Verify outputs on SLC 500

Does the robot have any communications options?

Quickest way? Probably parallel wire the outputs back to a set of inputs on the same SLC, and confirm that they match.

Flag an error if there is a disagreement.

He didn't have any spare slots

The robot supports DeviceNet, EthernetIP, ControlNet, Profibus, and CCLink (Fanuc's proprietary). I must say I am not very good with any of these. There is supposedly a Remote IO unit specifically for AB that can be purchsasd. However i do not have any empty slots left in the SLC or i would have done what rdrast suggets.

TWControls said:

He didn't have any spare slots

Click to expand...

Whoops, mybad... didn't finish reading before getting called away from the desk.

Well, if no open slots, are there any 8 (16) point input modules that could be swapped for a 16 (32) point one?

Probably the most inexpensive fix would be rdrast's swap to a higher point concentration

You say it supports Ethernet/IP, does the robot have the option? Your SLC 5/05 has Ethernet.

Unfortunately all the current input cards are AC for the machine control. I would need a DC sink input card. Does AB have a 32 pt input card with half AC and half DC? I didn't see one in the literature. If so then problem solved. I toyed with adding an expansion rack, but there is no room in the panel, i would have to build a new panel, and i really don't want to do that. I then looked at adding a small Micrologix to do some of the machine control, but I don't like having 2 PLCs on one machine. It seems any way i try to go i hit a dead end.

No multi voltage cards, but what about the Ethernet?

is there room for another chassis VERY nearby? ... if so look into a "chassis interconnect cable" such as 1746-C6, 1746-C9, or 1746-C16 ... note that you'll need a new chassis and power supply - but this will give you more slots by "extending" your existing chassis ...

TWC
I failed to mention that the ethernet channel on the SLC is already being used. Due to the amount of part numbers involved, and the limited time i was given to install the equipment, the only way I could come up with was to use a PC to handle the database. The operator scans the part label into Excel, then Excel goes into a lookup table to find the part number and the part value associated with it, and with some VBA sends the part value to the SLC via Ethernet. The SLC does some conditioning then sends the outputs to the robot. The serial port on the SLC is being used for HMI.
This whole problem comes from people getting involved in equipment that have no business being involved. Instead of having the robot integrator do a complete system, my geniuses at corporate went to 5 different vendors, to save a few bucks, and bought this stuff piecemeal shipped it to me, and I became the integrator. Sorry for getting off the subject but i had to vent a little.

How about swaping a 16 point card for a 32 point card thus freeing up a slot for another input card

Agree with John Hawkins.

Consolidate two of your existing 16 point AC cards into one card, this will free up a slot for a new DC input card.


Ken

Ken and John

According to AB local the only 32 pt input cards are DC. Am i being told wrong? Do either of you have a part number for a 32 AC?

Go Ethernet. Easiest way, Use an industrial switch to plug in your SLC, Robot card.
If it is an RJ3 asnd such the ehthernet will be easy.
MAp your PLC outputs to the robot inputs, map your robot outputs to you PLC inputs.
You can have registers going back and fourth.
If you need an example I may dig one up for you.
There's a bit of setup on the robot controller, IPs and such but nothing major.
Be aware though!!! the inputs and outputs assigned to the robot will be shifted somehow (don't remember how many registers or offset).
SLC5/05 RJ3iC and a PanelView classic with RIO I have done and also
CompactLogicL32E RJ3iC and a PVPLus1000 other systems.
I cannot send you everything but config for the PLC and parts of the program will be fine. Not sure I have the robot files anywhere.