Hi List!
I have a situation where a Siemens S7 300 and a AB 5/40E are controlling 2 different processes in the same building. These two systems need to talk to each other, and I want to be able to monitor the interaction (flows) between the two systems at one simple display panel. The two systems already have their own control panels.
I am wide open to suggestions here. I would
love to hear what communication protocol,
(that's supported by both PLCs), and what type of panel with a bright, highly visible display would work best. The max distance between the 2 is 500 feet. Reliability is the big issue compared to cost.

I know you all have some great ideas for this.
So, ahead of time, Thank you Ever So Much!!!

[email protected]
(The Lightning Man!)

 

perhaps an MMI that can talk separately to both systems. although not cheap its a solution that will work.

 

I'm pretty sure SST makes a profibus card for the PLC 5. You may be able to set this up as a slave to communicate to the S7, being the profibus master. Another option may be using ProSoft and Modbus?

Another option could be a display manufactured by and Allen Bradley Encompass partner which could talk DH+ to the PLC 5 and have an option slot for a Profibus interface card. I'm not a display like this exist though.

Scott Brown
Gemtron Corporation

 

Put a Profibus card from SST in the AB, and then hang your favorite kind of HMI off of the Profibus. We have used the SST card many times.

Mike Milton
CCA

 

We use two Cutler & Hammer Power series 3000 Panelmates along with Intouch on an AB PLC5/40 and Siemens S5-135. The Panelmates are able to run multiple drivers on the 1700 and up models, we use the DH+ module and the second serial port is RS422 using 3964R protocol. These units are extremely easy to use and IMHO leave Panelviews behind. The only problem is Cutler & Hammer
Australia are so slack with delivery and support.

Regards,
Trevor Ousey
Kalangadoo, S.Australia.
[email protected]