- How to setup RSLinx Comms and Download to a MicroLogix 1200 (M3E13)

Learn how to setup communications to an A-B MicroLogix 1200 and then download to it in Episode 13 of The Automation Minute Season 3:
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Read more... - How to setup RSLinx Comms and Connect to a MicroLogix 1500

So you need to know how to setup RSLinx Classic to communicate to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 in order to download or go online with RSLogix?
Well you’re in luck as in today’s article I’ll walk you step by step through how to setup RSLinx communications, as well as how to download or go online from RSLogix:
Notes and ...
Read more... - How to setup RSLinx Comms and Download to a MicroLogix 1500 (M3E12)

Learn how to setup communications to an A-B MicroLogix 1500 and download to it in Episode 12 of The Automation Minute Season 3:
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Read more... - How to setup RSLinx Comms and Connect to a MicroLogix 1100

So you need to know how to setup RSLinx Classic to communicate to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 using Ethernet in order to download or go online with RSLogix?
Well you’re in luck as in today’s article I’ll walk you step by step through how to setup RSLinx communications, as well as how to download or go online from RSLogix:
Notes ...
Read more... - How to setup RSLinx Comms and Download to a MicroLogix 1100 (M3E14)

Learn how to setup communications to an A-B MicroLogix 1100 and then download to it in Episode 14 of The Automation Minute Season 3:
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Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - How to setup RSLinx and Download to a MicroLogix 1400

So you need to know how to setup RSLinx Classic to communicate to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1400 using Ethernet in order to download or go online with RSLogix?
Well you’re in luck as in today’s article I’ll walk you step by step through how to setup RSLinx communications, as well as how to download or go online from RSLogix:
Notes ...
Read more... - How to setup RSLinx Comms and Download to a MicroLogix 1400 (M3E15)

Learn how to setup communications to an A-B MicroLogix 1400 and then download to it in Episode 15 of The Automation Minute Season 3:
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Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - RSEmulate – How to Setup and Use

Last week I walked through how to get a free copy of RSLogix Emulate 500, and in today’s article I’ll show you how to set it up.
The first step is to launch RSLogix Emulate 500 and open an RSLogix Micro or RSLogix 500 file using either the “File – Open” menu, or the open file ...
Read more... - RSEmulate – How to Setup and Use (M2E40)

Learn how to setup and use RS Emulate in The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 40:
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Read more... - Create and Test a RSLogix Micro Program Using RSEmulate 500 (T002)

NOTE: The free “RSLogix Micro Starter Lite” software only works with the MicroLogix 1000, MicroLogix 1100, and free SLC-500/MicroLogix Emulator, Emulate500. To learn how to get all the software covered in this video for free, see our previous episode here.
Note: If you need help learning to use RSLogix, check out my Five-Star rated PLC Basics ...
Read more... - VMware – Settings that work with RSLinx, ControlFlash, and BOOTP

In today’s article I’ll show the you the VMware Workstation settings I used to allow BOOTP, RSLinx, and ControlFlash to work.
Part 1: VMware Workstation Network Connection Setting
Step 1) Open the VMware Settings for your Virtual Machine
While there are many ways to open the VMware Workstation settings for a Virtual Machine (VM,) the way I access them is to right click ...
Read more... - VMware – Settings that work with RSLinx, ControlFlash, BOOTP (M2E18)

See the VMware Workstation settings Shawn used with RSLinx, ControlFlash, BOOTP in episode 18 of The Automation Minute Season 2.
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Read more... - RSLogix Micro: Selecting the Controller Type

Recently a reader posted on The Automation Forums asking how he could set or change the I/O base selected in his RSLogix Micro program.
Since it’s not completely straight forward, I thought I’d post a short article with screenshots showing how to make this change.
Step 1) Open your MicroLogix program in RSLogix Micro Starter, Micro, or 500. ...
Read more... - RSLogix Micro: Selecting the Controller Type (M4E02)

Learn how to select the correct MicroLogix controller in RSLogix Micro or RSLogix 500 in Episode 2 of The Automation Minute Season 4:
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Read more... - MicroLogix 1000 vs. 1100 Part One: Program files

