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 RS-485 and RS-232
communications. The RS-485 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.
RS-232 or RS-485 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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