AutomationDirect Logo DL205 Frequently Asked Questions



Product Selected: DL205
Category Selected: CPU & Programming

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

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
    To set the bit override option

  • Go to the VIEW>OPTIONS from the DirectSOFT menu bar.
  • Go to the data view tab and check bit override.

  • Select Current view and New views
  • From DEBUG>DATA VIEW>NEW/OPEN you can then select whether the particular bit can be (forced) overridden. When In edit mode
    If you have turned bit override on for that element then you can use the on/off button to force the element.

  • Inputs LEDs will not turn on when an input is overidden
  • Output LEDs will turn on when overriden



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.

    You can control outputs by loading a program that consists of an END statement only.

  • From DEBUG>DATA VIEW>NEW/OPEN you can then select the particular bit and use the on/off button to control the element.
  • You cannot control inputs.



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 D2-240 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

The D2-250(-1), D2-260, and D2-262 have a Run/Term/Stop switch.
  • In the Run position -> The CPU is forced into the Run mode if no errors are encountered.
  • In the Term position -> Run, Stop, and the Test modes are allowed by the attached programming/monitoring device.
  • In the Stop position -> 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), D2-260, and D2-262 support manual addressing. 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
FAQ ID: 64
Question: How often should I change the backup battery?
Answer: When using the backup battery there is 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.
  • D2-230 and D2-240 use the D2-BAT
  • D2-250(-1), D2-260, and D2-262 use the D2-BAT-1
The D2-BAT-1 is a Panasonic CR2354, which can be found locally, if needed. It does have to be a "Panasonic" type, if you look at the battery profile, it kind of looks like a top hat. If it has straight sides, that will not work.

Note: We have been made aware that there are some generic "CR2354" batteries that look like the Panasonic type (top hat style) but are 0.06" (1.5mm) taller then the Panasonic specification. If the battery doesn't easily insert into the holder, do not force it, you will break the PLC battery holder. Please make sure that the battery that you have is "Panasonic" or follows the Panasonic specifications.

Knowledge article KB-MISC-001 has pictures to show what the differences are.
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: D2-240 Square Root Logic 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: 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: 392
Question: Where can I obtain the most current firmware for my CPU?
Answer: For the D2-250(-1), D2-260, and the D2-262, the latest firmware file and update tool is located at DL205 Firmware and Koyo Support Tool

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 the D2-230 and D2-240 CPUs, the firmware is on a PROM chip, 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. See FAQ 393 for firmware updating information.
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. The ladder program is stored indefinitely.

The DL205 does have an internal super capacitor that will hold the retentive data, during a power cycle. If you need to have the retentive data stored for longer then a couple hours, then you would need to use the PLC battery, to retain the data.

The 230 and 240 use the D2-BAT
The 250(-1), 260, and 262 use the D2-BAT-1
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), D2-260, and D2-262 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
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: 1338