Horner APG XL6 OCS - Manual (Page 37)

MAN0883-05-EN CH.8
March 4, 2010 Page 37 of 135 #1037
CHAPTER 8: COMMUNICATION OPTIONS
8.1 Overview
To supplement the built-in MJ1 and MJ2 serial ports, additional communication options are available.
This is accomplished by installing a COM module internal to the XL6 OCS controller.
8.1.1 MJ1 shares its serial port with the optional COM module, so when an Ethernet or Modem
COM module is installed and active, the MJ1 connector is inactive.
Internal to the XL6 OCS, there is a CPU board, and up to two installed modules. Models HE-
XL100 / HEXT350C100
have no installed I/O or COM modules. All other models have an I/O
module in Slot 1 and could have a user-installed COM module in Slot 2.
This chapter briefly describes both the Ethernet and Modem COM module options. For detailed
information regarding these modules, please refer to the individual documents provided with the
modules.
8.2
Ethernet COM Module (XEC) Option
An Ethernet COM module can be installed to allow Cscape programming of an XL6 OCS over a Local
Area Network or over the Internet. In addition, the Horner OPC Server can be installed on a PC to allow
other standard PC applications (such as database and spreadsheets programs) access to XL6 OCS
register data.
The Ethernet COM module supports 10 BaseT (10 MHz) and 100 BaseTx (100 MHz) as well as both half
and full duplex communication. Both the connection speed and the duplex are auto-negotiated.
Although the physical connection between the Ethernet COM Module and the Local Area Network is done
using a standard Ethernet cable (CAT5 or better with RJ45 modular plug), a Serial Port Tunnel protocol
is employed that makes the Ethernet COM Module appear as a serial port to Cscape or OPC Server
software running on the PC.
On the XL6 OCS end of the Serial Port Tunnel, the Ethernet COM module should be properly configured
using the XL6 OCS System Menu. This configuration consists of making Ethernet the Default
Programming Port and setting its target IP Address, Net Mask and optionally the Gateway IP Address.
The Gateway IP Address is required if the XL6 OCS will be accessed from outside the Local Area
Network (e.g. the Internet).
On the PC end of the Serial Port Tunnel, the PC should be connected to the Local Area Network (or to
the Internet).
After installing and configuring the Ethernet COM module, Cscape or OPC Server software should be set
up to communicate to one of the “virtual” serial ports, at which point they should function as if a “real” PC
serial port was connected to the XL6 OCS MJ1 serial port.