DL405 Frequently Asked Questions
Use "Ctrl-F" to search for specific words in this FAQ.
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
- 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: 131
Question:
Why can I not get any Control Output from my PID loop?
Answer
Most likely you haven't entered a high limit for your Control Output in the PID setup. The default is 0 and the maximum is 4095 binary. Your must enter something in this field (Word+31) from the PID setup or from ladder. You should also check your Control Output word (Word+5) to see if you are actually getting Control Output. If this value is changing then make sure you are writing this value to the physical output device. This will most likely be an analog card or Time-Proportioning ladder for a discrete output point.
FAQ ID: 132
Question:
Why does my Setpoint Value change in my PID loop when I go from Manual to Auto from the PID view or ladder?
Answer
You are probably in Bumpless Transfer Mode 1. In this mode, the Setpoint Value is forced to the Process Value on a manual to auto transition. You should be using Bumpless Transfer Mode 2 if you do not want this to occur. This is covered in the Bumpless Transfer section of the PID chapter in your User Manual.
FAQ ID: 133
Question:
Which DL405 CPUs support Manual Addressing capabilities in local and local expansion bases?
Answer
The D4-440 and D4-450 CPUs. The D4-430 is Automatic Addressing only in the local and the local expansion bases.
FAQ ID: 134
Question:
Which protocol do I choose for communication to the RS-232 port of a Slice I/O slave?
Answer
Use K-Sequence protocol for communications to the RS-232 port of any Slice I/O slave.
FAQ ID: 135
Question:
Can the DL405 use Modbus protocol?
Answer
The D4-450 can use Modbus on Port 1 or Port 3 as Master or Slave. The D4-430 and the D4-440 can be a Modbus Master by using the F4-MAS-MB or Slave by using the F4-SLV-MB.
FAQ ID: 136
Question:
What is the accuracy of the PLC real-time clock?
Answer
D4-430: No clock/calendar feature
D4-440: +/- 1 minute per month
D4-450: +/- 1 minute per month
FAQ ID: 137
Question:
Is there a limitation on the number of High Speed Counters you can install with the DL-430 CPU?
Answer
Yes, the number of High Speed Counters you can install is 8. They cannot be installed in a remote base.
FAQ ID: 138
Question:
What is the torque specification for the terminal blocks on the DL405 modules?
Answer
0.9 +/- 0.1 Nm (0.062 +/- 0.007 lb-ft)
FAQ ID: 139
Question:
Will the D4-RAM-1, D4-RAM-2, D4-EE-2 or the D4-UV-1 work with the TI-435?
Answer
The D4-RAM-1 and D4-UV-1 will work.
The D4-RAM-2 and D4-EE-2 will not work.
The TI processor does not support the larger memory size
FAQ ID: 140
Question:
Does the D4-RM have to be at the end of the chain or can it be wired in the chain (i.e., with slaves at each end)?
Answer
The D4-RM does need to be at one end of the physical connection chain. A termination resistor is also required here and at the last slave (which is added by jumpering T to 1).
FAQ ID: 141
Question:
How often should I change the backup battery?
Answer
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: 142
Question:
Does the DL405 series support DNP 3.0 protocol?
Answer
At this time, it does not.
FAQ ID: 143
Question:
How would we check this PLC to make sure that it is calibrated?
Answer
Our PLCs do not require calibration.
FAQ ID: 144
Question:
How do I do ASCII out with a D4-440?
Answer
You must use a coprocessor module.
FAQ ID: 145
Question:
Can the D4-DCM work in DirectNET ASCII mode in peer-to-peer setup?
Answer
No. The D4-DCM cannot use DirectNET ASCII in peer-to-peer mode.
FAQ ID: 147
Question:
Is there an "equal to" command for the D4-430 CPU?
Answer
Yes: F7 contacts, comparative, equal to.
FAQ ID: 148
Question:
Are the comm port settings and retentive memory settings stored on the memory cartridge?
