• Communication, Control options (Ethernet IP, Onboard IO, PN, etc.)
• Topology, component changes
• Motor, Rotation, Speed Options

Frequently, customers use different drive projects to handle these changes, consuming valuable controls programming resources to set up each machine. This blog will explain how to use a drive’s memory areas to save multiple configurations onto the same drive CF card memory.

SINAMICS Memory Structure

To better understand multiple configurations, it is important to understand the SINAMICS memory structure.

This diagram demonstrates how data is transferred from the Offline project (Starter or Portal) to the drive’s active memory (RAM) through download to the drive or upload from the drive. Additionally, the Online vales can be saved to Read-only memory (ROM) through the function “Copy RAM to ROM”. Lastly, when the drive is power cycled, the RAM is loaded from the Read-only memory on the CompactFlash card (CF Card).

Reading & Writing to ROM Areas (other than default)

During typical use, the drive utilizes the first Read-only memory area, ROM (1). However, there are several others on the CF card. For G120 drives, there are (3) supplementary memory areas: 10, 11, 12. For S120, there are (6) memory areas: 10, 11, 12, 1111, 1112, 1113. To save a configuration to a ROM area, simply set p0977 (S120/S150) or p0971 (G120) to the intended area. Always save ROM (1) for the active configuration (for next boot).

Similarly, a saved configuration can be loaded from any ROM area using p0976 (S120/150) or p0970 (G120). NOTE: The drive will default to ROM (1) on the next power cycle. Be sure to save the active configuration to ROM (1).

Example: Control through Onboard IO vs Profinet

For this example, there will be (2) options: Control through CU on-board IO vs Control signals from Profinet.

Step 1: Setup Drive for On-board IO, then save the configuration to ROM (10).

Step 2: Setup Drive for Profinet Communications, then save the configuration to ROM (11).

All memory areas are stored on the CF card. To transfer these setups from Machine 1 to Machine 2, simply copy the all contents of Machine 1 CF card to Machine 2 CF card using Windows file explorer.

Now, to activate the Onboard IO option, simply load ROM (10) to RAM; then copy RAM to default ROM (1).

Now, the controls team can set up an initial model once and your production team can support change the active configurations from the same CF card image.

Learn more about DMC's Siemens partnership and expertise. Contact us with any inquiries.

The post OEM Option Handling in Siemens S120, S150, G120 Drives appeared first on DMC, Inc..

While you cannot ship your multi-ton press or integrated assembly line, there are options for remote screen sharing, remote diagnostics, and remote support. Below are just a few tools to help:

Connecting to an Allen-Bradley PLC through an eWON Module
Getting the network settings correct for remote PLC connections can be tricky. Here is an easy to follow guide outlining a method for connecting to remote PLCs while using RSLogix in a VM.

Siemens WinCC Sm@rtServer Set-Up
As of TIA Portal V14, the built-in remote access utility called WinCC Sm@rtServer is now available to Basic Panels and no longer requires a separate license for Comfort Panels. If you have a Comfort Panel-running device (version 14.0.0 or later), you can remotely access your panel from a PC, tablet, or smartphone without the need for an additional license. Here is a step-by-step guide to help set up the Sm@rtServer on the panel and use Internet Explorer or the Sm@rtClient app to control it.

5 Tips For Getting Started In PLCSIM Advanced
Siemens' S7-PLCSIM Advanced allows simulation of functions while configuring and engineering without a physical connection. Overall, PLCSIM Advanced implements many improvements over PLCSIM including simulation for the web server, OPC UA, distributed IO, and many more. This blog offers a couple of tips and tricks to get started with PLCSIM Advanced.

VNC on Siemens WinCC Flex HMI with WinCE
Explore open source VNC software to view a Siemens MP277 and Siemens WinCC Flex projects remotely.

DMC has many options for providing remote assistance to clients Please Contact DMC if you would like to learn more. 

The post Remote Support for Industrial Automation appeared first on DMC, Inc..

Taking advantage of all the added features of the SINAMIC’s drive system can also make it difficult to keep all the parameters straight and commission your drive system efficiently. This post will walk you through how to create a Custom Data List and Executable scripts within Starter.

These features will save you time, money, and improve commissioning consistency!

Creating a Custom Data List

Within the Starter software (Available for free download), we have all seen the dreaded expert list (shown below). However, most people miss the small box next to the expert list to create a custom list.

Once you have the Custom Data List open, you can enter both comments and parameters in which you are interested.

Comments start with two backslashes (//).

Parameters can be whole arrays or specific points (as in the example). In this case, I have a few that are important to my application. This Custom Data list creates a concise list of parameters to check or monitor!

