QTS AN-X3-AMX User manual

AN-X3-AMX
Reliance AutoMax
DCSNet
Communication
Module
User Manual
Quest Technical Solutions
321 757-8483
qtsusa.com
qtsusa.com/dist

Page 2 AN-X3-DCSNet
November 2023
Throughout this manual we use notes to make you aware of safety
considerations.
WARNING!
Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to
personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.
These warnings help to:
• identify a hazard
• avoid the hazard
• recognize the consequences
IMPORTANT! Identifies information that is especially important for successful
application and understanding of the product.
TIP Identifies information that explains the best way to use the AN-
X3-DCSNet
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows, Windows XP etc. are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
ControlLogix, RSLinx and RSLogix 5000 are trademarks of the Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.

AN-X3-AMX DCSNET MODULE OVERVIEW 2
Hardware Features 3
Package Contents 3
Other Requirements 3
Identifying the AN-X3 versus the Original AN-X 4
Differences from the Original AN-X 4
Using the MicroSD Card 4
AN-X3 Modes of Operation 5
INSTALLATION 6
Prevent Electrostatic Discharge 6
Power 6
DCSNet Cabling and Termination 6
Ethernet Cabling 7
CONFIGURATION 8
Initial Ethernet Configuration 8
DHCP 9
Static IP Address 10
Hostname 10
Firmware 10
Submitting the Configuration 10
Reconfiguring an AN-X from an Unknown State 11
The Configuration File 11
If the link-local address is not accessible… 12
DCSNET CONFIGURATION 15
DCS Diagnostic Counters 15
USING THE AUTOMAX PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE 17

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Requirements 17
Installing and Configuring the VDD 17
Configuring the Programming Software 18
Multiple Programmer Access 19
Connecting to a Different AN-X3 20
EXCHANGING SCHEDULED DATA WITH A CONTROLLOGIX 21
Configuring the AN-X in RSLogix 5000 21
Mapping the DCS Data 24
Sample DCS-SLV File 25
Sample DCS-MAS File 26
Sending the Configuration to AN-X3 26
Viewing the Current Configuration 27
Ethernet/IP Log 27
ControlLogix Tags 27
Diagnostic Data – Connection 15 27
AN-X TO AN-X COMMUNICATION 30
ETHERNET PLC-5 FILE EMULATION 31
USING RSLINX TO VIEW DATA 32
TROUBLESHOOTING 34
LEDs 34
Ethernet LEDs 34
SYS LED 34
“Railroading” – SYS and NET LEDs 35
SYS and NET LEDs: Runtime 35
Fatal Errors 36
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE 37
Obtaining the Latest Software 37
SPECIFICATIONS 38

SUPPORT 39
WARRANTY 40

AN-X3-AMX DCSNet Module Overview
The AN-X3-AMX supports several firmware images. This manual
focuses on AN-X3-DCS-MAS and AN-X3-DCS-SLV firmware.
Information that applies to both is referred to as AN-X3-DCSNet.
The AN-X3-DCSNet communications module connects a computer or
other device to a Reliance DCSNet network, using Ethernet. The
module supports DCSNet master or a DCS slave.
As a DCS master, the module:
• Scans up to 55 slave drops
• Transmits 8 words of broadcast data every 2.8 ms.
• Maintains standard DCS diagnostic counters
As a DCS slave, the module:
• Acts as any drop from 1 to 55, with drop depth from 1 to 55. It
supports 32 words of input data and 32 words of output data per drop
• Receives 8 words of broadcast data from the master every 2.8 ms.
• Monitors the input and output data on others drops on the network
• Maintains standard DCS diagnostic counters
You can use the AN-X3-DCSNet module to communicate with an
AutoMax processor, using AutoMax Programming Executive 3.9A or
4.3A or above. Refer to page 17 for details.
The AN-X3-DCSNet module supports exchanging scheduled data over
Ethernet with an Ethernet/IP Originator, including ControlLogix
processors, with any available RPI. Refer to page 21 for details.
You can use a DDE or OPC server such as RSLinx to access the DCS
data directly on the AN-X3-DCSNet. The module "emulates" PLC-5
integer files N100-N155. Each file is 64 words and corresponds to DCS
drops 0-55. Refer to page 31 for details.
The AN-X3-DCSNet module has a web interface for configuration and
monitoring.
A watchdog timer is implemented in the module’s hardware. If the
firmware does not kick the watchdog within the timeout period the
watchdog times out and places the module into a safe fatal failure state.
A jabber inhibit timer is implemented in the module’s hardware. If the
network transmitter is on longer than 150% of the longest network frame
time, the transmitter is forced off and the module is placed into a safe
fatal failure state.
The module firmware can be updated from the web interface, or copied
to the modules micro SD card. Refer to page 37 for details.

