Hi everyone, this is my first post on this forum, so just a quick hello to everyone. I'm currently studying a course in Mechatronics/Automation here in Ireland.I have started my second year project and while I have been researching PLC stuff over the past few weeks your forum has already been a wealth of information, so I decided to register.Its a mega learning curve for me as I'm only a machine operator in a factory, I'm hoping to get a career with more rewarding & interesting work.I have decided to build a model hot caustic tank. I got lucky and I managed to salvage a Micrologix 1500 from a machine that was about to be scrapped:-) I dont have RS Linx or RS Logix 500 or a cable yet. But hopefully I will have them by next week. Fingers crossed I can get online to the controller.Anyway I'm looking forward to being part of the forum and learning lots and hopefully in time be able to help others out.Regards Padraic.
Padraic:while you wait for your 'new' controller, you can read some manuals, go to:500 mnauals, here:not forget to get a usb to rs232 converter, in order to communicate with your controller. The Micrologix 1500 will have to be programmed with the paid license version of RSLogix500. The Micro Starter Lite will only do the 1000's and 1100's.My two cents on the cable if you do go with a USB converter is to visit AB.com and make sure it is compatible.
Not all converters available have enough memory to sustained or prolonged communication with the plc. Very frustrating indeedIf you can't buy the logix 500 ($2,000 USD)- trade that 1500 for an 1100 which add-on cards can be linked via cable unlike the 1000. The lite version will program the 1100.Jim. You will need analogs for all three (Kevin C stated that discrete control is too simple)I have not used them but I believe there are expansion cards for the mlx 1500.I plan to make a simplified version of a Komax machine. Ambitious, I know, but I persuaded my employer to lend me £20k of hardware so I'm off to a good start.When you say analogs for all three, I presume you mean analog sensors? I have been lucky to get an analog card for the 1500, 1769-IF4.Yea that sounds ambitious, but it should be a good challenge and its great that you got the funding.
I'm salvaging parts from old machines that are being scrapped!!! RS have them in stock; 66C753D656E266D6D3D6D6C6C616C2 6706D3D5E5B5C707B4C7D5C707B4E647D2D2C2F255C2E5D2B2 426706F3D313326736E3D592673743D4D414E5F504152545F4 E5677633D4536312D636 26C2D706D303226Ignore the picture it is 'representative of range' not the actual cable itself.Yes for analog you will need analog sensors as well as the input module. Cheapest is going to be temperature, then level, then conductivity. An industrial conductivity sensor, from the likes of Endress and Hauser, is going to be above £1.2k.
In today's article I review how to remotely trigger Graphic Displays on a PanelView Plus or FactoryTalk View Machine Edition Runtime. Step 1) With your View Studio project open, double click on Global Connections: Step 2) Now select the “Display” tab: Step 3) Here you need to provide a Tag for the “Remote Display Number” Global Connection, which.
Your level sensor will need to be capable of withstanding the caustic solution. Your temp sensor you will get away with a PT100 with a RTD-4-20mA transducer. RS have them in stock; 66C753D656E266D6D3D6D6C6C616C2 6706D3D5E5B5C707B4C7D5C707B4E647D2D2C2F255C2E5D2B2 426706F3D313326736E3D592673743D4D414E5F504152545F4 E5677633D4536312D636 26C2D706D303226Ignore the picture it is 'representative of range' not the actual cable itself.Yes for analog you will need analog sensors as well as the input module. Cheapest is going to be temperature, then level, then conductivity. An industrial conductivity sensor, from the likes of Endress and Hauser, is going to be above £1.2k. Your level sensor will need to be capable of withstanding the caustic solution.
Your temp sensor you will get away with a PT100 with a RTD-4-20mA transducer.Cheers, I have contacted Mcc Automation, they will send me a price on Monday morning.I have a temp sensor source already, I just need to check if its compatible. I was going to try a level sender from a cars fuel tank, I don't know yet if it will work?The caustic probe is gonna be the tricky one. I might have to borrow it!!!!Regards Padraic. Car fuel tanks have a float attached to an arm which wipes over a resitive strip. You will need to check the analog input manual to see if it can take a resistive input, it may be only 4-20mA or 0-10v in which case it may still be possible but you will have a bit more work to do.This is the kind of stuff that has me swamped, would I be right in saying that most industrial standard level probes give an current or voltage analog output? I might see if there is any better way of measuring the tank level.
