PLC to allow a process to begin when scanned. Based off their rental parameters their power is turned on or off. Perhaps a SQL query in some form? I haven't used it, but am aware of its capabilities, and this does seem like an application where it would be used. Is there anything that you have used that are tried and true? I know it's a strange request, just hoping someone bites. Thanks in advance for any ideas, I look forward to solving this puzzle, one piece at a time. 

I have a compact logix with a major fault. Please see my attached file for the complete fault message.  Code 20 array subscript too large. or control data type to large or invalid. Has anyone observed this issue before.  The PLC is a compact logix model.  Every time, the controller is switched from program to run the major fault occurs within 5 seconds.  The fault can be cleared but then it comes back in a few seconds.  I have been told by my tech that no program changes have been made.  Could there be a hardware/wiring issue? Thanks much Document_1234.pdf

Hello, Have this error come up constantly and can't be reset. Motor hasn't tried to drive at all. Second motor showing same problem. This is a new configuration on new machine. Other inverters configured without any problems. Anyone seen this before or any ideas what could be the issue.

Dear all, In a state machine I have certain states which need to have a timer to handle timeout errors, that is, if the FSM remains too long in a certain state without getting the conditions to transition to another one, it will produce an error. My current code is using a TOF with an input variable that will be triggered upon entering the state, I call the function block, and then turn the signal off so it starts counting: TRIG_STOP_TIMEOUT := TRUE; TTO_GLOBAL_CYCLE_STOP(IN:= TRIG_STOP_TIMEOUT ,PT:= T#15s ,Q=> ERR_GLOBAL_STOP_TIMEOUT ,ET=> CLK_GLOBAL_CYCLE_STOP ); // TOF TRIG_STOP_TIMEOUT := FALSE; For some reason, the counter does not work. I don't know if I should trigger the signal on in one scan and off on the next. I thought about using the system 1s clock as a trigger (SM412) but the description of the TOF function block states whenever the input is ON, the output will be true, and the timer will only start counting once the input is low. The other thing I thought about was to use the TOF_E instead, with the clock as a trigger, and just set the enable signal when I'm in the state, but I'm not sure it'd work correctly, either. Any suggestions?

Hello Guys, i have an issue with my powerFlex40; it's getting the F081 sometimes after a start. I have 4 pf40 and they are almost configured the same way and this working like this for years. the 4 pf are wired in the same way that when an emergency stop is pushed they are all powered off(400V); after acknowledging the e-stop they all start normally but that one brings sometimes(not always) the F081: Comm Loss. I can even not reproduce the issue because it is not happening every time.  Any Ideas what it could be? the network cable of the pf goes to a switch (all the 4 pf are connected on that switch) and from the switch to a 1794-AENT Ethernet adapter.

Hi all, This is my first post here, I read through the FAQ, searched the Allen-Bradley forum and this one for my question but couldn't quite find what i was looking for. My main questions is: Is it possible to programmatically change the service code of a MSG instruction?  It is possible to change the class,  instance and attributes but the application I'm currently writing would be a lot simpler if all I had to create is one instance of the MSG block (and its data) . The only thing stopping me is the service code.   Edit: I'm using a CompactLogix 5380-L306ER   Any input is greatly appreciated!

Has anyone had an issue with Siemens plc's occasionally going out of run mode? I was doing some research and found that it could be due to a bad analog input. Is there a way to tell which input or output is causing this fault? I know I can create a hardware diagnostics error organization block but that only correct from what I've read.     Edit: I've added a screen shot of the diagnostics report. The fault that may be the problem is: Temporary CPU error: Serious firmware exception  CPU changes to DEFECTIVE mode (system reaction)  This plc / system was installed 2 year ago and we've had this problem occasionally since. I'm guessing the wrong firmware was used during the install. Will try upgrading firmware this weekend.   

