adccommunitymod (AutomationDirect) asked a question.
DL260 Port 1 RS-232 communication
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created By: timjan2005
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I am new to Direct Logic 205. I am programming with DirectSOFT 5. I am trying to communicate through PORT 1 of my DL260 using RS-232 to a rice lake wieght scale indicator. I have serched for code examples and the help files for examples but can not find any examples showing exactly how to write my program code where i can read the serial information coming in from the rice lake. I appreciate any help. thanks Tim
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: bcarlton
Download the manual for the DL-260 from AutomationDirect and read about the capabilities of the ports.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: timjan2005
Thanks PLC guy. I 've looked/read the manual for some time now. I can not find any code examples which is my main reason for the post. If i'm over looking code examples in the port capabilities section please be more specific to what page.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: bcarlton
You will probably be implementing an ASCII interface. That is not available through Port 1. One way - usually receive only - ASCII operation is available on Port 2. It is not really set up for two way ASCII messages. Also check out possible examples in the Application Notes
You will have to use transmission information from Rice Lake. Read the information in the PLC manual regarding ASCII communication. Then start writing your own code using the minimal example under the AIN instruction.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: timjan2005
I am wanting to use the RS-232 on port 1. The indicator i'm trying to talk to is RS-232 9600 baud 8bitt odd parity with 1 stop bit, 1 start bit.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: bcarlton
Communication is more than just electrical and speed compatibility. What protocol is the weigher using? See if that is compatible with Port 1.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: timjan2005
ok that was a good question. i guess i just assumed rs-232 didn't have a "protocol " other than the settings had to be the same. But i did read that my indicator will only except ASCII.
"...serial commands can be sent using any external device capable of sending ASCII characters over a serial connection... "
I know my PORT 1 won't do ASCII.
I already have planes for PORT 2 on my DL260. So maybe i need to look into buying the ethernet expansion board on my indicator and talk to if through the H2-ECOM100.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: bcarlton
Just because you may make a connection with an Ethernet cable don't think you don't have to match protocols also.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: KPrice
timjan2005, Since your DL260 Port 2 is taken, an option is the CoProc module for the 205. The CoProc can perform ASCII communication through any, or all, of its RS232 ports. The CoProc module does require BASIC programming to perform the ASCII communication.
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: jwbaker3
Look at the DCM for the 205, maybe use it and free up port 2 on the CPU. I need one on a project where we needed a operator interface on 485 and a marquee using ASCII, worked great.
John
Created Date: May 04,2010
Created by: milldrone
KPrice, or Bernie,
Isn't a common problem with ascii serial comms, the fact the scale sends the info before the PLC is ready? I had heard that the co-pro eliminates this problem.