Rockwell Automation 2706-LSW DL40 User Manual

Allen-Bradley

Dataliner DL40 Plus
Offline Programming

User

Software

(Cat. No.2706-LSW)

Manual

Important User
Information

Because of the variety of uses for the products described in this
publication, those responsible for the application and use of this
control equipment must satisfy themselves that all necessary steps
have been taken to assure that each application and use meets all
performance and safety requirements, including any applicable laws,
regulations, codes and standards.

The illustrations, charts, sample programs and layout examples
shown in this guide are intended solely for purposes of example.
Since there are many variables and requirements associated with any
particular installation, Allen-Bradley does not assume responsibility
or liability (to include intellectual property liability) for actual use
based upon the examples shown in this publication.

Allen-Bradley publication SGI-1.1, Safety Guidelines for the

Application, Installation, and Maintenance of Solid-State Control

(available from your local Allen-Bradley office), describes some
important differences between solid-state equipment and
electromechanical devices that should be taken into consideration
when applying products such as those described in this publication.

Reproduction of the contents of this copyrighted publication, in
whole or in part, without written permission of Allen-Bradley
Company, Inc., is prohibited.

Throughout this manual we use notes to make you aware of safety
considerations:

ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices
or circumstances that can lead to personal injury or

!

Attention statements help you to:

death, property damage or economic loss.

• identify a hazard

• avoid the hazard

• recognize the consequences

Important: Identifies information that is critical for successful

PLC and PLC–5 are registered trademarks of Allen–Bradley Co.
SLC is a trademark ofAllen–Bradley Co.
Windows, MS–DOS, and Windows NT are a trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

  

Using this Manual

Overview of the DL40 Plus

Installing the Software

Preface

What You Need to Know P–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents of this Manual P–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conventions Used P–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Publications P–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 1

Chapter Objectives 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Available Configurations 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Support 1–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Programming Features 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating Modes 1–1 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Messages 1–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Controller Support for Remote I/O 1–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Available Catalog Numbers 1–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 2

Chapter Objectives 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Personal Computer Requirements 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Package Contents 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installed Files 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Memory Requirements 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Memory Management 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installation 2–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic Installation (without PassThrough) 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Software Installation for DH+ PLC PassThrough 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Software Installation for Ethernet PLC PassThrough 2–1 1. . . . . . . . . . . .

Starting the Program 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Establishing Initial Non–networked Communications 2–13. . . . . . . . . . . .

Publication 2706-6.2

Table of Contentstoc–ii

Navigating the Software

Offline Operating Modes

Chapter 3

Starting the Software 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Title Screen and Main Menu 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Getting Help 3–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setup Menu 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Menu Control Keys 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shortcut Keys 3–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exiting the Software 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 4

Develop Menu 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Selection Screen 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create New File Window 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data Path Directory Window 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Develop Screen 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Messages Menu 4–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Edit Message Screen 4–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Text Window 4–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create New Message Screen 4–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copy Messages Screen 4–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete Message Screen 4–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Renumber Messages Screen 4–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Text Search Screen 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modify Message Attributes Screen 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Attribute Default Screen 4–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Options Menu 4–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ports Menu 4–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Verify Menu 4–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Device Menu 4–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Downloading/Uploading Message Files

Publication 2706-6.2

Chapter 5

Transfer Menu 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Downloading a File using RS-232 or RS-485 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Uploading a File using RS-232 or RS-485 5–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Downloading a File using Remote I/O (PassThrough) 5–8. . . . . . . . . . .

Uploading a File using Remote I/O (PassThrough) 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Creating a New Communications File 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modifying an Existing Communications File 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sending the Time and Date Using RS-232 or RS–485 5–17. . . . . . . . . .

Writing a File to Tape 5–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reading a File from Tape 5–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents toc–iii

Getting Reports

Managing Message Files

Chapter 6

Reports Menu 6–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select File Submenu 6–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configure Ports Submenu 6–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Starting the Print Job 6–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 7

Files Menu 7–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select Files Menu 7–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Selections/File Picks Window 7–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copy File(s) 7–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete File(s) 7–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rename File(s) 7–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Convert DL20 File(s) 7–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix A – Message Display Worksheets

Appendix B – Cables

Appendix C – ASCII Character Sets

Appendix D – PLC-5 Data Pass-Through

Index

Publication 2706-6.2



Contents of this Manual

Using this Manual

This preface provides an overview of the Dataliner DL40 Plus
Offline Programming Software. The topics it covers include:

• What you need to know

• Contents of the manual

• Conventions used throughout the manual

• Related publications

What You Need to Know

No special knowledge is required to read this manual or use the
DL40 Plus Offline Programming Software (Catalog No. 2706-LSW).
However, you should be familiar with the operation of the DL40
Plus and how it will be integrated into your control system before
trying to use the Offline Programming Software.