You can save this offline with the simple click of a button:

Creating an Executable Script

So, now that you have the Custom Data List highlighting all the critical parameters for your application, you do not want to type those in for every drive!

Let’s automate it with a script. Click the below, and you have a script you can run on every drive in the project!

If you want to export the script, press Export and you have a simple text file that you can import into any other project. This is perfect for documentation and distribution within your service force.

Adding and Running and Executable Script

To add an Executable script from that .txt export, add a Scripts folder to the CU drive object (shown below).

Then, import the script with the ASCII Import tool:

To run the executable, right click -> Run executable.

Pro Tip

The script saves the parameters to the online RAM only. I highly recommend adding this RAM-> ROM function to the bottom of your script. Add the text below after the final parameter setting:

Parameters(971, 0) = "1" 'Save parameters

Conclusion

In this blog, I’ve shared a quick overview of the Custom Data List and Executable Script functionality available with Starter. With these quick instructions, you too can have a trustworthy list of the critical parameters for your application as well as a simple executable to get the next job done quickly.

Learn more about DMC's Siemens PLC Programming Services.

The post Siemens How To: Starter Executable Scripts and Custom Data Lists appeared first on DMC, Inc..

We chose to bike the Flume Trail, a one-way, 14-mile ride at 7000’ to 8000’ feet in elevation. For perspective, the elevation of DMC’s Chicago office is at an almost respectable 596 ft. while the Houston office is at a mere 78 ft. After renting bikes from Flume Trail Bike Rentals, we hopped onto a shuttle that dropped us off at the beginning of the trail, in Spooner State Park, just north of Spooner Lake.

Hitting the Trail

The most difficult part of the trail was the first 4.5 miles, where we started at 7000 ft. and climbed some 1,100 ft. in the first hour of biking.

Highs and Icy Cool Lows

The climb worth the effort when we reached the highest point on the trail—Marlette Saddle. We were rewarded with the sight of Marlette Lake, whose icy alpine waters we plunged into to cool off after our near-vertical ascent before embarking on the remainder of our ride.

The Flume Lake Trail is shown in red.

Throughout the ride, we encountered some very steep drops and narrow trails, but the spectacular vistas we encountered were worth it. While challenging, this is the best trail I have ever been on.

It’s All “Downhill” From Here

Leigh and I aren’t mountain biking experts by any means. I have gone mountain biking a few times, as had Leigh, but he had never done downhill before. We were very grateful that we had great rental bikes (with exceptional brakes and padded seats), as going down would have been a lot more ‘exciting’ without them. As we continued on, the next ten miles became mostly flat or downhill allowing us to ride on with relative ease.

Tasty Rewards

After 3 hours and 40 minutes, we completed our ride on the north end of Lake Tahoe, near Incline Village. The final section of the trail was quite a rush — a 3 mile 1500’ descent. After our trek through the mountains, we rewarded ourselves with burgers and beers from Tunnel Creek Café, conveniently located at the bike drop-off point.

The bike ride was a great way to blow off some steam and get one hell of a workout in while enjoying the great outdoors. Here are some interesting stats from our ride:

• Average heart rate: 153 BPM


• Total Elevation Gain: 2,306 ft.


• Distance: 13.56 miles


• Calories Burned: 2,132 C

Check out more fun activities by the folks at DMC

The post DMC Hits the Trails: Mountain Biking in Lake Tahoe appeared first on DMC, Inc..

Updating Firmware

No fear. You notice that there is some new firmware available on the Siemens Industry Support Website. Way to go! No need to freak out yet. 

You calmly download the firmware and follow the click steps below within Siemens TIA Portal V14. 

 
Only, there is a downloading error, Check the Hardware Diagnostics. 

In the Hardware Diagnostics, you see, External load memory is corrupt. 

Now what? Stay calm. You can solve this! 

Wiping the CF Card Offline 

Here is what you can do with any S7-1500 to wipe it clean:

1. Put the CPU in stop mode and turn it off.


2. Take out the SD card and turn the CPU back on without the SD card installed.


3. From the display go to Settings > Reset > Factory Defaults, and select the factory defaults with no SD card installed.


4. While the CPU is resetting, put the SD card in a computer and look at it with Windows Explorer.


5. Delete everything on the SD card, except if you are viewing hidden files. Don't delete the .bin and _log_ file, but delete everything else – all files and folders.

Once the CPU has finished resetting from step 3, turn it off. While it is off, put in the 'blank' SD card and turn it on again.
Now the CF card is at factory default settings with the new firmware and ready to go. Load your program and you should be off and running!

Learn about DMC’s Siemens S7 PLC Programming. 

The post Siemens S7-1500 PLC Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks appeared first on DMC, Inc..