What's your favorite obscure tools you have? (Software or Hardware)

[arpus4KM]

Originally Posted by dmroeder

Hopefully I'm not repeating myself. We have a couple of these RS485 adapters, which we use to write parameters to PowerFlex 523/525's when we commission them (DSI port). We use python and minimalmodbus.

Basically, we create a text file for each drive with the parameters we want to write, it takes a couple of seconds per drive to write the parameters. With 525's, we just write the IP address, then download the rest of the parameters via LogixDesigner. Way faster than any other method to set the addresses.

sweet. I've used one of those adapters to communicate with electrolab sensors using puTTY. and I was considering Hacking an RJ45 onto the end of it to use with SMC controllers, just haven't tested it yet.

I'd be interested to see what your code looks like, I've only just been introduced to python. I didn't know powerflex used rs485 through the dsi port.

[Phil Buchanan]

Originally Posted by NetNathan

I used to use Angry IP Scanner quite a bit..
Now I am sold on Slitheris Network Scanner by Komodo labs..
You will be stunned at the data it returns. Free for less than 50 devices, but I never had it care if I scanned more than 50 devices.

https://www.komodolabs.com/ip-scanner/

Slitheris is my favorite also.

[Phil Buchanan]

Some of my favorite hand tools

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...-Tools/2488-21

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...-Tools/2688-21

https://www.alliedelec.com/product/s...rive/72353806/

https://www.automation24.com/cable-t...MaApHIEALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-P...dDbGljaz10cnVl

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Phil Buchanan]

I like the Knipex universal panel keys also. I have one in every toolbox and Toolbag.

https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-00-11-...3840902&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/Tools-00-11-0...3840902&sr=8-6

[dogleg43]

Originally Posted by Holmux

Some years ago i got this type crowbar in my toolbox, now I never go on site without
When the electricians are done, I start correcting their impossible sensors

As a skilled electrician and seasoned controls engineer with 38 years of experience I can confidently say that most electricians would be glad to wire things correctly and align sensors correctly IF there is an open line of communication between everyone.

Electricians are not mind readers and drawings must be clear & detailed as well.

[durallymax]

Nobody has mentioned Jokari yet, they are the OEM for most of the strippers that have been posted from Weidmuller, Phoenix, Knipex and others.

These little guys are great for sensor wires and other small gauge wires.

https://www.jokari.de/en/PWSPlus-003-2.htm

[geniusintraining]

When building enclosures/cabinets this is a must https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...tening/2101-22

And these to go with it https://products.wera.de/en/bits_hol...s_800_4_z.html

[BrianD]

fluke 771 milliamp process clamp meter. Love it you don't have to break the circuit.

[Taylor Turner]

Checking the rate of stuffs

//Sets sample rate
tonr(tSampleRate);
tSampleRate.PRE := 100;

if not tSampleRate.DN then
    tSampleRate.Reset := 0;
    tSampleRate.TimerEnable := 1;
else
    tSampleRate.Reset := 1;
    tSampleRate.TimerEnable := 0;
    rAcceleration[1] := rAcceleration[0];
    rVelocityEMA[1] := rVelocityEMA[0];
    rVelocity[1] := rVelocity[0];
    rPosition[2] := rPosition[1];
    rPosition[1] := rPosition[0];
    rPosition[0] := LocalIOHere;
    rVelocity[0] := (rPosition[1]-rPosition[0])*(60*1000)/tSampleRate.PRE;
    rAcceleration[0] := (rVelocity[1]-rVelocity[0])*(60*1000)/tSampleRate.PRE;
    rJerk := (rAcceleration[1]-rAcceleration[0])*(60*1000)/tSampleRate.PRE;
end_if;


//Filter
rAlpha := 1;

rVelocityEMA[0] := trunc((rAlpha*rVelocity[0]+(1-rAlpha)*rVelocityEMA[1])*100)/100;

[Jmeadows7676]

I use the Frontline Netdecoder with a bunch of adaptors ie... Controlnet to USB, DeviceNet to USB, DH+ to USB, rs232 sniffer, rs485 sniffer, ethernet to USB sniffer.
I don't have to use these that often but when you need them, nothing else will do.

[Engineerj22]

I''ll achieve inner peace the moment that DH+, controlnet, and devicenet is gone.

[gbradley]

Convert for Windows
https://joshmadison.com/convert-for-windows/

[TheWaterboy]

+1 for Frontline Netdecoder. I have a lot of DF1 over radio that I have to verify. Its the wireshark for serial stuff.
I do wish they had not sold it to Teledyne, Support calls take Sooo long now.

I also use it along with Wintech Modbus tools when adding new modbus devices.

.

[Peter Nachtwey]

Originally Posted by Taylor Turner

Checking the rate of stuffs

//Sets sample rate
tonr(tSampleRate);
tSampleRate.PRE := 100;

if not tSampleRate.DN then
    tSampleRate.Reset := 0;
    tSampleRate.TimerEnable := 1;
else
    tSampleRate.Reset := 1;
    tSampleRate.TimerEnable := 0;
    rAcceleration[1] := rAcceleration[0];
    rVelocityEMA[1] := rVelocityEMA[0];
    rVelocity[1] := rVelocity[0];
    rPosition[2] := rPosition[1];
    rPosition[1] := rPosition[0];
    rPosition[0] := LocalIOHere;
    rVelocity[0] := (rPosition[1]-rPosition[0])*(60*1000)/tSampleRate.PRE;
    rAcceleration[0] := (rVelocity[1]-rVelocity[0])*(60*1000)/tSampleRate.PRE;
    rJerk := (rAcceleration[1]-rAcceleration[0])*(60*1000)/tSampleRate.PRE;
end_if;


//Filter
rAlpha := 1;

rVelocityEMA[0] := trunc((rAlpha*rVelocity[0]+(1-rAlpha)*rVelocityEMA[1])*100)/100;

I would like to see a trend of your calculations. The problem I see is that there is nothing that guarantees the samples are taken at equal intervals. That messes up the calculations due to sample jitter.


The RMC200 has an alpha-beta-gamma and alpha-beta-gamma-delta filter built in. These far not available on the RMC150 and RMC75.


Check this out.
https://deltamotion.com/peter/Videos/AlphaBetaGamma.mp4
The alpha-beta-gamma filter is just a simplified form of a steady state Kalman filter.

https://www.kalmanfilter.net/alphabeta.html

[jdbrandt]

Mine says PHOENIX contact, but no part number.