Quick Setup of PLC5 Ethernet Connection

General

These are some notes on how to quickly setup a simple network for use with a PLC-5 Ethernet
processor. Setup of a SLC5/05 is similar, except that a transceiver is not required.

The following hardware/software was used:

Allen-Bradley PLC5-40E

CentreCOM 210TS 10 Transceiver

Allen-Bradley RSLinx (Lite or better), Version 2.30.01

Allen-Bradley RSLogix5, Version 5.00.01

Microsoft Excel 2000

Step 1 - Physically Connect PLC5 to Network

The first step is to physically connect the PLC5 to your network. On the PLC5-40/E, the ethernet port is channel 2 and is also referred to as the AUI port. It is a 15-pin, female D-shell connection. My existing network is a 10 MPS thin net setup with several hubs connecting to a router. To go from the 15-pin connection on the PLC to the RJ-45 modular connection on the hub, a twisted pair transceiver (also called a MAU, medium access unit) is required. I used a CetreCOM 210TS that I bought for $10 on the internet. This plugs into the port on the PLC and a standard modular CAT 5 cable was used to connect this to the hub.

Step 2 - Setup PLC's Communications Parameters with RSLogix5

Start up RSLogix and connect to the processor using the DH+ and DH485 (serial port) connection. Double click on "Channel Configuration" under "Controller". Click on the "Channel 2" tab to reveal the parameters for the ethernet port. For a simple network (no subnets), the only parameters that are important are the IP address and the link ID number. Make sure that the "BOOTP Enabled" check box is not checked and enter the desired IP address. Enter an unused link ID number. The rest of the parameters can be left at their default values.

Step 3 - Verify the Physical Connection

This is an optional step to verify the physical link. You can skip this step if you're confident of your connection. From a computer on the same network as the PLC, ping the PLC's address. If everything is hooked up right, you will get an answer for each ping. You can use the DOS ping.exe program found in the "windows" directory or download a Windows-based ping program such as Alchemy Lab's Ping 1.0.

Step 4 - Setup RSLinx

Start up RSLinx (Lite or higher) and and go to Communications --> Configure Drivers. Then under the "available Drivers" list, select "Ethernet devices" and click on "AddNew". I usually use the default name. When the "Station mapping" window pops up, in the "Station" field, enter the same ID number you entered in RSLogix5. In the Host Name field, enter the same IP address as you entered in RSLogix5. Then hit the "Apply" button and you should be good to go.

Step 5 - Test the Connection

To test the connection, in RSLinx, go to Communications-->RSWho. Double click the ethernet connection and your PLC should show up. To go online, in RSLogix , go to Comms-->Who Active Go Online and select the PLC under the ethernet connection. Programming can be done using RSLinx Lite or better.