INDUSTRIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS USER GUIDE PlantLinc™ 580D /DA PLR580D /DA Discrete (/D) & Discrete and Analog (/DA) 900 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Wireless I/O Extender It is essential that all instructions contained in the User Guide are followed precisely to ensure proper operation of equipment.
Product User Guide FCC Notification This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: 1) 2) This device may not cause harmful interference and This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The device must be operated as supplied by Data-Linc Group.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Table of Contents Page Introduction Discrete Operation Analog Operation Changing System or Radio Configurations ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Technical Support Return Material Authorization Contact Information ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Appendix A Enclosure Dimensions Appendix B System Configuration ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
PLR580D / DA User Guide 2 DATA-LINC GROUP PN 161-09889-001B rev 3/2005 ver 6.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Introduction The PLR580D / PLR580DA are discrete/analog signal multiplexers. They are designed to provide wireless communication where wire lengths are too long, too costly or not possible. In general, these units behave as if they replace a set of wires between the two or more locations. These units are normally factory configured and eliminate the necessity of having to preset the system configurations. The units are ready for installation into the system upon receipt.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Table 1: LED Description CD Carrier Detect LED. When the units have established an RF Link this LED will be on solid. Tx Transmit LED. Will flash when the unit is sendng data to the receiving unit. Rx Receive LED. Flashes when receiving data being sent by transmitting unit. Pw r Power LED. Flashes on solid when unit has power applied. Status (Master Only) The status LED will be off when communication is working properly.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Discrete Operation Requirements 1. The outputs of the units cannot directly drive a relay. The digital outputs are open collector current sinking to the common ground. An external power supply must be used to provide DC power to any relays. 2. The maximum voltage on the relay driver outputs is 24 VDC. 3. Ensure that the pull up voltage is sufficient for your relay. i.e. a 12 VDC relay needs 12 VDC, a 24 VDC relay needs 24 VDC. 4.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Point-to-Point Discrete Operation The following illustrates an example of a point-to-point discrete system. The “Contact Closure Input” may be as simple as a bare wire or be connected to an output of an I/O module. This is an example of turning a lamp at the Master unit by closing a contact at the Remote unit using a discrete output. Point-to-point discrete operations are bi-directional. An input on the Remote will activate same numbered output on the Master.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Point-to-Multipoint Discrete Operation A multipoint system will involve two or more remote locations, which may be transmitting contact input information, providing discrete outputs or both. The following is an example of a multipoint configuration. In this example, the Master is transmitting a contact closure input to both Remotes. Note that input #1 on the Master will trigger the same numbered output on all Remote units at the same time.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Analog Operation Specifications 1. This unit does not provide loop power to devices. 2. The outputs can operate on loops with a maximum total resistance of 300 ohms. 3. The resolution of this unit is 8 bits with accuracy of 2%. 4. All inputs use a common ground connection labeled “G”. 5. The input signal must be a 4-20 mA signal. Point-to-Point Analog System These units are bi-directional, they send and receive analog information both directions.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Figure 7: Connection of a flow meter to the PLR580DA unit Master or Remote Pwr 4-20mA Output 4-20mA Input G 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 +- Loop Power 12 -24 VDC Supply B 5 A 4-20mA Out In from Sensor Flow Meter PN 161-09889-001B rev 3/2005 ver 6.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Point-to-Multipoint Analog System Unlike the discrete versions, the system must be configured for where specific inputs and outputs are directed. Each unit is normally factory configured and designed to interface with the specific system. Alterations to this configuration are possible using an accessory cable and jumpers and software provided by Data-Linc Group. Reconfiguring the units requires the removal of the cover and uses a custom serial data cable connected to a computer.