The new Allen-Bradley GuardPLC handheld terminal from Rockwell Automation helps maintenance workers program and configure Allen Bradley GuardPLC safety controllers and I/O modules without the hassle of bringing a personal computer to the plant floor.
This time-saving device, available and shipping today, can reduce downtime, increase control system security and maintain high productivity at manufacturing sites.
Programming or reconfiguring devices on the factory floor is often a time-intensivebut necessary task. With the GuardPLC handheld terminalcommissioning a GuardPLC controller or I/O module is as simple as plugging the terminal into the device and reloading the program says Jeff Gellendin, the GuardPLC product manager at Rockwell Automation. The application program and data can be downloaded to the GuardPLC from the handheld terminaleliminating the complexity found in programming software packages and providing an easierfaster method than traditional configuration options."
Compatible with all Allen-Bradley GuardPLCs and distributed I/O blocksthe GuardPLC handheld terminal can connect to any GuardPLC device on the Ethernet network.
Programs can be stored on the terminal's on-board flash memory or on removable multimedia memory cardsthereby permitting the terminal to hold all GuardPLC application programs and distributed I/O configuration data used for an entire project. The programs and data are password protectedwhich reduces the chance of accidental or malicious program changes and helps to ensure correct programming is being used.
The GuardPLC handheld terminal is also useful for downtime events that require the quick replacement of a GuardPLC or distributed I/O blockand the unit is also capable of performing other maintenance tasksincluding changing various controller parameters (IP addresssafety requirements specification (SRS)date and time) and rebooting the controller in the event of a safety stop condition.
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