MITSUBISHI F / F1 / F2 Serial Communications Procedure for connecting PLC to PC Requires: F2-20F1 & PCX-KIT1 And MELSEC MEDOC® Click to Begin Presentation….
Components Needed: Programming Software for PC – MELSEC MEDOC
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:
Components Needed: 1) Programming Software: MELSEC MEDOC 2) Interface (I/F) to connect to programming port on F / F1 / F2
F2-20GF1 I/F
F2-20GF1 I/F
F2-20GF1 I/F This device is obsolete and quite rare.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.
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.
PCX-KIT1
PCX-KIT1
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.
PCX-KIT1 1) Remove the access cover on your Mitsubishi PLC.
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).
F2-20GF1 Mounting
F2-20GF1 Mounting
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!!!
Connection… 1 Install F2-20GF1 on PLC 2 Slide “tabs” to secure I/F on PLC 3 Connect cable to I/F
What We Have So Far…
12VDC Power WAIT TO PLUG IT IN, BUT DON’T FORGET TO…..
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.
Complete the Connection ! Your installation should like something like this…
Connect the Power ! Now is the right time to connect the 12VDC to the I/F…
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.
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 …
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.
Thank You for your patronage! END Thank You for your patronage! LIGHTHOUSE PLCs, INC. P: (541) 463-1496 F: (541) 463-1497 eM: info@lpinc.us http://www.lighthouseplcs.com 2549 Rosebay Street Eugene, Oregon 97402-6148 U.S.A.