Yes, industry standard is 0-10V or 4-20mA. In my opinion for your situation the best may be non contact, i.e. An ultrasonic sensor mounted at the top of the tank.
Assuming your tank is cylindrical, then volume = P.R^2.H, Height being given by the ultrasonic sensor.Or you can try get a cheap pressure transducer, mounted at the bottom of the tank, every metre of water gives (off the top of my head IIRC) 100mBar of pressure. But the contact sensor may not like your caustic!
And the ultrasonic sensor may not like if your tank is enclosed causing a 'caustic cloud' at the top when you start heating. Yes, industry standard is 0-10V or 4-20mA. In my opinion for your situation the best may be non contact, i.e. An ultrasonic sensor mounted at the top of the tank. Assuming your tank is cylindrical, then volume = P.R^2.H, Height being given by the ultrasonic sensor.Or you can try get a cheap pressure transducer, mounted at the bottom of the tank, every metre of water gives (off the top of my head IIRC) 100mBar of pressure.
But the contact sensor may not like your caustic! And the ultrasonic sensor may not like if your tank is enclosed causing a 'caustic cloud' at the top when you start heating.Yea I need to spend some time and look in to all of this. I'm only planning to use a very low concentration level. What do you work at yourself? Just another possibility on the programming cable.Which ML1500 processor do you have?1764-LSP - RS-232 8-pin port on base unit onlyOr.1764-LSP - RS-232 9-pin port on left side + the aboveIf you have an LRP processor then you use a 1747-CP3 cable.
This is a null modem cable, so if you happened to already have one you would be good to go.Either way, it's always good to have a 1761-CBL-PM02 knocking around.Hi George, Its 1764-28BXB, it requires the 9pin Din to the 8 pin mini din. I should hopefully be able to get one sorted next week.
Just another possibility on the programming cable.Which ML1500 processor do you have?1764-LSP - RS-232 8-pin port on base unit onlyOr.1764-LRP - RS-232 9-pin port on left side + the aboveIf you have an LRP processor then you use a 1747-CP3 cable. This is a null modem cable, so if you happened to already have one you would be good to go.Either way, it's always good to have a 1761-CBL-PM02 knocking around.Sorry, slight typo error on the above!Padraic,You're quoting the base unit catalog number. One or the other of the above catalog number processors are plugged into that base. If you are not seeing a 9-pin port on the left side then you have a 1764-LSP processor and will need the 1761-CBL-PM02.One more small detail. The 8-pin port is not an isolated port whereas the 9-pin is, if you have that model.
You are advised to use an isolating device between an un-isolated port and your PC, but many don't bother, I'm sure. A typical isolating interface is the 1761-NET-AIC+.G. Sorry, slight typo error on the above!Padraic,You're quoting the base unit catalog number.
One or the other of the above catalog number processors are plugged into that base. If you are not seeing a 9-pin port on the left side then you have a 1764-LSP processor and will need the 1761-CBL-PM02.One more small detail. The 8-pin port is not an isolated port whereas the 9-pin is, if you have that model. You are advised to use an isolating device between an un-isolated port and your PC, but many don't bother, I'm sure. A typical isolating interface is the 1761-NET-AIC+.G.Hi George, ah I see what you mean when it comes to different part numbers for the base unit and the controller. Mine doesn't have the isolated RS232 comms port, so my controller is a 1764-LSP.Is it recommended to have an isolated connection? Is the idea to prevent damage to the controller?If I use a 1761-NET-AIC+, will I need a 9 pin to 9 pin?
Nice to see another fellow Paddy about the place. There's not enough of us here at all.Oh No!!! Not another one:eek:Is it recommended to have an isolated connection?
Is the idea to prevent damage to the controller?If I use a 1761-NET-AIC+, will I need a 9 pin to 9 pin?Here is the manual on the AIC+you are using the 1500 you will need the full version of RSLogix and it's not cheap. You may want to sell your 1500 and buy a 1100 or 1000 unless someone else is paying the bill, you can buy a 1100 with Ethernet port then you may not need the AIC+Your source for cables.for the plug Mickey.