AN-X3-DCSNet Page 3
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Hardware Features
The module has:
• LEDs to indicate the status of the connection to the Ethernet, its
own internal state, and the connection to the DCS network
• an Ethernet connector
• a 9-pin D-shell connector to connect to the DCS network
• a power connector
Package Contents
• AN-X3-DCSNet module
• 3 pin Phoenix power connector
Other Requirements
To use the AN-X3-DCSNet with the AutoMax Programming Executive
requires:
• version 3.9A or 4.3A or above of the programming executive
• version 3.1.0.4 or above of the Virtual Device Driver
To exchange scheduled data with a ControlLogix processor over
Ethernet requires:
• version 12 or above of RSLogix 5000
• version 12 or above of the ControlLogix firmware
• 100 Mbit/second Ethernet network and hardware (ENBT etc.)

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Identifying the AN-X3 versus the Original AN-X
The label on the bottom toward the front says AN-X3.
There is a slot at the back for the microSD card.
When initially powered up:
 AN-X3 railroads (alternates) SYS and NET LEDs green as it
starts up
 without the Ethernet cable attached, the Ethernet 10/100 (upper)
LED is on for AN-X3 (both Ethernet LEDs are off for the
original AN-X)
Differences from the Original AN-X
AN-X3 modules have a microSD card for storage of firmware and
configuration data.
You no longer need AnxInit; everything can be done from the web
interface or by editing files on the microSD card.
Operation is simplified, there are production and maintenance modes
only.
The AN-X3 requires firmware version 4 and above.
The AN-X3 uses the same hardware interface to the automation
networks.
The AN-X3 uses two Data – INT connections. RIO Data in slot 0,
diagnostic and staus information in slot15.
Using the MicroSD Card
The AN-X3 microSD card stores configuration data and firmware.
The are no restrictions on the size or speed of the card. The format must
be FAT-16 or FAT-32.
The card must be present while the AN-X3 is running.
WARNING! Do not remove the card while the AN-X3 is powered on!
If the AN-X3 is inaccessible from Ethernet because of its settings, you
can remove the card and edit the file config.txt. Refer to page 11 for
details.
Reinsert the card in the slot at the back of the AN-X3, with the pins
facing up.
WARNING!
If you remove the card to edit the configuration file, push the card in
straight or the card might fall inside the case and you will have to
disassemble the AN-X3 to retrieve it (7/64 Allen wrench) .

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AN-X3 Modes of Operation
There are two AN-X3 modes of operation:
• Maintenance mode. The AN-X3 runs the maintenance firmware at
startup. It performs diagnostics (memory tests, etc), copies any
changes from the microSD card. If there are no errors, it starts the
AN-X3 in production mode.
• Production mode. This is the normal runtime mode of operation.

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Installation
Prevent Electrostatic Discharge
The module is sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
WARNING!
Electrostatic discharge can damage integrated circuits or
semiconductors. Follow these guidelines when you handle the module:
• Touch a grounded object to discharge static potential
• Do not touch the connector pins
Power
AN-X3 requires a DC power input of anywhere from 12 to 24 VDC.
Left to right the pins on the power connector are chassis ground, negative
voltage and positive voltage.
The chassis ground should be connected.
Maximum power consumption is 3.6 watts, 300 mA @ 12VDC, 150 mA
@ 24VDC.
The part number for the power connector is:
Phoenix 1757022
(Old part number: MSTB 2.5/3-ST-5.08)
DCSNet Cabling and Termination
Use a DCSNet drop cable (612574-36R or 612403-036R) and passive tap
(M/N 57C380) to connect the module to the coaxial network cable.
The drop cable is a 3-foot long multiconductor cable with 9-pin D-shell
connectors at each end. Connect one end to the connector on the module
and the other end to the passive tap.

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The passive tap has two BNC connectors for connection to the coaxial
cables and terminating loads.
The network coaxial cable must be terminated with 75 ohm terminating
loads attached to the taps at the physical ends of the network. There
should be two and only two terminators on the network.
The DCS network cable can be RG-59/U or RG-11/U.
Ethernet Cabling
AN-X3 has a standard RJ-45 connector for connecting to Ethernet.
If you are connecting AN-X3 to an existing network through a router or
switch, use a standard Ethernet cable.
If you are connecting a computer or PLC directly to an AN-X3, use a
crossover cable.

