Which Ethernet communication method is best for you?

Are you unsure about which Ethernet communication method is ideal for your project?

Determining the best communication method to use depends on your application's requirements, and if you choose the wrong one, you could face future problems, affecting your bottom line. ProSoft can help – in their new video, they give sample applications, and explore the positives and negatives of the communication methods to help you determine the best choice for your application! 

For further information please email info@routeco.com

Introducing the Kinetix 5700 Servo drives from Rockwell Automation

Our Kinetix® 5700 EtherNet/IP Servo Drives help expand the value of integrated motion on EtherNet/IP to large custom machine builder applications. With Logix as a single control engine, and one design environment, Studio 5000® Logix Designer, machine builders now have more flexibility to scale, design, and control to help meet their needs. 

These servo drives can help reduce commissioning time and improve machine performance. It offers the simplicity, power and space savings you need to help get your machine up and running faster.

The Kinetix 5700 is designed for machines with large axis counts with higher power requirements. It is available in single and dual axis servos with integrated and hardwired Safe Torque-Off.

Key Features:

• Features dual axis modules
• Provides a large 1.6 to 60kW power range
• Controls servo and induction motors
• Supports a wide range of feedback types
• Offers an innovative snap-fit bus system
• Reduces wiring with single cable technology
• Allows for tuning-less commissioning for most axes
• Delivers power density for reduced cabinet space
• Includes dual Ethernet ports to support linear and device level ring topologies

Further product information is available by clicking here.

The Kinetix 5700 products are available to purchase on our website here.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

HMS adds EtherNet/IP to Netbiter Remote Management Solution

By connecting a Netbiter EasyConnect 300-series gateway, users of EtherNet/IP-based equipment can carry out maintenance from any location. 

The Netbiter Remote Management solution has previously offered connectivity to Modbus devices, but now HMS can also offer direct, on board compatibility with EtherNet/IP. Via the LAN port on the Netbiter Gateway, users can connect via UCMM (UnConnected Message Manager) which is an acyclic messaging channel separate from the control loop messaging.

Features of Netbiter include:

• Users can configure EtherNet/IP devices remotely using their regular configuration software (RSLogix for example), log trends, monitor performance over time, and get alarm or event notifications whenever critical thresholds are reached.

• Users can connect an EtherNet/IP-based automation device to a Netbiter gateway via the LAN port. The Netbiter gateway sends data via Ethernet or the cellular network to the cloud-based data centre called Netbiter Argos. 

• Users access Netbiter Argos at www.netbiter.net using a regular web browser. They can also set up a secure tunnel to the remote machine or equipment which enables commissioning and debugging just as if they were on site.

• The new Netbiter release includes the ability to group and filter alarms, as well as free access to map functionality showing the exact location of each Netbiter gateway. 

Click on the video below to watch how Netbiter is used to remotely monitor water treatment systems.

For more information please click here or to buy online visit our website here. 

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

New IntraVUE Ethernet network monitoring software from Panduit

If you’re not a network expert, Panduit's IntraVUE Software will help give you the ability to respond to network issues as if you were!

IntraVUE simplifies the support of Industrial Ethernet. With IntraVUE you can easily identify issues that arise when Ethernet devices are deployed in distributed and hostile environments including:

•  Duplicate IP and MAC addresses
•  Device or cable moves
• Connection or application faults
• Unauthorised connections
•  Real-time Diagnostic Reports

If the problem cannot be solved locally, now you can push a button and send all the necessary files to experts who can help. IntraVUE's continuously recording of network information will mean many intermittent problems will be captured for analysis. 

Whether this is an internal corporate group or external support organisation, the data capture will provide enough information to reduce or eliminate the need for a costly on-site support call. 

Vendor Neutral & Industrial Ethernet Focused

The key advantage of IntraVUE software and Panduit support is that they are vendor neutral and focused on Industrial Ethernet. They understand the subtle differences as well as how to train local resources to be self-sufficient.

What may be a first time occurrence at your location, may be an infrequent but common problem found in other applications.

IntraVUE is being used in over 2,500 networks worldwide from small bakeries to large automotive facilities. This solution is cost effective for networks with as few as 30 devices.

IntraVUE by Panduit software is available to purchase on the Routeco website by clicking here. Please email us at info@routeco.com if you would like more information or call us on 0370 607 1000.

