DL205 Frequently Asked Questions
DL205 Frequently Asked Questions
Product Selected: DL205
Category Selected: CPU & Programming
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| Question: How can I override inputs and outputs in my DL205? |
Answer:  The D2-240, D2-250, D2-250-1 & D2-260 CPUs support bit override. The D2-230 does not support override. You must use a K-Sequence or Ethernet Link to use overrides, a DirectNet link will not support overrides
You can also turn bits on or off with Data View for a single scan to trigger events, but the PLC will update the image register on the next scan. The inputs will reflect their actual state and the outputs will be the result of the rung that controls them.
REMEMBER: If you leave an override bit enabled and return the machine to service it is still in the bit override mode. Be sure to turn override bits off before returning the PLC to service. |
| FAQ ID: 49 |
| Question: How do I reset my processor back to factory defaults? |
| Answer: Resetting the processor to factory defaults is a two step process. First clear the processor memory by PLC>CLEAR PLC MEMORY. Next initialize the scratchpad by PLC>SETUP>INITIALIZE SCRATCHPAD. Be aware that initializing the scratchpad will reset the system V-memory to defaults. System V-memory contains parameters such as retentive ranges, DV-1000 setup parameters, etc. |
| FAQ ID: 50 |
| Question: Which DL205 CPUs support the Power Up in Run Mode feature? |
| Answer: Only the D2-230. If you set bit Bit 13 of V-memory 7633, the D2-230 will power-up in Run provided the CPU does not encounter any errors. The D2-250-1 AND D2-260 have a Run/Term/Stop switch. The D2-240 has a Run/Term switch. In the Run position the CPU is forced into the Run mode if no errors are encountered. No changes are allowed by the attached programming/monitoring device. In the Term position, Run, Program and the Test modes are available. Mode and program changes are allowed by the programming/monitoring device. In the Stop position (D2-250-1 and D2-260 only), the CPU is forced into the Stop mode. No changes are allowed by the attached programming/monitoring device. |
| FAQ ID: 56 |
| Question: Which DL205 CPUs support Manual Addressing capabilities in local bases? |
| Answer: The D2-250-1 and D2-260 only. The D2-230 and D2-240 are automatic addressing only. |
| FAQ ID: 57 |
| Question: What is the accuracy of the PLC real-time clock? |
| Answer: D2-230: No clock/calendar feature D2-240: +/- 1 minute per month D2-250: +/- 1 minute per month D2-250-1: +/- 1 minute per month D2-260: +/- 1 minute per month |
| FAQ ID: 63 |
| Question: What is the manufacturer and part number for the potentiometers used in the D2-240? |
| Answer: Manufacturer: Nidec Copal Electronics Part number: ST-4TG 2K More information may be found at the Copal Electronics website |
| FAQ ID: 64 |
| Question: How often should I change the backup battery? |
| Answer: When using the backup battery (optional for the D2-230 and D2-240 CPUs), all of the units have an indicator that flashes when the battery is getting low. The typical life of the battery in these units is 5 years, but the battery should be checked every six months. |
| FAQ ID: 70 |
| Question: How would we check this PLC to make sure that it is calibrated? |
| Answer: Our PLCs do not require calibration. |
| FAQ ID: 72 |
| Question: The D2-240 has no square root? |
| Answer: This example program shows how the square root of a value between 1 and 9999 could be calculated. The resulting value has 2 implied decimal points. The square root is determined by using an iterative approximation, and therefore this algorithm requires a long time to execute. |
| FAQ ID: 73 |
| Question: Will the DL205 series work in sub-freezing temperatures? |
| Answer: No. |
| FAQ ID: 74 |
| Question: Why does a timer keep counting after it reaches a setpoint? |
| Answer: You must reset the timer after activation. |
| FAQ ID: 78 |
