Volume 1, Issue 4

APPLICATION ARTICLE

Through one of Entertron's Systems Integrators, our customer came to us with the opportunity of providing a solution for a cash / coin free laundry system that would address the following problems: more >

If you have an application that you would like to submit for consideration, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type in "application article"

TECH TIPS

Serial Port Operation

Here at Entertron, we have two protocols that can be used to communicate with our controllers, in order to read or write registers, relays, and inputs. When serial communications are required for your application, you must decide what type of communications you will need, or what will be the best solution. The Eclipse operator interfaces support the Entertron ASCII or Entertron ModBus RTU protocols, The Eclipse touch screens only support Entertron ModBus. If a product other than one supplied by Entertron is used you would more than likely have to use the ModBus operating system (as long as the device supports ModBus RTU). The two protocols are listed below in greater detail.

Entertron ASCII: This is the protocol for our "Enhanced" operating systems. It uses ASCII based commands in order to read and write to the ePLC. For example to write the value "1234" to register 100 you would use the following command: <ESC> W 100 04D2. This command (with out the spaces) will write the value 1234 to register 100 (1234 is 4D2 Hex). If you are looking for a complete listing on all the available commands and how they are used, please refer to the communication section of the Eware32 Help.

You can also transmit ASCII streams out of the serial port by placing an XMIT command and creating an ASCII message in the appropriate message field. This is listed as Message Edit in the tools menu of Eware32.

Entertron ModBus: This is our ModBus protocol. It is a ModBus RTU compatible serial communication protocol that enables our ePLCs to be utilized on any ModBus network as well as with any interface that is specified into the system. Our controllers must be a slave to the device. Entertron's controllers can only be a master to another Entertron controller. Our Eclipse touch screens communicate with our controllers via our ModBus operating system. If a controller is ordered with a touch screen then the ModBus operating system is supplied with the controller standard, In all other cases, you must be specify when ordering that you would want the ModBus RTU operating system. The data format for ModBus is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity (Our controller is set to ignore parity on our ModBus operating system), and 2 stop bits.

For more information regarding Entertron's ModBus, we offer two application notes (7 & 8) in pdf format.

If there are any questions you would like answered, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type "tech tips question"

THE PROGRAMMERS CORNER

Shift Register command (SHF) - This command is used to shift the status of a bank of relays with each activation shifting the relay bits one position. For example if relays 8-15 are used then it will shift from 8 to 15. Take a conveyor for instance. You can use this function to keep track of parts on a conveyor and perform a function at each station when a part is there. See example below:

IN 1 detects the parts on the conveyor

IN 2 lets the controller know that the conveyor has moved one position, advances the SHF function.

Outputs 1-3 perform a certain function at a particular station, depending if there is a part or not.

Ladder Code

As parts are seen on IN 1 the relay bit is then shifted down the line triggering different functions along the whole conveyor system.

Table Display

Eware32 Tips and Tricks

Due to the 27C64 and 27C128 EPROM being made obsolete by the manufacturers, Entertron is now manufacturing its controllers to support 27C256 EPROMs. All current controllers are now being shipped with 27C256 EPROMs. Conversion of the Smart-PAK SK1600-RIC and Elite-2000 presented no problem. The Smart PAK PLUS, due to its design could not be converted in the same manner. Therefore, a feature within Eware32 had to be created so that a 27C256 EPROM would function. The function is known as "Bundle" (also known as "double mapping") and is found in the "Burn Prom" utility. This involves burning the operating system and program hex file in two separate locations of the EPROM, so the Smart-PAK PLUS can read the code. Double mapping also enables any of Entertron's controllers that are not set up for a 27C256 to work with a 27C256. Below is a step by step written guide to double mapping your EPROM through Eware32.

  1. Open Eware32 (Cannot be done on older Eware1.2)

  2. Open your project and make sure its configured for: Smart-PAK PLUS; Smart-PAK PLUS enhance; Smart-PAK PLUS analog. (your EPROM will have the operating system written on it.)

  3. Compile your project

  4. Select Burn EPROM from the tools menu

  5. Select 27C256 EPROM.

  6. Check "include ladder file" if you want the current open ladder program burned

  7. Check "include" to include the currently selected operating system (or browse for another)

  8. Check "include" if you are burning different Hex file then the one currently opened. (Different compiled ladder program)

  9. Now select "Bundle operating system". This selection will create a new file that contains the operating system and hex program file in two locations. The bundle feature allows you to import the file into any Prom programmer and burn EPROMs.

  10. Now the program you have open will have a file with the same name but with a *.Hex extension this is your new hex file to burn onto the EPROM. (Has all the included hex files in this one hex file).

Should you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact Entertron's technical support department and they will assist you.

If there are any questions you would like answered, email us at plcs@entertron.com and in the subject area type "programmer's corner question"

THE ENTERTRON ADVANTAGE

Does your company fall into one of the following categories:

  • Engineering budget is tight and you need to redesign an existing product.

  • Develop a new product but lack the time and budget for design

  • Require programming assistance for your ePLCs

  • Do not have the resources to fabricate your own panels in house.

Entertron has developed a network of Systems Integrators to meet any of the above needs your company has.

The majority of Entertron's Systems Integrators have at least 10 years of experience in working with our products. Our list is not long, but we at Entertron know personally, the capabilities and Entertron product experience of each integrator listed. We would recommend any one of them currently on our list. They will be able to provide you a solution from concept to finished panel.

Some of Entertron's Integrators have web sites that you can viewed. Should you require the services of one of our Integrators, please contact us to discuss your needs so we may assist you in determining the Integrator best suited for you.

PRODUCT NEWS

With the last few news letters, we have focused on what we call "peripheral" products. These are products that Entertron offers in addition to our main offering of ePLCs, operator interfaces and touch screens. Last month we introduced ePalm PDA interface software and prior to that was the introduction of the GDA power supply. This month we will focus on the Nport Express.

The Nport Express is a serial to Ethernet gateway. This enables you to interface any of our serial port based ePLCs to an Ethernet line.

The connection is made through one of serial ports on the ePLC (RS232 or RS485). Entertron's serial cable (DB-9) is provided with the gateway as your interface connection.

The Nport Express can detect either Tbase 10 or Tbase 100. The configuration software enables you to create an IP address, thereby enabling you to have an IP address for each ePLC that is interfaced to a gateway.

Additional information can be viewed on this product.

Pricing starts @ $345.00 and includes a power supply, DB-9 interface cable and configuration software.

SPECIAL OFFERS

With the Introduction of ePalm, we are providing a Free Download. The download will run without a license for up to 30 days. Once the 30 days have expired, you will require a license to operate ePalm.

To the many students that are currently learning about the incredible world of PLCs and programming, we are offering you a special student discount - Any controller, any configuration - 20% off (includes computer cable and programming software). Compare this to other offers and you will see the benefits.

We continue with great success our OEM introductory offer. Any OEM that has never purchased from Entertron in the past can take advantage of this offer - 50% off any controller, in any configuration. For more information, click for details.

CLOSING NOTES

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