SLC5/05 - Repair or Scrap?

[I_Automation]

I just replaced a SLC 5/05 last night. 1747-l553/C FRN 10


A couple weeks ago it faulted out while running and going online showed Non volatile RAM checksum error, download to CPU (don't quote me on that being exactly the wording but it's what happened)


Yesterday it did it again. This time the power was cycled to see if it might clear and the CPU wiped the memory on powerup. The battery was checked and at 3.49 volts. I had to replace the CPU.



I have the old CPU and was wondering if this is probably something with the VRAM module that can be replaced, or of it's worth sending to a repair facility (that regardless of how big the repair is charge 10% the cost of a new one - I was told this when I asked why replacing a burnt surface mount diode was $800)


Would you guys have this repaired or scrap it? As it can't be relied on to run production.

 

[jaden]

With the current supply shortages, I at least would not throw it away.

 

[I_Automation]

I just checked eBay for SLC5/05 repair - starting at $800 & up to $1250 on the first search

 

[James Mcquade]

slc 500 items are getting scarce. if you have several of these in use, i would send it out for repair. you never know what you truly get on ebay or when the next one will go bad. i weigh the cost of downtime versus an upgrade or the repair cost?
james

 

[OkiePC]

Send it to GIT. We've had him repair several SLC analog modules, power supplies and I think a CPU or two. Those things are everywhere and the price for a new one far exceeds the $1000 tops it might cost to fix.

https://www.plccable.com/allen-bradley-repair/

 

[Matthew Modar]

Might be useable with an EEPROM, or at least as a training unit.

 

[I_Automation]

Might be useable with an EEPROM, or at least as a training unit.

I ruled out the EEPROM idea as this happens when it's running and shuts down production. To get the program from the EEPROM to VRAM would require a power cycle.



That would be a faster reset but on this line the operators don't have access to the main control panel that's up on a mezzanine that they can't access, nor can they cycle the power from the floor.


I put it in a test rack on my desk and have it running to watch.


I have been searching but can't find anything about replacing the VRAM on Rockwell. Google or YouTube yet.



EDIT: for my training PLC I have a SLC5/03 that when it faults or is put into program it leaves all the outputs on that were on at the time of the fault. That one can't be put in a running machine as it would kill everyone it could until no one was left to generate the electricity it needs.

 

[geniusintraining]

Send it to GIT. We've had him repair several SLC analog modules, power supplies and I think a CPU or two. Those things are everywhere and the price for a new one far exceeds the $1000 tops it might cost to fix.

https://www.plccable.com/allen-bradley-repair/

Thanks Paul!

Cost you nothing for an evaluation, we will give you a repair price before we make the repairs and the repair comes with a 1 year warranty, for 800 its about 1/2 of the price for a used one and a fraction of the price for a new one

 

[I_Automation]

... for 800 its about 1/2 of the price for a used one and a fraction of the price for a new one

Being of Scottish heritage (thrifty at heart) I presume the VRAM chip can't cost more than $25.00 and replacing a single surface mount IC would run no more than $30.00. I doubt the VRAM is the CPU looking socketed chip.



Repairs that cost a flat rate of 10% to 50% of the retail cost I haven't bought since the first time I took a boat to a marine dealer to have the outboard motor repaired - flat out told a new motor was $12,000 and getting it repaired WAS going to be $1,200 regardless of what repairs were needed.

 

[geniusintraining]

Would you guys have this repaired or scrap it?

Repairs that cost a flat rate of 10% to 50% of the retail cost I haven't bought since the first time I took a boat to a marine dealer to have the outboard motor repaired - flat out told a new motor was $12,000 and getting it repaired WAS going to be $1,200 regardless of what repairs were needed.

Cost you nothing for an evaluation

Before we can give you a quote on the repair we need to look at it, if you want a cost without looking at it then yes, the only thing we can do is guess and give you a flat rate repair cost.

For some odd reason I thought you were asking if you should have it repaired.... if this is the way you feel then just toss it out and buy a new one

 

[cardosocea]

Being of Scottish heritage (thrifty at heart) I presume the VRAM chip can't cost more than $25.00 and replacing a single surface mount IC would run no more than $30.00. I doubt the VRAM is the CPU looking socketed chip.

SLC and surface mount?? Other than the large processor I'd hazard that it's not a surface mount component.

The question here is what would you do with it? I have a 1747-NO4I that is no longer made in a box to be sent for repair. I work in a plant and have about 8 of them running in the plant at the moment.

If I was a systems integrator... I'd probably scrap it.

 

[Harrstein]

In a plant setting I'd definitely get it repaired, Stuff will break down and it will happen on the most inconvenient time. And with current lead times and prices, buying new just aint a good option.

 

[parky]

Be careful, some years ago we sent away an SLC processor for repair, this had the same fault i.e. NVRAM checksum error it would occur probably once a month or so, it was returned & put back in stock, a few weeks later we had to replace another, the repaired one after a week or so came up with the same fault, returned it, when we recieved it back, put it on test, powered it down every day & after a few days it came up with the same fault, we returned it again & fortunately this time it was ok, so if you are relying on it as a first line spare I suggest you thoroughly test it.

 

[I_Automation]

I was going to send this to GIT but 2 things happened:


1 - on my desk it hasn't faulted out while running an intensive program



2 - the customer just called and said the new CPU put in the stamping press is faulted and reads the same VRAM checksum fault when trying to go online.



Tomorrow it's getting a new power supply and a new rack. Hoping it isn't the AMCI press control card. This doesn't have any analog IO because I would change that first due to having troubles with analog cards taking down racks before.

 

[geniusintraining]

97.623% of the time its the power supply, I think thats a good call, I would leave them both so they have a backup, do you have a eprom? wonder if that would help, then they should be able to cycle power to get back up and running until you figure out the issue

Do they cycle power on the machine and does it only happen when it reboots?