1. MITSUBISHI F / F1 / F2 Serial Communications
Procedure for connecting PLC to PC
Requires: F2-20F1 & PCX-KIT1
And MELSEC MEDOC®
Click to Begin Presentation….

2. Components Needed:
Programming Software for PC –
MELSEC MEDOC

3. MEDOC Programming Software
Insure that MELSEC MEDOC has been installed on your laptop or desktop PC. When started, the initial screen should appear like this:

4. Components Needed: 1) Programming Software:
MELSEC MEDOC
2) Interface (I/F) to connect to programming port on F / F1 / F2

5. F2-20GF1 I/F

6. F2-20GF1 I/F

7. F2-20GF1 I/F This device is obsolete and quite rare.
There were at least two other Interface units, either of which would work in place of the F2-20GF1.
They are F-LINK and A-LINK. As these are so rare, we will concentrate on the F2-20GF1 for this procedure.

8. Components Needed: 1) Programming Software:
MELSEC MEDOC
2) Interface (I/F) to connect to programming port on F / F1 / F2
3) Serial Protocol Converter – i.e. PCX-KIT1.

9. PCX-KIT1

10. PCX-KIT1

11. PCX-KIT1
This kit from Mitsubishi Tech Support incorporates a connector (adapter) which:
connects to the DB25 connector on top of the F2-20GF1,
Converts the Serial Protocol from RS422 to RS232C,
Provides Power (12VDC) to the Converter,
And, Provides connection (DB9) to your computer.

12. PCX-KIT1
1) Remove the access cover on your Mitsubishi PLC.

13. Mount F2-20GF1
The F2-20GF1 mounts on the port (also used for hand-held programmer). The two blue connectors fit together, and the two “sliders” on each side of the F2-20GF1 hold the I/F securely to the PLC.
Note the end of the F2-20GF1 is flush with the end of the PLC (mentioned just as an aid to positioning).

14. F2-20GF1 Mounting

15. F2-20GF1 Mounting

16. F2-20GF1
NOTE That the DIP switches are set to 19.2K BAUD. The setting of this DIP switch should agree with the BAUD rate you choose in MEDOC (Transfer) Setup!!!

17. Connection… 1 Install F2-20GF1 on PLC
2 Slide “tabs” to secure I/F on PLC
3 Connect cable to I/F

18. What We Have So Far…

19. 12VDC Power
WAIT TO PLUG IT IN, BUT DON’T FORGET TO…..

20. Connection… 1 Install F2-20GF1 on PLC
2 Slide “tabs” to secure I/F on PLC
3 Connect cable to I/F
4 Plug 12VDC Transformer into 120VAC source.
5 Insure that connections are secure on “electronics box” (the actual I/F).
6 Connect I/F to your PC COM Port.

21. Complete the Connection !
Your installation should like something like this…

22. Connect the Power !
Now is the right time to connect the 12VDC to the I/F…

23. F2-20GF1 in Action.
Briefly, all the RED LEDs come on, then after the F2-20GF1 determines which unit to which it is connected, that LED comes on solid. In this case, the F1/F2 LED is lit.

24. Putting It All Together…
You’ve got MEDOC Running on your PC…
You’ve got the F2-20GF1 and the PCX-KIT1 connected from the PC to the PLC…
And you’ve remembered to plug in the 12VDC …

25. Now the hard part begins!
We at Lighthouse PLCs, Inc. hope you will benefit from this tutorial/primer.
Communications with the older Mitsubishi (as well as other brand) PLCs is rapidly becoming a lost art.
And, relevant manuals and documentation are becoming as rare as the PLCs themselves.

26. Thank You for your patronage!
END
Thank You for your patronage!
LIGHTHOUSE PLCs, INC.
P: (541)
F: (541)
eM:
2549 Rosebay Street
Eugene, Oregon
U.S.A.