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Brett Hook
brett.hook@omron.com
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Why do I need an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?
Published July 1st, 2024 by Brett Hook
Question: When designing a power supply system for a machine, why should we consider installing an Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS, such as the Omron S8BA? Answer: Simply, installing an Omron S8BA UPS in the power supply system for a machine solves the issues associated with power failure and momentary power loss. Issues with power supply occ
F3SG Safety Light Curtain Pre-Reset Function
Published February 28th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide illustrates how to enable and use the Pre-Reset function of an F3SG Safety Light Curtain. The Pre-Reset function adds an additional step to the process of removing a stop condition, which allows for increased safety for situations where an operator is required to enter a hazardous area normally guarded by safety light curtain
How to Set Up User Authentication on NJ and NX PLCs
Published September 15th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide is for NJ and NX PLCs with firmware v1.49 or later, or NX701 PLCs with firmware v1.29 or later. The above PLCs have security enhancements over previous models and firmware versions, one of which is the ability to enable user authentication. User authentication allows an administrator to set up multiple user accounts on the PL
MX2 Inverter Drive Control Input/Output Wiring Configurations
Published August 18th, 2023 by Brett Hook
MX2 inverters offer a range of logic input and output options for control purposes. One of the more common are the multi-function input and output terminals. These multi-function terminals are favoured due to their adaptability and ease of integrating them into an existing logical control system, such as a PLC. However, the terminals must be set up
G9SE Safety Relay Wiring
Published April 12th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Overview This document provides examples and explanations of input and output wiring of a G9SE safety relay unit, including the G9SE-201, G9SE-401, G9SE-221-T05 and G9SE-221-T30. Power Supply Input (A1, A2) Connect the power supply's positive terminal to the G9SE's A1 terminal. Connect the power supply's negative terminal to the G9SE's A2 terminal.
How to connect my NA HMI to my CJ PLC?
Published April 4th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this step-by-step guide is to provide a walkthrough for establishing a connection between an NA series Human Machine Interface (HMI) and a CJ series Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Pre-Requisites Basic knowledge of Sysmac Studio and CX-Programmer software. Understanding of IP addresses and basic network structure. Pl
My relay operates, but no current flows between the contact points
Published June 5th, 2024 by Brett Hook
Scenario When supplied with the appropriate voltage, the relay actuates or switches, but no current flows between the contact points. Issue The cause of this scenario can be due to several different issues, listed below. Damage to internal components due to shock: If the relay has been dropped or otherwise exposed to physical shock, the internal c
Connecting your NA5 HMI to a CS1G/H PLC
Published February 23rd, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the connection procedure between an NA5 HMI and a CS1G/H PLC, using a CS1W-ETN11 or CS1W-ETN21 ethernet unit. Pre-Requisites This article assumes prior basic knowledge of both Sysmac Studio and CX-Programmer, as well as basic knowledge of the physical setup of CS1G/H PLCs and NA5 HMIs. Pleas
My relay doesn't operate, even when voltage is applied
Published June 5th, 2024 by Brett Hook
Scenario The relay is being supplied with a voltage signal, but the relay does not actuate or switch signals as it should. Issue There are several probable causes for this issue. Disconnected coil: A previous application of a voltage in excess of the relay's rating may have caused the coil to become disconnected. Ultrasonic cleaning can also have
3G3MX2-V2: My PSET function isn't working!
