Created Date: February 29,2008

Created by: KPrice

Tubecut, yes, you can use the DL260 as a master and the DL05 as a slave like you suggest without needing additional modules. If you are just connecting these two CPUs point-to-point, and they are within 50ft of each other, you can use RS232. If the two CPUs are farther than 50ft, or you will have multiple DL05 slaves, use the FA-ISOCON. The pin-outs for the DL05 are in chapter 4 of the DL05 manual. Port 2 allows adjustable comm settings. The pin-outs for the DL260 are in chapter 3 of the DL205 manual. You must use port 2 on the 260 for the master. Explanation of network master instructions is in chapter 4. But, unfortunately they do not show the I-box instructions. The I-box instructions make it so much easier for the network read and write instructions. Hope this helps.

Created Date: March 04,2008

Created by: Tubecut

OK, I can use the RS-232 to experiment with a simple DL260 (Master)-DL05(Slave).

I will have to build up a cable to use the DB15 on PORT2 of the DL260. I am not sure if I have to connect RTS/CTS at each end, this implies hardware handshaking(?)

QUESTION: If the DL260 is the master and the ladder logic, using I-BOX 700,and 702 (for read) is implemented, does the slave have to have a companion program to know how to respond to input from the DL260?

I am thinking that the master could request(read) from different V memory locations from the slave, but the examples for a slave write appear to have fixed memory locations.

If some one has a small sample program I would appreciate having a look. Also, I would like to see any comments if I am not on the right tract .

Also, I thought at one time there was a tech document that shows all of the cables, but I did not see in the online tech support area.

Thanks KPrice for your earlier response.

Created Date: March 04,2008

Created by: Tubecut

I have not set up any of the PLC parameters yet. I spent last night going over the I-Box and ladder programming. Also, have to rig up a temporary cable. I don't have any of the phone style connectors , so I will make an adapter to go from the DB15 (DL260) to the DL05 using the D2-DSCBL as a means to attach to DL05 Port2.

What I am not clear on, to just read data from the slave, do I have to use IBox or ladder programming at the slave? I think I understand it to mean that I just have to set up the slave PORT2 configuration if that is all I am going to do?

Thanks for the quick support.

PS: Is it possible to run two sessions of DirectSoft for the two different PLC's?

My desktop has two comm ports (not USB comm ports)

Created Date: March 04,2008

Created by: franji1

What I am not clear on, to just read data from the slave, do I have to use IBox or ladder programming at the slave? I think I understand it to mean that I just have to set up the slave PORT2 configuration if that is all I am going to do? The slave is passive. It doesn't even need to be in RUN mode for the master to read data from it.

PS: Is it possible to run two sessions of DirectSoft for the two different PLC's? Yes, as many as you like. Note that only one SPECIFIC LINK can be used by DirectSOFT at a time, but you need 2 links w/2 different devices w/2 different PLCs.

Created Date: March 04,2008

Created by: Tubecut

Franji1:

Thanks for the info. I was able to get the communications to work, opens up many possibilities in the use of slaves.

I think your response concerning multiple sessions is that the link can only be used by one open session. I do have two separate comm ports, curious why they couldn't have their own link.

Once again, thanks.

Created Date: March 04,2008

Created by: franji1

Actually, the serial port device in DirectSOFT is even more powerful. If you had multiple PLCs hooked up to an RS-485 multi-drop network to your PC as the MASTER, you could have multiple links configured AND OPENED AT THE SAME TIME to multiple PLCs USING THE SAME COM PORT on the PC!

The worst test of that scenario back when we were first developing Rel 3 was doing that OVER A MODEM! It works! It's slow! http://forum1.automationdirect.com/board/biggrin.gif

Created Date: March 04,2008

Created by: Tubecut

Franji1:

What I was thinking about was the development stage. Having two PLC's , each connected to a PC serial port and running two separate versions of DirectSoft.

I would really like to have the knowledge to interface to a microcontroller. I think using pure ASCII would be easier to troubleshoot buit not as effective as DeviceNet. I have had good results in using micro's such as the Atmel AVR 8 bit series. It would be nice to interface to the PLC.

One thing I did come to see is that if you use MODBUS you can directly read/write to the coils without having the individual slaves or masters having to do that in additional ladder logic. Perhaps that can be the next endeavor.

Best Regards

Created Date: March 05,2008

Created by: Tubecut

stimpsonjcat:

Oh yes, I understand about the CTS/RTS. Everything is working now. I do wonder about the lack of handshaking (no CTS/RTS) between the PLC's) and having problems at higher baud rates. But, I don't recall seeing any handshaking options on the setup menus either, will look again.

Also, my first attempt , I had TXD/RXD not crossed as they are supposed to be. I thought I had followed the pin out designations carefully.

Well, now that I see how easy it is to get DeviceNet to work, I will have to do a little more work on how to best use it. My current configuration is just one DL260(master) and only one slave (DL05).

Best Regards