PLC administration possible via PDA?

I do not have a PDA, or personnally know anyone who has one they use in that type of application.

I really can't say that it can be done.

From the list of programs that you mentioned, I don't think that I would attempt it.

Th wireless laptop seems like the best choice here, to me.

Some PLC's have PDA programming options, but I can't say which ones for sure.

"Dad" probably needs all the resources he can get, so a stripped down version might night be very well suited.

regards.....casey

I would say No, since most of these applications need a full version of windows to operate. A standard PDA (Palm or Windows CE based) will just not do.

However, there are some options.
1, there are some very small laptops available that run full versions of windows. These are generally Japanese manufactured, and I have seen models from Toshiba and Sony for sale here in Australia. On the assumption that anything available in Australia can be got in the US, you could give these a go.
2, Siemens have a version of their PG available that is looks like, but is larger than, a normal PDA. It is also beefed up and can withstand being dropped a few times without damage. I don't know how much it costs, but PG panels seem to be made of solid platinum for the price they are charged at, and they may also be designed to spit out non Siemens software.

Still, these could be the best bets for your father.

thanks for the replies, and suggestions Just the answers I was after - well not after but it answered my questions =o)

kj

Last year, I had heard rumours of a RSLogix version for Windows CE that Rockwell was working on but haven't seen it yet.

The screen and keyboard ain't big enough now! One of those little horrors would drive me absolutely nuts!!!

Great as a telephone directory though.

I think that the best solution (if even possible) would be a Tablet PC.

Reckon it depends on what you want to do, if troubleshooting is the main concern then look at these:
http://www.instanthmi.com/

http://www.narlysoftware.com/Handheld-HMI_products.htm

A previous post mentioned some handheld computers that run a full version of Windows XP. Check out this site for more information:

http://www.handtops.com/show/compare

-John

They are surprising powerful , I've invested in an HP , , and it is pretty amazing what it can do - it does a pretty good job at playing cut down movies , there is no reason why it couldn't have some connectivity , DDE or ODBC , and straight into excel.

I've had decent luck running a VNC client on a PocketPC with built-in wifi. The VNC server runs back on your desktop/laptop/HMI/whatever.

We'll typically use a setup like this during an I/O checkout to toggle valves & other outputs via a VNC connection back to the operator interface.


-Trevor

More detail please Trev , sounds interesting !

UltraVNC is a great (and free!) VNC server. I prefer it to RealVNC because it has file-transfer capabilities.

Each of the above packages has both client & server apps included. I will typically leave a VNC server running on a machine's operator interface. This works out great for remote troubleshooting & instruction since I can see exactly what the operator sees.

During I/O checkout, we connect to the operator interface with VNCViewer for PocketPC . This will allow you to see an exact representation of the operator interface while you wander around toggling outputs & watching inputs.

Also, most VNC viewers will allow you to connect to a VNC server in both 'View-only' mode as well as 'Remote control' mode. View-only mode is great for remote monitoring by maintenance guys, plant engineers, etc.

-Trevor

Cheers Trev , PCanywhere for CE ? (ish)

I have an application where we are using RS View SE s/w and now we wish to incorporate PDAs WiFi enabled and obviously PDAs support win-CE platform and can i log into/access the RS View SE data and also operate like any other regular XP based desk-tops or no.