ProSoft Technology PLX51-DL User manual

PLX51-DL-232
Data Logger
Data Storage Module
June 22, 2022
USER MANUAL

ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 2 of 59
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PLX51-DL-232 User Manual
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June 22, 2022
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PLX51-DL-232 Contents
Data Logger User Manual
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Contents
Your Feedback Please ................................................................................................................2
How to Contact Us.......................................................................................................................2
Content Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................2
Agency Approvals and Certifications...........................................................................................3
1Preface 6
1.1 Introduction to the Data Logger .........................................................................6
1.2 Features.............................................................................................................6
1.3 Additional Information ........................................................................................8
2Installation 9
2.1 Module Layout ...................................................................................................9
2.2 Module Mounting .............................................................................................11
2.3 Power...............................................................................................................12
2.4 RS232 Port ......................................................................................................12
2.5 Ethernet Port....................................................................................................12
3Setup 13
3.1 Install Configuration Software..........................................................................13
3.2 Network Parameters ........................................................................................14
3.2.1 DHCP Server Settings .....................................................................................14
3.2.2 Network Settings..............................................................................................16
3.3 Creating a New Project....................................................................................18
3.4 Configuring the PLX51-DL-232........................................................................20
3.4.1 General Tab.....................................................................................................20
3.4.2 Serial Tab.........................................................................................................21
3.5 Data Source Configuration ..............................................................................22
3.5.1 Group and Tag Triggers ..................................................................................22
3.5.2 Logix Source....................................................................................................23
3.5.3 DF1 Source......................................................................................................26
3.5.4 Modbus Source................................................................................................27
3.6 Module Download ............................................................................................27
4RSLogix 5000 Configuration 30
4.1 Add Module to I/O Configuration .....................................................................30
4.2 Importing UDT’s and Mapping Routines..........................................................32
4.3 RSLogix 5000 assemblies ...............................................................................35
4.3.1 Input Assembly ................................................................................................35
5Diagnostics 37
5.1 LEDs ................................................................................................................37
5.2 Module Status Monitoring ................................................................................38
5.2.1 General Tab.....................................................................................................40
5.2.2 Statistics tab.....................................................................................................41

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5.2.3 Tag Status Tab ................................................................................................42
5.2.4 Recent Records Tab........................................................................................43
5.2.5 Record Management Tab ................................................................................44
5.2.6 CIP Statistics Tab ............................................................................................45
5.2.7 Ethernet Clients Tab ........................................................................................46
5.2.8 TCP / ARP Tab ................................................................................................47
5.3 DF1 Packet Capture ........................................................................................48
5.4 Modbus Packet Capture ..................................................................................50
5.5 Module Event Log............................................................................................53
5.6 Web Server......................................................................................................54
6Technical Specifications 55
6.1 Dimensions ......................................................................................................55
6.2 Electrical ..........................................................................................................56
6.3 Ethernet ...........................................................................................................56
6.4 Data Cache......................................................................................................57
6.5 Serial Port ........................................................................................................57
6.6 DF1 ..................................................................................................................57
6.7 Modbus ............................................................................................................58
7Support, Service & Warranty 59
7.1 Contacting Technical Support..........................................................................59
7.2 Warranty Information .......................................................................................59

PLX51-DL-232 Preface
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1 Preface
1.1 Introduction to the Data Logger
This manual describes the installation, configuration, operation, and diagnostics of the
PLX51-DL-232. The PLX51-DL-232 can read and store data from Logix Controllers, DF1
Serial Interfaces, or Modbus devices. The PLX51-DL-232 has the capacity to store over
16 million records in its solid-state non-volatile memory. Each stored record includes a
Date Time stamp with a 50 ms resolution, Tag Name, Data Type, and Value.
The PLX51-DL-232 can be used to log data at a remote site with limited communication
with its base. The PLX51-DL-232 is also used to store records on mobile equipment
such as trucks, drilling rigs, or snow plows. Once the equipment returns back to its base,
the historical data can be uploaded and transferred to a more permanent storage device.
The PLX51-DL-232 can also be configured to collect data which is only downloaded and
examined if a fault occurs, otherwise the data is overwritten.
Figure 1.1. – Non-Historian Option
1.2 Features
The PLX51-DL-232 provides temporary extensive on-board storage capability for storing
process tags. A total of 16,777,216 records can be stored in its non-volatile memory.
Each record consists of the following data:
Table 1.1. – Components of a Record
Parameter
Link
Date Time UTC Time includes: Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute, Second, Milliseconds.
Time has a resolution of 50 milliseconds.
Tag Name As defined in Controller or in the PLX50 Configuration Utility for other sources
Data Type BOOL, SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL
Value Logix Tag / DF1 File / Modbus Register value

