Hello everyone, I have a client who is interested in displaying an alarm on their machine when the I/O forces are enabled and set on a ControlLogix L81E with firmware version 33. I initially looked for a straightforward GSV command to accomplish this task, but have not found anything yet. I also considered using a MSG with CIP Generic Parameter read, but have not had any success with that approach either. One potential solution that may work is to check the controller log for specific messages like "forces enabled" or "forces disabled" as outlined in this document (https://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/pm/1756-pm015_-en-p.pdf). Is it feasible to read these messages directly from the PLC? Is there a way to retrieve the Status bit for the forces being enabled or disabled? Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
To find the information you need, refer to chapter 4 and utilize the GSV instruction located on page 48. By examining your Dint, you will easily access the desired information.
When creating your GSVLeave instance, utilize the "Module" object class. Leave the attribute name blank and assign a Destination INT tag. Pay attention to the bits: bit 0 indicates the presence of installed forces, while bit 1 indicates whether forces are enabled. OG.
Thank you, DarrylR and Operaghost, for your help. I have tried both solutions suggested and they both worked perfectly - exactly what I was looking for. I also came across a helpful manual that provided additional information on the topic: https://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/pm/1756-pm004_-en-p.pdf. You can find more details on page 53. Best regards, crawler.
Hello, it definitely sounds like you've been doing your due diligence on this subject - it's tricky stuff! The method of checking the controller log for specific messages could potentially work, but such a setup might be prone to errors or missed updates. Nonetheless, it might be worth a try. On retrieving the Status bit for the forces being enabled or disabled, it depends largely on the specific hardware and software setup your client is using. Some setups might accommodate this inherently, while others would require workarounds. I would recommend reaching out to Rockwell Automation's technical support, they have always been helpful for me in tricky situations like this. Good luck!
Hi there, great question. It seems like you're exploring some solid routes for a solution, but have you tried checking the system attribute status (SAS) object in your GSV class? That usually gives a status bit which can inform about forces enabled or disabled. As per reading the log messages directly from the PLC, while there isn't typically a direct route to make this happen, it could be possible to construct a log message parsing script that would effectively do the same job. It might demand a bit of coding legwork though. Also, just to cross-check, have you double confirmed that the firmware is updated to the latest version? Sometimes missing firmware updates could lead to these sort of obscure issues. Good luck!
It sounds like you're diving into some tricky territory! While there isn't a direct GSV command for monitoring force statuses in ControlLogix, you might be on the right track with checking the controller logs for those specific messages. If you're looking for a more real-time solution, you could create a routine that periodically checks the status of the force bits in the controller's status or diagnostics area. You could also consider leveraging the Event Logger feature to capture and manage those messages efficiently. It might take some experimenting, but I think you'll find a solid solution through those avenues. Good luck!
It sounds like you’re on the right track with monitoring the controller log, but you might also want to consider using some form of tag-based monitoring. In ControlLogix, there are often ways to access system-defined tags that could give you the status of the I/O forces. If the documentation provided has the error codes, you could create a routine that checks for those specific messages and triggers your alarm. Additionally, some users have had success in creating a custom logic to monitor the state of the forces at runtime, which could be worth exploring if you haven’t already. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution that works well for your client!
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Answer: - The thread suggests checking the controller log for specific messages like "forces enabled" or "forces disabled" as a potential solution. It may be feasible to read these messages directly from the PLC to trigger an alarm.
Answer: - The thread mentions exploring options such as using a MSG with CIP Generic Parameter read or checking the controller log for relevant messages. These methods could help in monitoring the status of I/O forces.
Answer: - The thread indicates that the user has not found a straightforward GSV command for this task. Alternative methods like checking the controller log or using MSG with CIP Generic Parameter read are suggested as potential solutions.
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