Rockwell Automation 2706-ND1 User Manual

Allen-Bradley

Dataliner DL40
Series Message

User

Display Offline
Programming
Software

(Cat. No. 2706-ND1)

Manual

Important User Information

Solid state equipment has operational characteristics differing from those of
electromechanical equipment. “Safety Guidelines for the Application,
Installation and Maintenance of Solid State Controls” (Publication SGI-1.1)
describes some important differences between solid state equipment and
hard–wired electromechanical devices. Because of this difference, and also
because of the wide variety of uses for solid state equipment, all persons
responsible for applying this equipment must satisfy themselves that each
intended application of this equipment is acceptable.

In no event will the Allen-Bradley Company be responsible or liable for
indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use or application of
this equipment or software.

The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative
purposes. Because of the many variables and requirements associated with
any particular installation, the Allen-Bradley Company cannot assume
responsibility or liability for actual use based on the examples and diagrams.

No patent liability is assumed by Allen-Bradley Company with respect to use
of information, circuits, equipment, or software described in this manual.

Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without
written permission of the Allen-Bradley Company 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 death, property

!

damage, or economic loss.

Attentions help you:

• identify a hazard

• avoid the hazard

• recognize the consequences

Important: Identifies information that is especially important for successful

application and understanding of the product.

Table of Contents

Dataliner DL40 Series Message Display
User Manual

Overview

Introduction to the DL40

Chapter 1

What you need to know 1 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contents of This Manual 1 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conventions Used 1 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Publications 1 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 2

Overview 2 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Main Features 2 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Offline Programming Software Option (Catalog Number 2706-ND1) 2 – 2. . . . .

PLC-5 Remote I/O PassThrough Via DH+ 2 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PLC-5E Remote I/O PassThrough Via Ethernet 2 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Support for Extended ASCII Character Set 2 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Onboard Editor 2 – 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send ASCII Data to a PLC Via a Remote I/O Link 2 – 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Communications with Any Programmable Controller (Parallel Port Version) 2 – 5

Backup Operations 2 – 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Historical Events Stack 2 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Clock Operations 2 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RS-232 and RS-485 Ports 2 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Debug Mode (Parallel Port Version) 2 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Auxiliary Devices 2 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Background Messages 2 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hidden Messages 2 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Embedded Variables 2 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data Mode Selection 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Chaining 2 – 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjustable Parameters for Serial Communications 2 – 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating Modes 2 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Run Mode 2 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Operating Modes 2 – 1 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Messages 2 – 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

System Requirements for Remote I/O Without PassThrough File Transfers 2 – 12.

System Requirements for Remote I/O PassThrough Using DH+ 2 – 13. . . . . . . . .

System Requirements for Remote I/O PassThrough Using Ethernet 2 – 13. . . . . .

Catalog Numbers 2 – 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compatible Keyboards 2 – 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Options & Accessories 2 – 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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User Manual

Installing the Software

Chapter 3

Personal Computer Requirements 3 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Package Contents 3 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Memory Requirements 3 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Basic Installation

(Without PassThrough file transfers) 3 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing the Software for DH+ PLC PassThrough 3 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install and Configure Your DH+ Communication Interface Card 3 – 4. . . . . . . .

Install the Offline Programming Software 3 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install and Configure INTERCHANGE 3 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create CFG_KT.INI File 3 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing the Software for Ethernet PLC PassThrough 3 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install Ethernet Card 3 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install the PC/TCP Software 3 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Install the Offline Programming Software 3 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modify CONFIG.SYS & AUTOEXEC.BAT Files 3 – 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restart Your PC 3 – 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configure Your PLC 3 – 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Starting the Program 3 – 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Establishing Initial Communications In Non-Networked Installations 3 – 1 1. . . . . . .

Navigating the Software

The Develop Menu

Chapter 4

Starting the Program 4 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Title Screen & Main Menu Bar 4 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Getting Help 4 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Setup Menu 4 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configuring the Program to Match Your Monitor 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Time & Date 4–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Menu Key Control 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shortcut Keys 4 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exiting the Program 4 – 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 5

Develop Menu Top Level 5 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Selections Screen 5 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Notes 5 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create New File Pop-up Window 5 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data Path Directory Pop-up Window 5 – 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Develop Screen Menu Bar 5 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Messages Menu 5 – 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Edit Message Screen 5–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Text Window 5–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys and Editing Rules 5 – 1 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More about variables 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Insert Formatted V ariable With [CTRL][V] 5 – 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Change Formatted Variable With [CTRL][F] 5 – 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Insert ASCII or BCD V ariable With [CTRL][W] 5 – 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Insert Request for ASCII Input Data With [CTRL][X] 5 – 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Insert Time Into a Message With [CTRL][T] 5 – 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Insert Date Into a Message With [CTRL][Y] 5 – 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create New Message 5–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copy (Messages) Screen 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete (Message) Screen 5 – 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Renumber (Messages) Screen 5 – 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Text Search Screen 5 – 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys and Editing Rules 5 – 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modify Message Attributes Screen 5 – 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More about Attributes 5 – 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Display message on what line 5 – 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scroll message 5 – 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Print message 5–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send message to Slave (address) number 5 – 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wait time for message 5 – 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Clear message automatically 5 – 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Repeat message automatically 5 – 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chain message to another 5 – 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Energize relay 5–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send message to the stack 5 – 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send message time to the stack 5 – 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hide message on display 5 – 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acknowledge message 5 – 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Slave message color 5 – 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Slave message length 5 – 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Echo relay to slave 5 – 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Attribute Default Screen 5 – 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Options Menu 5 – 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ports Menu 5 – 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 5 – 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RS-232 Port Settings 5 – 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RS-485 Port Settings 5 – 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RS-232 Printer Settings 5 – 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RS-232 Tape Recorder Settings 5 – 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Triggering Port Settings 5 – 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Verify Menu 5 – 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Communications via RS–485 5 – 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Communications via RS–232 5 – 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message text window 5 – 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Device 5 – 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 5 – 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Transfer Menu

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Chapter 6

Transfer Menu Top Level 6 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 6 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 6 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Downloading a File Via RS-232 or RS-485 6 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Uploading a File Via RS-232 or RS-485 6 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Downloading a File Via Remote I/O (PassThrough) 6 – 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Uploading a File Via Remote I/O (PassThrough) 6 – 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Creating a New Communications File 6 – 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selecting a Hardware Device 6 – 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Device Parameters for a DH+ Network 6 – 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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DH+ Connection Type 6 – 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DH+ Network Access 6 – 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Device Parameters for an Ethernet Network 6 – 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Routing 6–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pushwheel 6 – 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Channel 6 – 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modifying an Existing Communications File 6 – 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sending the Time and Date to a DL40 Via RS-232 or RS-485 6 – 19. . . . . . . . . . .

Writing a File to Tape 6–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reading a File from Tape 6 – 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Reports Menu

The Files Menu

Chapter 7

Reports Menu 7–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 7 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes 7 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select File Submenu 7 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Configure Ports Submenu 7–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Starting the Print Job 7–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 8

Files Menu Top Level 8 – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special keys 8 – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Select Files Menu 8 – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Selections/File Picks Window 8 – 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copy File(s) 8 – 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copying single files 8–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copying multiple files 8 – 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delete File(s) 8–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rename File(s) 8–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Renaming or moving single files 8 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving multiple files 8–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Convert DL20 File(s) 8 – 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Converting single files 8 – 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Converting multiple files 8–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message Display Worksheets

Appendix A

Using the Worksheets A – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Two Line W orksheet A – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Four Line Worksheet A – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v

Table of Contents

Dataliner DL40 Series Message Display
User Manual

Cables

ASCII Character Sets

Appendix B

2706-NC12 B – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2706-NC13 B – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2706-NC14 B – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2706-NC15 B – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DL40 to Allen-Bradley 1770-SA or -SB Tape Recorder B – 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix C

Standard ASCII Character Set C – 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extended ASCII Character Set C – 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vi

C

hapter

Overview

1

Chapter

1

Figure 1Table 1

What you need to know

Chapter 1

Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the Dataliner DL40 Series Message
Display Offline Programming Software User Manual. The topics it covers

include:

• What you need to know

• Contents of the manual

• Conventions used throughout the manual

• Related publications

No special knowledge is required to read this manual or use the DL40
Offline Programming Software (Catalog No. 2706-ND1). However, you
should be familiar with the operation of the DL40 and how it will be
integrated into your control system before trying to use the Offline
Programming Software.

Contents of This Manual

This manual provides the information necessary to use the DL40 Offline
Programming Software. Refer to Table 1.A for a summary of this manual’s
contents.

1–1

Chapter 1

Overview

Table 1.A
Manual Contents

Chapter

1 Overview Provides an overview of the manual.
2 Introduction to the DL40 Provides an overview of the DL40 Message Display

3 Installing the Software

4 Navigating the Software

5 The Develop Menu

6 The Transfer Menu

7 The Reports Menu
8 The Files Menu Describes the contents and use of the Files menu
A
B Cables Cable pinout diagrams
C ASCII Character Set

Title Purpose

Describes how to install the DL40 Offline
Programming Software for a variety of
environments

Provides a description of the overall design of the
software, including a summary of all menus. Also
includes instructions for setting up and exiting the
software.

Describes the contents and use of the Develop
menu

Describes the contents and use of the Transfer
menu

Describes the contents and use of the Reports
menu

Message Display

Worksheets

Convenient forms for recording message contents

Summary of ASCII characters and their keyboard
codes

Index

Conventions Used

1–2

The following conventions are used in this manual:

• All menus and screens reproduced in this manual are approximate

renderings of what you will see on your terminal screen. Allen-Bradley
reserves the right to make minor modifications to any menu or screen to
help improve performance.

• 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. Example: ^W is the

symbol for a Control W character. On most computers this character is
entered by pressing [Ctrl] and [W] simultaneously.

• In the following chapters we will refer to the Dataliner DL40 Series

Message Display as the DL40.

Chapter 1

Overview

Related Publications

Other publications to which you may want to refer include:

• Dataliner DL40 Series Message Display User Manual (Publication

2706–807)

• Keyboard Interface Reader User Manual (Publication 2755-824)

• Keyboard Interface Readers for Bar Code Data Entry Programming

Guide (Publication 2755-824.1)

1–3

C

hapter

Introduction to the DL40

2

Chapter

2

Figure 2Table 2

Overview

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

This chapter describes some of the key features and operating capabilities of
the DL40 message display. Understanding the material presented here will
help you use the Offline Programming Software more effectively. Refer to
the Dataliner DL40 Message Display User Manual if you need additional
information on a particular DL40 capability.

The Bulletin 2706 DL40 Dataliner Message Display is available in two- or
four-line configurations (capable of displaying 20 characters per line) in two
basic versions:

• Remote I/O. This version is designed to enable two-way communications

with the Allen-Bradley family of Programmable Logic Controllers
(PLCs) and Small Logic Controllers (SLCs). A remote I/O DL40 can
appear to the PLC as any size I/O rack (

• Parallel Port. This version is designed to receive 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

1

/

/2, 3/4, or full).

4,

In addition, both versions support:

• RS-485 communications for serial message triggering or slave message

display network communications, or RS-485 networked message file
transfers with a PC Computer.

• RS-232 communications for direct message file upload and downloads

from a personal computer operating the DL40 Offline Programming
Software (Catalog No. 2705-ND1).

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

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

• Uppercase letters

• Lowercase letters

• Punctuation

• Special characters from the extended ASCII character set

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

2–1

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Main Features

The DL40 message display is a versatile tool that comes equipped with a full
range of high-end programming and performance features. A summary of
those features appears below.

