Automation Direct PC-DLYNX-M Owner's Manual

DataLynx

Version 1.3

User Manual

A product of:

www.bizwaredirect.com

DataLynx User Manual

WARNING

Thank you for purchasing automation equipment from Automationdirect.com™, doing business as,

AutomationDirect. We want your new automation equipment to operate safely. Anyone who installs or uses this equipment should read this publication (and any other relevant publications) before installing or operating the equipment.

To minimize the risk of potential safety problems, you should follow all applicable local and national codes that regulate the installation and operation of your equipment. These codes vary from area to area and usually change with time. It is your responsibility to determine which codes should be followed, and to verify that the equipment, installation, and operation is in compliance with the latest revision of these codes.

At a minimum, you should follow all applicable sections of the National Fire Code, National Electrical

Code, and the codes of the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA). There may be local regulatory or government offices that can also help determine which codes and standards are necessary for safe installation and operation.

Equipment damage or serious injury to personnel can result from the failure to follow all applicable codes and standards. We do not guarantee the products described in this publication are suitable for your particular application, nor do we assume any responsibility for your product design, installation, or operation.

Our products are not fault-tolerant and are not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale as on-line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of the product could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage ("High Risk Activities").

AutomationDirect specifically disclaims any expressed or implied warranty of fitness for High Risk Activities.

For additional warranty and safety information, see the Terms and Conditions section of our catalog. If you have any questions concerning the installation or operation of this equipment, or if you need additional information, please call us at 770-844-4200.

This publication is based on information that was available at the time it was printed. At

AutomationDirect we constantly strive to improve our products and services, so we reserve the right to make changes to the products and/or publications at any time without notice and without any obligation. This publication may also discuss features that may not be available in certain revisions of the product.

Trademarks

This publication may contain references to products produced and/or offered by other companies.

The product and company names may be trademarked and are the sole property of their respective owners. AutomationDirect disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Copyright 2004, Automationdirect.com™ Incorporated, All Rights Reserved

No part of this manual shall be copied, reproduced, or transmitted in any way without the prior, written consent of Automationdirect.com™ Incorporated. AutomationDirect retains the exclusive rights to all information included in this document.

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DataLynx User Manual

AVERTISSEMENT

Nous vous remercions d'avoir acheté l'équipement d'automatisation de Automationdirect.comMC. Nous tenons à ce que votre nouvel équipement d'automatisation fonctionne en toute sécurité. Toute personne qui installe ou utilise cet équipement doit lire la présente publication (et toutes les autres publications pertinentes) avant de l'installer ou de l'utiliser.

Afin de réduire au minimum le risque d'éventuels problèmes de sécurité, vous devez respecter tous les codes locaux et nationaux applicables régissant l'installation et le fonctionnement de votre équipement. Ces codes diffèrent d'une région à l'autre et, habituellement, évoluent au fil du temps. Il vous incombe de déterminer les codes à respecter et de vous assurer que l'équipement, l'installation et le fonctionnement sont conformes aux exigences de la version la plus récente de ces codes.

Vous devez, à tout le moins, respecter toutes les sections applicables du Code national de prévention des incendies, du Code national de l'électricité et des codes de la National Electrical Manufacturer's Association

(NEMA). Des organismes de réglementation ou des services gouvernementaux locaux peuvent également vous aider à déterminer les codes ainsi que les normes à respecter pour assurer une installation et un fonctionnement sûrs.

L'omission de respecter la totalité des codes et des normes applicables peut entraîner des dommages à l'équipement ou causer de graves blessures au personnel. Nous ne garantissons pas que les produits décrits dans cette publication conviennent à votre application particulière et nous n'assumons aucune responsabilité à l'égard de la conception, de l'installation ou du fonctionnement de votre produit.

Nos produits ne sont pas insensibles aux défaillances et ne sont ni conçus ni fabriqués pour l'utilisation ou la revente en tant qu'équipement de commande en ligne dans des environnements dangereux nécessitant une sécurité absolue, par exemple, l'exploitation d'installations nucléaires, les systèmes de navigation aérienne ou de communication, le contrôle de la circulation aérienne, les équipements de survie ou les systèmes d'armes, pour lesquels la défaillance du produit peut provoquer la mort, des blessures corporelles ou de graves dommages matériels ou environnementaux («activités à risque élevé»). La société Automationdirect.comMC

nie toute garantie expresse ou implicite d'aptitude à l'emploi en ce qui a trait aux activités à risque élevé.

