CompactLogix and ControlLogix Blog Index (24)


The Automation Blog’s

CompactLogix and ControlLogix blog index (24)

Updated on 06/11/14

NOTE: You can view the new version of this article HERE.

Today we update our index of CompactLogix and ControlLogix Blog articles, currently numbering 24.

If there’s a new topic you’d like to see covered please let us know by clicking on the “post a comment or question” link below.


ControlLogix and CompactLogix Datalogging to CSV File

A couple of years ago, prior to the release of Studio 5000 v21, Rockwell demonstrated a future feature for it’s new “multi-core” programmable automation controllers. This new feature was a very robust, controller based data logging system. Unfortunately, since that demo a couple of years back nothing more has been hear about this feature. … Read More »

What are PlantPAx Process Objects?

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about PlantPAx lately. Specifically about PlantPAx as it pertains to HMI and SCADA systems. While PlantPAx is a very wide and broad topic, when I get the above question it typically relates to Rockwell’s highly developed faceplates, formerly known as the “PlantPAx Library of Process Objects.” The … Read More »


Small Allen-Bradley (A-B) Ethernet Programmable Controllers

Today, Ethernet is the network of choice for automation systems. In years past, Ethernet was an expensive and costly add-on. However, more and more small programmable controllers are now coming with Ethernet as standard. Below we’ll cover what is available today for small Ethernet Programmable Controllers from Allen-Bradley. Micro820 and 850 If … Read More »


How to set the Ethernet/IP address of your new CompactLogix using the USB port

If you’re still using BOOT-P to set the IP address of your USB equipped 5370 CompactLogix, today I’ll show you a much easier way. First, you’ll need a standard USB cable. This is the same type you would use with a USB printer with the familiar flat side which plugs … Read More »


RSLogix 5000 Previous Versions DVD Returns

It’s been a long several months. Ever since Rockwell decided to remove the “previous versions” DVD from new orders of RSLogix 5000, aka Studio 5000, confused and upset clients have been calling in. Why this second DVD was removed from the software package in the first place is still a mystery to … Read More »


Seven things you should know about Studio 5000 Logix Designer (formerly RSLogix 5000)

It’s been just over a year since Rockwell launched Studio 5000 Logix Designer, and it seems I’m getting more questions about it now than ever before. As of version 21, Studio 5000 Logix Designer is the new name for RSLogix 5000. However, there are some changes above and beyond the product name you … Read More »


Why can’t I access my AOI local tags from my HMI?

A client contacted me this week with a problem. He couldn’t get his HMI to communicate to his ControlLogix AOI’s local tags. However, what really seemed weird was that Rockwell HMI projects could do just this. So the question became, what trick was the factory using to make this possible? I was fairly … Read More »


Changes I would like to see made to Rockwell’s Translate PLC-5 SLC utility

Having used Rockwell’s Translate PLC-5 SLC utility on multiple occasions, and having discussed it’s practical use with other programmers time and again, I recently sent the following recommendations to Rockwell: INTs vs. DINTs One of easier things I would like to see changed in the “Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 utility” is the automatic … Read More »

Converting your RSLogix 500 program to RSLogix 5000 using the Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 utility step-by-step

If you have a PLC-5 or SLC-500 program you would like to import into RSLogix 5000, look no further than Rockwell’s free “Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 utility.” This utility can save you hundreds of hours of manually re-entering code, and is available free of charge from the public Rockwell Tech … Read More »


Working around the Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 utility’s syntax error

A few weeks ago, a client asked me to review his SLC-500 program files. He wanted my advice on how difficult it would be to convert them to CompactLogix. When I received his files, the first thing I did was power on my primary Windows 7 64bit virtual machine. Then I opened each of … Read More »


What you need to know about ControlLogix redundancy

Over the years I’ve received many request for information about ControlLogix redundancy. During that time I’ve developed the following ten tips for new redundancy users: At a minimum you will need two processors, two communication modules, two redundancy modules, a redundancy module interconnect cable, two chassis, two power supplies, and at least one rack of whatever … Read More »


The Automation Blog’s “Best Of 2013″ Programmable Controller blogs

Welcome to the first article in our “Best of 2013″ series. Today we focus on our seven most popular Programmable Controller blogs. However, we should keep in mind that older blogs have a distinct advantage as they have been around much longer. And it wouldn’t surprise me to see a few … Read More »


Updated 01/06/14 (12)


RSLogix 5000: What comes in the box?

