Hello Everyone, Currently, I have a Laser device on my workstation that I communicate with using Putty over Ethernet IP. The Putty has been configured with a RAW connection and an assigned IP address. I am able to successfully control the Laser using string commands. Now, I am looking to integrate this setup with a compactlogix PLC. In the past, my string communications have always been through true serial ports, so I am unfamiliar with setting up a generic module to send out strings. I have searched extensively for a solution but have not found one that fits my requirements. Has anyone encountered a similar situation before and successfully resolved it? Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Holmux
Kindly provide the model number or brand name of your laser device for reference.
What model of CompactLogix are you currently utilizing? I am not a fan of the "raw sockets" feature unless absolutely necessary; it can be quite complex to implement the logic, and I often find myself spending a significant amount of time trying to remember how and why I used it in the past. The Prosoft MVI69-GEC module is a reliable option for sending "ASCII over TCP/IP" strings to and from the controller. Alternatively, a Red Lion DataStation would also be among my top choices.
I am utilizing a 1769 L33ER processor in conjunction with a Linx CSL30 laser printer from Linx Printing Technologies Ltd. The TCP/IP setup details can be found in the manual under the following designations: AL-SAR511392180-02 for Ultimate 3 TCP/IP and AL-SAR511392180-04 for Ultimate 4 TCP/IP. The configuration includes setting up the TCP/IP communication between the server (Laser) and the client (Customer Network Device) with a Listen Port of 20001. These were the specific settings I configured using Putty for optimal performance.
The 1769-L33ER seamlessly integrates with the established 1769 I/O platform, making it a perfect match for the Prosoft MVI69-GEC module. Utilizing the Prosoft Configuration Builder and a helpful add-on instruction example, the complexity of the sample code is greatly reduced. Once the module is configured, sending a data string to an Ethernet device is a simple process: 1. Create your data string 2. Transfer the data string to the Output data tags for the module 3. Specify the data length value 4. Increment the "Transmit Counter" register. If using the DA10 or DA30 Red Lion DataStation, a slightly more C-like programming approach would be needed, but it could potentially be more cost-effective and versatile.
Ken Roach inquired about the model of CompactLogix being used. For sending "ASCII over TCP/IP" strings in and out of the controller, the Prosoft MVI69-GEC module is a recommended choice. Alternatively, a Red Lion DataStation also stands out as a good option. While considering a generic setup, incorporating a module such as the Prosoft MVI69-GSC serial module may be necessary. However, with Prosoft modules not readily available in Europe, having a spare module on hand for servicing customers becomes crucial. Therefore, opting for a module is seen as the last resort in this scenario.
Hey Holmux, One possible solution could involve using the advanced PLC functionality, like MSG read/write for the communication with your Laser. You might need to adjust your Laser device to accept this kind of connection if it doesn't already. As for the generic module, use the information in the Electronic Data Sheets (EDS) provided by your manufacturer for configuring it. It might take a while to adjust all parameters correctly, but it certainly is doable. Remember to back up your current settings so that you can revert if needed. Best of luck, and keep us updated on your progress!
Hey Holmux, I've actually worked with a similar setup before! To send the strings from your compactlogix PLC, you need to use the MSG (message) instruction. You'll need to create the strings in your PLC program, then use the MSG instruction to send them to the Ethernet port with the IP address of your Laser device. As for receiving data, you can use another MSG instruction for that. When configuring these MSG instructions, make sure to select CIP Data Table Read (to pull data from your device) or CIP Data Table Write (to send data to your device) as the message type. Hope this helps you!
Hey Holmux! I haven’t worked directly with Laser devices, but I have some experience with using Ethernet/IP with CompactLogix. One option you might explore is creating an EtherNet/IP communication using the "TCP/IP" instruction set instead of a generic module. You can use the Send/Receive commands to transmit your string commands via the established IP address. It might take a bit of tweaking with the data structure, but once you have that set up, it should allow for seamless communication with your Laser device. If you haven’t already, check out Allen Bradley’s documentation on this; it can be really helpful. Good luck!
Hi Holmux, it sounds like you're on the right track with your setup! Integrating a compactlogix PLC with your laser via Ethernet can definitely be a bit tricky if you're more accustomed to serial communications. One option you might want to explore is using the Generic Ethernet Module in your PLC to create a custom communication setup. You can define a connection based on your laser's command set and build your data blocks accordingly. There are also a few examples in the Rockwell knowledge base that could help you get started with sending and receiving string commands over Ethernet. If you haven’t yet, double-check the documentation for your laser to see if there’s a specific protocol you'd need to adhere to as well. Good luck!
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Answer: 1. How can I integrate a Laser device with a CompactLogix PLC for string communication? - You can integrate a Laser device with a CompactLogix PLC for string communication by setting up a generic module to send out strings over Ethernet IP. Ensure that the PLC is configured to send the correct string commands to control the Laser device.
Answer: - The recommended approach is to configure the CompactLogix PLC to communicate with the Laser device over Ethernet IP using appropriate string commands. Ensure that the communication settings match between the PLC and the Laser device for successful integration.
Answer: - To send string commands from a CompactLogix PLC to control a Laser device, you need to set up a generic module for string communication over Ethernet IP. Configure the PLC to send the required string commands that the Laser device can understand and respond to accordingly.
Answer: - Some considerations include ensuring compatibility between the communication protocols of the Laser device and the PLC, setting up the appropriate string commands for control, and troubleshooting any communication issues that may arise during the integration process. It is essential to test the communication setup thoroughly to ensure proper functionality.
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