I'm seeking assistance regarding how to print instrumentation levels from a Siemens S7, particularly in the context of a water purification skid involved in production water processing, commonly referred to as "salt water" rather than drinking water. Once the process is initiated and completed, our customer requires a printed report detailing crucial metrics such as pH levels, water weight, and several other parameters that escape my mind at the moment. Any guidance or resources you can provide would be immensely valued!
There are numerous methods to achieve this task effectively. One approach is to utilize the serial port on the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to connect to a serial printer. To assist you with this, I recommend checking out the following resources: 1. [PLC Talk Forum Discussion 1](http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=57073) 2. [PLC Talk Forum Discussion 2](http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=7414) Another option is to connect to the printer via an HMI (Human Machine Interface). Additionally, you can communicate with the PLC through a computer that runs dedicated software, allowing you to print reports and manage data storage in a database. Depending on your PLC model, consider using AdvancedHMI to establish a Modbus communication with the PLC. For instance, the S7-1200 can act as a Modbus TCP server, while your computer would run the AdvancedHMI as a Modbus TCP client. You can find AdvancedHMI here: [AdvancedHMI on SourceForge](https://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/). I hope this information proves helpful to you. Best regards!
gclshortt stated: There are numerous methods to achieve this task. One effective option involves utilizing a serial port on the PLC to transmit data to a serial printer. The following resources may be beneficial: - [PLC Talk Thread 1](http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=57073) - [PLC Talk Thread 2](http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=7414) Another approach is to connect through a Human Machine Interface (HMI) to the printer. Additionally, you can communicate with the PLC via a computer using specialized software, allowing you to print outputs and store data in a database. Depending on your PLC model, software like AdvancedHMI can facilitate Modbus communication with the PLC. For a Siemens S7-1200 equipped with Modbus TCP Server, you would need a computer running the AdvancedHMI Modbus TCP Client. You can find this software on [SourceForge](https://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/). I hope this information proves useful to you. Best regards! That’s very helpful, thank you! Unfortunately, I can’t incorporate a computer since it’s a remote skid setup, so the serial printer and HMI options may be my only routes. Do you have any printer recommendations? It just needs to display the average of eight parameters individually. If this were a Rockwell system, I wouldn’t face these challenges, but I’ve only worked with Siemens once, and as my username suggests, I’m not particularly fond of it!
I recommend exploring Zebra printers for your needs, as serial printers are becoming increasingly rare. For more information, you can visit the official Zebra support page [here](https://support.zebra.com/cpws/docs/eltron/2844z/2844z_comm.htm) or check out this discussion on the PLC Talk forum [here](http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=80263). By the way, I really like your username! Best regards,
"If this were a Rockwell-based system, I wouldn't encounter any issues. However, I’ve only worked with Siemens once, and as my username suggests, I’m not particularly fond of it—just being honest! So, what would your approach be if this were an Allen-Bradley setup? You'd likely end up spending five times more and integrating FactoryTalk, right? Instead, why not opt for a compact Siemens HMI with a USB printer to generate a report? It seems much simpler!"
Isn't the type of printer a key factor in this discussion? Dot matrix printers operate using RS-232 and ASCII communication protocols. A standard serial port on your PLC is typically sufficient for your printing needs. You can even enhance functionality by enabling the printer to generate alarms or other information upon request. While it’s true that this printer may be pricier than a budget $30 option, its reliability is worth the investment. Additionally, an RS-232 card is generally quite affordable compared to an HMI, especially when compared to a Rockwell HMI. As a piece of general advice, it's crucial not to blame the tools when facing difficulties; often, the issue lies with how they are utilized. Many users appreciate and enjoy working with Siemens products, so if you're having trouble, it may be worth taking the time to learn how to effectively use them rather than expressing frustration. This sentiment applies across all brands, as I've encountered many individuals who hold similar grievances about Rockwell and other manufacturers. Embracing the learning curve can lead to a much more positive experience with any equipment you choose to work with.
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