Q: AB DH+ PLCs upgrade to Ethernet - Nov 4, 2005 11:53 am, by Mark Gallagher
Subject : PLCs from the Automation List dept.

I have a busy AB DH+ Network with many SLC 5/04s and PLC-5s that I would like to upgrade to Ethernet. What are some options that won't break our bank account?

A:DataLink has a couple of options including the DL4500-EDH+ and the DL3500-DH+/IAP . Our Controllers allow the user to access all the nodes on DH+ from either AB Ethernet/IP or Ethernet TCP/IP. Therefore, you don't need to upgrade each AB PLC with an ethernet module. Note it's also available in DH-485.

Q: Flowmeter supporting Ethernet Modbus TCP/IP Oct 6, 2005 11:24 pm, by Rob Subject : Process Control from the Automation List dept.

Customer is replacing a Rockwell ControlLogix system with a Modicon Unity Quantum for a process control application. We need to install two (2) flow meters for natural gas supporting Ethernet Modbus TCP/IP protocol. Can someone provide us with a vendor list? Thanks in advance. For the records, customer stated Modicon Unity Quantum is currently the best PLC in the market for process control!

A: DataLink has many solutions for connectivitiy to Modbus TCP/IP (ie. DL4500-MEDH+ will interface to AB's DH+ or DH-485)

Q: ControlLogix and CompactLogix Communication Sep 9, 2005 1:48 am, by Anonymous Subject : Communications from the A little confused dept.

Today I went to work on the messaging and I think I understand how to configure and set it up. Where I'm getting bogged down is this, Do I need to do a write message from the ControlLogix to the CompactLogix? and a read message at the CompactLogix. The ControlLogix controller has data that I need in the CompactLogix in order to complete the functions of the two pieces of equipment. This is my first messaging that I have had to do with these type of controllers over ethernet. Your help would be very much appreciated.

A: Another option for your application is to interface your CompactLogix (via CH0 DF1) onto DH+ with the DataLink DL3500-DH+/DF1 Controller. This solution also work great with SLC 5/05s & Micrologix DF1 interface to DH+ or DH-485 too.

Q: Sep 15, 2005 2:16 am, by budi Subject : Communications from the instrument & control dept.

we need support how to make communication with different mode of modbus DCS with RTU and the other partner with ASCII. is it possible on software modification, like software modification or additional converter RTU/ASCII? we have slave 10 ea with different branch AB-5, siemens s7-200, and PILZ PLC to communicate with DCS. Thanks for your support. Regards, Budi

A: The DataLink DL4000-MMX will also convert Modbus ASCII to Modbus RTU. .

Q: Connecting PC to PLCs Jul 6, 2005 5:14 pm, by Wasim Subject : Communications from the Automation List dept.

Hi all, I have 40 PLCs in my department. I'm looking for: A device to link between the PC and the PLCs, in the PC side there is ethernet point, I the second side there is 40 points of RS232 to connect the PLCs. In this way, I can request each PLC through TCP\IP. Please give me another suggestions to this well. I want to totally control the PLCs. If you have sme information also on PLC communication driver. Regards...

A: The DataLink DL4500-EDH+ will interface your MMI (ie. WW, Kepware, RSLOGIX, Citect) over Etherenet TCP/IP to see all the nodes on your AB's DH+ & DH-485 Network. DL has an Ethernet/IP solution as well, DL3500-DH+/IAP.

Q: Nodes dropping on DH+ network Apr 15, 2005 12:50 am, by Anonymous Subject : Networking from the Automation List dept.

I have a DH+ network with 22 nodes on it. When I add one more device to the network, I start seeing nodes fall off the network. Can someone tell me if I have exceeded the maximum number of nodes for this network? If not, what could possibly be causing these nodes to drop?

A: I would check the LEDs of the devices, if there are PLCs see if the DH+ LED is on solid or flashing or red. Red usually means a duplicate node, green flashing means tokens are getting lost. I would bet it is physical problem, either you have to many or to few terminating resistors, or adding an extra bit of cable changed the characteristics of your transmission line, or maybe just bad connection.

Q: Maximum distance by DH-485??? Jun 20, 2005 12:57 pm, by x-redrock Subject : Communications from the Automation List dept.

Hi all, I have SLC 5/03 that have 1 port DH-485 and 1 port RS-232(DF1). DH-485 is already connected to Panel View 1000. My problem is, i want my SLC 5/03 connect to PC, and the distance is about 5 miles. There is have a Fiber Optic network.

PC<-----> Fiber Optic Network <-----> SLC 5/03 Can i use 1747-PIC at SLC 5/03 side and PC side, like this : RS232 DH-485 DH-485 RS232 PC<----->1747PIC<----->FO<----->1747PIC<---->SLC

Can DH-485 cover the distance (about 5 miles)??? please your idea and suggest. thanks, best regards, x-redrock

A: SLC 5/03 DH-485 <- -> PanelView1000 | <- -> DL3500-DH-485/DF1 <-->FO Modem <- ->FO Modem <- -> PC

1) Create an isolated DH-485 network of three nodes, the SLC 5/03, PanelView, DL3500-DH-485/DF1. Assume the SLC5/03 to Panelview DH-485 is already an isolated DH-485 network with an A and B signal like one out of a AIC+ module or PIC.

2) Use 1 DL3500-DH-485/DF1 www.protocolconverter.com converter to convert DF1 to isolated DH-485. Then the Serial RS232 protocol (which works over modems) then can be connected to the destination PC running just a serial DF1 driver such as RSLINX or Kepware

Q: Communication between SLC 5/04 & SCADA Jun 11, 2005 9:22 am, by Don Subject : Communications from the Automation List dept.

Hi, A project that I am working on now requires two SLC 5/04 talking to each other AND commmunicate with a SCADA individually. I think the SLCs come with DH+ and RS-232 port. In this case, do i need to buy modbus modules or other commmunication modules in order to establish the communication between the SLC and the SCADA? Thanks. Don

A: 2 options:

A) DL3500-DH+/Modbus to go off the DH+ port that you have connected between the two SLC 5/04s. B)DL4000-DMX to go off the RS232 CH0 of one of the SLC5/04s and then connect the two SLCs via DH+ for SLC to SLC communication. The DL3500 DH+ solution will allow both SLCs to access the SCADA system if it is a MODBUS SLAVE or allow the SCADA system to access both SLCs if it is a MASTER.

Q: Where can I find technical details on A-B DF1 protocol?

A: In A-B Publication 1770-6.5.16 Data Highway / Data Highway Plus / DH485 Communication Protocol and Command Set.

Q: What type of cabling is required for your products?

A: All products include a 3-pin Euro/Phoenix connector but the standard "Blue Hose" is required to connect to DH+/RIO. DataLink can provide the 6 ft cables and adaptors that connect Datalink products to a 9 pin or 25 pin serial port (PC).