Table 2.A
Summary of DL40 capabilities

Capability

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
Extended ASCII character set support Yes Yes
Onboard editor 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
Communications with any programmable controller No Yes
Backup operations Yes Yes
Customizable historical events stack Yes Yes
Clock operations Yes Yes
RS-232 and RS-485 ports Yes Yes

Remote I/O

Version

Parallel Port

Version

Debug Mode No Yes
Support for auxiliary devices such as slave displays and

printers
Background messages Yes Yes
Hidden messages Yes Yes
Embedded variables Yes Yes
Data mode selection Yes Yes
Message chaining Yes Yes
Adjustable parameters for serial communications Yes Yes

Yes Yes

Offline Programming Software Option (Catalog Number 2706-ND1)

You can easily and quickly create and edit application files using this offline
programming utility. You can use its interactive menus on a personal
computer to create messages, set message attributes, and download to one or
more DL40 message displays.

2–2

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Figure 2.1
Easy to understand, menu–driven interface that helps guide you through the program

Create Message editing screen Set Message Attributes window

Download Message Files screen

Convert DL20 files for use with a DL40

PLC-5 Remote I/O PassThrough Via DH+

PLC-5 Remote I/O PassThrough allows you to upload and download
message files from a computer to a DL40 connected by remote I/O to a
programmable Logic Controller on the DH+ link. There is no need to
connect separate wiring from the computer to the DL40. PassThrough is
available only on Series D or higher DL40 message displays. A summary of
compatible PLCs appears on page 2 – 13.

2–3

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Figure 2.2
Remote I/O PassThrough via DH+

PLC-5/XX Series

Computer

DH+ Network

Remote I/O Link

DL40

Remote I/O Link

DL40DL40

PLC-5E Remote I/O PassThrough Via Ethernet

PLC-5E Remote I/O PassThrough allows you to upload and download
message files from a computer to a DL40 connected by remote I/O to a
programmable Logic Controller on the Ethernet link. There is no need to
connect separate wiring from the computer to the DL40. PassThrough is
available only on Series D or higher DL40 message displays. A summary of
compatible PLCs appears on page 2 – 13.

Figure 2.3
Remote I/O PassThrough via Ethernet

PLC-5/XX Series

Computer

Ethernet Network

2–4

Remote I/O Link

DL40

Remote I/O Link

DL40DL40

Support for Extended ASCII Character Set

The extended ASCII character set allows you to create messages in alternate
languages such as French, German, Italian, and Spanish with the Offline
Programming Software (Revision 2.0 or greater) and displayed on a DL40
(Revision 2.0 or greater).

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Onboard Editor

The onboard editor lets you create or edit messages, select message
attributes, and set options and variable formats on a Version 2.XX or later
DL40 message display using any of a number of standard keyboards.

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

Using Remote I/O communications, you can send ASCII data to your PLC.
Simply attach an IBM compatible keyboard to the DL40 message display,
and you can enter parts numbers, badge numbers, and similar information as
required. The DL40 processes and displays the information, and then sends it
on to the controller.

You can enter bar code data using a wedge attached to an Allen-Bradley bar
code scanner. The DL40 displays scanned bar code information, then sends
the data to the PLC through the Remote I/O. Refer to Publications 2755-824
and 2755-824.1 for information on applications using Allen-Bradley wedges.

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

Communications with Any Programmable Controller (Parallel Port
Version)

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

Parallel Port versions of the DL40 also have a 12 VDC terminal that can be
used to power outputs that pull data and strobe lines high.

Backup Operations

You can archive DL40 applications files in a number of ways.

Table 2.B
Backup options by configuration

DL40 w/Offline

Backup Medium

Allen-Bradley plug-in memory module

Cat. No. 2706-NMM16 (16K byte)
Cat. No. 2706-NMM32 (32K byte)
Cat. No. 2706-NMM64 (64K byte)

DL40

Yes No

Programming

Software

Personal computer hard disk No Yes
Floppy disk or micro diskette No Yes
Tape on Allen-Bradley data recorder

Cat. No. 1770-SA
Cat. No. 1770-SB

Yes Yes

2–5

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Historical Events Stack

With the DL40’s Historical Events Stack you can record the occurrence and
sequence of some or all of the messages or variable data values that have
been triggered and/or displayed. The 16K bytes of memory available for this
record will hold about 1,000 events. You can view this record on the DL40
itself, or obtain a printout for offline reference.

Clock Operations

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

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.

You can set the DL40 internal clock from the front panel menus, from a PLC,
or through the Offline Programming Software.

RS-232 and RS-485 Ports

The DL40 has both an RS-232 and RS-485 port.
The RS-232 port can be used to:

• upload or download message files from a computer

• print messages and/or Historical Event Stack contents

• upload or download message files using a data (tape) recorder

The RS-485 port can be used to:

• trigger messages with or without variable data content

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

• send messages to slave message displays

• send ASCII data entered via keyboard or wedge to RS-485 link

Debug Mode (Parallel Port Version)

2–6

The DL40 allows you to display the binary status (1 or 0 value) of both the
strobe and data lines to check the output of a programmable controller.

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Auxiliary Devices

You can connect a variety of useful auxiliary devices to the DL40 message
display as needed to meet your own unique needs.

• Slave displays. You can address up to 126 DL10 or DL50 slave displays

over an RS-485 network at distances up to 2,500 feet (762 m) from the
originating DL40. You can also control the annunciation relay on remote
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. A serial printer allows you obtain a hard copy of the Historical

Events Stack or a listing of the internal application file itself. The time
and date that a message was triggered can be included on the stack
printout if you so desire. You can also set message attributes so that
triggered messages will be sent via RS-232 immediately to the printer.

• Alarms. The alarm relay permits an external remote alarm or warning

light to be activated and deactivated. Individual message attributes can be
set to energize or de-energize the alarm relay contacts

ATTENTION: The DL40 alarm relay should be used for
annunciation purposes only. It may not be used for control

!

applications.

Background Messages

You can specify a background message that will be displayed whenever the
DL40 has no other triggered messages in the queue to run.

Hidden Messages

You can also create hidden messages which will not appear on the DL40
display or have any affect on what is being displayed, but can be sent to a
slave display, printed, or stored on the Historical Events Stack.

Embedded Variables

The messages you create on the DL40 can contain variable data in response
to changing data input. 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 DL40’s internal battery-backed real-time
clock.

2–7

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Data Mode Selection

When using the DL40 message display, you can select from 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.

Message Chaining

The DL40 allows you to create a chain of messages for display in sequence.
Only the first event in the chain need be triggered from outside. Then each
message in the chain can trigger the next until the complete sequence has
run.

Adjustable Parameters for Serial Communications

With the DL40 you can configure RS-232 or RS-485 port parameters as
needed for compatibility with printers, data recorders, slave displays, or
control computers. Configurable parameters include:

• Baud Rate. Available baud rates include:

300 4800
1200 9600
2400 19200

• Parity. You can transmit data with:

Odd parity
Even parity
No parity

• Handshake. You can choose from:

Software
Hardware
None

• Data Bits per Character. Either 7 or 8

• Null Count. From 0 to 255

• Page Width. Between 20 and 132 characters

2–8

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Operating Modes

The DL40 Message Display offers a number of operating modes from which
to choose. Each provides you with the tools you need to perform a different
set of functions. The following paragraphs and the tables that accompany
them provide a brief overview of the various operating mode options
available to you.

Refer to the DL40 Series Dataliner Message Display User Manual
(Publication 2706–807) for additional information on any of the DL40’s
operating modes.

Run Mode

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

The Remote I/O version of the DL40 always comes up in the Run Mode after
reset. The Parallel Port version does, too, except when the message display’s
Run Mode/Debug DIP switch is set to Debug.

Remote I/O DL40s offer four types of Run Modes:

• Message/Variable/Slave

• Message/Variable

• Message List

• Bit Trigger

Parallel Port DL40s offer two types of Run Modes:

• Message/Variable/Slave

• Message List

You can select the type of run mode you want as an Option using the
Onboard Editor or Offline Programming Software.

Table 2.C and Table 2.D provide an overview of the differences among Run
Mode Types. You can find a complete discussion of Run Modes and Run
Mode Types in the DL40 Series Dataliner Message Display User Manual
(Publication 2706–807).

2–9

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Table 2.C
Summary of Remote I/O Run Mode Types

Feature

Message/Variable/Slave

Run Mode

Message/Variable Run

Mode

Trigger messages Trigger a message with 1 to 40 variables, depending on rack

size, trigger method, and variable type

Triggering method

1



/4 rack – Block Transfer

only

1

/2, 3/4, full rack – Discrete



 Discrete I/O or Block Transfer
 Keyboard Port
 RS-485 link

I/O or Block Transfer

 Keyboard
 RS-485 link

Send messages to slave
display

Slave address for each
message can be specified

Slave address specified as a Message Attribute

with message trigger.
(Overrides address
specified as Message
Attribute)

Send variables to place in
message

 Up to 10 (16 bit) binary or (4 digit) BCD
 Up to 20 (8 bit) ASCII
 Up to 40 (4 bit) BCD

Variable types Binary – Signed and Unsigned BCD

ASCII
Handshaking Yes
Diagnostic code sent to PLC Yes

Message List Run Mode Bit Trigger Run Mode

Triggers a message list of
up to 20 messages in
Round Robin Order

Triggers a Priority Message
and up to 496 messages in
Priority and/or Round Robin
Order

 Discrete I/O or Block

Transfer

 Keyboard (for Priority

Message only)

 RS-485 link (for Priority

Message only)

No

Not Applicable

Message acknowledgement Yes
Input and display of ASCII

Up to 20 ASCII characters
input data (via keyboard
port)

Return ASCII input data to
PLC via Remote I/O port

Return ASCII input data via

 Discrete I/O – Up to 12 characters, depending on rack size

 Block Transfer – Up to 20 characters, independent of rack size

Up to 20 characters, independent of rack size
RS-485 port

Put message on Historical

Yes
Events Stack

No

2–10

Table 2.D
Summary of Parallel Port Run Mode Types

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Feature

Trigger messages Trigger a message with 1 to 40

Triggering method

Send messages to slave display Slave address for each message

Send variables to place in
message

Variable types Binary – Signed and Unsigned BCD

Message acknowledgement Yes
Input and display of ASCII input

data (via keyboard port)
Return ASCII input data via

RS-485 port
Put message on Historical Events

Stack

Message/Variable/Slave Run

Mode

variables, depending on rack size,
trigger method, and variable type

 Parallel Port
 Keyboard Port
 RS-485 link

can be specified with message
trigger. (Overrides address
specified as Message Attribute)

 Up to 10 (16 bit) binary or (4

digit) BCD

 Up to 20 (8 bit) ASCII
 Up to 40 (4 bit) BCD

ASCII

Up to 20 ASCII characters

Up to 20 characters

Yes

Message List Run Mode

Triggers a message list of up to 20
messages in Round Robin Order

Slave address specified as a
Message Attribute

No

Not Applicable

Other Operating Modes

In addition to the Run Modes described above, the DL40 offers the following
operating modes:

• Help Mode

• Historical Recall Mode

• Remote Program Mode

• Backup Mode

• Set RS-232/RS-485 Port Mode

• Clock Mode

• Print Mode

• Debug Mode (on parallel port versions only)

Note: The DL40 display will read Remote Program Mode whenever you
download using the Offline Programming Software.

2–11

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Special Messages

Triggering Special Messages gives you the ability to monitor and control
certain functions of the DL40 without leaving Run Mode. These messages
normally occupy Message Numbers 901 to 916. You can move Special
Messages to Message Number 1 to 16, or disable them with the Offline
Programming Software or Onboard Editor. You will find a complete
explanation of Special Messages in the DL40 User Manual.

