Hello everyone! I am facing a few challenges while programming a Panel View Plus 7 HMI to communicate with a MicroLogix 1400 PLC and implement dual language support in English and Spanish. While I have experience programming similar projects in English with a CompactLogix PLC, I am unsure about how to set up tags to connect to the ML1400 using Factory Talk View ME V12. Additionally, I am wondering if I need to develop two separate applications to achieve a dual language setup. I have expertise in using C-More products, where switching between languages is straightforward. Your guidance on these issues would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mike.
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I recently revisited an older virtual machine running v5.1 software and opened an outdated PV+ program that communicated with a PLC5. The syntax remains unchanged. To establish connections to memory addresses (integer and binary), refer to the examples below. In the Communication Setup section of FactoryTalk Linx in the Application Explorer, the device shortcut is named "PLC540B." For language switching guidance, explore the resources provided by @RAYBRITO. I have yet to try this with the PV+ myself, so I will also be following along with the instructions or conducting my own experiments.
When it comes to browsing tags in a programmable logic controller (PLC) system, the ability to do so offline is limited to Logix 5000 controllers (.ACD file). However, for older PLCs, browsing online to a connected MicroLogix is still possible, though browsing offline is not an option. Offline browsing is only necessary when unable to connect to a live controller during development, as browsing online with a live controller is sufficient. To enable offline browsing, RSLinx Classic software (licensed version) can be utilized to create OPC topics, similar to creating a device shortcut in FactoryTalk Linx. By setting up a topic and assigning a "symbol" file, such as an offline MicroLogix file, through RSLinx Classic, users can then add an OPC server in FactoryTalk Studio to browse tags online and offline. It should be noted that access to offline browsing through RSLinx Classic requires a paid version of the software. Regarding language configuration, displaying text in multiple languages for user interaction can be achieved by initially setting up the system in a preferred language. An easy method involves completing the setup in the preferred language, then adding a second language through the Tools menu and exporting the text items to an Excel spreadsheet. Translations for the second language can be inputted for each text item before importing them back into the system. Creating language switch buttons for each language allows users to toggle between languages while viewing the application. To make changes in a specific language, simply open the project in that language and make the necessary edits without having to reimport the translations. Display settings can also be adjusted to show default language text instead of a question mark for untranslated items. For further guidance on setting up multiple languages in an application, refer to page 9 of the provided document, which outlines the steps for running an application with multiple languages. It is recommended to follow the instructions starting from page 9 for setting up and using multiple languages effectively.
Hey Mike, glad to hear you're getting hands-on with Factory Talk View ME V12. To connect your tags with the MicroLogix 1400 PLC, you'll need to create an RSLinx Enterprise device shortcut in your project. Once defined, you can simply point your tags to this shortcut. On the language front, you won't need to create two separate applications. Embedded language switching is a feature supported in the FactoryTalk View ME. You just need to create your alarm messages and operator prompts in both languages and match these to the appropriate language files stored in PanelView. Then, you can toggle between languages at runtime. It's a bit different from C-More but certainly manageable. Good luck with your project.
Hi Mike! I understand your concern and I've encountered similar issues in the past. For connecting the Panel View Plus 7 HMI to the MicroLogix 1400 PLC, you can utilize RSLinx Enterprise which is bundled with FactoryTalk View ME. You just need to set up the communication path correctly and create your tags in FactoryTalk. As for language switching, FactoryTalk View does support multi-language applications, meaning you wouldn't need to develop two separate applications. You can create language-specific tag strings and the switch between languages can be programmed into the HMI. C-More does make this process very easy, but Factory Talk isn't too complicated once you get the hang of it. I hope this helps! Good luck with your project.
Hey Mike! I've experienced a similar challenge before and I can tell you that you don't necessarily need to create two separate applications for the dual language setup. Factory Talk View ME has a Global Connections setup where you can create a tag and tie it to the language selection of the terminal. You can then use that tag to switch between languages. As for the communication issue, make sure you have your path set to your MicroLogix processor which should include your backplane and ethernet port. The setup would feel a bit different than CompactLogix but it's not overly complicated. It mostly involves making sure your tag addresses match what's in the PLC. Hope this helps!
Hi Mike! It sounds like an exciting project you have there! For connecting the PanelView Plus 7 to the MicroLogix 1400 using FactoryTalk View ME, you'll want to ensure that your communication settings are configured properly in the application settings. As for dual language support, instead of developing two separate applications, you can manage this by creating a language selection tag that toggles between English and Spanish. Then, use the 'Local' and 'Global' text features in FactoryTalk to set up your text strings accordingly. If you assign your buttons and labels to the corresponding text strings based on the selected language tag, switching should be pretty seamless! Good luck, and feel free to ask if you have more questions!
Hey Mike! It sounds like you've got a solid foundation with your experience in similar projects. For the communication setup between the Panel View Plus 7 and MicroLogix 1400, you can definitely use the same tags, just make sure they're mapped correctly in the FactoryTalk View ME. As for dual language support, you don’t need to develop two separate applications; you can create a language toggle using strings. Just manage your text labels in a centralized way, perhaps utilizing an array or a structure to pull from different language files based on the user's selection. Let me know if you need more specifics—happy to help!
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Answer: Answer: To set up tags for communication between the Panel View Plus 7 HMI and MicroLogix 1400 PLC in Factory Talk View ME V12, you will need to configure the communication path in the HMI software. This involves defining the driver and setting up the appropriate tags in the HMI project to read and write data to the PLC.
Answer: Answer: No, you typically do not need to develop two separate applications for dual language support on the Panel View Plus 7 HMI. Instead, you can implement language switching within a single application by utilizing language-specific text strings and configuring the HMI to display the appropriate language based on user selection or system settings.
Answer: Answer: While the process may have similarities, the specific steps for switching between languages on the Panel View Plus 7 HMI may vary based on the software and features available in Factory Talk View ME V12. It's recommended to refer to the software documentation or seek guidance from Rockwell Automation support for detailed instructions on implementing
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