AutomationDirect Technical Support
AutomationDirect | Direct Sales in US and Canada | 1-800-633-0405

General / Misc. Issues Frequently Asked Questions AutomationDirect Logo


Use "Ctrl-F" to search for specific words in this FAQ.

Question:

Do you carry a protocol converter?

Answer

No. Try Black Box at 877-877-BBOX(2269) or www.blackbox.com

FAQ ID: 406



Question:

Is it necessary to be on line to setup the secondary communication port?

Answer

Yes/No. A PC can be connected and online to setup the secondary communication port of any of our PLCs. However, you can have the ladder code configure the secondary communication port for some of the Koyo PLCs on the first scan.

Please refer to Application Note AN-D2-002

FAQ ID: 456



Question:

Can I manually address a module in a slave rack?

Answer

No, only in the master rack.

FAQ ID: 577



Question:

Do you offer a Devicenet master?

Answer

Not at this time.

FAQ ID: 578



Question:

Do you offer analog converters?

Answer

Yes, see the Signal Conditioners section of the website. Signal Conditioners

FAQ ID: 620



Question:

Can I program a CPU without the I/O modules installed?

Answer

Yes.

FAQ ID: 642



Question:

Can I use remote I/O with a modem?

Answer

No.

FAQ ID: 675



Question:

Do you sell modem connection cables?

Answer

No, we do not.

FAQ ID: 676



Question:

How can I resize the Bitmaps from Symbol Factory when using Dynamic and Static bitmaps?

Answer

While Symbol Factory is open, move your cursor to the lower right hand corner of the "Preview Window", when you get the 2 arrows it will allow you to size the object.

FAQ ID: 678



Question:

Do we have recommended Radio Modems?

Answer

We no longer carry Radio Modems. We previously carried the Cirronet radios.

FAQ ID: 807



Question:

Will ADC High Speed Counter Modules work with Absolute Encoders?

Answer

No.

FAQ ID: 808



Question:

Can a F4-MASMB go into a rack other than a CPU rack?

Answer

No.

FAQ ID: 809



Question:

Can I have 24vdc on CTRINT outputs?

Answer


No

FAQ ID: 811



Question:

Can you control the panel Beep to generate an Alarm from the PLC?

Answer

Yes, In the Project Attributes, under PLC to Panel there is a Beeper control (discrete) selection that allows you to control the panel beep from the PLC.

FAQ ID: 812



Question:

Do our PLCs offer MODBUS ASCII communication?

Answer

No.

FAQ ID: 813



Question:

What are NEC and CEC?

Answer


  • NEC is National Electric Code created and published by the National Fire Protection Association. It is revised every three years and sets the general electrical standards for USA.
  • CEC is the Canadian Electric Code which means the provincial version of the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) manual published every two to three years.

The NEC or CEC do not have the force of law, some locations have adopted them, and others have not.
Always check with the local municipalities for proper guidelines.

FAQ ID: 839



Question:

I'm using a H2-SERIO. I need to communicate RS 422/485 which converter do I need to use?

Answer

The FA-ISOCON.

FAQ ID: 880



Question:

Does the Wonderware "InControl" software support the AutomationDirect H2-EBC and the H4-EBC.

Answer

InControl does Support the AutomationDirect H2-EBC/H4-EBC, they they have not added drivers to support the new AutomationDirect Terminator I/O.......Please check with Wonderware for the latest info on the drivers that they support.
Wonderware Intouch, InTrack, etc will need a server that supports EBCs, like Our PC-KEPOPC server.
Connections from Wonderware to our PLC products via ECOM modules will require our PC-KEPOPC package as a server.

FAQ ID: 901



Question:

I forgot my password, what are my options?

Answer

There is no backdoor password for the DirecLogic PLCs

The only option we can offer is to clear the PLC completely.

This will require you to send the PLC and a signed support request to AutomationDirect.com. We will clear the PLC completely and return it to you. The Program and any stored data will be lost.

The DirectLogic PLC password cannot be 'reset' in the field without knowing the password to unlock the communications port



If this is what you want please contact tech support for more information and the required form to submit with the PLC.

FAQ ID: 1003



Question:

I cannot open your DWG files in my version of AutoCAD. How can I see the AutoCAD version a DWG file is saved in? Do you have any sources for conversion software?

Answer

Yes.
Open the DWG file with Windows Notepad
There will be an entry "ACxxx" at the beginning of the file.

    ACxxxx = Autocad file format
  • AC1.40 = AutoCAD Release 1.40
  • AC1.50 = AutoCAD Release 2.05
  • AC2.10 = AutoCAD Release 2.10
  • AC2.21 = AutoCAD Release 2.21
  • AC1001 = AutoCAD Release 2.22
  • AC1002 = AutoCAD Release 2.50
  • AC1003 = AutoCAD Release 2.60
  • AC1004 = AutoCAD Release 9
  • AC1006 = AutoCAD Release 10
  • AC1009 = AutoCAD Release 11, AutoCAD Release 12
  • AC1012 = AutoCAD Release 13
  • AC1014 = AutoCAD Release 14
  • AC1015 = AutoCAD 2000, AutoCAD 2000i, AutoCAD 2002
  • AC1018 = AutoCAD 2004, AutoCAD 2005, AutoCAD 2006
  • AC1021 = AutoCAD 2007, AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD 2009
  • AC1024 = AutoCAD 2010, AutoCAD 2011, AutoCAD 2012
  • AC1027 = AutoCAD 2013, AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD 2015



AutoDesk has a free utility program available on the internet if you need to convert AutoCad files versions/formats.

