A1SH 16 Output unit.

[Ron_S]

It's been a long while since I worked with an A series PLC (20 years)

But I have to fit a new output unit to a spare socket on the backplane.

They have had a few outputs go - and to keep going they have doubled up some vibrator motor outputs. But of course, they now don't sequence in turn and the aggregate is getting stuck in the hopper.

They want me to do it live. By that I mean, not turn the PLC off.

I have told them I will need to, to download new parameters. But since, I have had doubts. Is the A1S plug and play so to speak?

I don't think so but I would appreciate your input.

 

[Goghie]

I think it is not possible

Edited September 16, 2024 by Goran Vuckovic
Typo

[SergeyBorchshev]

Hot swap only added to newer QPLCs. For APLC you are limited to hot swap only on I/O terminal side not the base plate.

[Crossbow]

Tell them if they were using a current PLC it could be accomplished, but since they continue to try and limp along with an obsolete controller, they are limited in their abilities.

[Ron_S]

I haven't been yet, but they informed me today that they have already plugged in the output unit without turning the power off.

I don't know what that will do?  I'll find out today.

Crossbow, they have had a Q plc ready assembled and programmed to swap out for about 2 years, but it still sits in the stores.

They won't have downtime unless disaster strikes.

They make concrete blocks and run 24/7 and still can't keep up with demand.

 

 

[Goghie]

Even Q series is becoming obsolete. 

Right solution for them is redundant iQR PLC.

[Crossbow]

I know how that goes... was involved in a large number of A-Q transitions myself, and we did most site work on weekends when line was down.

If they need hot swap, the best solution is networked I/O, because devices can be added and removed from most networks live.

Remind them how much downtime is involved if it fails, and that an hour or two now can prevent days of downtime.  Not that most customers care anyways...