Allen Bradley SLC 500 and Visual Basic.net

[T0n3z]

Hi,

I'm automating a machine at work using an allen bradley slc 500. It is going to use a industrial PC to run the HMI software on. The problem is what software to use. I have a lot of programs the operator can load and a lot settings contained within that will be updated to the PLC when loaded. As a result I need something that can access the HDD for job storage. I decided on using visual basic to write the HMI as I have experience with VB.net.

What I need to know is what is the best way of using VB.net to read write to the PLC registers? I have used some free DF1 drivers at home but I need something solid and professional for work. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[T0n3z]

I was thinking along the lines of an activeX control ?

 

[amptramp]

I have used these ActiveX tools to build HMI screens. The tools are not free.

http://www.softwaretoolbox.com/index.asp

I found this site using google. The site provides HMI tools for .Net apps. I have not used their tools, and they also must be purchased.

http://www.automatedsolutions.com/

 

[T0n3z]

Amptramp,

Thanks for that. I am definetly prepared to pay for one. How was your experience with the activex control? Was it stable and reliable.

Thanks.

 

[controlsdude]

rockwell provides a batch loading tool for batch processes

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellsoftware/production/batch/

why reinvent the wheel?

 

[amptramp]

The HMI screens built with the Softwaretoolbox ActiveX controls and developed using VB 6 have worked for many months without causing problems. I used the Industrial Gadgets and Instrumentation Components packages. The application utilized a Controllogix PLC.

I noticed Softwaretoolbox offers a complete line of controls based on .Net although I have not used them.

 

[arj3090]

Give the DF1Comm open source driver a try:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/abdf1/

I am the primary developer and know it has been tested by a large number of users over several years, so I can attest to it being as solid and stable as any commerical driver. A newer version of the driver is included with the AdvancedHMI project:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/

The AdvancedHMI is a project designed for developing HMIs in Visual Basic .NET

The DF1Comm is the only driver (commercial or free) that supports program uploading and downloading. The driver has also been tested on DH+ using a SLC 5/04 with pass through bit set and also using a DL3500. It also works on DH485 using a 1770-KF3 module.

Within the next few weeks, a new release will be posted that adds support for the MicroLogix 1400 and a few other minor bug fixes. In the near future an Ethernet/IP driver will be released that support SLC 5/05, ML1100, ML1400, and other MicroLogix using a 1761-NET-ENI module. Its currently in the testing phase.

 

[arj3090]

I did forget to mention the videos that show how to use the DF1Comm driver and AdvancedHMI:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiPzqc5jDlE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-5STcYWQ7k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-E8NlUNiX4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94wgFX8yUlQ

 

[T0n3z]

arj3090,

Thankyou for your comments. As it happens I am familiar with your driver as that is the free one I have tried and I currently have it set up at home running my training rig. Although it is an excellent driver I did find it a little bit laggy at times. Sometimes I would click the button to turn on a bit but it wouldn't get the signal but then the next time it was fine. Is this a result of the DF1 protocol? As a result of what I experienced with your driver I have decided to invest in a 5/05 processor with Ethernet. I was seriously looking at automated solutions product but if your Ethernet version is due for release soon that may be a more suitable option. Many thanks for your excellent driver and it's good to see something for free Look forward to your reply.

 

[arj3090]

The lag you experience may be from a Syncronous reads. The version that is packaged with AdvancedHMI allows Asynchronous reads. This will not tie up the main form's thread while it is waiting for a response from the PLC.

If you want to try the latest version, I will be glad to email you the pre-release version. Use the email address in the comment header of the DF1Comm and I will reply with the latest version. The ethernet version has only been tested by a few people so far, but I'll be glad to send that also if you would like to try it.

 

[arj3090]

I posted the latest code for the AdvancedHMI project with the Ethernet/IP driver. I do have one known issue and that is recovery from a lost ethernet connection:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/

Here is how to use the Ethener driver:

1) After opening the Solution/Project in VB.NET 2008, Build the project
2) From the Toolbox, Drag and drop an EthernetIPorSLCMicro component to the form.
3) In the properties of the EthernetIPForSLCMicro, set the IP Address of your PLC(SLC/Micro/ENI)
4) Now drag any control (e.g. Gauge) from the Toolbox to the form
5) Set the PLCAddress propery