| Question: Is there a block-clear command for D2-240 CPU? |
| Answer: No, only in the D4-405. |
| FAQ ID: 92 |
| Question: How do you manually address with a D2-240? |
| Answer: You can't; only a D2-250, a D2-250-1 or a D2-260 can. |
| FAQ ID: 95 |
| Question: Are the DL205 bases Din rail mountable? |
| Answer: Yes, they may be mounted on 35mm Din rail. |
| FAQ ID: 332 |
| Question: I forgot my PLC password, what are my options? |
| Answer: You must contact AutomationDirect Tech Support. We will request that you send in your CPU to have the password cleared. You will have to load the backup of your program into the CPU when it is returned to you, as memory will have been cleared along with the password. The program inside the CPU will be lost and irretrievable when we clear the password. |
| FAQ ID: 392 |
| Question: Where can I obtain the most current firmware for my CPU? |
| Answer: Go to the following Firmware Page on our website to check for availability of downloadable firmware: Technical Support -> Software/Firmware Downloads -> Firmware. You must download the Koyo Support Tool and the appropriate firmware binary for your CPU. Unzip these files to extract the firmware binary, and the Koyo Support Tool installation file. Install the Koyo Support Tool as you would any other software program. It will be listed as Firmware Update Tool under Start -> Programs. Run the Firmware Update Tool. It has a Wizard mode and a single page mode. Most users will find the Wizard mode easier to use. It will take you step-by-step through the process of updating the firmware in your CPU. For CPUs that have their firmware on a PROM chip (D2-230 and D2-240), you must call AutomationDirect Tech Support for a new firmware chip. These will be sent to you free of charge. |
| FAQ ID: 393 |
| Question: Which WINPLC will allow me to load VB or C++ program to it? |
| Answer: For this subject please visit the website www.hosteng.com |
| FAQ ID: 466 |
| Question: My DL205 PLC won't recognize my I/O module(s). What could be the problem? |
| Answer: It?s very possible that your firmware is too old. For the firmware EPROM for D2-230 and D2-240 CPUs contact Tech Support via phone or e-mail and we will send you the current version free of charge. For the D2-250-1 and D2-260 CPUs, you can download the latest firmware from our Firmware web page . |
| FAQ ID: 467 |
| Question: Is there a removable EPROM/EEPROM for the D2-250-1 or D2-260? |
| Answer: No. The D2-250-1 and D2-260 have fixed internal flash memory. |
| FAQ ID: 552 |
| Question: Is there a way to change the clock & calendar in the D2-250 with a D2-HPP? |
| Answer: Yes, this can be found on page 2-12 in the D2-HPP manual. |
| FAQ ID: 553 |
| Question: How can I get more serial ports for my WINPLC? |
| Answer: Use the H2-SERIO. |
| FAQ ID: 595 |
| Question: Can you write code to a DL205 CPU without any I/O? |
| Answer: Yes, I/O does not have to be present to write the code, but to troubleshoot properly, you must have it. |
| FAQ ID: 597 |
| Question: Can the D2-CTRINT count in the negative direction? |
| Answer: Yes it can, for example it will show 80000001 for negative one. |
| FAQ ID: 653 |
| Question: Will a DL205 CPU lose the program if it doesn't have a battery? |
| Answer: No, it will not. |
| FAQ ID: 655 |
| Question: Can I use the D2-EE-2 to back up the user program in the DL205 series CPUs? |
| Answer: Yes. You can put a D2-EE-2 in your D2-HPP and copy the user program from the DL205 series CPUs. |
| FAQ ID: 661 |
| Question: Are there differential contacts in the D2-240? |
| Answer: No there aren't. |
| FAQ ID: 695 |
| Question: Can I change the backup battery with power applied to my DL205 CPU? |
| Answer: D2-230 and D2-240 CPU - No. The battery is not accessible without removing the CPU module. D2-250(-1) and D2-260 CPU - Yes. Open the flip cover of the battery compartment located next to the communications ports on the front of the CPU and insert a new battery. |
| FAQ ID: 1202 |