Category: Manufacturers

Yaskawa Motoman Swordfighter

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Yaskawa Motoman Swordfighter

Industrial robotics is pretty under-recognized It’s easy to think they’re all about manufacturing. But just watch as Motoman-MH24 normally found assembling or packing products in a factory, takes on a new lease on its automation life and becomes a master sword fighter.

Motoman-MH24 is a 630-pound high-speed industrial robot made by Japan’s Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The Yaskawa Bushido Project is a short video clip showing Japanese master swordsman and five times Guinness World Record holder Isao Machii teach Motoman-MH24 the way of the sword. The company made this promotional clip to celebrate what they dub “manufacturing spirit” as they near their 100th anniversary.

To date, Machii has demonstrated some pretty radical feats with his blade: slicing a flying shrimp pelleted at him at 80mph in half, and a neon ball flung at him at 150mph – and these are just some of the things the dude can do.

The Yaskawa researchers examined Machii’s sword techniques in 3D. Next, they got Motoman to reproduce the very same movements, and the results are superb. In a showdown between master and robot-apprentice, the pair first demonstrates a four-directional cut in flawless sync. Then Motoman-MH24 reproduces each of Machii’s cuts down to a tee.

Things start really heating up when the robot actually looks like it’s gaining an upper hand over its human trainer. While Machii horizontally slices one orange, Motoman-MH24 takes down six in one fell swoop. The most epic scene is probably the one where Motoman splices a really thin pea pod in half.

While Machii looks visibly tired towards the end of the final “1000 cuts” scene, his mechanical counterpart could probably go on for at least an extra 100000.

Click to view our Yaskawa Drives and Controls currently for sale.

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Retrofitting

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At MRO Electric and Supply, we are experts at retrofitting older HMIs with a new interface that is clean, modernized, and still works with your system.

Take this older Fanuc HMI as an example. The old CRT display has begun to fade out, making its use inefficient and none user-friendly. Old CRT screens are also prone to overheating, and they take up a lot of much needed space.

Fanuc HMI
Fanuc HMI Pre-Retrofit

A new LCD retrofitted screen can give you more accessibility, brighter displays, and user-friendly colors. MRO Electric can quickly update your FANUC Displays and HMIs at a fraction of the cost of replacing your whole HMI. You also don’t have to rewrite your programming, or waste time and resources replacing your whole system.

Fanuc HMI next to LCD Retrofit
Fanuc HMI next to its LCD Retrofit

Below is a fully retrofitted Fanuc HMI with an LCD monitor. This lighter, energy-efficient replacement adds years of life and service to existing legacy equipment, and eliminates potential future downtime. In addition, all of our HMI repairs come standard with a 12 month warranty.

Newly Retrofitted Fanuc HMI
Newly Retrofitted Fanuc HMI

Get in touch with us today to learn more about this cost effective solution for your HMIs. You can request a quote by calling 1-800-691-8511 or by emailing sales@mroelectric.com.

UNI3404: Beyond the User Manual

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The UNI3404 is available with a number of option modules, which increase its flexibility and make it suitable for a very wide range of applications. These modules are briefly described in the following paragraphs. For full details refer to UNI3404 manual that is supplied with each of them. The modules are in two physical formats and are known as Large Option Modules (LOM) and Small Option Modules (SOM). Each Undrive may be fitted with one LOM and one SOM.