This manual describes how to install and use the DL40 Plus Offline
Programming Software. The manual is organized as follows:

Chapter Title Purpose

1 Overview of the DL40 Plus Provides an overview of the DL40 Plus

2 Installing the Software Describes how to install the DL40 Plus

3 Navigating the Software Provides a description of the menus

4 Creating Message Files Describes how to create and manage

5 Downloading/Uploading

Message Files

6 Getting Reports Describes the contents and use of the

7 Managing Message Files Describes the contents and use of the

Appendix A Message Display

Worksheets
Appendix B Cables Cable pinout diagrams
Appendix C ASCII Character Sets Summary of ASCII characters and their

Appendix D PLC-5 Pass-Through Provides an application example of using

Message Display.

Offline Programming Software.

along with instructions for setting up and
exiting the software.

message application files.
Describes the contents and use of the

Transfer menu.

Reports menu.

Files menu.

Convenient forms for recording message
contents.

keyboard codes.

PLC-5 data Pass-Through.

Publication 2706-6.2

Using this ManualP–2

Conventions Used

Related Publications

The following conventions are used in this manual:

• All menus and screens reproduced in this manual approximate

what you see when using the software.

• A symbol or word in brackets represents a single key that you

press. These include keys such as [A] or [Del]. Since the
Dataliner can be programmed with a variety of keyboards or
terminals, the printing on your keyboard may be different from
the symbol or word indicated in brackets.

• This manual uses ↵ to specify the carriage return function of a

keyboard. On your keyboard this may correspond to an
[ENTER], ↵ , or [Rtrn] key.

• The up caret, ^, is the symbol for a control character. For

example:
computers this character is entered by pressing [Ctrl] and [W]
simultaneously.

^W is the symbol for a Control W character. On most

• In the following chapters, we refer to the Dataliner DL40 Plus

Message Display as the DL40.

Other publications to which you may want to refer include:

• Dataliner DL40 Plus Message Display User Manual,

(Publication 2706-6.1)

• Dataliner DL40 Plus Message Displays Release Note (provided

with DL40 Plus display) is helpful if you are replacing an existing
DL40 display with a DL40 Plus display.

Publication 2706-6.2

 

Overview of the DL40 Plus

Chapter Objectives

Available Configurations

This chapter describes key features and capabilities of the DL40
Plus. Understanding the capabilities allows you to use the Offline
Programming Software more effectively. For more information,
refer to the DL40 Plus user manual (Publication 2706-6.1).

Section Page

Available Configurations 1–1
Message Support 1–3
Programming Features 1–4
Operating Modes 1–11
Special Messages 1–12
Controller Support for Remote I/O 1–13
Available Catalog Numbers 1–15

The DL40 Plus is available in a 2- or 4-line configuration (capable of
displaying 20 characters per line) with either Remote I/O or Parallel
port communication options.

Remote I/O Version

The Remote I/O version enables two-way communications with the
Allen-Bradley family of PLCs and SLCs. A remote I/O version of
the DL40 Plus can appear to the PLC or SLC as any size I/O rack

1

1

(

/

/2, 3/4, or full).

4,

Parallel Port Version

The Parallel Port version receives message number triggers, slave
addresses, and variable data from a PLC or SLC output module via
16 data lines and 4 strobe lines (indicating the type of data).

1–2 Overview of the DL40 Plus

ConfigurationsDescription

Plus Port

line Programmin

1

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

lave Communications

R

lave Communications

R

line Programmin

R

line Programmin

R

ssa

rin

R

ssa

rin

RS-485/RS-232 Communications

Both the Remote I/O and Parallel Port versions have RS-485 and
RS-232 ports. You can configure these ports for Programmer, DL
Slave or Open Protocol communications (see table below). Port
settings are modified through the Ports menu in the Offline
Programming software or the Onboard Editor. You select a
communication option under the Port Use submenu.

The RS-232 port always communicates with the Offline
Programming Software regardless of the configured mode. Open
Protocol or DL Slave operation can occur on either the RS-232 or
RS-485 port.

If the RS-485 port is configured for Open protocol or DL Slave
operation, you cannot configure the RS-232 port for the same
protocol. Instead, an information message reports an invalid port
configuration (Incompatible Port Usage).

DL40

Off

Off

and Serial Printing

S-232 Off

2

3

4

5

6

7

S-232 Off

and RS-485 Message Triggering

S-232 Off

S-232 Off

RS-485 Slave Communications

S-485 Off

S-485 Off

RS-232 Message Triggering
S-485 S

S-485 S
RS-232 Message Triggering

S-485 Off

S-485 Off

RS-232 Slave Communications

S-485 Me

S-485 Me

RS-232 Slave Communications

ge Trigge

ge Trigge

g

g

g

g

g

g

g

g

g

g

g

g

RS–485
RS–232
RS–485
RS–232

RS–485
RS–232
RS–485
RS–232
RS–485
RS–232

RS–485
RS–232
RS–485
RS–232

Programmer Open Protocol Slave Printing

√
√ √

√ √

√ √
√

√

Communication/Printing Options

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

Note: Open protocol is a serial ASCII based format for triggering
messages stored in the DL40 Plus displays. Open protocol supports
message triggers with or without variable data over the RS-232 or
RS-485 serial ports.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–3Overview of the DL40 Plus

Message Support

The DL40 Plus stores messages of varying length. Each message is
identified by a unique message number from 1 to 9999. Messages
are placed in an internal memory queue when triggered by a
command from your control system. They are then run according to
attributes selected in the DL40 Plus.