Hello  I am currently trying for testing purposes an Mitsubishi Servo Amplifier M4-J4-TM, which has a Servo motor (also from Mitsubishi) controls to integrate in Beckhoff's TwinCat 3. The controller is directly connected to the computer via EtherCat and is also communication between TwinCat and EtherCAT device is detected. But when I switch to online mode and try to control the engine manually, it always comes the following error message:  Error 51 'TCNC' (500): 'Axis 1' (axis ID: 1): The axis or the drive is not ready for positioning (error code: 0x4225)!  Somehow I miss a step to the valid activation of the engine. ?? In the documentation of Beckhoff and Mitsubishi there is no indication. Actually that should work like that. Has anyone ever had a similar problem and knows about advice? Thanks in advance in advance and many greetings

Hey, I have a 1763 L16BBB...when I plug the 1762IF20F2 analog card in, I get a 0189h error code. Any help would be appreciated. Currently looking at doing a bootp on the plc to get online...no ip

Hi All, I have an AB servo TLY-A110T and 2097-V31PR0-LM Kinetix 350 drive. I thought that it was fully configured and ready for tuning, but when I issue a MSO it immediately starts to spin the shaft (no load yet). This lasts about a second until a Physical Axis Fault, Excessive Velocity Error occurs. I've double and triple checked the feedback and power wiring, and everything looks right. Is there anything else I can check? What can I do to trouble shoot this if I can't even give an MSO? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Hi I'm a bit new to Siemens, we;re an Allen Bradley plant...until now. we just got a brand new used press and it has a seimens controller on it. The press doesn't seem to have any manual functions so I as asked to move the cylinder, but I can't until I clear this fault. it won't do anything.  I'm told I'm working with an older processor, s7 300?I don't really know seimens that well.  I saved the diagnostics buffer as a text file and pasted it below. in case that helps solve my problem. I'm thinking it's just having trouble communicating with remote IO, but I'm not sure. I might be trying to communicate to a robot that used to be there that no longer is.  Diagnostic buffer of module CPU 314C-2 DP Order No./ Description            Component                         Version                        6ES7 314-6CH04-0AB0               Hardware                          5                              - - -                             Firmware                          V 3.3.11                       Boot Loader                       Firmware expansion                A 37.12.12                     Rack:                             0 Slot:                             2 Serial number: S Q-EDU050142014 Event 1 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2522 Area length error when reading Global DB, word access, Access address:    262 Requested OB: Programming error OB (OB121) Priority class:  1 Internal error, Incoming event 10:36:07.052 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2522  0179  0024  0106  0000  0000) Event 2 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2522 Area length error when reading Global DB, word access, Access address:    260 Requested OB: Programming error OB (OB121) Priority class:  1 Internal error, Incoming event 10:36:07.052 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2522  0179  0024  0104  0000  0000) Event 3 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2943 I/O access error, writing P area, word access, Access address:     40 Requested OB: I/O access error OB (OB122) Priority class:  1 External error, Incoming event 10:36:07.052 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2943  017A  0020  0028  0000  0000) Event 4 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2943 I/O access error, writing P area, word access, Access address:     36 Requested OB: I/O access error OB (OB122) Priority class:  1 External error, Incoming event 10:36:07.052 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2943  017A  0020  0024  0000  0000) Event 5 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2943 I/O access error, writing P area, word access, Access address:     38 Requested OB: I/O access error OB (OB122) Priority class:  1 External error, Incoming event 10:36:07.051 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2943  017A  0020  0026  0000  0000) Event 6 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2522 Area length error when reading Global DB, word access, Access address:    262 Requested OB: Programming error OB (OB121) Priority class:  1 Internal error, Incoming event 10:36:07.051 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2522  0179  0024  0106  0000  0000) Event 7 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2522 Area length error when reading Global DB, word access, Access address:    260 Requested OB: Programming error OB (OB121) Priority class:  1 Internal error, Incoming event 10:36:07.050 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2522  0179  0024  0104  0000  0000) Event 8 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2943 I/O access error, writing P area, word access, Access address:     40 Requested OB: I/O access error OB (OB122) Priority class:  1 External error, Incoming event 10:36:07.050 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2943  017A  0020  0028  0000  0000) Event 9 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2943 I/O access error, writing P area, word access, Access address:     36 Requested OB: I/O access error OB (OB122) Priority class:  1 External error, Incoming event 10:36:07.050 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2943  017A  0020  0024  0000  0000) Event 10 of 10:  Event ID 16# 2943 I/O access error, writing P area, word access, Access address:     38 Requested OB: I/O access error OB (OB122) Priority class:  1 External error, Incoming event 10:36:07.050 AM  04/17/2019 (Coding: 16# 2943  017A  0020  0026  0000  0000)

