### Human: Panel View firmware downgrade I am looking for help to downgrade Firmware on PV550? My HMI application was developed on 1.01 FRM. We have in stock PV550 with 3.07 and 4.02 FRM and we have no problem to download HMI application into PV, but application does'nt work properly and I don't want to start over with all tags. signedHelpNeededInNY ### Assistant: The PV550 line had a major hardware revision (many many moons ago) between the 1.XX and 2.XX firmware versions. Basically what it means is that if the current firmware is above 2.XX, it can load any firmware between 2.0 and the latest. If the current firmware is below 2.0, it can load any firmware between 1.0 and 1.07. In your case, though, just change the terminal setup in PB32 to reflect the firmware level on the new unit. PB32 will make all the changes for you and it's ready to download to your new terminal. And since you are going to a newer firmware, you don't have to worry about losing any functionality. JHutch n


### Human: Asset Centre CPR9? Anyone know when Asset Centre CPR9 is coming out and available for download? I heard end of May but we are now into June. ### Assistant: I was in a class yesterday and was told that the general release was yesterday. That was from the mouth of the product manager. I would check the web downloads for it. I just checked the Software Updates page this morning. It's showing: FactoryTalk AssetCentre Server Software 9515ASTSRVRENE 2.21.00 Web Release Yesterday, the latest version was 2.00.02. Is that what you are looking for? JHutch that's it! n


### Human: Problem with tags in RS View Studio ME 4.00 Hi everyone, I'm actually migrating a Panel Builder 32 project (originally designed for a PV 550) to a RS View ME application for a PV 700 Plus. The panel is connected to a MicroLogix 1200 that handles data in a curious form. In order to have more precision in the calculations and save a large amount of memory, the variables involved in the process are scaled by the HMI allowing to the PLC to operate only with integers for later being unscaled by the HMI and presented to the user. As an example, I have a variable used as a setpoint for pH control, this variable is called PH_SP and stored in the N7:20 register of the data table in the PLC. This variable in the real format could be into the range of 5.00 pH to 7.00 pH, so in the PLC the N7:20 register contains a value from 500 to 700 (the value multiplied by 100). In order to achieve this, I've created a HMI tag called PH_STP with the following parameters: 1) MAX VALUE: 700 2) MIN VALUE: 500 3) SCALE: 0.01 4) OFFSET: 0 5) DATA TYPE: INTEGER 6) CONNECTION: ::[ML1200]N7:20 (where ML1200 is my RS Linx Enterprise shortcut). To access this tag, I'm using a NUMERIC INPUT CURSOR POINT with the following configuration: 1) NUMERIC POP UP: KEYPAD 2) MAX VALUE: 7 3) MIN VALUE: 5 4) RAMP VALUE: 0 5) DECIMAL POINT: FIXED POSITION 6) FIXED POS OUTPUT: DISPLAYED VALUE 7) DIGITS AFTER DECIMAL: 2 The display settings of this field are: 1) NUMBER OF DIGITS: 4 2) FILL LEFT WITH: NONE 3) DECIMAL PLACES: 2 So, according with the RS View help, and as far I could understood, the value that I can enter into the pop-up keypad are into the range of 5.00 to 7.00, this value is writed into the VALUE CONNECTION that in this case is PH_STP, after that is unscaled and compared with the tag's MAXIMUM and MINIMUM values and finally writed to the DATA CONNECTION (the register N7:20 in the MicroLogix 1200). The RS View help also refer that the scaling procedure is: 1) RS VIEW VALUE = (DATA SOURCE VALUE x SCALE) 2) DATA SOURCE VALUE = (RS VIEW VALUE / SCALE) So if I read 620 then the value displayed is 6.20 and if i write 6.20 the writed value must be 620. Well, the real problem occurs when I write 6.20 to my input field, the HMI displays an error saying that is impossible to write 6.20 to PH_STP because is out of the 500 to 700 range. Looks like the value wasn't be scaled just before being writed to the PLC. The curious thing about this, is that I've some other fields configured in a similar form (with the same scale factor and even other scalation factors 0.1, 0.001, etc) and are working fine. I've tried to delete the HMI tags and create it again but the problem remains. I'm a little desesperate about this, if you have any suggestion or answer to my problem, or if I'm missunderstanding the operation of the panel that I previously describe, please let me know, your replies will be very useful to me. Thanks in advance for reading my post, I'll looking forward for your answers. Regards. ### Assistant: It looks like your HMI data tag is an integer. Try changing that to a real. That will allow you an input with a decimal. good luck. I think I found an example in the Knowledge Base perfect for what you are trying: Answer ID #33870 Basically, the min/max for the HMI tag needs to be set for what you are writing to the processor, not for what the user will be typing on the screen. (You can keep the tag as an integer.) JHutch n


### Human: Migration to Factory Talk ME from Panel Builder 32...White paper? Does anyone know of a good resource for information on migrating old panel builder 32 programs to Factory Talk ME? I have already transferred the program using the transfer wizard but after setting up the network I am still getting communication errors on some tags. I am probably forgetting something basic. Thank you to anyone that can help. ### Assistant: I would first check the convert.log file, which is a text file in the project folder. If there were any tags that could not be converted they will appear in the file. It sounds like your communication is correct, since some of the tags are working. There is also a guide for migrating 1400E applications in Tech Note 44265, which has some usefull information that applies to a PB32 conversion. n


### Human: RSVIew 32 - Descriptions in Alarm Log I am having some trouble figuring out how to get descriptions to show up in my Alarm Log in RSView 32. What I want to be logged is exactly what I have displaying in the alarm window in my HMI project. For example, I may have a tag named Xfr8_B_Faulted; but the description for that tag that would show up in my alarm window would be Transfer number 8 is faulted. Is there a way to have that description be logged in addition to the tag name? The people that are going to be looking at the logs will not always know what some of my tags mean; and it would be nice for them to be able to see that description in the log. Thanks! ### Assistant: The messages in the the Alarm Summary are completely separate from the ones in the alarm log. You define summary messages in the Alarm Summary itself. What gets logged to the alarm log file depends on what you selected in each tag's alarm setup:System Defaults - these are the canned messages that are common to all RSView32 installations everywhere in the world.User Defaults - tells alarming to use the messages that you define in Alarms-> Alarm Setup-> User MessagesCustom Message - tells alarming to use the messages that you define right here in the alarm configuration for the tag. The In Alarm messages appear on the Alarm States tab. Acknowledge and Out-Of-Alarm messages are defined on the Alarm Messages tab.Only way you could get the alarm summary and alarm log to log the same information is to define the same message in both places. Hope that helps. That is what I was afraid of. I was hoping for a bit of an easier way to get all of the alarms to show my descriptions instead of the default ones. Thanks for the help! n


### Human: Abestos I can't imagine that Rockwell has abestos in anything ... but is there an official document stating so anywhere? They are doing an abestos inspection next week and the boss figures it'd be easier if we had an official document ### Assistant: I found the following internal letter that Technical Support sometimes sends out on these types of questions. See if this satisfies your boss. JHutch Dear Customer; In response to your query regarding the asbestos content of our Powerflex products, Rockwell Automation offers the following: Asbestos was eliminated from Rockwell Automation products well over twenty years ago. Today, asbestos, and any of its derivatives, is not contained within any of Rockwell Automation products nor is it used in the manufacturing of our products. I hope this addresses your concern. Sincerely, Charyl A. Fines, P.E.Vice PresidentQuality, Environmental & Safety n


### Human: where is HMI board? ### Assistant: The HMI, Programmable Controllers, Motion Control and Drives boards are all contact only areas of the forums. You will need to have a TechConnect support contract (you can contact you local distributor if you wish to purchase one) and then put the associated contract number into your profile. This will give you immediate access to above mentioned areas of the forums as well as access to the Ask a Question feature and the contract level technotes in the Knowledge Base. Please click the following link for the official documention on this issue: What Knowledgebase or forum content or features do I gain by logging in? JHutch n


### Human: XM Emonitor Gateway Hello to all the members of the forum, a great idea the creation of this forum, I have a problem with a software Rockwell, in the specific XM eMonitor gateway for DeviceNet, I can not get start, the XM Emonitor Gateway said me Close RSLinx Driver and Data map point list is empty, according to the manual XM EMonitor Gateway Getting Results Guide (XMEG-GR001D-EN-D) there are several problems by bringing the XM Gateway does not start, but already comply with all requirements of the manual and XM eMonitor Gateway does not start. I tell all you what I want to do, I have a XM modules XM120,XM440 and XM500, I have a emonitor 3.3, rslinx clasic 2.52, XM EMonitor Gateway,scheduler de emonitor, I only want to obtain datas of the XMmodules and visualizating teh datas in the emonitor, the problem is that for get the datas I need start the XM Emontor Gateway, but I can not to do. thank for you attention,I hope your answer, bye ### Assistant: EDIT: This has been moved here from the Suggestions forum. I'll be watching for traffic on this type of product to see if there is enough usage to warrant its own board. -JH Thanks for the vote of confidence, fredy! I realized when reading your post, we don't really have a good fit for this product in the current forum selection. As soon as I get done here, I'll be going into our normal monday morning meeting and we'll try to figure out if we need a new forum for EMonitor type stuff or if we want to expand an existing one to include EMonitor. The balancing act is always to try to put things in a logical location without making it impossible to navigate and keeping traffic flowing so that now board whithers away from lack of use. Later today I'll move this thread to a better location so that hopefully more folks will get a chance to see it (and help answer your questions). JHutch You need to, go into the configuration utility, choose the driver, I suggest the RSTopology, browse through and select your devicenet chain. After that upload the entire network, the save the dcf file. Finally, associate the DCF file with the XM Gateway Application. If it is empty then either the network was not uploaded, no file was associated, or you did not select the devicenet chain. n


