/r/PLC

Photograph via snooOG

This sub is dedicated to discussion and questions about Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): "an industrial digital computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, robotic devices, or any activity that requires high reliability, ease of programming, and process fault diagnosis."

Description

This sub is dedicated to discussion and questions about Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): "an industrial digital computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, robotic devices, or any activity that requires high reliability, ease of programming, and process fault diagnosis."

On topic subjects

  • News and articles about PLCs
  • Questions about PLCs
  • Homework help; but make it clear it's homework
  • PLC internship, employment and education questions

Off topic subjects

Rules

  1. Be civil: do not insult; no all-caps, no excessive "!" and "?", please.
  2. Submissions must be on topic
  3. If asking a question, ask the actual question, fully yet concisely, right in the title
  4. No spam; no self-promotion (*); no commercial content. Any ads (offer or wanted) go to the weekly thread
  5. No shit posts (memes - pictures with superimposed text - are OK)

(*) At mods' discretion, certain self-promotion submissions from people who contribute to this sub in other ways may be allowed and tagged with the "Self-promo" flair

Complete rules:/r/plc/about/rules/

Please click "report" on spam

Related sub-reddits:

/r/IndustrialAutomation

/r/processcontrol

/r/controltheory

/r/askengineers

/r/askelectronics

/r/arduino

/r/EngineeringResumes

/r/PLC

92,008 Subscribers

1

Will a bigger VFD run cooler?

I have a 2hp pump and I'm running it off a 2hp Amazon VFD. It's tripping due to overtemp.

If I swap it out for a 5hp VFD, will it run cooler?

0 Comments
2024/11/12
21:27 UTC

3

Yummy

0 Comments
2024/11/12
20:54 UTC

1

Looking for your info

We are looking to acquire a UR5 Universal Robot. We want to add vision, but it's been a while since I looked at the players. I am looking for any thoughts on Cognex vs Keyence vs Robotiq vs Matrox. We aren't doing OCR, just positioning and palatizing. Does anyone have any thoughts?

2 Comments
2024/11/12
20:35 UTC

0

Has anyone worked with Keyence VS Cameras?

Working on an upcoming project with Keyence VS series cameras, was wondering if anyone here has experience with VS cameras that might be able to help me.

Pretty simple ask, can you view VS camera outputs like IV Sensor outputs from a web browser if I point a web browser at its IP???

Thanks in advance

3 Comments
2024/11/12
20:29 UTC

1

eServer - Trigger Condition not working

https://preview.redd.it/dcn8rboq4j0e1.png?width=547&format=png&auto=webp&s=4d44c14e666c181908951ea8b3a982d0c7cc3359

Hello.
I want to log data from a Delta HMI to Access (or Excel) using eServer.
Using a Constant Time Condition it logs the data and theres no issue there.
But when I use a trigger condition, it doesnt log anything. I followed the eServer manual and youtube videos but nothing, It doesnt log anything.
If someone can give an step by step explanation on how to use the trigger properly, Ill appreciate it. Or whatever help you can bring, thank u.

0 Comments
2024/11/12
20:21 UTC

1

Lufkin POC expansion board manual

Does anyone have the "Lufkin Expansion Board Type 5 User's Guide" manual?

0 Comments
2024/11/12
19:10 UTC

1

Getting out on my own

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working as a cad drafter for years I was a field tech and panel builder. I want to start doing my own work on the side. For those of you doing it, how did you start finding work in this area? Was it through Craigslist or Facebook or just beating the streets?

Any tips or resources would be appreciated, especially around getting that first panel-building project and any recommendations on tools or software that are must-haves.

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories and advice!

2 Comments
2024/11/12
19:06 UTC

2

Upload from PLC 1200/1500 with comments

Hi there!

I have a PLC 1200 (firmware 4.5+) programmed with Tia portal 18 and I want to know how I could upload a program from plc to pc with the networks comments ?

When I try to upload the program it only shows the blocks but without any comments. I have already tried changing the editing and reference languages ​​and it still doesn't work.

Any help, thank you.

11 Comments
2024/11/12
18:18 UTC

24

Is it time to go home yet?

Trying to help this guy offsite and I ask for the dreaded panel pic. Lordy. How do they get to this point ? All started with replacing a sensor cable ( the new looking one on top of the mess ) and it devolved into the PLC not being on the network.

24 Comments
2024/11/12
18:10 UTC

2

How to: Show Logix 5000 Processor Status in SCADA

I have a view in the SCADA that shows the status of every device in the IO tree, well it shows wether they are running or not. I'm using GSVs to get the EntryStatus for everything.

Trying to figure out how to get the Local processor's status when it's faulted and show it in SCADA as well.