Special Messages include:

Table 2.E
Summary of Special Messages

Message Number

901 (or 01) Terminate Message – Clear Display
902 (or 02) Clear Queue
903 (or 03) Terminate Message – Clear Display and Queue
904 (or 04) Reset Unit
905 (or 05) Test Display
906 (or 06) Print Historical Events Stack – Chronological Order
907 (or 07) Print Historical Events Stack – Frequency of Occurrence
908 (or 08) View Historical Events Stack
909 (or 09) Clear Historical Events Stack
910 (or 10) Set Interactive Clock
911 (or 11) Set Clock with Variable Data
912 (or 12)
913 (or 13)
914 (or 14) View Display Parameters
915 (or 15) Stop Special Messages/Resume Run Mode
916 (or 16) Set Display Intensity

➀

Remote I/O versions only

Send Time to PLC
Send Date to PLC

Content

➀

➀

System Requirements for Remote I/O Without PassThrough File Transfers

2–12

The following is a list of PLCs and SLCs that are applicable for Remote I/O
communications with the DL40 message display.

• 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 Transfers require Series B or later scanner.

➁

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

System Requirements for Remote I/O PassThrough Using DH+

The following tables list the Allen-Bradley PLCs and computer interface
boards that are applicable for PassThrough file transfers with the DL40
message display over a DH+ link.

Table 2.F
Applicable PLC types for PassThrough file transfers over DH+

PLC Types

PLC-5/11 All All
PLC-5/15 B N or later
PLC 5/20 All All
PLC 5/25 A J or later
PLC 5/30 A B or later

PLC 5/40

PLC 5/60
PLC 5/80 All All

PLC 5/250 All All

Table 2.G
Applicable interface boards and modules for PassThrough file transfers over DH+

Series Revision

A
B

A
B

E or later

B or later

System Requirements for Remote I/O PassThrough Using Ethernet

Catalog No.

1784-KT
1784-KTX
1784-KL Interface board for Allen-Bradley 1784-T45 or -T47
1784-KT2 Interface module for IBM PS2
1770-KF2 Serial to DH+ interface module
1784-PCMK

➀

Requires 2706-ND1 Series D Version 3.0, which includes Interchange drivers.

1

/2-slot interface board

1

/2-slot interface board

PCMCIA interface board

Description

➀

The following table lists the Allen-Bradley PLCs that are applicable for
PassThrough file transfers with the DL40 message display over an Ethernet
link.

Table 2.H
Applicable PLC types for PassThrough file transfers over Ethernet

PLC Types

PLC 5/40E

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

Series Revision

A
B

A
B

E or later

B or later

PLC 5/250 All All

2–13

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

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

• Catalog Number 6628-A5

• Catalog Number 6628-A7

Catalog Numbers

Compatible Keyboards

DL40 Message Displays are available with varying amounts of memory in
either two- or four-line versions.

Table 2.I
Product Identification and Catalog Numbers

Description

Two Line Display 16 K Message

Two Line Display 32 K Message

Four Line Display 32 K Message

Four Line Display 64 K Message

Four Line Display 128 K Message

Memory Size

Memory

Memory

Memory

Memory

Memory

The following keyboards are compatible with the DL40 Message Display.

Table 2.J
Applicable keyboards for use with the DL40 Message Display

Remote I/O

Communication Version

Catalog Number

2706–E23J16B1 2706–E23J16

2706–E23J32B1

2706–E43J32B1

2706–E43J64B1

2706–E43J128B1

Parallel Communication

Port Versions Catalog

Number

2706–E23J32

2706–E43J32

2706–E43J64

2706–E43J128

2–14

Catalog No.

6120 & 6121
1784-T50 Allen-Bradley industrial terminal keyboard

1784-T60 Allen-Bradley industrial terminal keyboard

Allen-Bradley industrial computer standard
keyboards

IBM-PC or compatible -XT, -AT standard keyboard
IBM-PC or compatible -PC enhanced keyboard

Description

NOTE: When used with the DL40, the Num Lock and Caps Lock indicators
will not illuminate. We recommend you use the 1784-T60 terminal with Num
Lock turned off.

Chapter 2

Introduction to the DL40

Options & Accessories

The following options and accessories are available from Allen-Bradley for
the DL40 message display.

Table 2.K
Options and accessories for the DL40 message display

Item

Offline

Programming

Software

Memory

Modules

Communication

Cables

120 Volt

Parallel Input

Converter

NEMA

Enclosure

Keyboard Front

Panel Access

Kit

RS-232 Front
Panel Access

Kit

Three 31/2 inch micro diskettes 2706-ND1

Solid state backup for files and messages 16 Kbyte

For connecting the DL40 to a range of PCs, converters, and
recorders. Refer to Appendix B for detailed information on

cables.

Converter to connect 120 VAC input voltages to parallel input
port (2 required for each DL40)

NEMA Type 12/13 enclosure complete with mounting holes
and cutout for one DL40 display. Access door is gasketed.

Enclosure for two-line DL40
Enclosure for four-line DL40

Panel mount 8-pin DIN keyboard connecter, NEMA 4 panel
access cover, keyboard extension cable

Panel mount 9-pin D shell connector, NEMA 4 panel access
cover, DL40 RS-232 extension cable

Description Catalog No.

2706-NMM16
32 Kbyte
64 Kbyte

2706-NMM32

2706-NMM64

2706-NC12
2706-NC13
2706-NC14
2706-NC15

2706-NG2

2706-NE1
2706-NE2

2706-NKAK1

2706-NDAK2

2–15

C

hapter

Installing the Software

3

Chapter

3

Figure 3Table 3

Personal Computer Requirements

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

This chapter tells you 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.

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

• a 386 (or higher) processor

• 640K RAM

• one 3

• 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

• a printer

1

/2 inch micro diskette drive

printing messages

Package Contents

Memory Requirements

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

• a disk labeled DL40 Offline Programmer

• a disk labeled DL40 PassThrough

• a disk labeled INTERCHANGE DOS Runtime

After installing the software your PC will contain a DL40.EXE and a
DL40.STP file to run the Offline Programming Software, 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: In order 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 will 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

3–1

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

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 gives 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.

Table 3.A
PC memory requirements for typical activities

Memory Management

Function

Create and edit message files

Create and edit message files

Create and edit message files

PLC–5 PassThrough w/DH+

PLC–5 PassThrough w/Ethernet

For a

DL40 with 16 or 32Kbyte

message memory

DL40 with 64Kbyte

message memory

DL40 with 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

460,000 bytes

(recommended)

500,000 bytes

(recommended)

580,000 bytes

(recommended)

515,000 bytes

(required)

515,000 bytes

(required)

Your PC’s 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

3–2

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.

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

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.

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.

Installation

Basic Installation (Without PassThrough file transfers)

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.

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.

1 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.

2 Insert the DL40 Offline Programmer disk into the micro drive. Most often

this will be the A: drive.

3 At the DOS prompt (C:>), type:

A:INSTALL↵

4 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.

5 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↵

3–3

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

Installing the Software 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. As of the date this manual was prepared, 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.

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.
Installation of this package is required to perform PassThrough 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 to install INTERCHANGE:

1 Insert the INTERCHANGE disk into your 3
2 Start the automated installation procedure by typing:

A:INTCHG↵

1

/2 inch micro drive.

3–4

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

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 below. If you use your PC 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. For purposes of illustration, assume you will call
the file ABICRUN.BAT, and assume your hard drive is drive C:

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

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.

3–5

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

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 something like this:

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

Create CFG_KT.INI File

INTERCHANGE needs to know exactly what hardware you are using, and
how it is configured. It takes that information from a configuration file
(CFG_KT.INI) you modify to match your own installation.

8 You can 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 semicolor (;)
have been commented out. To activate your interface card, edit and
uncomment the appropriate options by removing the semicoloen at the
beginning of the line.

If you are using a card other than the 1770-KF2 to to step 9 below. If you
are using the 1770-KF2 communications interface card skip step 9 below
and go directly to step 10.

3–6

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

9 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. Use only
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 local

communications link.

⑩ NAME is a unique string you define to specify to this configuration.

3–7

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

Models for other interface cards appear below. Note that some of the
values in these files will vary depending on your own installation.

1784-KT2

[DTL_KT.Options]
PATH=C:\ABIC\BIN

[DTL_KT.1]
DEVICE=KT2
MEMORY=C400
PROTOCOL=DHPLUS
IRQ=5
STATION=77
NAME=DTL_KT2

1784-KL

[DTL_KT.Options]
PATH=C:\ABIC\BIN

1784-KTX

1784-PCMK

[DTL_KT.1]
DEVICE=KL
MEMORY=E000
PROTOCOL=DHPLUS
IRQ=2
STATION=77
NAME=DTL_KL 1

[DTL_KT.Options]
PATH=C:\ABIC\BIN

[DTL_KT.1]
DEVICE=KTX
MEMORY=D400
PROTOCOL=DHPLUS
IRQ=10
STATION=77
NAMWE=DTL_KTX1

[DTL_KT.Options]
PATH=C:\ABIC\BIN

[DTL_KT.1]
DEVICE=PCMK
MEMORY=CF00
PROTOCOL=DHPLUS
IRQ=7
STATION=77
NAME=DTL_PCMK

3–8

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

10 If you are using the 1770-KF2 communications interface card, the

contents of the CFG_KT.INI file should be similar to the format shown in
the sample file below:

[DTL_KT.Options]
PATH=C:\ABIC\BIN

[DTL_DF1.1]
DEVICE=DF1
BAUD=9600
IRQ=4
COM_PORT=2
NAME=DTL_DF1
ERROR=1 ①
PARITY=0 ②
DUPLEX=1 ③

① 0=BCC,1=CRC
② 0=No Parity, 1=Even Parity

③ 0=Half Duplex, 1=Full Duplex

Installing the Software for Ethernet PLC PassThrough

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

[ALT]FXY

If you are using an Ethernet link and want to enable PLC PassThrough file
transfers, you must first modify your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT
files, and install and configure the following products on your PC:

• Allen-Bradley Ethernet communications interface card (Cat. Nos.

6628-A5 or -A7) or equivalent

• FTP’s PC/TCP Software for DOS/Windows (FTP Cat. No. PC-210)

Install Ethernet Card

Follow the instructions that came with your Allen-Bradley Ethernet
communications interface card to install and configure it on your personal
computer.

Install the PC/TCP Software

Follow the instructions that came with FTP’s PC/TCP Software to install it
on your personal computer.

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.

3–9

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

Modify CONFIG.SYS & AUTOEXEC.BAT Files

The following steps show a sample network setup. Consult with your
network administrator to determine if this setup applies in your environment.

1 Change to the directory containing the PC/TCP drivers. Type:

CD \PCTCP↵

2 At the C:\PCTCP> prompt, type:

RENAME FTP22DOS.INI PROTOCOL.INI

3 Open the CONFIG.SYS file with any ASCII text editor. If you use the

DOS text editor, type:

EDIT C:\CONFIG.SYS↵

Your CONFIG.SYS file contents will appear in the editing window.

4 Move the cursor to the end of the file.
5 Assuming you have installed the Ethernet Board drivers in the directory

C:\PCTCP (the default), be sure the following lines appear in your
CONFIG.SYS file.

DEVICE=C:\PCTCP\PROTMAN.DOS /I:C:\PCTCP
DEVICE=C:\PCTCP\SMC8000.DOS
DEVICE=C:\PCTCP\DIS_PKT.GUP

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

[ALT]FXY

7 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.

8 Move the cursor to the end of the file.
9 The following lines should appear in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If they

are not there, add them now.

SET PCTCP=C:\PCTCP\PCTCP.INI
C:\PCTCP\NETBIND.COM
C:\PCTCP\ETHDRV.EXE

For additional information regarding installation of your PC/TCP software,
refer to the section on installing an NDIS driver in the PC/TCP Software
Installation Guide.

3–10

Restart Your PC

When installation is complete, remove the installation diskette from the 31/
inch micro drive and store all installation software in a safe place. Finally,

2

Chapter 3

Installing the Software

restart your PC to activate your changes to the CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

Configure Your PLC

Use Allen-Bradley’s 6200 Series PLC-5 programming software or the
EIBOOT utility to set the PLC’s IP address. Refer to the documentation that
came with your PLC for additional information on configuration.

