Troubleshooting Communication Problems with SLC 5/04 PLC and PanelView 2711-T10G8 HMI

Question:

Hello, I am encountering difficulties in connecting to a SLC 5/04 PLC linked to a PanelView 2711-T10G8 HMI through the DH+ ports. Despite using a USB/RS232 cable from my laptop, I am unable to establish a connection. When setting up a new driver in RSLinx, I am facing challenges with the "1784-U2DHP for DH+ devices", "1784-PKTX(D)/PCMK for DH+/DH-485 devices", and "RS-232 DF1 devices" driver types. Unfortunately, I do not have access to the existing program on the SLC and am attempting to extract it. Any suggestions on how to proceed would be greatly valued. Thank you.

Top Replies

Welcome to our forum! When connecting an RS-232 to the Channel 0 9-pin serial port of the SLC-5/04 controller, make sure to use the "RS-232 DF1 Devices" driver. Double-check that you have selected the correct COM port for your USB/RS232 interface and that you are using the appropriate serial cable, such as the 1747-CP3. Null-modem type serial cables are also compatible. Keep in mind that serial cables for connecting to a PanelView's serial port must be straight-through, not null-modem. Some USB/RS232 interfaces may not support the "Autoconfigure" feature, so utilize the default settings in the RS232 DF1 Devices driver. In rare cases, an unused Channel 0 port may be configured differently, requiring assistance from someone with a proper DH+ interface for uploading.

Thank you for the prompt response, Ken. I have ensured that the correct COM port is selected. The cable I am using was previously utilized to connect to a MicroLogix 1100, but I am unsure if it is a null modem type serial cable. I have also attempted to connect using the default RS232 DF1 settings. Is there a way to verify the protocol configuration for channel 0? I am essentially starting with limited information on how this PLC was set up before, but I want to eliminate any potential issues before seeking outside assistance.

If you possess the offline file, you can review the configuration of the serial port. Alternatively, you can upload the .RSS file (after zipping it) for assistance from someone to analyze it.

Confusion may arise when dealing with the various types of plugs on the SLC-5/04. The three-pin "Phoenix" style plug and the 8-pin round Mini-DIN plug are both linked to the Data Highway Plus port, known as Channel 1. The 9-pin D-Sub connector serves as the Channel 0 serial port. It may be puzzling that A-B utilizes 8-pin Mini-DIN connectors for different ports, but in the world of electronics, this is common. Cisco, for example, uses RJ45 for both serial and network ports on a single switch. A-B has designed their connectors to prevent incorrect plugging into devices, but third-party cables may lack this feature. If a 1747-CP3 cable is not available, a regular straight-through serial cable with a null-modem adapter can be used. These cables were once readily available at Radio Shack stores.

I appreciate the information provided! I attempted to connect using an RS232 DF1 device driver type with a straight-through serial cable and null-modem adapter, but unfortunately, it did not work. I do, however, have an 8 pin DIN connector to USB cable. Since the plug on the SLC 5/04 connects to channel 1, would it be possible to establish a "proper DH+ interface" as recommended in your initial response?

From your description, it sounds like you may not have the correct physical adapter or the correct driver. The 1784-U2DHP is a USB-to-Data Highway Plus (DH+) cable and may be necessary for this connection since the SLC 5/04 uses DH+ for programming. You'll also need the correct driver for RSLinx (RSLinx doesn't have a driver named "1784-U2DHP for DH+ devices", so you might be looking at the wrong ones). To verify, install a 1784-U2DHP driver or RSLinx Classic Gateway, then set up a Data Highway Plus-USB driver. Lastly, check the communication path settings you are using. For the 5/04, the path is typically 1,0 if you're directly connected. If all else fails, you might need to consult with a PLC specialist or Rockwell Automation support for help.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. How can I troubleshoot communication issues between a SLC 5/04 PLC and a PanelView 2711-T10G8 HMI via DH+ ports?

Answer: Answer: Ensure correct cable connections and driver settings in RSLinx. Troubleshoot for any hardware or software issues that may be causing the problem.

FAQ: 2. What should I do if I am unable to establish a connection using a USB/RS232 cable with my laptop?

Answer: Answer: Check the cable connections, driver settings, and compatibility of the devices. Verify that the correct driver is selected in RSLinx for communication.

FAQ: 3. How can I extract the existing program from the SLC 5/04 PLC without access to the original program?

Answer: Answer: Depending on the situation, you may need to contact the original programmer or consider options for reverse engineering the program. Be aware of any legal or ethical considerations related to accessing and extracting the program.

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