rsdoran
Lifetime Supporting Member
I have a LINE (actually 2) that has 5 machines feeding via conveyor to another conveyor that combines the product into one package. The system is using an SLC 5/04, ASI-Master from SST, Devicenet, AB-160 drives, efector sensors, and 6 Panelview 550 (one at each machine..1 in main panel). Not sure all this info is relevant but stated it just in case. I have the latest version of RSLogix, RSLinx, and Panelbuilder32. The system was designed to run at 20 pieces per minute, they are averaging 16 per minute.
I want to do 2 things I think but open to your suggestions. First I would like a simple way to collect some data. Specifically at this time we want to monitor/record the machines that are feeding the line to determine if they ALL are feeding at the required 20 pieces a minute. Maybe monitor/record jams, to see if there is a specific area that needs attention. I understand that its possible to do DDE links to Excel (I have Chakorules's file but not sure I could implement it..not good at VB scripts). The question is what would you consider the simplest way to get the data. What program(s) would be needed etc. I dont need to do anything but collect data and not a lot of that. BTW: I can do reports with RSLogix I know but I dont want to have RSLogix connected to the machines all the time if possible. I dont want anyone to WRITE or be able to WRITE at any time.
The second part of this is I would like to network these 2 machines, technically I can do that on DH+ no problem but I would like to know (cant seem to find an adapter etc) if its possible to connect these to an Ethernet network. Would it be simpler to just use the DH+ network and connect to 1 PC and put that PC on the Ethernet network?
I appreciate any ideas you can give. You know how production is, they have the NEED FOR SPEED but dont want to spend money. I am working with the Engineer on this and if we need to spend some that probably wont be a problem.
I want to do 2 things I think but open to your suggestions. First I would like a simple way to collect some data. Specifically at this time we want to monitor/record the machines that are feeding the line to determine if they ALL are feeding at the required 20 pieces a minute. Maybe monitor/record jams, to see if there is a specific area that needs attention. I understand that its possible to do DDE links to Excel (I have Chakorules's file but not sure I could implement it..not good at VB scripts). The question is what would you consider the simplest way to get the data. What program(s) would be needed etc. I dont need to do anything but collect data and not a lot of that. BTW: I can do reports with RSLogix I know but I dont want to have RSLogix connected to the machines all the time if possible. I dont want anyone to WRITE or be able to WRITE at any time.
The second part of this is I would like to network these 2 machines, technically I can do that on DH+ no problem but I would like to know (cant seem to find an adapter etc) if its possible to connect these to an Ethernet network. Would it be simpler to just use the DH+ network and connect to 1 PC and put that PC on the Ethernet network?
I appreciate any ideas you can give. You know how production is, they have the NEED FOR SPEED but dont want to spend money. I am working with the Engineer on this and if we need to spend some that probably wont be a problem.