Unidrive UNI3404 Large Option Modules
  1. UD78 High Precision Analog Input Module. (LOM):
    • This module provides the following features: a) Infinite resolution analog input for precision speed and position control. Large Option Module Small Option Module 1. Introduction 11 b) RS485 communication port. c) Back up supply connector (requires user provided 24VDC) to maintain power to the drive control circuits and encoder feedback when the 3 phase input to the drive is disconnected.
  2. UD70 Co-Processor Module (LOM)
    • The UD70 is an Intel 960 based co processor module that allows the user to write programs in both IEC1131 ladder / Function Block Diagram and Drive Programming Language (DPL) to provide 1.5 axis motion control and sequence control. This is accomplished using the SyPT programming tool on a PC. The module is fitted with an RS232 programming port for this purpose. It also has an RS485 port for general use and this supports the ANSI protocol as a slave or master controller and ModBus RTU as a slave only.
  3. UD71 Serial Communications Module (LOM)
    • The UD71 provides simple serial communication and has both RS232 and RS485 ports.
  4. UD73 Profibus Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD73 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows the drive to be connected to a Profibus DP network running at speeds up to 1.5 Mbaud.
  5. UD74 Interbus-S Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD74 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows the drive to be connected to an Interbus-S network at a fixed data rate of 500 Kbaud.
  6. UD75 CTNet Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD75 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows connection to a CTNet nework. CTNet is Control Techniques fully de-centralized peer to peer fieldbus. This allows implementation of a fully distributed control system with no central PLC controller required.
  7. UD76 Modbus Plus Interface Module (LOM)
    • The UD76 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows connection to a Modbus Plus network.
  8. UD77 DeviceNet interface module (LOM)
    • The UD77 provides full UD70 co-processor functionality and additionally allows connection to a DeviceNet network.
  9. CAN interface module
    • This is based on the UD77 hardware but has different firmware to allow the user to communicate through the CAN physical layer but using his own protocol written using the SyPT toolkit.
  10. CanOpen interface module
    • This is based on the UD77 hardware but the firmware is changed so that the network uses the CanOpen protocol.
Unidrive UNI3404 Small Option Modules
  1. UD50 Extended I/O module
    • This module provides the following additional I/O capability:
      • a) qty. 3, 24VDC digital inputs.
      • b) qty. 3, dual function (user selectable) 24VDC digital inputs / outputs. Rated at 30mA when configured as outputs.
      • c) qty. 2, 10 bit plus sign analog inputs +10 to –10VDC
      • d) qty. 1, analog output +10 to –10VDC.
  2. UD51
    • Second encoder module In servo mode this provides the drive with the following additional capabilities:
      • a) Allows use of a second incremental encoder as a master reference input for digital lock, Electronic Gear box and camming functions.
      • b) Alternatively the UD51 may be configured for frequency and direction input to be used as the drive speed reference.
  3. UD52 Sin/Cos encoder module
    • The UD52 allows a servomotor fitted with a sin/cos encoder to be used. This provides an interpolated resolution of up to 1,048,576 ppr when used with a 512 pulse sin cos encoder and also allows use of an optional 4096 revolution absolute encoder. The Unimotor is available with these encoders fitted as a standard option.
  4. UD53 Resolver Module
    • The UD53 allows use with a servomotor having resolver feedback. This is much more rugged than an encoder and therefore suitable for use in harsh environments. The UD53 can operate with resolver having either 2:1 or 3:1 turns ratio (primary : secondary)
  5. UD55 Cloning Module
    • The cloning module is intended to make it possible to copy up to 8 different parameter sets and subsequently load any of these onto another drive. It is useful in a production environment when many drives have to be set up with the same parameters. Unlike the other small option modules it is not normally left permanently installed in a drive.

Contact us today for an instant quote on any Control Techniques Unidrive, small option module, or large option module at 1-800-691-8511 or at sales@mroelectric.com

uni3404
UNI3404

A06B-6058-H005: Beyond the User Manual

Joe Kaminski 1 Comment

A06B-6058-H005: Beyond the User Manual

Generally, Fanuc AC servo motors, like the A06B-6058-H005, have no parts that wear off or that must be replaced periodically, unlike DC servo motors, which have brushes that must be replaced. However, you should perform period maintenance for servo motors so as to keep their initial performance as long as possible and to prevent breakdowns. AC servo motors have precision sensors — their incorrect use or damage caused during transportation or assembling can result in breakdowns or accidents.

It is recommended that you inspect servo motors periodically, and of course we offer a 12 month warranty on all Fanuc products purchased from MRO Electric.

Receiving and Keeping the A06B-6058-H005

When you receive a A06B-6058-H005 module from MRO Electric, make sure that the motor is exactly the one you ordered, in terms of model, shaft, and sensor specifications, and make sure that no damage has been caused on the motor. Servo motors should be kept indoors as a rule. The storage temperature range is -20 to +60 Celsius. Do not place or install AC servo motors in a place where it is extremely humid and dew is prone to form, where there are steep changes in temperature, where there is constant vibration, or there is lots of dust and trash. Constant vibration may cause damage to the shaft bearings.

Daily Inspection Procedures

Before starting operation, or periodically (once a week or month), you should inspect the AC servo motors for vibration and noise, outside damage, stains and smudges, overheating.

Check the motor for abnormal vibration by hand, and noise by ear when the motor is not rotating, rotating at low speed, and accelerating and decelerating.

Check the Pulsecoding cover (read plastic) for crevices and the motor surface (black coating) for scratches and cracks. If you find a crevice on the Pulsecoder cover, you should replace it. If there is a scratch or a crack on the motor surface, the user should repair it by himself as required. If coating has come off, dry the portion of interest or the entire surface and coat it with paint for machines such as urethane paint.

Check the motor surface and bolt holes for oil or cutting fluid. Wipe off oil and cutting fluid on the surface periodically. Oil or cutting fluid can damage the coating by chemical reaction, possibly leading to failure. Also check how such liquid leaks onto the motor, and repair if needed.

