Pro tip... If the processor is faulted, flicking the run switch several times between run/prog will issue a fault reset. This doesn't address what caused the fault, of course, but it can be useful in a pinch. For example if there is an IO fault from a remote rack during power-up, this trick can get the machine running until the underlying issue can be addressed properly.
Is there also a Remote Test mode? I see the option at 1:26 in the video, but haven't figured out how it works. Is that analogous to "Test Continuous" and "Test Single..." options that are available when online in RSLogix 500? So far in my mental model, I have: (1) Run Mode = can execute but can't modify (2) Program Mode = can't execute but can modify (3) Remote Run Mode = Run Mode plus some limited online editing capability (4) Remote Program Mode = Program Mode Is there a fifth one? (5) Remote Test Mode = ??
There is a test mode but honestly I've never used it. It doesn't work the same as the single step of RsLogix 500. I'll play with it some and see if I should make a video on it. As I recall, it reads inputs as normal and executes programs, but the outputs remain off.
How do I read the run mode from a remote PLC? Not the key position, I can get that with a GSV, I want to know if it is running or not. I've done it before by setting and resetting a heartbeat bit, but THere should be a way to read if the program is running, in program, or faulted. Ideally remotely.
You could find this in the SLC and Micrologix but I can't think of a way to do it in the Controllogix. The issue is, the GSV won't execute when in program mode so it wouldn't change state. Let me do some thinking...
Can I switch from REM to RUN without interruption? If I switch it (from REM to RUN or RUN to REM) will it "hiccup"? The question came up here at work and I never had to do this manually.
Yes, in 99% of applications it will work without a hitch. The only catch is if there is code that is monitoring the keyswitch. I've only seen that once.
