Troubleshooting I/O Communication Issues with Allen Bradley PLC System

Question:

The PLC program for the boiler got deleted, and we have two identical boilers with the same PLC, I/O, and components. We uploaded the program from the operational boiler and downloaded it to the malfunctioning boiler. However, the I/O is not functioning properly, as indicated by a yellow triangle in all modules. Since I am new to Allen Bradley, any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Do I need to reconfigure all modules? Our system includes a COMPACT LOGIC SYSTEM-1769-L35E controller with 12 1769 modules, including relay outputs, digital and analog inputs, and thermocouples.

Top Replies

While I'm not an expert in AB systems, I'm curious if the hardware is programmed to be compatible with a certain controller that may need updating, especially if a new physical controller is being used. This is just my speculation.

When troubleshooting modules in a local chassis, it is important to check the electronic keying settings on each module's properties page. They may be configured to "exact match", which could be causing the issue at hand.

When troubleshooting modules in a local chassis, it's important to check the electronic keying settings on each module's properties page. If the keying is set to "exact match", consider disabling it. Keep an eye out for any module faults or invalid link addresses on the compact bus local system.

If you're encountering an invalid link address, it could mean that the modules are not placed in the correct slot as programmed. Make sure that the slot number for the modules matches their physical location. Even if the boilers are identical, it's worth checking if the order of the cards has been mixed up.

In a forum thread titled 'Control Logix error message,' a user encountered a similar issue to yours. It might be beneficial to investigate further. I attempted to replicate the error on my L32E via configuration but was unsuccessful, indicating a potential hardware problem. To eliminate the possibility of a corrupted configuration, consider exporting to L5K and creating a new program file.

It sounds like you're facing a classic case of communication loss after the upload. Despite having identical systems, sometimes the project settings or module configurations can differ, which might cause the yellow triangle warning. You’ll likely need to verify the I/O configuration in your project to ensure that it matches the physical layout of the malfunctioning boiler. Check if the module addresses, data types, and any other specific parameters are correctly set for each module. If you’ve got access to the original configuration settings, that could really help in matching everything up. Good luck, and if you still run into issues, consider checking the wiring and connections too!

It sounds like a challenging situation, but you've got a solid starting point with the operational boiler's program. Since the modules are showing a yellow triangle, it typically means there’s a mismatch or configuration issue. You may want to check the I/O configuration in your program to ensure that it matches the actual physical setup of the malfunctioning boiler. Sometimes, even though the modules are identical, the addresses could be different or not properly recognized by the controller. If reconfiguring doesn’t resolve the issue, check the module status using RSLogix 5000 and confirm if the firmware versions align as well. A good next step could also be verifying the connections and making sure everything is seated correctly in the backplane. Don't hesitate to consult the manuals or community forums for some additional insights!

It sounds like you’re having a frustrating issue, but you’re on the right track by uploading the program from the operational boiler. The yellow triangle usually indicates that the PLC is having a communication issue with the I/O modules, possibly due to a mismatch in configuration. You might want to check the module and I/O configuration settings in your program and ensure that everything matches the specifications of the malfunctioning boiler. Also, make sure the module status lights are indicating power and connection—if they’re not, it might be a wiring issue. Rebooting the system can sometimes help too. Good luck, and keep us posted on what you find!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why is there a yellow triangle in all modules of the Allen Bradley PLC system after uploading the program from an operational boiler to a malfunctioning one?

Answer: - The yellow triangle indicates I/O communication issues, and it may be necessary to reconfigure the modules to resolve this problem.

FAQ: 2. Is reconfiguring all modules required when troubleshooting I/O communication issues with an Allen Bradley PLC system?

Answer: - Reconfiguring all modules may be necessary to ensure proper communication between the controller and the I/O components, especially if the system is not functioning correctly after uploading a program from another device.

FAQ: 3. What components are included in the Allen Bradley PLC system mentioned in the discussion thread?

Answer: - The Allen Bradley PLC system discussed includes a COMPACT LOGIC SYSTEM-1769-L35E controller with 12 1769 modules, which consist of relay outputs, digital and analog inputs, and thermocouples.

FAQ: 4. As a newcomer to Allen Bradley systems, what guidance can be provided for troubleshooting I/O communication issues?

Answer: - When facing I/O communication problems with Allen Bradley PLC systems, it is advisable to check the module configurations, wiring connections, and ensure compatibility between the uploaded program and the hardware setup. Seeking assistance from experienced professionals or referring to technical documentation can also be beneficial.

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