Red Lion XCRS User Manual

Bulletin No. XCRS- A
Drawing No. LP0669
Released 01/10

Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.redlion.net

MODEL XCRS - RS232/485 OPTION CARD FOR DATA STATION PLUS AND
MODULAR CONTROLLER



CONFIGURED USING CRIMSON SOFTWARE

(VERSION 2.0 OR LATER)



ISOLATED RS232 AND RS485 MULTIPLEXED PORTS CAPABLE

OF COMMUNICATING WITH RS232, RS422, RS485 AND DH485
DEVICES AT UP TO 115,200 BAUD



EASY INSTALLATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Both the Modular Controller Master (enhanced models) and Data Station
Plus contain a proprietary expansion port which provides a high speed, parallel
architecture that extends the functionality and flexibility of the platform. This
approach allows these products to evolve concurrently with the latest advances
in communications and standards, without sacrificing performance. This high
bandwidth channel has significantly greater throughput when compared to the
traditional (external) serial gateway approach.

The XCRS option card adds an additional RS232 and RS422/485 port to the
series. This isolated card protects user equipment from potentially harmful
ground loops while providing high-speed RS232, RS422, RS485, and DH485
communication options to the end user.

The XCRS communication card is easily installed by removing the blank
expansion port cover of your Modular Controller or Data Station Plus, and
plugging the XCRS card into the expansion port. Configuration is simple using
Red Lion's free Crimson 2.0 software.

SAFETY SUMMARY

All safety related regulations, local codes and instructions that appear in the
literature or on equipment must be observed to ensure personal safety and to
prevent damage to either the instrument or equipment connected to it. If
equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Do not use the controller to directly command motors, valves, or other
actuators not equipped with safeguards. To do so can be potentially harmful to
persons or equipment in the event of a fault to the controller.

CAUTION: Risk of Danger.

Read complete instructions prior to

installation and operation of the unit.

CONTENTS OF PACKAGE

- XCRS option card

- This hardware bulletin

ORDERING INFORMATION

MODEL NO. DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER

XCRS

CBL

DR
SFCRM2 Crimson 2.0 with G3/Data Station Manual
SFCRM2 Crimson 2.0 with Modular Controller Manual 3SFCRM2MC

1

Contact your Red Lion distributor or visit www.redlion.net for complete

selection.

2

Red Lion offers RJ modular jack adapters. Refer to DR literature for

complete details.

3

Use these part numbers to purchase Crimson 2.0 on CD with a printed

RS232/485 option card for Modular Controller
or Data Station Plus

Communication Cables
DIN Rail Mountable Adapter Products

1

2

3

XCRS0000

CBLxxxxx
DRxxxxxx

SFCRM200

manual, USB cable and RS-232 cable. Otherwise, download free of charge
from www.redlion.net.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. POWER REQUIREMENTS: 24 V @ 50 mA max. Power is supplied to the

option card from the main board of the Modular Controller Master or Data
Station Plus.

2. COMMUNICATIONS:
Serial Ports: Format and Baud Rates for each port are individually software
programmable up to 115,200 baud and are isolated to help prevent ground
loops. The RS422/485 and DH485 port via RJ45 and the RS232 port via
RJ12 share the same hardware. The XCRS option card multiplexes the ports
to communicate via two protocols. These ports may be used to configure
different master protocols, but only one port may be used if configuring a
slave protocol or AB DH485.

DH485 TXEN: Transmit enable; open collector , VOH = 15 VDC, VOL = 0.5 VDC
Isolation from XCRS Communication ports to the Modular Controller
Master or Data Station Plus: 1000 VDC for 1 minute.

3. CERTIFICA TIONS AND COMPLIANCES:
Refer to main unit manual or “Agency Approvals” section of Red Lion’s

website for agency certifications.

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

Emissions and Immunity to EN 61326: Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

Control and Laboratory use.