Hello everyone, I'm currently trying to communicate  via ethernet with a Parker drive IPA15-HC. I'm using a 5069-L306ER CompactLogix 5380, revision 30.011. There are add-on instructions that allow you to control the drive, but since they're really basic I'm trying to use message instructions to get more data out of it.  The knowledge base provides a zip named IPA_AOI_Rev4, that includes the add-on instructions and the program you should download to the drive to use them, this is the current file downloaded in the drive. Now, I've tried different msg configurations: CIP Data table read, CIP Data table write, CIP Generic copying the values in the examples and I always get the same:  Error Code: 16#0001 Extended Error Code: 16#0000_0125 That extended error code is nowhere to be found, not in the Logix designer online help and not in rockwell's knowledge base. Any idea?

Hi, Can someone provide information about function and interpretation of each flashing or steady LEDs on MLC 1200. For example where to look for when Fault LED flashes during normal operation and so on. Thanks in anticipation that someone will help. Regards

Trying to figure out a fix to a processor issue, I have 2 1785-L40E processors a series E and F. Both when inserted into the rack and powered up go straight to a solid red BATT and PROC light as well as a Solid amber Force light, they both wont even attempt to start a boot up sequence. When connected through DH+ and ENET there is no visibility to either of these processors. These are refurbished processors.

Hi All, I am pretty new at electrical design for PLC control panels. We are a UL508A shop, so this is the code I refer to most. Something struck me as odd when I was trying to size wire for this control panel. UL508A 28.3.1 says this: The required size of the field wiring terminal shall not be less than 14 AWG (2.1 mm2) and shall be determined by: a) Calculating the required ampacity per 28.3.2 – 28.3.6; and b) Determining the minimum field wiring conductor size from Table 28.1 having a corresponding ampacity that is equal to or greater than the required ampacity from (a). How can the minimum wire size be #14 AWG? We use #16 AWG for wire to the PLC modules? Are we breaking code or is there something I am missing? Also, understanding code books can be difficult. Is there a website or place I can go to get a plain English translation? I feel like I will read a sentence over and over again to try to understand what they are saying, and feel like there's is a much easier way to say it than the way it is written. For example, "28.3.1 b" ……...what is it really saying?  

Schneider Electric PLC unity pro.

Hi everyone - my first post here.  I have a customer with a SLC5/01.  The controller is 1747-L511.  Battery seems good.  The fault LED is flashing.   I tried to connect to it using RSlogix500 and I got this message (photo1).  I selected 'Load From EEPROM' and got this notice. (photo2) Customer has the printed ladder but I can't tell which data types are what. everything is just numbers - no B's, no I's and no O's.  the timers and counters are just numbers too. Luckily the printed ladder has a cover sheet, which led me to the PLC2.(photo3) The rack has two 8 channel inputs and 2 8 channel outputs.  I would like to replace everything with a micrologix 1400 or something, if I could translate the code. Can anyone advise on this matter please?      