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Point-to-Multipoint Analog Operation A system is to be built where one analog input exist at one remote and one at another. The maximum possibility of master outputs is eight, so this is a valid configuration. Remote 0 being the first remote in the Master’s poll list will be assigned Master output one. Remote 1 being next in the poll list will be Master output two.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Changing System or Radio Configurations To access the system or radio setups the user must remove all connectors from the PLR580D or PLR580DA, then remove the cover and change the jumpers at location P1 and P2, and add a serial data cable (SRM6200E-SLC), supplied by Data-Linc Group, to connector P3. These jumper settings must be returned to the RUN/RF settings after reconfiguring the system or the radio or the units will not operate. See layout drawing.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Technical Specifications Channels PLR580D has 8 discrete inputs and 8 discrete outputs. PLR580DA has 8 discrete inputs, 8 discrete outputs, 8 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs. Channel Specifications Analog: 2% accuracy or better with a maximum output load of 300 ohms. Discrete: Open collector outputs which can handle up to 24V and can sink up to 100 mA for controlling relay coil. Temperature 32o to 140 o F (0 o to 60 o C) Power 10.5 - 18 VDC. Maximum current draw is 660 mA.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Troubleshooting I have the units setup on a bench for testing, but the Master’s status LED keeps flashing or is solid and I do not have a carrier. When shipped, the units are setup for a maximum transmit power of 200 mW. If there are only a couple feet of separation between them, the supplied whip antenna may need to be removed. Note that this will not damage the unit. The units are installed in the field, but I have a flashing or solid LED on the status and no carrier.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Technical Support Data-Linc Group maintains a fully trained staff of service personnel who are capable of providing complete product assistance. They can provide you with technical, application and troubleshooting, spare parts and warranty assistance. Our technical staff is based in Bellevue, Washington USA and may be reached at (425) 882-2206 or e-mail support@data-linc.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Appendix A Enclosure Dimensions 16 DATA-LINC GROUP PN 161-09889-001B rev 3/2005 ver 6.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Appendix B Figure 10: PCB Layout PLR580D and PLR580DA Configuration The system configuration parameters are stored in an EEprom memory. This memory can only be changed by the onboard microprocessor using serial commands via port P3. The easiest method is to use the Data-Linc Group program provided with the master unit, to be run on a PC. If the program is missing contact Data-Linc Group Technical Support. A PLR580D / PLR580DA system is normally factory pre-configured.
PLR580D / DA User Guide If you have the Data-Linc Group PC program PLR580EEprom.exe it is designed to run in Windows. Load the program PLR580EEprom.exe into your PC. Start the program. When the system layout window appears fill in the following information: 1. Select Model PLR580D or PLR580DA with mouse click. 2. The PCs Comm (serial port) number 1 or 2 with a mouse click. 3. The serial Baud rate that the PLR580D / PLR580DA uses to talk to the radio module. This is not the connection speed to the computer.
PLR580D / DA User Guide The number of analog values received from a remote is the same as the number of analog inputs sent to a remote. If a PLR580 remote unit has no analog input/outputs assigned it must have an address(1 to 7) higher than any remote using the analog input. i.e. All remotes using 4-20mA input/outputs must be assigned addresses lower than any digital only remotes. After filling in the chart click on the “Make an EEprom” button and follow the prompting instructions on the screen.
PLR580D / DA User Guide 6. The unit will now ask for the number of ADs (analog inputs) on each Remote. ‘#ADsSlv0’. The question is repeated for each Remote unit. ‘#ADsSlv1’.etc. Any units that have no (zero) active analog channels must be put after any remotes that do have analog channels. Enter the number of analogs channels for each Remote. 7. The display now asks for the number of analog inputs at the Master unit.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Appendix C Radio Configuration The radio module in the PLR580D / PLR580DA can be set to suit your particular application. All adjustments are done through the built-in setup program, with a user interface that eliminates the need for setup diskettes or custom software. The radio modules used in the PLR580D / PLR580DA are factory pre-configured.