The DL40 Plus can display a wide variety of characters and symbols,
including:

• Uppercase letters

• Lowercase letters

• Punctuation

• Special characters from the English extended ASCII character set

• English character set (default)

• International character set ISO 8859–1

• Cyrillic character set (Russian)

Note: English characters are also available with both the
International an Cyrillic character sets.

A person with normal vision can easily read the display from a
distance of up to 25 feet.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–4 Overview of the DL40 Plus

Programming Features

The DL40 Plus is a versatile status, prompt and diagnostic display
tool, equipped with a full range of high-end programming and
performance features.

DL40 Plus Capabilities

Supports offline programming software Yes Yes
PLC-5 Remote I/O PassThrough via DH+ Yes No
PLC-5E Remote I/O PassThrough via Ethernet Yes No
International and Cyrillic character sets Yes Yes
Onboard editing with PC keyboard Yes Yes
Send ASCII data to a PLC via a Remote I/O link Yes No
Send ASCII data to a device via an RS-485 link Yes Yes
Communicates with any programmable controller No Yes
Customizable historical events stack Yes Yes
Real-time clock operations Yes Yes
RS-232 and RS-485 ports Yes Yes
Debug Mode No Yes
Support for auxiliary devices such as slave displays

and printers
Background messages Yes Yes

Remote I/O

Version

Yes Yes

Parallel Port

Version

Hidden messages Yes Yes
Embedded variables Yes Yes
Data mode selection Yes Yes
Message chaining Yes Yes
Adjustable parameters for serial communications Yes Yes
Adjustable display brightness Yes Yes

Publication 2706-6.2

Offline Programming Software

Create and edit application files using the Offline Programming
Software (Catalog No. 2706-LSW) on a personal computer. With
interactive menus you can quickly create messages, set message
attributes, and download messages to one or more DL40 Plus
displays.

1–5Overview of the DL40 Plus

Create Message editing screen Set Message Attributes window

Download Message Files screen

Convert DL20 files for use with a DL40 Plus

The offline programming cable (Catalog No. 2706-NC13) provides a
direct connection between a personal computer running the Offline
Programming Software and a DL40 Plus. This 3-meter cable has a
9-pin, D-shell connector on each end.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–6 Overview of the DL40 Plus

International and Cyrillic Character Sets

The local language character sets let you create and display messages
in other languages such as French, German, Italian, and Spanish with
the Offline Programming Software with:

• English (default)

• International character set ISO 8859–1

• Cyrillic (Russian)

English characters are also available with both the International and
Cyrillic character sets.

Onboard Editor

With the Onboard Editor you can create or edit messages, select
message attributes, and set options and variable formats using a
standard IBM PC keyboard. The Keyboard port is located on the rear
panel of the DL40 Plus.

Send ASCII Data to a PLC via Remote I/O Link

Using Remote I/O communications, you can send ASCII data to a
PLC. Attach an IBM compatible keyboard to the DL40 Plus and you
can enter part numbers, badge numbers, passwords, and similar
information as required. The DL40 Plus processes and displays the
information, and then sends it to the controller.

You can establish similar communications over an RS-232 or
RS-485 link.

Communicate with any Programmable Controller
(Parallel Port Version)

The DL40 Plus accepts information from any programmable
controller over a total of 20 input lines (16 data and 4 strobe lines).

Parallel Port versions of the DL40 Plus have an isolated 12 VDC
supply output that can be used to power outputs that pull data and
strobe lines high.

Publication 2706-6.2

Backup Operations

Archive DL40 Plus application files in the Offline Programming
Software (Catalog No. 2706-LSW) by uploading or downloading
files between a computer and DL40 Plus displays.

1–7Overview of the DL40 Plus

Historical Events Stack

The Historical Events Stack records the occurrence and sequence of
some or all messages and logs variable data values that have been
triggered and/or displayed. The 16K bytes of stack memory holds
about 1,000 events. You can view information in chronological order
or by frequency of occurrence, or print the record.

Clock Operations

A real-time battery-backed clock keeps accurate time even when
power is removed from the unit. The DL40 Plus can display the
current time and/or date in either AM/PM or 24-hour military
format.

