- Micro800: Using the PID instruction
I am still getting familiar with Connected Components Workbench, and have yet to implement a function block program prior to this article.
In this first program I walk through how to setup and use the IPID instruction to accomplish PID control in a Micro820 controller.
Programming the PID in the Micro820
The first thing I need to do ...
Read more... - CCW – How to Import and Export Variables and Comments in Connected Components Workbench
Connected Components Workbench (CCW) version 7.0 added some much needed usability features when it released back in September of 2014.
One of those welcome features was a context-sensitive right click menu for accessing common tasks.
In today’s article, I show you how to use that menu to export and import variables and their comments in the below steps.
Step 1) Open Micro800 project, ...
Read more... - 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!
Read more... - Sample Code – CCAT: Connected Components Accelerator Toolkit
Like the Connected Components Building Blocks (CCBB,) Rockwell’s Connected Components Accelerator Toolkit (CCAT for short) is designed around “component” level devices.
However, this “Accelerator Toolkit” is designed for the Micro800 and Connected Components Workbench, where as the “Building Blocks” are designed around the MicroLogix and RSLogix.
Initially, when you download CCAT you get the following building blocks:
Motion Control: Kinetix® 3 Indexing Project
Low Voltage Drives: PowerFlex® ...
Read more... - Sample Code – VFFS Machine video, sample code and white paper released
(Updated 11/06/2017)
On November 25th, 2013, Rockwell released a new YouTube video promoting it’s “Micro800 Solution for Intermittent VFFS” (Vertical Form, Fill and Seal.)
For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, I’ll include it below:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoboytJxJD4
Update: Rockwell has removed their video from YouTube, however the below links to the whitepapers and sample code are still valid.
While the video ...
Read more... - Message (MSG) – ControlLogix Writing Data Over Ethernet to a Micro800
If you are implementing a Micro800 series PLC, there is a chance you are doing a small, standalone project that needs no communication with other devices or centralized control system, but that is not always the case.
The Micro820, 850, and 870 all come with an Ethernet port that will communicate with your existing ControlLogix or ...
Read more... - Micro820, PanelView 800, PowerFlex 525 – New Project
One of the positive attributes of the Connected Components Workbench project is the ability to program multiple devices with one software package.
A CCW project can contain the Panelview 800 HMI, the Micro 800 controller and as we will see today, a Powerflex drive.
This makes configuration simple and provides quick access between devices that need to ...
Read more... - Micro800 – Can I use the USB Port to Read Data? (qa230202)
Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/02/23:
Recently I was asked by a community member if they could use the USB Port on a Micro800 to connect to a third party RFID device to read data into the PLC, and I share my thoughts on that question in today’s Automation Q&A below:
NOTE: ...
Read more... - RSLinx, MSExcel – Get A-B Programmable Controller Data into Microsoft Excel using RSLinx Classic
In Today’s article I’ll walk you through how you can bring Allen-Bradley Programmable Controller Data into Microsoft Excel 2016 using RSLinx Classic.
NOTE: The below procedure works with any licensed copy of RSLinx Classic, including Single Node, OEM, and Gateway shown below. However, it will not work with the free “Lite” version.
Step 1) Locate the Programmable Controller ...
Read more... - RSLinx, MSExcel – Get A-B Programmable Controller Data into Microsoft Excel using RSLinx Classic (M4E41)
In this episode I demonstrate how to use RSLinx Classic to get data from Allen-Bradley Programmable Controllers into Microsoft Excel (Episode 41 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 ...
Read more... - MQTT – Connect A-B PLCs & PACs to the Cloud (S2E01)
Learn how to connect A-B PLCs to the Cloud using an MQTT Gateway today on The Automation Show (S2E01)
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Season 2 Episode 1 Show Notes:
Special thanks to RTA for sending in a sample of their new A-B PLC MQTT Gateway, as well ...
Read more... - PanelView 800 – Connecting to a Micro820
One of the interesting aspects of automation is “making things talk.” Connecting devices together, whether we are talking about a host of network switches, HMI devices, drives, servers, controllers or any other intelligent device, gives you a sense of accomplishment when the devices are connected together and speaking each other’s language.
As a programmer, after you ...
Read more... - FTLinx, RSLinx Enterprise – Connecting to Micro800
One of my connections recently shared how he was able to connect FactoryTalk View Studio to the new Micro800 Simulator (thanks Floyd!)
After reviewing his email, I thought it would be a great opportunity share with everyone how you setup communications between FactoryTalk View, Linx, and any Micro800 that supports communications, including the new Simulator that ...
Read more... - FTLinx, RSLinx Enterprise – Connecting to the CCW Micro800 Simulator (S15)
In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at how you can use the Micro800 Simulator with CCW and FactoryTalk View & Linx:
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 15 Show Notes:
Related Articles:
How to use CCW’s Micro800 Simulator
Connect FactoryTalk View and Linx to ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – Pico to Micro810: A Day in the Life
A Day in the Life of a Controls Engineer: Migrating a dead Pico to a Micro810
Once upon a time, there was a control systems engineer that was able to leave work at a predictable time every day and make plans of his choice without any interruption.
