Red Lion LEGEND - Manual (Page 44)

SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
Serial communications allows for transmitting and receiving of data
between the Legend Plus and other devices. This feature can be used for
monitoring various values, resetting output(s), and changing values, all from
a remote location. Typical devices that are connected to a Legend Plus unit
are a printer, a terminal, a programmable controller, or a host computer.
The Legend Plus is jumper selectable between RS485 and RS232
communications. The RS485 differential (balanced) design has good noise
immunity and allows for communication distances of up to 4000 feet. Up to
32 units can be connected on a pair of wires and a common. The unit’s address
can be programmed from 00 to 99. RS232 is useful for connecting a single
unit to a printer or to a computer for programming using the optional Legend
Plus Programming Software.
PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
Software for IBM ® compatible PCs is available to program all of the
Legend configuration parameters such as messages, count modes, etc. The
software allows unit configurations to be created, uploaded, downloaded,
and saved to a file for rapid programming of the Legend. Before using the
programming software, the Legend unit should be powered up and the
version number recorded. This information is needed to take full advantage of
the programming software capabilities.
Note: While using the Legend Plus Programming Software, the Legend unit
should NOT be controlling a process. If the unit is connected while
uploading or downloading the configuration files, unit operation will be
interrupted and counts will be missed.
Minimum Requirements:
IBM ® compatible 286 or better.
Minimum of 450K FREE conventional memory.
MSDOS 3.3 or later.
RS232 or RS485 serial port with ID of COM1 or COM2.
Video TEXT mode of 80 columns x 25 rows.
Mouse supported.
INSTALLING SOFTWARE
A backup copy should be made of the program disk. The program may be
run using the floppy drive or, it may be installed to a Hard drive. To install on
the hard drive, copy all files from the program disk to the desired directory on
the hard drive.
Refer to “SERIAL CONNECTIONS” section of the manual for connecting
the Legend Plus to a computer.
USING SOFTWARE
To start the Legend Programming Software (SFLGP) switch to the
disk/directory that contains the Software. Type SFLGP and press ENTER.
The software will display an opening screen that displays the current version
of the Legend Programming Software. Press ENTER to proceed to the main
editing screen. The screen is divided into four areas. The top of the screen
contains a pull-down menu that allows actions such as uploading and
downloading of a file. The bottom of the screen displays an alternate method
of accessing the pull-down menu selections by using the F1-F8 keys in
combination with the ALT key. The middle section displays the programming
parameters of the current file and model of Legend. Below the pull-down
menu is the file status information that indicates the current filename, model
and available message/mnemonic memory available. Multiple pages are used
to display all of the programming parameters. To change the page displayed
press PGUP/PGDN or use the mouse to click on the arrows located at the
upper and lower right of the screen.
Uploading/Downloading of files from the Legend requires that the Baud
Rate and Unit Address of both the Legend and the SFLGP be identical. Prior
to performing either an upload or download, a menu of the current PC
communications settings will be displayed. These settings may be modified
before proceeding with the intended action. Once the action is started, the
Legend will display “TX’ING PROGRAM” if uploading or “RX’ING
PROGRAM” if downloading. Uploading is file transfer from the LEGEND to
the PC and Downloading is file transfer from the PC to the Legend.
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