Published October 1st, 2024 by Brett Hook
Scenario You are attempting to use simple position control on an MX2-V2 inverter, using Drive Programming. Specifically, you want to use the PSET function to load a preset position from parameter P083 to the current position in D030. The intent of this function is to allow the inverter to compensate for drift, or for loading an origin that is not th
Setting an E5CC/E5EC Temperature Controller using PID Control
Published April 21st, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this step-by-step guide is to provide a clear method for the set-up of an E5CC or E5EC temperature controller using the PID control method. Please refer to these Precautions and Terms and Conditions which relate to the information and program samples provided before proceeding Procedure Determine the Control Method Deta
How to Uninstall and Reinstall LVS-95XX Software
Published July 26th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this guide is to provide a series of easy-to-follow steps that show how to fully uninstall the LVS-95XX software from a PC, and then if required, reinstall the software on the same PC. This guide can also be used to uninstall the software from one PC, before installing it on another PC with the same database file. Pre-Req
RX2 Inverter Drive Control Input/Output Wiring Configurations
Published August 18th, 2023 by Brett Hook
RX2 inverters offer a range of logic input and output options for control purposes. One of the more common are the multi-function input and output terminals. These multi-function terminals are favoured due to their adaptability and ease of integrating them into an existing logical control system, such as a PLC. However, the terminals must be set up
Omron Microscan Cameras: How to use Locate Shape and Position Correction
Published March 2nd, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide provides a series of steps that show how to use the Position Correction functionality of Microscan MV Cameras, using AutoVISION. In order to use Position Correction, the Locate Shape functionality must also be used, and is therefore demonstrated below. The purpose of Position Correction is to enable greater robustness in dete
Setting Temperature Alarms on an E5CC/E5EC Temperature Controller
Published April 21st, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this step-by-step guide is to provide a clear method setting a temperature alarm on an E5CC or E5EC temperature controller, including how to determine to required alarm type and how the make the required settings in the temperature controller itself. Please refer to these Precautions and Terms and Conditions which relat
Setting the Sensor Type on E5CC/E5EC Temperature Controllers
Published April 20th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Scenario During installation of an E5CC or E5EC temperature controller, the correct sensor type must be selected for the controller to process the input data and present the appropriate temperature values as a result. Alternatively, during installation or operation, if the scenario of the 'S.ERR' input error appearing on the temperature controller o
RX Inverter Drive Control Input/Output Wiring Configurations
Published August 18th, 2023 by Brett Hook
RX inverters offer a range of logic input and output options for control purposes. One of the more common are the multi-function input and output terminals. These multi-function terminals are favoured due to their adaptability and ease of integrating them into an existing logical control system, such as a PLC. However, the terminals must be set up a
Optimising Ethernet/IP Tag Sets with CX-One's Network Configurator
Published October 24th, 2023 by Brett Hook
Scenario When using Ethernet/IP communications between PLCs and other devices, where the PLCs have been configured using CX-One's Network Configurator, you have encountered a ‘Comparison Error’, and your communications are failing. You may even be experiencing ‘chasing’ behaviour, where you resolve one node's error by resetting it, but then the er
Setting Heater Burnout Alarms on an E5CC/E5EC Temperature Controller
Published April 21st, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this step-by-step guide is to provide a clear method for setting heater burnout alarms on an E5CC or E5EC temperature controller. A heater burnout alarm operates by detecting the current of the heater with a current transformer. If that current is detected as less than the specified heater burnout current, the temperature
Ethernet/IP Bandwidth Usage
Published October 25th, 2023 by Brett Hook
Modern industrial Ethernet/IP networks are robust and capable of communicating with a considerable amount of data. However, all systems have limitations, and often by nearing these limitations, the performance and reliability of the Ethernet/IP network can deteriorate. There are two primary methods that we can use to resolve or avoid such performanc
Connecting an NJ/NX PLC with a Microscan Camera (MV40)
Published March 3rd, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide is a step-by-step process of connecting an NJ or NX PLC and a Microscan Camera. For this guide, an MV40 camera was used, though all Microscan cameras can be connected with this method. Pre-Requisites Knowledge of Sysmac Studio. Knowledge of basic operation of AutoVISION. Required Hardware NJ/NX PLC and Power Supply Microscan
CX-Thermo doesn't connect to my Temperature Controller
Published March 9th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Scenario CX-Thermo cannot connect to your OMRON temperature controller. It's likely that the temperature controller can be seen through CX-Thermo, but a proper connection cannot be established. Issue Older versions of CX-Thermo have limited compatibility with newer temperature controllers. Solution In the CX-Thermo folder on your PC, check the readm
How to connect an NB HMI to a PLC
Published March 14th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide will outline the steps required to connect an NB HMI screen to a compatible PLC, using ethernet. This process uses a CP1L PLC, but can be applied to most CP/CJ/CS/NJ and NX units. If a PLC does not have built-in ethernet, an ethernet expansion unit may be required. Procedure Step1 Connect the NB and PLC using the ethernet c
G9SE Fault Detection
Published April 26th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Scenario The power indicator light on your G9SE unit is blinking, or other indicator lights are blinking when the power indicator light is on. Additionally, the G9SE is not outputting an 'ON' signal. Issue A fault has occurred with either the G9SE or the configuration in which it is installed. Solution To appropriately resolve this issue, the indica
Connecting a CP1L/H PLC to an NB HMI using a CP1W-EIP61 Option Board
Published August 3rd, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide will show the process of connecting a CP1L or CP1H PLC to an NB HMI using a CP1W-EIP61 option board. Normally the connection of a CP1L or CP1H to an HMI is documented assuming the use of an NS HMI, or a CP1W-CIF41 option board. Allowing the use of an NB HMI increases the versatility of the CP1L or CP1H range, and the use of t
Does the Intelligent Tap need to remain connected to the F3SG-4SR Light Curtains?