Well, that would make a nice story, but not reality. ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – MicroLogix 1000 Migration Options
With the recent announcement from Rockwell Automation that the MicroLogix 1000’s status has been changed to “End of Life,” many users are asking, “What’s the best Micro to migrate too?”
Since there are many Micros to choose from, to answer this question we need to know what is more important to the user: program compatibility or product cost?
Most Compatible Option
If ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – Rockwell Releases MicroLogix 1000 to Micro800 Migration Guide
On June 29th in this article I wrote about Rockwell’s recent announcement that the product life cycle designation for the MicroLogix 1000 and 1500 family had been changed to “end of life.”
I followed up that article with another on July 1st here discussing possible MicroLogix 1000 migration options.
Well last week one of our readers (thanks ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – Rockwell releases MicroLogix 1000 to Micro800 Conversion Tool
Earlier this week (in this article) we covered the “MicroLogix 1000 to Micro800 Migration Guide” which Rockwell released shortly after announcing the 1000 and 1500 had been re-classified as “End of life.”
At the same time, Rockwell also released a “MicroLogix 1000 to Micro800 Converter Tool” for use with Connected Components Workbench (CCW) version 8.0, and in today’s article ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – How to get the MicroLogix to Micro800 Conversion Tool
In today’s article I’ll walk you through how to get Rockwell’s “MicroLogix Library Converter” MicroLogix 1000 to Micro800 conversion tool.
NOTE: For a step by step procedure on how to use this tool, see our article HERE.
Step 1) Navigate your web browser to www.ab.com:
Step 2) Now select ” Compatibility and Downloads”:
Step 3) Now search on “Connected Components ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – How to use the MicroLogix to Micro800 Conversion Tool
Update: For the latest procedure see our article HERE.
In today’s article we walk you through the steps to import a MicroLogix program into a Micro800 using the Connected Components Workbench (CCW) conversion tool.
Part One: Export your MicroLogix Program
Step 1) The first step is to open your MicroLogix 1000 program in RSLogix Micro (or 500) and preform a “Save As”
Step 2) ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – MicroLogix 1000 Programs to Micro800
In today’s article I’ll walk you through how to convert a MicroLogix 1000 program to a Micro800.
To accomplish this, we’ll use RSLogix 500 and the Connected Components Workbench “MicroLogix Library Converter” tool.
NOTE: If you don’t see the tool installed below, your can find it by following this article here.
Step 1) Start by opening CCW, and selecting the “MicroLogix ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – MicroLogix 1000 Programs to Micro800 (M4E26)
In this episode I discuss how you go about converting MicroLogix 1000 programs to the Micro800 and CCW (Episode 26 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... - Migrate / Convert – CCW v11: Connected Components Workbench Now Supports Importing All MicroLogix Programs
Back in February I wrote this article about converting MicroLogix programs to the Micro800 by using CCW and the MicroLogix Library Converter.
At the time I also demonstrated how only MicroLogix 1000 programs could be converted, and in an earlier article I covered how to convert MicroLogix and SLC-500 programs to the MicroLogix 1000.
However, along with the ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – CCW v11: Import Any MicroLogix Program Into Connected Components Workbench (M4E35)
In this episode I demonstrate how CCW 11 allows you to import any MicroLogix program (but not SLC-500 programs) (Episode 35 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... - Migrate / 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 ...
Read more... - Migrate / Convert – Logix, Micro800: Seven Things Studio 5000 Users Need To Know About CCW (M4E34)
In this episode I review the highlights of Rockwell’s CCW Guide for Studio 5000 users (Episode 34 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... - CCW – v21: What’s New Connected Components Workbench
Rockwell recently released version 21 of Connected Components Workbench, and below I’ll summarize any new and enhanced features:
New and Enhanced Micro800 Features:
Now supports Ethernet implicit I/O messaging for L50E and L70E controllers
The default value of Automatically Invoke Variable/Block Selector changed from True to False
Ease programming of Kinetix5100 and PowerFlex520 drives through canned UDFBs
The Scope setting ...
Read more... - CCW – v20: What’s New Connected Components Workbench
Rockwell recently released version 20 of Connected Components Workbench, and below I’ll summarize any new and enhanced features:
New and Enhanced Micro800 Features:
Micro800 L50E and L70E controllers are added to CCW
Added encryption of backup of memory module & SD card when backing up projects
Added support for DNP3 Slave protocol for 2080-L70E-24QWBN and 2080-L70E-24QBBN
Now supports Half-duplex Master, ...
Read more... - CCW – v13: What’s New Connected Components Workbench
Earlier this month Rockwell released version 13 of Connected Components Workbench, and today I’ll review the biggest new features as listed in the product’s release notes:
New Micro800 Features:
New “Controller Organizer” project tree style which makes CCW look a little more like Studio 5000 when the “Logix” Theme is selected. Note that when selected other devices ...
