Hello everyone, I am currently working on my HNC project that involves designing a system for my workplace to automatically reverse jet my silo filters using a Siemens S7-200 block. One issue I am facing is how to effectively use the real-time clock function. I aim to schedule specific outputs on a weekly basis using this feature. Can anyone provide me with some guidance on how to achieve this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please email me if you can offer assistance as I am feeling quite frustrated at the moment. Thank you in advance. - Steve K.
I have experience using the RTC in a 300 and 400, but not in a 200. The real-time clock consists of 8 bytes, each representing different time elements such as year, month, day, hour, minute, seconds, milliseconds, and day of the week. To access this data in the OB1 area, define 8 bytes and use the READ_RTC control in network 1 with the appropriate starting address. Unfortunately, I do not have a 200 with an RTC to test this myself. In the 300/400 series, the data is in BCD format and may need conversion to INT for usability. It is recommended to verify if the same applies to the 200 series. If any inaccuracies are found, I welcome corrections. - Paul
In the Step 7 Microwin software, navigate to the "Instructions" section and then click on "Clock". Within this section, you will find two essential blocks: READ_RTC for reading the real-time clock and SET_RTC for setting the real-time clock. Additionally, you can adjust the clock settings using your laptop. When using READ_RTC in your program, make sure to specify a start address - such as VB0 - where the time, date, and day of the week are stored in 8 bytes starting at VB0. VB0 represents the Year (00 to 99), VB1 for Month (01 to 12), VB2 for Date (01 to 31), VB3 for Hours (00 to 23), VB4 for Minutes (00 to 59), VB5 for Seconds (00 to 59), VB6 is Reserved (0), and VB7 for Day of the Week (0 to 7 where 1 = Sun, 7 = Sa, 0 = Disabled). Don't hesitate to reach out if you need a sample program or further assistance. Contact me for more information. - Moggie
Paul Lucas acknowledged that if he makes an error, someone will likely bring it to his attention. Moggie has been helpful in pointing out his mistakes.
In the Step 7 Microwin software, navigate to the "Instructions" and then "Clock" sections as advised by Moggie. Within these sections, you will find two essential blocks: READ_RTC for reading the real-time clock and SET_RTC for setting the real-time clock. Additionally, you have the option to set the clock using your laptop. When integrating READ_RTC into your program, remember to designate a start address, such as VB0, where the time, date, and day of the week will be stored in 8 bytes starting at VB0. The breakdown of the stored information is as follows: - VB0: Year (00 to 99) - VB1: Month (01 to 12) - VB2: Date (01 to 31) - VB3: Hours (00 to 23) - VB4: Minutes (00 to 59) - VB5: Seconds (00 to 59) - VB6: Reserved (0) - VB7: Day of the Week (0 to 7, where 1 = Sun, 7 = Sat, and 0 = Disabled) Hopefully, this explanation clarifies the process for you. For further assistance, including a sample program, please do not hesitate to reach out to Moggie at [email protected]
In the Step 7 Microwin software, navigate to "Instructions" and then "Clock" as advised by Moggie. Within these settings, you will encounter two key blocks: READ_RTC for reading the real-time clock and SET_RTC for setting the real-time clock. This clock can also be adjusted using your laptop. When utilizing READ_RTC within your program, it is important to designate a start address, such as VB0. This will ensure that the time, date, and day of the week are stored in 8 bytes starting at VB0. The breakdown is as follows: - VB0: Year (00 to 99) - VB1: Month (01 to 12) - VB2: Date (01 to 31) - VB3: Hours (00 to 23) - VB4: Minutes (00 to 59) - VB5: Seconds (00 to 59) - VB6: Reserved (0) - VB7: Day of the Week (0 to 7, with 1 = Sunday, 7 = Saturday, and 0 = Disabled). If you need further assistance or a sample program, please don't hesitate to reach out to Moggie at [email protected] We are here to help!
Hi Steve, I sympathize with your frustration as I had a similar hurdle while working on a project a while back. For scheduling outputs on a weekly basis using a real-time clock function on Siemens S7-200, you might want to review the programming constructs available to you, specifically noting the Time_of_Day clock structure. This structure allows for day-specific programming, so you should be able to set weekly routines by using this. I highly recommend consulting the S7-200 smart PLC manual for a step-by-step. Also, remember to read the examples given carefully. They are very helpful and can be adapted to your specific needs. Good luck!
Hi Steve, happy to hear that you're embarking on this project! Working with the real-time clock function of a Siemens S7-200 block can be a bit tricky indeed. A good starting point may be to break down your schedule into definable time periods and assign these to specific outputs. Also, you might want to use the block's Timer and Counter functionalities in conjunction with the real-time clock to handle your scheduling needs. Reading more about S7-200’s System Functions (specially those related to real-time clock) in Siemens documentation might help you get a better grasp of these features as well. Don't get frustrated, it's a learning process!
Hi Steve, understanding the real-time clock function can indeed be a bit tricky. You're on the right track by trying to schedule outputs on a weekly basis. Start by programming the CPU to track the real time. Now, for scheduling tasks, you can use the S7-200 system function blocks that are designed for time-driven control. If you have a known weekday and time for reversals, you can easily configure it. Remember, your inputs will depend on this configuration as well, so be mindful of that. I would recommend checking out some tutorials on YouTube, as they can visually guide you through examples. Keep persisting and you’ll get the hang of it!
Hi Steve, I can definitely empathize with your frustration. In dealing with the Siemens S7-200, you'll find that the RTC function indeed has the capability to schedule specific outputs on a weekly basis. To utilise it, you'll want to read the RTC values into the PLC. Afterwards, you can use the compare blocks in your program which enables you to set the outputs based on the readings. Also, don't forget to manage your setup in such a way that power loss won't reset your schedule. Keep going, you're doing great, and we're here to help you out!
Hi Steve, I totally understand your frustration—timing issues can be tricky! For scheduling outputs with the real-time clock on the Siemens S7-200, you’ll want to set up a routine that reads the current date and time, then compare it to your scheduled times for the weekly filter reversals. You can use the clock's value to trigger a comparison with a predefined schedule stored in your PLC's memory. I’d recommend creating a simple state machine that checks if the current time matches your desired output time, and if it does, activate the output. If you haven’t already, make sure to also consider how to integrate any necessary safety features when cycling your filters. Let me know if you need more specific coding examples—I’d be happy to help! Good luck!
Hi Steve, I can understand your frustration! For scheduling weekly outputs using the real-time clock on your Siemens S7-200, you might want to use the clock pulse to trigger a weekly counter that resets after every cycle. This way, you can compare the current time against your desired schedule and set the corresponding outputs high or low based on that. Make sure to also account for the right time zone if you’re working with varying shifts. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more specific coding examples or ideas! Good luck with your project!
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Answer: 1. How can I schedule weekly outputs using the real-time clock on a Siemens S7-200 block? - To schedule weekly outputs using the real-time clock on a Siemens S7-200 block, you can utilize the built-in timers and counters in the PLC programming software to set up specific schedules for your outputs.
Answer: - To program the real-time clock function for scheduling outputs on a weekly basis, you will need to define the specific time slots for each output, set the weekly schedule using timers and counters, and incorporate the necessary logic in your PLC program to trigger the outputs accordingly.
Answer: - Some common challenges when using the real-time clock feature for scheduling outputs include ensuring accurate timekeeping, handling time zone differences if applicable, and troubleshooting any issues related to incorrect output triggering or scheduling conflicts. Regular testing and monitoring of the system can help mitigate these challenges.
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