- 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... - 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!
Read more... - Studio / RSLogix 5000 – Can’t Go Online (Q&A)
In this edition of “Community Q & A,” one of our locals community members needs help connecting to his ControlLogix Controller.
Note: To see a list of all our ControlLogix videos and articles, click HERE.
Community Question:
I have an A-B ControlLogix controller that I tried to go online with using Ethernet and USB but it failed.
When connecting ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, 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 ...
Read more... - Studio / 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 ...
Read more... - 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!
Read more... - Studio / 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 ...
Read more... - 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!
Read more... - Studio / 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 ...
Read more... - 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!
Read more... - ControlLogix, 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, ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, CompactLogix – How Do I Access A Controller’s Clock (Q&A)
Today we’re kicking off a new series entitled, “Insight’s Inbox,” which are articles based on the reader email questions we receive.
Reader Question:
I would like to enable some ControlLogix code when it’s between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.
How do I do this?
Insight’s Answer:
You’re in luck, this is definitely do-able with the ControlLogix.
Here are the two steps I would take to make this work:
Part ...
Read more... - Studio / 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 ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, 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 ...
Read more... - 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:
Read more... - ControlLogix – Diagnostic IO
I believe that in the world of control systems, the little things can make a huge impact.
The little things we do ahead of problems will determine how well we diagnose and repair issues when they arise. It can mean the difference in troubleshooting time in seconds instead of hours.
Image by: Brandon Cooper
Sometimes, the little things ...
Read more... - 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 I/O, all of which also support ...
Read more... - Flex I/O – How to add on ControlNet to ControlLogix (S22)
In today’s article (and video) I walk through how to add ControlNet Flex I/O to a ControlLogix system:
NOTE: This article is not a comprehensive ControlNet tutorial, so if you’re not already familiar with ControlNet you’ll likely want to learn about it prior to reading this article.
Step 1) To start, open your RSLogix 5000 or Studio ...
Read more... - Flex I/O – How to add on Ethernet to ControlLogix (S21)
In today’s article (and video) I walk through how to add Ethernet Flex I/O to a ControlLogix System:
Step 1) To start, open your RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000 project and find your Ethernet communications module under I/O Configuration. Once you find it, expand it by clicking on the plus sign (+) so you can see ...
Read more... - 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 (Point I/O Chassis).
Each one of the ...
Read more... - 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.
The Automation Show, Episode 18 Show Notes:
Related Articles:
Point I/O vs Flex I/O (article)
Point I/O and Flex I/O Compared (video)
Support Shawn’s work on ...
Read more... - 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.
The Automation Show, Episode 17 Show Notes:
Related Articles:
Point I/O vs Flex I/O (article)
Point I/O and Flex I/O Compared (video)
Support Shawn’s work on ...
Read more... - 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 between the Point I/O and ControlLogix. The ...
Read more... - Device Level Ring: Adding a Remote I/O Chassis
I first began using ControlLogix in 2001, back when the software and firmware were both at version 7.
In those early days it wasn’t so easy to add a new remote I/O Chassis to an existing ControlLogix system as most of the systems at that time were networked together using ControlNet.
While ControlNet is a truly deterministic ...
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 more you can do while the ...
Read more... - ControlLogix – Adding I/O at Runtime (P23)
In The Automation Podcast: Episode 23, we discuss which Allen-Bradley PLC’s support adding I/O at runtime.
Note: You can read our companion blog article here:
ControlLogix support for adding I/O online
Listen to the Podcast:
Read more... - 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 ...
Read more... - ControlLogix, CompactLogix – Can multiple controllers control the same Ethernet I/O? (P28)
In The Automation Podcast: Episode 28, we discuss if Multiple ControlLogix Controllers can Control the Same I/O.
Note – You’ll find more information about multiple controllers using the same I/O in our companion article below:
Blog: Can Multiple PLC’s Control the Same I/O:
Listen to the Podcast:
Read more... - 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 network, ControlNet was the primary method ...
Read more... - IFM – 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 ...
Read more... - E300 – 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 ...
Read more... - Stratix 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 ...
Read more... - GuardLogix – 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, ...
Read more... - GuardLogix – 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 ...
Read more... - Tag 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 ...
Read more... - 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 ...
Read more... - ControlLogix – 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 ...
Read more... - Logix 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 ...
Read more... - Logix 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 ...
Read more... - 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 ...
Read more... - 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 ...
Read more... - Logix 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 ...
Read more... - UDDT, 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 ...
Read more... - ControlLogix – Redundancy: What you need to know
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 distributed I/O platform you plan to ...
Read more... - ControlLogix – Redundancy: System Alarm
How many times do you walk around your facility and visually look upon every control system that is currently in operation?
If you are anything like me, it may be months in between the times I see some control panels.
Along the same line, how often do you “go online” with many of your control systems?
For some ...
Read more... - ControlLogix – Redundancy: Updating a System
When I think about controller redundancy, the first thought that crosses my mind is
“I better do my research, because the components have to be exact.”
If you are familiar with the redundancy setup, you know what I am referring to. Only certain models and revisions are compatible to use in a redundant configuration.
If you have never ...
Read more... - ControlLogix – Redundancy: Time Synchronization
In my living room sits this clock, given to my great-grandfather in 1991 for fifty years of service. As I wind it up every few days, it gives me several important reminders in life.
To be the kind of man he was to others, to give the same effort every day as he did to his ...
Read more...