Reference Modular Controller Master or Data Station Plus unit for EMC

specifications

1

4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

+

-

ISOLATING

DC : DC

A

RS422

PORT

PORT

RS232

B

B

RS485/

Refer to the specifications of the Modular Controller Master or Data Station

Plus you are installing this card in.

5. CONSTRUCTION: For indoor use only. Installation Category II, Pollution

Degree 2.

6. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS: See “Installing the XCRS Option

card” for more details.

7. WEIGHT: 1.9 oz (53.9 g)

BLOCK DIAGRAM

INSTALLING THE XCRS OPTION CARD

1. Remove power from the unit

2. Insert a flat-bladed screwdriver into the slot at the top of the expansion port
cover. Gently apply pressure on the screwdriver in an upward direction until
the expansion port cover disengages from the unit as shown in Figure 1.

3. Verify that the option card knobs are in the “unlocked” position as shown in
Figure 2.

4. Carefully insert the option card into the expansion port opening while
aligning the card-edge connector on the option card with the main board's
header, as shown in Figure 3. Once aligned, gently press on the front of the
card until it is flush with the front of the case.

5. Turn the option card knobs to the locked position as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 1

Caution: The expansion and main circuit boards contain static

sensitive components. Before handling the cards, discharge static
charges from your body by touching a grounded bare metal object.
Ideally, handle the cards at a static controlled clean workstation.
Also, handle the cards by the edges only. Dirt, oil, or other
contaminants that may contact the cards can adversely affect circuit
operation.

Warning: Risk of Danger: Be sure to remove all power before

removing the expansion port cover.

XCRS

RX

TX

RS485

RS232

Figure 2

XCRS

RX

TX

RS485

RS232

XCRS

Figure 3

RX

TX

RS485

RS232

Figure 4

2

POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

NEW AND EXISTING INSTALLATIONS

The XCRS option card draws all of its power from the main board of the
Modular Controller Master or Data Station Plus. The specifications of the
Modular Controller Master or Data Station Plus account for the power needs of
an option card.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE XCRS OPTION CARD

CONFIGURING A XCRS OPTION CARD

The XCRS is configured using Crimson software. Crimson is available as a
free download from www.redlion.net, or it can be ordered on CD. Updates to
Crimson for new features and drivers are posted on the website as they become
available. By configuring the XCRS using the latest version of Crimson, you are
assured that your unit has the most up-to-date feature set. Crimson software can
configure the XCRS through the RS232 PGM port, USB port, Ethernet port, or
CompactFlash socket on your Modular Controller Master or Data Station Plus.
Additional information can be found in your Modular Controller Master or
Data Station Plus hardware bulletin and the Crimson user manual.

CABLES AND DRIVERS

Red Lion has a wide range of cables and drivers for use with many different
communication types. A list of these drivers and cables along with pin outs is
available from www.redlion.net. New cables and drivers are added on a regular
basis. If making your own cable, refer to the “XCRS Port Pin Outs” for wiring
information.

RS232 PORTS

The XCRS option card has one RS232 port. The port can be used for either
master or slave protocols with any Modular Controller Master or Data Station
Plus configuration. The RS232 port and RS422/485 port on the XCRS option
card are multiplexed because they share the same hardware. Both ports can be
used with master protocols. However, when the RS232 port is used with a slave
protocol, the RS422/485 port is not available. For examples of RS232
communications refer to your Modular Controller Master or Data Station Plus
literature.

DH485 COMMUNICATIONS

The XCRS option card’s RS422/485 port can also be used for Allen Bradley
DH485 communications. When this port is configured to communicate DH485,
the RS232 port can not be used because the ports share the same hardware and
the XCRS option card multiplexes the ports to communicate via two protocols.

WARNING: DO NOT use a standard DH485 cable to connect this port to Allen

Bradley equipment doing so may cause irreparable damage to the equipment

connected. A cable and wiring diagram are available from Red Lion.

