Welcome to The Automation Blog’s CompactLogix Content Guide which is an ordered list of all of our CompactLogix articles and videos.

Below you’ll find over 140 of our free articles and videos listed with thumbnails and excerpts. If you’d prefer a listing of titles only, click here.

Note: You can purchase a personal copy of all of Shawn’s below articles in our new CompactLogix Guide PDF here (coming soon!) for just $9.99 $4.99 (limited time sale,) or grab a copy of all his CompactLogix videos (nearly 4.5 hours!) here for just $9.99!


  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – What version is my ACD file?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 ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – How to connect to an existing ControllerStudio / 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 ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – How to connect to an existing Controller (M4E01)Studio / RSLogix 5000 - How to connect to an existing Controller (M4E01)
    Learn how to connect to an existing ControlLogix or CompactLogix controller when you don’t have the program in Episode 1 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!
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  • Studio 5000 – How to create and download a program (M2E20)Studio 5000 - How to create and download a program (M2E20)
    Learn how to create and download a program using Studio 5000 in episode 20 of The Automation Minute Season 2.
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Controller FaultsControlLogix, CompactLogix - Controller Faults
    Years ago, I was in the middle of a normal day of work when I got a call on the radio that a conveyor had stopped, and then I was informed that the entire process around that conveyor had shut down as well. When I went online with the respective processor for that system, I was ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Duplicating RungsStudio / RSLogix 5000 - Duplicating Rungs
    In today’s article I cover how to quickly and easily export and import multiple rungs while at the same time replacing tag addresses using RSLogix or Studio 5000. Step 1) Start by selecting the range of rungs you would like to duplicate. Do this by selecting the first rung, holding down the shift key on your keyboard, and then selecting ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Duplicating Rungs (M3E03)Studio / RSLogix 5000 - Duplicating Rungs (M3E03)
    Learn the best way to duplicate Rungs in Episode 3 of The Automation Minute, Season 3: 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!
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Duplicating RoutinesStudio / RSLogix 5000 - Duplicating Routines
    In today’s article I cover how to quickly and easily export and import routines while at the same time replacing tag addresses using RSLogix or Studio 5000. Step 1) Open your project in RSLogix or Studio 5000, then right click on the routine you wish to duplicate and select “Export Routine”: Step 2) Now save the export of your routine to your computer: NOTE: You ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Duplicating Routines (M3E04)Studio / RSLogix 5000 - Duplicating Routines (M3E04)
    Learn the best way to duplicate Routines in Episode 4 of The Automation Minute, Season 3: 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!
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Duplicating ProgramsStudio / RSLogix 5000 - Duplicating Programs
    In today’s article I cover how to quickly and easily export and import programs in RSLogix and Studio 5000. Step 1) Start by opening your project in RSLogix or Studio 5000. Then right click on the program you would like to export and select “Export Program”: Step 2) Next, save your exported program to your computer: Step 3) Now open the project you ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Duplicating Programs (M3E05)Studio / RSLogix 5000 - Duplicating Programs (M3E05)
    Learn the best way to duplicate Programs in Episode 5 of The Automation Minute, Season 3: 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!
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Application Code Manager, as seen at TechED 2015ControlLogix, CompactLogix - Application Code Manager, as seen at TechED 2015
    At this year’s Rockwell Automation TechED, a new library management tool for Studio 5000 Logix designer was debuted. Named the “Studio 5000 Logix Designer Application Code Manager,” or ACM for short, it was the subject of a presentation session (SY04,) a demonstration session (SY10,) as well as a hands-on lab session (SY15.) From the presentations now available to the public, ...
