Our company created a compact testing device utilizing a Micro800 PLC and CCW software due to its simplicity. As we explore adding more functions, we are uncertain if CCW can meet our requirements. One feature we are keen to incorporate is the ability to print pass/fail labels. Although the user manual suggests that the software can communicate with a printer, we are seeking insights from those who have connected a printer to a Micro800. Tutorials and examples on this topic have been challenging to find.
Which Micro 800 series and printer model should you choose for your project? The Micro 810 does not have serial or Ethernet capabilities, while the 830 lacks Ethernet connectivity. On the other hand, the 820 and 850 models offer both options. When it comes to printing, you can use either Serial or Telnet (via Ethernet TCP Socket) for communication. Rockwell provides sample code imports for both methods. Regardless of the Micro 800 series you choose, here are some essential guidelines for basic programming logic: utilize a single instruction for communication output and ensure that a program only requires one instruction for each print output. Send ASCII characters or strings to a buffer, then transmit each buffer line to the output instruction. This approach helps to handle any slow or lost communications while preserving the data stored in the buffer. For serial communications, focus on sending data to the printer without worrying about receiving data back. Typically, only two lines are needed for communication: the send line (TxD from the PLC to the RxD of the printer) and the common line (GND). If you need to use Telnet for serial communication and a serial port is unavailable or already in use, you can install a cost-effective device server like the Antaira ST-501 to convert the signal. When utilizing Telnet, always include communication timeout and error handling mechanisms to automatically close sockets and clear instruction errors. It is important to note that the Rockwell sample code may not include these features. Additionally, for increased data capacity or longer loglines, most mid-level office printers support the Telnet Port 9100 communication protocol. For advanced printing capabilities, ensure that the printer is equipped with PCL6 functionality to modify fonts and colors. You can add PCL characters before and after text strings to achieve this desired effect. Make sure to incorporate these best practices to optimize your Micro 800 and printer setup.
Looking for ways to have a PLC (such as Logix) communicate with a specific printer (potentially a Zebra printer) for a unique printing task? You can find helpful discussions on forums on how to pre-configure the printer to print a specific format, with some data sourced from the PLC. For example, the PLC can send a barcode-equivalent number for printing. Check out the thread about a Zebra printer for sample code and tips on making sure your printer and PLC can communicate effectively, potentially using models like the 820 or 850 and an E/IP-capable printer.
Having engaged in a similar integration in the past, I can assure you that the Micro800 PLC and CCW software are perfectly capable of interfacing with a printer. The trick lies in understanding the printer communication protocols and ensuring they line up appropriately with the Micro800. While some prefer to handle it manually, using drivers provided by printer manufacturers can simplify the process significantly. Although documentation may be sparse, reaching out to the printer manufacturer's tech support or diving into PLC/printer communication forums can help troubleshoot any barriers you encounter. When I was connecting mine, I found utilizing a serial-to-USB converter greatly facilitated the process.
In my experience, connecting a printer to a Micro800 through CCW is indeed possible, if not entirely intuitive. I faced a similar challenge during a previous project, and the solution required a good understanding of the CCW script functions. You would need to write a script that pulls information from your PLC, formats it correctly, and then sends it to the printer. Try focusing on the 'Scripting' section of the CCW documentation if available, or even look into a communication module like the 2080-SerialComm module if your current hardware setup allows. Remember, this might get a bit complex, but it's definitely achievable with some effort.
Though I haven't directly implemented the exact feature you're describing, I've had some experience with Micro800 PLCs and CCW which may potentially assist you. You're right that CCW does have the capability to communicate with compatible external devices such as a printer - it's all about proper set-up. The key lies in establishing a seamless communication via the Ethernet/IP protocol. Look into emulating a Secure Digital (SD) Card connected to your PLC and using it to store pass/fail data. Following that, you might be able to devise a script on your PC to automatically fetch the data from the SD card and send it over to the printer. Not a straight path, but very feasible. Hope that's helpful!
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Answer: 1. Can CCW software for Micro800 PLC support printing pass/fail labels? - While the user manual mentions the software's capability to communicate with a printer, actual implementation for printing pass/fail labels can be challenging.
Answer: - Finding tutorials and examples specifically for connecting a printer to a Micro800 PLC can be difficult, as this topic seems to have limited resources online.
Answer: - When attempting to print pass/fail labels, factors to consider include the compatibility of the printer with the PLC, the communication protocol required, and the programming steps needed to send print commands from the PLC.
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