Starting the Program

Establishing Initial Communications In Non-Networked Installations

If you have installed the Offline Programming Software without
PassThrough processing, your computer will return to the DOS prompt,
C:\DL40>. If you have installed PassThrough processing, your computer
will return to whatever directory it displayed when you began the
PassThrough processing installation.

If you do not return to the C:\DL40> directory, change directories by typing:

CD C:\DL40↵

You may then start the the Offline Programming Software program by
typing:

DL40↵

The communication port settings on your computer and the DL40 must be
the same in order to communicate.

• the port usage on the RS-485 port must be set to PRGMR to perform

message file transfers via the RS-485 port.

• the DL40 RS-232 port is always configured for communications with the

DL40 Offline Programming Software.

• set your computer’s serial communication port to the following:

– baud rate 9600
– data bits 8
– parity none
– handshaking none

• Use the [SELECT] and [ENTER] push buttons on the front panel of the

DL40 to select SET RS232 PORT?–PGMR/PRNTER SETUP or SET
RS-485 PORT?–PRGMR and set the parameters to match the setting of

your computer’s serial communication port.
Note: Select Enable DIP switch (SW2-9) must be ON.

• You can also change the settings of the DL40’s serial ports with the

[CTRL]R command using the DL40’s Onboard Editor and an IBM
compatible keyboard connected to the rear keyboard port of the DL40
display.

3–11

C

hapter

Navigating the Software

4

Chapter

4

Figure 4Table 4

Starting the Program

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

This chapter provides the basic understanding you will need to move around
in the DL40 Offline Programming Software. The information it contains will
help you:

• start the program

• move around within the program

• exit the program

After you have installed and set up the Offline Programming Software on
your PC, you can run the program at any time. The most basic way to do so
is to:

1 Start your computer.
2 Make sure you are logged on to the C: drive by typing:

C:↵

3 Go to the directory C:\DL40 by typing:

CD C:\DL40↵

4 Start the program by typing:

DL40↵

4–1

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

Title Screen & Main Menu Bar

The program opens with the Title screen shown in Figure 4.1. The screen
identifies the product, and indicates the revision number and date of that
copy of the software. You can close this screen and open the Main Screen
(shown in Figure 4.2) by pressing any key.

Figure 4.1
Opening screen

Figure 4.2
Main screen

Cursor Menu Bar

Menu Choice

Menu Title

Date & Time

4–2

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

Getting Help

The Offline Programming Software offers context-sensitive online Help at
any time. To use Help:

• press [F1] to access a Help screen offering information about the

highlighted menu item.

• press [F1] again to replace the current Help screen with the Menu Key

Control Help screen.

• press [ESC] to close the Menu Key Control Help screen and return to the

context-sensitive Help screen

• press [ESC] to close the context-sensitive Help screen and return to the

Main screen

Figure 4.3
Sample Help Screen

4–3

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

The Setup Menu

Use the Setup menu to match the software to your color or monochrome
monitor, and to set the date and time. You can get to the Setup menu by using
the right and left arrow keys to move to Setup and pressing [

↵], or by

pressing [S] at the Main menu.

Figure 4.4
The Setup Menu

4–4

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

Configuring the Program to Match Your Monitor

The Offline Programming Software supports both color and monochrome
displays. To change the display type, move the cursor to Setup on the Main
menu and press [↵ ]. Select Colors, and then select either Color or
Monochrome. Select Yes to confirm your choice, the press [↵]. A pop-up
message will appear briefly in the center of your screen to indicate that the
software is saving your selection to its setup file. Press [Q] or [ESC]
repeatedly to return to the Main menu.

Figure 4.5
The Setup→Colors Screen

4–5

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

Setting Time & Date

You can set the time and date by selecting Setup→Time & Date or by
pressing [S][T] from the the Main menu bar. The Date & Time window will
appear showing the current date and time setting of the personal computer.
The cursor will highlight Time when the window first opens. Press [↵] and
input the desired time using military style (24-hour) format. Press [↵] to
record your changes and move the cursor to Date. Press [↵] and input the
desired date. Press [↵] to record your changes and move the cursor to Quit.

Figure 4.6
The Setup→Time & Date Screen

4–6

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

Menu Key Control

Use the following keystrokes to navigate the Offline Programming Software
menus. These keys have the same effect wherever they are used in the
software. Individual screens may use additional keystroke commands. Those
additional commands will be described immediately below the sample
screens that appear throughout this manual.

Help. Pressing F1 when Help is open will open the Menu Key Control help
screen

Toggle Help screen between partial and full screen view.

Return to the previous menu.

Select highlighted menu item.

↵

Highlight previous menu item.

↑

Highlight next menu item

↓

Move the cursor to the right

→

Shortcut Keys

Move the cursor to the left

←

Highlight first menu item.

Highlight last menu item.

You can also select most menu items by typing their initial letter. For
example, to exit the program you can type [E][Y]. [E] is the initial letter in
the Exit Main menu item, and [Y] is the initial letter of the Yes Exit menu
item.

4–7

Chapter 4

Navigating the Software

Exiting the Program

You can exit the Offline Programming Software at any time by repeatedly
pressing [ESC] until the Exit Confirmation menu appears (see Figure 4.7)
appears. Press [↵] to confirm your intention to exit the program.

Figure 4.7
Exiting the Offline Programming Software

You can also exit the program by typing the shortcut keys [E][Y] from the
Main menu.

4–8

C

hapter

The Develop Menu

5

Chapter

5

Figure 5Table 5

Develop Menu Top Level

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

This chapter describes the functions available to you from the Develop menu.
As its name implies, the options available from this menu provide the tools
needed to create and manage your application files for the DL40 message
display.

To open the Develop menu, use the right and left arrow keys to highlight
Develop on the Main menu bar, then press [↵ ].

Selecting Develop on the Main menu bar will result in display of the
Develop menu.

Figure 5.1
Develop Menu

5–1

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on the Develop menu.

↓ ↑

Move the cursor to the desired function

Move the cursor directly to the first menu item (Select)

Move the cursor directly to the last menu item (Quit)

Selects the item highlighted by the cursor

↵

Closes the Develop menu and returns cursor to Main menu

Get Online Help

Notes

From the Develop menu you can choose from the following:

• Select File to modify an existing data file.

• Create New File to create a new data file.

• Directory to specify a data path

The Offline Programming Software supports both color and monochrome
monitors. Make sure your monitor type matches the type selected in the
Setup menu. Refer to the previous chapter for instructions on changing your
monitor type.

You cannot Select a file unless that file is located on the current DOS path.
If necessary, use the Directory menu item to change directories. The window
that opens when you pick Develop→Select File shows the current directory
in the upper left.

5–2

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

File Selections Screen

When Select File is selected, a window will appear with the default path in
the upper left corner and a list of the files found in that path. If you want to
edit files under a different path, press [ESC], highlight Directory, and press
[↵ ]. You can then edit the program’s data path in the pop-up window shown
in Figure 5.4.

Figure 5.2
File Selections screen showing typical application file list

Path

Time file was created
or last edited

Date file was created or
last edited

File length in bytes

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on the File Selections screen.

↓ ↑

Move the cursor to the desired file

Move the cursor directly to the first file

Move the cursor directly to the last file

Selects the item highlighted by the cursor (Goes to Develop Screen

↵

illustrated in Figure 5.5)

Returns to the top level of the Develop menu

Get Online Help

5–3

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Notes

Use the arrow keys to move to the file you want to edit and press [↵ ]. If the
name of the file you want to edit does not appear here, you may be using the
wrong data path. You can change the data path by backing up and selecting
Directory on the Develop menu.

Create New File Pop-up Window

When Create New File is selected on the Develop menu, the program will
present a window in which you can type name a new file. Type in the file
name and press [↵ ]. You can type a drive and directory path as well if you
do not want to store the file on the current data path.

Figure 5.3
Create New File pop-up window

If the default path is to be used, enter only
the file name. If a path other than the
default path is to be used, enter the path
in the form: Drive:\Directory\File.

Flashing cursor

5–4

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this window.

← →

Moves the cursor forward or backward through the file name to allow
editing

Accepts the file name (and path, if applicable). (Goes to Develop Screen

↵

illustrated in Figure 5.5)

Returns to the top level of the Develop menu

Get Online Help

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Notes

When creating a new file you will be asked to specify a path and filename in
the form:

Drive:\Directory\File

If you do not specify a path, then the currently active path will be used.
When you press [↵ ] to accept the file name in the Create a New File pop-up

window, the Device menu (illustrated in Figure 5.22) will appear.

Data Path Directory Pop-up Window

You can change data path directories by selecting Develop→Directory from
the Main menu bar. When you enter a complete directory path in the
Directory pop-up window the Offline Programming Software will use that
path as a default for all file activities. You can override the Directory setting
by typing another complete data path when naming files.

Figure 5.4
Data Path Directory window

5–5

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this window.

Develop Screen Menu Bar

← →

Moves the cursor forward or backward through the data path description to
allow editing

Accepts the data path directory you have entered in the pop-up window

↵

Returns to the top level of the Develop menu

Get Online Help

Notes

When creating a new data path, specify the path in the form:

Drive:\Directory1\Directory2\Directory3

You can change the selected data path directory at any time the Message
menu is displayed. The change will become effective immediately.

Editing an existing file and creating a new file both involve the same steps,
so the same screen can be used for both activities. After you have specified
the name and data path of a file to create or change, the screen shown below
appears. Notice that the Main menu bar has been replaced by a the Develop
menu bar. You can navigate on this menu bar exactly as you would on the
Main menu bar.

5–6

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Figure 5.5
Develop Screen menu bar as it appears after selecting or creating a file

Remaining (free) memory

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this menu.

← →

or

Moves the cursor to the desired function

Moves the cursor directly to the desired function: Messages, Options,

Ports, Verify, or Exit.

Moves cursor directly to the first function (Messages)

Moves cursor directly to the last function (Exit)

Selects the function highlighted by the cursor

↵

Get Online Help

Notes

The Messages, Options, Ports, Verify, and Device branch menus allow
you to exercise precise control over every aspect of your message file. It is
good practice to work through each of these menus in turn to avoid
omissions and mistakes.

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Chapter 5

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You must specify a selection for every item on the Develop menu bar branch
menus. If you have not edited every selection, then you will see a System
Attribute Warning message when you save the file.

Each branch menu available from the Develop menu bar is illustrated and
explained in the pages that follow.

Messages Menu

Use the selections on the Messages menu to create, edit, and control the
display format of messages intended for display on the DL40.

Figure 5.6
Messages menu

5–8

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this menu.

Edit Message Screen

↓ ↑

Move the cursor to the desired function

Move the cursor directly to the first menu item

Move the cursor directly to the last menu item (Quit)

Selects the item highlighted by the cursor

↵

Closes the Develop menu and returns cursor to Main menu

Get Online Help

After you have selected Edit Message, the Message Selections pop-up
window shown in Figure 5.7 will open on the screen. Select the message you
want to edit, then press [↵ ] to open the Message Text window shown in
Figure 5.8.

Figure 5.7
Message Selections pop-up, which appears after you select Edit Message

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this pop-up.

Message Text Window

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor to the desired message

Moves cursor directly to the first message

Moves cursor directly to the last message

Selects the message highlighted by the cursor and opens the Message

↵

text window

Closes the pop-up and returns to the Messages menu

Get Online Help

After you have selected a message from the Message Selections pop-up
window by highlighting it and pressing [↵ ], a window will open showing the
text of the selected message. In this window you can edit the message as
required.

Note that the Message Text window also appears when you select Create
New Message from the Messages menu as described on page 5 – 15.

Figure 5.8
Message Text window

Message Text Cursor

Messages can contain up to
20 characters (including
spaces) per line.

