Network DL340 plcs and C-More HMIs

[klauricella]

I have been asked to network up to 5 DL340 plcs and a couple C-More HMIs. The customer has existing equipment (compressors and refrigeration) that they want to network for setting adjustment and status overview. Is best way to use DirectNet and set up one plc as master. I am not real familiar with Automation Direct plc or networking options so looking for the simplest and cleanest solution. I do have to add one plc so the master doesn't have to be a DL340. Thanks Kevin

[rswolff]

god...the 340 is a horrible platform.....this would be easy if you had a 205 platform.....you'd simply add some ethernet modules and tie everyone together......... best way is to use Directnet.......you'll need a bunch of hardware to convert from RS232 to RS485....I don't remember if the Cmores have native 485 or if you'll need converters. Then tie them all together......you should be able to use one to poll the others, or send messages from them all. I don't normally use Directnet for networking units together but its fairly straightforward to pass information around. Why are you networking the Cmores? what are they connected to now? and if it was me I'd seriously push the client into converting to Domores and DL205 platforms.....the hardware is inexpensive and its a much better design. The DM1E has a built in ethernet port so networking is fairly standard cabling and switches. Only limit is ethernets 100m length between switches.

[jpayne]

It's pretty amazing that the DL305 PLCs are still going! You can connect a single C-more to the D3-340 easily, but for multiple touch panels consider the D3-422-DCU. This connects directly to the front of the CPU/PS and gives you a multi-drop DirecNET port. http://webtc1.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Programmable_Controllers/DirectLogic_Series_PLCs_(Micro_to_Small,_Brick_-a-_Modular)/DirectLogic_305_(Small_Modular_PLC)/Communications_-a-_Networking/D3-422-DCU