We Have a strange problem popping up in our PC process control system...our PCs are occasionally unable to see the other PCs on the network and occasionally losing communications with important I/O.

Lead Controller - Think-N-Do redundant Controller on XP or 7, communicates with I/O Controller (through Ethernet).

I/O Controller - Simular to a PLC, communicates directly with field with discrete and analog I/O.

--I know Ethernet is not the desired Real Time Control protocol -- does anyone have any experience with other protocols that work well with PC control?

 

--I know Ethernet is not the desired Real Time Control protocol --

Actually, Ethernet I/O works pretty well. probably better in general than most.

You may find that your real problem is an operating system issue given that you are using some version of Windows. There are all kinds of issues with Windows and trying to get it to pretend it is a PLC.

Your best bet is to call Think-N-Do tech support. If you are having this problem it is likely others are as well, and they probably can tell you what to do to deal with the problem.

 

Please contact me off-line at [email protected]. Similar situations have been seen with other control system suppliers.

Thanks,
Joe Weiss