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  • Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Using the Controller’s TimeStudio / RSLogix 5000 - Using the Controller’s Time
    If the need arises to use specific time in your ladder logic program, this guide will give you a reference to go by. Possibly you have a cleaning device that only needs to operate once an hour or once a day or maybe you want to operate a whistle at noon every day, the easiest way ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Why your Controller’s Real Time Clock (DateTime) may be a few hours offControlLogix, CompactLogix - Why your Controller's 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 ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Why your Controller’s Real Time Clock (DateTime) may be a few hours off (P6)ControlLogix, CompactLogix - Why your Controller's Real Time Clock (DateTime) may be a few hours off (P6)
    In The Automation Podcast, Episode 6, we discuss why your ControlLogix or CompactLogix time may be off by a few hours. Note: You can read more about why your Logix processor time may be off a few hours in our companion blog article HERE. Listen to the Podcast:
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  • CompactLogix – 5370 L1: Are the 1769-L1xER inputs high speed? (Q&A)CompactLogix - 5370 L1: Are the 1769-L1xER inputs high speed? (Q&A)
    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. What I found in my research was, when ...
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  • CompactLogix – 5380: Why Are My 5069-IF8 Analog Inputs Updating Slowly? (Q&A)CompactLogix - 5380: Why Are My 5069-IF8 Analog Inputs Updating Slowly? (Q&A)
    One of our community members recently asked what would cause his 5380 analog inputs updating so slow? His application required that each 5380 analog inputs updated every 10ms, but what he was seeing in the field was a much slower. When working with analog inputs and Logix PACs, two settings will effect the update rate: 1) RPI (Requested ...
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  • Point I/O vs Flex I/OPoint 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 I/O, all of which also support ...
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  • Point IO – Getting StartedPoint 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 (Point I/O Chassis). Each one of the ...
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  • Point I/O – Large rack communication issuePoint 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 between the Point I/O and ControlLogix. The ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Can multiple controllers control the same Ethernet I/O?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 one to control the I/O, and ...
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  • Migrate / Convert – ControlNet I/O to EtherNet I/OMigrate / 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 network, ControlNet was the primary method ...
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  • IFM, CompactLogix – Encoder to HSC (S49B)IFM, CompactLogix - Encoder to HSC (S49B)
    Learn how to connect and use an Encoder with a CompactLogix and High Speed Counter module in this episode of The Automation Show. For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 49B Show Notes: A huge thank you to IFM for sending in the RVP510 Encoder for us to use ...
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  • IFM – Temperature Sensor: Setup, Wire, Use with S7-1500, CompactLogix (S47)IFM - Temperature Sensor: Setup, Wire, Use with S7-1500, CompactLogix (S47)
    In this episode of The Automation Show I setup a new IFM TN2511 Temperature Sensor, then wire it up to both a S7-1500 and CompactLogix to test it out. For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 47 Show Notes: A huge thank you to IFM for sending in the ...
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  • IFM – IOLink Master: How To Setup with LogixIFM - IOLink Master: How To Setup with Logix
    In this article I’ll walk you through how to set up the communications of an IO-Link master with an Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC. The first thing that needs to be done is to setup up a free account at IFM.com. This is required to download the IFM software used to setup their IO-Link Masters. IFM has two ...
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  • E300 – Use Overload Module in Studio 5000 ApplicationE300 - Use Overload Module in Studio 5000 Application
    In a previous article I discussed setting the dip switches, applying 24 VDC power,  and using a web browser to modify the configuration in an Allen Bradley E300 Module. In this article, I want to go a bit further and discuss the steps in adding an E300 module to your RSLogix or Studio 5000 project and ...
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  • Stratix Switch – Getting CIP DataStratix Switch - Getting CIP Data
    Have you ever used or thought of using your HMI as a network monitoring tool? What if your HMI system was used for more than just an operational tool? What if it can also help you, as a control system engineer, with system documentation, network troubleshooting and much more? I have found great benefit in the integrated ...
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  • GuardLogix – Getting StartedGuardLogix - Getting Started
    For a machine application that involves a safety system, guarding or other needed safety equipment, Rockwell, as well as other vendors, provide safety solutions that meet the requirements to replace safety relays and hard-wired safety controls up to SIL 3 applications. In this article, I will hopefully explain what some of the standards and requirements mean, ...