Answer
Yes.Note that only the retentive memory "ranges" are saved, not values in retentive memory.
If you have V0-V6000 as your retentive range settings, THAT is what is saved, not the actual values in V0 thru V6000 (there is no way to save the retentive values to the cartridge).
FAQ ID: 149
Question:
Can you power up and program a DL405 CPU while disconnected from the backplane?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 150
Question:
Does the D4-450 UV prom need the D4-HPP to code?
Answer
Yes it does since it uses an AUX function.
FAQ ID: 151
Question:
What is the current rating on a D4-450DC-1 cpu?
Answer
It is 3100ma, same as the AC powered unit.
FAQ ID: 152
Question:
Do you offer precision resistors?
Answer
At this time we do not.
FAQ ID: 153
Question:
What is standard current draw on the D4-450 CPU @110VAC?
Answer
Approx 0.45 amps. We suggest a 0.75 amp slow blow fuse.
FAQ ID: 154
Question:
Is there a 24vdc-powered EBC for 405 series?
Answer
No, only 110/220VAC. Only expansion modules and D4-440 and D4-450 CPU’s are designed in the 24vdc market.
FAQ ID: 155
Question:
What are the threshold voltages on the D4-HSC?
Answer
4.75 v - on voltage 2 v - off
FAQ ID: 156
Question:
What is the part # for spare terminal blocks for F4-08TRS-1?
Answer
D4-8IOCON.
FAQ ID: 333
Question:
Can you common the CA and CB on the D4-16ND2F module?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 334
Question:
Do the DL405 PLCs have Ethernet onboard?
Answer
No, you need to add an H4-ECOM.
FAQ ID: 335
Question:
Is there a CPU that can handle a square root?
Answer
The D4-450 can.
FAQ ID: 396
Question:
Will any port on the D4-450 work for firmware upgrade?
Answer
Only port one.
FAQ ID: 397
Question:
Is the TI-435 the same as the D4-440?
Answer
Yes, the D4-440 is a direct replacement.
FAQ ID: 398
Question:
Can I run remotes out of sequence, i.e., #1, #3, #6, and #2?
Answer
Although we suggest you to keep in sequence, you are allowed to do this using the D4-450. You will need to address each slave.
FAQ ID: 399
Question:
Can an I/O connector be connected to a D4-FILL module so wiring for a future module can be in place?
Answer
Yes, the D4-FILL does have the retaining nuts in place to attach the I/O connector.
FAQ ID: 400
Question:
Will your H4-EBC work with Labview?
Answer
Yes, when used with our KepDirect EBC Server. KepDirect can provide an OPC interface for LabView.
FAQ ID: 401
Question:
I forgot my password, what are my options?
Answer
If the password is lost or forgotten, you will have to return the PLC to AutomationDirect, to get the password cleared. The CPU contents will be erased when we clear the password, there is not a way to retrieve the project.
Contact Tech Support to get a Equipment Evaluation form to fill out and return with your PLC. Once AutomationDirect has the signed form and PLC, we can clear the PLC and return it back to you.
AutomationDirect can only perform the password clear if the PLC is being shipped back to a United States address, we cannot ship the PLC outside of the US.
FAQ ID: 402
Question:
Where can I obtain the most current firmware for my CPU?
Answer
Go to Software & Firmware Downloads to check for the latest firmware file.
FAQ ID: 403
Question:
Can the D4-430 support K-sequence out of both comm ports at the same time?
Answer
No, If you want to use the both com ports at the same time, port 1 must be K-sequence & port 2 must be DirectNet. If port 1 is not used, port 2 can support K-sequence.
FAQ ID: 430
Question:
Can I use an analog card in a DL 405 remote set up?
Answer
Yes, make sure you allocate proper I/O in the setup.
FAQ ID: 469
Question:
I have an older D4-440 CPU, will it work with the H4-ECOM?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 470
Question:
Can the DL 405 system be mounted vertical?
Answer
No. The base must be mounted horizontally to provide proper ventilation.
