Hi all!

Short question, once again...

The Motor Transition Time setting in the PID_3Step block (under Actuator Settings), can I change this from my HMI?

I am not able to add it to my screen?

Hi,

Have a look at the SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 PID control manual under "8.2.4.7 Static tags of PID_3Step V2".

Also there is an application example with this block having settings on screen:

3-Point Stepper Control with SIMATIC S7-1200 (Set 2)

I hope I could help!

Hi again,

I check out the example, and do see the set point available there. It seems that the set point was removed somewhere between version 1.1 (example) and the current version (2.2)

My problem is that the "travel time" is not fixed. I do know when the "device" has reached its lowest and highest values, so I will see if that will be sufficient for an optimal control.

I will take more tips if anyone has some!

Thank you!

HI,

If the "motor transition time" is not accurate you may experience performance issues. I always considered the "motor transition time" parameter as constant for the actuator. Please tell me what do you exactly mean by the: "My problem is that the "travel time" is not fixed." statement. Is it the same Actuator are we talking about or it is just the same type?

Anyways my comment about how to come around the problem:

Maybe  try to create an HMI interface that allows the Technician(or other authorized user) to measure the "motor transition time" whenever it is needed to do. See the SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 PID control  under chapter "8.2.4.6 In-out parameters of PID_3Step V2" and entry Mode you can read:

I hope I could help!

Thank you!

We use the controller to step up and down a step coupler for electrical heating elements.

The client can (theoretically) change the step layout, and as such increase or decrease the number of steps. It is a fairly simple calculation to determine the travel time from low to high, in the past we could just set this in the controller, but no more..

Do you think it would be advisable to use an old version of the block where it is still possible to set the travel time?

Hi,

I am not a big fan of using older blocks, but it is a logical decision in your case.

Before you make your decision, study SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 PID control manual under chapter "8.2.1 New features of PID_3Step" and more importantly "8.2.2 Compatibility with CPU and FW" .

Please come back an tell us if the problem sorted!

I hope I could help!

Todays progress:

None...Lol

I just spent half a day going through settings and adjusting, didn't feel like hooking up my test PLC and used the PLC SIM instead. Come to find out after half a day of testing, changing, ripping my hair out, that the PID does not work when using PLC SIM?

Argh! SIEMENS!

Hi, 

About downloading the your code:

S7-1200 / STEP 7 Basic - Check list for first online access

About Simulation problems:

TIA, know-how protection block download not possible

I hope I could help!