Unitronics Vision 230 User manual

User Guide
Vision 230TM
Vision 260TM
Vision 280TM
01/04 V200-21-G20

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Unitronics.
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purposes only. Unitronics makes no warranty of any kind with
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but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and/or
fitness for a particular use or purpose. Unitronics assumes no
responsibility for the results, direct and/or indirect, of any misuse
of the information appearing in this document nor for any use of
the Unitronics products referred to herein in any manner
deviating from the recommendations made in this document.
Unitronics assumes no responsibility for the use of any parts,
components, or other ancillary appliances including circuitry other
than as recommended hereunder or other than that embodied in
the Unitronics product.
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Unitronics reserves the right to revise this publication from time to
time and to amend its contents and related hardware and
software at any time. Technical updates (if any) may be included
in subsequent editions (if any).

i
Preface
This guide contains essential information for Vision OPLC™ users. Note that illustrations
showing the Vision230 (V230) also refer to the models Vision260 (V260) and Vision280
(V280), except where specified.
Warnings and Safety Guidelines
Read this section carefully before installing and operating the device.
Chapter 1: Overview
Contains a general description of the device’s features and functions.
Chapter 2: Mounting
Describes mounting considerations and procedures.
Chapter 3: Power Supply
Explains wiring procedures and considerations.
Chapter 4: I/Os
Presents I/O options; shows how to attach a Snap-in I/O Module.
Chapter 5: Communications
Contains program download instructions as well as information on RS232 communications
and CANbus networking, including wiring.
Chapter 6: Information Mode
Describes how to use Information Mode to view runtime values, set timer values, reset and
initialize the controller and check I/O module status.
Chapter 7: Operating Panel Options
Explains how to adjust the LCD contrast, and how to use slides to label keys.
Appendix A: System Data Types
Contains tables showing internal system elements.
Appendix B: Technical Specifications
Provides detailed technical specifications.
Appendix C: New PLC Users
Provides information for new PLC users.

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
ii
Table of Contents
Preface i
Guidelines for user safety and equipment protection........................................................... iii
Warnings .............................................................................................................................. iv
Chapter 1: Overview 5
Introducing the Vision OPLC™...............................................................................................5
Technical Description 6
Safety Guidelines 8
Chapter 2: Mounting 9
Before You Begin ..................................................................................................................9
Safety and Environmental Guidelines .................................................................................10
Mounting..............................................................................................................................11
Chapter 3: Power Supply 15
Power Supply ......................................................................................................................15
Safety Considerations .........................................................................................................15
Wiring the Power Supply .....................................................................................................15
Chapter 4: I/Os 17
Installing a Snap-in I/O Module ...........................................................................................17
Removing a Snap-in I/O Module .........................................................................................18
Installing I/O Expansion Modules ........................................................................................18
Chapter 5: Communications 19
RS232..................................................................................................................................19
Downloading Your Program ................................................................................................20
Connecting the Controller to the PC 20
CANbus ...............................................................................................................................20
CANbus Wiring Specifications 21
Chapter 6: Information Mode 23
Using Information Mode ......................................................................................................23
Chapter 7: Operating Panel Options 29
Adjusting the LCD screen contrast......................................................................................29
Labeling keys.......................................................................................................................29
Removing and Inserting Your Slides 30
Appendix A: System Data Types 31
Appendix B: Technical Specifications 35
Appendix C: New PLC Users 39
Parts of a PLC .....................................................................................................................39
How PLCs Work ..................................................................................................................39
Table of Figures 41

Preface
iii
Warnings and Safety Guidelines
Guidelines for user safety and equipment protection
This manual is intended to aid trained and competent personnel in the installation of this
equipment as defined by the European directives for machinery, low voltage, and EMC. Only
a technician or engineer trained in the local and national electrical standards should perform
tasks associated with the electrical wiring of this device.
Symbols are used to highlight information relating to the user’s personal safety and protection
of the equipment throughout this manual.
When any of the following symbols appear, the associated information must be read carefully
and understood fully.
Danger Symbols
Symbol Meaning Description
Titl
Danger The identified danger
causes physical and
property damage.
Warning The identified danger
could cause physical
and property damage.
Caution Caution Use caution.

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
iv
Warnings
• Under no circumstances will Unitronics be liable or responsible for any consequential
damage that may arise as a result of installation or use of this equipment.
• All examples and diagrams shown in the manual are intended to aid understanding.
They do not guarantee operation.
• Unitronics accepts no responsibility for actual use of this product based on these
examples.
• Due to the great variety of possible applications for this equipment, the user must
assess the suitability of this product for specific applications.
• Make sure to have safety procedures in place to stop any connected equipment in a safe
manner if the controller should malfunction or become damaged for any reason.
• Do not replace electrical parts or try to repair this product in any way.
• Only qualified service personnel should open the device’s housing or carry out repairs.
• The manufacturer is not responsible for problems resulting from improper or
irresponsible use of this device.
• Please dispose of this product in accordance with local and national standards and
regulations.

