RSLinx - Ethernet Networks - Problems and Solutions

What are some of the issues regarding RSLinx connection to processors on an Ethernet Network?
The purpose of this technote is to compile a number of issues regarding RSLinx connection to processors on an Ethernet Network.

Problem:

• RSLinx cannot browse devices using AB_ETHIP-1 (Ethernet/IP Driver).
• However using AB_ETH-1 (Ethernet devices) Driver does work fine.
• PING is successful to the desired IP Addresses. Windows Firewall has been disabled.
• Driver AB_ETHIP-1 has been configured for '(x) Browse Local Subnet'.

Solution:

This problem can be caused by the computer having multiple network adapters.
Change Driver AB_ETHIP-1 configuration to '(x) Browse Remote Subnet'.

• IP Address: <Enter the IP address on any device which is located on the remote subnet.>
• Subnet Mask: <Enter the subnet mask of the remote subnet.>

Problems with Upload/Download - Communication Setup.

Download and edit problems usually have some basis in a bad communications/privilege setup.  Here are some basic settings to check to make sure that comms are set up correctly.
1.  Check the MEMORY PROTECT KEY. It should be OFF.
2.  Determine if you are communicating through the front port (channel 0) or a DH+ port (S5/SR5).
If you are connected to the front port, check the following:Cable connection - make sure it is tight and that you are using the correct cable.Use the LIST functions from the front panel of the PLC-3 (SHIFT, then LIST) or from the online menu (F1-Processor Functions, F2-LIST) to set the timeout and privilege 0.Select Module Status.Select the 1775-S5 or -SR5.Select CHAN 0.  Make sure the CHANNEL TIMEOUT is set to 0.  If not, change it to 0.Select PRIVILEGES.  Make sure privilege 0 (write to the system area) is in the list of enabled privileges.  If it is not in the list, press 0<Enter> to enable it.

Quick Start Remote IO (RIO) on SLC System

You can use this document as a Quick Start to set-up either of the following for a SLC Remote I/O System:

• 1747-SN
  
• 1747-ASB

When commissioning a RIO network with a SLC system, use the following steps to ensure minimal time is used commissioning RIO system.

Making the Physical Connection

1. Make sure the RIO network consists of the following:
   
   
   • A Scanner, 1747-SN, located in main system with processor
     
   • At least 1 1747-ASBAdapter
     
     
     
     
2. Connect the scanner Scanner to other RIO devices in a daisy chain (serial) configuration.
   
   
3. Ensure the maximum distance of network is:
   
   
   • 10,000 feet at 57.6k baud, 5000 feet at 115.2k baud
     
   • 2500 feet 230.4k baud.
     

RSLogix 5/500/5000 on Windows Vista and Windows 7

This technote is a quick reference for O/S support. For specific details on each software package, please refer to the individual product release notes

Official Support

Windows 7 (64-bit)

• RSLogix 5000 v19.00 and greater
• RSLogix 500 v8.40.00
• RSLinx Classic v2.57or greater

Windows 7 (32-bit)

• RSLogix 5000 v19.00 and greater
• RSLogix 500 v8.30.01
• RSLinx Classic v2.57or greater

Windows Vista (32-bit)

• RSLogix 5000 v17.00 and greater
• RSLogix 500 v8.00 or greater
• RSLogix 5 v7.40
• RSLinx Classic v2.54 or greater

Exceptions

RSLogix 5000

• RSLogix 5000 software v13 through v18 are now known to operate correctly on Windows 7, if using suggested configuration settings. See the attached document <RSLogix 5000 Enterprise Software Windows 7 Statement.pdf> below for full details.
• RSLogix 5000 software v10 through v12 are not available for installation on 64-bit operating systems.

RSLogix 5

• RSLogix 5 v7.40 is known to operate correctly on Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit) using RSLinx Classic v2.57 or greater, and UAC disabled.

Installation Options

Serial DF1 communication setup for a PanelView Plus

Helpful hints for setting up a PanelView Plus to communicate Serial DF1:

• By default, the PanelView Plus is set to communicate using BCC error checking; however, SLC and MicroLogix processors are set to CRC error checking by default. Even with Use Auto-Configuration checked, they will NOT communicate until this setting matches. CRC is recommended.
• The first time an application is loaded and run on the PVP, it will take up to 5 minutes to establish communication. Be patient! If you are continuously getting tag errors, that is a good sign that the communications is not going to work; however, if you get very few errors that is a sign that communication will be established.
• The station address of the PVP in Communication Setup MUST be 0. The station address of the Processor inCommunication setup MUST be 1. No other addresses will work.
• The Station address of the serial port on the Processor does not matter.
• You cannot always change the address on the PVP. If the address in the Communication Setup is not right, fix it in Factory Talk/RSView Studio ME, create the runtime and download.

source : http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/50488/related/1

Downloading Via DF1 to PanelView Plus or VersaView CE

Cable to use for PanelView Plus/VVCE:  2711NC-13, 2711NC-14, 2706-NC13

RAC6182 ONLY: 1747-CP3

Note: If you are trying to download to PanelView Plus 600 and 400 you would need v.3.1 of RSView Studio for Machine Edition since these PanelViews did not exist when v.3.0 was first introduced.

