Excel to PLC

[Mr.V 0]

I'm new at this type of programming and could use a good start. I am trying to control a machine to operate after a part has been scanned w/ a barcoder. The problem is that the scanner is wireless and sends the part number to an excel sheet at a different location. Is there a way to get that info as bit to plc via rs485 since the the plc is AB 5/03. Any tips would help

[JStevens 1]

What scanner are you using (make and exact model please)? Do you have any communication modules in your PLC? Are there other devices communicating with the PLC? How fast do the scans have to take place (i.e. at a rate of ___ per second)? If you can give us some more information, I am sure we can help you.

[BobLfoot 302]

Answering JStevens questions will definitely let us give you useful answers. let me suggest you may want to consider upgrading to SLC 5/05 or Comtrol/Compact Logix Processor. The connectivity methods for hooking a scanner to a 5/03 while they will work will eventually succumb to feature creep and you'll upgrade the PLC.