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 you’re looking to replace the MicroLogix 1000 with a PLC that can use the same program and requires little to no retraining, then the obvious choice is the MicroLogix 1200.
For starters, the MicroLogix 1200 is programmed just like the MicroLogix 1000 using the same programming software, RSLogix Micro (or RSLogix 500.)
That software also supports converting existing MicroLogix 1000 programs to the MicroLogix 1200 by simply changing the program’s processor type.
The MicroLogix 1200 has the same programming port as the MicroLogix 1000 as well, the round 8-Pin Mini Din port.
Note: The opening to the MicroLogix 1200’s programming port is smaller than the 1000’s, so in your have an old series A or B programming cable you may need to buy a new one. For information about a low cost programming cable we’ve tested in-house, see our review article here.
While the MicroLogix 1000 comes in 10, 16 and 32 I/O points sizes, the MicroLogix 1200 comes in either 24 and 40 point sizes.
But unlike the MicroLogix 1000, the MicroLogix 1200 supports up to six 1762 expansion I/O modules.
That, and the fact that the 1200 has more memory and supports Floating Point and Long Integer data types, makes the MicroLogix 1200 a worthy replacement to the venerable MicroLogix 1000.
Lowest Cost Option
If you’re in a situation where cost of each Micro purchased is the most important factor, and re-entering your existing MicroLogix 1000 program into a new editor is a task you’re willing to do in order to save money on the hardware, then the Micro830 option is well worth exploring.
While the Micro830 doesn’t use the same software as the MicroLogix 1000, the software it does use, Connected Component Workbench (aka CCW) is free.
And in addition to Ladder Logic support, CCW and the Micro830 also support the Function Block Diagram and Structured Text languages, as well as long integer and real data types.
However, there is no conversion tool available today from RSLogix to CCW, so converting your 1000 code to the 830 will be a manual process.
And while the Micro830 does also have an 8-Pin Mini Din port for serial communications, you actually program it using an off-the-shelf USB cable, the same style used to connect a PC to a printer (A to B.)
The Micro830 comes in four I/O sizes: 10, 16, 24, and 48 point models. Each model also supports anywhere from two to five plugin expansion I/O modules.
In Summary
If your biggest concern is using the same code, the same software, and not having to retrain your staff, the MicroLogix 1200 is a very good choice to replace your MicroLogix 1000s.
However, if your main concern is the cost of the hardware, and you’re not averse to learning new programming software or re-entering your code, then the cost saving of the Micro830 definitely makes it an option worth exploring.
I hope the above article regarding MicroLogix 1000 migration options was helpful.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to leave them here by using the “post a comment or question” link below.
Until next time, Peace ✌️
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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
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There’s a manual how to go from a ML1000 to a Micro820 or Micro830
http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/rm/2080-rm002_-en-e.pdf
kr,
Pascal
Thanks Pascal!
Looks like it was just published this month too – can’t wait to check it out 🙂
Thanks again,
Shawn Tierney