### Human: Ultra 5000 Drive C Programs Failing? We had an issue last night with the Ultra5000 drive failing on one of our Hem presses. The hempress was stuck in the lower position (Manual and Auto). Cycled power to the drive several times but couldn't get devicenet communication. So we eventually swapped the drive. As part of the swapping procedure we reloaded the C program for the Ultra 5000. After swapping the drive, the press was raising extremely slow and stalling after hem. We had to reload the C program a second time in order to get it working properly. This is the second time we have had issues with the Ultra 5000 C program. We think it might be getting stuck in a subroutine. My question is, does anyone else have issues with the C program, and are there any patches available to address this? Thanks Eric ### Assistant: If you have experience programming in C, you should check to see if the program has appropriate check statements. Typically people will use a while loop to perform some of their code. Like this: while (!StopRequested()) This type of statement can help break out of a routine that is stuck. You can also use some of the available variable tables to write diagnostic info. For example, when the program tries to run a certain piece of code, write a number to the variable table that will indicate it is running that code. This might help you troubleshoot the code. I've written many programs for the 5k and it's a really good drive, but it can be difficult to troubleshoot. n


### Human: MVI-DNPSNET Communication Problem With TopServer Hi I am using Prosoft Dnp 3 Protocol Module with SLC 500 / 05 Is any one done communication between this module with OPC server here i am using Topserver having Driver DNP3 Ethernet master. But i am unable to get the data. The data rate is very slow may 15 to 20 mintues. the data is not updating frequently.Is anybody help me out. Thanks ### Assistant: First, wrong group for this, they will end up moving it.Second, since you are taking data over OPC, why not just use RSLinx as the OPC server?Third, your update rates, etc, are handled by Topserver you will most likely need to be going to there for help, the SLC is more then capable of pushing out the data much faster.Finally, since you are talking about the speed on a network, and if it does not end up being a setting in your OPC server, you should take a traffic analyzer, like wireshark and see what the data is doing and where it might be failing. Unless this is at a small shop, many network engineers and network security professionals are versed in analyzing traffic to tell you what's going on. NOTE: This has been moved to the correct place. - JHutch n


### Human: Data logging 1500CE Hello and think you for opening the forum again, I can use all the help I can get :) My question:I know I can log from a 1500CE terminal to a remote pc on a network but can I just have the PV+ log on ethernet to a NAS (like an Iomega Storcenter Pro) sitting in the bottom of the panel ? I ask as I havent tried the datalogging at all yet and cant find (although I am sure its there!) any info on RA KB? as I can not find it.... A customer of mine has a PV+ and has been told its got to log to CF (which its doing at present) and/or a networked pc but cannot log to a NAS? Their IT dept have thrown there toys from there pram over connecting the PV+ to the network The unit is a 2711P-K15C6D7 PV+1500CE Many thanks.... Mark ### Assistant: It really would depend on the NAS. If the NAS looks like a regular windows share to everything else on the network, then yes, remote datalogging should work to it. If it does something else, like FTP shares or NetWare shares, etc... then no. But, really, if you aren't planning on trying to get to that data with a log viewer on a computer, I'd go with a CompactFlash card. It's a LOT cheaper and a LOT simpler to set up (you plug it in ... and you're done). JHutch Thank you for the reply... Would this NAS be suitable? or can you recommend? http://store.iomega.com/section?SID... 60&secid=76521 And if so how to set the panelview up to log to it? I don't think a CF card would store 5 years worth of data and the CF's I believe are not hot swappable. Thanks againMark No datalog is going to hold 5 years worth of data no matter where you store it. Datalogs in ME are limited to 300,000 data points. When it gets to 300,001 ... it deletes the first one. And so on and so on. And no, unfortunately, I don't have a recommendation for a NAS. As far as procedure, the datalog setup screen in Studio has an example for datalogging to a network share location. JHutch Mark, It doesn't appear that Mr Hutch gave you the answer you where looking for. I can't answer the question on the NAS, but I think Mr Hutch answered that correctly. Rather in reference to the amount of data you can store, there is another option beside the built-in datalog. Mr Hutch is correct that it is limited to 300,000 data points. Thus the amount of time you can log is based on the number of log points and how often you are logging these points. The other option is the DataStore Plus ActiveX control provide by Rockwell, which can be found on KB ID 35155. Other ActiveX controls that work on PVCE or VersaViewCE can be found on KB ID 26732. I haven't used this control, but it was suggested to me by a location Rockwell support person. You can not trend this data in the PVCE, so if you need a trend you will have to use the built-in datalog module with its limitations for the trend only. Then use DataStore Plus for long term historical data that can be analyzed with other software (i.e. Excel). Hope this helps Nat n


### Human: CNC controllers by Rockwell Does Rockwell Automation offer any new CNC controllers beyond the 9/PC ### Assistant: Rockwell Automation does not make any CNC products since July, 2002. If you don't require G code or M code style programming to your operators, the motion control capabilities can easily handle most CNC style operations. Your interface would be an HMI rather than a CNC style terminal. You would basically write a move sequence duplicating what your codes were doing. Maybe this helpes:On the sample code page from Rockwell there is an example for CNC applications.Filename/ID: MMS_046451 Catalog Number: 1756 1768 2711 Title: xNC - CNC functionality for Logix processors Description: low level 9/230 type CNC functionality for Logix processors. Block Sequencer. Create RS274 type block code programs on PV+ screen or thru matching EXCEL spreadsheet Here is the link:http://samplecode.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/public/documents/webassets/sc_legal_info.hcst?dID=63020 n


### Human: Panelview component keyboard popup With panelview component, does anyone know a way to change the default pop up keyboard with English layout to another language, ie Russian? ### Assistant: The only method available is using a Panelview Plus CE unit and implementing an Active-X Control. This is outlined in The KnowledgeBase Article #33400. Enter the number in the search dialog and do a search by of ID n


### Human: Connecting pc to Micrologix1100 Actually i need to communicate with Micrologix1100 thru ethernet using cip read and write commands which will be implemented in this dll.I need to know the format of commands (read/write) which vl enable me to communicate with ML1100 and how to do this communication.thanx ### Assistant: Rose, We have some developer resources online that can help - check out the link to How To Guides. There is other info on Ethernet/IP on the networks site, but I think the developer site is your best bet. There may be more on the ODVA website, too. you can use Rslinx as a OPC Server,your software as a client. n


### Human: SLC5/05 Ethernet Message to Siemens Is it possible to set up a MSG read/write in a SLC 5/05 processor to communicate via Ethernet with Seimens. If so, how should the MSG be set up. I am unfamiliar with Siemens Products but I do know it is set up to Communicate via Ethernet. I have done it in RSLogix5000 with little effort, but I am at a loss when it comes to RSLogix500 and SLC 5/05 Processors. ### Assistant: Will work almost the same as contrologix. create your Write MSG Or read MSG, don't forget you have to trigger the message. Can you please explain how is it possible to send a message to siemens PLC? It is not possible use just a MSG command to communicate directly to a Siemens PLC, both are communicating via ethernet but they use different protocols, for a SLC, best practice is to use a Woodhead SST profibus module, SST-PFB-SLC, or you can use a gateway, SLC Ethernet on one side and Siemens Profinet on the other side, also from Woodhead alternative would be a CLX with a 1756-EWEB module, you can use the socket feature of the EWEB to communicate with Siemens, but it will ned some programming to get it running n


### Human: AVE instruction overflow error (Logix 5000) Ver 13 Firmware 13 1756-L1 I am having a problem with generating an error in the control structure of an AVE instruction. I have an average instruction set up to average an array or real numbers. These real numbers are fed into the array but the array doesn't always have the same number of data points. Depending on how the machine is operating I can have up to 12 data points. Sometimes only 11. The error is always in position 15 of the array and my logic never gets to that array location. The help file says that an error is caused because of an overflow. In position 15 of the array when the AVE has an error it has a value of -1. ### Assistant: AVE is a file instruction, so you need to move a value into the Control.LEN to set it to 11 or 12 (the number of items you want to average). I would then try using a RES (reset) of the Control tag right before you scan the AVE instruction. All this can be on one rung that looks something like this: MOV NumItems AvgCtrl.LEN RES AvgCtrl AVE RealArray 0 CalcedAvg AvgCtrl 12 0 After it's been scanned, you should see POS = LEN (11 or 12). See the examples for other file instructions (FAL, for example) for more on the Control structure. I assume you are using a single-dimensional array of REALs (RealArray[index], for example) with a length of at least 12. (I like to create an extra element, just to be safe on prescan!) Be sure the dimension to vary is 0. Hope this helps! I didn't think of using the (res) before the instruction. I have put that in now. The (res) simply changes the .POS to zero am I correct? This will not fix the overflow issue with my array structure? So in turn it will not reset the fault of the control structure? RES resets the POS to zero, yes, but it also resets the EN bit and other bits used in controlling the instruction, so it always starts at the beginning. I'm trying to understand why it's having problems at position 15, when you are only averaging the first 11 or 12 elements. Is .POS actually getting to 15? If so, what is .LEN set to? I assume you are averaging elements [0] thru [10] or [11]. Are you trying to average starting at an index other than zero? Are any of the data in the array invalid (NaN or +/- INF -- I forget the notatioin...)? Is the destination within the array? If so, try making the destination a new REAL base tag. Can you open up the rung in question so the text of it is shown in a text-edit bar at the top of the screen, copy the text, and include it in your reply? Thanks! I have figured it out I think. I was trying to use a COP (copy) instruction to reset my array to all zeros before the next execution of the logic. I have since learned I need to uss an FLL instead. Apparently the COP was copig junk into my array thus causing the overflow. Thanks for your help on my boneheaded move!!! Creighton n


### Human: Connect panelview component to controllogix The new panelview component series (PVc) has an ethernet connection on boad if the screen is 6'' or bigger.Is it possible to use it with controllogix PLC over ethernet?If so, which settings do I have to make in PVc, to connect this HMI to a controllogix PLC through a 1756 ENBT card? ### Assistant: Hello, It's not possible to work with ethernet between PanelView Component and Logix familly ( compact, Control ... ).The only way to work with Logix familly is serial with a PanelView Component. The MicroLogix & SLC 500 & PLC-5 can work with the both ( ethernet & serial ). Thanx for the reply. Might it work, using PLC5 mapping in controllogix? No, unfortunately, it won't. The comms path for a controllogix has to include the backplane and slot the processor is in. PVc doesn't have an option for putting in that information, so even with tag mapping, the comms path can't get to the processor. If you use serial, there is no comms path info to worry about, so you can get serial DF1 comms to work between a PVc and ControlLogix (you will need tag mapping, though). JHutch n


