I am currently upgrading a weigh in motion scale on a conveyor system from an AP Dataweigh to a Mettler IND570. The communication protocol being used is Profibus DP. In the past, I have never encountered any issues with the old scale or previous versions of Mettler scales when it comes to obtaining the final weight at the end of the weigh cycle. However, with this new scale, I am only able to see the instantaneous weight on the scale in the input table, not the final weight. Despite following the documentation and sample program from Mettler, I have not been able to make any PLC changes that would solve this issue. The technicians onsite, who are unfamiliar with installing a Profibus card on a scale, have also been unable to identify a solution within the scale itself. While I can access the data needed using a terminal emulator via the serial port, I require the data to be transmitted over Profibus. If anyone has encountered a similar situation or has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your input.
As I transition from 560s to 570s, I have not had the opportunity to delve into the programming on the scale side. Similarly, I have some additional I/O available that allows me to capture the weight at the exact moment needed. There is a dedicated programming team in North Carolina that works closely with sales to ensure the specifications are accurate before installation. Have you reached out to them? They have been a valuable resource for me in addressing my specific needs prior to purchase.
Obtaining the real-time weight at the end of the scale can be achieved by examining the exit PE within the status word. However, it is important to note that this instant weight may not necessarily match the actual measured weight, potentially leading to a significant discrepancy. Fortunately, after consulting with a colleague, I have received guidance on a solution to this issue. By issuing a read command when the exit PE is activated, I should be able to obtain the accurate weight measurement. Subsequently, additional commands will be required to restart the process. I plan to conduct testing later this week to ensure the accuracy of the measurements.
I have successfully resolved the issue. Obtaining scale weight, which was once a straightforward process, has now become much more intricate. To retrieve the data, you must send a request to the scale and use the appropriate Shared Data Command to obtain the desired weight value. Following that, a series of Acknowledgements are necessary to reset and repeat the process. While it is functional, the current method requires more effort than should be necessary to simply obtain the processed weight at the conclusion of the weighing cycle.
I need help navigating a road block with my s315. The manual is not providing clear instructions. Can you share what steps you took to resolve a similar issue?
If you're looking for guidance on pulling data using a Step 7 program, check out Chapter 6 of the IND570 PLC Interface Manual. While the process may require more effort compared to older Mettler scales, it is known for its reliability. Click on the link provided to access the manual.
Have you already double-checked the parameter settings of the Profibus card on the new Mettler scale? Sometimes, a minor detail in these configurations can cause issues like this. It's also worth noting that the IND570 series has its own peculiarities when communicating with a Profibus network, so they might not behave exactly like the older models. Moreover, is your sample program designed specifically for IND570 or is it a more general one? That could also make a difference. If all else fails, a direct line of communication with Mettler's tech support could potentially resolve this problem. They will likely be able to guide you through any IND570-specific issues that aren't covered in the standard documentation.
Based on your description, it sounds like there could be a misconfiguration in the Profibus DP node setup on the IND570 - the old AP Dataweigh might have had a different addressing scheme or data structure. I suggest double-checking the mapping of your PLC program to the output data from the IND570. Try to find out if Mettler provides a different Profibus GSD file for the IND570 compared to previous models or if there are any necessary configuration changes in the Profibus master in your PLC. Furthermore, Profibus DP does support diagnostic messages, so it might be worth accessing any error messages or alerts that might be generated. Additionally, some fieldbus analysers also have Profibus analysers, which you could use to troubleshoot the data on the network.
It sounds like you're really running into a frustrating issue with the Profibus communication! Have you double-checked the settings in the Mettler IND570 for any specific parameters that might affect the transmission of the final weight? Sometimes, there are settings related to how data is packaged or reported over Profibus that can easily be overlooked. Also, make sure that the PLC configuration is correctly interpreting the data being sent — it might be looking for the right data type or format. If you've accessed the data successfully through a terminal, perhaps using that to guide your setup could also help clarify any discrepancies in the expected data output. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution soon!
It sounds like you're tackling quite a challenge with the new Mettler scale! One thing to check might be the configuration of the Profibus settings on the IND570; sometimes, it's necessary to enable specific parameters to get the final weight output. Have you tried looking into the data object settings in the Mettler software? Additionally, confirming the mapping of the outputs that's being sent over Profibus could also help ensure that you're not just getting the instantaneous weight. It could also be worth reaching out to Mettler's technical support for assistance; they might have encountered similar issues before. Good luck!
It sounds like a frustrating situation! Have you checked the configuration settings in the Mettler IND570? Sometimes the scale might need a specific setting adjusted to enable output of the final weight over Profibus. Additionally, I recommend reviewing any updates or patches for the communication firmware if available, as they can sometimes resolve unexpected issues. It might also help to revisit the mapping of the Profibus addresses to ensure the final weight parameter is correctly assigned. If all else fails, reaching out to Mettler's support team with your specific setup details could yield some targeted advice. Good luck!
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Answer: - Try ensuring that the PLC programming aligns with the requirements of the Mettler scale and Profibus DP communication protocol. Double-check the configuration settings and consider consulting with experienced professionals for troubleshooting.
Answer: - Verify the Profibus card installation on the scale and ensure it is correctly integrated with your system. Review the PLC changes, bus configuration, and data transmission settings to ensure they are in line with the scale's requirements.
Answer: - Check the Profibus communication setup and parameters to ensure the correct data transfer. Consider seeking assistance from experts familiar with Profibus DP and Mettler scales to troubleshoot and configure the communication for seamless data transmission.
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