Read more... - CCW – v13: What’s New Connected Components Workbench (P70)
In this episode of The Automation Podcast, I sit down with Jie Hong of Rockwell Automation to get an overview of the new features of Connected Components Workbench Version 13.
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
Watch the Podcast:
The Automation Podcast is also available on most Video and Podcasting platforms, and ...
Read more... - CCW – v12: What’s New in Connected Components Workbench
Earlier this week Rockwell released version 12 of Connected Components Workbench.
Below I’ll summarize the new features as documented in the release notes:
New CCW Features:
Support for new products including the Micro870 with AC Inputs, Spectrum Controls MicroSD plug-in module (2080-SDMEMRTC-SC,) and new Electronic Overload Relay (193-E200-PCM)
Support for FactoryTalk Linx in addition to RSLinx Classic
Trending of Micro800 ...
Read more... - CCW – v12: First Look – Connected Components Workbench Version 12 (S12)
We take a first look at the new features of Connected Components Workbench version 12 in this week’s episode of The Automation Show :
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 12 Show Notes:
Link to article referenced in video: What’s New In CCW 12
Learn about other releases:
Check out ...
Read more... - CCW – v11: Feature Pack – Does it make CCW look more like RSLogix / Studio 5000? (S05)
In today’s episode of The Automation Show, we take a look at the Automation Fair 2018 presentation on what’s new in CCW v11, and then take a first hand look to see if the Feature Pack makes CCW look more like RSLogix:
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, ...
Read more... - CCW – v11: New Studio 5000 like features (M4E11)
In part four of my nine part series covering new PLC and HMI products shown at Automation Fair 2017, I discuss the newly announced features of Connected Components Workbench R11 (Episode 11 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 ...
Read more... - CCW – v11: Feature Pack – Will Add “RSLogix /Studio 5000 Like” Ladder Editor
In Rockwell’s recently released TechED presentations, new information has surfaced about how they plan to make CCW look more like RSLogix and Studio 5000.
This planned “Logix look and feel” feature will be made available to CCW 11 users via a small and easy to install update which they’re calling “Feature Pack Version 11.”
When released, this ...
Read more... - CCW – v11: What’s New in Connected Components Workbench
Earlier this month Rockwell released version 11 of Connected Components Workbench.
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:
Support for the new Micro870, 2085-EP24VDC, and 2080-MEMBAK-RTC2
New Micro800 2080-MOT-HSC plug-in instructions (HSCE, HSCE_CFG,HSCE_CFG_PLS, HSCE_READ_STS, HSCE_SET_STS)
New Micro800 instructions based on Micrologix equivilents ...
Read more... - CCW – v11: Preview of the next Connected Components Workbench Release
Welcome to part four of the nine part series covering 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.
Connected Components Workbench R11:
Due out in February 2018, ...
Read more... - CCW – v10: What’s New in Connected Components Workbench
Connected Components Workbench (CCW) version 10 is out and in today’s article we’ll take a look at what’s new and different in this release:
UPDATE:
My Micro800 training course is now available to order! Learn to setup and program the Allen-Bradley Micro800 family of Nano Programmable Controllers! Learn the details at Nano Basics Course
Micro800 Features
New Micro800 Instructions:
Added to help with MicroLogix ...
Read more... - CCW – v9: What’s New in Connected Components Workbench
Connected Components Workbench (CCW) version 9 is out and in today’s article we’ll take a look at what’s new and different in this release:
UPDATE:
My Micro800 training course is now available to order! Learn to setup and program the Allen-Bradley Micro800 family of Nano Programmable Controllers! Learn the details at Nano Basics Course
Micro800 Features
Micro800 Bit Shift ...
Read more... - CCW – v8: Connected Components Workbench Version 8 Released
Last week while checking operating system compatibility of Connected Components Workbench (CCW) Version 7, I noticed Version 8 was also listed.
Curios to know if this was an indicator of it’s release, I headed over to product downloads section of Rockwell’s website and found that CCW version 8 was indeed available to download.
Choosing the free, standard package of CCW v8, I found it ...
Read more... - CCW – v7: Connected Components Workbench Version 7 Released
Last week Rockwell’s Connected Components Workbench (aka CCW) Version 7 became available for download from Rockwell HERE.
The standard package weighs in at a hefty 1.5gb, and also contains the latest RSLinx Classic installer package, version 3.70.
Rockwell recommends running CCW on an Intel i5 with 8gb of RAM. These are pretty steep specs, having more in common with the latest Call ...
Read more... - Micro820 at Automation Fair 2013
The soon to be released Micro820 on display at Automation Fair 2013:
The Micro820 is the newest entry in Rockwell’s Micro800 family. The unit is outfitted with two communication ports. The first is Serial communications accessible via a terminal block connection. The second is a standard Ethernet port. Unlike the Micro830 and Micro850, this unit does not have a built-in USB port.
Note: ...
Read more...