### Human: when click Test run for FTView ME (CPR9), it did't go to test mode, but open the FTView ME Station when test run, it did't go to test mode, but open the FTView ME station, I load the MER file from the station, and it says can not load,re-start ME studio, sometime solved, sometime can not, have to re-start computer again, and test run mode only run successfully few rounds, after few rounds, it call up FTView ME statiion again. ### Assistant: Did you try this? 43140 - ME station launches when trying to create a test runtime. JHutch thanks JHutch:it works so far after I uninstall RSLinx Enterprise and re-install it, will try few times more see it solved or notI should refer to KB more often. No problem and glad I could help. JHutch n


### Human: Testing Testing Am I in??:smileysad: ### Assistant: Of course I'm new to this forum, having a little problem navigating. When I hit the link you provided in your reply, it says access denied. What am I missing. Thank in advance. Also when I do figure it out, I promise to keep everybody busy. :smileytongue: Thanks again. spifldorf try again ... I don't see anything about that link and where it goes that should cause trouble. In fact, I just tried it with NO log in privileges and it still worked. JHutch PS One I get spifldorf working ok, I'm going to move this thread off to the welcome area. -edit ... typo n


### Human: RSView Webserver and Internet Hi I'm working whit Rsview32 and webserver but i only can used it trough an intranet. I want to know what i need to use it over internet? Please help me about it ### Assistant: I have set-up RSView32 webserver to work on the internet and would recommend you do not, without a high end firewall or vpn. My site had neither and was constantly hacked and attacked. If you don't have an IT department look for a high end internet router with a built in firewall and vpn. Also, check out the RA Know base - I think they has tech notes on this subject. A high end firewall is not going help once those ports are open. VPN is actually the only setup that is even close to reasonable, then you are back on the intranet concept. While theoretically you can have a firewall filter based on IP address and/or MAC address, which would provide some security ... I agree with Ozzy. VPN is the only real option I would trust. JHutch Not to really start trouble with you JHutch. But MAC address and IP addresses are easily spoofed, there are so many kiddy scripts/apps out there, that type of filtering is only useful internally on the LAN. In addition, SCADAs and HMIs are extremely prone to hacking. The number of vulnerabilities are incrediable. SQL Injection if they do any data logging to a database and fail to place appropriate constraints and verify backend data.All the HMI's i've worked with process Active X, the number of holes in that are rediculusly high and can not do anything about that.That's not not even talking about potential problems with the actual product itself. It does not matter if it's Rockwell's or any other system, tossing out a control system out on the internet is asking for it. Passing it through a highly secure VPN is the only viable option. I'm not arguing with you. I was just mentioning those to highlight that even though they ARE features in a firewall that are meant to be secure, I wouldn't trust them for that. VPN all the way. Sorry if I wasn't clear on how I meant that comment. JHutch No problem, I've just seen if you give even the slightest hope in that direction people will try to do it, simply because tossing a computer out on the internet is so much easier then working with an IT department or two, setting up a VPN. In some cases the IT at a place is not experienced or capable of doing so well if at all. Gentlemen, I understand we all have our own preferences, and I respect yours. But I stand by my professional opinion, I suggest a product with both a firewall and vpn. I'll also add that just because port 80 or 8080 is open does not mean your site can be hacked - millions of web servers on the internet exist and are safely accessed through these ports without the use of a VPN and without being hacked. But, for a company that wants to limit access to thier information, a VPN is a must. Best of luck, Shawn Going with Shawn here on recommending a VPNIn general, almost any will do, most firewall systems today have VPN built in, Checkpoint, Cisco, even a cheap Lynxsys Routers have a basic FW and VPN built in. However, for the purposes of managing a network, possibly passing through a larger fw, and maintaining a good IP address scheme. You still need to work with who is the network administrator, and if your a network administrator you are most likely not asking this question. Between Shawn, JHutch, and myself even if we differ on the details, come to the same recommendation. n


### Human: Using all 2048 bytes of memory on a 1784-PCIDS card When I use SoftLogix and place a PCIDS (DNET Scanner) card in the chassis, the sytem tells me that 500 bytes of In/Out space are available (roughly). However, if I use RSNetworx for DeviceNET, the input and output sizes are 1024 words each (or 2048 bytes). Why is there a discrepancy, and how do I get to use all 2048 bytes of in/out on the card? I understand that an external routine may be required to call a DLL to get the data, at least that's what I think needs to be done. ### Assistant: I've noticed this as well. I believe this is because Softlogix 5800 treats the PCIDS as a 1756-DNB module. Because it's emulating a Controllogix processor it's subject to the Controllogix' same limitations. If you wanted to be able to access all of the memory available in the PCIDS you would have to write your own application using I/O Linx SDK. Either that or use explicit messaging to read/write directly to the I/O image. That's a lot of data to be messaging though. Thanks, NetlinxNut, Do you (or anyone else viewing this thread) know of a readliy available DLL that already incorporates this functionality. You would think Rockwell would have created this as a means of getting the most out of the card. After all, they created the darn thing. n


### Human: Inview / 1747-BAS Has anyone managed to drive an Inview message display with dynamic messages generated as ASCII strings in a 1747-BAS module. I have had this running for years using the now discontinued Dataliner DL40 device. Because of the cable run length the old system was configured under RS422 protocol. Inview doesn't support RS422 only RS232/RS485. Short of fitting line drivers has anyone managed to get the RS485 option working in point-to-point mode? ### Assistant: I havent personally used one with a basic module but the Inview will work with anything that can send ASCII characters serially. RS-422 isnt a protocol, it's an electrical standard that's very close to RS-485. Dont get RS-485 confused with DH-485 which is a protocol. RS-485 and RS-422 are usually interoperable. Wikipedia explains it better than I can - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-485 Thanks a lot - appreciate your comments. I have tested an Inview connected to a Micrologix 1500 port 1 (RS-232) via 1761-NET-AIC (to convert from RS-232 to RS-485) to get long distance for installation. Micrologix port was set as ASCII; everything works fine. 1746-BAS can connect directly its port in RS-485, so I think that there will be no issue on that. Manual 2706-UM016D-EN-P shows at page 1-30 the RS-485 connection to display. n


### Human: RSView Activation Hi Guys, When Rockwell will start using the USB Dongle activation for RSView? ### Assistant: View32 has supported FTA, and the USB Dongle since 7.2 ViewSE and ME are 5.0 CPR9 Although don't use the dongle with a versaview, the usb port doesn't supply enough power for it. Sorry, I meant RSView Studio. Last year when we bought it along with RSLogix only Logix had the key on the USB dongle. When I called the support they told me that they were working on getting away from using floppy's and instead using USB dongles. Unfortunatelly the activation for Studio at that time was still floppy based. Anything changed meantime? If yes can I change my floppy based one with a USB dongle? RSView (FactoryTalk View, now) Studio version 5 (a.k.a. CPR 9) supports FactoryTalk Activation, and you can use the USB dongle 9509-USBDONG. I noticed that we don't recommend using USB dongles on VersaView (http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/rockwellautomation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=38405). n


### Human: 2711P IRDA Function Hi,Does anyone know what is the function IRDA port in PVP 1250 (2711P-Txxxx? Is it for download/upload .mer file?? ### Assistant: It doesn't have a purpose. Originally, it was envisioned that it would be used for that sort of thing, but iRDA ports never really caught on and the functionality was never put into the firmware. Think of it as the PV+'s appendix. It's there, but has no real purpose! :) The following firmware release notes talks about actually removing all IRDA functionality from the firmware itself: Firmware Release Notes JHutch n


### Human: Timer creation in RSView Hi, I'm reading a digital tag from a 3rd party (non-Rockwell) controller. Based on the status of these digital tags, I have to start a millisecond timer and stop it when the status of these tags changes again. There are no flagwords in the controller which give such timer values and the source code in the controller prevents us from creating such timers. Hence my only option is to create a timer in RSView based on the status of some of the digital tags. Is this possible to create in RSView? ### Assistant: FTView ME definitely does not have timers built in. Maybe you could do something like that in SE if you created a custom VBA applet. You larger concern should be the controller limiting your process. Retentive timers are exactly what you need, and without an rslogix based controller you will have to create one. Which RSView product are you using? Does your timer need to be accurate to the millisecond? As long as you don't need a great deal of accuracy, and if this is SE or RSView32, you could use a derived tag timer. See tech note 8066 for an example. n


### Human: Kinetix drives only phasing up to 3... I have 6 drives, on a 1756-M08SE, this is a new startup. Why are my K6K drives only phasing up to 3? ### Assistant: Are all feedback cables connected? Also is the correct motor selected in RS 5000? Any errors in logix? http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/rockwellautomation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=33524 As mentioned check feedback cables - and all axis definition's - The correct Drive's and Motors should be selectedLook for error symbol in RSLogix5000 next to axis and drive. Phase 3 is the part when the network checks the configuration - Your network will be OK as this is checked before this phase. Hope this helps One way to determine which axis may be causing the issue is to go off line and move all but one axis to the ungrouped area. You don't have to move any fiber optic cables; leave then as they are. Then download. If it phases to 4, then add another axis until it only phases to 3. Then, you at least know there is something wrong with that axis. Check what is configured in software matches what you have hardware for that axis. Instead of downloading all the time, write some code to set the inhibitmode from an axis:SSVClass name = AxisInstance = your axis nameAttribute name = InhibitAxisSource = tag from type DINT; (0=not inhibit, 1 = inhibit) After changing the value from the source tag, kinetics will phase up again. Hello, Stage 3 means that your Drive / motor declaration is not what you physically have.Check the set-up of your motor in the axis property. Another possibility is that you have set-up in your Sercos card to stay at stage 3.Check in Interface Sercos that parameter ( default 4 ). bye You need to verify the version of firwmare of the card sercos, if the controller's firmware goes v.16 and sercos v.15 you need to go up the version of the sercos for v.16. I also had this problem. n


