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Application Note: Connecting your PC to a
D3-422-DCU, GE Series One DCU, or TI/Simatic 422 DCU AutomationDirect Logo


Required Items:

  • D3-422-DCU
  • FA-UNICON
  • FA-CABKIT
  • PC-PGMSW or PC-PGM-305 DirectSOFT Software


Connecting:

  • You will need to connect the power to the FA-UNICON (can use 305 base 24vdc power supply).
  • You will need to use the long (7 ft) cable (6 pin to 6 pin) and the S2-9S IBM AT adapter both from the FA-CABKIT on your PC serial communications port.
  • The adapter S2-25P-CVR that is included in FA-UNICON kit will mount onto your FA-UNICON.
  • The FA-UNICON will mount directly to the D3-422-DCU.
  • The D3-DSCBL-1 will NOT work in this application
  • The 25Pin adapter from the FA-CABKIT (PN: S2-25P-DTE) will NOT work

Dip Switch Settings:

  • You must configure the switch settings on the DCU before it will operate correctly. You can find the appropriate settings in the D3-DCU-M manual.
  • The top set of dip switches are suggested to be set at: #2 on and the rest off. This will set the baud rate to 9600.
  • The bottom set of dip switches should be set at: #1 on and the rest off. This will set to address one.
  • The top toggle switch found on the side should be in the up or “online” configuration.
  • The toggle switch on the back should be in the “INT” position.

DirectSOFT Setup:

  • Create a new link - go to Directsoft Launch/Comm Links right click on comm. links/Add a link.
  • Select Link Editor button at bottom left.
  • Under the first folder: PLC, select 305 Series - select your PLC type after the prompt.
  • Under the second folder: Port, under devices, select the comm. port you are using on your PC.
  • Check the baud rate to assure it matches what you setup with the dip switch on the DCU (should be 9600).
  • Parity = none / Data bits = 8 / Stop bits = 1.
  • Flow control MUST = RTS/CTS.
  • Under the third folder: Protocol, Select Directnet.
  • The address should be same as we set with the dip switch (address 1).
  • Data Encoding should be at HEX mode
  • The advanced settings should be as follows:
    • Timeout = 800ms
    • Data Timeout = 2000ms
    • Max block = 256 bytes
    • Retries = 1
    • Raise the timeouts and retries if you experience problems.
  • After all the settings are correct, you will need to name the link, or you will be prompted to. Once you name the link, select ACCEPT and Directsoft will attempt to connect to your CPU via the 422 DCU connection.
  • If a connection is established, there will be a new link under the DS Launch screen. You may now select your new link and communicate with your 305 CPU.

Notes:

LED's on the DCU: You must see a PWR LED and a DIAG LED. If you see no PWR LED, this is signs of no power to the rack, or the rack power supply is bad. If you see no DIAG LED, this means the connection between the DCU and CPU is not good, the DCU, CPU, or base could be bad. If you see all of the LED’s on, this could mean that the DCU has failed diagnostics, or the DCU, Base or CPU is bad.


When connecting to the CPU, Directsoft will start searching for the link, you can watch for the DATA LED on the DCU to flash, if you see it flash, this means Directsoft and your PC are trying to communicate with the DCU. If you never see a DATA LED flash and Directsoft scrolls through all of its settings searching for a link, this means your PC is unable to talk with the DCU. (PC comm. port, cables, Unicon etc.)


If you still cannot communicate:

If you still cannot communicate, refer to the troubleshooting section in the back of the D3-DCU-M manual. This manual can be downloaded from our website.

If further assistance is needed, please contact technical support from our website or by calling 770-844-4200 Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm EST.


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