Today we dig into our mailbag for another edition of “Insight’s Inbox.”
Reader Question:
I’ve run into an issue for which I would like to ask your opinion.
Here in our plant we have SLC-500, specifically a SLC-5/03, which controls our material handling system.
Whenever I connect to the SLC-5/03 to attempt to make a change, I kept getting a “Fatal Error.”
I’m using a 1747-PIC with my Panasonic Toughbook running Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Insight’s Answer:
I think the problem may be you are using Windows XP Service Pack 3.
If memory serves me correctly, most (if not all) versions of RSLinx do not support the 1747-PIC on any operating system past Windows XP Service pack 2.
As an alternative, you could try to connect to the 5/03 via it’s channel 0 DB9 port, using either a 1747-CP3, or a standard null modem cable.
Just keep in mind you’ll most likely need to stop and remove the 1747-PIC driver in RSLinx, and add the DF1 full duplex driver in it’s place. This is because the 5/03’s channel 0 port is by default set to DF1 Full Duplex.
If you want to know for sure what this SLC’s channel 0 communication port it’s set at, open the last program you uploaded from this PLC, and look at the channel 0 communication settings.
You could also try Rockwell’s new 1747-UIC, which is supported on newer operating systems. I recommend the 1747-UICC13 which is a bundle of 1747-UIC and C13 cable, since using the wrong cable (like an Ethernet cross over cable) with the 1747-UIC will permanently damage it’s RJ-45 port
There are also low cost third party UIC cables available, and I’ll link to one below:
Update: If you have your own question you’d like to ask, please post it as a comment on a related post here at TheAutomationBlog.com
Until next time, Peace ✌️
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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.
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Hello. I have a SLC L543 that is running out corn dryer/elevator system here on the farm. It has faulted out and I cannot communicate with it. I have tried factory reset and removed battery over the weekend but it remains locked up. I have tried a spare SLC processor but cant seem to comm with it either although I can with yet another SLC that is working properly.
I’m using windows xp with RS linx.
Good morning Gerald,
First, can you tell me a little about your Windows XP PC? Is it SP2 or SP3? Does it have a built-in serial port, or are you using a USB to Serial converter?
Which version of RSLogix and RSLinx do you have? What cable are you using to connect to the SLC? If it’s not an A-B cable, what is the pinout? (i.e. is it a null modem serial cable? 2-3, 3-2, 5-5)
As far as the offline files you have for the PLC, when you open them what are the communication settings for Channel 0?
Next, can you tell me a little about your SLC-5/04? Does it have a memory module installed? Is the light flashing RED or solid RED?
Please include anything else that you think would be helpful too!
Sincerely,
Shawn Tierney,
Instructor at http://www.TheAutomationSchool.com