Insert or Overstrike Mode

Column cursor is currently in

Row cursor is currently in. Note that the cursor row does not
necessarily correspond to the display line on the DL40 if Line
Usage is other than All Lines. See discussion of Attributes.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys and Editing Rules

You may use the following keys to move through and edit your message text.

↑ ↓

← →

or

or

↵

ALT

Any alphabetic or numeric key

Moves the cursor up or down one line at a time

Moves the cursor right or left without changing the underlying text

Moves cursor directly to the beginning or end of the message

Moves cursor exactly 1 display window forward or backward through the
message (except when Scroll attribute is set as described on page 5 – 25

Toggles between insert and overstrike. If there is a character at the position
of the cursor, then the insert mode inserts a character immediately to the
left of the cursor. In overstrike mode the character at the cursor position is
replaced by any new character you type.

Deletes the character to the left of the cursor

Deletes the character at the cursor position

Inserts a return to start a new line

Press the [ALT] key while entering a number from the numeric keypad
will insert an ASCII or Extended ASCII character. See Appendix C

Inserts that character at the position of the cursor.

V F W X T Y

plus

or

Add or modify variables (see below)

Lets you set Message Attributes for only the message being created or

A

edited.
Start and end marker for blinking characters. Must be used in pairs. The

B

text between the markers will blink on the message display.
Erases message text, but leaves message number intact. You will be

E

asked to confirm this action before it takes effect.

Centers or un-centers the active message in the Edit Message window.

N

Returns to Messages menu. Note that the Abort Message Edit confirmation
pop-up will appear if you have changed the message in any way. The
pop-up will ask if you want to discard your changes.

Get Online Help

Toggles size of Message Text window between 40 and 200 characters

Saves changes and returns to the Messages menu

F10

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

More about variables

You can send variables to the DL40 from a PLC or via the Parallel Input
Port. Variables can be sent to message only in the Message/V ariable/Slave or
Message/Variable Run Modes. You can insert variables by using the [CTRL]
key in combination with a letter. Commands to add or modify variables
include:

Command Function

[CTRL][V] Insert a BCD or binary variable
[CTRL][F] Change the formatting parameters of a variable
[CTRL]W] Insert ASCII or BCD variable data
[CTRL][X] Insert request for ASCII input data
[CTRL][T] Insert the system time into a message
[CTRL][Y] Insert the system date into a message

The number of variables you can insert in any one message depends upon
your hardware and the Run Mode you have chosen.

Insert Formatted Variable With [CTRL][V]

Use [CTRL][V] to insert a BCD or binary variable into a message. Specify
the variable type.

When you press [CTRL][V], the software will ask you to enter 3 parameters:

Parameter Acceptable values

Variable Size 1 to 7 (including decimal point)
Decimal Point Position

(number of placed after the
decimal point)

Suppress Zeroes

(appearing in front of the
first significant digit)

0 to 6 (the maximum value is one less than the
variable size selected above)

Yes or No

The variable symbol _____S____ will appear in your message at the
variable’s location.

The difference between a formatted variable entered with [CTRL][V] and an
unformatted variable entered with [CTRL][W] lies in the flexibility provided
by the ability to modify the parameters shown above.

Note that neither AutoRun Messages or Background Messages support
inserted variable data.

5–12

Change Formatted Variable With [CTRL][F]

Use [CTRL][F] to change the formatting parameters of a variable. To do so,
place the cursor under the symbol for the variable you want to change, then

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

press [CTRL][F]. The software will ask you to modify any one or more of the
3 formatting parameters described above:

Parameter Acceptable values

Variable Size 1 to 7 (including decimal point)
Decimal Point Position

(number of placed after the
decimal point)

Suppress Zeroes

(appearing in front of the
first significant digit)

0 to 6 (the maximum value is one less than the
variable size selected above)

Yes or No

Insert ASCII or BCD Variable With [CTRL][W]

You can send a single word ASCII or BCD variable for insertion into a
message. Use [CTRL][W] to specify the insertion position. The software will
prompt you to specify either ASCII or BCD. The software will insert the
symbol for an ASCII or BCD variable (↕).

Note: BCD data consists of 4 digits per word, and ASCII data consists of 2
characters per word.

Note: Variables can be strung together to form compound variables up to 20
ASCII or 40 BCD characters long in any combination as long as the total
does not exceed 10 words.

Insert Request for ASCII Input Data With [CTRL][X]

A data request requires that ASCII Input Data, an 8-bit ASCII character, be
entered through the keyboard port into the message being displayed.

• When returning ASCII Input Data via RS-485 Port, the message

requesting the data must be triggered via the RS-485 Port. This is true for
both Parallel Port and Remote I/O units. Data is automatically entered
when you press [↵ ].

Note: Data is returned to the triggering device without solicitation by the
device and without an checking that data was received by the device.

• With Remote I/O units, the ASCII input data will be sent via Remote I/O

Port to your PLC as part of the Return Message Number Being Displayed
(described in the Bulletin 2706 Dataliner Message Display DL40 Series
User Manual, Publication 2706-807). Data can be returned to your PLC
in:

– Message/Variable/Slave Run Mode
– Message/Variable Run Mode
– Message List Run Mode

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

User requested data is sent to the PLC as part of the I/O scan. Up to 20
ASCII characters can be sent with Block Transfer. Up to 12 ASCII
characters can be sent with Discrete, depending on rack size.

The Enter bit will be set only after all ASCII data requested has been put
into the message. Data should not be considered valid until the Enter bit is
set.

Important: If more ASCII data is requested than can be returned to

the PLC, the excess data will be lost.

To enter a data request, place the cursor just after the point where you want
to insert the request. Use [CTRL][X] to specify the insertion position. The
software will insert the symbol for a single byte data request (↑).

Insert Time Into a Message With [CTRL][T]

To enter the time into a message, place the cursor just after the point where
you want the time inserted. Use [CTRL][T] to specify the insertion position.
The software will insert the symbol for a time variable (HH:MM:SS).

Note: The time variable occupies 8 of the available 20 characters on a
display line.

You can use the time variable in any Run Mode.

Insert Date Into a Message With [CTRL][Y]

To enter the date into a message, place the cursor just after the point where
you want the date to appear, and then press [CTRL][Y]. The software will
insert the date symbol (DAY MON DT).

Note: The date variable occupies 10 of the available 20 characters on a
display line.

You can use one date variable in any message in any Run Mode.

Notes

We recommend setting individual message attributes such as Display
Message on What Line and Scroll Message before typing in the words of

the message. This allows you to verify the placement of characters as you
type them.

If Line Usage is other than All Lines, then the display line on the DL40
does not necessarily correspond to the cursor row value shown on the
message editing window during editing.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Create New Message

After you have pressed [↵ ] to select Create New Message from the
Messages menu, the message number field (to the right of the menu item)
will open. Enter the message number you want to assign to the new message
and press [↵ ] again. The Message Text window shown below and described
in detail on page 5 – 10 will open. You can use the Message Text window to
develop and format your message text.

Figure 5.9
Create New Message screen and Message Text window

Notes

We recommend setting individual message attributes such as Display
Message on What Line and Scroll Message before typing in the words of

the message. This allows you to verify the placement of characters as you
type them.

If Line Usage is other than All Lines, then the display line on the DL40
does not necessarily correspond to the cursor row value shown on the
message editing window during editing.

If the message number you have assigned is already being used for an
existing message, the software will display a warning message. You can then
choose between cancelling the creation or editing the existing message.

If adding new messages would exceed the capacity of your DL40, the
software will display a warning message and automatically cancel the create
function.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Copy (Messages) Screen

When you select Copy from the Messages menu, the Message
Selections/Message Picks pop-up window opens. All message numbers in the
current file will appear in the Message Selections column.

After you have moved all the messages to be copied into the Message Picks
column, press [F10] and the Start/Increment pop-up window will appear.
When it does, press [↵ ] to open the Starting Message Location field. Input
the new message number you want to assign to the first message on your list.
Insert a value in the Increment field if you are copying multiple messages.

For example, suppose you want to copy message numbers 1, 2, and 3 to a
starting number of 10 and an increment of 5. As a result:

Message 1 would be copied, and the copy assigned a message
number of 10.

Message 2 would be copied, and the copy assigned a message
number of 15.

Message 3 would be copied, and the copy assigned a message
number of 20.

When you press [F10] to accept your Message Picks, the Copy Message
confirmation pop-up- will appear. Use the arrow keys to highlight your
choice and press [↵ ].

Figure 5.10
Copy (Messages) screen showing the Message Picks/Message Selections pop-up with messages
one and two selected. Also show are the Start/Increment pop-up and the Copy Messages
confirmation pop-up.

.

Start/Increment
pop-up window

5–16

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this screen.

← →

↑ ↓

Moves the Message Select cursor to the Message Selections or Message
Picks column

Moves the Message Select cursor up or down within a column

Moves the highlighted message number from one column to the other

↵

Get Online Help

Accept message picks

Closes the Message Selections/Message Picks pop-up without taking
action

Notes

To copy a block of messages, move the cursor to the first message on the
block and press [CTRL][B] to mark the beginning of the block. Then move
the cursor to the last message in the block and press [↵ ]. The entire block
will be moved to the opposite column.

If you leave the increment set to 0, the spacing between messages will be
retained . For example, copying message numbers 1, 3, and 7 to message
number 10 with an increment of 0 will result in new copies with message
numbers 10, 12, and 16.

If any of the destination message numbers you have assigned are already
being used for an existing message, the software will display a warning
message. You can cancel the copy, continue and overwrite the selected
existing message, skip this message, or continue and overwrite all existing
messages.

If adding new messages would exceed the capacity of your DL40, the
software will display a warning message and automatically cancel the copy
function.

Messages will be copied with the following conditions:

• Messages selected for copying appear on the Message Picks list in the

order they were selected. They do not need to be listed in numeric order.
The message with the lowest number will always be copied to the Start
number, the message with the next lowest number will be copied to the
first Increment number, and so on.

• In any of the destination message numbers are already in use by an

existing message, a warning will appear and give you a chance to cancel

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

the operation, continue the copy and overwrite the existing message, or
continue and overwrite all existing messages.

• If adding newly copied messages will exceed the capacity of your DL40,

a warning message will appear, and the copy function will be cancelled.

Delete (Message) Screen

When you select Delete from the Messages menu, the Message
Selections/Message Picks pop-up window opens. All message numbers in the
current file will appear in the Message Selections column. After you have
moved all the messages to be deleted into the Message Picks column, press
[F10].

When you press [F10] to accept your Message Picks, the Delete Message
confirmation pop-up will appear. Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice
and press [↵ ].

Figure 5.11
Delete (Message) screen with Delete Message confirmation pop-up window

Delete Message
Confirm pop-up window

5–18

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this screen.

← →

↑ ↓

Moves the Message Select cursor to the Message Selections or Message
Picks column

Moves the Message Select cursor up or down within a column

Moves the highlighted message number from one column to the other

↵

Get Online Help

Accept message picks

Closes the Message Selections/Message Picks pop-up without taking
action

Notes

To select a block of messages, move the cursor to the first message on the
block and press [CTRL][B] to mark the beginning of the block. Then move
the cursor to the last message in the block and press [↵ ]. The entire block
will be moved to the opposite column.

Renumber (Messages) Screen

When you select Delete from the Messages menu, the Message
Selections/Message Picks pop-up window opens. All message numbers in the
current file will appear in the Message Selections column. To move a
message from the Message Selections column to the Message Picks column,
press [↵ ].

After you have moved all the messages to be renumbered into the Message
Picks column, press [F10] and the Start/Increment pop-up window will
appear. When it does, press [↵ ] to open the Starting Message Location field.
Input the new message number you want to assign to the first message on
your list. Insert a value in the Increment field if you are renumbering
multiple messages.

