Category Archives: BRX Do-More

Automation Direct BRX Series PLC. This is part of the Do-More family of controllers.

BRX Do-More, Communication, Modbus ASCII, PLC, PLC Learning, Solo Process Temperature Controller

BRX Do-More PLC Modbus ASCII Protocol

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Modbus is a communication method used for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices. The device requesting the information is called the Modbus Master (Client) and the devices supplying information are Modbus Slaves (Servers). This protocol was originally developed by Modicon systems.
Modbus protocol comes in basically three different types. Ethernet (Modbus TCP) or Serial (Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCII). Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU come as standard protocols in the BRX Do-More series of PLCs.

We will connect the BRX Do-More PLC to a Solo process temperature controller. This will be done using the Modbus ASCII protocol over serial RS485 communication wire. (Media) The present and set values (PV / SV) will be read from the Solo controller and the set value will be written when required. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Do-More Designer, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, PLC, PLC Learning

BRX Do-More PLC to Modbus TCP RTU Remote IO Controller BX-MBIO

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The BRX Do-More PLC can communicate to a remote I/O (input and output) controller modules using the Modbus protocol for communications. The BX-MBIO provides both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP interfaces. Modbus RTU is a serial communication and Modbus TCP is an Ethernet communication. Modbus RTU is supported over an RS-485 serial connection. Modbus TCP is supported over an Ethernet connection. They function as listening/replying devices (slave, server) and can connect with any mastering (master, client) device that communicates using the Modbus protocol.
Previously we looked at the BX-MBIO Modbus RTU TCP Remote IO Controller wiring and configuration.
Modbus RTU TCP Remote IO Controller BX-MBIO
– BX-MBIO Hardware Video
– BX-MBIO Powering and Configuring Video

We will connect the BRX Do-More PLC to the Modbus remote IO. This will be done using the Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU protocol. Ethernet and serial RS485 communication to the BX-MBIO unit will be the media.
The BX-MBIO remote I/O expansion units feature the following:
• RJ45 Ethernet port for communications via Modbus TCP
• RS485 serial port for communications via Modbus RTU
• Supports up to 8 additional Expansion Modules (Add the discrete or analog I/O you require)
• AC and DC powered units available
• AC powered units include an integral 24VDC auxiliary output power supply
• Power connector and serial port connector included
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, PLC Learning

Modbus RTU TCP Remote IO Controller BX-MBIO

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The BX-MBIO Modules are remote I/O controller modules that provide a remote input and output (I/O) using the Modbus protocol for communications. They provide both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP interface. Modbus RTU is a serial communication and Modbus TCP is an Ethernet communication. They function as listening/replying devices (slave, server) and can connect with any mastering (master, client) device that communicates using the Modbus protocol.
Modbus RTU is supported over an RS-485 serial connection. Modbus TCP is supported over an Ethernet connection. Any Modbus RTU master and Modbus TCP client that adheres to the Modbus.Org standards, and support the function codes listed can communicate with the BX-MBIO.
The remote I/O expansion units feature the following:
• RJ45 Ethernet port for communications via Modbus TCP
• RS485 serial port for communications via Modbus RTU
• Supports up to 8 additional Expansion Modules (Add the discrete or analog I/O you require)
• AC and DC powered units available
• AC powered units include an integral 24VDC auxiliary output power supply
• Power connector and serial port connector included

We will be looking at the BX-MBIO-M. This is the Do-More Modbus Remote I/O supported protocol unit. We will discuss the hardware and then connect and configure the unit to work with our existing BRX Do-more PLC. Let’s get started.
Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Do-More, PLC, PLC Learning, Scan

BRX Do-More PLC Ethernet Remote IO Controller BX-DMIO

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The BRX Do-More PLC has its own line of remote input and output expansion units. You can add up to 8 I/O expansion units per controller (CPU) and 8 BRX expansion modules per expansion unit. This will make your system grow with your needs.

The remote I/O expansion units feature the following:
• All units have built-in Ethernet port, 10/100 Mbps
• MBIO units have onboard RS-485 port with removable 3-Pin connector
• Support for 8 expansion modules
• AC and DC powered units available
• AC powered units include an integral 24VDC auxiliary output power supply
• Power connector and serial port connector included

We will be looking at the BX-DMIO-M. This is the Do-More Ethernet Remote I/O supported protocol unit. We will discuss the hardware and then connect and configure the unit to work with our existing BRX Do-more PLC. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Modbus TCP, PLC, PLC Basics, PLC Learning, Scan

BRX Do-More PLC to Stride Field IO Modbus TCP

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The BRX Do-More PLC can use remote inputs and outputs from Stride. The Stride Field I/O Modules are simple and compact. They provide an economical means to connect inputs and outputs to an Ethernet Modbus TCP communication network. Every module operates as a standalone Modbus TCP server and can be configured via a built-in web server.
Previously we looked at the Stride Field Remote IO Modules Modbus TCP Ethernet wiring and configuration.
Stride Field Remote IO Modules Modbus TCP Ethernet
– Unboxing SIO MB12CDR and SIO MB04ADS Video
– Powering and Configuring Video
We will be connecting two Stride remote inputs and outputs to the BRX Do-More PLC. Modbus TCP will be the protocol over Ethernet to communicate to the SIO-MB12CDR and SIO-MB04ADS units.