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The Log Index is managed by the PLX51-DL-232 and incremented each time a new
record is stored. The Unload Index is managed externally by the unload service. It is
only incremented after a record has been logged successfully to a text file. The records
can be unloaded in Logix with the Example Code. Both the Log Index and Unload
Indices loop around, eventually reaching the end of the cache. The cache becomes
100% full when the Log Index loops around and equals the Unload Index. In this
situation, either older records are overwritten (Log Mode = Overwrite) or newer records
are not logged (Log Mode = Hold).
Figure 1.2. - Memory Schematic
The PLX51-DL-232 is configured using the ProSoft PLX50 Configuration Utility. This
program can be downloaded from www.prosoft-technology.com, free of charge. The
PLX50 Configuration Utility offers various configuration methods, including a controller
tag browser. The PLX50 Configuration Utility can also be used to monitor the status and
download historical data to a local file.
The PLX51-DL-232 can operate in both a Logix “owned” and standalone mode. With a
Logix connection, the input and output assemblies provide additional diagnostics
information. This information is available in the Logix controller environment.
The PLX51-DL-232 uses isolated RS232 for DF1 communication. The RS232 port also
uses a terminal block for convenient installation.
A built-in webserver provides detailed diagnostics of system configuration and operation.

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1.3 Additional Information
The following documents contain additional information that can assist you with
installation and operation.
Table 1.2. - Additional Information
Resource
Link
PLX50 Configuration
Utility Installation www.prosoft-technology.com
User Manual
Datasheet
Example Code & UDTs
www.prosoft-technology.com
Ethernet wiring standard www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/video/cds/cde/cde205_220_420/installation/guid
e/cde205_220_420_hig/Connectors.html
CIP Routing The CIP Networks Library, Volume 1, Appendix C:Data Management

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2 Installation
2.1 Module Layout
The PLX51-DL-232 has three ports at the bottom of the enclosure, as shown in the
figure below. The ports are used for Ethernet, RS232 serial, and power.
The DC power port uses a three-way connector (+positive, -negative, and Earth).
The RS232 port uses a four-way connector (Tx Transmit, Rx Receive, Gnd Ground, and
Shield earth connection).
The Ethernet cable must be wired according to industry standards which can be found in
the additional information section of this document.
Figure 2.1. – Data Logger side and bottom view
The PLX51-DL-232 provides three diagnostic LEDs (Ok, Act, and Eth). These LEDs
provide information on system operation, the Ethernet interface, and the auxiliary
communication interface (RS232).

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Figure 2.2. – Module front and top view
The PLX51-DL-232 has four DIP switches at the top of the enclosure as shown above.
Table 2.1. - DIP Switch Settings
DIP Switch
Description
DIP 1 Used to force the PLX51-DL-232 into “Safe Mode”. When in “Safe Mode”, the
PLX51-DL-232 does not load the application firmware. It waits for new firmware to
be downloaded. This should only be used when a firmware update was interrupted
at a critical stage.
DIP 2 Used to force the PLX51-DL-232 into DHCP mode, useful when the user has
forgotten the IP address of the PLX51-DL-232.
DIP 3 Reserved
DIP 4 Reserved

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2.2 Module Mounting
The PLX51-DL-232 provides a DIN rail clip to mount onto a 35mm DIN rail.
Figure 2.3. - DIN rail specification
The DIN rail clip is mounted on the bottom of the PLX51-DL-232. Use a flat screw driver
to pull the clip downward. Once the PLX51-DL-232 is mounted onto the DIN rail, the clip
must be pushed upward to lock the PLX51-DL-232 in place.
Figure 2.4. - DIN rail mouting

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2.3 Power
A three-way power connector is used to connect + positive, - negative, and Earth. The
PLX51-DL-232 requires an input voltage of 10 to 28 Vdc.
Figure 2.5. - Power connector
2.4 RS232 Port
The RS232 connector is used to connect the Transmit (Tx), Receive (Rx), and Ground
conductors for serial communication. The shield terminal can be used for shielded cable
in high noise environments.
Important: The shield of the RS232 port is internally connected to the power connector earth. Thus, when
using a shield it is important to connect the Earth terminal on the power connector to a clean earth. Failing
to do this can lower the signal quality of the RS232 communication.
Important: When using a shielded cable, it is important that only one end of the shield is connected to earth
to avoid current loops. It is recommended to connect the shield to the PLX51-DL-232, and not to the other
Serial device.
Figure 2.6. - RS232 connector
2.5 Ethernet Port
The Ethernet connector should be wired according to industry standards. Refer to the
additional information section in this document for further details.