Pour des renseignements additionnels touchant la garantie et la sécurité, veuillez consulter la section Modalités et conditions de notre documentation. Si vous avez des questions au sujet de l'installation ou du fonctionnement de cet équipement, ou encore si vous avez besoin de renseignements supplémentaires, n'hésitez pas à nous téléphoner au 770-844-4200.

Cette publication s'appuie sur l'information qui était disponible au moment de l'impression. À la société

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Marques de commerce

La présente publication peut contenir des références à des produits fabriqués ou offerts par d'autres entreprises. Les désignations des produits et des entreprises peuvent être des marques de commerce et appartiennent exclusivement à leurs propriétaires respectifs. Automationdirect.comMC nie tout intérêt dans les autres marques et désignations.

Copyright 2004, Automationdirect.com™ Incorporated, Tous droits réservés

Nulle partie de ce manuel ne doit être copiée, reproduite ou transmise de quelque façon que ce soit sans le consentement préalable écrit de la société Automationdirect.com™ Incorporated. Automationdirect.com™ conserve les droits exclusifs à l'égard de tous les renseignements contenus dans le présent document.

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DataLynx User Manual

ADVERTENCIA

Gracias por comprar equipo de automatización de Automationdirect.com™. Deseamos que su nuevo equipo de automatización opere de manera segura. Cualquier persona que instale o use este equipo debe leer esta publicación (y cualquier otra publicación pertinente) antes de instalar u operar el equipo.

Para reducir al mínimo el riesgo debido a problemas de seguridad, debe seguir todos los códigos de seguridad locales o nacionales aplicables que regulan la instalación y operación de su equipo. Estos códigos varian de área en área y usualmente cambian con el tiempo. Es su responsabilidad determinar cuales códigos deben ser seguidos y verificar que el equipo, instalación y operación estén en cumplimiento con la revisión mas reciente de estos códigos.

Como mínimo, debe seguir las secciones aplicables del Código Nacional de Incendio, Código Nacional

Eléctrico, y los códigos de (NEMA) la Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes Eléctricos de E.E.U.U.. Puede haber oficinas de normas locales o del gobierno que pueden ayudar a determinar cuales códigos y normas son necesarios para una instalación e operación segura.

Si no se siguen todos los códigos y normas aplicables, puede resultar en daños al equipo o lesiones serias a personas. No garantizamos los productos descritos en esta publicación para ser adecuados para su aplicación en particular, ni asumimos ninguna responsabilidad por el diseño de su producto, la instalación u operación.

Nuestros productos no son tolerantes a fallas y no han sido diseñados, fabricados o intencionados para uso o reventa como equipo de control en línea en ambientes peligrosos que requieren una ejecución sin fallas, tales como operación en instalaciones nucleares, sistemas de navegación aérea, o de comunicación, control de trafico aéreo, máquinas de soporte de vida o sistemas de armamentos en las cuales la falla del producto puede resultar directamente en muerte, heridas personales, o daños físicos o ambientales severos

("Actividades de Alto Riesgo"). Automationdirect.com™ específicamente rechaza cualquier garantía ya sea expresada o implicada para actividades de alto riesgo.

Para información adicional acerca de garantía e información de seguridad, vea la sección de Términos y

Condiciones de nuestro catalogo. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre instalación u operación de este equipo, o si necesita información adicional, por favor llámenos al número 770-844-4200 en Estados Unidos.

Esta publicación está basada en la información disponible al momento de impresión. En

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Esta publicación puede contener referencias a productos producidos y/u ofrecidos por otras compañías. Los nombres de las compañías y productos pueden tener marcas registradas y son propiedad única de sus respectivos dueños. Automationdirect.com™, renuncia cualquier interés propietario en las marcas y nombres de otros.

