Hello everyone, I am currently dealing with a setup consisting of a CompactLogix PLC 1769-L33ER and Watlow RM temperature controllers communicating through a Generic Ethernet Module. I have encountered an issue where the PLC is writing the PID parameters to the Watlow controllers, preventing me from utilizing the auto-tuning and tru-turning features. In order to enable the auto-tuning functions on the Watlow controllers, I need to reassign the parameters from the Generic Ethernet Module output list. However, I still want the option to manually set PID parameters through the HMI in the future. Is it possible to enable or disable the output from the Generic Ethernet Module while still retaining the necessary inputs for temperature readings? Any insights on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
If you're looking to maximize flexibility and efficiency with your Watlow units over Ethernet, consider storing autotune values as a "recipe" in the PLC. This way, operators can easily select between autotune parameters or custom values using a designated button on the HMI to send to the Watlow system.
Adjust the output connection size to 0 in the generic Ethernet configuration. While there is no guarantee that this change will be successful and the Watlow controller may raise errors, doing so will prevent any outgoing data transmission.
joseph_e2 inquired about the possibility of using Watlow units over Ethernet for more flexibility in performing autotune and saving the values as a "recipe" option in the PLC. This could involve having a button on the HMI that allows the selection of either the autotune parameters or custom ones set by the operator to be sent to the Watlow control system. However, storing the new PID parameters is a challenge as the AB PLC keeps overwriting them constantly. Hence, saving the new PID as a "recipe" is not feasible in this case.
In configuring generic ethernet settings, adjusting the output connection size to 0 may help eliminate outgoing data. However, there is no guarantee this will not cause issues with the Watlow device. It is worth noting that changing the output size to 0 may require offline editing, as making changes online may necessitate cycling the PLC. Is there a way to modify the output size without interrupting the PLC's run mode? Thank you for your response.
Which Watlow model should I consider?
It sounds like you're facing quite a challenge with that setup! Yes, you can manage the output from the Generic Ethernet Module by using a control logic routine in your PLC. You could create a toggle or status bit that allows you to selectively enable or disable the output to the Watlow controllers—this way, when you want to use the auto-tuning or tru-turning features, you can simply disable the output while still keeping the temperature inputs active for monitoring. Just make sure your HMI has the ability to change that bit, so you can easily switch between manual adjustment and automatic tuning as needed. Good luck!
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Answer: - Yes, it is possible to enable or disable the output from the Generic Ethernet Module while still retaining the necessary inputs for temperature readings. You may need to adjust the configuration settings within the PLC to achieve this functionality.
Answer: - To enable auto-tuning and tru-turning features on the Watlow RM controllers, you may need to reassign the parameters from the Generic Ethernet Module output list. This will allow the controllers to utilize these features independently of the PLC's PID parameter writing.
Answer: - Yes, it is possible to manually set PID parameters through the HMI even when using the Generic Ethernet Module for communication. You may need to configure the system to allow for manual adjustments alongside automated control features.
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