C-more Micro EA-ECOM Ethernet Module Getting Started Part 1 from AutomationDirect

In this How To video, I will cover features and getting started using the new C-more Micro Ethernet communications module: the EA-ECOM. By adding this EA-ECOM, it will give you more Ease of Use with all 6, 8 and 10 inch EA3 C-more Micro panels. Adding the EA-ECOM module Adds 1 Ethernet RJ45 Port for panel configuration and PLC communications. The EA-ECOM provides faster project download speeds and faster firmware update speeds as well as connectivity to existing Ethernet networks. Simply connect the EA-ECOM to the back of your EA3 C-more Micro and secure it with the supplied screws. The Ethernet module is powered off of your C-more micro, so not external power is required. If you are unsure if you have an EA1 or EA3 model panel they do look the same from the front, simply look on the back for the label, or look to see if yours looks like this: (show back of EA3). This one is an older EA1 panel (show back of EA1). The first step in using the EA-ECOM is assuring you have the latest software and firmware. You can get these both for free from our website at: www.automationdirect.com (show screen captures) You will need firmware version 4.0 or later. To see which version YOUR panel has, simply press the F1 and F5 buttons simultaneously for 3 or more seconds. A setup menu should pop up, use the up, down, back and enter buttons on the touch panel to navigate as shown: Go to Information ENTER, use the down arrow to Versions Enter and this screen shows us the model of panel, the firmware and boot loader versions. To exit, simply press the back arrow. Once on the information screen again, use the up arrow and press enter to view extensions. This tells me I have an ECOM connected. If I remove the ECOM or if I have old firmware, it says Detected Devices: None. If you need to update the software, as mentioned, visit our website and download the latest, install and you are ready to go. If you need to update the firmware like I do in this panel, follow along. Look on the toolbar in your C-more micro software and click on panel navigate to update firmware and you will either see a pop up screen telling you that you need to be in setup (by pressing F1 and F5 simultaneously) or you will see the update firmware screen as shown here: Your new firmware will be included in the latest software version, so point to the folder where you saved the software, select the firmware file and press OK. When completed you will see a Firmware Transfer Complete pop up and you are finished. You may need to unplug your USB connection and power cycle the C-more Micro after a firmware update in order for the software to recognize the Ethernet module. Once connected to your C-more Micro with software with any of the available communications, you can also check firmware versions and if the EA-ECOM is recognized by going to the toolbar and selecting Panel, Panel Information as shown. I hope this video was helpful and please watch our other C-more Micro videos on other topics. Thanks and have a great day!