Propiedad Literaria 2004, Automationdirect.com™ Incorporated

Todos los derechos reservados

No se permite copiar, reproducir, o transmitir de ninguna forma ninguna parte de este manual sin previo consentimiento por escrito de Automationdirect.comTM Incorprated. Automationdirect.comTM retiene los derechos exclusivos a toda la información incluida en este documento. Los usuarios de este equipo pueden copiar este documento solamente para instalar, configurar y mantener el equipo correspondiente.

Puede ser usado también para propósitos de educación en institutos de enseñanza.

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DataLynx User Manual

AUTOMATIONDIRECT.COM END USER LICENSE

AGREEMENT AND LIMITED WARRANTY

The software accompanying this license agreement (the Software) is the property of AutomationDirect.com, or its suppliers, and is protected by United States and International Copyright laws and

International treaty provisions. No ownership rights are granted by this Agreement or possession of the Software. Therefore, you must treat the Licensed Software like any other copyrighted material (e.g., a book or musical recording), except that you may make a single copy for backup or archival purposes. Your rights and obligations in its use are described as follows:

1. You may use and display this software on a single computer.

2. You may make one copy of the software for archival purposes or you may copy the software onto your hard disk and hold the original for archival purposes.

3. You may not modify or attempt to reverse engineer the software, or make any attempt to change or even examine the source code of the software.

4. You may transfer the software to another computer using the utilities provided. However, the software must be used on only a single computer at one time.

5. You may not give or distribute copies of the software or written materials associated with the software to others.

6. You may not sub-license, sell, or lease the software to any person or business.

Return Policy

The original licensee of the software can return it within thirty

(30) days of purchase. Please call us for a Return Material

Authorization Number.

Limited Warranty

AutomationDirect.com does not warrant that the Software will be error free, that it will satisfy your planned applications or that all defects in the Software can be corrected. iv

DataLynx User Manual

If AutomationDirect.com provides information or assistance regarding the use of the Software or otherwise,

AutomationDirect.com is not assuming the role of engineering consultant. AutomationDirect.com disclaims responsibility for any errors or omissions arising in connection with engineering in which its Software or such information or assistance is used.

The foregoing is the sole and exclusive warranty offered by

AutomationDirect.com.

AutomationDirect.com disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the licensed software and all accompanying materials.

In no event shall AutomationDirect.com be liable for incidental or consequential damages, including lost profit, lost savings, lost opportunities, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the licensed software, even if AutomationDirect.com has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

AutomationDirect.com's entire liability shall be, at

AutomationDirect.com's option, either (a) return of the price paid for the Software (or component), or (b) repair or replacement of the Software (or component) that does not meet

AutomationDirect.com's Limited Warranty and which is returned to AutomationDirect.com within the warranty period.

This shall be the sole and exclusive obligation of

AutomationDirect.com and your sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any such failure. The Limited Warranty is void if failure of the Software (or component) has resulted from accident, abuse or misapplication.

Trademarks

Microsoft® and Microsoft Excel® are registered trademarks,

Windows™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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DataLynx User Manual

Document History

DataLynx User Manual

PC-DLYNX-M

Please include the manual number and the manual issue, both shown below, when communicating with

Technical Support regarding this publication.

Manual Number: PC-DLYNX-M

Issue: First Edition

Issue Date October 2004

Issue

First Edition

Publication History

Date Description of Changes

October 2004 Original

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DataLynx User Manual

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction ........................................................................1

2.0 Installation of DataLynx ......................................................2

3.0 Registration..........................................................................9

4.0 Modem Connectivity .........................................................12

4.1 Testing Modem Configuration ............................12

4.2 Example Setup for AutomationDirect PLCs........13

5.0 DataLynx PLC....................................................................14

5.1 Server...................................................................14

5.1.1 Installing Service ........................................14

5.1.2 Running Service .........................................16

5.1.3 Pausing .......................................................17

5.1.4 Stopping .....................................................18

5.1.5 Diagnosing .................................................19

5.1.6 Uninstalling ................................................21

5.2 Monitor ..............................................................22

5.2.1 Configuring ................................................23

5.2.2 Modifying a Modem...................................27

5.2.3 Deleting .....................................................29

5.2.4 Duplicating ................................................30

5.2.5 Connecting ................................................31

5.2.6 Hiding .......................................................32

5.2.7 Backing Up and Restoring ..........................33

5.2.8 Polling ........................................................34

5.2.9 Locking / Unlocking ..................................35

5.2.10 Reporting .................................................36

6.0 Troubleshooting / Miscellaneous ........................................38

DataLynx User Manual

DataLynx User Manual

1.0 Introduction

DataLynx provides an easy and inexpensive way to collect data from your PLCs. The DataLynx Server stores the information it gathers onto your PC into either a comma or tab delimited text file(s). These files can be created on a daily, monthly or yearly basis. The data can be opened in

Excel, NotePad or a program of your choice. At this point, you can save the files or print the data.

