Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
(OP)
Hi,
I'm automating a machine at work using an allen bradley slc 500. It is going to use a industrial PC to run the HMI software on. The problem is what software to use. I have a lot of programs the operator can load and a lot settings contained within that will be updated to the PLC when loaded. As a result I need something that can access the HDD for job storage. I decided on using visual basic to write the HMI as I have experience with VB.net.
What I need to know is what is the best way of using VB.net to read write to the PLC registers? I have used some free DF1 drivers at home but I need something solid and professional for work. Any help is much appreciated.
I'm automating a machine at work using an allen bradley slc 500. It is going to use a industrial PC to run the HMI software on. The problem is what software to use. I have a lot of programs the operator can load and a lot settings contained within that will be updated to the PLC when loaded. As a result I need something that can access the HDD for job storage. I decided on using visual basic to write the HMI as I have experience with VB.net.
What I need to know is what is the best way of using VB.net to read write to the PLC registers? I have used some free DF1 drivers at home but I need something solid and professional for work. Any help is much appreciated.





RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
http://www.softwaretoolbox.com/index.asp
I found this site using google. The site provides HMI tools for .Net apps. I have not used their tools, and they also must be purchased.
http://www.automatedsolutions.com/
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
Thanks for that. I am definetly prepared to pay for one. How was your experience with the activex control? Was it stable and reliable.
Thanks.
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
http://w
why reinvent the wheel?
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
I noticed Softwaretoolbox offers a complete line of controls based on .Net although I have not used them.
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
http://sourceforge.net/projects/abdf1/
I am the primary developer and know it has been tested by a large number of users over several years, so I can attest to it being as solid and stable as any commerical driver. A newer version of the driver is included with the AdvancedHMI project:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/
The AdvancedHMI is a project designed for developing HMIs in Visual Basic .NET
The DF1Comm is the only driver (commercial or free) that supports program uploading and downloading. The driver has also been tested on DH+ using a SLC 5/04 with pass through bit set and also using a DL3500. It also works on DH485 using a 1770-KF3 module.
Within the next few weeks, a new release will be posted that adds support for the MicroLogix 1400 and a few other minor bug fixes. In the near future an Ethernet/IP driver will be released that support SLC 5/05, ML1100, ML1400, and other MicroLogix using a 1761-NET-ENI module. Its currently in the testing phase.
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiPzqc5jDlE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-5STcYWQ7k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-E8NlUNiX4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94wgFX8yUlQ
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
Thankyou for your comments. As it happens I am familiar with your driver as that is the free one I have tried and I currently have it set up at home running my training rig. Although it is an excellent driver I did find it a little bit laggy at times. Sometimes I would click the button to turn on a bit but it wouldn't get the signal but then the next time it was fine. Is this a result of the DF1 protocol? As a result of what I experienced with your driver I have decided to invest in a 5/05 processor with Ethernet. I was seriously looking at automated solutions product but if your Ethernet version is due for release soon that may be a more suitable option. Many thanks for your excellent driver and it's good to see something for free ;) Look forward to your reply.
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
If you want to try the latest version, I will be glad to email you the pre-release version. Use the email address in the comment header of the DF1Comm and I will reply with the latest version. The ethernet version has only been tested by a few people so far, but I'll be glad to send that also if you would like to try it.
RE: Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net
http://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/
Here is how to use the Ethener driver:
1) After opening the Solution/Project in VB.NET 2008, Build the project
2) From the Toolbox, Drag and drop an EthernetIPorSLCMicro component to the form.
3) In the properties of the EthernetIPForSLCMicro, set the IP Address of your PLC(SLC/Micro/ENI)
4) Now drag any control (e.g. Gauge) from the Toolbox to the form
5) Set the PLCAddress propery