Note: The date function is year 2000 compliant.
Date and time information can be displayed as part of any triggered

message, and passed on to a PLC. You can also date- or time-stamp
events as they are recorded in the Historical Events Stack.

Set the DL40 Plus internal clock using the front panel menus, a
keyboard connected to the Onboard Editor, a PLC/SLC, or the
Offline Programming Software.

RS-232 and RS-485 Ports

The DL40 Plus has both an RS-232 and RS-485 port.
Use the RS-232 port to:

• upload or download message files from a computer

• trigger messages via Open protocol (ASCII triggering)

• send messages to a single slave message display

• print messages and/or the contents of the Historical Event Stack

Use the RS-485 port to:

• multi-drop upload or download message files from a computer

• trigger messages via Open protocol (ASCII triggering)

• send messages to one or more slave message displays

• input ASCII data via bar code

Publication 2706-6.2

1–8 Overview of the DL40 Plus

Keyboard Port

Use the Keyboard port on the DL40 Plus to:

• edit options, messages, communication port settings

• input ASCII data to a host controller, PLC, or computer

• trigger messages using Open protocol (ASCII triggering)

Debug Mode (Parallel Port Version)

Use Debug mode to display the binary status (1 or 0 value) of the
data lines and the state of the strobe lines. This mode is useful for
checking the output of a programmable controller.

Auxiliary Devices

Connect a variety of useful auxiliary devices to the DL40 Plus
display.

Slave Displays

Address up to 126 DL40 Plus or DL50 slave displays over an
RS-485 network at distances up to 4,000 feet (1200 m) from the
originating DL40 Plus. You can also control the annunciation relay
on remote DL40 Plus or DL50 Series slave displays. By assigning a
specific address to each slave display, you can control which slaves
receive and display a given message.

Printers

Connect a serial printer to print the Historical Events Stack or a
listing of the internal application file. The time and date a message
was triggered can be included on the stack printout. You can also set
message attributes such as sending triggered messages to a printer
through the RS-232 port.

Alarms

The alarm relay activates or deactivates an external remote alarm or
warning light. Individual message attributes can be set to energize or
de-energize the alarm relay contacts on DL40 Plus or slave displays.

ATTENTION: Use the DL40 Plus alarm relay for
annunciation purposes only. Do not use the alarm relay

!

for control applications.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–9Overview of the DL40 Plus

Background Messages

Specify a background message that will display whenever the DL40
Plus has no other triggered messages in the queue.

Hidden Messages

Hidden messages do not appear on the DL40 Plus display or have
any affect on what is being displayed. Hidden messages can be sent
to a slave display, printed, or stored on the Historical Events Stack.

Embedded Variables

Messages can contain variable data. Variable values are received
when the message is triggered. Incoming variable data can be binary,
BCD (binary coded decimal), and/or ASCII. You can also embed
time and date information in a message from the battery-backed
real-time clock of the DL40 Plus.

Data Mode Selection

When using the DL40 Plus with Remote I/O or parallel input for
communication, you can select two data modes:

• Binary

• Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) either signed or unsigned

Within any application, triggers and variable data can be in either
form. For example, message triggers can be in a binary format, while
variable data can be BCD.

Note: When using serial RS-232 or RS-485 communications, all
data is in ASCII character format.

Message Chaining

Chain messages together for display in sequence. Only the first
message in the chain is triggered from the host controller. Then each
message in the chain can trigger the next until the complete sequence
has run.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–10 Overview of the DL40 Plus

Adjustable Parameters for Serial Communications

With the DL40 Plus, you can configure RS-232 or RS-485 port
parameters as needed for compatibility with PLCs/SLCs, printers,
slave displays, or control computers.

Serial Communication Parameters Settings

Baud Rate 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200
Parity Odd, Even, No Parity
Handshake Software, Hardware, None
Data Bits per Character 7 or 8

0 to 255

Null Count

Page With

Allows you send a string of nulls to the printer
between characters. Useful with slow printers
that drop characters because they can’t keep
up with normal DL40 Plus output.

20 –132 characters
Useful for narrow width printer devices.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–11Overview of the DL40 Plus

Operating Modes

The DL40 Plus has a number of operating modes. Each mode
provides tools to perform a different set of functions. The following
sections provide a brief overview of the operating modes.

Run Mode

Run mode is the normal operating mode for the DL40 Plus. In Run
mode, messages are triggered for display on the DL40 Plus and slave
message displays (if desired).

The Remote I/O version of the DL40 Plus comes up in Run mode
after a reset. The Parallel port version also comes up in Run mode,
except when the Run Mode/Debug DIP switch is set to Debug on the
DL40 Plus.

The Remote I/O version of the DL40 Plus has 4 Run modes.

• Message/Variable/Slave Mode triggers a message with variables

containing up to 20 ASCII or 40 BCD characters in any
combination as long as the total does not exceed 10 words. This
mode allows you to override the slave address attribute.

