Not a programmer - Introduction

[rangemaster]

I am not a plc programmer but wish I was, what you call that is a wannabe,But I only have a limited need for it!

I lease a golf driving range and the ball dispenser has a PLC in it.

One thing I need to know is can my equipment be unplugged for the next couple months and still work when I start back up in the spring?  My DL05DR won't lose its program will it?

I did ask the previous operator but I have very little trust in his opinion since I do have other issues with this machine related to the PLC, he does have past experience with plc's BUT the previous year the DL05 replaced a DL105 and I am not sure why!  He told me it would not start up the one year when they plugged the machine in and it was fried!! 

Like I said I have other issues that need addressed but one thing at a time!
John 

[b_carlton]

The program should be intact but any settings which may be done from a display may or may not be there. it depends on a couple of things:

Was the NVRAM space used to hold any settings?
if not is there a battery backed Memory/RTC module?

[rangemaster]

If you are referring to settings such as the number of balls to be dispersed for the number of tokens put in, ie., 3 tokens = 40 balls, V4001=# balls for medium, V4001=40, V4007=tokens for medium, V4007=3 then I am not too concerned because I can set these with the attached DV1000.

Was the NVRAM space used to hold any settings?
Got me!  That I do not know! 

if not is there a battery backed Memory/RTC module?
This is why I was concerned, somewhere I read a couple of things that I should have dwelled on(been reading a heck of a lot since I shut things down)
1.that the memory was stored in a capacitor
2.that battery backup was only good for 3 weeks

Realize that I have been attempting to learn about both 05 and the 105 with hopes I will be able to resolve other issues
with the debit card reader that only partially works!
 
I do have manuals for both the 05 and the 105, as I look more at the manuals, the 105 has EEPROM memory and Vmemory and the 05 has flash memory, what I think I will do today is plug the darn thing back in justo be on the safe side until I learn more!

Problems with card reader I think existed prior to previous managers involvement and I do believe it is just wired wrong, the card reader that is,:
excerpts from Reading again through correspondence of the previous manager with a plc coordinator?::::
Rick - wiring changes no problem (from 105 to 05) I worked with plc's for 17 years designing automated machines and programming AB an TI's
Rick - I wired the darn thing liked the marked up diagram, none of the Y lights on the plc turned on, basically that is the same problem as the old one (the 105)

No other correspondence but all except the card reader does work so the RLL program must be ok! I would like to look at it though!
John

[b_carlton]

If you are content with possibly having to re-enter these settings after an extended power down then you should be okay.

The program logic that reads inputs and your settings and operates the outputs is contained in a memory that should be good for on the order of 100 years.

The settings, in the absence of a battery backed up module which would be in one of the two slots in the DL05, are held for a small time period, days to weeks - by the charge stored in a special type capacitor. It's no problem if it runs down. The values would be lost but the capacitor recharges again right after power is applied again. So overnight or a couple of off days should be of no concern for the settings.

The interface with the debit card reader is another issue entirely.

[rangemaster]

Thank you very much for your input.

I did go over to the range and turn the power back on, powered up ok so I probably worry too much.

Ah yes, your description about the capacitor is similar to what I did read somewhere, I went through both manuals yesterday and could not find it so I must have read it online.

Gentleman that owns the equipment never touched it and knows nothing about any of it except for what it cost him , previous manager is another story!

Another QUESTION: Since I have this DL105 at home can I download the demo directsoft and order the serial cable will I be able to import the RLL to my computer?  Will the documentation be there?  If it is then I would be able to solve the wiring problem!
I have about 4 different hard wire schematics, scribble outs here and there so I can't go by any of those, I do have a chart description of what is actually supposed to happen with this thing. LOGIC

1 token (x0)             nothing
2 tokens (x0)            Start PB lt on (Y3)
Push Start PB (X2)       Drive motor runs (Y0)
Ball Count PC (X7)       Blinks 20 times
Start PB Lt off (Y3)     Drive motor stops (Y0)

etc,.

John 
 

[b_carlton]

You can download the Demo software for free. But it will be usable only if the program is very short. The programming cable is very inexpensive if you have a true serial port on your PC. Otherwise you may need the USB to RS232 converter they sell.

There's no harm in trying the demo software. If it says the program is too long for that then you have to ask yourself if it's worth the money to by the full software.

When you upload there will be no documentation. The inputs and outputs will show which address they are tied to so you can determine the functions of them.

Once you have the I/O down, and you obviously know the purpose of some of the V registers then documenting the program is just a step-by-step process. It doesn't sound like that long of a program to me.

You may check if you can find the original company/programmer of the unit.

[rangemaster]

Thank you again, I will be giving it a try.

Not knowing too much about the programming it is hard to determine the size of what I have, what I sent in last message was for small bucket, there is also a medium and a large, then the card reader i/o.

If it is less than 100 then I think it will help, My thoughts are if it was rewired not to the program.  ie, wires scribbled out from push buttons that are connected to the card reader that should be going to input terminals on the plc.

If this is true the program should show something for x4 x5 x6 then I will connect but not until I see the program, it should only take a week or so to find out and I will surely let you know what I find!

John