Installation guide

14 Overview
4.3 - Use of the Serial Ports,
"HOST" and "AUXILIARY"
The controller has two serial ports, which are identified as
"HOST" and "AUXILIARY". The "HOST" port, as its name
implies, is typically connected to a host computer such as an
IBM PC or compatible. The "AUXILIARY" port is intended
for use with an operator interface panel such as Warner
Electric's IWS series product line.
The "HOST" port is used for downloading the user's
application program and for direct control of the controller.
When using the MCPI programmable Interface, all
communication with the controller is via the "HOST" port.
In addition, all on-line debugging is accomplished using this
port. The "HOST" port also has the capability to "DAISY
CHAIN" to other controllers; this requires only one serial
port on a user's host computer to communicate to multiple
controllers. While the user's program could use the "HOST"
port for communication with any device that has a serial
port, it is recommended that the "HOST" port be reserved
for debugging the user's program and for communication
with the host computer.
The "AUXILIARY" port, while intended for use with an
operator interface panel (O.I.P.), can in fact communicate
with any device that has a serial port, such as counter units,
etc. The "AUXILIARY" port can send and receive standard
ASCII characters. The user's application program can
transmit a prompt or message using the "PRINT" statement
and wait for a response using the "INPUT" statement.
Example:
PRINT #2,"Enter 6 digit part number"
INPUT #2, PART$
A message is displayed on the OIP screen prompting the
machine operator to enter a part number. The string variable
PART$ can now be examined (by the controller program) to
determine what type of process to perform. The information
provided by the operator can then be used to control the
process flow, ie. move distance, velocity, dwell, etc., for the
desired part number that the machine is processing.
While the process is in operation, messages can also be sent
back to the OIP, telling the operator the status of the
process. For example,
PRINT #2, "Coarse grind"
PRINT #2, "Finish grind"
will display the indicated messages on the OIP regarding the
grinding operation that is occurring.