For example, suppose you want to renumber message numbers 1, 2, and 3 to
a starting number of 10 and an increment of 5. As a result:

Message 1 would become message number 10.
Message 2 would become message number 15.
Message 3 would become message number 20.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

When you press [F10] to accept your Message Picks, the Renumber Message
confirmation pop-up will appear. Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice
and press [↵ ].

Figure 5.12
Renumber (Messages) screen showing Message Selections/Message Picks and other pop-ups

Start/Increment
pop-up window

You may use the following special keys on this screen.

← →

↑ ↓

Moves the Message Select cursor to the Message Selections or Message
Picks column

Moves the Message Select cursor up or down within a column

Moves the highlighted message number from one column to the other

↵

Get Online Help

Accept message picks

Closes the Message Selections/Message Picks pop-up without taking
action

Notes

To select a block of messages, move the cursor to the first message on the
block and press [CTRL][B] to mark the beginning of the block. Then move
the cursor to the last message in the block and press [↵ ]. The entire block
will be moved to the opposite column.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

If you leave the increment set to 0, the spacing between messages will be
retained . For example, renumbering message numbers 1, 3, and 7 to message
number 10 with an increment of 0 will result in new copies with message
numbers 10, 12, and 16.

Messages will be renumbered with the following condition:

• Messages selected for renumbering appear on the Message Picks list in

the order they were selected. They do not need to be listed in numeric
order. The message with the lowest number will always be assigned the
Start number, the message with the next lowest number will be assigned
the first Increment number, and so on.

Text Search Screen

Text Search is a message editing aid that helps you edit a string of characters
that appears in several messages. Text Search will find the first occurrence of
your string, let you edit the string, and then continue on to the next
occurrence of that string.

Strings can consist of combinations of:

• alphabetic characters • numeric characters

• spaces • control characters for variables

• ASCII input data • time

• date • blinking character delimiter

• [CTRL][V] • [CTRL][W]

• [CTRL][X] • [CTRL][T]

• [CTRL][Y] • [CTRL][B]

Highlight Text Search on the Messages menu, the press [↵ ]. The Search
Text pop-up window will open. Enter the string you want to edit and press
[↵ ]. A second window, the Found in Message window will open. Across the
top of this window will appear the message number of the first message in
which the string was found. Inside the window the text of the message will
appear. The search string text will be highlighted. From here you can edit the
message text as described below, or search for the next occurrence of the text
search string.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Figure 5.13
Text Search screen with Search Text, Found in Message, and Text Search pop-up windows

Special keys and Editing Rules

You may use the following keys to move through and edit your message text.

↑ ↓

← →

or

or

Moves the cursor up or down one line at a time

Moves the cursor right or left without changing the underlying text

Moves cursor directly to the beginning or end of the message

Moves cursor exactly 1 display window forward or backward through the
message (except when Scroll attribute is set as described on <<TK>>)

Toggles between insert and overstrike. If there is a character at the position
of the cursor, then the insert mode inserts a character immediately to the
left of the cursor. In overstrike mode the character at the cursor position is
replaced by any new character you type.

Deletes the character to the left of the cursor

Deletes the character at the cursor position

Inserts a return to start a new line

↵

5–22

ALT

Any alphabetic or numeric key

Press the [ALT] key while entering a number from the numeric keypad
will insert an ASCII or Extended ASCII character. See Appendix C

Inserts that character at the position of the cursor.

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

V F W X T Y

plus

Modify Message Attributes Screen

or

Add or modify variables (see page 5 – 12).

Lets you set Message Attributes for only the message being created or

A

edited.
Start and end marker for blinking characters. Must be used in pairs. The

B

text between the markers will blink on the message display.
Erases message text, but leaves message number intact. You will be

E

asked to confirm this action before it takes effect.

Centers or un-centers the active message in the Edit Message window.

N

Returns to Messages menu. Note that the Abort Message Edit confirmation
pop-up will appear if you have changed the message in any way. The
pop-up will ask if you want to discard your changes.

Get Online Help

Toggles size of Message Text window between 40 and 200 characters

Saves changes and returns to the Messages menu

F10

Attributes define how a message will appear and act when triggered in the
Run Mode. Message Attribute Defaults are the attributes automatically
assigned to a message when it is created. Using the Offline Programming
Software you can change the Message Attribute Defaults (as described later
in this chapter), or you can change the attributes for individual messages
after you have created them.

Use Messages→Modify Message Attributes to change the message
attributes for one or more existing messages. Current attributes can be default
message attributes or message attributes selected with [Ctrl][A].

When you select Modify Message Attributes, the Message
Selection/Message Picks pop-up window will open. All message numbers in
the current file will appear in the Message Selections column. To move a
message from the Message Selections column to the Message Picks column,
press [↵ ].

After you accept your message picks, the Message Attribute pop-up window
will open. Use the arrow keys to highlight the attribute you want to change
and press [↵ ]. You will be able to select the new attribute value from a list,
or enter a number. Press [↵ ] apply the new attribute.

An explanation of each message attribute appears below.
When you have finished choosing attribute settings, move the cursor to Quit

and press [↵ ].

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Figure 5.14
Modify Message Attribute screens

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this screen.

← →

↑ ↓

Moves the Message Select cursor to the Message Selections or Message
Picks column

Moves the Message Select cursor up or down within a column; in the
Message Attributes window moves cursor up or down the attribute list

Moves the highlighted message number from one column to the other; in

↵

the Message Attributes window lists or accepts attribute choices

Moves cursor to first attribute

Moves cursor directly to Quit

Get Online Help

Accept message picks

Closes the Message Selections/Message Picks pop-up without taking
action; exits the Message Attribute window without taking action.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

More about Attributes

The modifiable message attributes you can control from the Message
Attributes menu appear below, along with a brief description of their use.

• Display message on what line

• Scroll message

• Print message

• Send message to Slave number

• Wait Time for message

• Clear message automatically

• Repeat message automatically

• Chain message to another

• Energize relay

• Send message to the stack

• Send message time to the stack

• Hide message on display

• Acknowledge message

• Slave message color

• Slave message length

• Echo relay to slave

Display message on what line

Controls where on the DL40 display the message will appear. Options are
different for 2 and 4 line versions.

With 2 line units, choose from With 4 line units, choose from

All Lines All Lines
Line 1 Only Line 1 Only
Line 2 Only Line 2 Only

Line 3 Only
Line 4 Only

Scroll message

This message attribute determines whether the message will scroll across the
DL40 Message Display. You can activate scrolling only if the Line Usage
attribute (described above) has been set to use a single line. Select Yes to
activate or No to deactivate.

Print message

If the Print message attribute is set to Yes, then the DL40 Message Display
will send any triggered message to a printer via the DL40 RS-232 Port. The
message will be printed only once (even if the Repeat message

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

automatically attribute is active) unless the message contains changed
variable data. If new variable data is received while the message is running,
then the message will be printed more than once. Select Yes to activate or
No to deactivate.

Send message to Slave (address) number

If you enter a slave number here and a message is triggered via the Remote
I/O or Parallel or Keyboard ports, the message will be sent to the slave with
the specified address. This attribute is valid for all Run Modes. However, the
slave address set when operating in the Message/Variable/Slave Run Mode
overrides this attribute.

Important: To send any message to a slave, Ports→RS-485 Port→Port

Use must be set to DL Slaves. Refer to page 5 – 35 for

information on the Ports menu.

If the Repeat message automatically attribute is active, the message will
be sent to the slave each time it repeats. If the message has embedded
variables, it will be sent to the slave each time new variable values are
received during the message wait time. Possible values for this field include:

Entry: Which means:

0 Don’t send to slave
1 through 126 Send to the single identified slave address
127 Send to all slaves

Wait time for message

This setting can mean either of two things to the message display.
If you have activated Scroll message, the value here represents the

scrolling rate in tenths of a second. For example, a value of 8 here will result
in display of the next new character in a message every 0.8 seconds.

If Scroll message is not active, then the value here represents the number
of seconds a message will appear on the message display. For example, a
value of 5 here will assure that the message will appear on screen for 5
seconds whenever it runs.

A value of zero (0) will allow the message to remain displayed until the next
message trigger is received. This will allow the PLC or SLC to control
messaging times.

Acceptable values for this field can range from 0 through 31.

5–26

Clear message automatically

Sometimes referred to as AutoClear, activating this menu item instructs the
DL40 to clear the message from the display after the Wait Time for
message has expired even if no other messages have been triggered.

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

This value applies only to the lines used by a single message. For example, if
this message uses only lines 2 and 3, then only lines 2 and 3 will be cleared.
Lines 1 and 4 will remain unchanged.

Important: AutoClear will de-energize the alarm relay only if the message

which was cleared had energized the relay. A DL50 message
display must always be sent a message that de-energizes the
relay.

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Repeat message automatically

This attribute (also referred to as AutoRepeat) causes the display to repeat a
message continually as long as no other message is in the queue waiting to
run. This attribute only functions if the DL40 message display is operating in
the Message/Variable/Slave or Message/Variable Run Mode.

This attribute is useful when you need to update variables repeatedly within a
message.

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Chain message to another

With this attribute you can link two messages together so that the second
message will run automatically after the Wait Time for message has
expired. The second message requires no additional triggering and no special
modification of its attributes to respond. Also, the link is independent of the
second message, which means that the second message can also run
independently under other circumstances.

The second message will have its own attributes, which may be different
from those of the first message. There is no limit to the number of messages
that can be chained together, and messages can be chained to Special
Messages.

Note: The Chain message to another attribute will be disabled if
AutoRepeat is active.

Activate this attribute by entering a valid message number.

Energize relay

Activating this attribute will display the message and energize the DL40
message display’s alarm relay whenever the message is triggered.

Important: The alarm relay will not de-energize even after the Wait Time

for message has expired. The relay will de-energize when:

• a message is run for which the Energize relay attribute is

not activated

• any Special Message runs

5–27

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

• the DL40 message display leaves the Run Mode

Important: AutoClear will de-energize the alarm relay only if the message

which is cleared has the Energize relay enabled.

ATTENTION: Use the relay for annunciator purposes only. Do
not use it for control.

!

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Send message to the stack

When a message is triggered, enabling this attribute will put the message
number on the Historical Events Stack. Variables will also be placed on the
stack. Stacked messages can also be time stamped with the time the message
was triggered and/or run.

Important Even if AutoRepeat is enabled, the message number (and time)

will be put on the Historical Events Stack only once each time
the message is triggered and/or run rather than each time it
repeats. The message number, variables, and time (if applicable)
will be put on the Historical Events Stack while the message is
running or repeating only when updates to variables are
received by the DL40

For more information on the Historical Events Stack and time stamping, refer
to the Bulletin 2706 Dataliner Message Display DL40 Series User Manual
(Publication 2706-807).

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Send message time to the stack

Enabling this attribute allows for time and date stamping of messages sent to
the Historical Events Stack.

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Hide message on display

When activated, the message will not appear on the DL40, but rather will be
sent to a slave display, printer, tape recorder, or placed on the Historical
Events Stack. The other attribute settings for the message determine its
destination(s).

5–28

For example, assume Hide message on display is enabled, as are Print
message and Send message to slave number 2. There will be no

change on the DL40 display when the message runs, although a copy of the
message will be printed and it will be displayed on the slave addressed as 2.

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Note: When used with [CTRL][X] (ASCII Input Data), the underscore
prompt for this data will still be displayed on the DL40 message display even
when Hide message on display is active.

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Acknowledge message

Enabling this attribute will instruct the DL40 message display to hold the
message until you press the [MSG ACK] button on the front of the DL40
display. The next message will be displayed only after the [MSG ACK]
button has been pushed.

Note: We recommend that you enable message queueing (from the Options
menu) when using Acknowledge message attribute.

Select Yes to activate or No to deactivate.

