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!


  • 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 to PowerFlex 525? (qa230208)Message (MSG) - ControlLogix to PowerFlex 525? (qa230208)
    Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/08/23: Recently I was asked by a community member if they could use a MSG instructions in a ControlLogix to communicate with a PowerFlex 525, and I share my thoughts on that question in today’s Automation Q&A below: NOTE: If you need to learn how to use ...
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  • Serial Communications – If it ain’t broke, why fix it?Serial Communications – If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
    I’ll be the first to admit it, serial communications (RS-232) is so 1980’s.  However, it is also relatively easy to install and support and for many legacy devices it is the only communication option available.  So, if you are migrating to newer controllers, but would like to keep your existing RS-232 peripherals (such as a ...
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  • Logix, S7-300 – Connecting via EthernetLogix, S7-300 - Connecting via Ethernet
    In this article I’ll walk you through how to setup a connection between an Allen Bradley CompactLogix 1769-L36ERM controller, and a Siemens Simatic S7-300 PLC CPU 315-2PN/DP via Ethernet using the Prosoft PLX31-EIP-SIE Gateway. There is a really big problem for automation engineers to “shake hands” between AB and Siemens PLCs, when it is necessary to ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Monitor Tags on your iPhone and iPad (D001/P37)ControlLogix, CompactLogix - Monitor Tags on your iPhone and iPad (D001/P37)
    Learn how you can view and monitor your ControlLogix Tags on your iPhone and iPad in Episode 1 of The Automation Demo (originally episode 37 of The Automation Podcast.) Watch the Demo: Listen to the Demo: You can now support the show on Automation.Locals.com! You can now support The Automation Blog, Podcast, and Show with a small monthly pledge! ...
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  • PanelView Standard – Communicate over Data Highway Plus (DHP, DH+) or DH-485 to CompactLogix, ControlLogix(S33)PanelView Standard - Communicate over Data Highway Plus (DHP, DH+) or DH-485 to CompactLogix, ControlLogix(S33)
    In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, I cover how to use PanelBuilder 32 to create and download a PanelView Standard program to read data from a CompactLogix or ControlLogix over Data Highway Plus or Data Highway 485: For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 33 Show ...
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  • View Designer – Using Extended Tag PropertiesView Designer - Using Extended Tag Properties
    I’ll admit, I don’t always investigate every new feature that I read in a software’s release notes and many times I fail to utilize them for some time. Such is the case for tag extended properties in Logix Designer and View Designer. Having used RSLogix 5000 since version seven, I have tried to keep with the new ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – What is the Logix 5000 Removable Media Explorer?ControlLogix, CompactLogix - What is the Logix 5000 Removable Media Explorer?
    While looking into the ability to log from a ControlLogix or CompactLogix directly to a CSV file, I came across the most curios note. In the documentation for the sample code I reviewed last week HERE, I found a reference to something called, “Logix 5000 Removable Media Explorer (RME.)” It’s not every day that I stumble across something new ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Writing Controller Logs To Removable MediaControlLogix, CompactLogix - Writing Controller Logs To Removable Media
    In modern industry, when it comes to production downtime, very few events are overlooked without an explanation. “Failure analysis” on failed components, and “root cause analysis” for downtime events, are common terminology you will hear if you are involved in any kind of manufacturing environment. I have been in facilities where what would have been unexplainable events ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Data Logging OptionsControlLogix, CompactLogix - Data Logging Options
    Clients often ask me about available data logging options for the CompactLogix and ControlLogix. And as of version 21, the controller itself still has no native data logging feature (maybe in v22 v30?) While you can create trends in RSLogix5000 which you can later export to CSV file, this solution isn’t automated and not very fool proof. So ...
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Data Logging Options (P27)ControlLogix, CompactLogix - Data Logging Options (P27)
    In The Automation Podcast: Episode 27, we discuss data logging options for Compact and ControlLogix Note – You’ll find more information about data logging options for Compact and ControlLogix in our companion article below: Blog: Data Logging Options for Compact and ControlLogix  Listen to the Podcast:
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  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Datalogging to CSV FileControlLogix, 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. Well, at least I haven’t been ...
