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Programmable Controllers > DirectLogic Series P... > DirectLogic 205 (Mic... > Communications & Networking

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Communications & Networking

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PLC communication is a vital component of any control system. With the many networking options available, including Ethernet and serial, PLC systems need to have adequate ports and protocols. DirectLOGIC 205 CPUs have built-in serial ports; optional modules can provide protocol conversions or additional communication ports.

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DL205 PLC - Communications and Networking

Communications Modules

The DL205 line provides networking options for connecting to networks of other AutomationDirect products, or MODBUS RTU or Ethernet networks. The following modules and accessories are available for these networking options.

D2-DCM Data Communications Module

The D2-260 and D2-250-1 CPUs support the D2-DCM Data Communications Module, which can serve as a DirectNet master/slave, DirectNet peer, or a MODBUS RTU slave. The D2-DCM supports both RS232C and RS422. You can program the CPU through the DCM locally, or if a PC is the RS422 master, you can use DirectSOFT32 to program any PLC on the network. The D2-DCM can be used for:

DirectNet networking of PLCs (only one DCM or PC can serve as master)
Peer-to-peer networking of two DCM modules (each can serve as a master or slave)
CPU programming with DirectSOFT32 Programming Software
Data acquisition via HMI, DSData Server, LookoutDirect or other HMI software
A slave on a MODBUS RTU network
Connection to a serial modem (such as the MDM-TEL)

H2-ECOM100 Ethernet Communications Modules

The Ethernet Communication (ECOM) Modules represent a price breakthrough for high-speed peer-to-peer networking of PLCs. No longer are you forced to designate a single PLC to be the network master. Any PLC can initiate communications with any other PLC.

Link your PLCs with PCs using industry standard MODBUS TCP/IP protocol (using H2-ECOM100) connected through standard cables, hubs, and repeaters.
Or, use our KEPDirect I/O Server to link to your favorite HMI/SCADA, data historian, MES or ERP software to DirectLOGIC PLCs.
Our LookoutDirect HMI and our DataWorx data collection software include ECOM drivers.
DirectSOFT5 Programming Software can be used to monitor or update the program in any DirectLOGIC PLC on the network.
The D2-260 and D2-250-1 support the H2-ECOM100 Ethernet communications module.
Any PLC on an ECOM network can initiate communications with another PLC or use DirectSOFT5 to program any PLC on the network.
The H2-ECOM100 module supports the industry standard 100BaseT with an RJ45 port.
Ethernet Communications Modules can be used for:
- High-speed peer-to-peer networking of PLCs
- Fast updates with DirectSOFT32 Programming Software
- High-performance access for Human Machine Interface (HMI), ERP, MES or other Windows-based software
- Industry standard MODBUS TCP/IP Client/Server Protocol (H2-ECOM100)
- Free SDK for custom drivers
- Easy setup

MODBUS TCP/IP support

The H2-ECOM100 supports the industry standard MODBUS TCP/IP Client/Server protocol in addition to the standard IP and IPX protocols. This allows the DL205 PLC with an H2-ECOM100 module to serve as a client (master) or as a server (slave) on a MODBUS TCP/IP Ethernet network. The H2-ECOM100 can actively issue MODBUS commands to other nodes or devices on the MODBUS TCP/IP network or simply respond to connected MODBUS TCP/IP clients.

PLC-to-PLC communications

The ECOM modules plug into any I/O slot (excluding slot 0) of any local DL205 I/O base. The module maintains identification data, descriptive information, and communication parameters for PLC-to-PLC communications in flash memory. Disconnect power before installing or removing any PLC module.

NetEdit3 software

Free NetEdit3 Software ships with the ECOM User Manual. Use NetEdit3 to set up the ECOM modules for your network. Flexible addressing allows you to use your choice of protocols and identifying methods. Assign each module a number or a name or both. You don't have to use an IP address, but you can if it is necessary for your network. NetEdit3 uses two protocols for PC-to-PLC communications: IPX and TCP/IP. Select the one you want to use, or use them both. The NetEdit3 screen displays all identifiers and troubleshooting information for each module on the network. You can use NetEdit3 to adjust parameters for PLC-to-PLC communications by clicking on Advanced Settings. The network identifiers can also be changed from DirectSOFT32 Programming Software.

Communications accessories and kits

FA-ISOCON - Universal, isolated RS232C to RS422/ RS485 converter.
Switch selectable for ANTE (Automatic Network Transmitter Enable) or RTS/CTS handshaking, works with all DirectLOGIC PLC families and virtually any serial device. Isolation reduces network data problems caused by noisy environments. Power directly from the 5 V pins on most DirectLOGIC CPU ports, from a PLC base 24 VDC power supply, or from an external power supply. Cables and connectors to most COM ports (RJ12, DB9-female, DB25-male) provided. Integral DIN rail clamp or can be panel mounted. Manual included with product.

F2-UNICON - RS232C to RS422 converter.
Converts RJ12 RS232C port to a DB25 male RS422 port. Powered directly from the 5 V pins on most DirectLOGIC CPU ports. Includes 1 ft. cable with two RJ12 6P6C plugs, and DIN rail mounting kit. Includes manual with product.
NOTE: The F2-UNICON provides no signal isolation, so it is not recommended for noisy industrial environments.

FA-UNICON - In-line, DB25, RS232C to RS422/ RS485 converter.
Connectors provided for the D3-422-DCU and to connect a DirectLOGIC RJ11/ RJ12 RS232C port to a DB25 female RS422/ RS485 connector. Power directly from the PLC base 24 VDC supply or an external power supply. Connection to a PC RS232 COM port requires a custom cable. A pin 4-20 jumper is required on the FA-UNICON for DB9.
NOTE:The FA-UNICON provides no signal isolation, so it is not recommended for noisy industrial environments.

NOTES: New option modules may not be supported by CPUs purchased prior to the modules release. Be sure to check for the latest firmware for your PLC. Refer to the Firmware Upgrade for firmware revision histories, the latest files and tools required to download the firmware.

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