PLR580D / DA User Guide When the setup program the main menu will appear on the screen. The main menu also displays the radios unique ID number and firmware version. The user selects the parameter group by pressing a single key. The next level menu is then displayed. Select the parameters you want to change with a single keystroke. Now you can enter the parameter or data value. To return to the previous menu press the ‘ESC’ escape key. When done making changes, press the ‘ESC’ key at least 3 times.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Main Menu Option (0): Set Operation Mode When item (0) is selected, the Operation Mode Menu appears as shown in figure 12. The Operation Mode option is used to designate the method in which the particular PLR580 will be used. The PLR580 operates in a master to remote configuration; therefore, any radio modems that are intended to operate together must be set up as such. In a point-to-point setup, either the master or remote may be used on either end of the communications link.
PLR580D / DA User Guide (4) Point-to-Point Remote/Repeater Do not use this mode with the PLR580 (5) Point-to-Point Repeater Do not use this mode with the PLR580 If a repeater is need in the system do not use a PLR580D or PLR580DA. If and extended range of non-line-of-sight situation exists, use the Data-Linc Group PLR5000 radio modem as a repeater. When designated as a repeater, a radio modem behaves as a pass-through link.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Main Menu Option (2): Edit Call Book If the PLR580 system is only two (2) units, one Master and one Remote, then either Point-to-Point or Multipoint modes can be used. If the system has more than one Remote, then Point-to-Multipoint mode must be used. Use of the Call Book for multipoint systems is explained later in this chapter. The Call Book is an innovative feature in the PLR580 that offers both security and flexibility in use.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Entering or Modifying Numbers in the Call Book Entering or modifying call book numbers in the Call Book is a straightforward process. When in the Call Book menu, select the entry number (0 – 9) you wish to edit. You will be prompted for the new number (formatting is automatic, you do not need to enter the dash). Once the number is entered (unless it is 000-0000) you will be asked for the call number of the first repeater to be used.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Main Menu Option (3): Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics When option (3) is selected in the main menu the screen in figure 14 appears, which allows the user to modify the radio transmission characteristics of the radio modems. As stated in the warning, these parameters are for the experienced user who has a good understanding of the principles of radio data transmission. They should be changed only after consulting this user guide.
PLR580D / DA User Guide (4) RF Data Rate For PLR580 use the user should not change this parameter. Note: The RF Data Rate setting must be identical for all units in the system. Any radio modem with a different RF Data Rate than the master will not establish a communication link. (5) RF Xmit Power The PLR580 offers users the ability to modify the Transmission Power of the radio modem. There are 10 power settings available (1-10) which are roughly linear.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Main Menu Option (4): Show Radio Statistics Option (4) in the main menu allows the user to view data transmission statistics, which have been gathered by the Transceiver during the most recent session. Statistics are gathered during each data link and are reset when the next link begins. Ideally, noise levels should be below 30, and the difference between the average signal level and average noise level should be 15 or more.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Overall Rcv Rate (%) The Overall Rcv Rate measures the percentage of data packets that were successfully transmitted from the Master to the Remote on the first attempt without requiring retransmission. A number of 75 or higher indicates a robust link that will provide very good performance even at high data transmission rates. A number of 25 or lower indicates a weak or marginal link that will provide lower data throughput.
PLR580D / DA User Guide Main Menu Option (5): Edit Multipoint Parameters Figure 15: Multipoint Parameters Shown above are example settings. Please refer to supplied configuration sheets for your modem’s configuration. In a multipoint network, it is critical to know how many radio modems are being used as repeaters. Any radio modem that is used as a repeater essentially becomes a master to the remotes and other repeaters to which it is communicating.
PLR580D / DA User Guide (4) DTR Connect. For PLR580 use the user should not change this parameter. The repeater’s hopping pattern must also be set in a multipoint network; this is accomplished with parameter (5) Repeater Frequency. Setting this parameter is in contrast with point-to-point mode where the repeater automatically uses the master’s hopping pattern. The repeater may be programmed to either use the master’s hopping pattern selection (0) or its own selection (1).
PLR580D / DA User Guide PLR580 Placement Locations Placement of your PLR580 is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. In general, the rule of thumb with the PLR580 is that the higher the placement of the antenna, the better the communication. In practice you should also place the radio itself away from computers, telephones, answering machines, and other similar equipment.