DataLynx is unique in that it uses a phone line and modems compared to more expensive ethernet lines. It is ideal for long distances where the location is not easily accessible and not economical to visit the PLC and retrieve data.

System Requirements

Hardware Required

Pentium II with 128 megabytes of ram and 10 megabytes of hard disk space free

PLC which supports Modbus serial

Modems for PLC and PC

Software Required

The Server can run on Windows NT (SP5 or higher),

2000 or XP

The Monitor can run on Windows 98, NT, 2000 or XP

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2.0 Installation of DataLynx

Before you start, ensure that the PLC(s) and Server/Monitor computer(s) are connected to the network.

Decide what type of installation you want:

1. Server and Monitor on Same Computer a. May be the only option if only one computer is available.

b. If hosting the Server and Monitor on different computers, users may install both the Server and Monitor on the Server for quick installing and configuring.

2. Server and Monitor on Different Computers a. Ideal when the physical location of the Server is not easily accessible.

b. Must note the IP Address or name of the Server.

DataLynx software is available on the AutomationDirect

Product Showcase CD. To install DataLynx, insert the

AutomationDirect CD into your PC’s CD drive. The CD should start automatically and open the installation window shown below.

Note:

If the AutomationDirect CD does not start automatically, go to your Windows

TM

START button, select RUN, and type:

E:\setup.exe

Change the letter “E” to correspond to the letter for your CD drive. Then click on

“OK,” and the program will start.

Click on “DataLynx.”

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To start the installer program, click “Next.”

Read and make sure you understand the license agreement.

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DataLynx User Manual

After reading and understanding the license agreement, check the "Yes, I agree with the terms of this license agreement" option, and click “Next.”

The next screen contains important readme information that may be pertinent to you. After reading the “Readme” information, click the “Next” button.

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DataLynx User Manual

Next, a prompt for the setup type will appear. There are three types: Monitor, Server, and Server and Monitor. If a type in the list is selected, a description of the type will appear on the right hand side labeled "Description."

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DataLynx User Manual

After it is determined which type of setup is wanted, click

“Next,” and a prompt to save the DataLynx files will appear.

By default the files will save into c:\Program

Files\DataLynx\, but the location of the DataLynx files can be changed by clicking on the “Browse…” button.

After the location of the files has been determined, click

“Next,” and a prompt for the program group will appear.

By default, the program group is DataLynx, but the program group may be changed by entering it in the text box.

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DataLynx User Manual

Click “Next,” and a prompt will appear to start the installation process. It is possible to click the “Back” button and review the installation settings before committing to the install. When satisfied with the installation settings, click the “Next” button.

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DataLynx User Manual

After clicking the “Next” button, a progress meter will appear indicating install progress.

The installation can always be stopped by clicking the

“Cancel” button.

After the install is complete, a notification will appear to confirm that installation has been successful. Click "Finish" to exit the DataLynx installer.

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3.0 Registration

Registration Instructions:

• Ensure that the Server is running.

• Start the Monitor and connect to the Server.

• Go to Help -> Registration:

In the registration window, copy the registration key by selecting the key, pressing the right mouse button and selecting “Copy.”

With your browser go to the following web site: http://www.bizwaredirect.com/datalynxregistration.aspx

and paste the registration key into the Key: field in the web form. Also enter the serial number, which is located on the back of the CD cover, and the order number.

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DataLynx User Manual

Click the "Create Registration" button. If the information has been entered correctly, the assigned key will appear:

Copy the assigned key and paste into the DataLynx

Monitor Registration screen by pressing the right mouse button and selecting “Paste.”