Slave message color

This attribute allows you to control the color of a message sent to a
color-capable slave display such as the Dataliner DL50 Tri-Color Marquee
Display. The setting options available to you include:

For DL10 or DL20 For red DL50 For color DL50

Default Default Default

Red
Green
Amber

Important: The factory setting for this attribute in the Message Attribute

Defaults menu is Default. We recommend leaving that value
unchanged. Do not use any selection other than Default for
DL10, DL20, or Red DL50 slave displays.

Note: This attribute is not available from the DL40 message display onboard
editor. It is only accessible through the Offline Programming Software.

Slave message length

Use the Slave message length attribute only with DL50 slave displays. Its
purpose is to allow display of 10-character messages on “short” DL50
displays operating in large text mode. Large text mode displays characters
that are 4.8 in. (12.2 cm) tall. Applicable displays include Catalog No.
2706-F11J (Red DL50 Message Display) and 2706-F11JC (Tri–color capable
DL50 Message Display).

Acceptable values for this attribute include:

5–29

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

For DL10 or DL20 For DL50

20 20

10

The factory setting for the Slave message length attribute is 20, which
means the slave message length will always be set to 20 when you create a
message unless you have specified a new setting on the Message Attribute
Defaults menu.

Note: This attribute is not available from the DL40 message display onboard
editor. It is only accessible through the Offline Programming Software.

Echo relay to slave

The Echo relay to slave attribute sends the energize or de-energize relay
commands to the DL50 slave addressed in the Send message to slave
number attribute. These commands are sent in addition to any specified
message text.

After this attribute sends a relay command to the slave, the slave relay will
not de-energize until another message is sent to the slave that meets both of
the following conditions:

• Energize relay is set to No (to de-energize the relay)

• Echo relay to slave is set to Yes (to send a de-energize command to the

slave display)

Acceptable values for this attribute include:

For DL10 or DL20 For DL50

No No

Yes

The factory setting for the Echo relay to slave attribute is No, which means
the Echo relay to slave attribute is always set to No when you create a
message unless you have specified a Yes on the Message Attribute Defaults
menu.

ATTENTION: Use the slave relay for annunciator purposes
only. Do not use it for control.

!

5–30

Note: This attribute is not available from the DL40 message display onboard
editor. It is only accessible through the Offline Programming Software.

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Notes

The attributes shown on the Message Attributes pop-up window are those
assigned to the message with the lowest message number currently in the
Message Picks list.

If Line Usage is other than All Lines, then the display line on the DL40
does not necessarily correspond to the cursor row value shown on the
message editing window during editing.

To select a block of messages, move the cursor to the first message on the
block and press [CTRL][B] to mark the beginning of the block. Then move
the cursor to the last message in the block and press [↵ ]. The entire block
will be moved to the opposite column.

The Slave message color, Slave message length, and Echo relay to
slave message attribute selections are only available through the Offline
Programming Software. You cannot change those attributes with the DL40
Onboard Editor.

Message Attribute Default Screen

Message Attribute Defaults are the attributes assigned to all messages in a
file when they are created.

After you have selected Message Attribute Defaults, the Message Attribute
Defaults window will open. Use the arrow keys to highlight the attribute you
want to change and press [↵ ]. You will be able to select the new attribute
value from a list, or enter a number. Press [↵ ] apply the new attribute.

When you have finished choosing attribute settings, move the cursor to Quit
and press [↵ ].

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Figure 5.15
Message Attribute Default screen

Special keys

You can use the following special keys on this screen.

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor up or down the attribute list

Lists or accepts attribute choices

↵

Moves cursor to first attribute

Moves cursor directly to Quit

Get Online Help

Closes the Message Attribute Defaults window without taking action.

Notes

Refer to the previous section for descriptions of each message attribute.

5–32

If Line Usage is other than All Lines, then the display line on the DL40
does not necessarily correspond to the cursor row value shown on the
message editing window during editing.

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

To select a block of messages, move the cursor to the first message on the
block and press [CTRL][B] to mark the beginning of the block. Then move
the cursor to the last message in the block and press [↵ ]. The entire block
will be moved to the opposite column.

The Slave message color, Slave message length, and Echo relay to
slave message attribute selections are only available through the Offline
Programming Software. You cannot change those attributes with the DL40
Onboard Editor.

Options Menu

The items on the Options menu allow you to control a variety of hardware
and display options. Contents of this menu include:

• Run Mode – Highlighting Run Mode and pressing [↵ ] will open a

window from which you can choose a run mode for the DL40. Refer to
Chapter 2 of this manual for additional information on run modes.

• Newest Message on Line 1 – Selecting Yes will cause display of the

newest message to be triggered on line 1, and shift previously triggered
messages down. The message on the bottom line will be shifted off the
display. This supersedes the message attribute Message on Line # Only.
Messages are still displayed in 20–character pieces. This setting is
effective with all run modes.

• Auto Run Message # – An Auto Run Message is a message that will

be displayed when your DL40 is powered up. It can be any message,
including a message in the Message List. The Auto Run Message does not
support inserted variable data. Specify a message number, or enter 0 for
no Auto Run Message.

Note for Remote I/O units only: If communications between a DL40
and a PLC are not established at startup, Auto Run Message will run only
if Switch 8 on Switch Bank #2 (Last State) is ON.

• Background Message Number – The Background Message runs for

a minimum of 2 seconds after the last message triggered has finished its
display wait time. This message will be displayed until a valid message is
triggered or until the Run Mode is exited. The Background Message does
not support inserted variable data. Specify a message number, or enter 0
for no Background Message.

• Special Message Start Number – Special messages give you the

ability to monitor and control certain functions of the DL40. These
messages can occupy message numbers 1 through 16, 901 through 916, or
be disabled. Specify your choice.

• Message Queueing Enabled – Choosing Yes allows you to put up to

20 messages in the Queue. These messages will be displayed in the order
they were received as soon as the previous message has completed
running.

Note: If Message Queueing is turned Off, the queue size is set to 1, which
permits only one (1) additional message trigger to be received while the
current message is being run or displayed.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

• Time Format – You can choose between AM/PM or 24Hr (military

style) display of the time.

Figure 5.16
Options menu

Special keys

You can use the following special keys on this screen.

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor up or down the attribute list

Lists or accepts attribute choices

↵

Moves cursor to first attribute

Moves cursor directly to Quit

Get Online Help

Closes the Message Attribute Defaults window without taking action.

5–34

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Ports Menu

The Ports menu allows you to control the communication settings for DL40
Message Display. You can select from RS-232, RS-485, or the currently
selected trigger port settings active file.

After you have selected Ports, the Ports menu will open. Use the arrow keys
to highlight a menu item and press [↵ ]. You will be able to select a new
value from a list, or enter a number. Press [↵ ] apply any change you make.

Figure 5.17
The Ports menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this menu.

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor up or down the menu

Lists or accepts choices

↵

Moves cursor to first menu item

Moves cursor directly to Quit

Get Online Help

Closes the Ports menu without taking action.

5–35

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Notes

Important: The communications parameter settings selected here must

match the communications settings of the device that is
connected to the DL40 Message Display.

The following paragraphs list communications parameters and the choices
available for each. Refer to the Bulletin 2706 Dataliner Message Display
DL40 Series User Manual (Publication 2706-807) for more detailed
information on setting the RS-232 or RS-485 port parameters for the DL40
Message Display .

RS-232 Port Settings

The following settings are available from this menu item. The default value
appears in bold.

Parameter Available choices

Baud Rate 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200
Data Bits 7 or 8
Parity None, Odd, Even
Handshaking None, Software, Hardware

RS-485 Port Settings

The following settings are available from this menu item. The default value
appears in bold.

Parameter Available choices

Baud Rate 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200
Data Bits
Parity

Port Use

➀ This setting should always be 8 if Port Use is set to Programmer.
➁ This setting should always be None if Port Use is set to Programmer.

➀

7 or 8
None, Odd, Even

DL40 Programmer, DL Slaves, Devices Using
Open Protocol

➁

Important: Do not set Port Usage to DL Slaves or Devices Using Open

Protocol if downloading message files to the DL40 via the
RS-485 Port.

RS-232 Printer Settings

These are the settings of the RS-232 Port when the Print Stack or Print Mode
function is active. The following settings are available from this menu item.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Parameter Available choices

Null Count 0 to 255
Width 20 to 132

RS-232 Tape Recorder Settings

Note that RS-232 Tape Recorder Settings are valid only when writing to
or reading from a tape drive, and that communications to a tape recorder can
be made only via the RS-232 port.

Baud rate is the only modifiable parameter applicable while using a tape
recorder. Your choices are listed below. The default value appears in bold.

Parameter Available choices

Baud Rate 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600

This setting will revert to normal RS-232 Port settings (described above)
when the Tape function is finished.

Triggering Port Settings

The parameters presented here will differ between Remote I/O and Parallel
Port versions of the DL40 Message Display. The following settings are
available from this menu item on Remote I/O units. The default value
appears in bold.

Parameter Available choices

Message Format Binary, BCD
Variable Format Binary, BCD
Control-W Format BCD, ASCII
Bit Trigger Priority Section

Size
Always Send Clock Data

➀ If selection is Yes, only clock data will be returned to a PLC no matter what attributes

are set or what data is requested.

0 to 31 words
Yes or No

➀

The following settings are available from this menu item on Parallel Port
units. The default value appears in bold.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Parameter Available choices

Message Format Binary, BCD
Variable Format Binary, BCD
Control-W Format BCD, ASCII
High True Logic Yes or No
Using AC/DC Converter Yes or No
Data Hold Time

40 to 255 msec

➀ If using AC/DC Converter
➁ If not using AC/DC Converter

➀

or 10 to 255 msec

➁

Verify Menu

After you have finished with the Messages, Options, and Ports menus, you
can use the Verify menu to display individual messages on the DL40 to be
sure their format is correct. You can even insert binary, BCD, and ASCII
variables into the message you are testing.

Important: The file for the message you want to test must exactly match the

Internal Application Memory of the DL40 Message Display. To
assure that is the case, you must download the file to the DL40
before testing any message in that file.

Depending on whether you select RS-485 or RS-232 communications, you
will follow one of two different paths through the Verify menu. The basic
steps for each communications protocol appear below.

Verify

Path

Default/

Temporary

DL40 Port

Selection

RS–232 RS–485

COM Port
Selection/

Configuration

Download

to DL40

5–38

Download

to DL40

Message

Selection

Test

Message

Address

Selection

COM Port
Selection/

Configuration

Message

Selection

Test

Message

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Highlight Verify, then press [↵ ]. To change communications method,
highlight DL40 Port and press [↵ ]. Select RS–232 or RS–485 and press
[↵ ]. Highlight Download to DL40 and press [↵ ].

Figure 5.18
Verify menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on the Verify menus.

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor up or down the menu

Lists or accepts choices

↵

Moves cursor to first menu item

Moves cursor directly to Quit

Get Online Help

Closes the menu without taking action.

5–39

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Communications via RS–485

Figure 5.19
Test Message Selections pop-up window (for RS-485 communications)

If communicating via RS–485, the Address Selections pop-up window will
open. Select the DL40 address; then press [↵ ]. If you need to change your
computer’s communications port parameters, highlight Configure Port, and
press [↵ ]. Select COM1 or COM2; press [↵ ]. The   window
will open. Set Computer Address and Baud Rate. Note: To change Parity
or Data Bits, return to Ports menu.

Highlight Download (filename) and press [↵ ]. After file is downloaded,
you will return to the Verify window. Highlight Test Message(s) on DL40;
press [↵ ].

The Message Selections window will open. Highlight number of the message
you want to display and press [↵ ]. Answer Yes to Start testing messages
now? Message will be displayed on DL40. Press [ESC] to end an
Autorepeat message.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Communications via RS–232

Figure 5.20
Test Message Selections pop-up window (for RS-232 communications)

Communicating via RS–232, no Address Selection window will open. To
change your computer’s communications port parameters, highlight
Configure Port; press [↵ ]. Select COM1 or COM2; press [↵ ]. The
Configure Port window will open. Set Baud Rate.

