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Industrial Data Communication News and Techniques • Summer 2000, V1 #3

Data-Linc Connects With Major Industrial Automation Alliance Partners

Going Wire(less). Our license-free, wireless SRM6200E Ethernet modem solves the problem of communicating to devices where cable installation is impossible –such as portable workstations, as well as a wide variety of SCADA applications. In the past, these devices would be isolated from the plant network. Now plant engineers may work at the problem location while having full access to the network.

The SRM6200E operates in the most challenging environments by employing frequency hopping spread spectrum technology. Remote locations up to 15 miles away (farther using external antennas and/or Repeaters) may also connect to the plant network using the SRM6200E. This eliminates the cost and unreliability of leasing telephone lines. It's an ideal solution for SCADA systems in industries such as water/wastewater and oil/gas.

Applications for the SRM6200E Ethernet radio modem include: portable computers used for programming and configuration; communicating with PLCs on moving platforms or vehicles; installing HMI stations in moving vehicles; connecting remote systems without using phone company lines; and adding servers to the plant network for data collection and analysis.

Getting Connected. Data-Linc has been working with our alliance partners to design cutting-edge data communications for a wide variety of industrial applications. As a result, we're able to easily integrate with the major industrial automation providers.

Allen-Bradley. Rockwell Automation's NetLinx network architecture provides seamless communication between Ethernet, ControlNet and DeviceNet. Now with Data-Linc Group's wireless SRM6200E Ethernet Modem, industrial plants may realize the benefits of NetLinx without additional cable installation.

Designed for control, configuration and data collection applications, the NetLinx architecture adds broad capability to Ethernet in Allen-Bradley systems. By providing a highly reliable wireless Ethernet connection, peripherals may communicate on the plant network without the expense and delay of cable installation.

An application diagram illustrating the Wireless NetLinx demo system is available on our Web site. Visit http://www.data-linc.com/abschm.fld/netlinx.htm.

GE Fanuc. Two Data-Linc radio communication guides are now available for GE Fanuc PLCs. The first, Radio Modem Communications Guide for GE Fanuc PLCs, identifies the data communication options available for GE Fanuc PLCs. The user can easily locate the appropriate wireless radio modem and accessories necessary for simple, convenient and most of all, successful data communication installations.

Also available is the GE Fanuc Field Applications Guide. This document illustrates a wide variety of field applications –point-to-point, multi-point and multi-tier/multi-point configuration schematics, including SCADA installations –all interfacing with GE Fanuc equipment.

To receive these guides, call (425) 882-2206 or email marketing@data-linc.com.

Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric's Transparent Factory is an open automation framework based on TCP/IP protocol. It provides seamless communication between automation, manufacturing and business systems. Now with Data-Linc Group's license-free SRM6200E Ethernet radio modem, industrial plants receive the benefits of Transparent Factory without additional cable installation.

Transparent Factory links Quantum, Compact and Momentum PLCs to HMI stations, PCs and servers using Modbus protocol over TCP/IP. The SRM6200E provides a highly reliable wireless Ethernet connection.

Typical Wireless Transparent Factory schematics can be viewed on our Web site. Visit http://www.data-linc.com/modschm.fld/trfactry1.htm
and
http://www.data-linc.com/modschm.fld/trfactry2.htm.

Siemens. The new SINAUT Tele-Control System has been tested and approved by Siemens E&A for use with Data-Linc's license-free SRM6000 frequency hopping spread spectrum radio modems, thereby providing a Wireless SINAUT System option. The SINAUT ST7 Station Control System, in combination with the SINAUT ST7cc Control Center including TIM support for Wide Area Networks, will support up to 32,000 stations. Siemens has generated a Test Report, available from Data-Linc or from Siemens, providing the SINAUT configuration settings for applications requiring a wireless SINAUT System (range capability up to 40 miles without Repeaters and multiples of this range with Repeaters, radio modem data rates up to 115.2 KBaud and extended temperature range as well as exceptional data reliability and integrity). To request the Wireless SINAUT System Report from Data-Linc, contact (425) 882-2206 or email marketing@data-linc.com.

FAQs

When connecting a DLM4000 modem to the terminal emulation program, the dial-up modem does not respond.

First, make sure the modem is connected to the correct com port the terminal emulation program is using. Then make sure the com port is free and no other devices are using it such as an internal modem. Ensure the correct cable is connected to the modem and PC . (Refer to cable requirements section of the manual.) Now try restarting the terminal emulation program. Remember to use the proper power supply as the DLM4000 requires a 9VAC power supply for proper operation.

Are Data-Linc Group modems capable of passing binary data?

Yes.

Is there a way to connect a device to an SRM6000/6200E Repeater location without having to purchase a separate remote radio modem?

Yes. Our radio modems have an option of being a Remote/Repeater through the firmware configuration. This basically enables the RS232 data port on the unit so that it may be used as a remote unit as well as still having the ability to pass data onto the rest of a multi-point network.

How many multi-point radio modem networks can be installed in the same area and will there be interference between them?