• Click the "Register" button.

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DataLynx User Manual

A success message and the registration window will show registration status:

• Click "OK"

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DataLynx User Manual

4.0 Modem Connectivity

To ensure successful communication, at least two modems are required. One modem is needed for the PLC, and one modem is needed for the PC. Each PLC brand typically has a different set of requirements and procedures. Generally, an ideal modem would support parity and a baud rate of at least 56K to ensure fast and reliable connections. Please refer to the PLC’s documentation on configuring modem connectivity with the PLC.

Modbus Serial must be supported on the PLC. When configuring DataLynx on what addresses to read, please take care in converting the modbus address into the PLC’s native memory addressing scheme.

4.1 Testing Modem Configuration

To aid in configuring and troubleshooting the modem connections, use Hyperterminal and manually connect to the PLC’s modem from the PC’s modem. The PLC does

NOT need to be connected to the modem. This test confirms that the modems can communicate with each other. To run the test, complete the following steps:

1. Start Hyperterminal by going to Start->Program Files-

>Accessories->Communications->Hyperterminal

2. In Hyperterminal, the user will be prompted for a session name, enter the desired session name, e.g. “Test Modem.”

3. Next, the user will be prompted for the connection settings select the PC modem’s COM Port and configure the necessary settings.

4. Click “OK.”

5. To confirm that the modem is working, enter “AT.” An “OK” message should appear from Hyperterminal.

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6. If the “OK “ appears, test the dialing by entering

ATDTYYYY where YYYY is the phone number.

a. Ex: ATDT2555678 to dial 255-5678

7. Depending on the modem connection and the phone line, it may take a few minutes before receiving feedback.

a. If successful, “Connected XXXXX bps,,” where

XXXXX is the baud rate, should appear.

b. If not successful, an error like one of the following will be received: “BUSY,” “NO DIALTONE,” “NO

CARRIER,” etc.

4.2 Example Setup for

AutomationDirect PLCs

The information below illustrates the configuration used for testing DataLynx:

PLC: DL05

Modem for PLC: MDM-TEL Modem

See the MDM-TEL setup wizard for configuration information.

Modem for PC: Toshiba Software Modem

DL05 PLC configured with the following:

1. Port 2 Setup a. Modbus Serial b. Parity = 0 (zero)

2. Modem Connected to Port 2

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DataLynx User Manual

5.0 DataLynx PLC

5.1 Server

Overview

The DataLynx Server's primary function involves dialing up to PLC(s) and recording the data into text files in the format specified by the user.

The format of the text file is set with the DataLynx Monitor.

For more information on configuring the Server with the

Monitor, refer to the Monitor section.

5.1.1 Installing Service

The DataLynx Server needs to be installed and run in order to run without user intervention. Doing so is a simple process. Go to: Start Button -> Program Files -> DataLynx -

> DataLynx Server

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Click the "Install" button.

DataLynx User Manual

This window should appear showing “Status” as

Installed, Stopped.

Note: This does not start the

DataLynx Server. To start the

Server, refer to the Running

Service section.

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DataLynx User Manual

5.1.2 Running Service

If you do not already have the DataLynx Server Window open, go to: Start Button -> Program Files -> DataLynx ->

DataLynx Server

This window will appear assuming DataLynx is not installed. Click the

"Start/Continue" button.

Note: It may take a couple of minutes for the Server to start running.

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5.1.3 Pausing

Pausing forces the Server to stop polling for PLC input. This can be useful when configuring the Server because it will prevent irrelevant data from being stored.

If you do not already have the DataLynx Server Window open, go to: Start Button -> Program Files -> DataLynx ->

DataLynx Server

This window will appear -

Assuming Running

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DataLynx User Manual

Click the "Pause (Stop

Listening)" button, and this window should appear

Note: This does not stop the DataLynx Server. To stop the Server refer to the

Stopping section

5.1.4 Stopping

Stopping the DataLynx Server completely stops the program, instead of stopping polling. This feature is useful because the Server must stop before you can uninstall it.

If you do not already have the DataLynx Server Window open, go to:

Start Button -> Program Files -> DataLynx ->

DataLynx Server

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In the DataLynx Server

Window, click the "Stop" button, and this window should appear.

