Rockwell Automation 2706 DL40 HARDWARE USER MANUAL - Manual (Page 14)

Chapter
2
Chapter 2
Introduction to the DL40
Figure 2Table 2
2 – 1
Chapter 1
Introduction to the DL40
This chapter describes some of the key features and operating capabilities of
the DL40 message display. Refer to the Table of Contents or Index for help
in locating more detailed information throughout this manual.
The 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 or SLC as any size I/O rack (
1 /
4,
1 /
2
, 3 /
4
, or full).
•
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).
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.
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.
Overview