Joe Tauser

This is not a new request or concern. I asked about it in November of 2009: Backing Up RAM Values The ability to store and restore the values in the RAM table is a tool that is absolutely required in Visilogic. We clearly have the code to do it in Remote Access. We know what all the table sizes are because the model number is defined in the project. Rather than letting the user define the data areas, just default to them all. If they want to get picky and specify data areas then that's what Remote Access is for. Joe T.

The expansion adapter is required for this module, and you'll probably want to use the new isolated EX-A2X. The EX-A1 is being phased out. There are three modules that have the expansion adapter built in: EX90-DI8-RO8 EX-D16A3-RO8 EX-D16A3-TO16 Unless you've already bought the IO-DI8-TO8, you may want to look at the specs on these. Joe T.

Do some digging on NI's website for the LabView code. Here's the Modbus library: LabView Modbus Libary 1.21 Be sure to read the user comments about a bug in one of the vi's. Here's NI's Modbus introduction: NI Modbus intro Assuming the V230's will be slaves, all you have to do on the Unitronics side is configure the Ethernet port, trigger a Modbus IP configuration block with SB 2, and hang a Modbus IP ScanEX block on the rail. Joe T.

Ditto. The older versions of Visilogic defaulted to 57600 baud. I've observed that when you install the new software version and start to upgrade the O/S, the PLC immediately goes to 115200 but the software stays at 57600 and doesn't bother retrying at 115200 unless you manually set it. It's bit me in the butt with my customers a couple of times. This may be an issue the Creators want to look at. Joe T.

100 entries x 40 characters at two characters/MI = 2000 MIs needed. The V1040 has 4096 MIs, which leaves you 2096 MIs for your logic. Are you using this many? Joe T.

Which function number are you using? Joe T.

Somewhat hidden in the String Editor dialog is the "Insert Indirect String" button. This will allow you to map MIs to the string library. You can use a string object on a screen to write a string to these MIs and it will appear in the String Library. Joe T.

First, the data tables and string library are completely different animals and can't be lumped together with a "/". I'd suggest you take the time to read all the pages of the Help on these topics before working with one of these if it's your first project. Use a "Binary Text" object to display F or C based on an MB. Joe T.

In U90, go to Project->Properties and look at the Statistics tab. 60 displays are all you get. I would really like to see what you're doing that requires that many displays. It looks like you've hit the "Jazz Wall" - I've done it a couple of times myself. V130 time. Joe T.

Here's a link to the M-Bus documentation- M-Bus Doc I gave it a quick scan. It's pretty generic and makes several references to "manufacturer specific commands". Also, the physical layer is a two-wire network that toggles between +36V and 12-24V, so I wouldn't go plugging an RS232 cable into the M-bus port. Your best bet is to try to get some kind of communication manual that includes a description of the RS2323 protocol from the manufacturer. That should go into the detail you need. What are the details on your heat meter? Joe T.

Well you learn something new every day. Kind of blows a hole in the "jump" functionality of the display, but the time saved in not having to re-create all those screens is well worth it. I know Jas loves to do those webinars, so maybe we should have a really boring one on how all those special system bits and integers work. Seriously. Joe T.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to make two identical screens, one with editable variables and one without. Initially display the non-editable display and trigger the editable one with the enter key. Jump back to the non-editable display on SB30 (all variables complete) Joe T.

Are you using AC or DC excitation? I've had good luck with AC. Joe T.

The real question is "where in the V570 is the internal sensor located and what is it's purpose?" If it's near or on a power device, then a 20 C rise is not unusual, but may indicate an early warning. I don't think this value was ever intended to be an ambient temperature indicator. This is one for the Creators. Stein? Emil? Joe T.

This is the problem with the Jazz- people start pushing it to places it can't go. The best way to work with this PLC is ignore the fact that it can do limited long integer functions and approach your application from an old-school 16 bit mindset. Then you won't be tearing your hair out trying to move numbers around in a way that can't be done. There are ways to work with large numbers in MI land - give us some more details on exactly what you are trying to do and we can help. I've done three projects that began with a Jazz because of the attractive price and then replaced it with a V130 because the calculations and display required long integers. I just always start with a V130 now. Joe T.

The operands are "in use" until you delete the description, then the checkmark disappears. Not sure why, but that's how it works. Joe T.

I just solved this same problem. The O/S doesn't matter. Here's a copy of my post on the old forum with a link to the file and instructions- This got screwed up when I did a Windows update. If anyone else needs this file, I've posted version 6.1 here: Correct version of xceedzip.dll Just copy this file over the existing one in C:\WINDOWS\system32. You may have to run regsvr32 to re-register it if it doesn't work. Joe T.

I have the DST routine I wrote for the US saved as an export but can't upload a .vlx file. Why is this? Joe T.

Start by doing a descriptor export from Visilogic- Edit->Export Operands Descriptions. This will give you an easy-to-read file with the proper format that you can edit in Excel and then re-import. Joe T.

Help yourself! Anything I post on the forum is free for the world to use. Joe T.

I watched the webinar on the PTO function and was anxious to play with it, so I downloaded the Yair's example project. The only problem was I don't have V350's laying around like they do at the mothership; we keep V130-33-TR34's handy for the customer that uses this function collection. There is no way to go from a color PLC to a monochrome one, so I fired up a cigar and regenerated the application for V130 land. It's been kid-tested and mother-approved. Enjoy. Joe T. PTO Example -V130.vlp

Good suggestion, Damian. Or you could use an EX-RC1 and make the I/O a remote drop. The V1040 has a CANbus port. Either way, it will make a more stable installation. Getting a super-long expansion cable made by the factory is going take a few weeks. Joe T.

It won't work with 5V or 12V. Per the datasheet, the -E1B is looking for 24V signals. It's minimum logic 1 is 17 volts. Been there. You'll need a converter that takes it all the way to 24V or you'll need different outputs on your encoder. If you use a converter, make sure its frequency response is high enough to handle the encoder signal. Joe T.

You'll have to evaluate your application to decide if it's worth trying to write your own motion control program. If you need to work in virtual X and Y coordinates as opposed to absolute positions then you will have some pretty intense calculations and you may well run out of floating point registers in Unitronics. That's not to say it can't be done. The application we did was a single axis high precision feeder that wasn't too complex from a motion standpoint. Here's a link to the maintenance manual- Alpha series manual The manual mentions some kind of screen. Is there a monitor port on the amplifier, and do you have it? Or does it use an RS232 terminal? Joe T.

Dumb question - did you copy the demo .htm files to the \Web directory on the SD card? Joe T.