Not another one:eek:Here is the manual on the AIC+you are using the 1500 you will need the full version of RSLogix and it's not cheap. You may want to sell your 1500 and buy a 1100 or 1000 unless someone else is paying the bill, you can buy a 1100 with Ethernet port then you may not need the AIC+Thanks for the plug MickeyYea another one!!!Thanks for the advice re the software, I have the use of a 1100 but it has limited analog inputs, so I would have to but an analog card for the 1100 which I presume is not cheap either. I'm on a tight budget!!!.A friend at work is sorting me out with the suitable software, so I should have that by next week.I had assumed this to mean you'll have RSLinx Classic Lite & RSLogix 500 Micro Starter at the very least. What are they hooking you up with? If it happens to be RSLogix 500 Micro Starter Lite, then that's only good for the ML1000 & ML1100.Don't sweat it too much on whether to use a 1761-NET-AIC+ interface or not while just connecting to your PC.
Yes, it is to protect the controller. If you were connecting this controller onto a network, for instance, you should use one. I'm just trying to educate you on the do's & don't and typical devices involved as you're only starting out. I promise I won't overload you too quickly!G. On the level transmitter - look up bubble tubes.
The concept is basically that you run an air line into the bottom of your tank and give it a slow flow of compressed air - just enough to blow a bubble every second or so. Then monitor the compressed air pressure.
The resulting pressure is identical to what you would get sticking a pressure sensor on the tank itself, but then you're not exposing anything to caustic except a piece of pipe.There are a couple of tricks to make it work right, so read up a bit, but I've seen it and set one up personally on a couple of caustic tanks to great effect:). I had assumed this to mean you'll have RSLinx Classic Lite & RSLogix 500 Micro Starter at the very least.
What are they hooking you up with? If it happens to be RSLogix 500 Micro Starter Lite, then that's only good for the ML1000 & ML1100.Don't sweat it too much on whether to use a 1761-NET-AIC+ interface or not while just connecting to your PC. Yes, it is to protect the controller. If you were connecting this controller onto a network, for instance, you should use one. I'm just trying to educate you on the do's & don't and typical devices involved as you're only starting out.
I promise I won't overload you too quickly!G.Hi George, that's why I'm here to learn. As you can Imagin I'm a tight budget so the less hardware I have to buy the better. Car fuel tanks have a float attached to an arm which wipes over a resitive strip. You will need to check the analog input manual to see if it can take a resistive input, it may be only 4-20mA or 0-10v in which case it may still be possible but you will have a bit more work to do.Also, just to verify the above query.The 1769-IF4 input module converts and digitally stores analog data (not resistive) for retrieval by controllers, such as the MicroLogix 1500. The module supports connections from any combination of up to four voltage or current analog sensors. Also, just to verify the above query.The 1769-IF4 input module converts and digitally stores analog data (not resistive) for retrieval by controllers, such as the MicroLogix 1500.
The module supports connections from any combination of up to four voltage or current analog sensors. Let's be clear here guys.Firstly.Because you are only starting out here, terminology is important to get right, especially when looking for help here on the Forum.I also have been advised to check that my controller can communicate with factory talk over my serial connection. Is there a simple way to test this before I proceed any further?The term 'FactoryTalk' relates to a whole host of Rockwell software products and tools, either as prerequisites to other Rockwell Software, or as stand-alone applications. The prefix 'FactoryTalk' or 'FT' is to Rockwell as the prefix 'Windows' or 'Win' is to Microsoft.A little introduction to the FactoryTalk world.FactoryTalk Services Platform (FTSP) is a suite of applications which provide the basic platform for the FactoryTalk environment. FTSP provides a shared or common platform for other applications within other suites to utilize the same software components and services among the many other available software products. (I sound like I'm selling something?).It can include some or all of the following:FactoryTalk Services Platform:FT Administration Console (FTAC)FT Activation Manager (FTAM)FT Directory (FTD)FT Security (FTS)FT Diagnostics (FTD)FT Audit (FTA)FT Live Data (FTLD)FT Alarms and Events (FTAE)Then there are FactoryTalk application suites for various functions. Don't be interrupting my FT sales pitch!I don't know about the time or headaches, but how will our friend save money by switching, when they already have the hardware and software for an AB/Rockwell setup?Actually, on the time and headaches, isn't that why we are here!And you've got me started now.What a conglomerated mess!
RSView32 (the previous version of Factory Talk View) did work with RSLinx Gateway. Find an old copy of RSView32 and you can avoid buying and installing all that extra fluff.' EnableRANT'.Lancie,Don't thank me all at once for setting you straight.
