Hey guys, I have a system that utilizes Modbus Plus. It consist of 4 PLC processors, and 2 PC's where the PC's are connected to the MB+ network via PC cards.
Similar to how the PC's are connected to the MB+ string so that data can be read/written to each PLC from the SCADA system running on the PC's, I would like to do the same with some newer PLC hardware.
Basically, we need to expand the plant and the newer hardware will be Allen Bradley. But I need data out of the MB+ network and be able to put data into the network. All the existing PLC's are Modicon compacts.
(Yes, I am pushing the customer to upgrade the MB+ network after the plant expansions. Plant expansion has to happen first. ).
I found ProSoft makes a device that looks like what I need:
https://www.prosoft-technology.com/...bus-Plus/Modbus-Plus-to-Modbus-TCP-IP-Gateway
I talked to them the other day, and it definetly sounds like what I need.
My BIGGEST fear....is breaking into the MB+ network. It has been close to 20 years since someone has taken apart the MB+ network wiring. I see the Phoenix Contact sells Taps. I have a location where I am ready to break in. I understand the terminating resistor's. I understand that devices must be Node set.
What else am I missing, and what are the biggest concerns?
What are the chances, after cutting in my new tap and something goes wrong, I can't get the MB+ network back up and running?
Similar to how the PC's are connected to the MB+ string so that data can be read/written to each PLC from the SCADA system running on the PC's, I would like to do the same with some newer PLC hardware.
Basically, we need to expand the plant and the newer hardware will be Allen Bradley. But I need data out of the MB+ network and be able to put data into the network. All the existing PLC's are Modicon compacts.
(Yes, I am pushing the customer to upgrade the MB+ network after the plant expansions. Plant expansion has to happen first. ).
I found ProSoft makes a device that looks like what I need:
https://www.prosoft-technology.com/...bus-Plus/Modbus-Plus-to-Modbus-TCP-IP-Gateway
I talked to them the other day, and it definetly sounds like what I need.
My BIGGEST fear....is breaking into the MB+ network. It has been close to 20 years since someone has taken apart the MB+ network wiring. I see the Phoenix Contact sells Taps. I have a location where I am ready to break in. I understand the terminating resistor's. I understand that devices must be Node set.
What else am I missing, and what are the biggest concerns?
What are the chances, after cutting in my new tap and something goes wrong, I can't get the MB+ network back up and running?