Allen Bradley communication options..

I have a Micrologix 1200 (24BXB) PLC connected to Panelview std 600. Someone developed this program before me and so far I have been making changes and supporting it. The cable used is 1761-CBL-PM02 together with a null modem. The protocol used on both PLC (CH0) and Panelview is DH485 and I use 1747 PIC/AIC+ driver to view it on RSlinx (we do not have an AIC optical isolator).

Again I am not sure why it is this way but it is. Now, one of our customers want to connect a SLC to this network. What are my options?

Look at the 1761-NET-AIC: http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/um/1761-um004_-en-p.pdf

I glanced through the manual real quick. I am sure I can find the answer but how will the connections be with this module? ML1200 to AIC+ and from there to the SLC and PV?

I think you may need 2, one for each plc with PV connected to unit at Micrologix (more as convenience then necessity) which will allow you to connect PC at either unit. Use DH485 protocol and connect the AICs using blue hose, the Belden part number should be in the manual.

This shows some configurations with DH485: http://www.ab.com/en/epub/catalogs/12762/2181376/214372/1535907/3404063/tab3.html

I agree with Ron - the convenience of having an AIC+ for each device outweighs the extra cost.

One caution is the cabling of the PV-600 to the AIC+. The standard A-B cable that connects to the AIC+ DB-9 port includes a power connection, and this can fault the network. Use a cable that only hast RX, TX, and SG in it.

Oh Ok.. Thanks guys..