Note: To change Parity

or Data Bits, return to the Ports menu.
Highlight Download (filename) and press [↵ ]. After file is downloaded,

you will return to the Verify window. Highlight Test Message(s) on DL40
and press [↵ ]. Note: Handshake must be set to None. See page 5–4.

The Message Selections window will open. Highlight the number of the
message you want to display and press [↵ ]. Answer Yes to Start testing
messages now? The message will be displayed on the DL40. Press [ESC]
to end an Autorepeat message.

If your message contains variables, you must put in a value for the variables
when testing the message. When you answer Yes to Start testing
messages now?, a message text window and an Enter variable window for
the first variable will open. Enter value for your first variable; press [↵ ]. The
window for your second variable will open. Continue to enter values for all
[CTRL][W] and [CTRL][W] variables.

Note: Values for [CTRL][X] variables are entered into a message via a
keyboard while it is being displayed.

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Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Message text window

When you answer Yes to Start Testing Messages Now? the message text
window shown below will open and display the message contents.

Figure 5.21
Message Verification pop-up window

[CTRL][X] (Data Request)
symbol

[CTRL][V] (Insert Formatted
Variable) symbol

[CTRL][W] (Insert ASCII or
BCD Variable) symbol

Device

Or BCD, depending on
Triggering Port Setup

The Device menu allows you to configure the Offline Programming Software
to match the type of DL40 to which you will be downloading your work. You
can change the selected device at any time the Develop Menu bar appears
onscreen.

When selecting a new device for an existing file, you will receive error
messages if the new device is incompatible with the messages in the file. For
example, if a message in the file requires 4 display lines, you will not be able
to select a two-line DL40.

This menu automatically pops up after you create a new file as described on
page 5 – 4, so you need access this menu from the Develop Menu bar only
if you need to change the type of DL40 selected.

The three variables which make up a device specification include the
following:

Variable Available choices

DL40 Type Remote I/O or Parallel Port
Number of Display Lines 2 or 4
Application Memory Size 16k, 32k, 64k, or 128k

5–42

Figure 5.22
Device menu

Chapter 5

The Develop Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on this menu.

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor up or down the menu

Lists or accepts choices

↵

Moves cursor to first menu item

Moves cursor directly to Quit

Get Online Help

Closes the menu without taking action.

5–43

C

hapter

The Transfer Menu

6

Chapter

6

Figure 6Table 6

Transfer Menu Top Level

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

This chapter describes the functions available to you from the Transfer menu.
As its name implies, the options available from this menu provide the tools
needed to move files and data between the Offline Programming Software
and the devices to which it is connected.

To open the Transfer menu, use the right and left arrow keys to highlight
Transfer on the Main menu bar, then press [↵ ]

Selecting Transfer on the Main menu bar will result in display of the
Transfer menu.

Figure 6.1
Transfer menu top level

6–1

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Special keys

You may use the following special keys on the Transfer menu or on any of
the submenus described in this chapter.

↓ ↑

Move the cursor to the desired function

Move the cursor directly to the first menu item

Move the cursor directly to the last menu item (Quit)

Selects the item highlighted by the cursor, opens the next menu, or selects

↵

from a pop-up list of options

Closes the menu or screen and returns cursor to the previous menu

Get Online Help

Notes

From the Transfer menu you can perform the following activities:

• download a file to a DL40 using RS-232 or RS-485

• upload a file from a DL40 using RS-232 or RS-485

• download a file to a DL40 using Remote I/O via DH+ or Ethernet

PassThrough

• upload a file from a DL40 using Remote I/O via DH+ or Ethernet

PassThrough

• send the time to a DL40 using RS-232 or RS-485

• write a file to a tape recorder

• read a file from a tape recorder

6–2

You can transfer one file at a time to or from a DL40 or tape recorder.

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Downloading a File Via RS-232 or RS-485

You can download one file at a time from the Offline Programming Software
to the DL40. When you select Download to DL40 (RS-232/RS-485), the
Download to DL40 window will appear. Move the cursor to DL40 Port and
press [↵ ]. Select RS-232 or RS-485 from the pop-up window and press
[↵ ]. A message will flash briefly to indicate that the Offline Programming
Software is saving the setup file.

Figure 6.2
Download to DL40 screen (using RS-232 or RS-485)

Next move the cursor to Select File and press [↵ ]. A window will appear
with the default directory in the upper left corner and a list of the files found
in that directory.

Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the file you want to download and
press [↵ ]. If the name of the file you want to download does not appear here,
you may be using the wrong data directory. You can change the data
directory by backing up and selecting Directory on the Download to DL40
window. When you enter a complete directory path in the Directory pop-up
window the Offline Programming Software will use that directory as a
default for all file activities. You can override the Directory setting by typing
another complete data directory when naming files. Enter the directory in the
form:

Drive:\Root\Subdir

When you have selected a file, the file name will appear in the Select File
field on the Download to DL40 menu.

If downloading via RS-485, the Address Selections/Address Picks pop-up
window will open after you have selected a file. All message addresses in the
selected file will appear in the Address Selections column. Use the up and
down arrow keys to highlight an address, then press [↵ ] to move the address

6–3

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

to the Address Picks column. After you have moved all the addresses to be
downloaded into the Address Picks column, press [F10].

To select a block of addresses, move the cursor to the first address on the
block and press [CTRL][B] to mark the beginning of the block. Then move
the cursor to the last address in the block and press [↵ ]. The entire block will
be moved to the opposite column.

Figure 6.3
RS-485 Address Selections/Address Picks window

6–4

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

You may use the following special keys on the Address Selections/Address
Picks window.

← →

↑ ↓

Moves the cursor to the Address Selections or Address Picks column

Moves the cursor up or down within a column

Moves the highlighted address from one column to the other

↵

Move the cursor directly to the first item

Move the cursor directly to the last item

Get Online Help

Accept address picks

Closes the Address Selections/Address Picks pop-up without taking action

When you have specified a file and (in the case of an RS-485 download)
your desired addresses, the Select File window will open.

The Offline Programming Software allows you to download a complete
message file or only the currently selected file’s parameters. Specify which
you want by selecting All or Parameters in the Select Download Type
field of the Download to DL40 menu.

Note: To use Verify you must select All in the Select Download Type field.
To configure your computer’s communication port, select Configure Port on

the Download to DL40 menu, then press [↵ ]. Select COM1 or COM2, press
[↵ ], and select a baud rate in the Configure Port pop-up window.

Note: To change parity or data bits, return to the Develop→Ports menu.
Important: The software will warn you if the configuration of the DL40 to

which you are writing is different than the configuration of the
file you are downloading. Device type, number of lines, and
memory size must all match.

6–5

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Figure 6.4
Select File screen

Currently selected filename

To use Verify you must
select All

When you have finished with the Select File menu, move the cursor to the
line containing the currently selected file name and press [↵ ]. The Download
confirmation pop-up will appear. Select Yes to begin downloading, or No or
Quit to cancel the download and return to the Select File menu.

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Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Uploading a File Via RS-232 or RS-485

You can upload one file at a time from a DL40 to the Offline Programming
Software. When you select Upload from DL40 (RS-232/RS-485), the
Upload File from DL40 window will appear. Move the cursor to DL40 Port
and press [↵ ]. Select RS-232 or RS-485 from the pop-up window and
press [↵ ]. A message will flash briefly to indicate that the Offline
Programming Software is saving the setup file.

Figure 6.5
Upload File from DL40 screen (via RS-232)

To configure your computer’s communication port, select Configure Port on
the Upload to DL40 menu, then press [↵ ]. Select COM1 or COM2, press
[↵ ], specify your computer’s address (if using RS-485), and select a baud
rate in the Configure Port pop-up window.

Note: To change parity or data bits, return to the Develop→Ports menu.
If necessary, you can select Directory to change the currently selected data

directory for the uploaded files.

6–7

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Figure 6.6
Address Selections screen when uploading via RS-485

If uploading via RS-485, the Address Selections pop-up window will open
when you select Upload File. Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight
an address, then press [↵ ] to select the highlighted address and return to the
Upload File from DL40 menu.

When you have finished making changes on the Upload File from DL40
menu, move the cursor to the line containing the words Upload File and
press [↵ ]. The Upload confirmation pop-up will appear. Select Yes to begin
uploading, or No or Quit to cancel the upload and return to the Upload File
from DL40 menu.

6–8

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Downloading a File Via Remote I/O (PassThrough)

You can download one file at a time from the Offline Programming Software
to the DL40. When you select Download to DL40 (Remote I/O) and press
[↵ ], the Download (Remote I/O) window will appear.

Important: The DL40 must be operating in Block Transfer mode to use

Remote I/O PassThrough.

Figure 6.7
Download (Remote I/O) file selection screen

Move the cursor to Select File and press [↵ ]. The program will display a
brief message indicating it is searching for data files, then display the File
Selections pop-up window. Use the cursor keys to highlight a file name and
press [↵ ]. When you do so the Message Selections pop-up window will be
replaced by an expanded version of the Download (Remote I/O) window.
Included in this window are the be address parameters of the currently
selected communication (.UDU) file, including DL40 Rack (address), DL40

Group (number), and PLC Address. In addition, the window includes the
Download FILENAME item and menu choices allowing you to modify an

existing Communication File or create a new one.
NOTE: There is no default Communication File. You must create at least

one file to upload or download over Remote I/O via DH+ or Ethernet.
Procedures for creating a new or modifying an existing Communication File
appear beginning on page 6 – 13.

6–9

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Figure 6.8
Download (Remote I/O) screen – expanded

When the settings on the expanded Download (Remote I/O) screen are as
you want, move the cursor to the Download FILENAME line and press [↵ ].
Answer Yes when asked if you want to start downloading now. Before you
download you will get one of the following warnings, depending on the type
and access settings of your DH+ hardware device.

6–10

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

ATTENTION: Before the download begins, you will see one of
the following warnings. Which one you see depends on the type
and access settings of your DH+ or Ethernet hardware device.

!

WARNING: Incorrect address selection could corrupt data in

a non-DL40 device. Verify that the correct Communication
File is selected.

WARNING: Incorrect address selection could corrupt data in
a non-DL40 device. Verify that the correct Communication
File is selected.
DH+ Network Access is set to Local.

WARNING: Incorrect address selection could corrupt data in
a non-DL40 device. Verify that the correct Communication
File is selected.
DH+ Network Access is set to Remote (Bridge)

– Local Address is __.
– Remote Bridge Address is __.

Be sure the selected communication file has the correct
address parameters, and change them if necessary before
continuing.

NOTE: When downloading via Remote I/O, Download Type is

automatically set to All. You can’t transfer just Parameters.

6–11

Chapter 6

The Transfer Menu

Uploading a File Via Remote I/O (PassThrough)

You can upload one file at a time from the DL40 to the Offline Programming
Software. When you select Upload to DL40 (Remote I/O), the Upload
(Remote I/O) window will appear.

Figure 6.9
Upload via Remote I/O screen

Included in this window are the address parameters of the currently selected
communication (.UDU) file, including DL40 Rack (address), DL40 Group
(number), and PLC Address. In addition, the window includes the Upload
File item and menu choices allowing you to modify an existing
Communication File or create a new one.

NOTE: There is no default Communication File. You must create at least
one file to upload or download over Remote I/O via DH+ or Ethernet
PassThrough. Procedures for creating a new or modifying an existing
Communication File appear beginning on page 6 – 13.

When the settings on the Upload (Remote I/O) screen are as you want, move
the cursor to the Upload File line and press [↵ ]. Answer Yes when asked if
you want to start uploading now. Before you upload you will get one of the
following warnings, depending on the type and access settings of your DH+
hardware device.

6–12