UPDATE:

For those users who have our 435NBA Serial – EtherNet/IP gateways

We now have a way to send and or receive up to 400 bytes of string data in Control Compact and Flex Logix PLCS (any tag based PLC). Here’s how.

In  RSLogix 5000, under Data Types, Strings. Create a new string type. Give it a name.  Choose Maximum Characters in it to be to 400 bytes or less. Create a Controller tag. Under data type select the tag you created in above. You may use the tag you created for both incoming and outgoing data.

PLC Tag Set Up

Be sure to make the Buffer Transmit Length the same or less than what you created in the plc.

Happy Networking

That’s right despite the absolutely terrible economy, ramped uncertainty and the tightest budgets many of us have ever experienced there are still ways to grow your customer base and ultimately come out of this economic drought with more to offer your customers than ever before.

We keep hearing the same thing from customers and the sales people of perspective customers.  “We need to get our data on “X” network.”   ”We could sell hundreds more units if we could only find a way to effectively move our device data into that PLC or onto this network.” 

A bunch of companies out there had plans to network enable their devices but most have halted all efforts until the skies turn bluer and the news changes from bear to bull.  Essentially saying we will wait this out and put off giving our customers what they want, and are willing to buy, until people start buying the old stuff they don’t want.   

It’s clear there are fewer buyers out there and each buyer, for the moment, is buying less.  The only way to maintain your current success or dare I say grow your business in this environment is to give your customers all the things they want that your competitors have put off. 

That is where we come in.  We can help you.  Real Time Automation brings you over 20 years of networking experience and now a new line of gateways to help you deliver your customers the network performance they crave. 

With our new line for 460 Gateways you can literally move your data between any two (or more) networks how your want, and when you want.  The entire unit is built on a simple browser based interface, and ships to you or your customer ready go.  No software to download or code to write.  (Check them out here. new units being added weekly.)

The best part is that with brand labeling and interface customization the unit can look and act like it is your device.  Your customers will think they are getting a fantastic new product directly from you. 

Resources may not be available to redesign your current line or purchase and integrate a new network.  You don’t need to internally enable your devices to give your customers the network connection they desire.  Your business is not industrial networking.  You make fantastic devices that do amazing things.  Let us help you with your industrial networking needs.  It’s been all we’ve done for than 20 years now. 

Helping you come out of these turbulent times on top,

John Rinaldi 

Feel free to drop me a line anytime