Good morning, guys!
Keithkyll: Ohhhh... I understand what you are saying now. That makes complete sense to me now. Thanks for the clarification. :nodi:
RSDORAN: I was looking at that, and I wondered if I could use a 0-5 or 0-10 VDC signal and a resistor network to create the voltage drop I am looking for.
For example, I could use the 0-10 VDC output across a 10k ohm circuit for 1mA output at full scale. By using multiple resistors and potentiometers, I can tap into the circuit for my 0-100 mV output. I will need to make it adjustable so my external circuit impedance can be taken into account... but that shouldn't be too hard.
Or... I could just buy the signal conditioner that you recommended! Do you happen to know what they cost?
Andybr: I hate it when a company puts out a great product, only to cripple themselves with a poor document.
I might have to pick your brain when I get into it!
Good news:
I just finished talking to my team lead, and I think I have him convinced to bypass the input amplifier cards and install a "pass-though" circuit card that connects to the backplane. At the backplane, the legacy system is looking for 0-5 VDC, and would make my life
so much easier!
So far as I can tell, I would need at least 12 0-5 VDC outputs... or I could use the 0-10 VDC outputs and program it to max out at 5 VDC. (I assume I can do that... am I right?) If not, then I'll have to come up with a resistor network and look at the voltage drop.
From looking at the manual for the AD DL06, it has the I/O I would need for my alarm indications. I'll probably go with relay outputs vs. sinking/sourcing to keep it simple... unless you guys think it's better to go the other route. Opinions?
There might be a few other things that pop up... but so far it looks like I'm going to go with the AD DL06 for this project. Two F0-08DAH-2 Analog Voltage Output modules should provide the outputs I need to send the signals to the legacy system. The AD DL06 looks like it has two communications ports already... so I might be able to tap the RS-485's from the E/G and ATS with the PLC. I can always add another port later if I need it.
That being said, is it worth it to buy the LCD display that goes right on the front of the PLC? For $73 I might just buy it for the initial setup to see what benefit it could be.
Let me know if you guys think I am missing anything.
Best regards.
Mark