Incorrect PLCName - Reset? (or serial cable...)

[SteveH]

Hi,

Just bought a (used) Vision230 which did not come with any accessories. I've managed to set the IP address from the front panel, and it is on my network, but when I try to connect with Visilogic over the network it tells me I have the incorrect PLC Name.

The diagnostics page on the HMI doesn't show a PLC name (just the PLC Code Version).

It clearly has a program in it, but I believe it's a demo (references Gradient Coil; Cryogen Comp, Facility) as the values are all showing up as good with no I/O - I wondered if this was a standard demo or example, but can't find it in the Visilogic examples (hoping I could find the PLCname this way)

Is there anyway to reset or find out the PLCName either from the physical device, or over the IP connection?

Worst case I see that I should be able to access the unit over COM1; I don't have a serial cable; on ebay I see a few of the adapters MJ10-22-CS25; I'll get one if I have to but was trying to work out whether the RJ11 cable was straight through (I'd prefer to get an RS232-CB1, which includes the cable). Does anyone know the quickest place to get one at reasonable cost (US) - as I think I'm only using it once! ($20 shipping for a $3 connector isn't that reasonable...)

Thanks in advance!

Edit 30-Apr-13: I have the password, and have been able to access the information pages from the front panel. Unfortunately the value in SDW9 doesn't appear to be the current PLC Name, and I can't find a "Version" page that shows the PLCName. Is it possible to do a complete reset of the unit to factory settings (then use the value in SDW9 to access the unit over Ethernet?)

Steve

[Joe Tauser]

Steve,

You have to be able to access this unit serially to get the Ethernet configured. If you haven't already, download Visilogic and look at the examples on getting the Ethernet port configured. You'll need to use the "Set PLC Name" block and the blocks associated with the Ethernet port to get it initialized and talking.

Not all USB to Serial adapters are created equal and not all of them work. The one Unitronics sells is kid-tested and mother-approved to talk to the PLC.

The MJ10-22-CS25 is the serial cable only. The PLC ships with one - if you didn't get it then you'll need to procure one- we sell them for $20. The USB converter is a part number MJ10-22-CS35 - we sell these for $35.00

Joe T.

[SteveH]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your reply!

I already have the ethernet address configured (I was able to do this from the HMI panel, having entered the password), and I have Visilogic installed, but can't connect because I don't know the current PLC Name (I can see the value of SDW9, but this doesn't seem to work as the PLCName when connecting over Ethernet - I assume because the code it is running has overridden it.

I had wondered if there was a way to completely reset/erase the unit from within the HMI Panel User Interface, restoring the default PLC Name (which I know ) - this would clearly be the quickest solution for me!

That said, if the only way to access is going to be over a serial connection I'll buy a cable...I'll shoot you an email in a second). I also need the Phoenix I/O connectors ( I believe part number 1757080-MSTB 2.5/9-ST-5.08) - do you have six of these in stock?

Regards

Steve

[Alexander]

Unfortunately there is no way to determine the existing PLC name within the standard series controllers. The standard series controllers have the program stored in the flash memory. There is no way to reset the information from the controller. You would need to send a blank program to completely erase the information in the controller, which in this case you would need to use a serial cable connection since the PLC name is not accessible.

[SteveH]

Unfortunately there is no way to determine the existing PLC name within the standard series controllers. The standard series controllers have the program stored in the flash memory. There is no way to reset the information from the controller. You would need to send a blank program to completely erase the information in the controller, which in this case you would need to use a serial cable connection since the PLC name is not accessible.

Thanks. I ended up making my own serial cable, which worked perfectly (and was quicker than waiting for one). Just used Rx/Tx/GND (no need for the control signals. Also,if it helps anyone, I used the Digi Edgeport/1 USB/RS232 adapter under Windows7 64bit. Cable and USB connector worked first time!

Regards,

Steve

[Flex727]

I been using a TRENDnet USB to RS-232 Serial Converter TU-S9 with my Win7 64-bit machine at 1/10th the price of the Digi. Works perfectly.

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-RS-232-Serial-Converter-TU-S9/dp/B0007T27H8/

[linxchas]

Just a tip:

Try to upload existing program

If it not password protected, than you may find PLC name in the ladder logic

[meirgo]

i am new user in unitronics

what sw i need download for win7 64bit to develope ladder and vission ?

THANKS

[Saragani]

Visilogic.

There is only 32 bit version (and it works on both 32 and 64 bit versions of windows).

 

You will need to disable the UAC on windows.