User Manual

Table Of Contents
Use and benefits of Serial Communication
Advanced Digital Motor Controller User Manual 165
SECTION 14
Serial (RS232/
RS485/USB/TCP)
Operation
This section describes how to communicate to the controller via the RS232, RS485, USB
or TCP Interface. This information is useful if you plan to write your own controlling soft-
ware on a PC or microcomputer.
The full set of commands accepted by the controller is provided in “Commands Refer-
ence” on page 169.
If you wish to use your PC simply to set configuration parameters and/or to exercise the
controller, you should use the RoborunPlus PC utility.
Use and benefits of Serial Communication
The serial communication allows the controller to be connected to PCs, PLC, microcom-
puters or wireless modems. This connection can be used to both send commands and
read various status information in real-time from the controller. The serial mode enables
the design of complex motion control system, autonomous robots or more sophisti-
cated remote controlled robots than is possible using the RC mode. RS232 and RS485
commands are very precise and securely acknowledged by the controller. They are also
the method by which the controllers features can be accessed and operated to their
fullest extent.
When operating in RC or analog input, serial communication can still be used for monitor-
ing or telemetry.
When connecting the controller to a PC, the serial mode makes it easy to perform simple
diagnostics and tests, including:
Sending precise commands to the motor
Reading the current consumption values and other parameters
Obtaining the controllers software revision and date
Reading inputs and activating outputs
Setting the programmable parameters with a user-friendly graphical interface
Updating the controller’s software