To download serially to replace an existing application, or just download a new application to a empty PanelView Plus or VersaView CE industrial computer, follow these steps:

Terminal Setup (Your physical PanelView Plus or VersaView CE device):

1. Go to Terminal Settings-->Network and Communications-->RSLinx Enterprise Communications-->Serial-DF1.
   
2. Click Edit Driver. If you do not see the DF1 driver choose Restore Default.
   
3. Configure Driver Properties as shown below:

   Driver Properties	Value
   Use AutoConfiguration	No
   Device	PLC_CH0
   Error Check	BCC
   Baud	19200
   Stop Bits	ONESTOPBIT
   ACK/Poll Timeout (msec)	3000
   Max Retries	3
   Station Number	0
   Comm Port	1

4. Verify Use AutoConfiguration is set to a value of No
   
5. Verify Station Number is set to 0.
   
6. Verify Comm Port is set to 1.

You should now be able to configure DF1 on your terminal.

How to download an application to a PanelView Plus via DH+?

To be able to download an application to the PanelView Plus via DH+, an application needs to be downloaded first via Serial or Ethernet to enable the DH+ connection, to do so please follow the following steps (If there is any existing DH+ configuration please delete the Drive from RSLinx Enterpsrise on the application (Design and Target) and reset to default RSLinx Enterprise configuration on the PanelView Plus):

1. In FTView ME, go to RSLinx Enterprise and open Communication Setup.
2. • In Design Tab, right click on RSLinx Enterprise --> Add Driver, then select DH+(1784-PKTX, 2711P-RN6,2711PRN8). On the DH+ properties interface, do not change anything, just press OK. Then Press the Button Copy from Derign to Runtime.
   • In the Runtime Tab, right click on the DH+ driver (DHPlus, DH+) then select Properties. Now change the Station Number (which should be "0") to "1" then press OK. 
     
3. Press OK to close the Communication setup, then create a Runtime application and transfer it to the PanelView Plus using a serial or Ethernet connection. Make sur to enable Replace Communication on the Transfer Utility before downloading the application. 
   
4. Once the PanelView Plus has rebooted, open again Transfer Utility and you should see your PanelView Plus Communication card showing up under the DH+ Driver, select it and download your application.   

source : http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57771

This runtime application file was saved in an older format that does not support conversion to a development application

This message appears when using application manager to restore runtime application from a .MER file v4.00 with FactoryTalkView ME 5.00.

Versions prior to v5.00 CANNOT be converted from MER (runtime) format to a development format using Application Manager.

Runtime files prior to v5 can be restored by following the instructions

How do I Recover a Project from the MER File?

Series/Revision: 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.10.00; 3.0; 3.1; 3.2; 4.0

NOTE: As of Revision 5.00 the ability was added to restore an MER file back to design time. If the Never allow conversion or Conversion protected by password options are selected when creating an MER file then the Graphic Display (GFX) files will unrecoverable even following the steps below. 

Details

When the development project files have been lost, some of the project information can be recovered from the MER (Machine Edition Runtime) file itself. However, the following cannot be recovered:

• Parameter files
• Alarm Setup
• Datalog files
• Macro files
• RSLE shortcut information 

Under some circumstances, the Tag Database cannot be recovered either (described below under Tag Database Recovery).

Introduce to PLCs

What does ‘PLC’ mean?
A PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers)  is an industrial computer used to monitor inputs, and depending upon their state make decisions based on its program or logic, to control (turn on/off) its outputs to automate a machine or a process.
NEMA defines a PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER as:
“A digitally operating electronic apparatus which uses a programmable memory for the internal storage of instructions by implementing specific functions such as logic sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control, through digital or analog input/output modules, various types of machines or processes”.
Traditional PLC Applications
*In automated system, PLC controller is usually the central part of a process control system.
*To run more complex processes it is possible to connect more PLC controllers to a central computer.
Disadvantages of PLC control
- Too much work required in connecting wires.
- Difficulty with changes or replacements.
- Difficulty in finding errors; requiring skillful work force.
- When a problem occurs, hold-up time is indefinite, usually long.
Advantages of PLC control
* Rugged and designed to withstand vibrations, temperature, humidity, and noise.
* Have interfacing for inputs and outputs already inside the controller.
* Easily programmed and have an easily understood programming language.