Check to see if the motor is too hot during normal operation. Attach a thermolabel on the motor surface and check it visually to see if the motor becomes too hot during normal operation.

Visit our A06B-6058-H005 product page for more information, or to request a quote email sales@MROElectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511

a06b-6058-h005
a06b-6058-h005

140CPU43412A Error Codes and Hot Standby

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

Our previous blog post on the 140CPU43412A describes the 140CPU43412A Configuration and Setup. 

140CPU43412A Hot Standby

You cannot create a Quantum Hot Standby configuration running one 140CPU53414A PLC with Unity firmware and one with NxT firmware. When using an NxT configuration in hot standby, both PLCs must have NxT firmware. When using a Unity Quantum hot standby configuration, only specific hot standby controllers can be used. The 140CPU43412A and 140CPU53414A PLCs are not supported in Unity Hot Standby configurations.

140CPU43412A Error Codes

The following are the error codes for the 140CPU43412A:

140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes

For ordering info or for a 140CPU43412A price quote you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A Firmware Part II

Joe Kaminski 1 Comment

Phase 1 of firmware restoration is described in our previous blog post on the 140CPU43412A firmware.

140CPU43412A Firmware Part II

Restoring a 140CPU43412U (Unity) to 140CPU43412A (Concept):

Phase 2

During the download:

• Do not power OFF the PLC

• Do not power OFF the PC

• Do not disconnect the cable

• Do not shut down OS loader

Any loss of communication during the update procedure can cause severe damage to the CPU or NOE module. Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury or equipment damage.

Reset the PLC

Once the download of the intermediate binary file has completed, the PLC has to be initialized. This task can be performed by one of the two following actions:  Reset the PLC by pushing on the Restart button located on the CPU (for more information, refer to the PLC technical documentation).  Power OFF then ON the PLC. Once the PLC has restarted, go to Phase 3: download the final Concept OS.

Phase 3

Presentation

The final binary file “q5rv135E.bin ” (140CPU34312 in our example) has to be downloaded. For that, follow the same procedure as the one described in the Phase 1.

Checking Version (optional)

If needed, you can check the new CPU version. For that  Open the OS loader tool.  Select the communication protocol.  Click on “Connect.” Then Click on “Properties.”

For ordering info or for a 140CPU43412A price quote you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A
140CPU43412A FIrmware

140CPU43412A Firmware Part I

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

Click now to view our blog on the 140CPU43412A Configuration and Setup. 

140CPU43412A Firmware

The q5rv144e.bin file supports both Concept (IEC & 984) and ProWORX PLCs.

In order to restore a 140CPU43412U (Unity) to a 140CPU43412A (Concept), three main phases are required.

Phase 1 – Restore the PLC to Concept with an intermediate OS. 

Phase 2 – Power OFF then ON the PLC. 

Phase 3 – Restore the Operating System with the appropriate file.

These phases are mandatory and cannot be by-passed.

Phase 1: 

Launching the OS Loader

The OS loader (provided with Unity) allows the user to download the Operating System to the PLC. To open it click on Start/Program/SchneiderElectric/Unity-PRO/OS loader.

Select the Communication Protocol

From the main screen of the OS loader, click on the “Next” button. To download the Operating System into the PLC, select the right communication protocol (in accordance with established physical link) and click on the “Next” button.

Select the Target Device

On the Device Type field, select Processor and the other needed parameters (Modbus address….). Then connect to the selected PLC (Node).

Select the Download Function 

From the screen described above press the “Next” button. A new screen is proposed: select “Download OS to device”.

Select the File to be Downloaded

Click on the “Browse…” button in order to select the file to download into the PLC. In this example we will restore the OS from 140CPU43412U to 140CPU43412A firmware. For that select the following folders: Quantum\Processor_modules\Unity_to_Concept. To restore the OS from Unity to Concept, two binary files can be selected:  Unity_to_Concept_43412A.bin (allows to “format” the processor to Concept)  q5rv135E.bin is the OS that will finally be downloaded in the processor. In our example we have to “format” the processor (remember, we still are in the Phase 1) then select and Validate “Unity_to_Concept_43412A.bin”. Once done click on the “Next” button.

Download the Intermediate OS

Once the previous screen is validated a warning is displayed: Click the “Okay” button. Two screens that give information regarding the file, the processor and the download are now displayed. Note: If the system detects a discrepancy on the hardware or on the OS version, the download will not be possible. This is indicated by a red cross and the “Next” button becomes unavailable. Solve this issue and continue. When the hardware – OS are compatible, click on the “Download” button to launch the download of the intermediate OS file.

Click Now for 140CPU43412A Firmware  Restoration Phases 2 & 3. 

For ordering info or for a 140CPU43412A price quote you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A
140CPU43412A Firmware