Hello everyone, my name ia alif from indonesia i have redundancy module 1756-RM2 controllogix5000 Allen bradley. On the module, fault codes appear as EG12. What is it means ?   I have already search in the user manu but there is no explanation about this fault codes.     Thank you

good day! I would like to put some ascii code in a device: D3000..D3009 has to be filled with 0x5F54 0x4F5F 0x4150 0x6F73...  ("_TO_APos")  When I fill it using an ascii-input-field in the designer and press "enter" it works. But I would like to put this text automatically in D3000 and following register, when the user press a switch-object. I tried with an 10 actions  "keycode" but I don't see how to say that the key code shouls be saved in D3000. Can somebody tell me the best way to fill more word devices with only one object switch? Thanks in advance   MEBoerner  

Are there any good guide books out there that parse down the NEC to the sections relevant to controls engineering and panel building?

fx 3g modbus.gxw

I've been building a contraption with linear rails and stepper motors. It has an X, Y, and Z axis. I'm using Velocio PLCs to control the motors which seems to be work well so far. I understand these are not very common and my question are related to general motion control, not Velocio programming specifically. Since I'm new to PLCs, programming, and stepper motion I thought I'd ask for some input instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. I'm to the point in the build where I'll be adding emergency stop/limit switches and am wondering how to go about writing the program; if there's an "industry standard" way to go about it. I figure the PLC will check to see if any switch is active. If one is, drive the motor away from it till it's inactive and store the location. If one is not, drive the motor until a switch activates then back off a until it's inactive and store the location. Drive the motor to the other limit of the axis (the number of steps should be known) to activate the switch, back off and store location. Rinse and repeat for the other axes. Is my approach about right?

I'm trying to ramp up from zero to enable a NJ calculated random curve to never produce a negative position point:                                                     Calling the move "Offset", and using a MC_MoveAbsolute fb, the idea is to trigger the curve generating ST to start when the move reached 50mm.  (Wanted the variable "Ready" to go TRUE at the end of the ramp to 50mm)  .. Then, MC_SyncMoveAbsolute fb would continue from there, sending streaming position data to the LinMot Linear motor. As seen above. But, there's a problem.  Initially, I used the MCMoveAbsolute.Done to start the ST curve move sequence, which also ramps amplitude from zero, over a period of 3 seconds: Offset + [(a number that goes from 0 to 1.0 in 3 seconds) * (the mathematically generated position curve)]   The result is a "clunk" at the transition of the end of the ramp and the start of the curve. Not sure when "Done" happens... started to think perhaps it's when the fb is finished making the command to move, and not when the move has actually finished. So I tried an IF_THAN:                    That was kinda silly, because the ramp final position never reached 50mm ... "Ready" never set to TRUE ...  close, but no cigar. So the next step was use a Round instruction that actually monitors the position of the slider: and a EQ instruction that compares the two, and issues a "Ready" command to start curve the curve program:                  This produced the Minor Fault:  Axis 0x543B0000 Motion Control Instruction Re-Exicution Disabled Now I'm thinking this can't work because "Ready" will only be TRUE when the the curve hits 50mm (which is quite often, after it starts running ... 50mm being the new zero) However, It did start the curve sequence.. but nothing moved because of the fault... Soooo.. The question is: How can I do a smooth transition from the end of an Offset move to the start of the curve?  Or.. better still...How is an "Offset" normally done to any curve generating routine? Thanks much, Regards, Michael PS:   Here's a look at what's happening when I tried using State Tracker... and something to compare actual position at the end of the Offset move, and the start of the random sea curve: https://www.youtube.com/embed/BdpvC1yyKxU?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0      RSStart is the variable that powers the Random Sea ST program, and the SyncMoveAbsolute fb that drives the motor.  Cycle time is 1ms.  Probably would be quieter if I could 500us .. but the NJ is only a 101-1000               FYI... Delta Motion's RMC75E Motion Controller can make the Random Sea using LinMot's B1100-VF drive .. as quiet as a mouse.  But then, I think that controller has a cycle time of 1us!   Wondering if there's a problem with Direction or BufferMode:    _emc_Direction#_mcNoDirection or _eMC_Buffer_Mode#_mcAborting ????  Thanks for any ideas on the "Clunk" ... I may have to live with the "singing" ... sniff!  .... or use a Delta Motion Motion Controller ..