The SRM series of radio modems incorporate frequency hopping or spread spectrum communications. Each group of modems in a network is assigned a unique algorithmic hopping pattern that is shared by the modems in that network. Therefore, a second network of modems could be setup initially right next to an existing network and as long as the frequency key (hopping pattern) is different in the new modems, they will operate without interfering with each other. Data-Linc Group SRM modems have 15 different frequency keys available within the firmware to be used in this manner.

I am unable to connect the DLM4000 dial-up modem with my PC modem.

Data-Linc Group does not recommend or support the use of another modem. It is recommended a second DLM4000 be used for the connection.

However, try disabling the error correction and compression in the PC modem. Make sure the connection rates of the modems match.

Data-Linc Teams With Advantage Member at International Mining Show in Chile

In May, Data-Linc Group was one of several US firms represented by abmatic, an Advantage Program member, at EXPOMIN in Santiago, Chile.

EXPOMIN is the world's largest mining exposition, held every two years. This show specializes in machinery, equipment, technology, services and supplies from all over the world for mining operations in Latin America. EXPOMIN brings over 37,000 attendees and more than 2,300 exhibitors together in Santiago for five days.

Sam Amaral, Data-Linc Regional Manager of Latin America, attended the show and helped introduce wireless data communication products to the Chilean mining market. Working with abmatic, Sam demonstrated Data-Linc's broad product line.

"The show was a great success. Everyone was very interested in learning more about our SRM6000 serial and SRM6200E Ethernet modems," said Sam. "With abmatic's enthusiasm, professionalism and customer-driven focus, Data-Linc has an excellent channel to bring our technology to the Chilean mining industry."

Wireless Scores With Sign Maker

TubeArt's wireless controlled scrolling sign

The sports arena advertisement and sign business just became more profitable for a local sign company in Seattle. A local integrator used multiple Data-Linc SRM6000 Spread Spectrum wireless modems to control and operate unique scrolling signs in this unusual application.

Sports events at arenas and outdoor fields are ideal locations for product advertising. This advertising is commonly displayed with different media types to catch the eye of the viewing public. The most eye-catching media is numerous large scrolling signs. As many as 60 3' x 14' signs are located at the edge of the field and overhead for maximum exposure. These signs scroll individually and together to advertise products with timed intervals.

Such a network of signs encounters numerous challenges. The signs are linked to a Master controller with hard-wired electrical interconnections for programming, and controlling the signs. In the past this interconnection has been from the signs to a large PC/PLC controller and operator interface located near the press box. This has been the only location where the signs can be reprogrammed and controlled during critical periods of the game or event.

Systems interface's control box including Parker's Stepper Motor and Controller and Data-Linc's Wireless Radio modem -shown in black, metal stand-alone enclosure with mounting flanges.

In light of set-up and high operation costs, TubeArt Signs and Sports Displays, a Seattle, WA manufacturer of custom signs, went out in search of a new and better solution. TubeArt contacted a local control systems integrator, Systems Interface, Inc. of Bothell, WA.

A Systems Interface engineer, Dave Riffle, evaluated the application and directed a small team to redesign and rebuild a new motion control and communication system. The new control scheme includes a wireless stand-alone touch screen operator control console linked to a wireless motion controller module using a Parker stepper motor and controller in each sign. This combination of technologies allows all signs to communicate via wireless modems.

The Data-Linc SRM6000 radio modem allows the operator to use his touch screen operator interface to control and program the scrolling of the signs. Sign operation can be performed from anywhere in the arena or stadium using the Data-Linc SRM6000 wireless radio modems. The wireless communication now eliminates hours of wiring and debugging between all signs and controls.

The next time you see scrolling signs at your local sports event, there's a good chance they're being controlled by Data-Linc wireless technology.

For more information on SRM6000 wireless modems, give us a call at (425) 882-2206.

Introducing the New Wireless, License-free Chassis Mount Ethernet Modem

Data-Linc has completed development of a chassis mount version of its license-free SRM6200E Ethernet radio modem for the Allen-Bradley SLC 5/05. This is in addition to the stand-alone unit. The slot mount Ethernet version provides the same full form factor advantage previously available only for the DF1/Channel 0 asynchronous serial version for SLC 5/03 and 5/04 applications. Now, both Ethernet (TCP/IP 10Base-T) and Serial versions are available for SLC 500 applications. Now you can mount Data-Linc's frequency hopping spread spectrum radio modem in the rack with the processor.

The A-B Chassis Mount SRM6200E has been released to production and the anticipated ship date is September 2000. (Additional chassis mount versions are currently under development.)

Off the Wire

Advantage Program. Response to our invitation to become a member of the Data-Linc Group Advantage Program has been overwhelming. We continue to receive inquiries and membership agreements from resellers worldwide.

Becoming a Data-Linc Group Advantage member means you're committed to providing exceptional customer support through unique technical expertise and complete communication solutions based on Data-Linc Group products.

If you are an end user of Data-Linc Group equipment, talk to your local PLC distributor and encourage them to become an Advantage Member.

To obtain an Advantage program kit or for additional information, contact the Regional Sales Manager in your area.

Data-Linc Group
3535 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite 100 • Bellevue, WA 98006 USA
Tel (425) 882-2206 • Fax (425) 867-0865 •