Comments for Factory Automation Software Blog

Comment on Where in the USA is A4 Paper? by Don

Don — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:02:07 +0000

A4 is the way to go. Scaling from one size to the next is easy. I’d forgotten how good it is over 8.5 x 11

Comment on My Favorite Pen Types by Ruben

Ruben — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:03:02 +0000

Hi – Great Blog. Thanks….

Comment on Making a Panasonic PLC Programming Cable by Tony

Tony — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:08:55 +0000

You can either make your own FPG tool port cable (it’s the same as the FP0) or buy one from Panasonic.

Comment on Making a Panasonic PLC Programming Cable by Gunjal Purushottam

Gunjal Purushottam — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:06:28 +0000

We are looking cable for communication , Laptop and PLC , details of PLC Make: Panasonic , PLC : FPG-C24R2H
please send technical as well as commercial details as soon as possible.
thanks

Comment on My Favorite Pen Types by Tony

Tony — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:29:37 +0000

Thanks Norm.
I saw the P1 over at the PenAddict. Nice, but well beyond my current pen budget. I do love the feel of precision machined metal — that’s what’s great about being an automation programmer (we use a lot of machined aluminum, stainless steel, and expensive plastics) instead of an internet/web/mobile/whatever programmer.

Comment on My Favorite Pen Types by Norm

Norm — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:10:59 +0000

You should check out the project over on kickstarter. A full aluminum machined case for the Pilot Hi-Tec-C/G-Tec cartridges. I have been intrigued, but not made the leap yet. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/steveblack/p1-by-premier-pen?ref=category

Comment on Programming CANOpen Motion by Tony

Tony — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:17:38 +0000

Holger,
Thank you very much for your comments.

I do think the CiA website could be much clearer that CiA 402 is not available separately from IEC 61800.

I am writing an interface DLL that I want to work with CANOpen drives from a variety of manufacturers (I’m testing using drives from Copley, AMC, Elmo, and Baldor). Most of the vendors provide CANOpen Guides specifying exactly how they implement CiA 402, but I wanted a copy of the standard so I could see what is required and what is optional, and compare their implementation to the standard (and to each other).

I know some issues are outside of CiA’s control, including the lack of standardized CAN drivers on Windows (Linux has socket-CAN). Most drive manufacturers do provide setup software (often using a serial port), but of the vendors I’ve looked at, only a few provide an easier layer for motion programming — and they’re not likely to support other companies’ drives, which eliminates a major reason for using CANOpen (the ability to mix and match vendors — so that is why I’m writing my own software).

Comment on Programming CANOpen Motion by Holger Zeltwanger

Holger Zeltwanger — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:16:29 +0000

Tony, you are right CiA has given the copyright of CiA 402 to IEC and is not more allowed to publish the CiA 402 profile standard. The IEC standard (61800-7-201/301) is complian to version 3.0 ov CiA 402 containing a second PDO mapping, the so-called type-specific mapping for servo/stepper or inverter.
To avoid misunderstandings: CiA 402 is not written for end-users! It is made for manufacturers of drives and motion controllers. Of course, they should provide an easy to use interface and programming/configuration tool. That is not the job of CiA, we just make the dictionary and the “grammar rules” (CANopen communication services). The tool is a product, and should be designed by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, any independent host-controller manufacturer can provide application software for the drives and motion controllers, which are quite similar for products compliant to CiA 402 (if they have the same functionality). There are some differences between the products on the market (and some claim CiA 402 compatibility, which they unfortunately don’t have). For more information you may contact (free-of-charge) the CiA users and manufacturers group.

Comment on Compact (Tenkeyless) Keyboards by Tony

Tony — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:08:46 +0000

Thanks Dave.

Yes, you did comment on the “Mouse Alternatives” post — and I encourage readers interested in Tenkeyless MS-ergonomic style keyboards to check out your comment there.

I’m OK with the IBM/Lenovo UltraNav keyboard; it’s better than average keyboard, but nowhere near as good as my Thinkpad X61t keyboard. I think a good hack for it would be adding on a few pounds of weight, like the laptops have.

Comment on Compact (Tenkeyless) Keyboards by Dave M.

Dave M. — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:46:53 +0000

I’m pretty sure I commented in your previous keyboard post, but I have to say that I was really disappointed with the IBM ThinkPad keyboard. It’s nothing like the ones on actual ThinkPad laptops. I think I have two, almost brand new, if you’d like them for a ridiculously low price.

My favorite is still to get a pseudo-ergonomic keyboard like the ones from Microsoft, and then take out the hacksaw and cut out the 10 key portion. I then hot glue an oversized tempered hardboard square where the 10key section was, and I mouse there. Works great!