6-1 Communications
PL
µ
SNet II Upload/Download Program (Must use version 2.34 or higher)
Description
PL
µ
SNet II is a DOS program that will run on most IBM-PC compatible computers.
When the serial port of the PC is connected to a PL
µ
S Programmable Limit Switch,
PL
µ
SNet II can transfer programming values between the computer and the controller
in either direction. PL
µ
SNet II includes its own communications software with selection
of baud rate, PL
µ
S controller address, and the computer’s COM port. No other commu-
nication software is needed.
Functions
PL
µ
SNet II provides two main functions: Uploading a controller’s complete set of pro-
gramming values from the controller to an ASCII file on the PC; and downloading the
contents of an ASCII from a computer to the PL
µ
S controller. PL
µ
SNet II also provides
a text editor to view and change the contents of an ASCII file.
Applications
Hard Copy Reference—Using PL
µ
SNet II, a PL
µ
S controller’s programming can be
saved as an ASCII file and printed out for reference. The printout can be used to study
line operation or to program other PL
µ
S controllers in the plant.
Archival Storage—The ASCII file containing a PL
µ
S controller’s programming can be
stored on a hard drive or floppy disk. In the event of accidental alteration or erasure of
the controller’s programming, PL
µ
SNet II can be used to download the ASCII file to the
controller to restore normal operation.
Programming Multiple Units—If several PL
µ
S controllers will have the same values,
one controller can be programmed correctly and its setpoints uploaded to a PC using
PL
µ
SNet II. The programming can then be downloaded to the other PL
µ
S controllers,
eliminating the need to manually re-enter setpoints for each controller.
Modify Programming—Once a program has been saved as an ASCII file, it can be
studied and edited to create other versions of the program.
Contents
The PL
µ
SNet II Communications Software Program includes these materials:
(1) Introduction sheet.
(1) Vinyl diskette holder with two diskettes: One containing the PLUSNET.EXE
file, one to store uploaded files.
Cable
To use PL
µ
SNet II, a serial communications cable is required to connect the PL
µ
S
controller to an IBM compatible personal computer. This cable can be purchased from
Electro Cam Corp., or it can be built by the customer using the wiring information shown
in the PL
µ
S Programming and Installation Manual.
Installation
Copy the PLUSNET.EXE file to the desired directory on the PC.
Operation
Connect the PC and the PL
µ
S controller with a communications cable and turn both
units ON.
Start PLUSNET.EXE from the DOS command line, or from a DOS window within
Microsoft Windows. The menus in the program are self-explanatory.