Max number of controllers

Discussion of configuring and troubleshooting communication to PLC's or other devices using iX Developer.
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PeteLam
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:04 pm

Max number of controllers

Post by PeteLam »

How many devices can I connect to a T7A or T10A panel.

I'd like to do the following:

PLC to COM1 via RS-232
Animatics Smartmotor to COM2 via RS-485
Modbus devices on COM4 via RS-485

Any problem with doing this?

Also, just for kicks, could I also add another device via COM3 (RS-232) if the need arose? How about an ethernet-based device on top of all this?

I just need to know what the limits of this panel are.

Thanks,
Pete

mark.monroe
Posts: 824
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:53 am

Re: Max number of controllers

Post by mark.monroe »

Yes, your configuration is fine. You can also connect more controllers using Ethernet if you want. You will need to split out the Com1 and com2 ports using a CAB109 cable because they are on the same physical 9 pin port. The controller help file for Modbus tells you the pin out for that cable.
Best Regards,
Mark Monroe

Beijer Electronics, Inc. | Applications Engineer

PeteLam
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:04 pm

Re: Max number of controllers

Post by PeteLam »

Thanks Mark.

I didn't realize that the iX panels supported that many simultaneous controllers. I guess I was thinking about the older Exter panels, which I believe only supported two controllers.

I presume that all the controllers can use Data Exchange as necessary, correct?

mark.monroe
Posts: 824
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:53 am

Re: Max number of controllers

Post by mark.monroe »

Yes, data exchange is done between the controllers. You can have data sent from one controller to how ever many of the other controllers you want.
Best Regards,
Mark Monroe

Beijer Electronics, Inc. | Applications Engineer

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