SLC5-04 Communication Errors

[beans]

Hi! I'm newer to PLC stuff as it seems to come up at the worst possible times at work.

We have an old SLC5-04 connected to a Panelview 900. Over the weekend we lost power and due to a bad battery I think we lost the program? The FLT light is blinking red and the DH+ light is slowly blinking green.

We've replaced the battery and we have power now!

We have a 1747 UIC with a MtF serial connector with a null modem attachment and gender changer at the ends to make it fit at the 1747 UIC and the RS232 port at either the SLC5-04 or PV900.

Our existing program was set at:
Channel 1: DH+
Channel 0: DH485
Channel 0 (user): ANSII

I've tried using the following settings on RSLINX "RS232 DF1 Devices":
COM#
Driver: SLC-CH0/Micro/PanelView
Baud: 19.2
Station: 00 (and other numbers too)
Parity: None
Checking: CRC
Stop Bits: 1
Protocol: Full Duplex

After AutoConfiguring, this either gives me an error to check my cables, connection, baud, and parity rate OR it will automatically update to the following:
Driver: 1770-HF3/1747-KE
Baud: 111k (sorry, I don't remember the exact number... The computer is at work at the moment )
Station: same as before
Parity: EVen
Checking: CRC
Stop Bits: 1
Protocol: Full Duplex

I've also tried:
Driver: 1770-HF3/1747-KE
Baud: 19.2
Station: 00 (and other numbers too)
Parity: None
Checking: CRC
Stop Bits: 1
Protocol: Full Duplex

I don't AutoConfigure when I do this, but at the end of the day, all three of these options are failing to make the SLC5/04 show up. I've tried plugging in directly to the SLC5-04 and other times directly to the Panelview. I've gotten the green USB and DH485 lights to flash rapidly on the 1747 UIC, but I can't seem to get the SLC to appear. I've been at this for about 30 hours now and losing my mind.

I've also tried factory resetting. I'm not sure that it really did anything though, as I still had a red flashing FLT light and a slowly flashing green DH+ light.

Literally any advice will help. T_T

Also, apologies in advance, as I don't think I can share our existing program.

 

[Mickey]

If you lost power and the battery was bad then the SLC is now at it's defasult settings.
This means the serial port on the SLC is set to DF1 protocol. The UIC (a USB to DH485 converter) will not work. You will need a USB to serial adapter with a null-modem cable to get connected to the serial port.

Autoconfigure may work, if not the first configuration (RSLINX) you posted should work to get connected.

After you download the program the software will flag you about the serial port's change to DH485.
You can then use your UIC to get reconnected.

What port is the PV connected to? What is the complete catalog number of your PV?

 

[beans]

If you lost power and the battery was bad then the SLC is now at it's defasult settings.
This means the serial port on the SLC is set to DF1 protocol. The UIC (a USB to DH485 converter) will not work. You will need a USB to serial adapter with a null-modem cable to get connected to the serial port.

Okay...forgive my ignorance, but the UIC is NOT a USB to serial adapter?? I had assumed it was since i plug in a serial to serial to it. oh my god. Is THAT why plugging into the RS232 port at both the SLC5-04 and at the PV hasnt been working??? also, stupid question, if I connect my USB to Serial to a much longer serial to serial (so i dont have to climb a ladder with my laptop) would that still work?

The PV is currently connected to the RS232 channel 0 port of the SLC5-04. I'll have to doublecheck tomorrow for the full model number.

 

[Mickey]

The UIC is a protocol converter DF1 to DH485 and an electrical converter USB to DH485 (RS485).

50ft is the standard for RS232. I have seen 150ft though (that's pushing it)

The complete catalog number of your PV will tell us the protocol it uses and how the SLC's serial port should be configured.
Most likely DH485 if this was a working system before and your program is current.

 

[beans]

The UIC is a protocol converter DF1 to DH485 and an electrical converter USB to DH485 (RS485).

Huh, looks like I had a big misunderstanding of what the UIC did. I guess it's just the learning process then.

I'll be sure to give it a shot first thing in the morning.

I'm assuming that using DF1 means I have to connect to the serial port at the SLC5-04 and not at the RS232 port located on the PV, and using the USB to serial means I can't just "daisy chain" a serial to serial at the end to make the cord longer then.

 

[beans]

Just gave it a shot earlier this morning and it worked first thing!



Thanks so much for your help Mickey.


The PV we have is an AB 2711-T9C9

 

[Mickey]

Just gave it a shot earlier this morning and it worked first thing!



Thanks so much for your help Mickey.


The PV we have is an AB 2711-T9C9

You're welcome.

 

[alan_505]

2711-T9C9 is a DH-485 unit for comms.

 

[RedSoxFan3]

DH485 and DF1 are serial communication protocols based on RS232 platform.

The serial port on the SLC 5/04 can be configured for DF1 or DH485, so you have to know which protocol the PLC is using.

The 1747-UIC uses DH485 and most systems are configured for DF1.

This is a really common mistake. I fell victim to this when I was new to my facility and I've even seen it mess up vets. Fortunately my automation specialist rocks and pointed this out to me a couple years back.

My personal favorite DF1 to USB adapter is the Keyspan USA-19HS made by Eaton.