• Message/Variable Mode is similar to the Message/Variable/Slave

mode but you cannot override the slave address attribute.

• Message List Mode triggers a message list of up to 20 messages

in round robin order.

• Bit Trigger Mode triggers a priority message and up to 496

messages in priority and/or round robin order.

The Parallel port version of the DL40 Plus has 2 Run modes.

• Message/Variable/Slave Mode triggers a message with variables

containing up to 20 ASCII or 40 BCD characters in any
combination as long as the total does not exceed 10 words.

• Message List Mode triggers a message list of up to 20 messages

in round robin order.

To select Run mode, use the Onboard Editor or the Offline
Programming Software.

Publication 2706-6.2

1–12 Overview of the DL40 Plus

Serial Triggering (RS–232/RS–485)

Both the Remote I/O and the Parallel port versions of the DL40 Plus
support serial triggering. The RS-232, RS-485, or Keyboard port
can control message triggering and variable data communications.

Serial triggering uses Open protocol, which communicates using
ASCII characters in a serial data stream.

Open protocol is available in the following run modes:

• Message/variable/slave mode

• Message/variable

• Message list

Offline Modes

The DL40 Plus offers the following offline operating modes:

• Help mode

• Historical Recall mode

• Remote Program mode (for Offline Programming Software)

• RS-232/RS-485 Port Configuration mode

• Clock mode

• Print mode

• Debug mode (on Parallel port versions only)

Special Messages

Special messages let you monitor and control certain functions of the
DL40 Plus without leaving Run Mode. Special messages normally
occupy message numbers 901 through 916. You can move special
messages to message numbers 1 to 16, or disable them with the
Offline Programming Software or Onboard Editor.

Message Number Content Message Number Content

901 (or 01) Terminate Message – Clear Display 909 (or 09) Clear Historical Events Stack
902 (or 02) Clear Queue 910 (or 10) Set Interactive Clock

903 (or 03)
904 (or 04) Reset Unit 912 (or 12)

905 (or 05) Test Display 913 (or 13)
906 (or 06)

907 (or 07)
908 (or 08) View Historical Events Stack 916 (or 16) Set Display Intensity

➀

Remote I/O versions only

Terminate Message – Clear Display and
Queue

Print Historical Events Stack –
Chronological Order

Print Historical Events Stack – Frequency
of Occurrence

911 (or 11) Set Clock with Variable Data

Send Time to PLC
Send Date to PLC

914 (or 14) View Display Parameters

915 (or 15)

Stop Special Messages/Resume Run
Mode

➀
➀

Publication 2706-6.2

1–13Overview of the DL40 Plus

Controller Support for Remote I/O

Computer

The following PLCs and SLCs support Remote I/O communications
with the DL40 Plus.

• PLC-5/11, 5/15

➀

, 5/20, 5/25, 5/30, 5/40, 5/60, 5/80, 5/250

• PLC-2, PLC-5/10, 5/12 with Catalog Number 1771-SN Scanner

• SLC-5/02, 5/03, 5/04 with Catalog Number 1747-SN Scanner

➀

If you are using a PLC-5/15 with partial rack addressing and block transfers, you must use Series
B, Rev. J or later.

➁

Block Transfer requires a Series B or later Scanner.

➁

PassThrough Support over a DH+ Link

PLC-5 Remote I/O PassThrough lets you upload and download
message files between a computer and a DL40 Plus connected by
Remote I/O to a PLC on the DH+ link. Refer to Appendix D for an
example application. Separate wiring from the computer to the
DL40 Plus is not required. For a list of supported controllers, see
table below. Refer to Appendix D for additional instructions.

DH+ Network

Remote I/O LinkRemote I/O Link

DL40 Plus

PLCs supporting PassThrough over a DH+ link

PLC Types

PLC-5/11 All All 1784-KT
PLC-5/15 B N or later 1784-KTX

PLC 5/20 All All 1784-KL
PLC 5/25 A J or later 1784-KT2 Interface module for IBM PS2

PLC 5/30 A B or later 1770-KF2 Serial to DH+ interface module
PLC 5/40

PLC 5/60
PLC 5/80 All All

Series Revision Catalog No. Description

A
B

A
B

E or later 1784-PCMK PCMCIA interface board

B or later

DL40 Plus DL40 Plus

Computer interface boards for PassThrough

1

/2-slot interface board

1

/2-slot interface board

Interface board for Allen-Bradley
1784-T45 or -T47

PLC 5/250 All All

Publication 2706-6.2

1–14 Overview of the DL40 Plus

Computer

PassThrough Support over an Ethernet Link

PLC-5E Remote I/O PassThrough lets you upload and download
message files between a computer and a DL40 Plus connected by
Remote I/O to a PLC on the Ethernet link. Refer to Appendix E for
an application example. Separate wiring from the computer to the
DL40 Plus is not required. For a list of supported controllers, see
table below.