When you order RSLogix 5000 these days you may not get what you were expecting. While the software’s part number hasn’t changed, the contents of the package have. So in today’s blog we’ll review exactly what you now get when you order RSLogix 5000. Studio 5000 Packaging The first thing you’ll notice is the … Read More »


Seven things you need to know before using ControlLogix

It’s easy to forget that not everyone has used Rockwell’s ControlLogix. In fact, I was just reminded of this last week when I needed to review the below list of basics with a client: 1) Each new ControlLogix processor needs to have to firmware downloaded to it. Every time you open up a new ControlLogix, you’ll … Read More »

The 1769-AENTR as seen at Automation Fair 2013

Mid-morning of the first day of Automation Fair 2013, I had the fortune of participating in a show floor meeting with Dexter Long, the CompactLogix product manager for Rockwell Automation. The meeting was to discuss the newly announced (and long desired) 1769-AENTR. As the part number implies, this is an Ethernet/IP adapter for … Read More »


Which RSLogix 5000 package is right for you?

Client’s often call asking which package of RSLogix 5000 they should buy, and in the article I’ll attempt to help prospective customers answer that question. Programming Packages: RSLogix 5000 Mini, PN#9324-RLD200ENE, $805.00 The “Mini” edition of RSLogix 5000 only programs the “CompactLogix” family of controllers, and only in the ”Ladder Logic” programming … Read More »


What you need to know before upgrading to RSLogix 5000 v20.03

Wait! Before you install version 20.03 you really should understand how it’s different, very different, from all previous minor revisions of RSLogix 5000. In the past, it didn’t matter if everyone in your facility had a different minor revision of RSLogix 5000. For instance, if you had version 19.00 installed, … Read More »


Estimating your Allen-Bradley (A-B) Logix controller’s Ethernet/IP bandwidth using Rockwell’s free Ethernet/IP capacity tool

When designing or upgrading a system which relies on a network, bandwidth is always a concern. But for Rockwell’s CompactLogix and ControlLogix on an Ethernet/IP network there is a free, easy to use utility to help you size your system. Rockwell’s Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool: Rockwell’s Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool, which can be freely downloaded here, allows … Read More »


Are the inputs on the Allen-Bradley (A-B) 1769-L1xER high speed?

Last week a colleague asked me if the inputs on the Allen-Bradley (A-B) 1769-L1xER were high speed inputs, like found on some MicroLogix. I honestly had no idea, but I was on my way back to my home office so I told him I would look it up and get back to him. … Read More »


Can multiple Logix PLC’s 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 … Read More »

ControlLogix support for adding I/O online

A common client question of late is what are the abilities of the ControlLogix when is comes to adding I/O online. In certain industries, processes can’t shut down as doing so would lead to loss of production or in extreme cases damage to the production line. In these situations, the … Read More »


RSLogix 5000 “How To” Start Page Videos from Rockwell Allen-Bradley (A-B)

Rockwell’s RSLogix 5000 includes over fifty “How To” getting started videos designed to aid new users, or to introduce new features to existing users. These video “media files” which are found in the RSLogix 5000 “Start Page” often go unnoticed, as does the fact that Rockwell also makes these videos available free of charge on their  Allen-Bradley … Read More »


How to test the loading of Non-Volatile memory in your CompactLogix or ControlLogix

Similar to other Allen-Bradley PLC’s, the CompactLogix and ControlLogix Controllers give you three options for loading the Controller’s memory “image” from non-volatile memory (CompactFlash, SD, etc.) These “load modes” are “User Initiated,” “On Power Up,” and ”On Corrupt Memory.” Below I’ll walk you through how to test each of these modes, of which ”On Corrupt … Read More »


Why your CompactLogix or ControlLogix Real Time Clock (DateTime) may be a few hours off

A client recently called frustrated that the real time clock in his CompactLogix processor was always off by 4 hours. While I had heard this complaint in the past, since I hadn’t run into it myself I needed to do a little research to understand what this client was experiencing. I found that prior to RSLogix 5000 version 16, using a GSV (“get system variable”) instruction to … Read More »



I hope the above article listing all our articles, podcasts, and videos about the Compact and ControlLogix helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to leave them with us by filling out the “post a comment or question” field at the bottom of this page.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

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