'DWG TrueView Download'


NOTE!

We have not extensively tested this software and they are not affiliated with AutomationDirect.

FAQ ID: 1217



Question:

InstallShield -5006 : 0x80070002 error Installing C-More, DirectSoft or other software packages

Answer

InstallShield "-5006 : 0x80070002" errors


  1. Reboot your pc
  2. Login as an Administrator
  3. Explore your PC's C:\ drive
  4. Find the "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield" folder
  5. Rename it to "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield-backup" <<< DO NOT DELETE IT!
  6. Reboot your PC
  7. Login as an Administrator
  8. Disable all Antivirus packages
  9. Run the C-More installer again.



This may work.

The problem is that the C-More and most other programs use InstallShield as an Installer.
InstallShield looks for a previous install of InstallShield (probably from a previous SW package you used) in "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield" and will try to use it if exists.


If that copy is corrupted or of a previous incompatible version the install will fail.
If it doesn't exist the installer will put a fresh copy of InstallShield in the folder and use it.

If you rename the folder, InstallShield will be forced to install a fresh copy in "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield"

If this does not work, rename the new InstallShield folder and rename the backup InstallShield copy you made.
If this failed you probably have PC issues that will require the help of an IT professional.


There is more information on the Internet if you Google Search by the following terms note the quotes!!

InstallShield "-5006 : 0x80070002"


Here is a link to do that


Google Search Installshield

FAQ ID: 1220



Question:

What can I use to debug my serial communications (ASCII) issues? HyperTerm doesn't appear to work very well.

Answer

Hyperterm is not a very good debugging tool for ASCII communications. It is just a terminal and was never really meant to be used for debugging communications.

A better tool is a true HEX terminal such as RealTerm RealTerm on SourceForge that can display the actual HEX values that you receive or send.
RealTerm can allow you to log the incoming data to a file and or send a file of ASCII text.

FAQ ID: 1226



Question:

What are the pinouts (connections) for the FA-15HD?

Answer

FA15HD Wiring Pinout







RJ12 JackHD 15 male
Pin 1Pin 7
Pin 2 & 5Pin 1
Pin 3Pin 3
Pin 4Pin 2
Pin 6Pin 8
Pin 4 & 5 Jumpered


Connector numbering
RJ-12
Tab Pointed Up (Wire pointed away)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

HD 15 Male
Pin side (Wire pointed away)
Top 1 2 3 4 5
Middle 6 7 8 9 10
Bottom 11 12 13 14 15

FAQ ID: 1254



Question:

Using DirectSoft and other software with Windows 7

Answer

Windows 7 and Directsoft

FAQ ID: 1284



Question:

Can the Hx-ECOM use SMTP Authentication in EMail? and help in using ECOM100 Email)

Answer

Yes;

(From HOST Engineering FirmWare notes)

FW Version

4.0.210 H0-ECOM100

4.0.1397 H2-ECOM100 & H4-ECOM100


Added Email Authentication to the web browser configuration page - you cannot access this feature via NetEdit3 or the ECEMSUP IBox at this time, those will be added later.

To access this feature, use a web browser to bring up the ECOM100's web configuration page, go to the Email Setup page, click 'Enable Authentication' and enter the username and password in the fields provided





Host Engineering has an excellent document for help using EMail from the ECOM100 here;

EMail Theory Of Operation

FAQ ID: 1294



Question:

I need help with DirectLogic or Terminator Analog modules such as mapping, broken transmitter bits etc..

Answer

FACTS-Engineering has some additional help here;

Misc Analog help


If you are using Modbus TCP (T1H-EBC100) they have a utility to use in testing here;

H2EBC100_Master.zip
Right click and select Save Target As to save to your local drive, then install the utility

FAQ ID: 1334



Question:

Is there a quick way to get to my device manager, firewall etc in Windows® XP, Vista or Windows 7?

Answer

Yes, there a series Windows® commands that can be used from a command prompt.

Hold down the Windows® key (near the spacebar) and press the r key, that will open the run prompt.

    Now use the following command strings for the text/command to enter and then press the enter key

  • appwiz.cpl to open the Add/Remove Programs dialog
  • cmd to open a Command Prompt
  • control to open the Control Panel
  • devmgmt.msc to open the Device Manager
  • ncpa.cpl to open the Network Connections
  • services.msc to open the Windows Services
  • firewall.cpl to open the Windows Firewall
    settings
  • powercfg.cpl to open the Windows Power Management settings
  • netplwiz to open the Windows Advanced User Accounts Settings
  • shell:startup to open the Windows startup folder in explorer


There is command history for your login using this technique. Once you have used a command you will be able to recall it.

