GE Fanuc Series One Junior

[BillW]

As a complete novice at PLCs, I thought I would ask the experts here for opinions. Our shop bought a older, used punch press with a GE Fanuc Series One Junior PLC. While we have the press powered up and are testing the controls, we don't have any way to check the logic program or modify it. Should we: buy a Series One programmer and try to get it operational or should we pull the One Junior out and replace with a newer version/model (suggestions here are appreciated)? We are located in Denver and we haven't found anyone out here that can bring in an old programmer and take a look. Thanks for your help and comments. BillW

[Steve Bailey]

The handheld for the Automation Direct DL305 series will program the Series One Junior. Part number D3-HP & cable D3-HPCBL. With it you can edit the program or transcribe the ladder logic by hand for translation to a newer PLC. You can find the Series One Junior manual in the GE Fanuc downloads here at MrPLC.com. Personally, I would replace the Junior with something current at the first opportunity. Replacements are only available through obsolete equipment dealers. The CPU is so slow that the GE Logicmaster One Junior programming software can't even do online monitoring. There must be someone in the Denver area that can help you out. Try contacting your local GE Fanuc distributor (GE Supply in Denver or Technical Marketing Mfg. in Wheatridge) and ask them if they know of someone. Edited January 29, 2007 by Steve Bailey

[BillW]

Thanks for the guidance here. Looking at the DL305 series info, is there any printing option or is that going to be transcribing by hand as you mention? You mention replacing the Jr with something current. Can you recommend something? Talking to the local GE distributor, they went right to Versamax Micro. This seems like Pirellis for my jalopy but I also realize who I was talking to. Edited January 31, 2007 by BillW

[Steve Bailey]

The VersaMax Micro is GE Fanuc's current "brick" PLC. It has a lot more functionality than the Series One Junior at about the same price that the Junior sold for twenty years ago. Plus, it takes up a lot less space in your enclosure. Unless you have a copy of a Logicmaster One Junior file of the program or a Series One printer interface unit (IC610PER151) you'll have to transcribe the program by hand. The Junior only has 700 words of program memory, so transcribing shouldn't take too long.

[Kirby K.]

I have a thought here that you might want to consider. Why use a PLC? I've built hundreds of punch presses (Taber industries) with feeders and light curtains and all sorts of associated equipment; and all with relays. Sometimes its just nice to open a control panel door and 'see' if the relay is responding. Software and computer not needed.