### Human: RSView ME - make application displays non-moveable I want the displays in my HMI application to not be moveable. My project is configured to have a title bar with no control box. Each display is configured to Display Type 'Replace'. The displays can be dragged around the PanelView screen using the title bar, but I don't want them to be moveable since they take up the whole screen anyway. It's pointless to be able to move them. Mike ### Assistant: Remove the title bar. n


### Human: 1494VL3 and 1494VLL3 http://www.ap.home.ra-int.com/jpn/Company/NetIT/gms/Asset Management/1494VL3LL3 Customer found the differrent gap of the spring part between L3:27mm and LL3:18mm. Are they correct product? Or,which one is correct? ### Assistant: The link in your post is not finding a valid server. Are you sure that link is visible to the outside world? JHutch Same here. n


### Human: Switching Activation Stye I just finished downloading the newest release of Rslogix 5000 and I was asked to Move my product over to the new FactoryTalk Activation. How can I move my all the software I have to FactoryTalk Activation? ### Assistant: Call into support and make the request. If you are the librarian for a large site it might be a good time to make a consolidation request. What department should I be trying to get ahold of my site isn't the largest but we are paying for support and want to keep upto date..My issue is having all these serial numbers to deal with. Any ideas what I can do for future use of my products? Call the activation's group. They should look up what serial numbers are registered to you. Also anything that directly transfers over they can processes the request for most things. A few they can direct you accordingly. For quick direct dial access to the various groups, see here: http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/directdial/ Specifically for Activations, direct dial is 010 JHutch So I called in to the Tech support number and got into the activations to migrate my site location of approximately 50 different serial numbers of 10 different packages. I was told that I needed to get in touch with Contract Services as the Activations department handles a smaller amount of license limitated to 10 or less. At that point I was transferred to the Contract services department and was provided a site listing and consolidation suggestion. The correct Way would be to contact your local distributor to discuss possible Changes. IE moving to Concurrent Activations so the licenses can be distributed across the network. Breaking down the multiple serial numbers to a single serial number for each package. which was a great way for our site to manage our licenses. n


### Human: Can you tell me why Rockwell moved those Master Disks activations to Factory Talk Activation? I would like to know why they have moved those floppy disk activations to Factory Talk Activation. I ask becouse it is not clear for me why they have did this. In my humble opinion Master Disk activation works very good and it's very easy to use. ### Assistant: Mark ,Rockwell moved activation from Master disk to Factory Talk because it easier to use.You can activate software on 5 different way's, you can rehost it (move) by your self 3 times per year with online connetion.If you dont have internet access you can activate it on different computer or you can call tech support for activation. If you have master disk and you lost your activation , you need to call tech support, but when your master disk doesnt work you need to request new one and wait for delivery. With Factory Talk activation Type, when you lost your activation and you call to tech support you dont have to wait few days for master disk , they can release your activation in few minutes and you can use it right away :smileyhappy: that's big PLUS. AB Techsupport will only help you with Factory Talk Activation trobles if you've already purchased a TechConnect or other support contract from AB.Just so you're forewarned. Here are a few of the things driving the decision: 1. Floppy drives are getting very hard to find. Very few laptops currently include them. This technology will no longer be supported at some point in the near future. 2. We will be offering new software purchases available for web download (no media) in the near future. I can't send the floppy via email :smileyvery-happy: 3. People can't always find there master disk in an emergency recovery situation. Today, we need to FedEx a floppy and the plant is down for 2 days. With FTA, we can email a replacement activation to get you back on-line immediately. Not true. Tech Support will help with any Activation related issue during normal business hours with no contract required. This is true for both Master Disk and Factory Talk Activation issues. Just confirming what Mike said. Tech Support will support any Activation issue (master disk or FTA) during normal business hours without a contract. After hours support DOES require an after hours support contract. JHutch So if I bought RSLogix500 version 5 in 2001 and have the install media, serial number and master disk floppy but the floppy is damaged due to age, you'll send me a new one - no contract required? Please confirm? Correct. No contract required for activations. (Provided you call 8-5 your local time.) JHutch n


### Human: Breaking Redundancy on Distributed RSViewSE 4.0 & effect on system behavior I am in the process of upgrading a distributed RSViewSE 4.0 system to FTView5.0. I would like to be able to break the redundancy for the pairs of primary and secondary HMI Servers. I can then upgrade one, then the other, then re-enable redundancy in 5.0. There are several pairs. Some of the redundarnt pairs already have the primary off the network, another has the secondary off the network. I understand that if I have the secondary active and then disable redundancy, I need to define the secondary as the primary at the same time so that the clients know where to look.The question is, will I have to reboot the clients and what effect will this have on system stability? I'd prefer not to have to interrupt production while I am making these changes. ### Assistant: The first thing I would do is install the v5 client on all machines as it can run both v4 and v5 applications. I then created a second FT applicationin v5 and then turned my secondaries into primaries on my v5 ft application. All I had to do was change the FTD location on my client, reboot and then run a new client file and then switch my v4 primaries over to v5 secondaries. Fail back is a simple as changing the FTD to the v4 application and rebooting. Sounds good except for the part about v5 client with v4 server. Just to be clear did you go through this yourself? TN #46639 (Connecting to RSView SE Server 4.00 with a FactoryTalk View 5.00 Client) says that this functionality did not make it into v5 (CPR9). I just did a test on my machine and I was able to run a V4 application using a V5 client. I looked at the article and think that it is not correct. I would test your application to ensure that it does work. But I also remember another article that said you could do it, but I can't find that one. This solution does add some complexities with alarming (2 separate alarm systems) and you double the loading on the PLC's, however it did work really well for me (but I had a shutdown to work with as well), but I did run in parallel for 2 weeks to ensure that the v5 system worked correctly. I just talked with RSView SE techsupport and here is what they told me: 1 - The technote is correct. Connecting from a v5.0 client to a v4.0 server is not supported. Furthermore, it almost never works. 2 - The reason it probably worked for rfridulin is that his v4.0 server was most likely upgraded to a v5.0 (CPR9) FactoryTalk layer. In those instances, it will work sometimes but it is still not supported. They very STRONGLY urged that CPR versions match throughout any SE system. Lastly, I strongly suggest anyone dealing with this issue to submit a case through the Ask a Question link in the Knowledge Base and let the experts on FactoryTalk View SE answer your specific scenario questions. Ask a Question JHutch I found out for myself the effect on system stability for this kind of change: I did not try to use a 5.0 client with a 4.0 server. I did have to break the redundancy to move forward on the migration from 4.0 to 5.0. Removing the secondary from the redundant configuration for the HMI Servers and RSLinx Enterprise Dataservers was not a problem at all, no effect at all on the running system.I used technote 38212 Upgrading a Redundant RSViewSE v3.2 system to v4.0 as a guide, did not follow everything due to this particular situation. Would be nice to have another technote with the same procedure for 4.0 to 5.0 upgrades, but there may not be any real differences. For two of the redundant pairs, I did have to remove the primary from the redundant configuration. The secondary was already active, the primary was non-functional (long story) and shut down. I removed the redundancy and redefined the primary as the secondary machine name on the HMI Servers and Data servers. I then had to reboot the FT directory pc, the HMI server, and later some of the clients to get everything working again. Right now in the middle of bringing up the 5.0 system in parallel. Looks like it will work fine. All the 4.0 to 5.0 upgrades Ive done went very smooth and didn't cause so much confusion. For people who read this and have redundant pairs that will need to be running during the upgrade, do this: Break the pair and create a standalone from one server. Then upgrade all clients, shut them down. Upgrade the each server and shut them down. Upgrade the Factory talk server and reboot. Bring up the servers. Open studio and verify project conversion to 5.0. Run test client. Open all clients. upgrade the stand alone and didn't add back into the redundant pair. Very smooth and effective with non stop monitoring. If you break the pair, let clients pull from the 4.0 server while upgrading to 5.0 on the other server, you will be ok until you upgrade the FT directory, then your 4.0 clients loose there connection to the distributed app. Best bet when upgrading and redundant pair, is plan for downtime, or create a standalone. n


### Human: RSView ME V4 connection via RSLinx Gateway? I have some Logix processors and PanelView-Plus units sitting out on a seperate Ethernet sub net with a PC running RSLinx Gateway in between the two ethernet networks.I have no problem accessing the units on the sub net via RSLinx but what I need to know is can I get RSLinx Enterprise to also use the remote RSLinx Gateway server?If not is there another method? Thanks. ### Assistant: Sorry to say RSLinx Enterprise cannot use RSLinx Gateway. If you are just trying to bridge to a different subnet, how about using a managed Ethernet switch? If you are trying to consolidate your connections to your controllers, only thing I can think of off the top of my head would be to use a dedicated controller as a data concentrator. With ME and panelviews, your best bet is to have a third party device seamlessly make the subnets look as one, as jonathanKent advised, but that might not be possible in your situation. I know that linx enterprise is limited to the number of complex hops you can make through KE cards or bridges, but with Ethernet, you can map pretty far. Have you considered a contrologix rack with 2 enbt/a cards to combine the two networks. You basically create a CIP firewall and enterprise should map right through it to the Ethernet devices on the other side. The only issue I have seen with enterprise, (in an SE environment) is that when the device on the remote subnet looses comms, you might loose your shortcut. Good Luck. n