While the MicroLogix 1000 is the least expensive RSLogix based PLC from Rockwell Automation (starting around $150,) it’s also the most limited.
That in mind, in today’s article we’ll compare the MicroLogix 1000’s “Program Files” with the MicroLogix 1100’s, as they are the only two MicroLogix PLCs supported by the free version of RSLogix Micro we ...
Read more... - MicroLogix 1000 vs. 1100 Part One: Program files (M2E41)

Learn the difference between the MicroLogix 1000 and 1100 Program Files in The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 41:
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Read more... - MicroLogix 1000 vs. 1100 Part Two: Data Files

While the MicroLogix 1000 is the least expensive RSLogix based PLC from Rockwell Automation (starting around $150,) it’s also the most limited.
That in mind, in today’s article we’ll compare the MicroLogix 1000’s “Data Files” with the MicroLogix 1100’s, as they are the only two MicroLogix PLCs supported by the free version of RSLogix Micro we ...
Read more... - MicroLogix 1000 vs. 1100 Part Two: Data Files (M2E42)

Learn the difference between the MicroLogix 1000 and 1100 Data Files in The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 42:
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Read more... - Micro800, MicroLogix – Support for HSC and PTO Functions

Recently, a client asked me which A-B Micro PLC’s supported HSC and PTO functions, as well as how fast each is. Below is the results of my research:
Note: The below are best case based on choosing the DC I/O model of the Micro with the most high speed digital inputs and outputs.
Micro800 family support for PTO ...
Read more... - IFM Encoder to MicroLogix 1100 HSC (S49A)

Learn how to connect and use an Encoder with a MicroLogix 1100 and High Speed Counter function in this episode of The Automation Show.
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 49A Show Notes:
A huge thank you to IFM for sending in the RVP510 Encoder for us to ...
Read more... - Sample Code – Setup and Download Demo Programs to A-B PLCs (P36)

Watch as I setup a PLC-5, SLC-5/05 & 5/04, MicroLogix 1100 & 1400, ControlLogix L61, L55 & L1, a FlexLogix and CompactLogix L1 in Episode 36 of The Automation Podcast.
Watch the Podcast:
Listen to the Podcast:
Read more... - How to download free Allen-Bradley Sample Code, Programs and AOIs

One of the topics I like to cover in my training courses is how users can get (and use) free sample code, programs, and AOIs made available by Rockwell Automation.
That said, since Rockwell made major changes to their website recently I thought it made sense to update this article showing how you go about getting those free ...
Read more... - Sample Code – How to get free A-B PLC Sample Programs (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
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Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows for just $30!
Read more... - Flashback Friday! MicroLogix to PowerFlex 4

Welcome to The Automation Blog’s
“Flashback Friday!”
Today I’m highlighting a couple of eleven year old MicroLogix programs showing how to communicate to a PowerFlex 4.
Back in 2004 many small OEM’s were approaching me about using the MicroLogix to control the small PowerFlex 4 series of drives over a serial connection.
At the time it could be accomplished in one ...
Read more... - MicroLogix 1200 to PowerFlex 4 using Modbus

My first sample program is based on the example in the appendix of the 22-SCM-232 Manual.
After unsuccessfully attempting to get an electronic copy from Rockwell Drives Tech Support, I broke down and typed in all the ladder and comments myself.
Once setup and testing was completed I added additional comments to the first run.
Requirements:
RSLogix 500 Version: 6.1
Additional Requirements: Micro1200 ...
Read more... - Message (MSG) – SLC-5/05 Writing Data Over Ethernet to a MicroLogix 1400

In Today’s article I walk you through how to Message data from a SLC-5/05 to a MicroLogix 1400 over Ethernet using the MSG instruction.
Note: In this example I have a SLC-5/05 at IP Address 192.168.1.47, and a MicroLogix 1400 at IP Address 192.168.1.66. Both have the same subnet address, and are attached to the same network via ...
Read more... - Message (MSG) – SLC-5/05 Writing Data Over Ethernet to a MicroLogix (M4E42)

In this episode I demonstrate how to message data from a SLC-5/05 to a MicroLogix 1400 over Ethernet using the MSG instruction (Episode 42 of The Automation Minute Season 4:)
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Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows ...
Read more... - Message (MSG) – MicroLogix Writing Data Over Ethernet to a SLC-5/05