Expand your performance capabilities with 5069 Compact I/O platform

The Compact I/O system from Rockwell Automation future-proofs your system and enables The Connected Enterprise, allowing machine builders to bring added value to their customers through a single, unified architecture, using EtherNet/IP™ for increased overall productivity. It is the ideal distributed I/O solution for use with the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix® 5580 controller and for users with high processing requirements.

The 5069 Compact I/O system offers diversity and flexibility with dual 1 Gigabit (Gb) embedded Ethernet ports for Linear and Device Level Ring topologies allowing easy customization for applications demanding high performance and speed.

Features and benefits:

• Built-in power input with field power to I/O modules
• Support for 31 local I/O modules
• High-speed backplane for faster transfer rates
• Improved status indicators for information about module health
• Supports 1-Gb embedded switch technology for Linear and Device Level Ring (DLR) topologies
• Integrated USB port allows easy configuration

Further product information can be found by clicking here to purchase this product on our website please click here.

Milton Keynes Motion Control Technical Workshops

On Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th November, Milton Keynes’ Area Sales Manager Phil Huntley organised for customers to spend the morning at Routeco Head Office for a Rockwell Automation Motion Control Technical Workshops.

The two days gave engineers the opportunity to develop an understanding of Rockwell Automation’s Logix control and motion platform through hands-on exercises using PLCs, Variable Speed Drives, Remote I/O, Motion Controllers, HMI, Safety and Ethernet/IP products. 

Both workshops were fully subscribed and we received some excellent feedback from attendees. Thank you to everyone who attended and Routeco’s Product Sales Specialists’: Colin Wayman, Kevin Johnson and Chris Coe who delivered fantastic workshops. 

Check out the video here to get an overview of what happened across the two days and to get an insight into how the whole process works and what to expect from one of our technical workshops.

Make sure you’re subscribed to our blog and following us on LinkedIn and Twitter to be able to register and attend future events.

New IntraVUE Ethernet network monitoring software from Panduit

If you’re not a network expert, Panduit's IntraVUE Software will help give you the ability to respond to network issues as if you were!

IntraVUE simplifies the support of Industrial Ethernet. With IntraVUE you can easily identify issues that arise when Ethernet devices are deployed in distributed and hostile environments including:

•  Duplicate IP and MAC addresses
•  Device or cable moves
• Connection or application faults
• Unauthorised connections
•  Real-time Diagnostic Reports

If the problem cannot be solved locally, now you can push a button and send all the necessary files to experts who can help. IntraVUE's continuously recording of network information will mean many intermittent problems will be captured for analysis. 

Whether this is an internal corporate group or external support organisation, the data capture will provide enough information to reduce or eliminate the need for a costly on-site support call. 

Vendor Neutral & Industrial Ethernet Focused

The key advantage of IntraVUE software and Panduit support is that they are vendor neutral and focused on Industrial Ethernet. They understand the subtle differences as well as how to train local resources to be self-sufficient.

What may be a first time occurrence at your location, may be an infrequent but common problem found in other applications.

IntraVUE is being used in over 2,500 networks worldwide from small bakeries to large automotive facilities. This solution is cost effective for networks with as few as 30 devices.

IntraVUE by Panduit software is available to purchase on the Routeco website by clicking here. Please email us at info@routeco.com if you would like more information or call us on 0370 607 1000.

Let's get started... with the Allen-Bradley Micro820 PLC

The Allen-Bradley Micro820® Programmable Logic Controller ‘Starter Kits’ are designed to introduce you to the features and benefits of using the Micro820 PLC. 

The Micro820 controller is ideal for controlling small standalone machines and remote automation applications that require flexible communications and I/O capabilities and can be configured using the Connected Components Workbench software.

Key features of the Micro820 include:

• The Micro820 20-pt controller has embedded Ethernet/IP and Serial ports and a microSD slot for data logging and recipe management.
• It can function as a remote terminal unit (RTU) for SCADA applications with support for Modbus over serial and Ethernet communications.
• Embedded support for 4 thermistor temperature inputs means it can function as a direct digital control (DDC) for building management systems (BMS).
• EtherNet/IP for Connected Components Workbench programming, RTU applications and HMI connectivity.
• 5KHz PWM Output for controlling solenoids and valves.
• Built-in Real Time Clock (RTC) with no battery required.
• microSD slot for program transfer, data logging and recipe management.
• Available with removable terminal blocks for easier wiring and installation.
• Supports up to two plug-in modules.