FAQ ID: 471
Question:
On the D4-RSDC, Is the power supply isolated from ground or is it floating?
Answer
It is isolated with a transformer.
FAQ ID: 599
Question:
Do you offer a DL405 slice slave that has AC I/O?
Answer
Not at this time.
FAQ ID: 601
Question:
Can I have multiple ECOMS in a DL405 base?
Answer
Yes, you can have up to 8.
FAQ ID: 628
Question:
Will TI software work on a D4-440?
Answer
Yes, but we do not support it.
FAQ ID: 629
Question:
Can you set up the High Speed Interface Card in a remote unit?
Answer
No, it must be set up in a local base.
FAQ ID: 664
Question:
Can the D4-HSC handle differential counting?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 704
Question:
Using the D4-450, do timers self reset if left timing?
Answer
No, they go to a max value and stop.
FAQ ID: 705
Question:
Does the D4-450 support autotune?
Answer
Autotune feature is available with firmware v1.90 or later. Also need DS32 build 58 or 62.
FAQ ID: 706
Question:
Q: What is the wire size in the D4-IOCBL-1?
Answer
A: The diameter is 0.38 mm, or slightly smaller than 26 AWG.
FAQ ID: 789
Question:
Q: Can a D4-INT fire a subroutine all the time the while the inputs are on?
Answer
A: NO
FAQ ID: 790
Question:
Q: What is agency approvals on D4-450?
Answer
A: UL, CUL, CE.
FAQ ID: 791
Question:
Q: Is a D4-INT manually addressable?
Answer
A: No.
FAQ ID: 792
Question:
Q: Do we offer a 2 channel analog input for the D4-450?
Answer
A: No, 4 channels is the least amount of channels we offer.
FAQ ID: 793
Question:
What purpose does the battery serve in the H4-EBC?
Answer
The battery in the 405 EBC actually backs up all of the RAM in the box, but the primary purpose for this is to preserve the blocks of simulated V-Memory and C-Memory that is used with the built-in serial K-sequence handler.
FAQ ID: 906
Question:
I tried everything to establish communications between my PC and the CPU with no luck. I do have the power LED on and I am powering the processor with 120 VAC. I have confirmed I have the correct communications cable and the latest DirectSOFT32 programming software. What else can I check?
Answer
If you are powering the processor power supply with 120 VAC, make sure you have installed the shorting link on the bottom two terminals for 100-120 VAC operation. Clich here for the Directsoft Troubleshooting manual.
FAQ ID: 934
Question:
What is the SCCR rating for the DL405 PLCs?
Answer
Our PLCs are not power circuit components. The SCCR is not required for them. Please refer to UL508 177.1 and UL508A SB4.1 for details.
UL508 177.1 defines what the PLC is and UL508A SB4.1 covers the standard for the SCCR.
FAQ ID: 1197
Question:
Can I change the backup battery with power applied to my DL405 CPU?
Answer
Yes. Open the front cover of the CPU and replace the battery.
FAQ ID: 1204
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: 1296
Question:
What are the color codes for American/Canadian thermocouples?
Answer
All American/Canadian Thermocouples follow the ANSI color standard for wire coloration. Jacket color may sometimes be the main wire color, but it is not a dependable means of thermocouple type.
Type J - White/Red
Type E - Purple/Red
Type K - Yellow/Red
Type T - Brown/Red
Type N - Orange/Red
Red is always Negative.
FAQ ID: 1308
Question:
How do I use a variable as a timer preset?
Answer
In your timer box where you are currently typing 'Kxxx' for the preset you would put a V memory address such as V2000. Make sure that this address is only used for this purpose. Now open a data view and type in V2000. You would use this same V memory address for every timer that you want to have the same value.
Click the yellow E button with the red circle and slash in the upper left of the data view window to enable edits. Now you should have a column titled edits on the right of the V2000 you typed in. Enter your value in this column next to V2000 and press the middle of the three buttons at the top right of the data view.
