TSX PLCs – Compact, Flexible, Cost-Effective

TSX PLCs
TSX Nano PLCs are easy to set up and have numerous built in functions, such as memory for storing programs, battery-backed RAM, and real-time clocks for modules with 16 and 24 I/O’s. They can be installed easily on a mounting rail or base plate in the vertical or horizontal position. TSX PLCs are programmed in lists of instructions using the FTX 117 programming terminal, in Ladder or Instruction list language using software on an FT 2000, FTX 517 terminal or PC compatible. They can be used to augment extendable TSX PLCs using a single extension per base. Depending on the model they have

16 I/O : 9 inputs + 7 outputs
24 I/O : 14 inputs +10 outputs.

The following types of inputs and outputs are used:

Inputs : 24 Volts
Outputs : Relay outputs for models with ~ 100… 240 Volt power supply, transistor outputs with positive logic for models with 24 Volt power supply.

I/O Extension

Each TSX Nano base PLC can be extended using an I/O extension. This extension is created by one of the PLCs with 10, 16, or 24 i/o. The function of each PLC is defined by the position of the coding selector switch:
Position 0 : base PLC
Position 1 : I/O extension

Peer PLCs

Up to 3 peer TSX PLCs, communicating via common words, can be connected to the base PLC. In this case, only the base PLC can receieve an I/O extension. The function of each PLC is defined by the position of the coding selector switch. I/O addressing of peer PLCs is identical to that of the base TSX PLC. The extension link cable between the base PLC and PLC extensions is shielded, twisted pair  and is no more than 200 meters long.  Each PLC has 2 reserved (IW) and 2 reserved (QW) words for exchanging data between PLCs. These exchange words are updated automatically. For each PLC, the user program is only able to write to the 2 %QW output words and read the 2 %IW input words.

MRO has many Modicon PLCs available. For more information, please email sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511.

Simodrive 611 Power Modules – Manual Anthologies

Simodrives 611 power modules can be used to operate the following motors: 

  • 1FT6, 1FK6 and 1FK7 servo motors 
  • 1FW6 built–in torque motors (direct drives) 
  • 1FN linear motors 
  • 1PH main spindle motors 
  • Standard induction motors; if IM operation is selected, only inverter pulse frequencies of 4 kHz and 8 kHz are permissible. 
  • 1PM hollowshaft motors for main spindle drives (direct drives) 
  • 1FE1 main spindle motors 
  • 2SP1 motor spindle 
  • Third–party motors, if according to the motor manufacturer the motor meets the requirements for sine modulation, insulation, and dV/dt resistance.

For special motors with a low leakage inductance (where the controller settings are not adequate), it may be necessary to provide a series reactor in the form of a 3–arm iron core reactor (not a Corovac reactor) and/or increase the inverter pulse frequencies of the converter. Motors with a low leakage inductance are, from experience, motors that can achieve high stator frequencies (maximum motor stator frequency > 300 Hz) or motors with a high rated current (rated current > 85 A).

A wide range of 1–axis or 2–axis power modules is available. These modules are graded according to the current ratings and can be supplied with three different cooling techniques. The current–related data refers to the series–preset values. At higher frequencies of the fundamental waves or for higher clock cycle frequencies, ambient temperatures and installation altitudes above 1000 m above sea level, power deratings apply as subsequently listed. Matched, pre–assembled cables are available to connect the motors. Ordering information is provided in the ”Motors” section of the NC 60 catalog. Shield terminal plates are available to meet EMC requirements when using shielded power cables.

The equipment bus cable is included in the scope of supply of the power module. The drive bus cables must be ordered separately for the digital system. The current data of the power modules (PM modules) are normalized values to which all of the control units refer. The output currents can be limited by the control unit being used.

MRO Electric offers both New and Remanufactured Siemens Simodrives 611. Please visit our Siemens CNC and Automation Page for more information. You may also contact sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511.

Siemens Simodrive 611

Siemens Simodrive 611

Yaskawa Motoman Swordfighter

Yaskawa Motoman Swordfighter

Industrial robotics is pretty under-recognized It’s easy to think they’re all about manufacturing. But just watch as Motoman-MH24 normally found assembling or packing products in a factory, takes on a new lease on its automation life and becomes a master sword fighter.