PLX51-DL-232 Setup
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3 Setup
3.1 Install Configuration Software
The PLX51-DL-232 is configured using the PLX50 Configuration Utility environment.
This software can be downloaded from www.prosoft-technology.com.
Figure 3.1. - PLX50 Configuration Utility Environment

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3.2 Network Parameters
3.2.1 DHCP Server Settings
By default, the PLX51-DL-232 has DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
enabled. Thus, a DHCP server must be used to provide the PLX51-DL-232 with the
required network parameters (IP address, subnet mask, etc.). There are a number of
DHCP utilities available. However, it is recommended to use the DHCP server in the
PLX50 Configuration Utility.
1 Within the PLX50 Configuration Utility, click on TOOLS > DHCP SERVER.
Figure 3.2. - Selecting DHCP Server
2 Once opened, the DHCP server listens on all available network adapters for DHCP
requests and displays their corresponding MAC addresses.
Figure 3.3. - DHCP Server

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Note: If the DHCP requests are not displayed in the DHCP Server, it may be due to the local PC’s firewall.
During installation, the necessary firewall rules are automatically created for the Windows firewall. Another
possibility is that another DHCP Server is operational on the network and it has assigned the IP address.
3 To assign an IP address, click on the corresponding ASSIGN button. The Assign IP
Address dialog box opens.
Figure 3.4. - Assigning IP Address
The required IP address can then be either entered, or a recently used IP address
can be selected by clicking on an item in the Recent list.
If the Enable Static checkbox is checked, the IP address will be set to static after the
IP assignment, thereby disabling future DHCP requests.
4 Click OK when complete.
5 Once the Assign IP Address dialog box has been accepted, the DHCP server
automatically assigns the IP address to the PLX51-DL-232 and reads the Identity
Object Product name from the device. The device indicates a green background
upon successful assignment of the IP address.
Figure 3.5. - Successful IP address assignment

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It is possible to force the PLX51-DL-232 into DHCP mode by powering up the device
with DIP switch 2 in the On position. A new IP address can then be assigned by
repeating the previous steps.
Important: It is important to return DIP switch 2 back to Off position, to avoid the PLX51-DL-232 returning to
a DHCP mode after the power is cycled again.
In addition to the setting the IP address, other network parameters can be set during the
DHCP process. These settings can be viewed and edited by clicking on TOOLS >
APPLICATION SETTINGS.
3.2.2 Network Settings
Once the DHCP process has been completed, the network settings can be set using the
Ethernet Port Configuration via the Target Browser.
1 Click on Tools > Target Browser
Figure 3.6. - Selecting the Target Browser
2 The Target Browser automatically scans the Ethernet network for EtherNet/IP
devices.
Figure 3.7. - Target Browser

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3 Right-clicking on a device reveals the context menu, including the Port Configuration
option.
Figure 3.8. - Selecting Port Configuration
4 All relevant Ethernet port configuration parameters can be modified using the Port
Configuration dialog box.
Figure 3.9. - Port Configuration
Alternatively, these parameters can be modified using the Rockwell Automation
RSLinx software.

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3.3 Creating a New Project
Before you configure the PLX51-DL-232, a new PLX50 Configuration Utility project must
be created.
1 Click on File > New.
Figure 3.10. - Creating a new project
2 A new project is created and displayed in the Project Explorer tree view.
3 Add a new device by clicking on DEVICE > ADD.
Figure 3.11 - Adding a new device

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4 In the Add New Device dialog box, select the PLX51-DL-232 and click the Ok button.
Figure 3.12 – Selecting a new PLX51-DL-232
5 The device appears in the Project Explorer tree, and its configuration window is
opened. The device configuration window can also be opened by double-clicking the
PLX51-DL-232 icon in the Project Explorer tree, or right-clicking the PLX51-DL-232
icon and selecting Configuration.
Figure 3.13 – PLX51-DL-232 configuration

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3.4 Configuring the PLX51-DL-232
The PLX51-DL-232 is configured by the PLX50 Configuration Utility. The configuration
consists of a general configuration, serial configuration for DF1 or Modbus RTU, data
source configuration, and tag selections. The PLX51-DL-232 configuration is saved in
non-volatile memory that persists when the PLX51-DL-232 is powered down.
Important: When a firmware upgrade is performed, the PLX51-DL-232 will clear all configuration and
cached records.
3.4.1 General Tab
The general configuration is shown in the figure below. The general configuration
window is opened by either double-clicking on the PLX51-DL-232 icon in the tree, or
right-clicking the PLX51-DL-232 icon and selecting Configuration.
Figure 3.14 - General Configuration (Data Logger)
The general configuration consists of the following parameters:
Table 3.1 - General configuration parameters
Parameter
Description
Instance Name This parameter is a user defined name to identify between various PLX51-DL-
232’s.
Description This parameter is used to provide a more detailed description of the PLX51-DL-
232.
Major Revision The major revision of the PLX51-DL-232.
IP Address The PLX51-DL-232’s IP address used by the PLX50 Configuration Utility to
communicate with the PLX51-DL-232.
Data Source This parameter selects the source of the data.
Logix – Rockwell Automation ControlLogix or Compact Logix controller
DF1 – Serial DF1