Reading registers in AB PLC without RSlinx

[bradal]

Hello All,

I am trying to find a way to receive information from a PLC without using RSlinx. If I am talking serially, can I write an application, download a driver etc. etc. that will allow me to read or write to the PLC.

As well, if I had a SLC 5/05 or a new compactlogix with ethernet, could I have access to data in the PLC without RSlinx.

Thank you very much in advance

Allan Bradley

 

[Hakutsuru]

There are a number of driver programs out there that can talk DF1. RSLinx is basically just another driver. If you have an MMI, I'm surprised they dont offer a suitable one. For third party drivers, I've always liked kepware.

You can indeed write your own driver if you know how to do such things. I have a copy of a manual on the DF1 protocol, so it can't be too hard to get ahold of.

-jeff

 

[bradal]

As for the ethernet side, what would the "protocol" be. In rslinx it is just set-up as "ethernet devices", is there an underlying AB protocal there?

 

[Hakutsuru]

I believe its called ABTCP. I think that ABTCP is just DF1 wrapped up in TCP, but I'm not positive about that. I'm sure someone else on here will know for sure. Just have to wait for them to chime in.

*waiting*


In the meantime, here's kepware's AB ethernet driver: http://www.kepware.com/Spec_Sheets/Allen_Bradley_Ethernet.html
They have a free demo.

-jeff (*waiting some more*)

 

[Archie]

If you want to do it in VB.NET or you could just install and use the sample utility:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/abdf1/

You can read & write values over the serial port. It's free and open source.

 

[David1986]

Hey Mr Archie,

I'm using now the ABDF1 protocol, You're link was very helpful for me.
I want to know if I can get the program whith is existed already in my SLC5/03 via this software (ABDF1).

Thank you.

 

[Archie]

I'm using now the ABDF1 protocol, You're link was very helpful for me.
I want to know if I can get the program whith is existed already in my SLC5/03 via this software (ABDF1).

The AB Utilities program can upload and download the program from the PLC, but it is not in RSLogix format. It saves it in a text file only.