Hi everybody! I have an upcoming project where two separate 90/30 PLC racks will need to share info between the two. Not much information needs to be passed, maybe 16-32 discrete inputs from each and perhaps an equal amount of global variables.
Due to the distance apart (approximately 500ft), and a lack of desire/capacity for the customer to install additional hardware beyond pulling cables, I have chosen to go with Genius instead of an Ethernet network.
I have been spending the last few days reading through the IC693BEM331 manual (GFK-1034B) and the online help available in Proficy Machine Edition (version 5.7). From what I can tell, basically I need to install the hardware and configure the Genius cards on the Global Data screen (PLC rack 1 sends out a certain set of discrete inuts and global variables, recieves certain amount of discrete inputs/global variables) Is it really that simple?
Also, I have been doing some experimenting in the ladder logic and it appears that %G bits are retentive. Will this be an issue sending across the Genius network? For example, let's say in PLC rack 1 that I have a series of inputs and internal bits that turns on %G0004, which will be used in rack 2. Now let's say that rack 1 loses power - does rack 2 see the global bit from rack 1 go low, or does it stay high?
I think I'm starting to read and worry so much that I'm over complicating things, so any input/feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Due to the distance apart (approximately 500ft), and a lack of desire/capacity for the customer to install additional hardware beyond pulling cables, I have chosen to go with Genius instead of an Ethernet network.
I have been spending the last few days reading through the IC693BEM331 manual (GFK-1034B) and the online help available in Proficy Machine Edition (version 5.7). From what I can tell, basically I need to install the hardware and configure the Genius cards on the Global Data screen (PLC rack 1 sends out a certain set of discrete inuts and global variables, recieves certain amount of discrete inputs/global variables) Is it really that simple?
Also, I have been doing some experimenting in the ladder logic and it appears that %G bits are retentive. Will this be an issue sending across the Genius network? For example, let's say in PLC rack 1 that I have a series of inputs and internal bits that turns on %G0004, which will be used in rack 2. Now let's say that rack 1 loses power - does rack 2 see the global bit from rack 1 go low, or does it stay high?
I think I'm starting to read and worry so much that I'm over complicating things, so any input/feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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