In Today’s article I walk you through how to Message data over Ethernet using the MSG instruction from a MicroLogix 1400 to a SLC-5/05 .
Note: In this example I have a MicroLogix 1400 at IP Address 192.168.1.66, and a SLC-5/05 at IP Address 192.168.1.47. Both have the same subnet address, and are attached to the same network ...
Read more... - Message (MSG) – MicroLogix Writing Data Over Ethernet to a SLC-5/05 (M4E43)

In this episode I demonstrate how to message data from a MicroLogix 1400 to a SLC-5/05 over Ethernet using the MSG instruction (Episode 43 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 ...
Read more... - DF1 to Ethernet Bridge: 515RTAENI First Look (S03)

In today’s episode of The Automation Show, I setup a 515RTAENI DF1 to Ethernet bridge from Real Time Automation.
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 3 Show Notes:
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I want to ...
Read more... - DF1 to Ethernet Bridge, Message (MSG): Send Data Between DF1 and Ethernet Devices using 515RTAENI (MSG, S04)

In today’s episode of The Automation Show, we walk through how to message between DF1 and Ethernet devices using the 515RTAENI from Real Time Automation.
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 4 Show Notes:
NOTE: Would you like your product featured on the Show and Blog? If you would, please ...
Read more... - How to Message (MSG) data from a MicroLogix 1400 to a MicroLogix 1100 over Ethernet

In Today’s article I walk you through how to Message data from a MicroLogix 1400 to a MicroLogix 1100 over Ethernet using the MSG instruction.
Note: In this example I have a MicroLogix 1400 at IP Address 192.168.1.66, and a MicroLogix 1100 at IP Address 192.168.1.63. Both have the same subnet address, and are attached to the ...
Read more... - How to Message (MSG) Data between MicroLogix Controllers over Ethernet (M4E44)

In this episode I demonstrate how to message data from a MicroLogix 1400 to an 1100 over Ethernet using the MSG instruction (Episode 44 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 ...
Read more... - Message (MSG) – ControlLogix Reading Data Over DH-485 From CompactLogix, SLC-500, MicroLogix (MSG, S26)

In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, I cover how you can use the MSG (Message) Instruction in the ControlLogix to read data from CompactLogix, MicroLogix, and SLC-500 over a DH-485 network:
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 26 Show Notes:
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Read more... - Adding a MicroLogix to a DH-485 network

Yesterday we discussed replacing a Fixed SLC-500 with a MicroLogix. However, if the replaced SLC was on a DH-485 network, most ikely the replacement will also need to be.
What is DH-485?
DH-485 is a protocol that was originally only available in the SLC-500 family of PLC’s via RS-485 ports dedicated for that purpose. However, since DH-485 is merely a protocol it’s not ...
Read more... - Get Data From MicroLogix via Modbus and NET-AIC? (M5E35)

I discuss a reader’s question about if you can collect data from a MicroLogix which is already communicating with an HMI using Modbus RTU by using a 1761-NET-AIC in this episode of The Automation Minute.
The Automation Minute, Season 5 Episode 35 Show Notes:
Episode Links:
– Article and Discussion: https://theautomationblog.com/which-allen-bradley-micrologix-plc-models-support-modbus/
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Read more... - DH-485, RSLinx – Communications Hardware and Driver Setup (S25)

In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, I cover the different hardware used to connect a PC to a DH-485 network, as well as how to configure RSLinx Classic Drivers for each:
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 25 Show Notes:
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Read more... - PanelView 800 – Connecting to a MicroLogix 1100 via Ethernet

In my first article on the PanelView 800 I discussed getting acquainted with the terminal and software and creating the CCW project.
In this article I plan to connect to a controller and cover the necessary steps to start making things happen needed to implement a project.
MicroLogix 1100
To setup the MircoLogix I gave it a name ...
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:)
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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 MicroLogix, CompactLogix, & SLC-5/03 over DH-485 (S34)

In this week’s episode of The Automation Show, I cover how to use CCW to create and download a PanelView 800 program to read data from a CompactLogix, MicroLogix, and SLC-5/03 over a Data Highway 485 network:
For more information, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video.
The Automation Show, Episode 34 Show Notes:
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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 – 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:)
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Read more... - 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 – 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) ...
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