Ethernet Network

Remote I/O LinkRemote I/O Link

DL40 Plus

DL40 Plus DL40 Plus

The following table lists the Allen-Bradley PLCs that support
PassThrough file transfers with the DL40 Plus message display over
an Ethernet link as of this printing.

PLC Types Series Revision

PLC 5/40E

PLC 5/60E
PLC 5/80E All All

PLC 5/250 All All

A
B

A
B

E or later

B or later

Use one of the Allen-Bradley Ethernet computer interface boards (or
its equivalent) for PassThrough file transfers.

• Catalog Number 6628-A5: Ethernet adapter module for IBM PC

compatible computers

• Catalog Number 6628-A7: Ethernet adapter module for IBM

MicroChannel bus compatible computers

Publication 2706-6.2

1–15Overview of the DL40 Plus

Available Catalog Numbers

DL40 Plus displays are available with 128K bytes of memory in
either 2- or 4-line versions with two communication options.

2706–LV2R

Display Type:
2 – Two–line
4 – Four–line

The table below shows the standard catalog numbers for the DL40
Plus and how they equate to previous versions of the DL40 displays.

DL40 Plus

Catalog Number

2706–LV2P Two–line display, AC supply

2706–LV4P Four–line display, AC supply

2706–LV2R Two–line display, AC supply

2706–LV4R Four–line display, AC supply

Description

with parallel port

with parallel port

with remote I/O

with remote I/O

Communication Options:
R – RIO
P – Parallel Port
S – Slave

Equivalent Catalog Numbers for

Previous Versions of the DL40

2706–E23J16, 2706–E23C16
2706–E23J32, 2706–E23C32

2706–E43J32, 2706–E43C32
2706–E43J64, 2706–E43C64

2706–E43J128, 2706–E43C128

2706–E23J16B1, E23C16B1

2706–E23J32B1, 2706–E23C32B1
2706–E43J32B1, 2706–E43C32B1

2706–E43J64B1, 2706–E43C64B1

2706–E43J128B1, 2706–E43C128B1

Publication 2706-6.2

Installing the Software

 

Chapter Objectives

Personal Computer Requirements

This chapter describes how to install the DL40 Offline Programming
Software on your computer. It also explains the basic steps required
to configure your system for use with PassThrough on systems
equipped with an Allen-Bradley PLC capable of Remote I/O
PassThrough file transfers.

Section Page

Personal Computer Requirements 2–1
Package Contents 2–1
Installed Files 2–2
Memory Requirements 2–2
Memory Management 2–3
Installation 2–3
Basic Installation (without PassThrough file transfers) 2–4
Installing Software for DH+ PLC PassThrough 2–5
Installing Software for Ethernet PLC PassThrough 2–11
Starting the Program 2–13
Establishing Initial Non–network Communications 2–13

The minimum equipment required to install and run the Offline
Programming Software consists of an IBM compatible personal
computer (PC) with:

Package Contents

• a 386 (or higher) processor

• 640K RAM

• one 3

1

/2 inch micro diskette drive

• a hard disk with at least 1 Megabyte of available space

• one open serial port (COM1 or COM2)

• one open printer port (LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, LPT4, COM1, or

COM2) for printing messages

• a printer

In addition to this manual, the Offline Programming Software
package consists of three disks and a number of documents.
They include:

• DL40 Plus Offline Programmer

• DL40 Plus PASSTHROUGH Drivers

• DL40 Plus INTERCHANGE Software

Publication 2706-6.2

2–2 Installing the Software

Installed Files

Memory Requirements

After installing the software, your computer will contain a
DL40.EXE as well as a PS.HLP file containing online help. If you
install the PassThrough capability, you will also have the
PassThrough files and their companion TSR (Terminate and Stay
Resident) server files.

Important: For the Offline Programming Software to operate
without generating warning messages about memory limitations,
your computer needs a minimum available memory of 570K RAM.
Editing a 128K message file requires the full 570K. Smaller
message files require less computer memory.

With DOS versions prior to 5.0, use the CHKDSK↵ command at
the DOS prompt to determine the available conventional RAM on
your system. The available conventional RAM will be reported in
bytes. Your system must have 583,680 or more free bytes RAM to
run the Offline Programming Software and edit large application
files.

With DOS versions 5.0 or higher, use CHKDSK ↵ or the MEM↵
command to accomplish the same task. (The MEM ↵ commands
reports more quickly and in greater detail than does CHKDSK ↵ .)
The value reported for free conventional memory must be at least
570K.

The following table provides RAM recommendations for creating
and editing message files and requirements for using PassThrough.
If your computer has less than the required bytes free, reduce the
number of memory resident programs (communications programs,
mouse drivers, etc.) your computer is running. For additional
information on increasing the amount of available memory, refer to
the configuration section of your computer’s DOS manual.

