- 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 you’re new to programmable controllers, or just new to ...
Read more... - Rockwell Automation’s Programmable Automation Controllers
Most industrial automation vendors offer modern Programmable Controllers, but not all of them brand their products as PACs.
Take Siemens for instance: You’d be hard pressed to find a PAC feature their S7 line of controllers doesn’t support, and yet they still refer to them as PLCs.
That said, when Rockwell Automation released their next generation of ...
Read more... - Learn about CompactLogix and ControlLogix hardware (M2E26)
Learn about the CompactLogix and ControlLogix hardware in episode 26 of The Automation Minute Season 2:
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - The First Generation of CompactLogix Controllers (L20, L30)
The CompactLogix family of Programmable Automation Controllers has been popular with Small Machine Builders and System Integrators for many years.
The most obvious reason for its popularity is that it’s smaller and less expensive then Rockwell’s ControlLogix line, while still using the same instruction set and programming software.
The First Generation of CompactLogix Controllers: You can have ...
Read more... - The Second Generation of CompactLogix Controllers (L3x)
The second generation of CompactLogix controllers began with the release of the 1769-L35E back in 2003.
It was the first CompactLogix to be released with Ethernet communications, and came out nearly two years before the first MicroLogix with Ethernet, the MicroLogix 1100.
But unlike the MicroLogix 1100, the CompactLogix L35E could also control distributed I/O devices like ...
Read more... - The L23 CompactLogix Controller
The first all-in-one CompactLogix controller, the 1769-L23, released back in 2008.
While the new, lower cost packaging was appreciated by those with smaller applications, the fact that L23 had no removable, non-volatile memory meant it wasn’t suited for many OEM applications.
L23 Models:
All L23 models came with 512K of battery backed (1769-BA) volatile memory, as well as ...
Read more... - The Third Generation of CompactLogix Controllers (L4x)
The third generation of CompactLogix controllers began with the release of the L43 back in 2006.
Designed to bring ControlLogix performance and select features to the CompactLogix line, internally the L4x series shares the same architecture as the 1756-L6x controllers.
As such, the L4x was the first CompactLogix controller to support motion control (via 1768 Sercos modules,) ...
Read more... - The Fourth Generation of CompactLogix Controllers (5370)
The fourth generation of CompactLogix controllers began with the release of the L1, L2, and L3 back in 2012.
While 2012 might have been a bad year for Myan doomsayers, in was a banner year for the CompactLogix as Rockwell released not one but three new models.
While each model was physically different, unlike previous iterations all ...
Read more... - Seven things you need to know about the 5370 CompactLogix
I’ve been teaching Logix and View introductory classes the last few days, and have to say I’ve been a little surprised how many people are not familiar with Rockwell’s current generation of CompactLogix.
With that in mind, in today’s article I’ll cover the seven things you need to know about this line of small Logix processors:
NOTE: To ...
Read more... - Seven more things you should know about the 5370 CompactLogix
At the end of a very hectic couple of weeks teaching Logix and View introductory classes, I thought I would share seven more things you need to know about the current generation of CompactLogix 5370 controllers.
NOTE: To find out the first seven things you should know about the current generation of CompactLogix, check out our previous article ...
Read more... - CompactLogix 5380 Experience Kit (S01)
I take a look at what comes inside of Rockwell’s CompactLogix 5380 Experience Kit in today’s episode of The Automation Show.
For more information, check out the Show Notes located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 1 Show Notes:
If you’re a vendor and would like to learn how you can feature your products on The Automation ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Programming Software (M2E27)
Learn what versions of RSLogix and Studio 5000 support the CompactLogix and ControlLogix in episode 27 of The Automation Minute Season 2:
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000 Logix Designer
To program a CompactLogix or ControlLogix controller you’re going to need a copy of Studio 5000 Logix Designer, which was formerly known as RSLogix 5000 prior to the version 21 release:
If you don’t have a copy, you can purchase it using this link to Rockwell’s new online software portal, however when you first visit that site ...
Read more... - Studio 5000 Pricing, Packages, Features & Bundles
In today’s article I’m going to take a detailed look Studio 5000 pricing, available packages and bundles, and what features are included with each as it stands today.