DataLynx User Manual

5.1.5 Diagnosing

Diagnosing the DataLynx Server allows the user to troubleshoot and view real-time events.

If the DataLynx Server Window is not open, go to:

Start

Button -> Program Files -> DataLynx -> DataLynx Server

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DataLynx User Manual

In the DataLynx Server Window, go to the menu:

File->Error Log

The Diagnostics Window below should appear.

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DataLynx User Manual

5.1.6 Uninstalling

For troubleshooting reasons, it is a good idea to uninstall the

Server entirely.

To open the DataLynx Server Window, go to:

Start Button

-> Program Files -> DataLynx -> DataLynx Server

Click on the "Uninstall" button, and this window should appear.

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DataLynx User Manual

5.2 Monitor

Overview

The DataLynx Monitor allows the user to configure the

DataLynx Server and retrieve its data files over the network.

Also, the DataLynx Monitor permits the user to troubleshoot. Below is the main screen and the explanations of each field:

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Server Address: Field where one enters the address of the

DataLynx Server

Last Update: Denotes the most recent PLC input time

Status: Displays the Server's locked and listening state

Modem(s): Displays list of currently configured modems on the Server as well as each modem’s status

Note: Modems only lists the last update. Check the date to verify if you are receiving information when expected.

Messages: Displays updates from the Server as well as from the Monitor itself

DataLynx User Manual

5.2.1 Configuring

Note: The Server must be connected in order to configure the

Server.

Go to the menu:

Options -> Configure

Server

A list of modems, if any, configured for the Server will appear.

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DataLynx User Manual

To add a modem, click on the "Add" button, and a Modem

Configuration screen like the following will appear.

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Below is an explanation of each of the Modem’s

Configuration Window's fields:

Alias: Optionally, a more descriptive name for the modem, e.g., “My PC's Modem”

COM Port: The port the modem will use

Baud Rate: The speed that the modem will connect at

Parity: Parity that the modem will use; “none” is the default parity and is preferred for most modems.

# Retries: Number of times DataLynx will try to read data before it reports an error

DataLynx User Manual

Below is an explanation of each of the Phone Number’s

Configuration fields:

Phone Number: The phone number DataLynx is to dial

Data Directory: Where the data files will be stored

Alias: Optional, a more descriptive name of the phone number, e.g., “Plant One in Atlanta”

Use Alias in Filename: Configures DataLynx to use the alias in the data logged file name

New Data file Cycle: Configures DataLynx’s new file creation cycle

Field Separation: Configures either tab or comma to be used in separating individual fields

Log Phone Number: Configures DataLynx to log the phone number in the data file

Log Alias: Configures DataLynx to log the alias in the data file

Display header for fields: Configures DataLynx to log the headers in the first line of the data file

Log Timestamp in Data Files: Configures DataLynx to log the date and time in the data file

Example Filename: Illustrates an example file name given the current configuration

Archiving and Deleting:

Archive Files Cycle: Configures DataLynx to archive monthly/yearly. Archives by zipping files into a zip file.

Archived Files Directory: Where the zipped files will be stored

Delete Files Cycle: How often DataLynx will delete the files

Modbus: Station #- the station # configured in the PLC

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Diagnostics: One-Dial Test: Allows the user to perform a trial dial up and poll to confirm that the configuration will work

Poll Interval:

Timed Interval: allows the user to specify the poll to occur at specific timed intervals

Note: If you have multiple phone numbers, each poll will dial each of the phone numbers at the poll interval. In contrast, if each phone number had an individual poll interval, there eventually would be a conflict in poll times.

Day Interval: Allows the user to specify the poll to occur at certain days and times

Fields: User-entered fields that DataLynx will request when polling

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5.2.2 Modifying a Modem

DataLynx User Manual

To modify a modem, go to menu:

Options-> Configure Server

A list of modems, if any, configured for the Server will appear:

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DataLynx User Manual

Click on the "Modify/View" button, and a Modem

Configuration screen will appear with the PLC data.

The Modem Configuration window below is an example:

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Once finished making changes, click the "OK" button or

"Cancel" to discard your changes.

