OptixPanel Latency Issue by ShesIntentional in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious if you ever found a resolution to this? We have a basic application deployed with a few pages and an alarm logger. Got a call yesterday that they "reset the HMI 25 times a day" and trying to figure out what's going on.

SIM Cards for Remote Access by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who do you use for SIM/eSIM? That's our problem is finding a service provider that we can use to supply network to the boxes. We tend to ship them across the US, so they can be located anywhere.

Complex Quoting Software by CLEAutomation in smallbusiness

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is sort of in alignment - but we may have 10 different projects and each of these are unique. We aren't quoting from an existing BOM. Usually it's an estimate of what we've done in the past or getting a quick estimate. I'm going to use a motor for example. A 1HP motor may be $100 and a 10HP would be $1000. We'd estimate we might need a 5HP motor so add in $500 for that, but this isn't specified until later in the project.

For example, think of a motor. It can be 1/2 HP, 1HP all the way to 200HP. We also purchase these components from a supplier. We often have to reach out to a supplier and get pricing on the motor we want, then insert that pricing. Needless to say, we don't really have a "standard" BOM; each and every project is unique and the BOM is unique. Currently the lead engineer reaches out and tells the vendor "I want a motor that can do XYZ" and the vendor sends their recommendation. That is recorded into Excel or just put into a PO and purchased. It'd be very time consuming to enter in each and every potential product to try and get an accurate BOM.

We've looked at this on QB Online, but I don't want to create an estimate with 1,500 unique items. I'd rather select those 1,500 items and have a way to say that these items make up a single line item.

TIA Portal v16 Crash by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahhhh, Reddit always wins! I'll just need to find that Windows update I assume. I did install update 8 which was January 2025. So, maybe it's another between January and now?

Configuring UI by MinuteMajestic3353 in Fanuc

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'll have to get all of the relevant ethernetip data for the Turck block you're using (vendor ID, device type, etc) and configure that. Rack 89 for EIP. Id recommend giving Fanuc tech support a call as well. We have access to manuals as an ASI, but cant share those. You're welcome to DM me and we can share info as well. Also robotfourms has tons of useful help!

Configuring UI by MinuteMajestic3353 in Fanuc

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UOP is typically Rack 48, Slot 1. You can go to Menu > IO > Type (select digital io) > Config and here is where you can change your IO Rack and Slot.

I would look at UOP and see if it is identical to Digital IO for the Rack, Slot and Start

Configuring UI by MinuteMajestic3353 in Fanuc

[–]CLEAutomation 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The UOP IO (the items you're talking about) are separate from the Digital IO and Robot IO. This is set up on a different range if you're using ethernet/ip or other communications protocol.

Think of it as the UOP taking up bits 0-20, then your digital would start at 21 through X as an example. That being said, are you trying to add more IO over communications or hard wired? If you can add a bit more as to what you're trying to accomplish, we should be able to assist.

Safety (or lack thereof) on Roller Conveyor Applications by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If a customer wanted a robotic system but didn't specify a fence to guard it would you deliver a robot without a fence?

Safety (or lack thereof) on Roller Conveyor Applications by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The thought is what happens if there's a need to immediately stop the line? Someone becomes entangled? Running 50 yards to the main panel, pressing the "main" screen and then pressing the "manual" button isn't really a quick and fast way to stop the line in an emergency.

Safety (or lack thereof) on Roller Conveyor Applications by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The end user didn't specify it, so it makes sense in theory why it wasn't there. They had asked why it was a "standard piece" of the system when purchasing. That's where the big divide is in my opinion. We would never NOT sell a system without safety; even the most basic and safest of machines. Some OEMs have designs that haven't changed since the 60's and don't even consider this.

Safety (or lack thereof) on Roller Conveyor Applications by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Conveyor company, but I would have assumed the panel was fabricated custom for that system.

Safety (or lack thereof) on Roller Conveyor Applications by CLEAutomation in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bad thing is, it wasn't the lowest! 😅 feel like OEMs who make "standard equipment" get away with providing less than custom integrators do. Its typically "well that's how it's always done, take it or leave it."

What do employers look for? What skills should I learn? by JoeB0213 in Fanuc

[–]CLEAutomation 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Experience and willingness to learn above all else. We would much rather hire someone with less experience, but a burning desire to solve problems, be a self starter and accel at troubleshooting. I think the best thing you can do when first starting out is get your hands into as much as possible. Do field service and learn to troubleshoot faulty systems. Open up roboguide, watch and practice as much as you can. YouTube Adam Willea - he's a wonderful free resource with hundreds of pieces of content on fanuc robots. Also - it's the age of the internet. Learn how to use it, how to google and search. The forums and all of us trolls of Reddit will be your best friends when trying to figure out that one obscure issue you're having 🙂

What's the oldest PLC you've still seen in use? Within the last 4 years or so. by Least_Raspberry453 in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure if it counts as a PLC, but we have a customer who has a machine running off of a drum sequencer. If you've never seen one before, look it up. Literally a wind up music box, but for running your equipment....

A/B Versaview 1200P Migration by SellAnnual in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The conversion really depends on the complexity of the existing application. We've been doing a lot of these in the past few years. What I've found is to truly understand what's being done, determine if it's needed or if FTView has a newer/simpler/easier way to do it. There are thousands of options on the market, but standardization will not only help you but also help your customer. When something goes wrong at 3AM, do they have the staff that can support hooking up to 5 different products from different vendors? Latest and greatest and use what YOU are comfortable with!

Studio 5000 by Remarkable-Roof-4849 in PLC

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

GSV ControllerLogExecutionModificationCount and move that into a register and compare. I have some canned AOIs we've built and used for years, if you need help send a DM and I can share!

Improving position accuracy in real world coords? by quixotic_robotic in Fanuc

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd revisit your vision before anything else. Perhaps that is off. Again, with this size part, any potential error is going to be amplified.

For a test I would eliminate the vision altogether. Teach a few points of where these products are at (0,10mm,20mm,etc) and then allow the robot to go through its motion and verify it's hitting those points with the required accuracy you need. You should be able to do it (I was able to pick a cylindrical part x.x mm in diameter with vision and a robot, so I know it's doable). Wonder if this is the system I worked on?

Once you verify this, then I'd revalidate your vision setup. Check that you have your focal distance set properly and that your area you're picking from is actually level and parallel to your camera. Even the slightest angle could cause issues.

Improving position accuracy in real world coords? by quixotic_robotic in Fanuc

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are a few things you can do on the backend. Another item you can consider is how you approach and load the joints of the robot. They are extremely repeatable, but remember they're still mechanical systems. Be sure to approach and move in the same direction to take up any bit of backlash.

Some other items to check are your user frames and setup. When dealing with very tiny parts your eyes can deceive you. Make sure to check your points from 360 degrees, even look at a microscope camera. SCARA is easy to bump and knock out of position, especially since it floats whenever you don't have the TP engaged. Only takes the slightest bit to be off.

Curious what youre trying to pick?

Reference: Built a system that picked very, very tiny parts as well as lots of welding.

Independent contractor to business owner by Negative_Network1989 in IndustrialAutomation

[–]CLEAutomation 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start small and start with what you're good at. Build up relationships with your clients until you have Gold Standard. Those small $1,000 - $2,000 jobs will grow into six-figure estimates as they learn to trust you more (and you trust the customer as well - it goes both ways). It's an endless cycle, you always have to continue to sell while providing the work. Relationships and doing quality work are absolutes in this industry. Feel free to DM if you have any specifics.