Studio 5000 Mini: Ladder Logix only for CompactLogix only
The “Mini” edition of Studio 5000 Logix Designer only programs the “CompactLogix” family of controllers, and only in the “Ladder Logic” ...
Read more... - Rockwell Patch Rollup – How To Download and Install (2022)
Generally, when I am loading software on a computer, that computer is not used for a single purpose and I download many types of programming software, third party programs like Sublime Text or Putty, and other programs that I will use to configure specific instruments or controls.
In the Rockwell world, I might have installed many ...
Read more... - Studio 5000 – Resolve .Net Framework 3.5 Is Not Installed
If you’re seeing a “.Net Framework 3.5 Is Not Installed” error when trying to install Studio 5000, follow these simple steps to get it installed:
Step 01) Start by opening Windows Control Panel:
Step 02) Next open Programs and Features:
Step 03) Then click on Turn Windows features on or off
Step 04) When the popup window loads, find and select .Net Framework ...
Read more... - Studio 5000 – Resolve Error Due To Missing .Net (M4E29)
In this episode I discuss how to add .NET Framework 3.5 so you can install Studio 5000 (Episode 29 of The Automation Minute Season 4:)
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - Studio 5000 – Resolve Fatal Application Error Encountered
As I was prepping to film additional lessons for my CompactLogix course yesterday, I ran into a completely new Studio 5000 Logix Designer “Fatal Error” that I hadn’t run into before.
After I duplicated the issue on two different PCs, each running two different Windows 10 VMs, I was convinced something was wrong with the software ...
Read more... - Studio 5000 – Resolve .Net Framework 3.5 Installation Error 0x80D05001
I cannot count the number of times I have installed RSLogix 5, 500, 5000 or Studio 5000 software over the last twenty years. Sometimes I can install it on different (but identical) computers and have a different experience.
Each install can be a different adventure and this one is no different. I have run into .Net ...
Read more... - System Design – How To Download Integrated Architecture Builder (2022)
In today’s article I walk you through how to find and download Rockwell’s free Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB) software, updated for the Summer of 2022.
1) Start by navigating your web browser to www.ab.com:
2) Once there, select “Integrated Architecture Builder” which is under Support – Product Support:
3) From this page select “Product Selection Toolbox”:
4) Then fill ...
Read more... - System Design – How To Use Rockwell’s New Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool
In today’s article I’ll show you how to use Rockwell’s new Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool.
The replacement for Rockwell’s discontinued Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool can now be found inside of Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB.)
Note: To learn how you can get a free copy of IAB, check out my previous article HERE.
To access the new tool, first create a ...
Read more... - RSLinx – Plug and Play Drivers used with Allen-Bradley Devices
Plug and Play comes to the world of Allen-Bradley Industrial Automation.
With a fairly recent copy of the free RSLinx Classic Lite, and A-B devices with USB ports, you simply plug the A-B USB product into your PC using a standard USB cable, and RSLinx automatically adds a driver to connect to the device.
This might not seem like ...
Read more... - How to connect to a CompactLogix using USB
In today’s article I walk you through how to configure RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix processor using USB.
Step 1) Locate your CompactLogix’s USB port
If you have one of Rockwell’s 5370 CompactLogix processors, you find an orange USB port on the front of the unit as shown below:
NOTE: If you have an older CompactLogix and would ...
Read more... - How to connect to a CompactLogix using Serial
In today’s article I walk you step-by-step through how to configure RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix processor’s serial port using a serial cable and USB to Serial converter.
Part 1 – Reviewing needed cables, and finding PC comm port number
Step 1) A-B Cables, or low cost variant from Amazon
If you already have a bag full of ...
Read more... - Ethernet – How to “Ping” a PLC
PLCs of all shapes and sizes now come with Ethernet communications built-in.
And one of the easiest ways to insure you have network connectivity between your PC and PLC (or other device) is to “Ping” it.
In today’s article I’ll walk you through the simple steps needed to quickly “Ping” your PLC to see if you do ...
Read more... - How to set a CompactLogix Ethernet address using BOOTP
In today’s article I walk you through how to use the BOOTP DHCP Utility to set a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address.
