Scottiedog

Testing the new I/O module from IO Bridge, nothing too interesting in the post at the moment, just trying some of there embedded code.

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The class I am enrolled in at college offers some basic Allen Bradley PLC programming, interested in gaining further knowledge I looked around for some low cost alternatives for training.  The problem for myself, and most students in this field, is the cost of the RSLogix500 software, at $500 its priced way out of my budget.  Add the cables, then the PLC….far too expensive.

However, there is some good news, although Rockwell are not shouting it from the rooftops, the software is actually free for formal and informal training.  You just need to know where to look on there website and jump through a few hoops, but its all legal.

First of all, you need to register for free at Rockwells support section…
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/

Once registered you need search for two seperate part numbers…
9324RL0050ENE - RSLogix500 Software
9355WAB100ENE - RSLinx Software
http://support.rockwellautomation.com/WebUpdates/product_list.asp

So once downloaded and installed you have saved yourself a full $500, but there has to be a catch, right?  Well, there is, the software on the site is designed only to communicate to the 1761-L10BXB PLC.  The good news is that this PLC is very low in price, around $100 or less, and has enough inputs (6) and outputs (4) for some basic training applications.  I have also heard that this software will actually work on all 10 point (number of I/O) 1761 PLC’s although I cannot confirm this myself.

Additionally you will also need the cable, again, expensive at around $30 - $50 however its possible to make your own.  A standard 9 pin D connector for your RS232 port and a 8 pin mini DIN for the PLC end, all parts should be in your RadioShack store and cost around $5.  The pin-out is below….

Instrumentation allen bradley, free, plc, rslogix500

The standard RBK radio in my 2003 Ram has very few features, on a long drive the single CD player is a pain and the Mopar CD changer option is both expensive and a hassle to install.  One option is to replace the complete head unit, the only problem I had with that is the 1.5 DIN format so I would loose that factory install look.  I decided to use my iPod and the Grom interface kit to solve this small dilemma which allows me to keep my current head unit.  This install guide will work with all Dodge Ram 2002 - 2005 and Ram 2500/3500 2003-2005.

The Grom adapter comes complete with everything you need including the CD changer interface cable for the Chrysler line of radios.  On to the install…

You have to remove the complete center panel.  There is only one 7mm hex screw holding the panel to the dash board. Pull the dash gently from the bottom right hand corner, there is eight clips, so take this slowly.  Work your way around the dash.

Once free, remove the connectors and place the dash in a safe place. The stereo is held by another four 7mm hex screws, once removed the stereo will pull out.

Connect the iPod adapter to the CD changer connector. Placing the iPod interface is a little tricky, I am not sure for other Ram’s such as the 2500 and 3500, however I found below my head unit there is just enough room to fit the unit.  Once the radio is pushed back and screwed in it holds the adapter in place, its a tight fit but solves the issue of the unit rattling under the dash.

I decided the best location for the iPod would be directly under the heater controls, the small shelf has a rubber mat and is large enough for the iPod. Remove this unit with the four screws holding it on the reverse side of the panel.

Once removed unhook the rubber mat.  Drill on the bottom corner of the unit, you need a pretty large hole for the mini DIN connector, I ended up using a uni-bit.  Feed the connector through and connect to the iPod interface.

Test the unit, if everything works with the iPod connected, reassemble everything in the reverse order.

Cars 2003, custom, dodge, install, ipod, ram

Moving my blog, its taking a little longer than I originally planned :-/

General

Charleton Fruit Farm is a small, local coffee shop based just outside my old home town in Montrose Scotland.  There original site was getting a little dated so I offered another fresh look.  Keeping the whole site user friendly, the new design has helped promote there new childrens play park.  To view the site, click here.

Web Design web design

A close friend was expanding his vinyl sign business in to the electronic LED sign market.  Initially helping him source international suppliers I then created his CSS website and took all the promotional pictures using a basic Panasonic DMC-FX5 camera.  Using this compact camera allowed me to get some interesting, close up angles of the products.

Web Design web design

HandyWave is a Korean manufacturer of wireless serial industrial modems.  I have been selling there products for several years and decided to gain additional customers in the USA a specific site would have to be created to cater for the US market.

The site is completely writen in CSS and I used a Panasonic DMC-FX5 to take all of the pictures of the radio modems.  Planned for the future is a live support forum to deal with the level of support questions.

Web Design

Sold my 1981 ZX Turbo on eBay, the car was exported all the way over to the United Arab Emirates to a Datsun collector.

1981 ZX Turbo
84,000 Miles
2.8 Liter Straight Six Turbo Charged Engine
180BHP, 0-60MPH 6.9s (standard)
Everything Electric & Full Leather
One previous owner
More pictures

Cars