OptiMate Panels Frequently Asked Questions
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Question:
Can the DL05 be used with the OP-1500 panel?
Answer
Yes, the OP-1500 panel will work with the DL05.
FAQ ID: 9
Question:
Can you put an OP-1500 on each port of a D2-250?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 76
Question:
I've loaded a new configuration into my OP-620/1500/1510 and still get some of the old messages. How do I get rid of the old messages?
Answer
The OP editor does not clear the message list in the OP panel when you load a new configuration. If you had more messages in the old configuration than the new configuration, the extra messages do not get overwritten. You can clear the message list from CONFIGURE>CLEAR LIST>THE CONNECTED PANEL. Reload the new configuration and the old messages will now be gone.
FAQ ID: 172
Question:
What do the lights on the top and bottom of the OP-9001 mean?
Answer
There are three lights (actually bi-colored LED's). The LED that is found between the J6 and J7 port indicates whether or not communications is occurring between the 9001 and the PLC. If the color of the LED is amber, transmitting and receiving is occurring. When configuring the 9001 this LED will not be lit, except during the actual download.
The other two LED's next to port J2 and J3 indicate the status of communication between the 9001 and the panel(s). Again, amber indicates transmitting and receiving, whereas green indicates the 9001 is seeking a panel or panels for which it has been configured.
FAQ ID: 173
Question:
What do the lights on the back of the housing on my Optimate panels indicate?
Answer
The green light indicates the module is transmitting data and the red light indicates the module is receiving a response from the PLC. When the module is in the configuration mode (setting of dip switch is 31) neither light will be lit except during the actual download. If the dip switch is set to any setting other than 31 and the green light does not light after a power cycle, the module was configured for a multi-panel situation. Otherwise the transmit light will flash (this is assuming the module is not connected to a PLC at this time).
FAQ ID: 174
Question:
Can I configure the Optimate panels through the 9001?
Answer
No, the panels must be individually downloaded from the PC. It is best to download the 9001 after all the panels have been downloaded.
FAQ ID: 175
Question:
Why does my module work in a stand-alone situation, but not when connected to my 9001?
Answer
There are several possibilities for this to occur. The most obvious reason for the situation is because the module was not configured for a multi-panel situation or perhaps the 9001 was not configured for the module. You must also make sure the module has the correct dip switch address. Next, the 9001 communicates with the module via RS-422 cable so verify the correct pin-outs. Lastly, the RS-422 driver in the module or 9001 may have failed due to cabling or power supply problems. Please reference the OP-9001 Supplemental Sheet for wiring directions.
FAQ ID: 176
Question:
In a multi-panel system, how should I wire the panels if more than one power supply is being used?
Answer
It is highly recommended that all the power supply grounds are wired together. Failure to do so may result in failed modules. Also, ensure that power supply and wire size is large enough to handle the current, especially at long distances. It is also highly recommended that all shields be tied to earth ground. When requiring distances greater than 50' or in noisy environments, a two-twisted pair shielded wire such as Belden 9729 (or its equivalent) should be used. There is an OP-09001 Supplemental Sheet with diagrams, included in all 9001's, depicting the three most typical wiring arrangements.
FAQ ID: 177
Question:
Why is it necessary to cycle power before/after downloading?
Answer
On some Optimate modules this is required to reset the processor and place it in the run configuration.
FAQ ID: 178
Question:
What address should I set my module to when connected directly to my PLC?
Answer
If you are referring to the dip switch setting that is found on the backside of the module, and number except 31 will work. It is only important to have a specific module address when connected to the PLC via the OP-9001.
FAQ ID: 179
Question:
When should I switch my termination switch to the 'on' position?
Answer
Only when the module is at the end of a cable in a system using RS-422 communications. In all other cases, including downloading, the termination dip switch should be in the 'off' position.
FAQ ID: 180
Question:
Why does my panel lose communication after being in service for a length of time?
Answer
Once a panel gains communication with a PLC there are only a few reasons why it does not continue: a) RFI from nearby motors, welders, starters, etc. causing anything from memory corruption to driver chips burning up; and b) an inadequate power supply.
FAQ ID: 181
Question:
When I have my Optimate module connected to a DL205, my LCD and/or light bars work, but my pushbuttons don't...why?
Answer
The Optimate module cannot WRITE to the PLC's memory when the 205 is in Run configuration, therefore only the LCD and/or light bars visually function. The DL 205 should be reset to the 'term' position in order for the Optimate module to write to it.
FAQ ID: 182
Question:
My module will occasionally fail when I power up my system. Why does this happen?
Answer
Normally this is caused by an inadequate power supply corrupting the memory. When determining the size of a power supply be sure to include ALL sources of energy consumption and also account for the surge these devices require. For example an OP-613 requires 1.5 Amps (for 2 milliseconds) at start-up, but after start-up needs only 90 mA at 24VDC to function.
FAQ ID: 183
Question:
My Optimate panel lights flash when connected to the bottom port of a D2-240. What's wrong?
Answer
The lower port on the D2-240 defaults to ASCII mode and needs to be set to HEX mode in order to communicate with an Optimate pane. Access the port settings from DirectSOFT by PLC->Setup->Setup Secondary Com Port.