Modular Controller Master or Data Station Plus to AB SLC
500 (CBLAB003)

Connections

RJ45: RLC Name RJ45: A-B Name

1 TxB 1 A

2 TxA 2 B
3, 8 RxA - 24V
4, 7 RxB - COMM

5 TxEN 5 TxEN

6 COMM 4 SHIELD
4, 7 TxB - COMM
3, 8 TxA - 24V

SOFTWARE/UNIT OPERATIONS

XCRS PORT PIN OUTS

RxA

RxB

TxEN

COMM

TxB

TxA (PIN 8)

CTS (PIN 1)

COMM

Rx

COMM

Tx

RS232RS485

RTS (PIN 6)

RX TX

TxB (PIN 1)

TxA

RS422/485 COMMS PORT

The XCRS option card has one RS422/485 port. This port can be configured

to act as either RS422 or RS485.

The RS422/485 port and RS232 port are multiplexed because they share the
same hardware. Both ports can be used with master protocols. However, when
the RS422/485 port is used with a slave protocol, the RS232 port is not
available.

RS422/485 4-WIRE

CONNECTIONS

5V

130K

TX

130K

5V

130K

RX

130K

7

1

8

2

5

4

3

6

TxB

TxA

TxEN (OC)

RxB

RxA

GND

RS485 2-WIRE

CONNECTIONS

5V

130K

TX/RX

130K

7

TxB

1

8

TxA

2

TxEN (OC)

5

6 GND

LEDS

The transmit LED(TX) will flash when information is transmitted from the

XCRS card. The receive LED(RX) will flash when information is received.

CRIMSON SOFTWARE

Crimson 2.0 software is available as a free download from www.redlion.net
or it can be purchased on a CD, see “Ordering Information” for part number.
The latest version of the software is always available from the web site, and
updating your copy is free.

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR XCRS OPTION CARD

If for any reason you have trouble operating, connecting, or simply have
questions concerning your new XCRS option card, contact Red Lion's technical
support. For contact information, refer to the back page of this bulletin for
phone and fax numbers.

EMAIL: [e-mail]

Web Site: http://www.redlion.net

Note: All Red Lion devices connect A to A and B to B, except for Paradigm

devices. Refer to www.redlion.net for additional information.

For examples of RS422/485 communications refer to your Modular Controller

Master or Data Station Plus literature.

3

The Company warrants the products it manufactures against defects in materials and workmanship

LIMITED WARRANTY

for a period limited to two years from the date of shipment, provided the products have been stored,
handled, installed, and used under proper conditions. The Company’s liability under this limited
warranty shall extend only to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at The Company’s
option. The Company disclaims all liability for any affirmation, promise or representation with
respect to the products.

The customer agrees to hold Red Lion Controls harmless from, defend, and indemnify RLC against
damages, claims, and expenses arising out of subsequent sales of RLC products or products
containing components manufactured by RLC and based upon personal injuries, deaths, property
damage, lost profits, and other matters which Buyer, its employees, or sub-contractors are or may be
to any extent liable, including without limitation penalties imposed by the Consumer Product Safety
Act (P.L. 92-573) and liability imposed upon any person pursuant to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act (P.L. 93-637), as now in effect or as amended hereafter.

No warranties expressed or implied are created with respect to The Company’s products except those
expressly contained herein. The Customer acknowledges the disclaimers and limitations contained
herein and relies on no other warranties or affirmations.

Red Lion Controls
Headquarters
20 Willow Springs Circle
York PA 17406
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Red Lion Controls

Europe

Printerweg 10

NL - 3821 AD Amersfoort

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Fax [phone]

Red Lion Controls

India

54, Vishvas Tenement

GST Road, New Ranip,

Ahmedabad-382480 Gujarat, India

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Red Lion Controls

China

Unit 101, XinAn Plaza

Building 13, No.99 Tianzhou Road

ShangHai, P.R. China 200223

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