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RSLogix500 & Windows Vista / Seven
I have had a few emails from users following the guide to getting RSLogix500 and then struggling with the installation. The biggest complaint is the error message that it will not run on Windows Vista. I tried it myself, on Windows Vista and on Windows 7 RC and found that you need to run the installation program in compatibility mode.
By right clicking the install program and then selecting ‘Properties’, then clicking the ‘Compatibility’ tab you will see the ‘Compatibility mode’.
Check the ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for:’ box and select ‘Windows 2000′. You will now be able to run the installation application.
Once installed, repeat the steps for the RSLogix500 application by right clicking the shortcut on your desktop/start bar.
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Get RSLogix500 for Free
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….
Dodge Ram 1500 iPod Installation
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.