2 Comments
2024/11/12
17:54 UTC

0

Need help to understand a push button implementation with Counter Function

If you know about counter functions can you help me, i will show you the function i just need to know how the inputs work 🙏

4 Comments
2024/11/12
17:40 UTC

1

Transformer overloading

I have two independent Delta/Y 480/208 6kVA transformers. On the secondary both have balanced three phase loads acting in similar manner. For 50 seconds load is only draws around one amp, and for 2 seconds it peaks to 15 amps on first transformer and 25 amps on second. Both transformers are Square D encapsulated and rated for 16.7 A on the secondaries. The one which only see 15 amps I have no problem with but the one which has 25 amps I think on the long run may eventually fail. I didn't measure temperature but just by touching the one which experiencing 25Amps peaks noticeably hotter, which of course understandable. It still way colder than rated 105C, but I was wondering what those peak overloads may do to transformer on the long run. Would this potentially cause insulation breakdown. Should note that equipment had been in operation for 8 years. Wondering if you guys have experience with similar setup, or similar conditions and give some recommendations. Thank you.

5 Comments
2024/11/12
17:18 UTC

2

CODESYS Native PLC

It has been difficult for me to navigate various manufacturers brochures and websites to find out which manufacturers PLCs are natively supported by CODESYS so I am asking for help here.

Which PLCs are natively supported by CODESYS, with or without plugins or add-ons?

What I mean is, which PLCs can be programmed entirely using the CODESYS tool available from the CODESYS website?

What I have found is that manufacturers whose PLCs claim to be supported by CODESYS actually require you to purchase their own version of rebranded CODESYS. Presumably they still use the CODESYS runtime operating system and their rebranded software is just a customised version of CODESYS under the hood, but that isn't what I am looking for.

17 Comments
2024/11/12
15:41 UTC

1

Siemens S7-Plcsim V18

I can’t open plc sim v18. Is there anything that I need to do to allow for me to open this and sim my PLC.

1 Comment
2024/11/12
15:13 UTC

1

Toyopuc nano 10gx error 36

Need help my plc is showing error 36 no idea how to solve

0 Comments
2024/11/12
15:04 UTC

1

Communication from VFD to HMI problems

I’m fairly new to PLC/HMI programming so this might be a dumb question but I can’t figure it out.

At work I recently needed to add another conveyor belt to an existing system that would run in sync with the belt before it. Instead of running a new circuit with a new VFD I bought a bigger VFD to accommodate both motors which will always run in sync and at the same speed (and put individual overloads for both). The system uses Eaton DM1 Pro VFDs, so I got the same brand and model but a bigger version to allow more current. After wiring everything and copying over all parameters and increasing necessary current parameters, I can not get the VFD to communicate to the HMI (an AB PanelView). The VFD will run both motors on keypad mode just fine but on remote mode the HMI shows a “comms fault” and won’t start (and I have made sure the VFD parameters are on remote start control). Is there something I need to reprogram in the HMI/PLC or does it have to be something in the parameters?

12 Comments
2024/11/12
15:02 UTC

3

Trying to adjust alarm tags in Allen Bradley, will it automatically change the HMI as well?

Very new to the Allen Bradley rslogix 5000 software, looks really good so far, especially as a fault finding tool, I like it. However, when chasing an issue a few nights ago, I discovered the alarm tag is irrelevant to the actual fault. Turns out the system has been upgraded to stop a mixing bowl from being incorrectly loaded, but the alarm text not. I can see the message on the plc software and want to change it but I've not used the HMI software before and I'm wondering if I need to change that as well as the plc alarm or if it does it automatically? I'm more a mitsubishi/Siemens guy but truthfully more plc than hmi hence the help request. I also noticed a number of other generic alarm codes that "the chosen few" know what they relate to, but not anyone new coming in. I can get more details tomorrow what hardware is being used etc.

14 Comments
2024/11/12
14:33 UTC

3

Application to indicate flow of communication between multiple PLCs

Hi

I tend to use drawio application, for making flowcharts to show the data exchange between 2 or more PLC's communicating to each other.

However, I have always been told there is someone better at you at anything you do.. so to the millions on this subreddit, what methods do you use to visualize the communication between multiple PLC's.

The main reason I do this, is when I have meetings with third parties, its easier to run through a flowchart or something similar to make sure everyone involves understands when tags are expected to have certain values.

Looking forward to the responses.

2 Comments
2024/11/12
13:07 UTC

142

Why we can’t have nice things

Another panel from a plant I support. Didn’t look like this when it left our bench. Atleast the door can close on this one.

71 Comments
2024/11/12
12:56 UTC

3

Data Exchange Between Rockwell ControlLogix and Siemens S7-1500 Without Gateway

Hello everyone,

I'm working on setting up data exchange between a Rockwell ControlLogix PLC and a Siemens S7-1500. I need to achieve this without any intermediary devices or gateways.