Published November 1st, 2022 by Brett Hook
Should the Intelligent Tap remain connected to the F3SG-4SR Light Curtains? Typically, the Intelligent Tap only needs to remain connected to the Light Curtains when the settings and features of the Light Curtains are being configured. Once the configuration of a set of Light Curtains is complete, simply power off the Light Curtains, remove the Intel
Forgot User Authentication Password on NJ or NX PLC
Published September 15th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Scenario When using Sysmac Studio v1.50 to connect online to an NJ or NX PLC with firmware v1.49 or later which has had user authentication enabled, a user is presented with an authentication pop-up, as shown below. If a valid username and password combination is not entered, Sysmac Studio will be unable to connect online to the PLC. Issue The PL
How to back up Sysmac Studio Projects
Published September 15th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide will show two methods of backing up Sysmac Studio projects and restoring them. This can be used to transfer projects between computers, as well as to create backup repositories. Pre-Requisites Basic Windows and Sysmac Studio knowledge. Procedure Method 1: Export/Import This method can be used to back up a single project at a
Purpose of the Intelligent Tap
Published November 1st, 2022 by Brett Hook
What is the purpose of the Intelligent Tap (F39-SGIT-IL3), for the F3SG-4SR Light Curtain range? The Intelligent Tap is the method through which the F3SG-4SR Light Curtains can be configured. While some basic configuration can be achieved without the Intelligent Tap, connecting this device to the Light Curtains allows for even greater configuration
Optimising Ethernet/IP Tag Sets with Sysmac Studio
Published October 24th, 2023 by Brett Hook
Scenario When using Ethernet/IP communications between PLCs and other devices, where the PLCs have been configured using Sysmac Studio, you have encountered a ‘Tag Data Link Error’, and your communications are failing. You may even be experiencing ‘chasing’ behaviour, where you resolve one node's error by resetting it, but then the error reoccurs
How to Calculate Required NX-IO Power
Published October 24th, 2023 by Brett Hook
When designing the power supply system for your NX series PLC and NX Units, it is important to accurately design both the NX Unit Power Supply System, and the I/O Power Supply System. These two systems are separated from each other for reasons explained in the below article: Why do NX IO units have separated Unit Power and IO Power? For the NX Unit
FH Vision: Reteaching Shape Search III
Published November 27th, 2023 by Brett Hook
Scenario You have a flexible manufacturing process which performs limited runs of similar, but different products, such as logo printing, engraving, or custom part fabrication. You also require quality control on this process, as each of the products in a single run need to be the same (or similar within a certain variance). You may currently be pe
How to connect an NA HMI to an NX/NJ PLC
Published June 4th, 2024 by Brett Hook
Introduction This guide will outline the steps required to connect an NA HMI screen to an NX or NJ PLC, using ethernet. This process uses a NX102 PLC, but can be applied to all NX and NJ units. This guide will refer to the PLC as an NX unit, for brevity. This guide will also assume that there is no program loaded into either NA or NX devices. If a p
Emergency Stop Switches vs Standard Push Button Switches
Published June 5th, 2024 by Brett Hook
Question: What is the difference between an emergency stop switch and a standard push button switch? Answer: Standard push button switches, such as the A22N series pictured below, are typically used for machine controls, such as starting operation or changing modes. They also have a range of options as to their appearance and operation. For example,
How do I know that I have the correct Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?
Published July 1st, 2024 by Brett Hook
Question: When designing a power supply system for a machine, we would like to include an Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS, to protect that machine against the problems associated with power supply issues. How do we determine which UPS to use for the machine in question? Answer: When selecting a UPS, such as the Omron S8BA UPS, there are two p
Why did my relay burn out?
Published June 5th, 2024 by Brett Hook
Scenario An installed relay burned out and no longer operates. It requires replacement, but the root cause of the burn-out needs to be identified and resolved first. Issue The most likely causes of a relay burning out are as follows. Coil layer short circuit: If a voltage in excess of the coil's rating is applied, the insulating film on the coil m
Why do I need a Safety Relay in my safety circuit?
Published June 13th, 2024 by Brett Hook
Question: When designing a safety circuit for a machine, why should we use a Safety Relay instead of a non-safety relay? Answer: The action of a Safety Relay involves a forcibly-guided mechanism, which prevents the dual channel contact points from being in operating states at the same time, in the event of a welded contact. This also allows the Sa
Setting an E5CC/E5EC Temperature Controller using ON/OFF Control
Published April 20th, 2022 by Brett Hook
Introduction The purpose of this step-by-step guide is to provide a clear method for the set-up of an E5CC or E5EC temperature controller using the ON/OFF control method. Please refer to these Precautions and Terms and Conditions which relate to the information and program samples provided before proceeding Procedure Determine the Control Method D
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