FAQ ID: 184
Question:
I upgraded my OP-WINEDIT software and now when I open my projects, the project is set up for a different type of panel. What happened?
Answer
If your projects were developed on OP-WINEDIT version 2.0 or earlier, then you may see this problem. The original software was set up to identify your panel by recalling the order it fell in the list of panels. Since we have added new families of part numbers to the product line, the part numbers no longer correspond to the old list.
As of version 2.1, we have corrected this and the actual model number is used to identify the panel. If your projects were created on version 2.0 or earlier and you upgrade your OP-WINEDIT software, you should upload the project from the panel into the new version of OP-WINEDIT. This will correctly convert your version 2.0 or earlier project to a version 2.1 or newer. Once the project is converted to a version 2.1 or newer, this problem should not appear again.
FAQ ID: 185
Question:
Can I use the OP-640 with an A-B Micrologix 1500?
Answer
Yes, the OP-640 will support the MicroLogix line of PLCs.
FAQ ID: 186
Question:
Can I use Omron PLCs with your OptiMate series of panels?
Answer
No, the OptiMate panels do not support Omron. They do support A-B and Micrologix PLCs.
FAQ ID: 187
Question:
What version of OP-Winedit software do I need in order for my OptiMate panel to communicate with Think & Do?
Answer
Use version 2.34 or higher. A free upgrade is available on our website here, but you must have a previous OP-Winedit package installed.
FAQ ID: 188
Question:
Can the OP-9001 be used with an EBC?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 189
Question:
What cable connects the OP-640 to an A-B SLC 5/03 PLC?
Answer
OP-ACBL-1
FAQ ID: 190
Question:
Can the OP-1500 change the operating mode of an A-B Micrologix 1500?
Answer
No, but it can monitor and change values and also turn bits on and off.
FAQ ID: 191
Question:
Can each button be alternate momentary selected on the OP-1212?
Answer
Yes, individually selectable.
FAQ ID: 193
Question:
How do I connect a small OP panel to the WinPLC?
Answer
Check the Application notes on the Entivity(Think N Do) web site. www.entivity.com
FAQ ID: 194
Question:
Is OP-420 UL approved?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 195
Question:
Will the new D0-05DR-D also supply the 5 volts to OP400 series panels
Answer
No, we no longer recommend powereing the OP400 series panels via the PLC com cable. The panels draw too much power and eventually damage the com ports of the 05 PLCs. We recommend using the OP-PS400 to power the panels.
FAQ ID: 316
Question:
Can both ports on a D2-240 be used to talk to OP panels?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 330
Question:
Does the OP-1000 series of OP panels support Double Word BCD?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 336
Question:
Can I write ASCII to an OP panel?
Answer
No. The OP panels can only display messages which are programmed into them using the OP-WINEDIT software. You cannot write ASCII text to them from the PLC.
FAQ ID: 337
Question:
Do the 400 and 600 series of OP panels support Double Word BCD?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 338
Question:
Is a 5 VDC power supply needed when connecting an OP-420 to D0-05 PLC?
Answer
No, we no longer recommend powereing the OP400 series panels via the PLC com cable. The panels draw too much power and eventually damage the com ports of the 05 PLCs. We recommend using the OP-PS400 to power the panels.
FAQ ID: 407
Question:
Will the OP-CCBL program all of the OP Panels?
Answer
No, only the 400 series. The OP-ACBL-1 is needed for the others.
FAQ ID: 570
Question:
Do I need the OP-PS400 using a OP- 400 with an AB SLC 5/03?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 571
Question:
Can I use an OP-Panel on a remote slave module?
Answer
Only if you use SM net, and the highest baud rate, which means you have to use the D2-RMSM module as the master. (If you are considering using the D2-250 in this application, note that the bottom port will not support SM net.)
FAQ ID: 636
Question:
Do the OP series panels have drivers to interface with the TI505?
Answer
Not at this time.
FAQ ID: 671
Question:
What cable do I use to connect OP-420 to a DL05?
Answer
OP-2CBL-2
FAQ ID: 717
Question:
Does the OP-420 work with the MicroLogix 1200?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 761
Question:
Is the OP-420 keypad replaceable?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 810
Question:
Can I use a USB adapter with Optimate Softare to program my panels?
Answer
Yes but you may need to edit the configuration for the USB adapter in the Wndows Control panel. The Optimation Software restricts com ports to COM1 through COM4. If your adapter maps in higher than COM4 you would need to remap it to COM1 - COM4. This is changed in the advanced setting for the USB adapter in device manager.
FAQ ID: 1101
Question:
I installed version 4.00 of the OP-WINEDIT and I am having trouble with the com ports and other unusual problems.
Answer
- The installer is not installing some of the DLLs required.
- Uninstall version 4.0
- Download version 3.0 from Nematron Optimate here;
Nematron Optimate Version 3.0
- Extract the files.
- Run the version 3.0 setup.
- Download version 4.0 here;
AutomationDirect OP-WINEDIT Version 4.0
- Extract the files
- Run the version 4.0 setup.
As a workaround you can install version 3.0 from Nematron Optimate then install version 4.0 from Automation Direct.
FAQ ID: 1466