SLC 500 and Micrologix 1200 compatible software 1

[Skiroy]

I have a SLC 500 and Micrologix 1200 at work.

Will Micrologix 500 upload,download and edit both of these PLC's programs even though they were probably written with RS Logix 500?

1. What cables do I need
2. Why or why dont I need RS Linx on my Laptop because I was told I do,but I though RS Linx was only for networking PLCs.

3. Is Micrologix 500 and RS Logix 500 Windows XP compatible?

4. I can program the MicroLogix 1200 with RS Logix 500,right? It has been a while.

5 Lastly, What is the average cost of RS Linx and Micrologix 500 and can I install it on as many PCs as I want?

Thankx

 

[EddieWillers]

These are all good basic questions to ask of your local Rockwell Automation distributor, since they're the ones who will be selling you the software. Every RA distributor has at least one logic controller specialist per region whose whole job is selling and supporting these controllers and software.

There is quite a bit of variety in the SLC-500 and MicroLogix family so there will be some "it depends" answers.

The MicroLogix controllers are considered little brothers to the SLC-500 controllers, and use largely the same instruction set and the same editing software, "RSLogix 500"

There are several "Editions" of RSLogix 500, with different prices and features, to suit different users. The best summary of these is on Rockwell's website:

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellsoftware/design/rslogix500/orderinginfo.html

Because you need to work on both an SLC-500 and MicroLogix controllers, the "RSLogix Micro" is not for you.

You need at least one special cable; 1761-CBL-PM02. This goes from your PC's serial port to the round DIN8 port on the MicroLogix 1200.

You may need other cables depending on the model of SLC-5/0x controller. Some need a USB/DH485 network adapter, some just need an ordinary null-modem serial cable with DB9F connectors on both ends. Rockwell Automation's standard serial cable for the SLC-5/03, 5/04, and 5/05 controllers is the 1747-CP3 or 1756-CP3, both of which have a low-profile right-angle connector to fit inside the controller door. I frequently use generic cables with a null-modem adapter plug on the end.

If your SLC-5/0x controller is a 5/04 or 5/05 model, you might need a DH+ network adapter, or an Ethernet adapter, or you might be able to use the serial port.

RSLinx software provides a communications layer for Rockwell controllers. You need "RSLinx Classic Lite" for use with RSLogix and these controllers, which is free of charge and is included with RSLogix 500.

Versions 5.0 through current (8.40) of RSLogix 500 are compatible with Windows XP Professional. Windows XP Home is specifically not supported by RSLogix.

RSLogix software, like all Rockwell Software products, is protected by an activation system that restricts its installation. Typically a single license is installed on a single computer, but you can get a USB "dongle" hardware device that acts as a hardware identifier to allow you to install the software on multiple PCs and just carry around the "dongle" to activate it on one at a time.

For just one SLC-500 and one MicroLogix controller, I think the best Edition is "RSLogix 500 Starter". While it lacks the online editing features of RSLogix 500 Standard, it is significantly less expensive at around $600 USD.

 

[Skiroy]

Okay I have 2 questions. First one is stupid. I have a 15 pin connector on my labtop that has a |[]| symbol. I assume this is for an external monitor and is not a serial port,right?

2. Second question is based on the fact that I wasnt sure if it was a serialport or not so the AB rep quoted me a Serial to USB adapter for $137.00. Which is this one

http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/qs/gmsc10-qs003_-en-p.pdf

Is this really neccessary or will any USB to serial adapter work? Like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-RS232-S...?pt=AU_Laptop_Accessories&hash=item3f129b3b9b

Does Allen Bradley screw you by makingrequiring you to use there USb to serial adapter with a driver that will only be reconized via RS Linx?

 

[FreddyNurk]

You don't need a genuine AB USB to Serial converter, though its less likely that you'll have compatibility issues if you do.

I've used a particular unit with an FTDI chip on it for a few SLC500 units without an issue, I've used the same unit for Omron PLCs without a drama.

I use these: EasySync USB - Serial, not too bad for the price, and you can use multiple units at once. I've had better results with it than using the onboard serial port on my HP laptop.

N.B. I don't work for Dontronics.

 

[EddieWillers]

You're right about the 15-pin connector; that's a VGA port.

With USB/RS232 adapters, there is a huge difference between a $20 unit and a $40 unit. My absolute #1 recommendation is the USA-19HS from Keyspan (a subsidiary of Tripplite).

I have used this with dozens of A-B controllers, Modbus links, and ASCII devices with great success.

Most A-B field technicians carry the USA-19HS instead of the A-B unit.

The model number is specific: Keyspan/Tripplite have other units that are cheaper and not as good. You want the USA-19HS, not just a "Keyspan".

One very important exception is the old "1747-PIC/AIC+" driver in RSLinx, for old Data Highway 485 connections. This will not run with any general-purpose USB/RS232 adapter and requires instead the Allen-Bradley 1747-UIC module.

 

[Skiroy]

I have the older non modular SLC 500. Not a 5/0x series. Just has 30 I/O. So what do I need?

I am guessing the USB to serial adpater you suggest is for the serial cable I need for the MicroLogix 1200?

 

[Skiroy]

I also need the Allen Bradley PLC 1761-CBL-PM02 for the MicroLogix 1200. Is there cable that goes straight from serial to USB without needing this additional adapter?

 

[EddieWillers]

The old "brick" style SLC-500 controllers have only a DH485 network port. Those require the use of a 1747-UIC module from Allen-Bradley. No other USB device will work with them.

There are a few unauthorized imitators of the 1747-UIC, notably from ind-concepts.com. While I have not personally used their 1747-UIC device, I have had very good success with their other cables and devices.

http://ind-concepts.com/Allen_Bradley_PLC_Cables.htm

For the MicroLogix 1200 controller, use an ordinary USB/RS232 converter and a 1761-CBL-PM02 cable. Those cables have been the standard connection to MicroLogix since the mid 1990's and you'll get a heck of a lot of use out of them.

 

[Skiroy]

http://ind-concepts.com/Allen_Bradley_PLC_Cables.htm

That is actually the exact one I was going to get for the SLC 500. Does anyone know of any compatibility issues with it with regards to Windows 7,xp,vista or RSLogix 500 Start 8.4?

Also I know I can use a dongle to use the RSLogix on more than one laptop. But is the dongle a Allen Bradley or any usb drive will work? And can I have more than one dongle so my coworker can use his while I use mine on my shift?

 

[EddieWillers]

The ordinary RS-232/USB interface from Ind-Concepts.com has worked both with my Windows 7 Professional host computer and with my Windows XPSP3 virtual machine. I wouldn't use a Vista computer for any longer than it would take for me to find an unlocked dumpster.

The A-B activation dongle (currently the 9300-USBDONG2, I think) is a special device with a hardware ID inside, rather than just a memory stick. You need one for each session you're going to run, so if you need to run two PCs simultaneously, you need two dongles.

 

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