Please note that you can use other V memory addresses than V2000. The full list of available addresses is available in the PLC -> Memory map menu item. Also you can find the list of available memory in Chapter 3 (or 4 depending on the PLC model) of the User manual.
FAQ ID: 1340
Question:
I plan on replacing a D4-440 with a D4-450, Does the note on the D4-450 in the web store regarding F4 speciality modules apply to me?
Answer
If your system contains F4 intelligent modules with a date code of 0996 (September 1996) or earlier they would have to be updated to work correctly with the 450 CPU. This update would be considered an out of warranty repair of the F4 modules and would have to be performed by FACTS Engineering (www.facts-eng.com / select RMA Request).
It would be better to replace a 440 with another 440, or replace the affected F4 intelligent modules in addition to replacing the 440 with the 450.
If your F4 intelligent modules are newer that 0996 (September 1996) then they should work as expected with the 450 CPU.
- These are the modules that could be affected
- F4-CP128-1
- F4-CP128-R
- F4-CP128-T
- F4-CP512
- F4-MAS-MB
- F4-SLV-MB
- F4-MAS-MBR
- F4-SLV-MBR
- F4-16PID
- F4-8MPI
- F4-SDN
- F4-4LTC
- F4-SLV-TW
- F4-SDS
FAQ ID: 1354
Question:
Can I use the memory cartridge from a TI435 in a D4-440
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 1369
Question:
How do I determine if my 405 specialty modules are compatible with with my 450 CPU?
Answer
Check the link below:
https://sid.automationdirect.com/techdb/advisories/uploads/pad4-005.pdf
FAQ ID: 1440
Question:
Can I use a D4-RAM cart in a TI-435?
Answer
Yes you can
FAQ ID: 1468
Question:
D4-RAM-1 and D4-RAM-2 Battery Info
Answer
The battery used in the RAM memory cartridges(D4-MC-BAT) has been retired.
You should be able to obtain a replacement from another source using the generic partnumber; TL-5186.
FAQ ID: 1561
Question:
"I can't see my ECOM(100) with NetEdit. What do I do?"
Answer
If NetEdit3 doesn't see the ECOM module when you press "Scan Network", check the following:
1) Verify Link Good LEDs are illuminated on module and connecting devices like hubs or unmanaged switches.
2) Turn OFF any WiFi devices or other ethernet devices.
3) Firewalls need to be turned OFF for initial connection (see Windows Help). Also, turn OFF any antivirus or other protection software that can interfere with ethernet communication.
4) Try to PING the ECOM module to establish basic connection (see Windows Help, or search for resources on internet if not familiar with these steps).
5) You may need to disable any other network adapters besides the one physically connected to the ECOM or network the ECOM is on. If you get "Transport Protocol error", try the instructions in this link:
http://hosteng.com/FAQFiles/ECOM.htm#FAQ0024
Go to Step 4, Item C. The latest version of NetEdit has the ability to select the specific network adapter, by going to the main Menu, select "Network", then "Adapter" and specifying which installed adapter you want to use ( it also lists the IP addresses of the adapters). We strongly suggest you download the latest version of NetEdit here:
http://hosteng.com/SW-Products/NetEdit3.zip
6) If you have a network administrator, you may need to check with them to verify the configuration of the local network.
7) If you have Windows XP or earlier, and you still can't make a connection, you should consider trying the IPX protocol. Click the IPX button in NetEdit3. If you get the 10047 error, you need to install the NWLink/IPX protocol to your computer ethernet card.
See Windows Help for this procedure, or try this link
http://hosteng.com/FAQFiles/ECOM.htm#FAQ0043
If you can't connect to an existing/unknown ECOM100 in a network, and the card is likely newer than 2007, by powering-down and putting dipswitch 6 ON, then powering up, the IP address will be reset to all 0's, and should become visible to NetEdit3. You must power down and turn this dip back OFF for card to be able to operate properly.
http://hosteng.com/FAQFiles/ECOM.htm#FAQ0085
FAQ ID: 1576