SIO-MB12CDR
– STRIDE discrete combo module, Input: 8-point, 12-24 VDC, sinking, Output: 4-point, relay, (4) Form C (SPDT) relays, 2A/point, (1) Ethernet (RJ45) port(s), Modbus TCP server.
SIO-MB04ADS
– STRIDE analog input module, 4-channel, current/voltage, 16-bit, isolated, input current signal range(s) of +/- 20 mA, input voltage signal range(s) of +/- 10 VDC, (1) Ethernet (RJ45) port(s), Modbus TCP server.
We will be reading an analog voltage into the BRX Do-More PLC from the remote IO unit. We will then set an output to pulse on and off at a time range indicated by this analog signal. The output will be on the other remote IO unit and will trigger the input to signal. We will look at the Frequency, Count, and Status of this input. Our BRX Do-More PLC program will also take into consideration watchdog (communication time out) and power-up events for the Stride remote input and output units.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Click, Communication, Horner XL4, Modbus TCP, PLC, PLC Learning, Productivity 1000

Stride Field Remote IO Modules Modbus TCP Ethernet

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The Stride Field I/O Modules are simple and compact. They provide an economical means to connect inputs and outputs to an Ethernet Modbus TCP communication network. Every module operates as a standalone Modbus TCP server and can be configured via a built-in web server.

We will be looking at the following two Stride Remote IO Modules:
SIO-MB12CDR

– STRIDE discrete combo module, Input: 8-point, 12-24 VDC, sinking, Output: 4-point, relay, (4) Form C (SPDT) relays, 2A/point, (1) Ethernet (RJ45) port(s), Modbus TCP server.
SIO-MB04ADS

– STRIDE analog input module, 4-channel, current/voltage, 16-bit, isolated, input current signal range(s) of +/- 20 mA, input voltage signal range(s) of +/- 10 VDC, (1) Ethernet (RJ45) port(s), Modbus TCP server, external 20-30 VDC required.
We will be unboxing both of these units. Powering and then setting them up (configuring) via the webserver. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Click, Communication, Digital Meter, HMI, PLC, PLC Learning, Safety Controller, Sensors

ACC Automation 2019 Review

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Accelerate Learning …
Accelerate Machines…
Accelerate Knowledge…
ACC Automation

It is a good time to be in the automation business. Technologies are merging and communicating like never before. What was impossible is now possible for the industrial plant floor. We are looking forward to the New Year and new possibilities for implementing your control solution.
Each year we like to take a few minutes and reflect on the past, current, and future of ACC Automation. You have helped us to build the site that you see today through questions, comments, and suggestions. Thank you.
2019 has been our best year yet thanks to you. Keep on Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Do-More, MQTT, PLC, PLC Learning

BRX Do-More PLC MQTT Communications

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MQTT stands for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. This simple publish and subscribe communication protocol does not take too many resources.
Constrained devices with low bandwidth are ideal for MQTT. This protocol provides machine to machine (M2M) connectivity which is ideal for the Internet of Things. (IoT) This protocol is not for remote IO or real-time (deterministic) applications. MQTT is a good solution for applications that move data from hundreds or thousands of machines (sensors) to clients in many networks.

We will be installing a windows based broker called Mosquitto. The Do-More BRX PLC will be one of the clients publishing and subscribing to the MQTT broker. MQTT Lens (Chrome Browser App) will be the other client publishing and subscribing to the MQTT broker. Each client will share information. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Do-More, MQTT, PLC, PLC Learning

BRX Do-More Simulator MQTT Publish Subscribe

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MQTT stands for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. It is a simple publish and subscribe communication protocol that does not take too many resources.
Constrained devices with low bandwidth are ideal for MQTT. This protocol provides machine to machine (M2M) connectivity which is ideal for the Internet of Things (IoT) or Industrial Internet of Things. (IIoT)

We will be using a free on-line public MQTT broker from HiveMQ. Messages will be published and subscribed to by two clients. The first will be an MQTT Browser Client by HiveMQ. The Do-More Designer Simulator PLC will be the second MQTT Client. Information in the form of bits and words will be published and sent to both clients. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Do-More, PLC, PLC Learning

BRX PLC PID Ramp Soak Profile

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The purpose of a ramp soak profile is to make gradual, controlled changes in temperature (Ramp), followed by a temperature hold (Soak) period.
We will be using our Proportional-Integral-Derivative PID Instruction with PWM output that we looked at last time to apply the ramp/soak profile.
Using the immersion heater in a cup of water to keep the temperature at a constant value, we will be adjusting the profile of the temperature as we increase the setpoint (Ramp) and hold that set point for a predetermined time. (Soak) We will then decrease that temperature back to the original setting. (Ramp)

We will be modifying our existing program from our PID with PWM Output post. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!