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  • Migrate / Convert – SLC-500, MicroLogix Programs to RSLogix/Studio 5000 using the Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 Utility Step-By-StepMigrate / Convert - SLC-500, MicroLogix Programs to RSLogix/Studio 5000 using the Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 Utility Step-By-Step
    UPDATE: Rockwell has release a new version of this tool with additional features which we cover in our new article HERE. To get the latest version, search the below website for “RSLogix Project Migrator (it also comes with RSLogix/Studio 5000 v19 and up)” http://compatibility.rockwellautomation.com/Pages/MultiProductDownload.aspx UPDATE – November 2021 by SMT: Rockwell no longer makers the Translation Tool or Project Migrator ...
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  • Migrate / Convert – Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 Utility Changes I’d Like To SeeMigrate / Convert - Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 Utility Changes I'd Like To See
    UPDATE: Rockwell has release a new version of this tool with additional features. To get the latest version, search the below website for “RSLogix Project Migrator (it also comes with RSLogix/Studio 5000 v19 and up)” http://compatibility.rockwellautomation.com/Pages/MultiProductDownload.aspx 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 ...
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  • Migrate / Convert – Working Around Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 Utility’s Syntax ErrorMigrate / Convert - Working Around 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. UPDATE – November 2021 by SMT: Rockwell no longer makers the Translation Tool or Project Migrator available as a download, so if you don’t have either in your RSLogix/Studio 5000 ...
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  • Migrate / Convert – Logix, Micro800: Seven Things Studio 5000 Users Need To Know About CCWMigrate / Convert - Logix, Micro800: Seven Things Studio 5000 Users Need To Know About CCW
    If you’re familiar with Studio 5000 (or RSLogix 5000) and find yourself in the position of having to write a program for a Micro800, below are seven CCW tips to help you get started: 1) Controller Organizer: In Studio 5000 Logix Designer, the Controller Organizer starts with the Controller itself under which Controller Tags are nested, followed ...
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  • Studio 5000 – V35: What’s NewStudio 5000 - V35: What's New
    Late last year Rockwell released version 35 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer, and in today’s article I’ll cover the highlights of what’s new and updated in the latest release. New Features: Axis Test Mode: Feature simulates real-time motion control behavior at the axis, module, or group level, without requiring connected hardware (applies to 5380, 5480, and 5580.) FLEXHA ...
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  • Studio 5000 – V35: What’s New (P122)Studio 5000 - V35: What's New (P122)
    Kristen Kosatka of Rockwell Automation comes on the show this week to share what’s new with Studio 5000 v35 in Episode 122 of The Automation Podcast. Note: As this episode was not sponsored by the vendor, the video edition is only available to our members here on The Automation Blog and on YouTube. For more information, ...
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  • ControlLogix, Studio 5000 – Rockwell Automation Update (P114)ControlLogix, Studio 5000 - Rockwell Automation Update (P114)
    This week Dennis Wylie and Justin Wengatz from Rockwell Automation bring us up to speed on What’s New and Coming for ControlLogix and Studio 5000 on Episode 114 of The Automation Podcast. Note: As this episode was not sponsored by the vendor, the video edition is only available to our members here on The Automation Blog ...
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  • Studio 5000 – v34: What’s NewStudio 5000 - v34: What's New
    In March of 2022, Rockwell Automation released Studio 5000 Logix Designer version Thirty-Four. As I tend to do with each release, I recently downloaded the software, read the release notes, and set out to install and test any new features that would be relevant to me in my process control endeavors. Image by: Brandon Cooper – v34 ...
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  • Studio 5000 – v33: What’s NewStudio 5000 - v33: What's New
    On September 30, 2020, Rockwell Automation released Studio 5000 Logix Designer version thirty-three. As I tend to do with each incoming version, I downloaded the “Release Notes” and Software to check it out. Image by: Brandon Cooper This always brings back memories of receiving a box of floppy disks from Rockwell so I could install version seven of ...
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  • Logix – ROKLive20: What’s New with Logix at ROKLive 2020Logix - ROKLive20: What's New with Logix at ROKLive 2020
    One of my favorite Rockwell Automation trade show sessions has always been “What’s New in Logix.” This year, the ROKLive presentation that came closet to that classic presentation was CL03, “What’s New and Notable in the Integrated Architecture System,” and in today’s article I’ll highlight the slides that caught my attention: (Note: To see a complete list ...
