I have a situation where 2 PLCs are connected to our Automation Ethernet network and want to use a PanelView to copy one value from one PLC to another without the need for Operator input.
The scenario is we have a Micrologix 1500 connected to the network via a Net ENi and a Micrologix 1100 connected directly to the same network. We have issues with the Net ENi occasionally locking up because of too many connections due to the Net ENi connection number limitation. I have this wild idea that the PanelView, used to connect and control to the 1500 (via Ethernet and the Net ENi) could read the integer value in the 1100 and then transfer it to the 1500. I believe macros can be run on PanelViews but not sure if this a feature that could help me. I've thought about messaging but currently no messages are sent to the 1500 so creating one is likely to be another connection that may cause the Net ENi to lock up.
The 1100 has a product code that represents the product that is being controlled by both PLCs and it is required to be sent to the 1500. As I said I would like it to be an automatic transfer that would be triggered once only on a change of product initiated in the 1100. I have considered as a last resort to have a PanelView button that becomes visible only on a change of product and also covers the start button for the 1500 machine to prevent it being started. My idea is that pressing the GOTO Display button would jump to a product code entry display where the new product code from the 1100 is displayed and also entered to be written to the 1500. Entering the new value would then cause the PV to jump back to the display with the then uncovered Start button. I favour this less because it introduces operator error.
The PanelView currently reliably communicates with both PLCs
Please, if anyone can help me with this I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Neil