### Human: How to Get alarms sent to a remote location??? does anyone know how to get alarms from a RSView ME app or a contrologix PLC to display in a remote location? ie tghe other side of the world? or can we extract the RSView alarm history somehow? ### Assistant: Are you talking about software alarms i.e. the application failed to load/crashed etc. or user programmed information i.e. Machine faults etc? For the latter, you can use the 1756-EWEB to set up a web server and access it from any location in the world yes, i was talking about user generated alarms.i want to monitor my machines from wherever i may be in the world at the time.many thanks You could set up another ME app (perhaps running on a PC in Machine Edition Station Runtime) at any location, provided it can get comms back to the processor that triggers the alarms. So, if you have ethernet connection from the remote location back to the processor at the original location, you're good to go. JHutch thanks for that suggestion- it is definately an option for monitoring from the office, but i travel a lot and need to be able to access alarm history from multiple locations.i have had a suggestion to upgrade to RSView 32... still researching that You could run ME station on your laptop. So if you have access to the processor, ME station would still work no matter where you are. JHutch If you want to see alarm history you will need to be able to connect to a machine that is constantly connected to the controlller. Running RSView ME or 32 remotely on your machine will only give you the current alarms - not any ones that have been reset before you connect. You might need to VPN in and use PCAnywhere, Remote Desktop or something similar to view the alarm history on the machine that is constantly connected. Hi, i think the best way will be having a ethernet network and set up access using VPN is simple and really good. That way you can monitor everything or access anything. I'm already set up like this and never got a problem for connect as long you can have a internet connection, that's it. :smileywink: If you are just wanting notification of alarms, you might be able to use Win911 software from specter instruments - www.specterinstruments.com A 3rd way of doing it would be using a Panelview Plus CE and the VNC server that is on the extention CD to follow the Alarms. Also I would not go for ME to RSView32 but to SE, as that would give less development time Cheers n


### Human: RSView I'm new to the RSView software. I have a question about licenses. I was assigned to upgrade some RSView software. I am wondering if I need to purchase any additional licenses. Currently RSView SE Server is running on a SCADA/HMI system. There is one (possibly two) overhead plasma tv displays that run off of a video signal from the PC. They have a static display in the sense the form is the same, but product data changes during the process. Would those screens need a RSView SE View Only Clinet license or would the RSView SE Server's client handle it? If you need any more info, I'll try and supply it to the best of my ability. ### Assistant: Hi No, if you do not add any new PC you should not need any extra licenses. You might find this helpful by the wayhttp://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/rockwellautomation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=34321 n


### Human: Control Logix File Comparison I am trying to compare two control logix files to see what changes have been made. PLC5 has the compare feature, and I was wondering if anyone knew anything available to do the same thing in control logix. ### Assistant: http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellsoftware/downloads/ Leave all search criteria default and hit searchthen on the results page search compare RSlogix 5000 has come with a Compare Tool since about version 11 if memory serves. If for some reason you don't like Rockwell's built in compare there is also the option to convert both programs to plain text {L5K} format and use a text compare program like Scooter Software's Beyond Compare for example. I've done RSLgx5K compares both ways and each has it's pros and cons. The compare utility works very well. It first shows the summary of what's different and when you expand the different areas (task, tags, routines, etc) it will tell you how many differences exist. Double-clicking on a routine will bring up a two-paned window showing the two files. If the routine is a ladder routine, then scrolling down the rungs a gray block will show the rungs with the differences. If it's a function block routine, then a spreadsheet type window will pop up with the tags/connector differences in red. I usually open two instances of RSLOGIX5000 with both plc programs so I can see the differences highlighted in the compare utility. It will show tag differences and can also be configured when you start a compare, to analyze comments and data values. Aside from the download mentioned above you should also be able to find it on the companion CD see http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/rockwellautomation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=46140 n


### Human: issues with importing database When I import the ASCII text file to a program, to get the documentation, the file size is smaller (in KB). I am us ing RSL500 ver. 7.30.10 CPR9. The original programs were made with ver. 6.00. I have followed the instruction from the site, and don't run into any problems with the import process. Thanks ### Assistant: I'm not sure I understand the problem. It is importing ok (no errors, everything looks to be there) ... but you're concerned that the file size is smaller? Or is there an error and I'm just not reading the question correctly? (Just trying to understand the problem fully before going any further) JHutch I would suggest exporting the 6.0 tags to a different format. good luck. No problems or errors with the import. I just noticed the file size after the import and realized that instead of being 164KB it was 83KB. Makes me a little nervous. Thanks I will try another format Monday. thanks Well, part of it, too, is that the ASCII format is not efficiently using space. It makes it easier for us humans to look at the file and make sense of it, but the computer could use space much efficiently (and does for the Logix file itself). Chances are, since there was no error, everything came in okay. If you're still nervous, you might try spot checking here and there to make sure everything you expect see is showing up. JHutch I see the same anomaly with the logix 5000 software. To date I have never seen any loss of data, just my confusion on how the file size gets smaller when you add something to it. For example......I open filesize.acd, currently 156kb. I add 2 or 3 rungs, a couple controller tags and some program tags. I then save filesize.acd and it is now 137kb in size. Makes no sense, but everything still works. A compare of the project shows no loss of data. If I recall - the files are compressed (hence why Zipping them rarely helps)Likely, the added data helped it get a better 'fit' in the compression. Or something triggered the file to compact (not sure if there is something to trigger this automatically or not) Refer to the file menu - Compact - I found when doing a lot of indirect address references - the file stays small, but if you touch stuff, it acts like you added the global description to everything under it - and the file size explodes - running Compact usually tightens it up again. If your concerned about loss of data just use the compare utility with the old and new files and see if there is any difference. The smaller file size is normal and natural, and based on a very little-known factoid. The RSS file actually contains two copies of the program, an online image and an offline image. I'm not sure exactly how you went about doing the ASCII import, if that included going to a .SLC file, or if you merely imported the EAS file. But with all that work offline, especially if you did a SaveAs, RSLogix wiped the online image, producing a smaller file size, which was not quite half the original size. Happens with 5, 500, and 5000 all the time. When you go online with the program, and save, the file will bloat back up. Nothing to worry about, but kudos on good observational skills. n


### Human: why FT Data client could not browse data from OPC server I add a new OPC server(Kepserver or Arena) in FatoryTalk Administration Console, sometimes OPC server could not return data to FT Data client. This issue could not reproduced 100%, is there some special configuration or requirement for the OS? How to troubleshoot this issue when encountered? Thanks for your attention ### Assistant: Check your Application, System, and FactoryTalk Diagnostics event logs for errors. Also, if you haven't already, you may want to take a look at the following PSA: Technote 37039: Service Advisory - Rockwell Software OPC-Based Products - Disconnection issues (RPC_E_DISCONNECTED errors) (Microsoft DCOM 108 Update for Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003) -Marty... thanks for your response.I have tried to change the default settings of DCOM, but still failed to browse tags of Arena opc server.On Windows XP2 OS, arena crashed when browse tags on FT data client; on Windows 03 R2 SP2, when browse tag in FatoyTalk Data client, Arena keep on opening, after close it, arena reopen again. What can I do?:( Those intermittent problems are a killer to fix. When the problem happens, can you try connecting directly to the Kepserver using the Kepware QuickClient? That way, at least you can tell if the problem is in FactoryTalk or not. Anything logged in the Kepware event log? kepware QuickClient can always directly connects to kepserver.Is there somthing wrong with my Arena OPC? or FatoryTalk? n


### Human: SLC500 L551 Ethernet --> PanelView Plus Communication Issues Hello fellow techies, I am using a BSN modules to switch RIO on a redundant SLC500 project (I didn't spec the hardware). The design has one pair of the Ethernet wires going through the 232/485 A and B terminals on the BSN so that the primary PLC would have connectivity to the Ethernet HMIs. For the most part, this works. However, during a failover, I am experiencing communication loss for approximately 7 minutes and 30 seconds. I started to isolate the network, and I am down to the switch, one PLC and the PV Plus. I have disconnected the ME Station, the Secondary PLC and my laptopNetwork ConfigurationLinksys Switch SRW2008 (10.12.1.1).PanelView Plus 1000 (10.12.1.13).Two SLC 500’s 1747-L551 Ethernet. They both have the same IP address, only one is connected to the network at any given time (10.12.1.10).Dell workstation running RSView ME Station (10.12.1.2).Programming Laptop is configured as 10.12.1.250 PanelView, Station and PLCs have 10.12.1.1 configured as gateway, and 255.255.255.0 for mask. Testing With the PanelView Plus communicating to PLC ### Assistant: My *guess* is that since the MAC id is changing, something in the PV+ has to timeout before it is able to resolve the IP address to its new MAC id. This just a guess, though, based on what I know of TCP/IP. You'll probably need to create a case with tech support (who will probably have to pass it by the product group) to get a definitive answer. JHutch Alot more then just the IP address can go into the communications.The Mac Address is also part of the packets. If you took a packet sniffer on that network, you will see the mac address in the packets, So, atleast this change is causing a problem. Any existing communications (attempts or current communications) will be retried automatically by windows. I would need to get the specs IP specs and the Windows specs to be 100% sure, however I believe for the standards it's upwards of 1 minute to consider a connection dead and 3 retries, for atleast a minimum of 4 minutes dead time. Before windows is even aware of a dead connection. Then it needs to reset everything and start communications again, causing a renigotiation of the handshaking. This is the nature of IP based networks and not much you can do about it, it is one of the major reasons why Ethernet/IP is not used is Safety, but instead devicenet and sometimes controlnet;because atleast you can be certain when comms are down, Ethernet, you can't be certain for several minutes at best. There are some specialized conditions and protocals that can reduce these problems. I know some proticals are are used in Windows Clustering, but that won't help us here. However, something like a managed switch that simply switches the communications over if one PLC to the other if fail over happens, that will be transparent to Windows and the PV+ so Windows doesn't need to be aware of the change over and significantly reduce your communications failover time. I had occaision to look at Stratus 8000 specs today...Distributor Extranet... Evidently it redirects new external devices attached to a configured ip addressed port to the same address as what was originally chosen... maybe a way around the long deadtimes... but just speculation. n