NOTE: You can also set a CompactLogix processor’s IP address through either Serial or USB. To learn how to, see the below articles:
Set CompactLogix Ethernet Address through its Serial Port
Set CompactLogix Ethernet Address through its ...
Read more... - Use BOOTP to set a CompactLogix’s Ethernet Address (M2E14)
In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 14, Shawn Tierney walks you step-by-step through how to use the BOOTP utility to set a CompactLogix’s Ethernet address.
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - BOOTP-DHCP Utility – Why Won’t It Disable BOOTP? (qa230210)
Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/10/23:
I was recently asked by a community member what to do if the BOOTP-DHCP Tool/Utility wouldn’t disable the BOOTP setting in a PLC and HMI, and I share my thoughts on that question in today’s Automation Q&A below.
NOTE: For our previous articles and videos about using ...
Read more... - How to set a CompactLogix Ethernet address through its USB Port
In today’s article I walk you through how to set or change a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address through its USB port using RSLinx Classic.
Step 1) Confirm your RSLinx RSWho window browses your CompactLogix via the USB driver
Open RSLinx and check to be sure your CompactLogix is showing up under the USB driver as shown below:
NOTE: If you ...
Read more... - How to set a CompactLogix Ethernet address through its Serial Port
In today’s article I walk you through how to set or change a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address through its Serial Port using RSLinx Classic.
Step 1) Confirm your RSLinx RSWho window browses your CompactLogix via the DF1 driver
Open RSLinx and check to be sure your CompactLogix is showing up under the Serial DF1 driver as shown below:
NOTE: If you ...
Read more... - Set CompactLogix Ethernet Address through USB or Serial (M2E13)
In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 13, Shawn Tierney walks you step-by-step through how to set a CompactLogix’s Ethernet Address using either a Serial or USB cable.
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - RSLinx – What To Do When The Ethernet/IP Driver Won’t Find Your Device (T006)
In this edition of Automation Tech Tips, I walk through how to setup the Ethernet Devices Driver in RSLinx Classic, which can be helpful if your device is not showing up in the Ethernet/IP driver.
NOTE: If you need to learn how to use the CompactLogix, check out my CompactLogix Basics online course. It comes with support ...
Read more... - Why Does My CompactLogix’s IP Address Keep Changing? (qa230221)
Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/21/23:
A reader recently asked why does his CompactLogix’s IP Address keep reverting back to the old value every time he cycles power, and I share my thoughts on that in today’s Automation Q&A.
NOTE: You’ll find the articles mentioned in this episode here and here.
NOTE: If you ...
Read more... - 1783-ETAP – Setting Up
If you are contemplating using a Device Level Ring (DLR) topology in your control system networks, an important device in that network is the EtherNet Tap (ETAP).
If the remote devices in your DLR network will require fiber, the ETAP device will work as a media converter changing your communication media back and forth from multimode ...
Read more... - VMware – Settings that work with RSLinx, ControlFlash, and BOOTP
In today’s article I’ll show the you the VMware Workstation settings I used to allow BOOTP, RSLinx, and ControlFlash to work.
Part 1: VMware Workstation Network Connection Setting
Step 1) Open the VMware Settings for your Virtual Machine
While there are many ways to open the VMware Workstation settings for a Virtual Machine (VM,) the way I access them is to right click ...
Read more... - VMware – Settings that work with RSLinx, ControlFlash, BOOTP (M2E18)
See the VMware Workstation settings Shawn used with RSLinx, ControlFlash, BOOTP in episode 18 of The Automation Minute Season 2.
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - Firmware – What you need to know, and how to get CompactLogix and ControlLogix Firmware
In today’s article we’ll discuss what you need to know about CompactLogix and ControlLogix firmware, as well as how to get it.
Each Allen-Bradley Logix processor supports many different firmware revisions.
And it’s often the case that you’ll load the newest firmware supported into new processors used in new applications.
However, when replacing an existing processor you’ll often want to ...
Read more... - Firmware – Which versions does your CompactLogix and ControlLogix support (M2E28)
Learn how to find out which firmware versions your CompactLogix and ControlLogix support in episode 28 of The Automation Minute Season 2.
