Deck 19: Configuring a Serial Driver Using Rs Linx

Question 1

What are two pieces that comprise a serial path in a connection to a controller?

Answer 1

Because a serial connection is a direct connection to the controller, the path contains only two pieces:
1. Driver name
2. Node number

Question 2

When configuring a communication link between two devices, such as a computer and a PAC, what are two important aspects of the communication link?

Answer 2

When configuring a communication link between two devices, such as a computer and a PAC, there are two important aspects of the communication link:
1. First, there is the communication standard.
2. The second consideration is the protocol.

Question 3

Briefly explain why a straight-through connection is not possible between a personal computer and a PAC.

Answer 3

If a straight-through cable were used to connect a personal computer to a PAC (which is also a computer), both devices would be sending output data from pin 2 and attempting to use each other's pin 2 as an input for data. Furthermore, both devices would be looking for input data on pin 3 while connected to each other through pin 3. This type of connection would not allow communication between the two devices.

Question 4

The RS-232 communication standard defines the number of pins and wires that must be used in establishing the connection.

Question 5

If the wires go directly between the two devices, pin for pin, this is referred to as a(n) ____________________ connection.

Question 6

A serial connection to a PLC is a direct connection between the personal computer and the controller.

Question 7

A set of rules that govern the way that data is formatted and timed as it is transmitted between the sending and receiving devices is known as a(n) ____________________.

Question 8

The common name for the communication cable where wires 2 and 3 are crossed is a(n) ____________________ cable.

Question 9

Used to verify communication with the PAC, the ____________________ screen displays an X through the controller if communications were established at one point but have currently been lost.

Question 10

Briefly distinguish between the functions of a null modem cable and a straight-through serial cable by providing examples of the types of devices connected with each.

Question 11

Any PAC with an RS-232 serial port can communicate with any other RS-232 port.

Question 12

The RS-232 standard specifies that computer devices have ____________________ connectors

Question 13

Controllers using serial communications typically default to node 01.

Question 14

The simplest connection between a personal computer and a PAC is a serial connection.

Question 15

If auto configuration fails to find the controller, what are three checks that can be performed?