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Configuration
The AN-X3-DCSNet module connects a computer or other device on
Ethernet to a Reliance DCS network.
Before you can use the AN-X3-DCSNet , you must configure its
Ethernet network properties.
Initial Ethernet Configuration
AN-X can be configured:
 to use a static (unchanging) IP address
 to obtain its IP address from a DHCP server
 to use the fixed link-local address 169.254.42.84
AN-X modules are shipped with the link-local address 169.254.42.84.
Unless you have control of the DHCP server, in most applications you
will assign the AN-X a static IP address. Otherwise the DHCP server
may assign a different IP address when the AN-X powers up, and any
software that accesses the AN-X module would have to be reconfigured.
If you are using multiple AN-X modules, connect and configure one at a
time, since initially they will all be set to the same link-local IP address.
IMPORTANT!
If you are connecting AN-X to an existing Ethernet network, consult the
network administrator to obtain information about how you should
configure AN-X or to obtain a static IP address for AN-X.
You configure the Ethernet properties using the web interface.
Start a web browser and enter the address 169.254.42.84
TIP The AN-X3 must be on the same subnet as the computer to use the link-
local IP address. It cannot be connected through a router.
You configure the Ethernet properties using the web interface.
Start a web browser and enter the address 169.254.42.84

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Select Administration/AN-X IP/FW Configuration.
The AN-X3 IP/FW Configuration page appears.
At the top the screen the serial number and MAC address of the AN-X
being configured are shown.
Check either DHCP or Static.
DHCP
If the AN-X3 finds a DHCP server on the network, it obtains an IP
address and other network parameters (netmask and default gateway)
from the DHCP server.
To find the address assigned, you have to look at DHCP server.

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When you submit the changes, if the AN-X3 does not find a DHCP
server, it reverts to the default link local address 169.254.42.84 and
repeatedly flashes the SYS LED 3 times red followed by a pause.
Static IP Address
If you select static IP address, enter:
• the IP address for the AN-X.
• the netmask for the AN-X
• the default gateway for your network.
You must enter a valid default gateway address even if there is no device
at the gateway address on the network.
Hostname
Enter a Hostname for the AN-X3. This name is used internally by AN-X
and may be used to identify the AN-X if you have a DNS server on your
network. The name can be from 1 to 30 characters long.
This name may be used when configuring Ethernet/IP ControlLogix
scheduled connections as well.
TIP When you configure the AN-X in RSLogix 5000, use this same name for
the emulated ENBT. See page 22.
Firmware
Select the firmware the AN-X is to load from the list provided. AN-X
builds the list from the firmware files on the microSD card that are
compatible with the AN-X hardware.
Submitting the Configuration
Once you have entered all required parameters, click SUBMIT to write
the configuration to the file config.txt on the microSD card. The changes
do not take effect until the AN-X restarts.
The following page appears when you click SUBMIT

AN-X3-DCSNet Page 11
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Click Continue to restart the AN-X3, then wait until the AN-X has
completely restarted before continuing.
If you have changed the IP address, you will have to enter the new IP
address in the browser’s address field.
Reconfiguring an AN-X from an Unknown State
It sometimes happens that an AN-X has been previously configured with
an IP address that causes it to be inaccessible on the current Ethernet
network or the IP address is unknown.
Remove the microSD card and edit the file config.txt using a text editor
such as Windows Notepad to set the AN-X3 to the desired configuration.
The Configuration File
The Ethernet configuration and the name of the production firmware file
to load are stored in the text file config.txt on the microSD card.
When you perform the Administration/AN-X IP/FW Configuration
command from the web interface, it writes the results to config.txt.
Each line consists of a keyword followed by a colon and then a value.
Example:
IP: 192.168.1.12
Anything after a semicolon on a line is treated as a comment.
Keyword Possible Values
IP LOCAL
DHCP
static IP address