DataLynx User Manual

5.2.3 Deleting

To delete modems, go to menu:

Options-

>Configure Server

A list of modems, if any, configured for the Server will appear:

Select the modem to delete and click the "Delete" button.

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5.2.4 Duplicating

A modem listing may be created and duplicated. This duplicating option is a great time-saving feature for those with many modems with similar configurations.

To duplicate a modem listing, go to menu:

Options ->Configure

Server

A list of modems, if any, configured for the Server will appear.

Click the "Duplicate" button, and a window will appear asking for COM Port, Alias , Baud Rate, Parity, and #

Retries. Enter the necessary information and click “OK” to save changes, otherwise click “Cancel” to discard changes.

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5.2.5 Connecting

Connecting to a DataLynx Server is important because it allows the user to configure the DataLynx Server and retrieve its data files.

In the main screen portion labeled Server Address: enter the

Address.

Then press the "Connect" button. If the connection has been made, the "Connect" button text will become

"Disconnect."

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5.2.6 Hiding

Hiding is a convenient feature for temporarily placing the

Monitor out of view for later access. To hide the Monitor, go to the menu: File->Hide

Notice that the DataLynx icon appears on the task bar:

Conversely, the application may be restored by right clicking on the icon and selecting the "Restore" item:

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5.2.7 Backing Up and Restoring

Backing Up

Backing up the configuration allows the user to safely restore all changes in the event of a hardware failure. To back up the configuration, go to the menu: Tools->Backup

Configuration

You will be prompted for a filename. Click "Save" and note where you saved the file for a possible future restoration.

Restoring

To restore the configuration, go to the menu: Tools->

Restore Configuration The following window should appear.

You will be prompted for a filename. Click "Open" and the

Server/Monitor should be restored to its original state.

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5.2.8 Polling

The DataLynx Server maintains "polling" and "not polling" states for PLC input. The user may change the polling state from the Monitor as well as from the Server program.

Changing the polling state can be useful when in the process of installing new PLCs or changing the PLC configuration to prevent the Server from receiving irrelevant data.

Click on the "Start Polling" button (If the button states

"Stop Polling" that means the Server is already listening).

If successful, the status should now read "Polling Modems."

To Make the Server Stop Polling, click on the “Stop

Polling” button.

If successful the status should now read "Not Polling

Modems."

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5.2.9 Locking / Unlocking

Locking/Unlocking is a useful feature for preventing unwanted modem configurations and Server polling state changes. Steps to lock/unlock are below:

Click the "Lock" button.

A screen will appear asking for the lock code.

Enter the lock code, and Click "OK." If successful, the status section should now display a locked status:

Warning: If you forget/lose the lock code you will NOT be able to unlock the Server.

Conversely, to unlock the Server, click the "Unlock" button, enter the code, and Click "OK.”

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5.2.10 Reporting

Reporting is one of the most useful features of the Monitor.

The user may view or save files generated by the Server over a network without having physical access to the Server.

To view a report, go to menu:

Tools -> Report

A report screen like the following dialog box should appear:

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Select the desired PLC data you wish to view in the modem/phone number list:

Now select a file in the File(s) list and click either the

"Open,” "Open With..." or the "Save" button. There is a difference between the "Open" and "Open With...." buttons. "Open" uses the default application to open the file. "Open With..." prompts you for the application in which to open the file.

Note: If you open the current log file outside of DataLynx (Example: log file straight from Excel), it will lock the file and not allow

DataLynx to store data.

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6.0 Troubleshooting / Miscellaneous

Cannot Connect to Server

Double check the Server Address - it may not be correct.

Verify that the Server and Monitor computers are online and can access network facilities such as e-mail and Internet.

Ensure that cables are connected.

Verify that computers can access the Internet by going to a test web site such as www.yahoo.com.

Invalid COM Port Error

Confirm that the COM Port # is correct for the modem.

Poll Keeps Failing (Error Reading Data)

Confirm that modbus serial is enabled on the PLC.

Confirm that modem is properly configured to communicate with the PLC.

Poll Is Not Occurring at Specific Intervals

Because the dialing and polling usually takes more than one minute, the timed intervals may not occur at the correct time. Try extending the poll intervals to ensure that they will occur on more reliable intervals.

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