The ‘Starter Kit’ has been created to provide you with all of the basic hardware and software required to get you started with the Micro820 and includes the following parts:

• 1x 2080LC2020QWBR - Micro820 20pt I/O
• 1x 2080REMLCD – Micro820 LCD Display with Keypad
• 1x 2080PS120240VAC – Micro820 24v Power Supply
• 1x 1585JM8TBJM5 – Allen-Bradley 5M Ethernet Cable
• 1x Connected Components Workbench Software on DVD

For further information on the Micro820 please take a look at the online Virtual Brochure and to order your starter pack visit our website here.

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

Need to upgrade your legacy Remote I/O™ system?

Components for legacy Remote I/O™ systems are becoming out dated as new control systems usually run on Ethernet networks. Running a new Ethernet network with switches and fibre cable can be a costly endeavour.

ProSoft Technology’s innovative migration gateways and Industrial Media Converters allow you to run Remote I/O™ and EtherNet/IP™ simultaneously over your existing Belden® 9463 Blue Hose® cable. You are now able to upgrade your legacy Remote I/O™ control systems in phases, eliminating the extended downtime required to upgrade your system.

The EtherNet/IP to Remote I/O or DH+ (AN-X2-AB-DHRIO) Gateway from ProSoft Technology is designed to help customers initiate a phased migration approach to replacing or upgrading legacy Remote I/O, HMI's or Drives. The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO gateway has multiple operating modes that are selected during configuration.

For more information click here to view a video or visit the manufacturer's website.

To view stock availability and price please visit our online store.

If you wish to discuss your migration requirements with one of our team of Technical Specialists, please contact us by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Simplify the integration of machines into your existing network

Increasing use of EtherNet / IP in industrial automation means that there is an increasing need to properly manage machines on the network while ensuring change processes are easy to manage.

The new Allen-Bradley 1783 Network Address Translation (NAT) router helps deliver standard machines to end users without programming unique IP addresses. With reduced installation and configuration activity the Allen-Bradley 1783-NATR enables machines to be added, moved or replaced with little or no configuration. 

Being able to access real-time data is important. To produce and provide data, machines need to integrated into the broader network where information can be analysed and sent to the right place at the right time. The Network Address Translation provides flexibility to segment or isolate network traffic by determining which devices are exposed to the larger network. Furthermore, being able to isolate access to certain devices can help to optimise local network performance. 

Users are able to configure the device by using a module web page and/or EDS AOP using Studio 5000 Automation Engineering & Design Environment™.

Key Features: 

• Uses simple 1:1 Network Address Translation (NAT) to map IP addresses on the machine subnet to IP addresses on the control network
• Configurable via web page and/or Electronic Data Sheets (EDS) Add-on Profile (AOP)
• Simplified device backup and restore via SD card storing configuration
• Support both Linear and Device Level Ring (DLR) topologies on the machine network
• Designed for equipment in packaging, conveyor and process applications with machines that contain up to 32 Ethernet nodes

The Allen-Bradley 1783-Nat can be found here. 

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Extend your Ethernet/IP to hard-to-reach places with the new Stratix 5100

The New Allen-Bradley Stratix 5100 can function as a Wireless Access Point (WAP) or a Work Group Bridge (WGB), in both autonomous and unified networks. By providing connectivity in hard-to-wire and remotely accessible areas, the Stratix 5100 can increase productivity and efficiency on the plant floor. The Stratix 5100 is completely self-directing (autonomous) and does not require a Wireless LAN controller. 

Using the Stratix 5100 as a WGB allows you to connect up to 19 IP addresses, while providing wireless connectivity to wired clients that are connected using TCP/IP like Ethernet/IP. This design flexibility makes accessing critical production data easier in a network with multiple remotely accessible devices, helping reduce design time and operational costs when integrating machines and equipment into the industrial control network.

Key Benefits: 

• Same device can be used as a Wireless Access Point (autonomous) or Work Group Bridge (autonomous or a Cisco Unified network)
• Up to 19 IP addresses can be connected via Stratix 5100 in Work Group Bridge mode
• Device pre-programmed with default configuration for priority handling of EtherNet/IP and kit includes Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas, External power supply and Universal mounting bracket. 
• Cisco IOS for performance with Device Manager and CLI configuration options
• Premier Integration to the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture® system
• FactoryTalk® View & AOI Faceplate for status monitoring and alarming 
• Meets widely adopted IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standards

The Stratix 5100 1783-WAPEK9 is suitable in the European Union (other regional versions are available) and is available on our website.

Further product specifications can be found here.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com