### Human: FTView ME tag syntax I am working on converting a PV1200 application to a PVPlus. I am using FTView ME 5.0 and am trying to figure out the syntax I need to use for referencing multiple tags in a PLC5. I want to look at two or three consecutive bits and have a multi-state indicator trigger off of them. Example: N11:5 is the data register in the PLC5.I want to look at bits 2, 3, and 4.I am using a shortcut in FTView ME called PLC5.I have a 4 state indicator with values, 0,1,2,3,4, and 5. Can I use the following syntax in the connection tab to reference the tag.{::[PLC5] N11:5/2-4} I'd test it myself, but I don't have the equipment in front of me to try it. Thanks. ### Assistant: Unfortunately, that very powerful tool that you are trying to duplicate, the bit array type tag, does not exist in ME. I cannot tell from your post which of the two methods you plan to use for animation - referencing tags in the PV+ tag data base (where a bit array type worked under PB32), or direct linking to the PLC/LinxE. To do what you are tryiing to do, you will need address the individual bits in the Connections, and build a unique number based on the bits. Sample 1: (probably best for you)[::[PLC5]N11:5/2] + (2*[::[PLC5]N11:5/3]) + (4*[::[PLC5]N11:5/4]) Sample 2: (Take the analog word, shift the 0 & 1 bits off the edge of the earth, and mask out the ones above the former /5 bit)  ( [::[PLC5]N11:5] >> 2 ) & 7 (I may have the expression wrong here - unable to test at this time). The consecutive bit array option sound like a nice feature to have. But to my knowledge to fire state changes from multiple PLC bits for a multistate indicator, will require the use of an expression(located beside the tag ellipses on the connections tab. Basically: If bit1 = 0 then 1 else if bit2 = 0 then 2 else if bit2 and bit3 = 1 then 3 else 4 That would cover states 1-4 using 2 bits. It gets easier if each bit has a state, but over all that is the solution and the syntax that you will need to use to accomplish your goal in ME for multistate indicators. Once in the expression editor, you can check the syntax and use help options to create some fairly impressive expressions. I would set up test bits and verify state changes if your expressions become complex. I have seen the need to write some expressions in reverse so certain states are evaluated before others. Good Luck You didn't identify the communications type (ethernet, RIO ...). If it's RIO, there is a better solution. You can create an alias tag in RSLinx Enterprise as BitArray. This is a new data type released in 5.0 and was created for this purpose. The above suggestions only solve reading bits from a tag but doesn't solve writing. The BitArray works with both. ID 49541 explains what Alex_B is talking about. n


### Human: Alarms don't trigger Greetings, i have a small problem: when i use the expression Month==13, this is evaluated and alarm is triggered. But when i use a compound expression, i.e. (Month<1)&&(Month>12), the alarm is not triggered. What's the problem? Thank You for help ### Assistant: I believe you want the OR operator, not AND. If it was truely month, the value for month is 1 to 12. oh man, of course:( thx n


### Human: can I use 1784PCD to communication with 1769L32E via 1769SDN? my pc connects to the devicenet by using 1784PCD, but in rslinx i couldnt see the 1796 CPU,is it true? tks. ### Assistant: Hello, If you are connected on the CPU ( ethernet, controlnet, serial ), you can browse to the Devicenet network with RsLinx.But with CompactLogix L3x, you can't browse from Devicenet to the CPU. n


### Human: Move alarms between 2 FT View 5.0 SE distributed projects I have 2 distributed projects, each on there own server. Each sever is connected to a ControlLogix PLC. I just connected my industrial network and I would like to share alarms and other information between the two. What is the best was to do this? Do I need to move tags between the PLC's? ### Assistant: What type of alarms - are these the old style HMI alarms or the new FactoryTalk Alarms & Events? If the latter, you don't need to do anything other than configure RSLinx Enterprise and your shortcut to subscribe to the alarms. If the former, you can export your tags and alarms from the old project and import them into the new ons using the Tag Import and Export wizard. What do you mean by share alarms and other information? Assuming your controllers and 2 View applications are now all on the same industrial network (that's what you said, right?), probably the easiest way to share info is to configure tags/alarms in View App A to talk to Controller B and vice versa. n


### Human: Commands that not run on HMI Server Hi! ther are some commands that not run on HMI Server, but in standalone app this is a problem. Example: I need a PopUp display to appear when tag value is equal to 123 configuring an event can't do it because display command does not run on HMI Server, so I need deal whit VB code and a numeric display which visible properties are set to false. This is a little problem if you need this on 1 display, but what happen if need it on 20 displays? we need put this numeric display on 20 Displays!! This is a solution for this case Now I need execute the command SupressOff SomeTagName when tag value's is equal to 12, I have 23 Tags that need execute this command on 20 displays... this is hard to maintenance Some one known who to launch events in some way that run like in command line?? ### Assistant: Hi Psycrow, The events in SE run at the server, not at the client. So if all you do is execute a Display command, there is no way to tell it to run on a specific client computer. So what you need is a way to get the client to issue the Display command. Tech note 22007 talks about a way to do this using VBA. In your case, you want to add a numeric display on a graphic that is always running, perhaps not visible. The object looks at your tag and when the value changes, you test to see if it is equal to 123. If so, you execute the command Display SomeScreen. Same principle for your SupressOff command. In addition, remember that the client MUST be a Read/Write client to execute any commands. Actually, it depends on what the command does. For example, a Display command can be issued by a Read-Only client. An Set command, = command or Acknowledge command cannot. I think the Acknowledge does not work because an alam acknowledge writes to the alarm ack tag, alarm handshake tag, etc. n


### Human: Importing graphics from Telnet Oasis software Has anyone had any luck importing graphics from Telnet's Oasis software into FactoryTalk? ### Assistant: There's no conversion wizard, so these would be a complete re-engineer effort in FTView SE. Se does allow you to import XML, but the effort to convert one format to the other might be more than it is worth. :smileysad: n


### Human: Importing multiple parameter files? I'm working with RSView SE 4.0 (CPR7) I'm trying to migrate a number of parameter files (approx. 80-100) from one HMI project to another. I've copied the files to the new project using Windows Explorer, but I know that to be able to see the files in RSView Studio, you need to add the components into the application. The version I'm using supports importing parameter files one at a time, which would make this a tedious process. Does anyone know any shortcuts to make multiple files visible in Studio at once? I've scanned the KnowledgeBase, but couldn't find anything that seemed to help. Rick ### Assistant: Hi Rick, Right-click on Parameters, select Add Component Into Application. From here, click on the first parameter file you want to import. Hold down the Shift key, scroll over a couple of columns and click on the last file at the bottom of the column. When you click the Open button, all those selected files will be imported. This is true for all project components that allow importing (graphics, macros, derived tags, events, key files, recipes, etc). I try not to be too greedy - there is a limit to the number of files you can select. Or rather, you can select all of them, but not all of them will be imported. Probably some limit on the number of characters or items that can be selected that is buried in the Microsoft Common Control somewhere. I've never had a problem selecting three columns of files at a time. That's still a lot better than one-at-a-time. Alternately, drag & drop works too. If you select the files in explorer and drag them to the open project tree in Studio, they'll be imported/added to the right place. Johnathan and Sharon: Thank you both for your feedback. Both solutions work, but my preference is the drag and drop, because there does not appear to be the same limitation on the number of files you can import when you drag and drop. Rick n


### Human: FT ViewStudio 5.00 (CPR9) Tools/Transfer of ME project hangs This problem has appeared in this release, and also was in the last release.It has been observed on two different laptops. When in the Studio environment, and selecting Tools, Transfer, the file does transfer correctly to the PV+, but, *sometimes* (about 1 out of 5 times), after the download, the transfer utility is hung. That is, the EXIT button is greyed out. There is no ill effect on the PV+. The corrective action is to invoke Task Manager, and kill the task. Afterwards, all is well. Since this is clearly a bug, is it on a 'known annomolies' list somewhere? ### Assistant: Yep, it's known and documented: http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/rockwellautomation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=49417 JHutch Thanks, this has happened to me quite alot. Nice to know the answer is what I already do now. I thought there would be a valid explanation or fix. I assume AB will fix it eventually. n


### Human: Activex Control Web Browser How do I to use the Activex Control Web Browser in RSView studio for the Panel View Plus 700, I'm using a Camera to generate a Html archive with images to be showed in Panel View. ### Assistant: Are you talking about the WebBrowser control found in technote 31315? Or do you mean the Microsoft Web Browser control? To my knowledge, the Microsoft Web Browser control can only be used in View SE because it requires VBA to set the URL: Private Sub Display_AnimationStart() Me.MicrosoftWebBrowser2.Navigate2 ( http://myfile.htm )End Sub You can't do this in View ME. If you ARE talking about the WebBrowser control found in technote 31315, can you elaborate on your problem a little? There is a sample app as part of the technote too (though I haven't loaded it). The first question I would have is whether you actually have a PVP CE 700 or a regular PVP 700? You must have the CE version. Otherwise it's pretty straightforward to use the ActiveX control. Just point the URL tag to a string tag in your processor and type the URL into string. Check out A112559830 (31315) in the knowledgebase. JHutch - Linkified for convenience. n


### Human: FT View SE New Alarms and Events objects I need some clairification on the new Alarms and Events Objects versus the old alarming setup. I have spoke with several Rockwell employee's about how good the idea is and I get mixed answers. I was told that the Alarms and Events type of alarming is better because it moves the alarming away from the HMI and back to the controller, where the alarms are located. I have also been told that it puts a large strain on the controller. I think the alarms should be handled in the conroller, but not at the expense of the performance. I have a large program running on a ControlLogic processor with 3 remote 17 slot racks. The SE Alarming is horrible and I like the option, but how do I know what it will do to my system if I move the alarming over to the Controller? ### Assistant: Down and down the list I go, where I'll stop noboby knows... From what little I've learned about the new alarms and events, under MOST circumstances, overall performance will often be better. But, you *are* moving the bulk of the work from the SE app to the CL processor. If your processor is already working pretty hard, it may be a problem. Unfortunately, I just don't have enough experience with it to make an educated guess as to the impact. If you go to Ask a Question, you'll at least be sure to get it in front of the eyes of the product experts. JHutch The FT Alarms and Events objects in View SE can be used even if you decide not to use the ALMA and ALMD instructions in the controller. Many times the control code is set (or done by somebody else) and you won't be able to get them to go through the code to implement new alarm instructions. However, the banner/summary objects - along with built-in alarm history - make the View objects a huge improvement over the existing HMI Tag Alarm summary object. If you would like to take advantage of the A&E objects in View without moving to ALMA and ALMD instructionsj ust yet, you can add a Tag-Based Alarm and Event Server to your project and configure your digital and analog polled alarms there. Technote 45583 in the Knowledgebase contains a tool that will convert existing traditional HMI Alarms to Tag-Based A&E alarms. This doesn't really answer your question about performance, but you can start working with the new alarm object in View before making the commitment to ALMA and ALMD. Hope this helps! If I go and convert with the conversion tool to the A&E Events banner type of alarming, am I committed to using it or will the old alarm summary work as well as the A&E banner. The old alarm summary knows nothing of the new Alarms and Events. You would have to use the new summary. True, they know nothing of each other. But converting doesn't delete the existing HMI alarms. They are never deleted unless you delete them. So if you convert using the conversion tool and import the resulting files to your application, you will essentially have 2 copies of your alarms. 1 copy is the traditional HMI alarming with the traditional alarm summary. The 2nd copy are the Tag-Based A&E alarms using the new alarm summary. They can work together in the same application as long as you use both summary objects. To disable traditional HMI alarming, use the AlarmOff command or just don't start it when the app starts. Thanks for the pointer!:smileywink: n


