The RTA modules read in the ASCII, and dump direct into PLC tag. We have incoming ASCII from USB fixed Data-Matrix Scanners, Hand-Held Scanners, RFID Badge readers, etc. We do a lot more incoming data that outgoing in our plants, but the RTA Ethernet USB is bullet-proof. I see so many people see two Ethernet ports, and figure "I can program my plc to do socket based explicit messaging, and save a few hundred dollars".Īlthough they can produce a few labels, there is always a hang-up. My experience after this job, and many others like it prove to me that when I die and go to the burning underneath, my punishment will be an endless string of intermittent problems. We print a label that includes part numbers, operator codes, time and date built, and a DataMatrix barcode. The ZPL code is kind of a hassle to learn at first, but after a couple of hours of working with it, it isn't too bad. The operators now have to pay a little more attention to the label stock than they did before, but printing is much more reliable. The only downside I have discovered using this method is that we are no longer able to get a status back from the printer. When the 435USB detects data in the tag, it pulls the ASCII ZPL code and pushes it into the printer. We now use a few CONCATenate commands to populate a custom length string (350 characters). What used to be 20 rungs of programming has been converted to 3. We bought a module made by RTA Automation that converted from Ethernet to USB the 435USB. I finally made the decision to go a different route, one that we have used for DataMax printers. Zebra tech support was no help to us for any of this. Even after the Ethernet was configured, and the CompactLogix was sending it the proper ASCII/ZPL code, the printer would decide to lock itself up at random times with a blinking data light. This would end up being a nearly year long headache for me. The corporate decision was to put two new Zebra ZT230's in the cell with it, because they had Ethernet capability. We had an integrator build us a couple of assembly cells. Even then I was usually able to help them fix it with what I could do from my side, seeing how it interacted with both networks and such. at least I knew which group to have investigate and fix it. When what i asked to have done didn't work. There was not a single other person in the plant who could do that, not even the other fellow PLC tech guy because of long IT experience on my side. They didn't mind because it was Hey, I need this, this, and that done to fix This. While production was underway and it went down I bypassed helpdesk, contacting my short list of people who can do the things I need to but can't because I don't have the authority in the system. most of the helpdesk guys knew to just take down what I told them and to send it to who I said to send it to. Then the custom labeling software my employer of the time used was a basket case.Įnded up having fairly good contacts with the people who could actually do something for me. Removing and reinserting those damn ZE500's was a PITA as well. Sometimes that damn belt assembly in the bottom would come out of tension and adjusting that was a PAIN IN THE *************************. Most of the time it was IT trickery i had to do to make them work. Dealing with those where I worked it got to the point I was the only person who could fix them and get them working. the Weber applicator only made them more so. Explore ways to get support to common device issues at a glance.I hate Zebra Printers. Zebra’s Self-Service Center is your go-to spot for online tools, resources and support you need to get answers right away.
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