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  • Logix, View – ROKLive20: What’s New with Logix and View at ROKLive 2020 (S42)Logix, View - ROKLive20: What's New with Logix and View at ROKLive 2020 (S42)
    In this episode of The Automation Show I share my top picks from Rockwell’s ROKLive Logix and View Presentations: For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 42 Show Notes: Quick Link to Rockwell’s ROKLive website:  TheAutomationBlog.com/ROKLive2020 Note: The above link redirects to the actual link which is extremely long and unwieldy Support ...
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  • Logix – AF21018: What’s New with Logix from Automation Fair 2018Logix - AF21018: What's New with Logix from Automation Fair 2018
    One of my favorite Automation Fair Technical Sessions is “What’s New in Logix,” and in today’s article I’ll highlight the slides that caught my attention as I reviewed this year’s presentation. First up was a slide promoting the coming release of the 5380 Compact GuardLogix: Schedule for release sometime in Mid-2019, this unit is designed to support ...
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  • Logix, View – AF2018: What’s New with Logix and View from Automation Fair 2018 (S06)Logix, View - AF2018: What's New with Logix and View from Automation Fair 2018 (S06)
    In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at What’s New in Logix and View based on the Automation Fair 2018 presentations: For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video. The Automation Show, Episode 6 Show Notes: NOTE: Would you like your product featured on the Show and Blog? If ...
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  • Logix – TechED18: What’s New with Logix from TechED 2018Logix - TechED18: What's New with Logix from TechED 2018
    Of all the Rockwell Automation TechED 2018 presentations made available last week, the first ones I went through were the “What’s New” presentations, as I’m always looking to find out what’s new and coming from Rockwell. In today’s article I’ll review my top five Logix announcements from the “What’s New in the Integrated Architecture System Hardware” presentation. Note: ...
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  • Logix, View – TechED18: What’s New with Logix and View from TechED 2018 (P45)Logix, View - TechED18: What's New with Logix and View from TechED 2018 (P45)
    I review the “What’s New in Logix and View” hardware presentation in Episode 45 of The Automation Podcast. Watch the Podcast: Listen to the Podcast:
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  • Studio 5000 – TechED18: What’s New with Studio 5000 from TechED 2018 (P46)Studio 5000 - TechED18: What's New with Studio 5000 from TechED 2018 (P46)
    I review the “What’s New in Studio 5000” software presentation in Episode 46 of The Automation Podcast. Watch the Podcast: Listen to the Podcast:
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  • Studio 5000 – v31: What’s New?Studio 5000 - v31: What's New?
    Earlier this month Rockwell released version 31 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer. Below I’ll summarize the new features as documented in the release notes, and I hope to cover some of these new features in more depth in the coming weeks: New Features: Security toolbar and Lock-all component locking for 5×80 controllers CIP Energy object-backed tags added for 5×80 ...
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  • Studio 5000 – v31: What’s New (P42)Studio 5000 - v31: What's New (P42)
    Today we discuss the new features that come with Studio 5000 Logix Designer version 31, in Episode 42 of The Automation Podcast. Watch the Podcast: Listen to the Podcast:
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  • Studio 5000 – Coming Refresh (2017)Studio 5000 - Coming Refresh (2017)
    Welcome to part two of the nine part series detailing my picks for the top new PLC and HMI products shown at Rockwell’s Automation Fair 2017. Note: While this series covers the products in which I’m most interested, you’ll find all the new products listed in Rockwell’s guide HERE. The New Studio 5000: Due out this month, Rockwell’s ...
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  • Studio 5000 – Coming Refresh (2017) (M4E09)Studio 5000 - Coming Refresh (2017) (M4E09)
    In part two of my nine part series covering new PLC and HMI products shown at Automation Fair 2017, I discuss the newly announced Studio 5000 refresh coming this month (Episode 9 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 ...
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  • CompactLogix 5480 – AF2017CompactLogix 5480 - AF2017
    Welcome to part eight of the nine part series covering my choices for the top new PLC and HMI products shown at Rockwell’s Automation Fair 2017. Note: While this series covers the products in which I’m most interested, you’ll find all the new products listed in Rockwell’s guide HERE. The New CompactLogix 5480: Due out in July 2018, ...