Motoman-MH24 is a 630-pound high-speed industrial robot made by Japan’s Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The Yaskawa Bushido Project is a short video clip showing Japanese master swordsman and five times Guinness World Record holder Isao Machii teach Motoman-MH24 the way of the sword. The company made this promotional clip to celebrate what they dub “manufacturing spirit” as they near their 100th anniversary.

To date, Machii has demonstrated some pretty radical feats with his blade: slicing a flying shrimp pelleted at him at 80mph in half, and a neon ball flung at him at 150mph – and these are just some of the things the dude can do.

The Yaskawa researchers examined Machii’s sword techniques in 3D. Next, they got Motoman to reproduce the very same movements, and the results are superb. In a showdown between master and robot-apprentice, the pair first demonstrates a four-directional cut in flawless sync. Then Motoman-MH24 reproduces each of Machii’s cuts down to a tee.

Things start really heating up when the robot actually looks like it’s gaining an upper hand over its human trainer. While Machii horizontally slices one orange, Motoman-MH24 takes down six in one fell swoop. The most epic scene is probably the one where Motoman splices a really thin pea pod in half.

While Machii looks visibly tired towards the end of the final “1000 cuts” scene, his mechanical counterpart could probably go on for at least an extra 100000.

Click to view our Yaskawa Drives and Controls currently for sale.

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Retrofitting

At MRO Electric and Supply, we are experts at retrofitting older HMIs with a new interface that is clean, modernized, and still works with your system.

Take this older Fanuc HMI as an example. The old CRT display has begun to fade out, making its use inefficient and none user-friendly. Old CRT screens are also prone to overheating, and they take up a lot of much needed space.

Fanuc HMI
Fanuc HMI Pre-Retrofit

A new LCD retrofitted screen can give you more accessibility, brighter displays, and user-friendly colors. MRO Electric can quickly update your FANUC Displays and HMIs at a fraction of the cost of replacing your whole HMI. You also don’t have to rewrite your programming, or waste time and resources replacing your whole system.

Fanuc HMI next to LCD Retrofit
Fanuc HMI next to its LCD Retrofit

Below is a fully retrofitted Fanuc HMI with an LCD monitor. This lighter, energy-efficient replacement adds years of life and service to existing legacy equipment, and eliminates potential future downtime. In addition, all of our HMI repairs come standard with a 12 month warranty.

Newly Retrofitted Fanuc HMI
Newly Retrofitted Fanuc HMI

Get in touch with us today to learn more about this cost effective solution for your HMIs. You can request a quote by calling 1-800-691-8511 or by emailing sales@mroelectric.com.

Industrial Legacy Systems

Legacy Systems: Maintenance

Maintaining and upgrading legacy systems is one of the most difficult challenges industrial and manufacturing managers face today. Constant technological change often weakens the business value of legacy systems, which have been developed over the years through huge investments. Managers struggle with the problem of modernizing these systems while keeping their functionality intact. Despite their obsolescence, legacy systems continue to provide a competitive advantage through supporting unique industrial processes. Routine checks allow for preventative maintenance, and for replacement parts to be ordered before they are desperately needed. Here at MRO Electric and Supply, we stock a large number of classic and legacy products which can be shipped in record time.

Legacy Systems: IoT

When new technologies arise, engineers simply cannot uproot existing systems. However, some legacy controls can be connected to the Internet of Things. This allows for a high level of data acquisition which can be stored, processed, and analyzed. Several IoT products can also support remote monitoring and control. Many Modicon Quantum Series products have an Ethernet port that allows for this upgraded connectivity. However, not every legacy system has these capabilities.

Legacy Systems: Security

Targeted attacks on industrial systems always remain a threat as our society plows forward into the computer-driven Information Age. Securing legacy systems that were designed to communicate point to point is a enormous challenge. Many of these older systems were installed pre-internet era, are not designed for connectivity, and have no means of authenticated commands that are received. System interruptions for security updates can be difficult and costly, and downtime is expensive. It is always a challenge to find ways to increase security for legacy systems. One important tip is to always keep the software for connected legacy systems updated with the most current version.

Legacy Systems: Looking Forward

Although replacement supplies and remanufactured parts can be ordered for many years to come, it is important to keep in mind that no legacy system will last forever. In this current sluggish world economy, often the best answer is a well-planned, slow and steady upgrade.

