A few weeks ago, a client asked me to review his SLC-500 program files. He wanted my advice on how difficult it would be to convert them to CompactLogix.
When I received his files, the first thing I did was power on my primary Windows 7 64bit virtual machine. Then I opened each of his .RSS files in RSLogix 500 v9, and saved them in the .SLC format required by Rockwell's “Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0” utility.
When you open that utility and click on the HELP button, the Help file that opens literally is titled 'How to use RSLogix Project Migrator'. That Help file will walk you through exporting the data from your PLC-5 controller and running the utility.
Next, as I attempted to translate the first .SLC file using the utility, I received the following error: “Syntax Error at line 7.” As I tried each of the remaining files I received similar errors.
With no obvious solution, I headed off to Rockwell's knowledgebase to see if there was a documented fix. I tried several different keyword searches, but found nothing related to this error.
Frustrated, I booted my Windows XP Pro 32bit virtual machine up. Then I ran thought the entire process again with RSLogix 500 version 8.3. This time all of the files converted successfully.
I didn't think about this again until a couple of weeks later when a different client called frustrated with the same issue. I told him I'd also had this problem and thought I had found a workaround. Since the client was in the field, I offered to do the conversion for him and a short while later his file appeared in my email inbox.
This time I went directly to my Windows XP Pro vm, and ran through the same procedure as before. However, I expectantly received the same error that I had previously only seen in Windows 7. Not knowing really what to do, I tried importing the .SLC back into RSLogix 500 v8.3, and then re-exporting it to a .SLC file. Surprisingly this worked, and I was able to send the client back the converted file.
Not seeing a patterned, and previously not finding anything on Rockwell's Knowledgebase, I thought it time to call Rockwell's Tech Support. When I explained the issue to the Tech on the phone, he said there was an internal Tech Note about this issue. He said the quickest fix was to open the .SLC file in a text editor and delete all the lines pertinent to the I/O configuration.
I thanked him for the suggestion, and left them with one of my own. I asked him to consider making a public Knowledgebase document on this issue to help others who might also run into it. To his credit, a couple of days later he left me a voicemail saying a newly published tech note addressing this issue had been created: Rockwell Tech Note 576939 (this tech note currently requires a Tech Connect contract.)
Now whenever I run into a frustrating issue like this, I try to write up a quick email and send it out to my colleagues. My hope in doing this is to save them from having to troubleshoot the same issue I did.
This time, shortly after sending my email, I received a reply from my colleague Joe. He wrote me back saying he had run into the same issue in the past, but had come across an easier solution.
If you look closely at the Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 Utility error window, you'll notice a small line of text right above the white text box which reads, “Fix the error within the file in the edit box below.” I would never have guessed that the white text box was editable, since most of these popups are just simple notification windows. But as Joe rightly pointed out, you can simply delete the offending I/O lines right from this window, and then continue on with the conversion successfully.
To be honest, I'm still not sure what causes this error in Rockwell's “Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0.” utility. But knowing the above work-arounds has turned out to be quite helpful.
If you also find these work-arounds helpful, please take a moment and visit our Support page for several ideas on how you can help us.
Sincerely,
Shawn Tierney
Automation Instructor and Blogger
Automation Instructor and Blogger
If you enjoyed my article, you may like my courses at TheAutomationSchool.com
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Shawn Tierney
Shawn began sharing automation news and know-how online in 1996 when he launched his first BBS. Then in 1999 he moved to the internet launching ShawnMichael.com, which he later renamed ShawnMTierney.com. In 2013 he moved his automation efforts to a new website, TheAutomationBlog.com, which has since become the most popular independent industrial automation blog on the web.
Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)
- How to add ControlNet Flex I/O to ControlLogix - September 17, 2019
- How to add Ethernet Flex I/O to ControlLogix - September 10, 2019
- What's New At The Automation Blog And School, Summer 2019 - September 6, 2019
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You’re very welcome Donchipote, and thanks for letting us know about v9!
PS – I’ve heard a rumor the new version of this tool is due out shortly and will address this issue…
Thanks again,
Shawn Tierney
If you've found my articles or comments helpful, you may like my courses here.
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Have a news tip? Share it with us here.
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