Hi all,
I'm looking to add ethernet comms to a 1746 SLC rack which currently has DH+ comms via it's 5/04 CPU, for the purpose of initiating CIP messaging to other plant CPX PLC's. It's not just as simple as replacing the CPU with a 5/05 as I also need to maintain the DH+ comms as it is, to another PLC on site.
I've explored the following options but can't confirm which are/are not viable:
1. Adding a 1747-AENTR module - I know these are normally used for adding a 1746 rack as RIO to a CLX system, but can they also be used for ethernet messaging alongside the current 5/04 CPU?
2. Upgrading to a 5/05 CPU, and adding a DH+ module to maintain the DH+ comms - does such a DH+ module exist (like the 1756-DHRIO for CLX)?
3. Using a gateway - I already have a CLX rack with connectivity to both ethernet and DH+ networks, with DHRIO & EN2T modules installed that could act as a gateway, however this really is my last resort option as I'd be controlling important equipment via another rack completely remote from the plant in question, plus relying on two separate networks at the same time. If I did have to do this how do you (can you?) configure the modules (in RSLinx?) to 'map' the traffic through the DH+ to ethernet, without the need to get the CPU to read from DH+, then re-write to ethernet?
Thanks in advance.