Messages

11

Modbus / Re: Inputs

« on: October 17, 2008, 08:17:29 PM »

I just went through all of the brain videos again, where is the "Read the Brain How to doc under member docs" at?  Is it on the yahoo forum?

12

Modbus / Re: Inputs

« on: October 16, 2008, 11:43:17 AM »

OK,

I am actually posting about inputs.  My outputs are working correctly.  The question is more about setting the modbus address range for a given block on inputs.  I know that the modbus address range for the outputs is 2048-2150, which corresponds to the automation direct spreadsheet that gives the Octal to modbus decimal address conversion.  That spreadsheet also tells me that the input range should start at 12048.  My issue is how to get Mach to respond to it, or somehow verify that it is indeed 12048.

Is there a way to poll the modbus to tell me when a particular input is fired?

Thanks

Roger

13

Modbus / Inputs

« on: October 15, 2008, 05:36:45 PM »

I have a DL06 connected to my Mach PC via modbus.  I have about 60 modbus outputs that work fine and do what they should.  For some reason I can't figure out the inputs.  The first output coil is 2048, so I addressed the first input as 12048 as the AD spreadsheet.  I am running the inputs through a brain to trigger an LED, but no success.

Also, I go into the Configure Modbus screen and I get a "timeout" error when I poll the PLC. 

14

Brains Development / Re: Using a DRO in a Brain

« on: August 08, 2008, 09:51:13 AM »

Thanks Scott, I figured out that I need to enable the brain if I actually want it to work.

Roger

15

Brains Development / Using a DRO in a Brain

« on: August 07, 2008, 07:01:01 PM »

I am trying to use a Y axis DRO to trigger clamps to release.  What I would like is to watch the DRO, and when it is between 10 and 20 inches from Z, to release an air cylinder (over ModIO).  I have control of the cylinder in a different brain.

I set up a brain that uses the Y axis DRO, then a >10, then a <20, then a NOP, then the modio address.  When I watch it and move the axis, the DRO value doesn't change.

Any thoughts?

16

General Mach Discussion / Re: Automation Direct Photo switch

« on: April 25, 2008, 11:45:32 AM »

I agree, the PLC isn't the best.  I will look into the relay, hopefully the draw is small enough the switch will let it pull in.

17

General Mach Discussion / Re: Automation Direct Photo switch

« on: April 25, 2008, 11:32:37 AM »

Thanks Sid, that is one of the first things I did.  I put a 12v mini relay in there, but the switch does pass enough current to pull the contacts.  I suppose I could go with a smaller, mini relay.  I think at this point it would be easiest to burn an input and an output on the plc to make it work.

Roger

18

General Mach Discussion / Re: Automation Direct Photo switch

« on: April 25, 2008, 11:22:46 AM »

I tried the 1k resistor, and the sensor went to a constant on.  I went with 100k resistor, and it slowed the pulse, but not enough.  I tried about 10 different values in between, and while they all made a difference, none rocked the world.  Any help would be great.

Roger

19

General Mach Discussion / Re: Automation Direct Photo switch

« on: April 23, 2008, 10:37:18 AM »

To answer some of the questions on the last two posts.  I am cutting a SIP (structural insulated panel), it is a sandwich of 2 sheets of OSB and styrofoam in the middle.  The parts are 8' x 24', and vary from 4.5" thick to 12.25" thick.  The panels are vertical, and they move in the X, where the saw moves in the Y,Z, Beta, and tilt.  This particular switch is fed off a powered coveyor into the saw.  This trips the sensor.  The X axis then clamps onto the part (now I have stepper precision) and backs the part up until this switch is clear.  This will be my zero position.

I tried the retro-reflective sensors, but the skin of the part varies too much.  I was having the same signaling problem on the Campbell board with a banner 312 photo sensor using through beam fiber optics.  For using a mechanical limit switch, until the part is clamped, there is no guarantee that the part will be close enough to the switch to trigger it. 

Ideally I can get this switch to work.  If it is just too sensitive for the Campbell, I will probably hard wire this switch to the PLC, and code in that as soon as that input is latched, fire an output hooked to the Campbell.  That way I maintain the speed, but can use the PLC to filter the signal.

Hope this helps explain my problem some.

20

General Mach Discussion / Re: Automation Direct Photo switch

« on: April 22, 2008, 05:10:05 PM »

Here is a link to the switch.  I am hoping that a resistor will do the trick!

Thanks
Roger

http://web1.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Photoelectric_Sensors/18mm_Round_-_Metal_(C18_Series)/Polarized_Retroreflective_(Axial)/C18P-AN-1E