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  • CompactLogix 5480 – AF2017 (M4E15)CompactLogix 5480 - AF2017 (M4E15)
    In part eight of my nine part series covering new PLC and HMI products shown at Automation Fair 2017, I discuss the CompactLogix 5480 (Episode 15 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 ...
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  • Compact GuardLogix 5380 with Safety I/O – AF2017Compact GuardLogix 5380 with Safety I/O - AF2017
    Welcome to part six of the nine part series covering my choices for the top new PLC and HMI products shown at Rockwell’s Automation Fair 2017. Note: While this series covers the products in which I’m most interested, you’ll find all the new products listed in Rockwell’s guide HERE. The New Compact GuardLogix with Safety I/O: Due out ...
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  • Compact GuardLogix 5380 with Safety I/O – AF2017 (M4E13)Compact GuardLogix 5380 with Safety I/O - AF2017 (M4E13)
    In part six of my nine part series covering new PLC and HMI products shown at Automation Fair 2017, I discuss the newly announced Compact GuardLogix 5380 with Safety I/O (Episode 13 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 ...
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  • Flex 5000 I/O – AF2017 (M4E16)Flex 5000 I/O - AF2017 (M4E16)
    In part nine of my nine part series covering new PLC and HMI products shown at Automation Fair 2017, I discuss the Flex 5000 I/O (Episode 16 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 ...
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  • Studio 5000 – v30: What’s NewStudio 5000 - v30: What's New
    Version 30 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer programming software has been release for Rockwell’s 5370 and 5380 CompactLogix controllers, as well as their 5570 and 5580 ControlLogix controllers. So, what’s new in Studio 5000 version 30? UPDATE: My new ControlLogix training course is now available Digitally and on DVD! Become proficient with ControlLogix in just eight hours! Learn the ...
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  • Studio 5000 – v29: What’s NewStudio 5000 - v29: What's New
    Version 29 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer software, required to program Rockwell’s new 5380 and 5580 series of programmable automation controllers, is now available to download for those with a current support contract. What’s new in Studio 5000 version 29? NOTE: You can learn the details about the 5580 HERE and the 5380 HERE. Controller Message to Self Additions: Added in this release ...
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  • Logix – AF 2016: What’s New with Logix from Automation Fair 2016Logix - AF 2016: What's New with Logix from Automation Fair 2016
    One of the Automation Fair Technical Sessions I attended this morning was “What’s New in Logix,” and below I’ll recap what I found most interesting about this session First up was a slide reminding us that in the past year Rockwell had released the 5380, 5370S, and L19: Next up was another reminder, this one about the 5380 now ...
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  • Studio 5000 – v28: What’s New, 1756-L83E Shipping, 5580 Firmware OnlineStudio 5000 - v28: What's New, 1756-L83E Shipping, 5580 Firmware Online
    Last week at Automation Fair a lot of attention was given to Rockwell’s new ControlLogix 5580 line. Now it appears everything needed to build a system utilizing these new controllers is available. First up, version 28 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer software used to program the 5580 series is now available to download for those with a current support contract, along with the release notes which ...
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  • Automation Fair 2015 Pre-Show: 1756-L85E, 5069 I/O (P32)Automation Fair 2015 Pre-Show: 1756-L85E, 5069 I/O (P32)
    Learn about the 5580 1756-L85E ControlLogix, 5069 Compact I/O our session picks in our Automation Fair 2015 pre-show in episode 32 of The Automation Podcast. Watch the Podcast: Listen to the Podcast:
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  • RSLogix 5000 – v20.04 ReleasedRSLogix 5000 - v20.04 Released
    Late last week I was very happy to find that Rockwell had released RSLogix 5000 version 20.04. Ok, so now you may be asking why this is such a big deal, right? Well, as anyone who’s run into the 20.01 and 20.03 issue knows, the minor rev incompatibility has caused many problems in the field. In fact, this ...
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  • Integrated Architecture – TechED15: What’s New with Integrated Architecture as seen at TechED 2015Integrated Architecture - TechED15: What’s New with Integrated Architecture as seen at TechED 2015
    My all time favorite sessions at Rockwell Automation’s TechED are the “What’s New” sessions. This year these sessions didn’t disappoint, with several new products revealed in “What’s New in Integrated Architecture.” Below I share my “top five” picks from this session, and I’ll also include the complete presentation at the bottom of this page. CompactLogix Hardware First up, Rockwell announces a new member ...
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