Here we go,
Right now we want to use a barcode scanner to scan a parts order and when the operator scans the barcode, this sends a whole bunch of data(approx 30 pieces of data) in the PLC/HMI. Depending on the barcode, this will send different data then another. Will need integers, real and string (only 1 string) data types.
We currently have three SLC 5/03's (I believe all 16k) and a panelview 1000 on this line. These are all communicating between each other.
Now currently we have about 200 different part orders on the given machine which even though this would be a bad way to do it, is too much data just to store all data within the PLC. What I would like to do is use a database on a computer to hold all the information. The problem with this is I would need to have a ethernet connection in order to connect with our plant network.
This comes to a solution that I could go with currently. I would purchase a controlLogix PLC to still communicate with the other PLC's via DH485 and have another card which will connect to our network via ethernet. This would be a few of the part's I would need: 1756-ENBT and the 1756-DH485, I think I would also need the 1756-NET-AIC as well. The controlLogix will not have a program in it, all it is doing is just a gateway for the dh485 to ethernet 'conversion'. From this, we should be able to communicate to all PLC's via ethernet, yay.
From here, what are some options for me to use Microsoft Access (we have most information already on there) or some other piece of software that I can use to hold on the information I want? I could go with FT Manager but am wondering what other options I have. Also, is there another way to get from the DH485 to ethernet? Don't suggest to upgrade all processors to SLC 5/05 and to upgrade the panelview to a panelview 1000 plus (I believe that's ethernet), that's a little out of the budget.
If you need more information please let me know, thanks in advance!
Right now we want to use a barcode scanner to scan a parts order and when the operator scans the barcode, this sends a whole bunch of data(approx 30 pieces of data) in the PLC/HMI. Depending on the barcode, this will send different data then another. Will need integers, real and string (only 1 string) data types.
We currently have three SLC 5/03's (I believe all 16k) and a panelview 1000 on this line. These are all communicating between each other.
Now currently we have about 200 different part orders on the given machine which even though this would be a bad way to do it, is too much data just to store all data within the PLC. What I would like to do is use a database on a computer to hold all the information. The problem with this is I would need to have a ethernet connection in order to connect with our plant network.
This comes to a solution that I could go with currently. I would purchase a controlLogix PLC to still communicate with the other PLC's via DH485 and have another card which will connect to our network via ethernet. This would be a few of the part's I would need: 1756-ENBT and the 1756-DH485, I think I would also need the 1756-NET-AIC as well. The controlLogix will not have a program in it, all it is doing is just a gateway for the dh485 to ethernet 'conversion'. From this, we should be able to communicate to all PLC's via ethernet, yay.
From here, what are some options for me to use Microsoft Access (we have most information already on there) or some other piece of software that I can use to hold on the information I want? I could go with FT Manager but am wondering what other options I have. Also, is there another way to get from the DH485 to ethernet? Don't suggest to upgrade all processors to SLC 5/05 and to upgrade the panelview to a panelview 1000 plus (I believe that's ethernet), that's a little out of the budget.
If you need more information please let me know, thanks in advance!