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  • GuardLogix – Writing Logic in your Safety PLCGuardLogix - Writing Logic in your Safety PLC
    In a previous article, we discussed some safety options from Rockwell for a safety PLC as well as industry standards such as IEC 61508 and SIL ratings. In this article, I want to venture into the software side and take a look at a couple of the safety instructions you will find in a safety plc. Image ...
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  • Tag Names – Eliminating The Need For Program CommentsTag Names - Eliminating The Need For Program Comments
    There are a couple of different ways of thinking when it comes to in-program documentation, particularly the use of comments. One main methodology I see is to use documentation liberally (since it’s free), placing comments on as many rungs as desired. The other methodology is that less is more, with more emphasis placed on variable tags and ...
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  • Alias Tags – Do you use them (Q&A)Alias Tags - Do you use them (Q&A)
    One limitation of legacy programmable controllers like the PLC-5, SLC-500, and MicroLogix, was the inability to save “address names,” known as “symbols” in the aforementioned products, directly to the controller. And since these “symbols” could only be saved with the offline project, in order to display them while online required that you match-up the correct offline ...
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  • ControlLogix – Programming: Different Ways of Accomplishing Your GoalsControlLogix - Programming: Different Ways of Accomplishing Your Goals
    Programmers can accomplish a task in many ways. They have many options available, and it is almost to the point that you can use whatever coding style your preference is for a task at hand. PLC code does not need to be fancy, but it does help to be efficient, especially if you are embarking on ...
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  • Logix Instructions – Compute and AbsoluteLogix Instructions - Compute and Absolute
    Logix Programming Instructions Every Tech Needs to Know, Part I Image by Brandon Cooper Learning to program anything takes time and effort. The more investment that you make, the greater the return. When I have set out to embark on learning a new system, I first browse through other people’s code in the system to learn the standard ...
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  • Logix Instructions – Capture and Average a Value with FFL, FFU, and AVELogix Instructions - Capture and Average a Value with FFL, FFU, and AVE
    In a previous article regarding ControlLogix processor faults, I mentioned one of the ways a processor can be faulted was by causing an array to go out of bounds when using an FFL and FFU instruction. These instructions are commonly used to store multiple records at a given sample rate, which then can be averaged. In today’s ...
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  • Logix Instructions – Bit Field Distribute and Message (MSG)Logix Instructions - Bit Field Distribute and Message (MSG)
    Logix Programming Instructions Every Tech Needs to Know Part II Image by Brandon Cooper In part one of this series, we looked at an introduction to learning Studio 5000 programming instructions for ControlLogix processors as well as an application for using the CPT and ABS instructions. I want to continue further and explore a few more instructions and ...
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  • Logix Instructions – Using The Sequencer Output (S07)Logix Instructions - Using The Sequencer Output (S07)
    In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, we walk through what it takes to use the Sequencer Output Instruction in RSLogix/Studio 5000: (starts at 3:00) For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video. The Automation Show, Episode 7 Show Notes: Free Sample Download: To get the file created in today’s show for free, click ...
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  • Logix Instructions – Function Block TotalizerLogix Instructions - Function Block Totalizer
    In this article I’ll introduce you to the basics of a ControlLogix Function Block Routine Totalizer Instruction. If you have ever used any Allen-Bradley software, you are familiar with their ladder logic programming. In many of the earlier systems such as PLC-5 or SLC 500, you only had ladder logic to work with. While many programming scenarios are ...
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  • UDDT, AOI – Using Effectively To Document ProgramsUDDT, AOI - Using Effectively To Document Programs
    In yesterday’s article I covered the advantage of using verbose tag names in place of pages of comments to document programmable controller programs. Beyond that, there are some other tools available that can help you with organization. Focusing on Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 software, both User-Defined Data Types (UDDTs) as well as Add-On Instructions (AOIs) should be ...
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  • Sample Code – Setup and Download Demo Programs to A-B PLCs (P36)Sample Code - Setup and Download Demo Programs to A-B PLCs (P36)
    Watch as I setup a PLC-5, SLC-5/05 & 5/04, MicroLogix 1100 & 1400, ControlLogix L61, L55 & L1, a FlexLogix and CompactLogix L1 in Episode 36 of The Automation Podcast. Watch the Podcast: Listen to the Podcast:
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  • Sample Code – How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIsSample Code - How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIs
    One of the topics I like to cover in my training courses is how users can get (and use) free sample code, programs, and AOIs made available by Rockwell Automation. That said, since Rockwell made major changes to their website recently I thought it made sense to update this article showing how you go about getting those free ...
