Register  |  Login
 
PLC Training Forum
Forum
 
  Forum  SCADA Configura...  General SCADA Q...  RSView: Need to get several different PLC types communicating
Previous Previous
 
Next Next
New Post 4/16/2009 1:05 PM
  Camber
9 posts
Newbie


RSView: Need to get several different PLC types communicating 

I have an RSView32 node running that is currently communicating with 3 SLC500 CPU's.  My customer has asked me if I can bring in data from a Mitusbishi, PLCDirect, and Siemens PLC.  Do I have to purchase 3 seperate OPC server licenses to bring these devices into RSView?

 
New Post 4/16/2009 1:15 PM
  Zackbo
26 posts
Regular


Re: RSView: Need to get several different PLC types communicating 

That is one way of doing it; however, at approx. $800 a pop for OPC server licenses, there are easier/cheaper ways of doing it. 

For less than the cost of one OPC server, you could use a Red Lion G3 screen, or Din-mount modular controller, to act as a 'babel-box' between the PLC's and your RSView node.  This would also give you the ability to add other devices in the future. 

 
New Post 4/16/2009 2:27 PM
  Camber
9 posts
Newbie


Re: RSView: Need to get several different PLC types communicating 

That sounds like it would work.  Do you have a part # for the modular unit?

Another problem is that the PLCDirect PLC is about 200 yards away from the RSView node, and it is a RS232 serial only PLC.  How can I get this back to the modular unit?

 
New Post 4/16/2009 3:25 PM
  Zackbo
26 posts
Regular


Re: RSView: Need to get several different PLC types communicating 
Modified By Zackbo  on 4/16/2009 1:26:05 PM)

The Red Lion part # for the modular controller is CSMSTRSX.  For a few hundred less, you can get their G303 screen which will do the same thing, but isn't DIN-rail mountable.  You could probably do something 'custom', though

 

You have a couple of options to get the Automation Direct PLC back to your RSView PC.   And the easiest/best way will depend on where you decide to put the Red Lion unit.  If you put it close to the PLCDirect PLC, you could just use the RS232 'DirectNet' protocol, as long as your drop isn't much over 20 ft.   If you need to mount the Red Lion unit further away, then you could use a serial-to-ethernet, or serial-to-fiber converter, but you would need one on both ends.  This would cost about $400, and you would still have to run CAT5 or fiber.  The quickest/easiest way is to use Banner's Data Radios, which would send the DirectNet protocol wirelessly for up to 3 miles line-of-sight.  This way there would be no cable/conduit to run, but the (2) radios would cost around $1000 total.  You would probably save that easily in labor/wiring costs, though.

 

 
Previous Previous
 
Next Next
  Forum  SCADA Configura...  General SCADA Q...  RSView: Need to get several different PLC types communicating
  
 

 

  
Like this Site?

Check out our PLC Training Facebook site and "like" us!

Click Here!

  
Squidoo

Checkout our new Squidoo lens!  We have posted an interview with Russell White on PLC training.

To see it Click Here!

Let't wake up Squidoo and let them know we are here!

  
Terms Of Use  |  Privacy Statement
Home  |  Subscriptions  |  Training Videos  |  PLC Training  |  Articles  |  PLC Training Forum  |  Contact  |  About Us
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 by Automation Technologies, Inc. - All Rights Reserved