### Human: HMI has been split into two boards! We've split the HMI board in FactoryTalk View SE/ME and everything else. This should help keep traffic a little more manageable and searchable for folks. (NOTE: No messages were lost in this split) JHutch ### Assistant: nan nan n


### Human: Ultra5000 firmware upgrade and Logix 5000 Hi, I've been asked to upgrade / reinstall the firmware and then possibly the application on an Ultra 5000 motion controller after what looks to be corrupt firmware. I haven’t had anything to do with these motion controllers before I'm lead to bereave that I can use Logix 5000 to reinstall the firmware and then reload the application. Can anyone confirm the basic procedure / steps that I can expect? What version of Logix 5000 do I need to be running? (I have version 10, 11, & 13 loaded at present). Thanks in advance. ### Assistant: You cannot use RSLogix 5000 to upgrade the firmware. The Ultra5000 is a stand alone servo drive/controller and you will need to use Ultraware software. n


### Human: ALMD (Alarm) in a ADD-ON Instruction? Señores,Quisiera saber si hay alguna complicacion en colocar una instruccion ALMD dentro de un Add-On instruction. Segun una ultima charla con personal de Rockwell nos indicaron que esta version (16) no estaba preparada para eso. Sin embargo las Alarmas funcionan. Can I place an ALMD Instruction inside a Add-On Instruction? ### Assistant: Yes, you are now supposed to be able to put any reasonable (non controller type) function blocks in the add on instructions. You will need to create the appropriate local parameter to support the ALMD (just like if you put it in a standard routine). vlk Per the AOI user manual (1756-PM010A-EN-P), the ALMA and ALMD instructions CAN be used in an AOI, but the backing tag for the instruction must be passed as an In/Out Parameter. Same for MSG and Motion instructions. This is because the MSG, ALMA, ALMD instructions require BASE tags (root controller tag or program tag) and have an associated buffer space in memory. Can't put them in Arrays or as parts of UDTs. Dale BTW, the manual above is installed with the online manuals, but it's not easy to find. Select the Common Procedures Programming Manual and you'll get what looks like a manual Cover Page, but it's really links to several other manuals (AOIs, Strings, P/C Tags, Messages, etc., etc.) Thanks W8ABZ... people from rockwell told me that this last version (16) was no released or prepared to support this, and i thinked: that information is wrong.My mistake... i didn't see that manual n


### Human: Writing PLC Tags in VBA I have an application where we scan a barcode into a StringIinput. In the StringInput_Change VBA code I validate and log the barcode data. Now I need to automatically raise a bit in the PLC to indicate that a valid barcode was scanned. I have created a mometary pushbutton which works when I click it, but I can not automate this in VBA. MomentaryPushbutton1.Click would be nice but it will not work, the button can not be fully exposed to VBA. Can I write directly to the Tag in VBA? How? Is there another workaround with a screen object that is more exposed to VBA than the momentary pushbutton? Any help would be highly appreciated. Ken ### Assistant: The most straightforward way is to have a numeric input field (it can even be hidden somewhere on the screen) exposed to VBA and linked to a controller tag. When the barcode is scanned, you add these lines of code in StringInput_Change: NumericInput1.Value = 1NumbericInput1.Download And you should be good to go.Do the same to reset back to zero (or let the controller reset it back to zero.) Alternately, you can create a tag group and set the tag that way, but for a single bit, the NumericInput should be fine. Thanks SharonB. No way to do that with a Bit adress? Ken Hmm, a bit address is like any other. You can link your numberic input to [CLX_SHORTCUT]MyTag.0 or something like that and set it to 0 or 1 as necessary. or am I missing what you mean? I will use the numeric input route I guess. I still would like to know how to use a Tag object or tag group to manipulate tag data directly. I see articles in the KB that allude to it, but never anything like a how-to at my level. If anyone knows of a text like that please let me know. Ken You can do something like this:Dim oTagGroup As TagGroup Private Sub Display_AnimationStart() Set oTagGroup = Application.CreateTagGroup(Me.AreaName) oTagGroup.Add Your_tag_name_hereEnd Sub Private Sub StringDisplay_Changed() oTagGroup( Your_tag_name_here ).Value = 1End Sub Private Sub Display_Unload() Set oTagGroup = NothingEnd Sub And don't forget error checking! There are some technotes from TechEd08 with this type of example, but they haven't been released yet. JHutch - set off the VBA code to make it a little easier to read. Ken, There's a short help file for the SE object model , C:Program FilesCommon FilesRockwellHelpDisplayClientOM.chm. The examples there might be what you're looking for. Alternately, from VBA : Application.ExecuteCommand Set [Myclx]NewBarcodeData 1 Dan n


### Human: MS SQL ODBC original 3.2 version of distributed SE project worked with string field for tag name in the floating point data table. After switching to 4.0 CPR 7, ODBC logger is looking for a numeric field (FieldIndex) and won't log data using the string tag name anymore? Why? How do I fix it? Other appliations written for this project use the tag names in the the floating point data table (MS SQL) to create reports, etc. and now they don't work because the tag names are not there. ### Assistant: I ran into this problem in v4.0 some years ago. See tech note 37386. Basically purge the database, remove the string tags from the model and add them back in and resave the model. This should do the trick. FYI, I haven't seen this in v5.0 yet. Linkified the technote number - JHutch n


### Human: Export ControlLogix Tags and values to CSV or other Formats I have a large list of tags I would like to have a have copy and a Copy I could manipulate In a spread Sheet as well. The biggest thing I would like to do is compare values from one multi layered UDT to a similar UDT. I have a large recipe file and would like to compare part of on to similar recipes. All my values are 3,4,5 or more layer into the tag Tree. ### Assistant: Look at TechID 37852 and see if that answers your question. link This solution would be it although I am getting an error Error -1073479668 Method '~' of object '~' Failed PCWindows XP Pro SP32.2Ghz1G Ram SoftwareTag uploaddownload 2.6.1Linxs 2.52 TagsIn Browser 1900117Structure in Browser 1166278Tags Checked 5156 (1 Model)Tags to Read/Wright 240 I did try just selecting 1 tag and that did work. Also when reading in a String I only get the LEN and Data. But the Data is a Two didget representation of the real Carter. IE a 2 read in as 50 I lowered the Tags to Read/Wright from 240 (Default) to 50 (lowest setting) then it all work fine. n