Just carry on into 'well screw all that FT stuff anyway!' If you are happy to stay in RSLogix 5/500 and RSView32 land, then that is your perogative. But please don't turn another thread into a Rockwell/AB/FT thrashing session. We've had enough of them of late. (Not suggesting you did of late).You don't buy the prerequisites, such as FTSP, like some add-on, they come packaged with the software you have purchased. Anyone successfully using FTVS will have already installed FTSP as part of that installation. It comes on the disk, or is included in the download.
You make it sound like it's all extra cost and extra hassle. It's like installing the driver files to make your hardware work. FTSP is essential in the FT world.The whole premise of the FactoryTalk model is to simplify the re-use of shared information. The core of that model is FT Services Platform.
Everything else is an add-on built off the foundation that FTSP lays. Once you understand the model and its principles, you can then better understand what it's all supposed to do, make life simpler.
Whether you like the model and its price-point as an end-user, is up to you. Free Enterprise and all that. If you have used it and struggled with it then perhaps it's not for you, but if you haven't used it, or haven't used it beyond the very basics, and fully understood it, then it can be very easy to be negative about it all. A view I see all too often. I've seen and heard comments in the past, and present, showing utter hatred and disgust for FT. Showing no regard for it as though it was so ill conceived it should have been put down at birth.I would say perhaps you have not fully embraced it, not given it a chance, or have not fully understood it? Some may even have been too busy or just not bothered to learn its ways.
I don't know? I just know that it's like most ICS, it can be complicated, flawed, but also very useful and powerful, in the right hands.Perhaps, dare I say, it is just above some people, or their tolerance levels?' Hi George, I suppose a bit of background from myself as to why I'm using AB RS. Our college almost insisted that we used LABView, it took some persuasion for them to allow me to use AB.But for my own education and for my future here in Ireland Allen Bradley would be one of the market leaders, where I work, everything is AB so it makes sense for me to learn and use it.I really appreciate you explaining everything to me George, this is exactly what I need.I installed from files. How can I check the version of FTVS, I cannot open it.I have as followsRSLinx Classic Gateway 2.57.00RS Logix 500 8.30.00FT View Me 5.10.00FT View StudioRegards Padraic.
Where are you reading those versions from?File or folder names?Installed programs list in Control Panel? I read them from the folders. I read them from the folders. So, from the previous, FTV ME has installed FTVS, but it's known as FTV ME and is listed as so.
You won't see 'FactoryTalk View Studio' listed as installed unless you had only FTVS installed as a single purchase. The other items in bold were also installed by FTV ME.The question more so is should you?FTV ME v5.10 is a little older as I had expected and is lagging behind some of the other installed applications. FTSP v2.10 was in use around the time of FTV ME v5.00 and v5.10. Remember, there can be several installed applications dependant on FTSP at any one time.
So something else more newer has installed FTSP v2.30, which is too new for FTV ME v5.10. This sort of lagging behind between interdependent versions happens from time to time and you either have to update the offending older software, or patch it.The Technote below: 106083, from Rockwell's Knowledgebase, provides details on your specific issue, and a patch to apply to FTV ME v5.10 to make it compatible with the newer version of FTSP.
If you can't view the Technote, then register with the KBase, it's free. You can then view any Technotes marked as 'Access: Everyone'. If a Technote is marked 'Access: TechConnect', it means you require a Support contract to view it, which I assume you don't have? I always post the 'Access' level for these links so users can quickly see if they will be able to view them or not, rather than clicking it only to be disappointed.Just read this Technote please, don't act on it.106083 (- FactoryTalk View SE/ME 5.10.00 Patch for error messages when launching View Studio or client after upgrading FTSP to CPR9 SR3Access Level: EveryoneThat Technote advises you to first update to a Patch Roll-up dated 2010, before applying the linked patch. As the Technote is a little older now, the Patch Roll-up they refer to is considerably newer (Oct 2014), and does now include the patch you require and many others.
I only pointed you to that Technote above to provide some specific details on the issue. A Patch Roll-up includes many cumulative patches rolled into one.466418 (- FactoryTalk View - Patch Roll-up for CPR9 SRxAccess Level: EveryoneThe Roll-up is nearly 160MB, but it does include many patches that you don't require. It will, however, only install the patches your system does require.After downloading - to install, find the 'InstallAllPatches' file and run that.If you have any difficulties downloading the file, I have a copy of it should you need me to upload it for you.Regards,GeorgeHi George, Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Its been busy with work and stuff over the past few days.I have read through all of your information, so I uninstalled everything, and carefully re-installed in the correct order, ensuring that I only installed FTSP 2.10, everything seems to be opening ok.So the list of the installed applications is the same, except FTSP is version 2.10.
