The Purchase of Oscilloscope and PIC

Today I received the PIC package that includes :
1- PICBasic PRO Compiler Software (RM950)
2- EPICA Programmer (RM350)
3- PIC16F84A-04 Chip (RM12X8=RM96)

So the total investment for PIC so far is RM1396. These parts are supplied by Mr Abraham from Blitzlogic Sdn Bhd.

Last week on Friday Tektronix send over the Oscilloscope TDS2002B. Here is how its looks like.
It's cost is RM5181. The package of 60 MHz 2 channels, 1GS/s, LCD
Color Display Digital Storage includes:
1- 2 each P2200 200-MHz 10x - 1x Switchable Passive Probes
2- 2 USB interface ports
3- 1 unit of oscilloscope training board (TDSTNG02B)
4- User Manual
5- Power Cord
6- NIM/NIST Traceable Certificate of Calibration.

ICTS-Conveyor V6 Ladder Diagram

Here is the ladder diagram that specifically used to control the Inter Conveyor Transfer System. This version 6 is capable of selecting the four timer options. Option one, delay 0.1s (TS1 off TS2 off), option two delay 0.2s (TS1 off TS2 on), option 3 delay 0.3s (TS1 on TS2 off) and option 4 delay 0.4s (both TS1 and TS2 on). The delay actually to allow the pusher to push the moon cake smoothly to the packaging conveyor.

If you can see there is a typo error here. Instead of using Internal Relay 0, 2,3,4 to drive the pusher valve I mistakenly write down Internal Relay 0,2 followed by Timer 2 and Timer 3. The reason is simply because I copied and pasted from Internal Relay driver and forgot to change to the right data type.


To download Conveyor6 pdf files click here.

ICTS-Test of Holding Relay Timer

Today we installed the PLC panel box at actual conveyor and did the test run. It works well in lab so we were hoping that all went well too at production line. However, a few problems arised that require further attention and additional work. They are:

1- Sachet cutter proximity switch.
I thought it is a NPN type. So I did the PLC wiring as NPN where the output is used to trigger the ground relay. However it was discovered that it is PNP type. So the relay cannot be turn on. First I thought the relay got problem. Thus I tried to replaced it with the new one I purchased from Keyence. Unfortunately it was found that the new proximity sensor is too short about 40% of the existed proximity switch. Due to this stupid mistake by Keyence salesman, tomorrow I will call to ***k him upside down for supplying wrong device and will ask him to resend the proper one. Later upon checking and discovered that it is due to the NPN /PNP problem, hence I did rewiring for relay #7 so that it would be triggered by PNP sensor. OK and the problem is settled.

2- Delay timer
Since I don't have second device for testing so I put on 0.6s as delay timer. It was found later on that its too long. Next I tried to changed the timing usinng the old P2 IBM thinkpad. However the laptop was too old to do the job. So I have to dismantled the wiring for the panel and bring the panel back to the lab just the reload the program for 0.3s. It works better. However for best result later on I will create another program so that the user can select the timing by selecting the proper switches.

3- Computer
As the program changes will be troublesome using the desktop PC, Mr YU TT request to get a quotation for a laptop so that it is more proper and on the same time it can be used for USB robotic project as well.

ICTS-Pusher Delay Holding Timer

I managed to completed the ladder and test for the Pusher Delay Holding Signal today. In fact this part is required since the longer stretch pneumatic pusher need longer time to complete one cycle of out and return. The current cutter signal is too short that sometimes causing the valve to retract even though the cycle is not finished yet.

Here is the logic that I used to simulate

As you can see the TIM0 is ON when IR0 is set to ON by 4 inputs. Once IRO ON it will continuosly ON until IR1 will trigger it OFF. As such the PUSHER VALVE will be ON from IR0 ON until IR1 ON. In this case it will be continuosly ON for about 0.6s as the timer SET VALUE.

ICTS-Panel Box

http://www.gigafiles.co.uk/files/4310/conveyor/ICTS-PanelBox_Front.JPG

http://www.gigafiles.co.uk/files/4310/conveyor/ICTS-PanelBox_Top.JPG

http://www.gigafiles.co.uk/files/4310/conveyor/ICTS-PanelBox_TopCloseFront.JPG

http://www.gigafiles.co.uk/files/4310/conveyor/ICTS-PanelBox_TopOpenFront.JPG

http://www.gigafiles.co.uk/files/4310/conveyor/ICTS-PanelBox_TopOpenRear.JPG

ICTS-PLC Programming

I managed to complete the PLC programming today. Here are the data that I use.

Input Channel Port Common Adderess
0 0 to 8 Com0 0.00, ..., 0.08

Output Channel Port Common Adderess
10 4 to 7 Com3 10.04, ...,10.07

I connected 9 points for inputs and 4 point for outputs. As conveyor3 program, sensor 4 and sensor 6 wont be use. Thus adderess 0.03 and adderess 0.05 are free eventhough the inputs are connected to the PLC. Perhaps they can be used for input upgrade in future.

Everything work perfectly except one. Once the power is off, the PLC goes to STANDBY mode if the power is turn back ON. Maybe I miss out one part probably the protetction option in programming. It's OK since it is being tested in lab only for the time being. Later on when the mounting for the panel is ready in packaging, this issue should be resolve soon.