No, our programming leads work only with our hardware.
Read MoreFAQ Category: Hardware
A range of FAQ’s regarding the products we supply here at VSL.
Are there any limitations to expansion units on GSM PLCs?
Yes – If you are using expansion units (EXM-E-) with your GSM CPU then you cannot use EXM-E-RS485 as well. If you require RS485 on your GSM CPU system, then please choose the PRO-RS485, which plugs into the programming port of the PLC CPU. If you are not using ANY other expansion units with your […]
Read MoreThe Expansion Units LED’s are Flashing Red. What’s the Problem?
When the LED of an expansion unit flashes Red it means that it is unable to communicate correctly with the CPU. Please check connections are securely fitted and that each expansion has a unique ID. Check also that the CPU’s COM port is Active (see above).
Read MoreWhat is the PRO-RS485 Cable Used For?
The PRO-RS485 cable plugs into the programming port of any CPU and provides RS485 capability for it. You can therefore use this to provide RS485 communications to CPU’s that do not support expansion modules, such as PR-6 and PR-12 Series.
Read MoreCan the CPU Log Data?
Yes, by the addition of an ELC-Memory module, which plugs into the programming port and saves data to SD card. Logging is enabled by the addition of a Memory Write block in your program.
Read MoreCan I Change What’s Displayed on the CPU LCD when Powered Up?
Yes, you can achieve this through the programming software by selecting “Tools -> Edit Cover HMI”. Only the first two lines of the LCD can be changed but you can use it to place company details, or maybe system details.
Read MoreCan Analogue Expansion Units be Added to Digital CPU?
Yes, and vice versa.
Read MoreDo I Need a Special Programming Lead for CPU’s?
In the main, Yes, except for the Ethernet CPU’s which can be programmed via an Ethernet cable. There are two types of programming leads for our CPU’s: 1. RS232 Cable – For transferring program from PC to CPU only. 2. USB Cable – For transferring program from PC to CPU and for updating CPU firmware.
Read MoreI have an AC expansion unit. Can I connect this to my DC powered CPU?
Yes. AC powered expansion units can be connected to DC powered CPU’s and vice versa. Power to ALL units MUST be turned on at the same time otherwise communication issues may arise. When expansion units are connected correctly to the CPU, their LED will be Green.
Read MoreOnce expansion unit ID’s are set, do they need to be connected in order?
No. It does not matter which order you connect the expansion units to the CPU. All that matters is they must have unique ID settings.
Read MoreI have changed the ID of my EXM-E expansion unit but the CPU won’t communicate. What’s wrong?
NOTE: All expansion unit addresses MUST be UNIQUE and MUST be set before applying supply to connected CPU! Don’t panic, there’s nothing wrong! By default the EXM and ELC-12 Ethernet CPU’s have their COM ports configured for an RS485 expansion unit. To enable the CPU to use EXM-E expansion units you need to enable the […]
Read MoreHow do you change an expansion units ID?
By default every expansion unit out of the box has an ID of 1. The ID can be changed by changing the DIP Switches hidden under a plastic cover on the side of the expansion unit.
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