Control Freak
Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2004
- Posts
- 44
Hey all,
I am considering using Ethernet style valve packs for a new machine were building. They are priced reasonably, and would certainly save a decent amount of time wiring - especially on a primarily pneumatic machine.
Our customer has spec'd in an AB SLC505, and I called our vendor's tech to get his input on the subject. Without any hesitation whatsoever, he brought up a concern which has been puzzling me all weekend.
Now bear with me - I am no PLC guru, just a 'simpler is better' guy. And please don't quote me here, I'm just rephrasing what I heard and only partially understood.
His concern had to with the 5/05's somewhat limited capabilities in regards to ethernet control of components. He was refering to the SLC's evolution over the last 20 years and how Ethernet was sort-of 'added on'. And that while the SLC's ethernet is proficient at messaging, when it comes to controlling discrete devices via ethernet, it has it's limitations - limitations that don't exist in the newer Compact/Control/FlexLogix type PLCs designed only a few years ago.
He gets calls here and there from customers who bought a component 'that works with AB plcs via ethernet' only to end up having troubles programming them. He recommended that I contact the manufacturer of the valve packs, and see if they even have any example code specifically for the 5/05.
It's all a bit over my head. I'm looking to save time by using these types of devices, not spend more time trying to figure them out.
Anyway, before I say 'forget it', I thought I'd run it up the flagpole here for a your thoughts/feedback.
Thanks in advance
I am considering using Ethernet style valve packs for a new machine were building. They are priced reasonably, and would certainly save a decent amount of time wiring - especially on a primarily pneumatic machine.
Our customer has spec'd in an AB SLC505, and I called our vendor's tech to get his input on the subject. Without any hesitation whatsoever, he brought up a concern which has been puzzling me all weekend.
Now bear with me - I am no PLC guru, just a 'simpler is better' guy. And please don't quote me here, I'm just rephrasing what I heard and only partially understood.
His concern had to with the 5/05's somewhat limited capabilities in regards to ethernet control of components. He was refering to the SLC's evolution over the last 20 years and how Ethernet was sort-of 'added on'. And that while the SLC's ethernet is proficient at messaging, when it comes to controlling discrete devices via ethernet, it has it's limitations - limitations that don't exist in the newer Compact/Control/FlexLogix type PLCs designed only a few years ago.
He gets calls here and there from customers who bought a component 'that works with AB plcs via ethernet' only to end up having troubles programming them. He recommended that I contact the manufacturer of the valve packs, and see if they even have any example code specifically for the 5/05.
It's all a bit over my head. I'm looking to save time by using these types of devices, not spend more time trying to figure them out.
Anyway, before I say 'forget it', I thought I'd run it up the flagpole here for a your thoughts/feedback.
Thanks in advance