If you need a replacement part for any of your industrial classic or legacy systems, please email sales@MROElectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511.

UNI3404: Beyond the User Manual

The UNI3404 is available with a number of option modules, which increase its flexibility and make it suitable for a very wide range of applications. These modules are briefly described in the following paragraphs. For full details refer to UNI3404 manual that is supplied with each of them. The modules are in two physical formats and are known as Large Option Modules (LOM) and Small Option Modules (SOM). Each Undrive may be fitted with one LOM and one SOM.

Unidrive UNI3404 Large Option Modules
  1. UD78 High Precision Analog Input Module. (LOM):
    • This module provides the following features: a) Infinite resolution analog input for precision speed and position control. Large Option Module Small Option Module 1. Introduction 11 b) RS485 communication port. c) Back up supply connector (requires user provided 24VDC) to maintain power to the drive control circuits and encoder feedback when the 3 phase input to the drive is disconnected.
  2. UD70 Co-Processor Module (LOM)
    • The UD70 is an Intel 960 based co processor module that allows the user to write programs in both IEC1131 ladder / Function Block Diagram and Drive Programming Language (DPL) to provide 1.5 axis motion control and sequence control. This is accomplished using the SyPT programming tool on a PC. The module is fitted with an RS232 programming port for this purpose. It also has an RS485 port for general use and this supports the ANSI protocol as a slave or master controller and ModBus RTU as a slave only.
  3. UD71 Serial Communications Module (LOM)
    • The UD71 provides simple serial communication and has both RS232 and RS485 ports.
  4. UD73 Profibus Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD73 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows the drive to be connected to a Profibus DP network running at speeds up to 1.5 Mbaud.
  5. UD74 Interbus-S Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD74 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows the drive to be connected to an Interbus-S network at a fixed data rate of 500 Kbaud.
  6. UD75 CTNet Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD75 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows connection to a CTNet nework. CTNet is Control Techniques fully de-centralized peer to peer fieldbus. This allows implementation of a fully distributed control system with no central PLC controller required.
  7. UD76 Modbus Plus Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD76 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows connection to a Modbus Plus network.
  8. UD77 DeviceNet interface module (LOM)
    • The UD77 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows connection to a DeviceNet network.
  9. CAN interface module
    • This is based on the UD77 hardware but has different firmware to allow the user to communicate through the CAN physical layer but using his own protocol written using the SyPT toolkit.
  10. CanOpen interface module
    • This is based on the UD77 hardware but the firmware is changed so that the network uses the CanOpen protocol.
Unidrive UNI3404 Small Option Modules
  1. UD50 Extended I/O module
    • This module provides the following additional I/O capability:
      • a) qty. 3, 24VDC digital inputs.
      • b) qty. 3, dual function (user selectable) 24VDC digital inputs / outputs. Rated at 30mA when configured as outputs.
      • c) qty. 2, 10 bit plus sign analog inputs +10 to –10VDC
      • d) qty. 1, analog output +10 to –10VDC.
  2. UD51
    • Second encoder module In servo mode this provides the drive with the following additional capabilities:
      • a) Allows use of a second incremental encoder as a master reference input for digital lock, Electronic Gear box and camming functions.
      • b) Alternatively the UD51 may be configured for frequency and direction input to be used as the drive speed reference.
  3. UD52 Sin/Cos encoder module
    • The UD52 allows a servomotor fitted with a sin/cos encoder to be used. This provides an interpolated resolution of up to 1,048,576 ppr when used with a 512 pulse sin cos encoder and also allows use of an optional 4096 revolution absolute encoder. The Unimotor is available with these encoders fitted as a standard option.
  4. UD53 Resolver Module
    • The UD53 allows use with a servomotor having resolver feedback. This is much more rugged than an encoder and therefore suitable for use in harsh environments. The UD53 can operate with resolver having either 2:1 or 3:1 turns ratio (primary : secondary)
  5. UD55 Cloning Module
    • The cloning module is intended to make it possible to copy up to 8 different parameter sets and subsequently load any of these onto another drive. It is useful in a production environment when many drives have to be set up with the same parameters. Unlike the other small option modules it is not normally left permanently installed in a drive.

Contact us today for an instant quote on any Control Techniques Unidrive, small option module, or large option module at 1-800-691-8511 or at sales@mroelectric.com

uni3404
UNI3404