
BigE (Customer) asked a question.
I have run into an issue with an 8 CH analog current input and output cards on a couple occasions.
The broken transmitter bits for the last 4 channels do not become true when the input is disconnected. The data from these last 4 inputs does show correctly in data view when connected and goes to zero when sensor is disconnected. I have the exact same sensor connected to the first 6 inputs and two of different sensor on the last 2 channels. Attached are a couple pics of the analog input issues
Only the first channel of the output card is affecting my test device. The data view shows the other channels are outputting but no actual output to my device.
Am not using the two AO of the BRX36 PLC. Thinking that shouldn't matter.
I checked for voltage variations directly at the output terminal of the card and seeing aprox 16V on channel 0 when output is maxed at 32767 and 14V when output is zero.
I have a meter connected in series with output card and my device. Meter shows minimum output current is 0ma when output is 0 and 9.9ma when output is 16383 and 19.8ma when output is 32767 even though card is configured for 4-20 not 0-20.. The next couple channels are always the same 14V and zero amps even when data view shows full 32767 output to the corresponding WY output.
Am wondering if my analog device (a electro-pneumatic positioner) is part of the problem. Have used this test device for several years when testing control panels and only seem to run into these issues when using 8 channel input and output cards. Has worked fine many times when using the built-in analog channels. Is there a way to verify actual current output from the card without using my device?
Hi @BigE (Customer)
"Is there a way to verify actual current output from the card without using my device?"
you can convert 4-20 mA to 1-5 Volts with a precision 250 Ohms resistor in parallel with the measuring device to read volts.
Ohm's law, V = R(E)
.004 (Amps) times 250(ohms) = 1 Volt
.020 (Amps) times 250(ohms) = 5 Volts
Regards,
Garry
https://accautomation.ca/series/brx-do-more-plc/