I've found some examples using AOIs (Add-On Instructions) for both Modbus TCP and TCP/IP. I'm trying to understand which one is better suited for my needs, especially in terms of reliability and ease of configuration.

I've noticed that with TCP, I might need to "escape" or swap the bytes for REAL data types due to differences in how the two PLC brands handle data representation. Has anyone had experience with this? If so, could you share tips or confirm if Modbus TCP would make things easier?

Are there any other direct communication methods I should consider?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

7 Comments
2024/11/12
08:57 UTC

1

Machine Learning Model Integration with OpenPLC

Hello everyone, I planning to integrate ML in OpenPLC. I will run OpenPLC on a Raspberry Pi 4B. Can anyone guide me how I should proceed? I learnt that OpenPLC supports PSM (Python Sub Modules) to interface external sensors (like DS18B20) but I am not confident about my approach as I am very new to it. If anyone who has some experience with OpenPLC can guide me I will be very grateful.

5 Comments
2024/11/12
08:27 UTC

8

Loadcell transmitter cable

Anyone know what is the standard cable specification for loadcell transmitter as in image?

9 Comments
2024/11/12
06:39 UTC

1

Motor/drive causing pump to stall

This is a bit of a trip, completely stumped on this problem. Have a fc51 2.2kw drive hooked up to a mono pump, 400V 60Hz, will start and run fine up to about 50% speed and then the pump starts to stall, high amps on the drive and eventually trips. Now the strange part is if I crank to the speed up to 80% it'll power through and run fine. Low discharge pressure, 50% amps on the motor and getting the rates flow. If I then lower the speed below 70% it starts to bind/stall and the actual shaft speed slows, current goes up, flow goes down and it trips. So there's a range of 50-70% where the pump just won't run.

Already swapped the pump out as I suspected mechanical issue, both brand new pumps showing exact same behavior. Ran the motor with a bare shaft and it seemed fine. Same gearmotor on both pumps which leads me to believe it's either a motor fault under load or incorrect vsd configuration somehow. Control is basic digital/analog, speed reference and motor parameters are correct.

Absolutely bizarre so wondering if anyone has every heard of this issue.

12 Comments
2024/11/12
06:33 UTC

15

Remote Monitoring with Industrial IoT

Dear automation and software professionals,

I am an automation engineer primarily focused on process automation, especially in commissioning mining and wastewater treatment facilities. I have some amateur-level experience with IoT as well. As you know, SCADA software is available for monitoring and intervention, but it’s very costly, though we do use it. However, I’d like to retrieve data from PLCs at different sites and publish it on a website for monitoring purposes.

I’ve actually managed to achieve this. My question to you experienced colleagues is, in MES systems or similar projects, what is the best and most effective method?

My current method is as follows: I use Modbus Server with C# on the computer (e.g., Siemens, Schneider) to send data to Google Firebase, which I access via HTTP.

For security, I consider encrypting the PLC output and using an SSL certificate for HTTP, but my knowledge is limited beyond this. Alternatively, I retrieve data with Modbus and create a C# desktop application (.exe).

I would really appreciate it if you could share your advice and experiences to guide me. Thank you in advance!

IoT, #IoT

26 Comments
2024/11/12
06:03 UTC

0

Question on Remote Reset/Start activation for laser controlled by PLC

Hello,

I am quite new to the field, and am designing a system to operate a Synrad Firestar F100 laser.

The laser has one input connection and one output connection that is to work with a Siemens PLC. They are the Remote Reset/Start (pin 2) and the Laser Ready (pin 8) signal.

In the manual, the description says the Remote Reset/Start is activated with a pulse (not specified in the manual duration of pulse). Looking at the given examples in the manual, the signal seems to be active-low. I am not quite sure how this pulse is to be made, but was told to use a relay and to achieve this? Is my design correct for an active low signal (assuming a relay and coil can do this)? We are trying to active this signal by sending a high signal from the PLC.

Similarly, the Laser Ready signal also seems to be active low. I also have a relay and coil in that circuit, so that the PLC gets a high signal when the Laser Ready signal is output (saying the laser is ready to fire).

Link to information: https://imgur.com/a/peHUH1r

Image 1: My drawing (left is input, right is output)

Images 2-5: Remote Reset/Start information (input)

Images 6-7: Laser Ready information (output)

Laser Manual: https://www.manualslib.com/products/Synrad-Firestar-F100-9278629.html

Thank you for any advice and feedback!

2 Comments
2024/11/12
01:33 UTC

0

I recently came across this job for control engineer, do you think it is fair to have this as entery level in Perth Australia

Scope:

As a System Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our software platform, leveraging IoT, AI, and object detection technologies. You’ll work directly with industry-leading technologies. Your primary focus will be on software development, enhancing our platform to ensure it meets the evolving needs of our clients. Beyond development, you’ll maintain essential documentation, such as IO lists and functional descriptions, ensuring clarity and consistency across projects. Collaboration with the Senior Engineer Coordinator and Manager will be key as you contribute to customer satisfaction, timely project delivery, and ongoing and new project development.