PC memory requirements for typical activities

Function

Create and edit message files

PLC–5 PassThrough w/DH+

PLC–5 PassThrough w/Ethernet

For a

DL40 Plus, 128Kbyte

message memory

PLC–5 with a DH+

Communications Interface Card

PLC–5 with an Ethernet

Communications Interface Card &

FTP’s PC/TCP Software

CHKDSK

bytes free

580,000 bytes

(recommended)

515,000 bytes

(required)

515,000 bytes

(required)

Publication 2706-6.2

2–3Installing the Software

Memory Management

Your computer system configuration at startup can affect the amount
of RAM available for use by the Offline Programming Software.
DOS offers a number of options that can help increase the amount of
RAM available to programs.

With DOS versions 5.0 or earlier you can maximize available RAM
by editing your CONFIG.SYS file. Your CONFIG.SYS should
contain text lines similar the following:

DOS=HIGH, UMB
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
BUFFERS=10
FILES=10
STACKS=9,128

In the example above, the BUFFERS, FILES, and STACKS values
are set to low values to conserve RAM for program operation.

Important: The line DOS=HIGH,UMB should be used only with
DOS versions 5.0 or higher.

DOS version 6.0 introduced the MEMMAKER command, which
automates memory management and can often free large amounts of
RAM. DOS 6.0 and higher versions also allow you to create multiple
configuration files from which to choose at startup. This feature can
prove useful on PCs used for programming the DL40 as well as other
activities.

Installation

Refer to your DOS user manuals for information on creating and
editing CONFIG.SYS files, techniques for optimizing memory, and
using multiple configuration files on a single PC.

The Offline Programming Software can be installed and run in any
of three distinct environments:

• without PassThrough file transfers

• with PassThrough file transfers over a DH+ link

• with PassThrough file transfers over an Ethernet link

Installation of the basic Offline Programming Software is the same
for all three environments. You will have to perform additional steps
to install PassThrough capability on either a DH+ or Ethernet link.

Publication 2706-6.2

2–4 Installing the Software

Basic Installation (without PassThrough)

Use the following procedure to install the basic Offline Programming
Software files on an IBM PC. Note that prompts appearing here
represent a typical PC. The prompts you see on your computer may
vary slightly from those shown here.

Note: Do not automatically install all of the program disks. First
determine the type of installation you require and install just the
programs required.

1. If running in a Windows environment, restart your computer in

DOS mode. Windows NT users need to restart their computers
with a Windows 95 or less operating system.

2. Start your computer and log on to the hard disk (normally you

will see the DOS prompt C:>).
Note: Depending on your installation, your DOS prompt may be

different.

3. Insert the DL40 Offline Programmer disk into the micro drive.

Most often this will be the A: drive.

4. At the DOS prompt (C:>), type:

A:INSTALL↵

5. Follow the onscreen installation prompts until installation is
complete and the C:> prompt reappears. Note: If the Offline
Programming Software program is already on disk, you will be
able to overwrite the program during installation.

6. The installation procedure automatically creates a default
sub–directory which contains the Offline Programming Software
program. By default that directory is DL40. Change to that
directory by typing:

CD\DL40↵

Publication 2706-6.2

2–5Installing the Software

Software Installation for DH+ PLC PassThrough

If you are using a DH+ link and want to enable PLC PassThrough
file transfers, you must perform the following additional steps after
completing the basic installation described above.

The following paragraphs outline only the most essential information
required to install and use PassThrough file transfers on a DH+ link.
Refer to the instructions that came with your DH+ add-in board.

Install and Configure Your DH+ Communication Interface Card

Install and configure your DH+ communication interface card. Refer
to the instructions that came with the card for information on how to
install and configure it. Currently the following DH+ cards are
supported by the Offline Programming Software:

– 1784-PCMK – 1784-KL
– 1770-KF2 – 1784-KT
– 1784-KT2 – 1784-KTX

Important: Be sure to record the IRQ and Card address for each
interface card. You will need to know them later in the
configuration process.

Install the Offline Programming Software

Perform the basic installation procedure described earlier in this
chapter to install the Offline Programming Software on your
personal computer.

Publication 2706-6.2

2–6 Installing the Software

Install and Configure INTERCHANGE

Your Offline Programming Software package contains a runtime
version of Allen-Bradley’s INTERCHANGE software and a number
of other files. You must install this package to perform
PassThroughs over a DH+ network device.

INTERCHANGE software is an Application-Programming Interface
(API) that provides a host computer running the MS-DOS operating
system with a library of executable commands. INTERCHANGE
software lets multiple applications share a single common interface
module to communicate with various devices on DH+ and/or
DH-485 networks. Use the following procedure for installation:

1. Insert the INTERCHANGE disk into your 3

1

/2 inch drive.

