Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
(OP)
I've just started working with PLC's so please bare with me. I'm trying to hook a PC (loaded with Rockwell's RSlogix software) to an SLC 500 (which is part of an Austemper Belt Furnace). The SLC has what looks like an ethernet connector on the front of it. I cant find much info on it except that is uses RS-485 wiring standard.
Has anyone ever done this? If so any info would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to load programs into the SLC, just monitor data, such as temeratures. Thanks muchly.
Bob///
Has anyone ever done this? If so any info would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to load programs into the SLC, just monitor data, such as temeratures. Thanks muchly.
Bob///





RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
As joe818 has said if the plc has a serial port use it as it takes a null modem serial cable to connect your pc to the plc.
To use the serial cable, select the RS232 DF1 driver in RSLinxLite (which came with your RSLogix), and use the auto configure to set up the communications.
There are other fancier ways of monitoring your temperatures if you have the need for a much more permament solution.
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
If you only have an RJ45 connector on the front of your SLC500, then you have a 500 (fixed unit)5/01 or 5/02 processor and you will have to use the PIC or another DH485 converter.
If you also have a 9 pin serial connector, then you will have less problems using that port Ch0 to make your connections. The PIC driver is notorious for "hogging" the com port and will persist in making the com port look busy even after it has been deleted. (until the PC is completely powered down)
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
It seems, that Allen Bradley is phasing this product out, in favor of the much more expensive PCMK card. The PCMK card is interfaced to a laptop through the PCMCIA slot. The PCMCIA slot must be of a certain type. The RJ45 connector you are speaking of is DH485. You will also need to Purchase the cable that connects the PCMK card to the DH485 port on your SLC processor. Best regards, PLCSAVVY
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
Richy Wiseman
Control Systems Engineer
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
The last TWO post sound more relevant to what you are trying to do.
First can you tell us what kind of PLC? Look on the front for some numbers: 5/01, 5/02, 5/03, 5/04 or 5/05?
If you have a 5/03 or 5/04. You can use the radio shack special DB 9 cable. Start RS LINX, and click on Communications then Configure a New Driver.
Click on the pull down bar, and find
RS-232 DF1 Driver, normally the first one on the list.
Then click on ADD New.
The default name is ok. AB_DF1
Choose under DEVICE pull down box the choice: "SLC-CH0/Micro/PanelView"
Now here is the easy part. Make sure your Radio Shack cable mentioned above is connected to the DB9 connector on the front port of the PLC and you have the other end connected to the DB9 port of your computer.
Click on the button that says "Auto Configure" If you have the right cable and everything is connected right, you should get a "successful" in the box.
You should see your driver in the table below as running.
Next, close that driver box, then expand the driver on the left column. This will active it. Hopefully you'll see TWO icons in a second pop up.
One will be your computer, the other your PLC.
Now just minimize RS LINX and start your programming software RS Logix...if you need help from here, post back.
Chris Elston
Automation & Controls Engineer
http://www.mrplc.com
Download Sample PLC Ladder Logic Code
at MrPLC.com
RE: Trying to hook an SLC 500 up to a PC to monitor data
"Sounds like the guy is trying to connect the plc to program"
I meant to say:
"Sounds like the guy is trying to connect the plc to monitor his program" (like in RS Logix.) Or Monitor the data tables.
Chris Elston
Automation & Controls Engineer
http://www.mrplc.com
Download Sample PLC Ladder Logic Code
at MrPLC.com