Point IO

Point IO – Getting Started

There are many options for field I/O on the market, between vendors and sometimes even many different I/O options within a single vendor as is the case with Allen Bradley. With the ControlLogix platform, you can use remote 1756 I/O (ControlLogix Chassis), 1794 I/O (Flex I/O Chassis) or 1734 I/O...

Migrate / Convert – ControlNet I/O to EtherNet I/O

If you have had ControlLogix systems running in your facility for any amount of time, chances are they contain ControlNet communication modules for the communication between processor chassis and their controlled remote I/O chassis as well as a myriad of other uses. Being a deterministic, as well as a stable...

Converting Equipment from PC-Based to PLC-Based Control

My company was provided an OEM label printer and applicator machine that was being controlled by five Arduino PC boards. They were asked to provide a PLC control system, however, they insisted that they needed to use this controls architecture for the application, mainly due to interface with peripheral equipment...

Point I/O – How to add on ControlNet to ControlLogix (S18)

In this week's episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at how you add ControlNet Point I/O to a ControlLogix system: For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video. [vimeo 366837698 w=750 h=420] The Automation Show, Episode 18 Show Notes: Related Articles: Point I/O vs Flex I/O...

Point I/O – How to add on Ethernet to ControlLogix (S17)

In this week's episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at how you add Ethernet Point I/O to a ControlLogix system: For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video. [vimeo 366838759 w=750 h=420] The Automation Show, Episode 17 Show Notes: Related Articles: Point I/O vs Flex I/O...

Point I/O and Flex I/O Compared (S14)

In this week's episode of The Automation Show we compare and contrast Point I/O with Flex I/O: For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video. [vimeo 366841556 w=750 h=420] The Automation Show, Episode 14 Show Notes: Previous article mentioned in video: Point I/O vs Flex I/O Rockwell Tech Note mentioned...

Point I/O vs Flex I/O

A reader recently asked what the difference was between Point I/O and Flex I/O, and in today's article I'll share my thoughts on the subject. Note: Those not familiar with Rockwell's I/O products may also want to consider 1756 I/O, 1769 Compact I/O, 5069 Compact I/O, and 5094 Flex 5000...

How to avoid “bricking” Point I/O modules when you attempt to flash firmware

I was recently contacted about some very experienced controls engineers who had ran into a strange issue. They had come across a firmware problem with one of Rockwell's 1734 Point I/O modules, but weren't having any luck successfully upgrading the firmware. Actually, it was worse than that sounds. The bug the had been found in the middle of...

1734-OE4C Analog Output Module Not Holding Last State

I recently became aware of an issue with the 1734-OE4C not holding late state. If you use this module in an installation in which holding last state is important, you'll want to read the following. As I described in Monday's blog, there are some control systems which rely on outputs holding last state in...

ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Can multiple controllers control the same Ethernet I/O?

A client recently asked me if multiple CompactLogix (or ControlLogix) processors could control the same Ethernet I/O. Since RSLogix5000 has supported Ethernet I/O, its been possible to setup two processors to control, or "own," the same remote rack of Ethernet I/O. However, the processor which attached to the I/O first would  be the...

Point I/O – Large rack communication issue

I was recently called into a “consumer goods” plant to look at a communication problem with Point I/O. The night before I was told all the Point I/O, which had been successfully tested overseas, was no longer working. However, when I arrived on-site the problem was limited to just four of the many racks. The on-site engineer described the problem as a lack of communications...