2. Start the automated installation procedure by typing:

A:INSTALL↵

This program copies all required INTERCHANGE files to the
directory \ABIC\BIN on your hard disk. Those files include the
executable INTERCHANGE servers listed below:

DTL_KT.EXE – CFG_DF1.EXE

–
– DTL_DF1.EXE – RNASTR.EXE
– CFG_KT.EXE – RNA.EXE

Important The next part of the installation and configuration
process depends on how you use your PC. If you use your PC for
other activities in addition to offline programming, then you
should create a new batch file as described in step 3. If you use
your computer solely for the Offline Programming Software, then
modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT file as described in step 4 below.

3. If you use your PC for other activities in addition to offline
programming, then create a new batch file containing the
INTERCHANGE server files listed above. You can name the file
anything you want, but it must end with the extension .BAT.
Assume you call the file ABICRUN.BAT, and your hard drive is
drive C:

Publication 2706-6.2

a. Create the file with any ASCII text editor. If you use the DOS

text editor, type:

EDIT C:\ABICRUN.BAT↵

b. Type in the names of the INTERCHANGE server files.

Put each file name on its own line followed by a hard return:

DTL_KT.EXE
DTL_DF1.EXE
CFG_KT.EXE
CFG_DF1.EXE
RNASTR.EXE
RNA.EXE

2–7Installing the Software

c. Save the file. If you are using the DOS text editor, type:

[ALT]FXY

d. Skip step 4 and go on to step 5.

4. If you use your PC solely for the Offline Programming Software,

you need not create a new batch file. Instead, you should modify
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file to load the INTERCHANGE server
files whenever you start your system.

a. Open the AUTOEXEC.BAT file with any ASCII text editor. If

you use the DOS text editor, type:

EDIT C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT↵

Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file contents will appear in the editing
window.

b. Move the cursor to the end of the file.
c. Type in the names of the INTERCHANGE server files. Put

each file name on its own line followed by a hard return:

DTL_KT.EXE
DTL_DF1.EXE
CFG_KT.EXE
CFG_DF1.EXE
RNASTR.EXE
RNA.EXE

Do not close the file at this time.

5. If your AUTOEXEC.BAT is not open in your ASCII text editor,

then open it now. If you use the DOS text editor, type:

EDIT C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT↵

Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file contents will appear in the editing
window.

6. Locate the line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file that begins with

the word PATH. This is your system’s “Path Statement”, which
tells DOS where to look for executable files when no specific
path is otherwise specified.

7. Move to the end of the Path line and insert the complete name for

the directory in which the INTERCHANGE server files were
stored. In a standard installation they are located in
C:\ABIC\BIN. When you have finished editing it, your Path
Statement will look like this:

PATH=C:\DOS;C:\APP1;C\APP2;C:\ABIC\BIN

Publication 2706-6.2

2–8 Installing the Software

Create CFG_KT.INI File

INTERCHANGE needs to know exactly what hardware you are
using, and how it is configured. This information is provided by a
configuration file (CFG_KT.INI) modified to match your own
installation.

1. Edit the file with any ASCII text editor. If you use the DOS text
editor, type:

EDIT C:\ABIC\BIN\CFG_KT.INI↵

The CFG.INI file that installs with INTERCHANGE includes
configurations for numerous cards. Lines preceded by a
semicolon (;) have been commented out. To activate your
interface card, edit and uncomment the appropriate options by
removing the semicolon at the beginning of the line.

If you are using a card other than the 1770-KF2 go to step 2
below. If you are using the 1770-KF2 communications interface
card, skip step 2 and go directly to step 3.

2. If you are using a card other than the 1770-KF2, the contents of
the CFG_KT.INI file should be similar to the format shown in the
sample file below. This sample is for a 1784-KT board:

[DTL_KT.Options] ①
PATH=C:\ABIC\BIN ②

③

[DTL_KT.1] ④
DEVICE=KT ⑤
MEMORY=C800 ⑥
PROTOCOL=DHPLUS ⑦
IRQ=5 ⑧
STATION=77 ⑨
NAME=DTL_KT 1 ⑩

In this file:

① This line identifies the file and prefaces a section of the file used to record

information common to all the communications interface cards on your system.

② PATH line that designates the directory where the INTERCHANGE server

programs are located. This will be the same value for all interface cards on your
system.

③ Blank line to separate sections and improve readability.
④ This line identifies the general class of hardware device (in this case a KT

device) and a logical pushwheel identifier of 1. Note: The DL40 Offline
Programming Software assumes that pushwheel 1 is used. Only use pushwheel
1 when communicating with the DL40 Offline Programming Software.

⑤ DEVICE line that specifies the exact communication interface card used.

Acceptable values include KT, KTX, KL, KT2, or PCMK.

⑥ MEMORY line that matches the dip switch settings on the interface card.
⑦ PROTOCOL line that identifies the protocol in use.
⑧ IRQ line that matches the dip switch settings on the interface card.
⑨ STATION line designates the octal station address on the communications link.
⑩ NAME is a unique string you define to specify to this configuration.

Publication 2706-6.2