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phuz

1734-IE4C PointIO strange behavior with CompactLogix L18

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I have used PointIO a few times, but this is the first time using an IE4C. The wiring seems pretty straight-forward with Ch0 going to terminal 0 and the common is on terminal 4, if used. I started off having a solid red status light for the network status, so I changed keying, reset the module, re-seated it and the TB3 base, and finally got a green status light for both, but I am getting ZERO data. The channel faults are all 0, and the data is all 0, regardless of what I put on the input. I put a simulator between terminals 0 and 4 and the data still doesn't change from 0. What's more strange is on occasion, I have gone into the IE4C properties and under the Module Info, it would sometimes show Unknown or "Control Techniques PLC" for the vendor. I have seen about 4 different serial numbers appear, and even the revision number has changed. If I hit reset module, it goes back to saying Allen Bradley with the correct serial number and correct revision number, but still does not give any data. I am assuming the module is bad and I have another one en route, but was curious if anyone could explain this because I haven't seen it on any type of module before.

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Weird ! Very weird ! Is this connected to the POINTBus backplane on the CompactLogix L18 controller, or to a 1734-AENT on the network ? This almost sounds like a duplicate IP situation, if it's on the network.

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Nope, this is local IO on the Compact backplane. I've tried it with and without power on the FP+ / FP-, with and without the common attached to the terminal 4. They are expensive little modules and I'd hate to see it end up in the trash. Edited by phuz

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OK, replacement module shows up, and I am STILL not getting any data. I have the unit powered with 24VDC and I have 24VDC on the FP+/-. Since my transmitter is powered from the same 24vdc, I have the current input going into Ch0 (terminal 0) and nothing else connected. Oddly, Ch1 and Ch3 show data of "85" even though there is nothing connected. 0 and 2 show "0". Ch0 and 2 also show channel faults. Edited by phuz

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Seems like a pretty straight forward module. What is the source device? Do you have a process meter/calibrator you can hook up to it to see if the problem might be the source?

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Unfortunately I put 12mA on it from a separate source and still get nothing.

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That's unfortunate. I was going to offer to let you borrow my process calibrator. Invaluable in trouble-shooting this kind of nonsense. My next step would be to look in the software for an enable bit to enable the channel I'm using, but I don't see it for that module. Do you have the Point I/O backplane size set properly?

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I have to wonder if it needs calibrated, which I could do on the calibration tab. I mean it can't hurt at this point. I also may take this IE4C over to Fromm Electric and pop it in their demo L18 and see if that reads the data correctly.

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I'd think you'd be getting uncalibrated data, but that it would still be changing, but you never know. The Siemens S7-1200 has a PID block that won't operate at all until you run the auto-tune function from the software, even if you cancel it half-way through. Fromm sounds like a good idea.

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Thanks to a member on plctalk for shedding some light on this. https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/508507 508507 - CompactLogix 5370 L1 controller incompatible with 1734-IE4C firmware 3.001 modulesAccess Level: Everyone Date Created: 10/09/2012 09:23 AM Last Updated: 12/01/2014 10:49 AM QuestionWhy is the input data static from 1734-IE4C series C in CompactLogix 5370 L1 controller but works fine in 1734-AENT® chassis? Next, here are examples of typical conditions reported: L1 controller I/O status LED is solid green1734-IE4C module status LEDs appear fineOnline no errors are displayed in Controller I/O treeSame 1734-IE4C module works fine when placed in 1734-AENT® chassis AnswerUse 1734-IE4C module with firmware 3.002 or higher when using as local expansion Input module with CompactLogix 5370 L1 controllers. 1734-IE4C series C module firmware 3.001 is not compatible with CompactLogix 5370 L1 controllers. Note: 1734-IE4C module firmware is not field upgradeable.

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Ah yes. Firmware. *spits and throws salt over shoulder*

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Unfortunately since you can't update these modules in the field, I had to buy a new one. Now with the 3.4 firmware version, all is well!

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Wow.

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Yes, that was my reaction too. What are the odds? An L1x series processor and 3.1 IE4C module and I happen to have both.

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