SLC 5/04 Upgrade to ControlLogix

[IamNotaCat 0]

Hi,

I am looking into upgrading a SLC 5/04 to a ControlLogix processor. I believe I've done sufficient research to know my chassis size and I/O needed. I was wondering where I could get some technical questions answered to be sure. For example, old SLC 5/04 has 1746-NI8. The NI8 has 8 analog channels that can be all 8 differential, or single ended. At first glance the 1756-IF8 is the same, but appears to only support up to (4) differential analog signals, so I need the 1756-IF16? Or, my 1746 RIO scanner communicates to my Flex I/O analog cards through BTW/BTR instructions. If I eliminate the RIO scanner, go to 1794 AENT and use ethernet is the whole BTR/BTW instruction deal eliminated and I can pass the analog value since over the ethernet? Like I just add the RIO to the I/O tree , set the IP address, add the modules, and I can access the data stored in the analog modules that easily? 

 

These are just a few examples of some technical questions I have. The location I am at is very small, no one to really ask anything to. They are in the process of purchasing Tech Connect, would that be the ideal place to source these sorts of questions? (While I am sure people on this forum could answer questions, if something goes awry and my company says, "Hey, I thought you verified this item?" and I say, "Ya, DogLogver_44 on Mr. PLC forums said it would work!", I may be in trouble.)

 

Secondly, does Rockwell have local distributors I can call and tell them what items I need, get a formal quote generated, and order from them?

[ElectronGuru 81]

Since you have so many questions, the best thing to do is contact your local Rockwell / Allen Bradley distributor using this link:

https://locator.rockwellautomation.com/

They will have a controls specialist who can answer all of your tech questions, and that will be where you purchase your hardware, as well.

[IamNotaCat 0]

16 minutes ago, ElectronGuru said:

Since you have so many questions, the best thing to do is contact your local Rockwell / Allen Bradley distributor using this link:

https://locator.rockwellautomation.com/

They will have a controls specialist who can answer all of your tech questions, and that will be where you purchase your hardware, as well.

Thank you very much for the prompt response and the link sir, I appreciate it very much!

[mikey431 3]

It sounds like you need Tech Connect , the tech support would able to answer your questions and point you to right direction, along with your local  Rockwell / Allen Bradley distributor .

You can also use your Tech Connect to utilize software (such as Integrated Architecture Builder) to migrate to a newer platform and verify your new I/Os chassis and save you trouble and time.

 

 

Integrated Architecture Builder

Integrated Architecture Builde Integrated Architecture Builder

[Joe E. 259]

I agree that TechConnect would be helpful. You will need to go through your local distributor for quotes and orders. The TechConnect will also go through your local distributor. I've found support to be generally good, but can be inconsistent over different distributors, even different branches of the same distributor.

I don't think you need TechConnect to use Product Selection Toolbox, which includes ProposalWorks and Integrated Architecture Builder, but that may have changed since the last time I downloaded it. IAB especially will be a big help in making sure you get all of the associated bits and bobs (like removable terminal blocks, etc.) that you need. I also recommend you use their website to get to the Literature Library to download manuals for the various modules that are in your current and proposed systems to double check you know what you need to replace.

Since you're replacing a SLC 5/04, you should also look at the CompactLogix lines, especially if you only have a couple of remote racks.

[BobLfoot 301]

@IamNotaCat welcome to mrplc.com.  I have done a number of PLC5 to controllogix conversions over the years and the folks telling you to work with your local distributor and tech connect team are spot on.  They will give you the current and most up to date answers.  Having said that I will share some practical wisdom "learned the hard way".

Rockwell will most likely recommend a full conversion CPU and I/O in one fell sweep. And if you can afford the downtime this is the most practical approach.  There are however, methods of doing it in stages.  Replacing the CPU and RIO cards with Ethernet Cards talking to a ControlLogix CPU over ethernet is one such approach.  It allows you to run the SLC 5/04 hardware for production during the week and then test your ControlLogix control of SLC I/O over the weekend downtime.  After the I/O is fully validated , you can then attempt a COntrolLogix controlled production week.  IF issues are encountered you can swing back to the SLC while you plan to address the issues. Once the ControlLogix is fully in Control of the SLC I/O you can convert one rack at a time to Logix I/O.  If you need that weekly production and can do your upgrade over the weekends, while it takes longer it may have a more positive bottom line affect.  Just food for thought.

Good Luck and let us know how things go.

[IamNotaCat 0]

Thank you everyone for your responses, I appreciate it greatly!!
 

@BobLFoot I am going to be converting the CPU and I/O all at once, as that was the directive I was give. However, I am very curious about what you are saying. I am rather new to the game, I've learned a few tricks, but much more to learn, and what you said has me a little stumped. Are you saying I could remove the SLC 5/04 CPU, place in an Ethernet card, such as a 1756-ENET, and run the program with the old I/O cards and chassis (i.e. 1746-IA16, etc) over the Control Logix processor? 

I guess I fully understand how the Processor could be sitting on my desk and connect to the ethernet card over the plant network, but how would the I/O mapping go? On a blank project it wont let me select a CLX processor with a 1746 Chassis. If that's going to be complicated to explain over a forum thread, no problem I will research this on my own, but if you don't mind and it isn't an overly complicated explanation, I am all ears!.... or eyes in this matter.

 

Again, thanks for the responses everyone!

[pcmccartney1 141]

BobLFoot is referring to a 1746-AENT.  If you can find one.  Then there are many limitations, read the manual. 

[Joe E. 259]

The 1747-AENTR is in "active mature" status, which means they still make it but they don't want to. It takes the place of the 5/04 CPU and turns that rack into an EtherNet/IP I/O slave of the Control/CompactLogix. I looked briefly at it last year. It would have worked well in my application since it was all digital I/O but the analog modules could get complicated. If you can afford the time, I think it would be better to swap out all of the I/O at the same time as the CPU.

[IamNotaCat 0]

2 hours ago, Joe E. said:

The 1747-AENTR is in "active mature" status, which means they still make it but they don't want to. It takes the place of the 5/04 CPU and turns that rack into an EtherNet/IP I/O slave of the Control/CompactLogix. I looked briefly at it last year. It would have worked well in my application since it was all digital I/O but the analog modules could get complicated. If you can afford the time, I think it would be better to swap out all of the I/O at the same time as the CPU.

I see thank you very much for the explanation! I can see how that could be quite enticing for testing and verification purposes of the project. Thankfully, I do have the time to just do the whole upgrade at once! (Assuming all goes well).