Duties:

The primary responsibilities of a System/Control Engineer include but are not limited to:

Software Development and Integration

Develop, test, and maintain software applications using C++ and Qt to integrate smoothly with various hardware and software systems.

Program and configure industrial control systems in CodeSys to support automation tasks, ensuring the platform’s stability and adaptability to client needs.

Image Detection and Object Recognition

Implement and optimize image detection algorithms for object recognition, enabling the system to identify and track objects accurately in real time.

Integrate image detection capabilities with existing control systems to enhance automation, safety, and operational efficiency.

GNSS Data Processing and Transformation

Process and analyze GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to support precise location-based applications, ensuring accuracy in mobile environments.

Perform transformations and coordinate adjustments to accurately map GNSS data to project-specific geographic coordinates, supporting applications that require high spatial accuracy.

IoT and Sensor Integration

Design and implement IoT solutions, integrating sensor data (e.g., GNSS and image sensors) to enhance functionality and provide real-time data for decision-making.

Utilize sensor fusion techniques to combine data from multiple sources, improving the overall accuracy and reliability of the system.

Control Systems and Automation in CodeSys

Develop and maintain control systems for automation in CodeSys, ensuring these systems are reliable, responsive, and meet project-specific requirements.

Optimize control algorithms within CodeSys for improved stability, efficiency, and performance, particularly in automated industrial applications.

Documentation and Standards Compliance

Prepare and maintain essential documentation, including IO lists, functional descriptions, and detailed system diagrams, ensuring consistency and clarity across the team.

Ensure all solutions adhere to relevant industry standards and certifications, especially in automated and semi-autonomous applications.

Collaboration and Project Support

Work closely with the Senior Engineer and team members to support project development, customization, and client-specific requirements.

Provide technical assistance to clients, troubleshooting issues, and adapting solutions as needed to meet evolving project demands.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Stay updated on advancements in C++/Qt development, CodeSys, GNSS, IoT, and image detection to incorporate innovative techniques into the platform.

Propose and implement improvements to existing systems, contributing to the company's growth and competitive advantage in industrial automation.

Selection Criteria:

The criteria for selection for the System/Control Engineer position should include:

Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical, or Mechatronics (relevant experience in electronics/software design considered).

Skills:

Proficiency in programming (Qt, Linux, C++, C, Python, CodeSys), with additional knowledge in IoT and object detection.

Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical, Microsoft Office, and graphic design software.

Experience: Minimum 2 years

Soft skills: Strong team player, proactive problem solver, and well-organized to manage diverse workload demands.

Others: Australian Driver’s License, Passport, Police Clearance, and COVID-19 Vaccination status.

Highly Valued:

Experience with automation and programming for mobile applications.

Background in industrial automation and mobile electrical applications.

Knowledge of the mining industry (not essential).

See less

Seniority level

Entry level

Industry

Mining

Employment type

Full-time

8 Comments
2024/11/12
01:03 UTC

1

Intermittent Ethercat slave issue.

So, I don't do a lot of PLC work so I will try to make this a basic as I can. Also, in a hurry to type this up.

 

Have Beckhoff PLC with an intermittent issue in the Ethercat slave.

Got a series of 7 modules. We would get an alarm for 5 Operational but missing link, 6 and Init no communication, and 7 same thing. Now my thinking is the something is wrong with 6 either with the module (power or can) or sensors on it causing issues. I also maybe can out or power out from 5. Does not happen often. When I get the call to look at it everything is working and just clear the alarm. I have checked all the cables, and they are all good.

Anyplace I should look at? Modules are EP2238-0001

I read they have some sort of short circuit protection for the sensors, can, and power. Does this actively block it and if it gets too high of a current shut off the module then starts back up?

7 Comments
2024/11/12
00:08 UTC

2

Cognex Adress tia portal

https://preview.redd.it/a0bgo06hvc0e1.png?width=395&format=png&auto=webp&s=cc38516a78dcac4be34d154eaee29d69280f9a42

https://preview.redd.it/9pnfffyjvc0e1.png?width=528&format=png&auto=webp&s=0970c73bda3ce8297a6fc937493fbeb4ccf57698

Hello, I'm working with a Cognex In-Sight 2000 and an S7-1200 PLC. To determine the correct addresses, I'm referring to the CognexProfinetAddresses Excel sheet. However, I've encountered an issue: some 'module names' listed in the Excel sheet don't appear in my device overview. What should I enter in the fields marked with an 'X'?

1 Comment
2024/11/11
23:23 UTC

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