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  • Sample Code – How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIs (M3E07)Sample Code - How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIs (M3E07)
    Learn how to download free A-B sample programs and AOIs in Episode 7 of The Automation Minute, Season 3: 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!
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  • Sample Code – How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIs (M2E38)Sample Code - How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIs (M2E38)
    Learn how to get free A-B PLC Sample Programs in The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 38: UPDATE: Check out the new 2017 version of this video here 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!
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  • Sample Code – Rockwell’s Water Waste Water Accelerator ToolkitSample Code - Rockwell's Water Waste Water Accelerator Toolkit
    Rockwell’s Water Waste Water Accelerator Toolkit (WWWAT for short) is designed to reduce engineering and development time around Water and Waste Water applications. This “Accelerator Toolkit” is also designed for use with RSLogix5000 and FactoryTalk View Site Edition. The initial download is roughly 510mb 560mb and is in the form of an “.exe” install file. Once downloaded and ...
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  • PlantPAx Process Objects – What are they?PlantPAx Process Objects - What are they?
    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 purpose of these “objects” or “faceplates” is to provide ...
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  • PlantPAx Process Objects – How to get Rockwell’s Library of Process ObjectsPlantPAx Process Objects - How to get Rockwell's Library of Process Objects
    One of the new lessons I’ve recorded for my ControlLogix training course, PAC Basics, is how to download and use some of the AOIs included with Rockwell’s PlantPAx Library of Process Objects. And since Rockwell made major changes to their website recently, I thought it also sense to update this article explaining how you go about getting Rockwell’s ...
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  • PlantPAx Process Objects – How to get Rockwell’s Library of Process Objects (M3E08)PlantPAx Process Objects – How to get Rockwell’s Library of Process Objects (M3E08)
    Learn how to get Rockwell’s Library of Process Objects for free in Episode 8 of The Automation Minute, Season 3: 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!
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  • PlantPAx Process Objects – Using Library AOIs in RSLogix/Studio 5000 (S08)PlantPAx Process Objects - Using Library AOIs in RSLogix/Studio 5000 (S08)
    In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, we walk through how to download and use PlantPAx Process Library AOI’s in RSLogix/Studio 5000: For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video. The Automation Show, Episode 8 Show Notes: Free Sample Download: To get the file created in today’s show for free, click HERE, then add ...
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  • Message (MSG) – ControlLogix Reading Data Over Ethernet From CompactLogix, SLC-500, MicroLogix (S29)Message (MSG) - ControlLogix Reading Data Over Ethernet From CompactLogix, SLC-500, MicroLogix (S29)
    In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, I cover how to use the MSG (Message) Instruction in the ControlLogix to read data from CompactLogix, SLC-500, and MicroLogix over Ethernet: For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 29 Show Notes: Support our site and get early access to our ...
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  • Message (MSG) – CompactLogix Reading Data Over Ethernet From CompactLogix (M2E25)Message (MSG) - CompactLogix Reading Data Over Ethernet From CompactLogix (M2E25)
    Learn how to use RSLogix 5000 (aka Studio 5000) to message data from one CompactLogix or ControlLogix to another over Ethernet using the Message (MSG) instruction in episode 25 of The Automation Minute Season 2.
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  • Message (MSG) – ControlLogix Reading Data Over DH-485 From CompactLogix, SLC-500, MicroLogix (S26)Message (MSG) - ControlLogix Reading Data Over DH-485 From CompactLogix, SLC-500, MicroLogix (S26)
    In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, I cover how you can use the MSG (Message) Instruction in the ControlLogix to read data from CompactLogix, MicroLogix, and SLC-500 over a DH-485 network: For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 26 Show Notes: Support our site and get early ...
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