### Human: Another 5.0 Studio Problem I have a case ### Assistant: I have a windows 2003 server with the following software installed. Installed in this order; 1. MSSQL2. FactoryTalk Transaction manager3. Kepware4. FTView 5.0 (not upgraded from 4.0, project imported after 5.0 install) No issues... DBLD99 wrote: I have a case # on this and the only response by Rockwell tech support is to uninstall every piece of AB software and install FactoryTalk view first. I can not have studio open and any other Rockwell product open or I get a failed to connect to name server then I can't open the tag database or any display screen.Local or Network FactoryTalk?Is your error about the NAME server (FT Directory) or the HMI server? What other Rockwell products do you have? Both Local and Network - I am an Systems Integrator - I have almost every piece of software on my laptop- 5,500,5000 - FactoryTalk ME/SE, Rsview32 - RSTune, Drivetools, all RSNetworx,Panelbuilder, pretty much almost everything - the also - Wonderware -Inductive Automations, Directsoft. It really happens alot when I have Studio open and open up 5000 - then I cant open any Display it will give me that failed to connect to name server - or if I have 5000 open first then open studio - studio wont even connect and open any project - whether it is ME or SE. The only fix is to reboot the computer and not have more then one Rockwell product open - which you could see it is a pain to program with only one application opened at a time. Like I said the Tech Support told me to unistall everything and make sure I install FactoryTalk products first then go with RSview32 then 500,5000 etc... I was just bringing this up to see if that guy was right - because I hate to waste 2 days unistalling all my software and not fix the problem. The only issues *I* personally know about are making sure the CPR levels match AND that when trying to do a full uninstall of some of the packages, you'll have to uninstall others things at the same time since they share some files and registry entries. But then again, I'll quickly admit I'm not an expert on FactoryTalk View SE. If techsupport said to do that, I'd be inclined to say they know better than I do. That said, if you want to send me the case number via PM, I'll ask my local SE expert's opinion. Just like a doctor's visit, a second opinion never hurts. JHutch Is the problem only with Studio and Logix? Like, if you have Studio open and then open, say RSNetworx, do you still get the problem? it sounds like something in FactoryTalk is not happy - is it possible you have some version mismatching like JHutch mentioned? If it were me, I might mess around with uninstalling Logix, Linx Ent, Studio, and FactoryTalk only. Those are core FactoryTalk apps and reinstall over View32, etc. (note that your View32 install also has to be the same CPR as your FactoryTalk products) As BC once said, I feel your pain.As an SI myself, I too have a multitude of vendors software products installed, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, AutomationDirect, (stuff you probably never heard of) and - Rockwell. I'm often amazed, but never suprised, at the utter lack of inter-product compatability of Rockwell Software. I'ts getting to the point that you have to have three computers, one for AB's Factory Talk products, one for AB's pre-Factory Talk products and another one for everthing else that works.I suggest a completely seperate hard drive or a seperate bootable partition. (I'm not commenting on the ability or inability of software to play nice with others!) You might want to look into VMWare's products (or similar virtualization software). I know tech support likes to use it when they need to test a specific scenario and need a machine built with a specific set of products. Let's you run virtual computers within your normal Windows desktop. So, you could have a VM for Rockwell, one for Wonderware, etc ... and they can even all be running at the same time and there would be no chance of conflict. The only warning I've noticed is that the more VMs you have running at once, the more of a memory hog the entire system becomes. But with memory getting as cheap as I've noticed lately, it usually isn't TOO hard to convince a supervisor to approve a purchase ... ;) I know, famous last words! JHutch If your getting a failed to connect to name server then the issue is communications related and these products will lag and fail to open and all sorts of crazy stuff. If you only upgraded Studio to 5.0, then just rerun the factory talk configuration wizard for the local and the network directorys. It has been posted that the upgrade can cause some confusion with the directories and some info can get dropped. Don't worry about the 2 day reinstall, that shouldn't be necessary and it wont fix your issue. Your FT configs are not reloaded with a normal unistall and reinstall. Try that and let us know if it helps. In my experience, the big compatibility issue is FactoryTalk. If two or more different Rockwell software packages use the same FT version, then everything is A-OK. It's when you try to mix/match FT versions that major problems occur. For products that don't rely on FT (RSLogix 5/500/500, RSLinx), this is not a big deal, but for products that do use FT (SE, ME, Batch, RS SQL, etc), this is an absolute killer. Speaking personally, I don't know how I would handle this if it were not for VMWare. I've also used Microsoft's Virtual PC, but the snapshot feature in VMWare is worth it's weight in gold. I can't recommend this application strongly enough. I'm about to load v6 so I can begin working with MS Vista & Rockwell products. Crossing my fingers... :smileywink: I think it's a compatibility issue, you should try the Tech ID 37550 if you was update from FactoryTalk Automation platform (FTAP 2.00 CPR7) to FactoryTalk Service Platform (FTSP 2.10 CPR 9)Other wise you need uninstall-intstall all Rockwell products with same CPR version either 7 or 9 don't mix JHutch - Linkified for convenience. I have seen this often when a software version is not up to speed with the releases that came out at the time, with many compatability issues, and not just RSLogix, or FTView, but with older RSNetworx installed, or older RSLinx installed. I maintain RSLogix 5000 version 16.03, FTView 5.00, and RSNetworx 8, and RSLinx 2.52 with no issues... However, I toss something down to a CPR 7 level or older, now I get tag errors in Logix, and this error in FTView. I largely recommend, maintaining compatable levels of everything, doing large sweeping updates. The problem comes in when some clients have version 4.00 for the PV+ but version 16 for CLX, etc. For this I use VMware to maintain version sets to maintain compatability. As for licensing, I just map my EVRSI licensing and use concurrent and reference back to a server running on the host machine. It seems to work well this way. n


### Human: Process Safety I'm interested in how users are using either CLX or GLX for Process Safety to comply with ANSI/ISA 84.00.01 (2004) - IEC61511 . If you have designed, configured, started up or are the owner/opperator of one of these systems, please reply to this message. ### Assistant: Mike, I have not specifically done IEC61511, however, I am a bit familiar with some of this. First, in general, which you probably already have found here is a nice guidelines link. This was in the petro field, but gives a nice run down. www.itk.ntnu.no/sil/Guideline_IEC.pdf The big thing in terms of controllers is for the ratings: Basically find out what your SIL rating requirements are then you can see what Rockwell's got to fit that. GLX is most likely what you are looking. Design is a bit tougher only because you have less options in general because not everything will be rated for your environment, the big thing is getting the right cables, modules, etc. Configuration, is similiar to anything else Rockwell, same with owner ship etc. It's really a matter of environment. That's the big big question. So I also end with that question, what is the environment. JHutch - Linkified for convenience. If you're looking for process safety to meet ISA or IEC standards, you can go three routes: 1) CLX up to SIL2 with the option of fault tolerant I/O. These are currently in place in multiple Oil & Gas installations all over the world. It is best to follow the CLX Safety Manual. This is most advantagous when CLX already exists and you can add value by reducing spares and training costs. 2) GuardPLC. This is a pretty decent controller that is scalable. It has several I/O options over safety ethernet. 3) ICS Triplex AAdvance system. This is scalable from SIL1 to SIL3 and is built from the ground up around process safety. I have helped design or work on several of these systems and as long as you verify their operation through your SIF calculations you'll be good to go. IMO, I would consider the GLX to be a discrete safety controller versus a process safety controller. Any intresrt in the SmartGuard600 n


### Human: OPC Tag data arrays in GE Cimplicity PE I'm wondering if it is more efficient to pull in tag data in GE Cimplicity PE as one point for a whole array of 100 or one point for each tag. I noticed in RSLinx Classic Pro's Active DDE/OPC Topic/Item List that there are fewer items, but I don't really know if it is better or more efficient. My 6 Cimplicity projects on one server are currently using around ControlLogix 7000 tags from a total of 5 PLC's, the recommended max from Rockwell, so I am trying to decide if I need to plan to setup another OPC server, move some projects to another server, or if I have found a way to move data more efficiently. Eventually, I'd love to move to the FTView SE and RSLinx Enterprise, but right now I have to use what I've got. Thanks, Jeffrey ### Assistant: If Cimplicity allows you to address tags in blocks (i.e. an array instead of many individual address) and if you plan on using most or all of those addresses, it would be more efficient to use that type of addressing. You might want to check out the ControlLogix Performance White Paper. Most versions of RSLinx install this to C:Program FilesRockwell SoftwareRSLINXENU (in HTML format). This is a rarity - a white paper that is easy to read and full of useful information. You should find a lot of helpful optimization tips here. Yes, Cimplicity can read data in arrays or blocks instead of individually. I'll have do some work on the possibility of optimizing the UDT's, but the data arrays should be an easy fix that just takes time and a little development. After reading the the white pages that you suggested, I see room for lots of opportunities of improvement, and this could possibly cut down on some of the OPC-related issues that I've been experiencing between Cimplicity PE and RSLinx Classic Pro and Gateway. n


### Human: Limiting the ability of the end user to copy and redistribute Logix program Does anybody have any ideas on how to limit the ability of the end user to copy and redistribute the logix program? We were thinking of writing some logic that would interface between a computer and a security dongle. I don't want to prevent complete access to the controller. I just want the end user to come to our company for licensing of each product if they were to decide to copy the program to another piece of equipment. We make some unique equipment and want to make it difficult to reproduce the equipment when we ship to select markets. It would be nice to enable the Source Protection on the Controller Serial number (Under controller properties-> Advanced) so that the program that is given to the customer can only be downloaded to the controller sold. We would protect some key logic routines also. ### Assistant: The serial number of the controller can be retrieved in code (with a GSV I believe), and can be compared with the known serial number of the controller sold. If they don't match, the task can be inhibited with an SSV (or some other action could be taken). Protect the logic that does that comparison with Routine Source Protection, and you should be good to go. Tying the source code to a processor serial number means significant downtime if said processor fails. The end user must come back to you for a new processor with preloaded program. Will your customers tolerate at least 24 hours of down time even if you promise UPS RED delivery, or airline counter-to-counter delivery? Is reverse engineering that much of a problem for you? I thought Rockwell stuff didn't break? :smileywink: I understand the implications that this type of code will have. That is why we were trying to link it to an exterior type of encryption hardware. If they have the latest software and e-mailed to us, we could modify the code and send it back to them. We would not need to ship anything to correct the problem. The reverse engineering could be a problem. We want to start shipping more products to the chinese market. The directors of our company would like to put some software encryption on critical parts of the program to make it difficult at best to replicate. We believe that automation market in china will expand and that it is quite possible for local equipment builders to disassemble and replicate our product. Güdel makes most of the mechanical components that are incorporate into the mechanics so that may require the replicator to purchase our mechanics. The mindset behind the software lock would be if the product was replicated that we somehow could license the software. Paul HuddasControls Engineer To limit the downtime caused by being tied to a particular controller, I believe it would be possible to pull out the serial number of the chassis instead of the controller. That way, if the controller had to be swapped out, the code would continue to run. I found KB 20156 explaining how to read the backplane information and how to cause a major fault if it is different. This is good information to know. Now that I can cause a major fault on the controller is there a way to display a custom message in the controller fault log beside the default? Reading the backplane serial number at first glance seems like a good way to protect your code for licensing distribution, but it doesn't do anything at all to prevent cut and paste copying of your program, sans the protected routine that reads the chassis serial number, to a new project. Accessible code is always copy-able. It seems to me that you are going to have to make some trade-offs here - maybe you can put part of your program in protected tasks and design those tasks so that they provide diagnostic details back in accessible tags. This is really a stab in the dark, but since the CLX can access the CF Card in the slot, you might try encrypting some licensing information there, then comparing in a source protected routine. Of course, most types of encryption cannot be exported outside of the US, so you'll have to do your homework there. This way you could ship a CF card with each new machine. Check TechID 28539 for info on read/write to CF card. But just in my opinion, if the Chinese can crack an iPhone before it even hits the market, most of this might be moot. JHutch - Linkified for convenience. I don't have anything to add technically, but I passed this info on to the product managers. There are a lot of variations on the requests-for-security-enhancements theme that have come in over the years, and no two are alike, so it's really hard to develop the *right* thing. n


### Human: 1747-KFC15 Firmware Hi, Where i can find the 4.2 update firmware for the 1747-KFC15 ? Thx. ### Assistant: Gautier: Call in to tech support (+1.440.646.3434 or your local number) and request a firmware kit. It's not available online. KurtH Ok, thank you Kurth. n