FAQ ID: 1344



Question:

How many Modbus slaves can I connect to DirectLogic PLC Modbus RTU master.

Answer

31 if not using a repeater. There are also cable length restrictions, please check the RS422/RS485 specifications at the IEEE website.

FAQ ID: 1348



Question:

Does ADC provide any MTBF (mean time between failure) information?

Answer

Currently ADC only provides MTBF data on items that the specific industry the product falls into generally requires that data be published for.

For all products where MTBF is not listed, those products have not had MTBF values calculated. Please see the link below for a document covering MTBF and product reliability.

MTBF Document

FAQ ID: 1361



Question:

How can I determine which network adapter (NIC) I am using?

Answer

    Open your network connections
  • Hold down the Windows Key (to left of space bar) and press the R key
    This opens the Run or Open prompt
  • Enter NCPA.CPL and hit the enter key
    You should now see all of your network connections

    Determine which adapter you are using
  • Unplug the Ethernet cable you are using at the PC
    One of the adapters will show a Red X or a notice of limited/no connectivity
  • Plug the cable back in
    If it removes the Red X or notice, you have identified the adapter you are using

FAQ ID: 1364



Question:

How can I tell if I'm running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Vista / Windows 7?

Answer

Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.



If "64-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you are running the 64-bit version of Windows Vista or Windows 7.



If "32-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you are running the 32-bit version of Windows Vista or Windows 7.



The edition of Windows Vista or Windows 7 you're running is displayed under Windows edition near the top of the window.

FAQ ID: 1368



Question:

Which DirectLogic CPUs support overrides/forcing ?

Answer

DirectLogic CPUs override support

  • DL-05 Yes
  • DL-06 Yes
  • DL-105 No
  • DL-230 No
  • DL-240 Yes
  • DL-250/250-1 Yes
  • DL-260/262 Yes
  • DL-330 No
  • DL-340 No
  • DL-350 Yes
  • DL-430 No
  • DL-440 No
  • DL-450/454 Yes

Overrides requires use of a K-Seq or Ethernet com link.

FAQ ID: 1383



Question:

Which DirectLogic CPUs support Bit Of Word addressing ?

Answer

DirectLogic CPU BOW support













DL-05Yes
DL-06Yes
DL-105No
DL-230No
DL-240No
DL-250/250-1Yes
DL-260/262Yes
DL-330No
DL-340No
DL-350Yes
DL-430No
DL-440No
DL-450/454Yes

FAQ ID: 1394



Question:

How can I see hidden USB devices in Windows Device manager.

Answer

There is a tutorial on the Windows 7 forum here;
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/77614-device-manager-hidden-devices.html


The same steps will work for Windows 10

FAQ ID: 1415



Question:

Can I disable Driver Signing in Windows to allow installing your drivers?

Answer

You can try this

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_programs/how-to-i-turn-off-digital-signature/a7047647-bf29-468f-a885-8e23d60f3daa

FAQ ID: 1508



Question:

What Ethernet ports are used by AutomationDirect Products ?

Answer


















PLC/DEVICEPORT NUMBERUDP/TCP
DirectSOFT Programming28784UDP
Hx-ECOM100 Modbus TCP502*TCP
Do-more programming28784Both
Dataworx Do-more30583UDP
Productivity Programming9999UDP
Productivity Modbus TCP502*TCP
Productivity Webserver80TCP
T1H-EBC100 Modbus TCP502TCP
Hx-EBC100 Modbus TCP502TCP
C-more HMI Programming9999TCP
C-more HMI Remote Access11102*TCP
C-more EA9/CM5 HMI Webserver80*TCP
C-more CM5 HMI Web Socket10902TCP
Click Programming25425UDP
Click Modbus TCP502*TCP
Viewmarq502TCP


* Can be changed

For C-More TCP/UDP Connections Port Number Reference, please see:
  • EA9 -> CM144
  • CM5 -> CM144

FAQ ID: 1560



Question:

Do I need to purchase additional services for my StrideLinx VPN router?

Answer

No, you can use the VPN router to connect to your end devices without having to purchase additional packages. You are allowed 5GB of data usage every month, but if you plan on using more data than that, you can purchase the "Data Top-Up" for extra data usage.

There are additional cloud services for email/text notifications, data logging, and guaranteed service levels, but those are not necessary to use your VPN router.

Note: You will need internet service (provided by others) to the router, either through hard wired, wireless, or cellular connection.

FAQ ID: 1639



Question:

On the USB-485M download, the driver doesn't have an installer. How to I install the driver?

Answer

Extract the driver ZIP file contents to an installation folder.

If Windows asks for a driver (when you insert the USB-485M), browse to the folder location where you extracted the files.

If you have to manually install the driver:

  • Using Windows File Explorer, locate the driver folder (that you previously extracted)
  • Right click on the "silabser.inf" file and select "Install".
    • Note: Make sure you select the INF (setup information) file
  • Follow the Windows prompts

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the "CP210x_Universal_Windows_Driver_ReleaseNotes.txt" that is included in the ZIP file.

FAQ ID: 1645




Copyright © 1999- AutomationDirect.com. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED