Timer instruction

[eman5oh]

Not sure if this is an issue or not, but I found by accident that you can end up with a negative value in the timer instruction if you point the timer value to a D address that you have stored an IP address in using the INIT instruction. I have attached an image of an example.

[franji1]

It's definitely an issue at runtime.  There's nothing stopping the program from using a variable preset, then setting that variable equal to something invalid (e.g. INIT or MOVE or MATH or whatever).

Designer can validate a constant preset to make sure it is positive before downloading it to the PLC.  But if it's a variable, that means it's a runtime decision, which means that the program or HMI determines that value.

If you are using an HMI to enter a variable preset, and the HMI allows you to enter a negative value for a timer, that's not good.  Make sure the HMI only allows valid entries for a specific value.  Most HMI's support some kind of range validation on a specific field/tag.

If you mis-use a register for your Timer Preset (e.g. it's an IP Address), even if the value was valid, your timer won't work correctly (e.g. 10.0.0.1 is a valid Timer Preset, but I doubt that's what you want your Timer timing to).

[eman5oh]

Definitely figured it out pretty quickly when the timer did not behave as expected.

[ATU]

I guess you could use it for controlling a modified DeLorean . 

[BobO]

I guess you could use it for controlling a modified DeLorean . 

Not helpful without 1.12GW. Power cell tech still needs some work.

[Evilbeard]

I guess you could use it for controlling a modified DeLorean . 

Not helpful without 1.12GW. Power cell tech still needs some work.

Mechman makes a 370A alternator...we'd only need to hook up...carries the one...272,523 of them to produce enough current. We could go to a 16V system and we'd only need 204,392 of them!

[BobO]

I guess you could use it for controlling a modified DeLorean . 

Not helpful without 1.12GW. Power cell tech still needs some work.

Mechman makes a 370A alternator...we'd only need to hook up...carries the one...272,523 of them to produce enough current. We could go to a 16V system and we'd only need 204,392 of them!

Perfect. Now we just need something to spin those bad boys...

[Controls Guy]

What, you mean alternators don't just spontaneously produce energy??  Hmmm....this is going to make me rethink using hydrogen as a fuel.....

[ADC Product Engineer]

What, you mean alternators don't just spontaneously produce energy??  Hmmm....this is going to make me rethink using hydrogen as a fuel.....

You need to wind them cross-wise along the vertices and add a prenumbulator before the fizzle drain.  Don't forget that they must spin anti-counterclockwise during the startup whipple sequence.  Adding hydrogen will only increase the flambeant factor which might result in the discharge of the hydraulic ceiling nozzelator.

You don't really need a retroencabulator although it might help.

[Controls Guy]

A retroencabulator is *always* a good idea.