Padraic,Just to explain (I love explaining don't I?) the reason why you had FTSP v2.30 installed in the first place.RSLogix 500 v8.30 had most likely installed FTSP v2.30. Padraic,Just to explain (I love explaining don't I?) the reason why you had FTSP v2.30 installed in the first place.RSLogix 500 v8.30 had most likely installed FTSP v2.30. Padraic,Unless you need/want to save a copy of what's already in the controller, you don't necessarily have to remove/clear it. You can just create your new program offline in RSLogix 500 and then perform a Download to the controller. It will overwrite what's currently in it.G.just a curious question inbetween, does this overwrite.everthing. (like clearing) or does it leave stuff there? Like with S7 I overwrite some stuff, put some new blocks in, but otherwhise-named blocks are still there, occupying space.
Just a curious question inbetween, does this overwrite.everthing. (like clearing) or does it leave stuff there?It overwrites everything in the memory pertaining to the storage of the program. No user data is retained. The firmware, in separate memory, obviously is untouched.Now, at the processor level, whether it actually writes zeroes to each memory address that was used (wipes), but now won't be, is another question? It may just clear a Master Boot Record (MBR) type reference to the memory allocations. This could potentially leave previous data stored in now unreferenced memory locations, which are simply waiting to be utilized again.
Similar to delete in Windows just deleting a reference and not the actual data. You then have to wipe the hard drive to actual zero the memory, or overwrite with new data.That's why you are always advised to upload a copy of the existing program in case you need to revert later.Downloading is destructive.Uploading is constructive.G. Hi all, well I'm just about to start banging my head on the wall, I cant get the communications path to the controller set up. Firstly I had the following issues when installing RSLogix 5000I have installed RSLogix 5000 but during the install I was asked to show the path or insert the CD for the following programs. Some of them I have older versions and some I don't have. Will RSLogix work ok with out them? They are as follows.USB CIP driver V 3.11.02 I have installed V 3.06.01RSLynx Classic V 2.57.00 I have installed V 2.55.00.16RSLynx Enterprise V 5.30 I have installed V 5.2.00000Factory Talk Gateway V 3.03 I don't have it installedRS Net Worx For Controlnet V 10.01.00 I don't have it installedRS Net Worx For Ethernet V 10.01.00 I don't have it installedRS Net Worx For Devicenet V 10.01.00 I don't have it installedDrive Executive V 5.03.12When I powered up the PLC I tried the ping test and it worked fine a few times, but now it has stopped.
I have tried to get on line to it but I'm not able to set the communications path to it.
In today's article I review how to remotely trigger Graphic Displays on a PanelView Plus or FactoryTalk View Machine Edition Runtime. Step 1) With your View Studio project open, double click on Global Connections: Step 2) Now select the “Display” tab:Step 3) Here you need to provide a Tag for the “Remote Display Number” Global Connection, which will be used to control which Graphic Display is shown:NOTE: You can purchase “ad free” copies of our articles, videos, and sample code for $1 each. Or become a “” for as little as $1 a month and receive at least $3 worth of articles/videos/sample code free each month! Find out more.Step 4) After you've selected your Tag click on “OK” in the Tag Browser, and “OK” again in Global Connections to save your selection:Step 5) Now open and check each of your Graphic Displays to be sure they all have a unique “Display Number” setting.
This is done in the “Display Settings” for each screen, which can be access from the “Edit” and right-click menus:Step 6) In the below example, the display shown has a “Display Number” setting of 1: Step 7) With the above changes complete, run your project. Then when you enter the corresponding value into your “Remote Display Number” tag, the HMI will display that graphic display and will stay there until you change your “Remote Display Number” tag to another value.NOTE: To allow the operator to freely navigate the HMI project, be sure to set the “Remote Display Number” tag's value to 0. Also, if your “Remote Display Number” tag's value doesn't correspond to any Graphic Display, you'll receive an error on the HMI.If you'd like to watch a video demonstration of the above, check out Episode 5 of The Automation Minute Season 4 below:Have a question or comment? Please feel free to ask me.Sincerely,Automation andIf you enjoyed my article, you may like my courses atEliminate Ads and get Free Downloads by becoming a PatronHave a news tip? Share it with us.