how to check RSLinx 500 installations?

You have to configure communications in RSLinx first.

I am not in front of a box with RSLinx on it, but you have to open RSLinx
and select something like "who active/go online" and add a driver to the
dialog box.  The one you want will be the DF1 RS232 one.

Once you've established comms in RSLinx, then you can go online in RSLogix.

I hope this helps.

Cameron:-)

Thanks.  I got it to communicate now :)

Is there an equivalent of a "Hello World" program in the PLC world?
Right now my SLC5/04 rack is populated with 3 input and 3 output cards.
 Namely 1746-IB16,  1746-OW16

I notice the cards have 15LED each on the front.  I imagine if I can
get a simple program to turn those LEDs on or off in a controlled way,
that would be a good start.  Say have a timer input repeatedly count
down to zero and turn an LED on when it reaches zero.  Then reset the
counter to 20 again? something like that?

Does anyone have such a simple program you would be kind enough to
share with me.  Thanks in advance.

Start RSL500, new program, pick your product model number, and rack
size.

Then add your I/O, and you'll find the data tables where you need them.

Easiest thing to do next is to just turn on the bits & make sure the
outputs come on, then put 24V to the inputs & make sure the bits come
on.

After that, try writing a program for a stoplight.  First, just G/Y/R,
then propogate that to all 4 different lights at the intersection.
Make sure you don't cause any car wrecks!

Next, you might want to add some road sensors, and left turn / right
turn arrows.

Then you might want the ability to adjust the timing of the lights for
day/night modes (say one street is the highway & the other is a rural
road)

But the best thing to do before you write a single rung of logic is
document exactly how you want the thing to work in the first place.

Separate functions out into smaller components (don't write the whole
freakin' program in file 2!), and attack each one individually.  Then
put the pieces together.

Have fun!