Creating Data Tables with time logs

[Mshak]

So I am a beginner when it comes to not only unitronics software, but PLC's in general. I am tasked to connect 2 door bells (one in the front, one in the back) to the PLC and create a program that once one of the buttons has been pressed, it sends a signal to the plc which activates a horn and tower lights (depending on the door).

My problem is creating a data table that acts as a log. It is supposed to keep track of  - 1. the time when a button is press, and  - 2. the date.

Also one other question, the timer off command doesn't seem to work in my programming, which is supposed to turn off the outputs after 5 seconds. of being activated,

Thanks, I know it is a lot but any help would be appreciated. 

 

[Flex727]

5 hours ago, Mshak said:

the timer off command doesn't seem to work in my programming, which is supposed to turn off the outputs after 5 seconds. of being activated,

Use a positive transition of your button push to activate a Time TE. Use the output bit of the TE to activate your outputs.

Something like this:

You appear to have the Horn coil in both rungs 1 & 2. THAT WILL NOT WORK. You can only have a direct coil in one ladder rung.

[Flex727]

6 hours ago, Mshak said:

My problem is creating a data table that acts as a log. It is supposed to keep track of  - 1. the time when a button is press, and  - 2. the date.

You're on the right track using the UDFB RTC to ASCII. Just place a line like this in your Main Routine:

Then copy those operands over to your Data Table Struct triggered by a positive transition of your button press. You will also need to index the Data Table down a line each time.

[Mshak]

Thank you, this information helped out a lot. One last question, when doing the call functions, I see you numbers the time to #1 and the date to #9.... are those arbitrary numbers?  What do they represent?

[Flex727]

12 minutes ago, Mshak said:

I see you numbers the time to #1 and the date to #9.... are those arbitrary numbers?  What do they represent?

If you look at the top comment line of the RTC to ASCII UDFB, it explains what the numbers mean. It's basically selecting which format style you want your Time and Date strings to be in.

[Mshak]

Can you explain exactly how to index the data table down a line each time?

[Flex727]

33 minutes ago, Mshak said:

Can you explain exactly how to index the data table down a line each time?

You appear to be using Data Table Indexed. There is a function for "Insert Row to DTI" that automatically shifts the rows down below the point of insertion.