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Netmask Ethernet netmask, used only if IP is a static IP address
DefGtwy default gateway, used only if IP is a static IP address
Hostname Ethernet host name, from 1 to 30 characters
Firmware Firmware file to run at startup, must be present on microSD card
If you edit the file and AN-X3 finds an error during startup, it flashes an
error code on the SYS LED, see page 34.
Example config.txt files
Example: Link- Local IP address
IP: LOCAL
Hostname: AnxAmxDcs
Firmware: AN-X3-DCS-MAS
Example: DHCP
IP: DHCP
Hostname: AnxAmxDcs
Firmware: AN-X3-DCS-MAS
Example: static IP address
IP: 192.168.1.14
NetMask: 255.255.255.0
DefGtwy: 192.168.1.1
HostName: AnxAmxDcs
Firmware: AN-X3-DCS-MAS
If the link-local address is not accessible…
Addresses 169.254.1.0 to 169.254.254.255 are reserved for use on a local
network. AN-X3 modules are shipped set to the address 169.254.42.84
for initial configuration. This address is almost always accessible from a
computer on the same local Ethernet as the AN-X.
If you cannot access the AN-X3 at address 169.254.42.84 using a web
browser, there are two options for setting the AN-X Ethernet parameters.
Option 1: Edit config.txt on the SD card
Turn off power to the AN-X, remove the microSD card, insert it in a card
reader in your computer, and edit the file config.txt. Refer to page 11 for
details on the file contents.
Replace the microSD card in the AN-X and turn on the power. Confirm
that you can access the AN-X at the address you set.

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Option 2: Add a route to 169.254.42.84
Open a command prompt window and type
route print
TIP It may be necessary to start the command prompt as administrator.
The routing table appears
===========================================================================
Interface List
0x1 ........................... MS TCP Loopback interface
0x2 ...00 18 8b c5 9d f7 ...... Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller -
Packet Scheduler Miniport
===========================================================================
===========================================================================
Active Routes:
Network Destination Netmask Gateway Interface Metric
0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.10.0.1 10.10.0.20 20
10.10.0.0 255.255.255.0 10.10.0.20 10.10.0.20 20
10.10.0.20 255.255.255.255 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 20
10.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 10.10.0.20 10.10.0.20 20
64.215.255.122 255.255.255.255 10.10.0.1 10.10.0.20 20
127.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 1
169.254.0.0 255.255.0.0 10.10.0.20 10.10.0.20 20
224.0.0.0 240.0.0.0 10.10.0.20 10.10.0.20 20
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 10.10.0.20 10.10.0.20 1
Default Gateway: 10.10.0.1
===========================================================================
Persistent Routes:
None
If there is no entry in the network destination column that starts with
169.254.0.0 (highlighted above), add a route using
route add 169.254.0.0 mask 255.255.0.0 10.10.0.20 metric 20
where 10.10.0.20 is replaced with the IP address of the interface
(network card) in your computer that is to communicate with the AN-X3.

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Repeat the route print command and confirm that the table now has an
entry similar to the one shown.
Now try pinging the AN-X3 at 169.254.42.84. You should now be able
to access it using a browser to set the desired Ethernet configuration.
When you add a route in Windows and you want it to be 'persistent', use
the -p option:
route –p add 169.254.0.0 mask 255.255.0.0 10.10.0.20 metric 20
That puts the route in the registry and it is added at each start up.

AN-X3-DCSNet Page 15
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DCSNet Configuration
You set the DCS mode of operation (master or slave) by choosing AN-
X3-DCS-MAS or AN-X3-DCS-SLV firmware.
If DCS-MAS firmware is selected, the Drop Number is 0 and there is
nothing to configure.
If DCS-SLV firmware is selected, select Automation Network/Configure
DCSNet to set the DCS drop number and depth.
AN-X3 defaults to DCS slave operation with drop number 55 and drop
depth 1.
The DCS-SLV can be configured to “Listen Only Mode” by setting the
Drop Number to 254 and the Drop Depth to 0. In this mode, the AN-X is
not an active drop and cannot send any registers to them DCS Master,
but it listens to and makes available register data for all active drops on
the DCSNet.
DCS Diagnostic Counters
AN-X3 maintains standard DCS drop 0 diagnostic counters. Use
Automation Network/Monitor DCSNet in the web interface to view the
diagnostic counters.
The counters are:
Register Meaning
4-7 Drop status table
12 Local station’s drop number
14 Messages received
15 Receive timeouts
16 CRC errors
17 Overrun errors
18 Abort errors
19 Messages transmitted

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Register Meaning
20 Local station’s drop depth
In the drop status table, register 4 contains status for drops 0 to 15, bit 0
corresponds to drop 0 (the master), bit 1 corresponds to drop 1, and so
on. Register 5 contains the status of drops 16 to 31, register 6 contains
the status of drops 32 to 47 and register 7 contains the status of drops 48
to 55.