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - Firmware – How to Find and Download A-B PLC, PAC, and HMI Firmware in 2018
In today’s article I walk you through how to find and download Allen-Bradley Programmable Controller and HMI Firmware.
Step 1) Open you web browser and go to www.ab.com:
Step 2) Then click on “Compatibility and Downloads”:
Step 3) Now you can perform a text search for your product as I do below for the “PanelView Plus”:
Or you can ...
Read more... - Firmware – How to Find and Download A-B PLC, PAC, and HMI Firmware in 2018 (M4E48)
In this episode I show you how to quickly find and download Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation Firmware for PLCs, PACs, and HMIs (Episode 48 of The Automation Minute Season 4:)
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows ...
Read more... - Firmware – How to download it for CompactLogix and ControlLogix in 2016
In today’s article we walk you through the updated steps you take to download CompactLogix and ControlLogix Firmware.
Step 1) Navigate to www.ab.com
Step 2) On the left, click on the “Product Compatibility and Download Center” link:
Step 3) Now select “Firmware Updates”
Step 4) Here select your processor type. In this example we’ll choose “CompactLogix”
Step 5) Select your processor from ...
Read more... - Firmware – How to download it for CompactLogix and ControlLogix in 2016 (M2E29)
Learn where and how to download firmware for your CompactLogix and ControlLogix processors in episode 29 of The Automation Minute Season 2:
If you’ve found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here.
Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - ControlFlash – Why Doesn’t It Find My Firmware Files?
As I was filming new lessons for my CompactLogix course yesterday, I ran into an issue with version 15.01 of ControlFlash that I’m sure many other programmers have or will run into as well.
Note: If you’ve never used ControlFlash but need to, I’ve previously published step-by-step guides to flashing A-B Programmable Controllers over Ethernet (here) ...
Read more... - ControlFlash Plus
I ran across a software with a new look from Rockwell this past week.
If you have worked with Rockwell products, you are well aware that flashing module firmware is a necessity for new systems as well as upgrading and keeping systems current with the latest support and latest features.
Since I have always used ControlFlash, I ...
Read more... - How to flash CompactLogix firmware over USB
In today’s article I walk you through how to flash a CompactLogix processor’s firmware over USB using RSLinx and ControlFlash.
Step 1) Open ControlFlash
When you install RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000, a firmware flashing program called ControlFlash is also installed.
To start the process of flashing your CompactLogix, launch ControlFlash:
NOTE: If you attempt to download a program ...
Read more... - How to flash CompactLogix firmware over Ethernet
In today’s article I walk you through how to flash a CompactLogix processor’s firmware over Ethernet using RSLinx and ControlFlash.
Step 1) Open ControlFlash
When you install RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000, a firmware flashing program called ControlFlash is also installed.
To start the process of flashing your CompactLogix, launch ControlFlash:
NOTE: If you attempt to download a program to ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, CompactLogix – How to test the loading of Non-Volatile memory
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 Memory” is the trickiest.
Note: You can ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Non-Volatile Memory Load Modes (P8)
In The Automation Podcast, Episode 8, we discuss the different non-volatile memory load modes used in the CompactLogix and ControlLogix.
Note: You can read more about ControlLogix and CompactLogix non-volatile memory in our companion blog article HERE.
Listen to the Podcast:
Read more... - Studio / RSLogix 5000 – What version is my ACD file?
In today’s article I’ll share a simple tip on how to find your RSLogix 5000 .ACD file version without opening it in RSLogix 5000.
Why would you care?
Experienced RSLogix 5000 users know that you only install the versions of RSLogix you believe you’ll need. So if you’re sent a file to look at, it can be quite handy to know ...
Read more... - Studio / RSLogix 5000 – How to connect to an existing Controller
In today’s article I cover how to upload and go online to an existing ControlLogix or CompactLogix controller for the first time when you don’t already have the program in the controller on your PC.
Prerequisite: Before following the below procedure you must have already setup RSLinx Classic to communicate to your target Programmable Controller. To learn how to ...
Read more...
