Where to start learning about the GE 90-30 PLC

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Hello! I'm already familiar with Allen-Bradley PLCs and ladder logic programming in general. I've done my bast to stick with A-B but have played around with Omron and Koyo PLCs as well. I just accepted an assignment on a machine that has the GE model 90-30 PLC spec'd. Where should I start reading to figure out the instruction set, addressing, etc. Thanks!!

[Chris Elston]

What software are you going to use? VersaPro or Proficy Machine Edition? If you have your software already, start by downloading some example machine code in the downloads. Between me and Steve Bailey, we can hook a brotha up, just ask away!

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That was going to be my next question, what software is available? I don't know what this machine builder uses.. I guess they do quite a bit of work with GE PLCs so I would imagine they have whatever is "latest and greatest". (what is the latest and greatest for these?? :) Ok so next newbie question.. what comms cable(s) are needed to talk to the processor? Or is GE like A-B and has a multitude of comm protocols to choose from? I also now realize that "90-30" is just a broad family of processors (right?) and I'll have to figure out which one is being used for this job. I suppose I could just read the CPU type off the front of the card? So is there a standard "introduction" publication that I would want to read first? I have no specific info on GE PLCs so I'd want to start reading at the beginning. Should I buy one of the information CDs sold on ebay or is that stuff available free somewhere? Do GE distributors have a "secret stash" of literature like A-B distributors do? Should I just find my local GE Supply and see what they've got? thanks again.. you guys are awesome

[Steve Bailey]

Your local distributor would be a good place to start. They should have an Automation Specialist available to help you ride the learning curve. The 'latest and greatest' software is called Proficy Machine Edition Logic Developer PLC. Your distributor can get you a CD and a 30-day trial license. All manuals are available for download from the GE Fanuc website. There are only two protocols for using the programming software, one for serial communications, another for Ethernet. Every 90-30 ever made can connect serially through the port on the power supply in the baseplate that houses the CPU. The power supply port is RS485, so you need a converter if you have a computer with an RS232 serial port. The converter and cable part number is HE693SNPCBL, also available as GE part number IC690ACC901. The HE693 number is a Horner Electric product. The IC690 number is the same thing with a GE Fanuc label on it. You should be able to get either one from your distributor. There are a couple of CPU models with a built-in ehternet port, as well as an ethernet communications module. Again, your best bet would be to get in touch with your distributor. Their specialist should be able to spend a little time with you to get you started. Depending on where you're located, there may be more than one distributor available to you, so if you're not satisfied with one, you can shop around. Russ B, who sometimes posts here and on Phil's site is a specialist for a distributor in Michigan. I used to be a specialist for a distributor in Connecticut. Just be fair with the distributor person. The specialist's salary is paid out of the distributor's margin on the products they sell. If you expect the specialist to spend a lot of time with you, you need to purchase enough stuff from them to justify that time.

[Kirby K.]

Dont forget good'ol logic master. There is a posibility that the shop where this project is going is still using this software. I'm in the auto manufacturing industry and this is what we are using even though the 'lastest and greatest' is availible. Oh, did I mention that I like logic master?