Recent content by ShawnDietrich

I used a 2013 Macbook Pro while I was in school. I used to boot the computer into Windows and everything ran fine. My only complaint was the reduced hard disk space to run two operating systems plus any software I wanted in both systems.

It depends on the type of PLC you are using. Most medium to large-sized PLCs can add additional network cards to their rack or backplane. You may not find a wireless card to add, but you could add a wired network card and then connect it to a wireless switch.

GSD files are for Siemens or ProfiNet devices, are you sure the error isn't "No Matching EDS File"? With Most Ethernet/IP devices you will need the EDS file which can be downloaded from the vendor's website, or if any digital media was supplied with the equipment the EDS files might be on there...

Hello, In your second picture, the "ModeActivate" input is off, this input is what starts the PID calculation. See the link below for more information. The manual doesn't mention if the activate input needs to be on the whole time or a one-shot. PID_Compact manual

For new installations, large-scale projects are integrated at the OEM facility. The use of standard components and standard code designs reduces the amount of time spent during integration. A much larger portion of time is spent with the process, ensuring the equipment is producing the correct...

I've done a similar project for an assembly line where the customer wanted to know the running status of each cell. I installed factoryTalk view runtime on a small PC and connected a large TV to it. I then created a single-page HMI application and communicated directly to the PLC. I would...

As a controls engineer for me, the best place to start is an IO count. Calculate the number of inputs, outputs, VFDs, and servos. Also, what is your preferred industrial protocol? If you don't have a preference the next step is to look at your budget. Some manufacturers have microsystems that...

I would suggest you try to find a paddle wheel-style flow sensor. They work well with just about all types of medium but do have some limitations. The maximum flow rate is usually on the lower side of the flow spectrum, and the signal output is typically a pulse-style output. They are very...

Liquids and solids sure, but for gases are you referring to the level concentration of specific gasses? Also, the accuracy will depend on the environment you are placing the sensor in, high temperature, or pressure. Check out ultrasonic sensors for level detection. There is also a company...

Judging by the description of the project I would recommend a nano PLC system. Just about every manufacture out there has a version and the cost is quite reasonable. If you are already familiar with the Siemens platform then maybe a S7-1200 would work. There is lots of expandable IO...

Chasing noise in analog signals is always a daunting task. I found a good document on shielding at mouser.com (https://www.mouser.com/pdfdocs/alphawire-Understanding-Shielded-Cable.pdf) There are different types of shielded cables and some with twisted pair as well as shielded. Make sure you...

I assume you checked the output voltage from the sensor and made sure that it's above the threshold of the input card. If the voltage is good then it seems that the input is triggering faster than your code is scanning. Try using a pushbutton on that input to prove the code works. Does the...