5
Chapter 1: Overview
Introducing the Vision OPLC™1
Vision OPLCs are programmable logic controllers that comprise an integral operating panel.
Compactly designed, these controllers are compatible with different types of Unitronics’ I/O
modules. This allows you to build Vision-controlled systems capable of automating a broad
range of analog and digital applications. All Vision OPLCs offer RS232 communications,
CANbus networking options, and a real-time clock (RTC).
Vision OPLC operating panels contain a graphic LCD screen and a keyboard. Certain models
offer graphic touchscreens. The LCD screen displays operator instructions, alarms, and real-
time variable system information via text and graphic images. The operator uses the
programmable keyboard to enter or modify data within the Vision-controlled system. This
communication interface between the controller and operator is referred to as the HMI, or
Human Machine Interface, throughout this manual.
Figure 1. The Vision System
1Acronym for Operating panel + Programmable Logic Controller

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
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Two types of I/O modules are compatible with Vision OPLCs. I/O modules are available in a
variety of models. Snap-in I/O Modules plug directly into the back of a Vision OPLC,
creating a self-contained PLC unit with a local I/O configuration. I/O Expansion Modules
can also be easily integrated to greatly extend the system’s control capacity.
These features combine to offer a cost-effective solution for medium-sized industrial
applications that require both an operator’s interface and the ability to control small-to-
medium processes according to time and ambient conditions.
Technical Description
The Vision OPLC
• Dimensions: V230: 184 x 155 x 61.4 mm (7.24 x 6.1 x 2.4”)
V260/V280: 260 x 155 x 72 mm (10.24 x 6.1 x 2.8”)
• Mounting: Panel-mounted via brackets
• Power supply: 12 or 24VDC
• Real-time clock (RTC): Enables time and date controlled functions.
• Battery back-up: protects real-time clock (RTC) and all data, including variable data.
Operating Panel
Operating panels comprise either a graphic screen or graphic touchscreen, and a keyboard:
• The LCD screen displays both user-defined text; according to fonts selected in the HMI
program; and user-designed graphic images. Models offering a graphic touchscreen
enable the user to assign ‘tap’ properties to text and graphic objects.
• All models comprise an alphanumeric keypad. V230/260 models offer 6 softkeys, V260
models offer an additional 9 function keys. V280 comprises 9 softkeys. To label keys,
insert keyboard slides as described in: “Chapter 7: Operating Panel Options”, page 29.
I/Os
I/Os are integrated into the system via Snap-in I/O Modules and I/O Expansion Modules.
Vision can support up to 171 digital, high-speed, and analog I/Os; in accordance with the
integrated I/O module types.
Snap-in I/O Modules
These I/O modules easily plug into the back of the controller, providing an on-board I/O
configuration that can include analog and digital I/Os.
I/O Expansion Modules
Via the controller’s I/O expansion port, connect up to 8 I/O Expansion Modules per controller.
Note that all I/O technical specifications are provided in a separate document.

Chapter 1: Overview
7
Communications
RS232
The controller comprises 2 COM ports. These may be used to download programs from a PC,
or to establish communications with devices using the RS232 protocol.
CANbus
The controller comprises 1 port for CANbus networking purposes.
Additional communication port
Optional communication channel; note that certain models comprise a RS485 or Ethernet port.
Information regarding other communication options can be obtained from your distributor.
Programming
Vision OPLC programs comprise both PLC and HMI applications. Both applications are
programmed on a PC using VisiLogic software.
PLC Application
The PLC application enables Vision to perform automation tasks. V230/260/280 models have
an application memory of up to 1000K. VisiLogic enables the programmer to:
• Build the PLC application using click-and-drop Ladder elements and functions.
• Create a modular program, comprised of separate subroutines that can be called into the
PLC application at any time.
HMI Application
The HMI application customizes the operator interface. Use it to:
• Assign functions to the keyboard keys, touchscreen objects (V280 only) and enable the
operator to enter data via the controller keyboard.
• Create and display text, graphic images, and variable system data on the controller’s
screen in response to run-time conditions.
A HMI application can typically comprise up to 255 Displays. Each Display can include text,
graphic images, and variables.
Variables allow you to display system data on the controller’s LCD screen: bit, integer, and
timer values, times and dates, I/O status and values, and text from the variable text display list.
Variables can also use a graphic image or a bar graph to represent a value or range of values.
Typically, 12 fonts in a variety of languages may be installed and used in text messages.
When the VisiLogic program is complete, the programmer downloads it into the controller.
The data types in the tables below can be used in your applications.

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
8
Data Type Symbol Data Type Symbol
Memory Bits (coils):
2048
MB Timers:
192, 32 bit
T
Memory Integers (registers):
1600, 16 bit
MI Counters:
24
C
Memory Long Integers:
256, 32 bit
ML Inputs:
544
I
Double Word (unsigned):
64, 32 bit
DW Outputs:
544
O
Memory Floats:
24
MF
System data types, listed below, are linked to certain values or controller functions and are
reserved for use by the system. Some of them are available for use in your program. See
“Appendix A: System Data Types,” page 31.
Data Type Symbol Data Type Symbol
System Bits:
512
SB System Long Integers:
64, 32 bit
SL
System Integers:
512, 16 bit
SI System Double Word:
64, 32 bit
SDW
Vision controllers also contain Data Tables, which may be used to store data or contain pre-
programmed recipe parameters. Data Tables can occupy up to 120K(RAM)/64K (Flash).
Safety Guidelines
• Failure to comply with appropriate safety guidelines can result
in severe personal injury or property damage. Always exercise
proper caution when working with electrical equipment.
• Check the user program before running it.
• Do not attempt to use the controller with voltage exceeding
permissible levels. Permissible voltage levels are listed in the
technical specifications provided in Appendix B.
• Install an external circuit breaker and take all appropriate
safety measures against short-circuiting in external wiring.
Caution • Ascertain that terminal blocks are properly secured in place.

9
Chapter 2: Mounting
This chapter gives detailed panel mounting instructions.
Before You Begin
Before you begin installation procedures, check the contents of the controller kit. Standard kits
contain the controller, a 3-pin power supply connector, a 5-pin CANbus connector, and 4
mounting brackets, each with a screw inserted. These elements are illustrated in Figure 2
below. Other items in the kit include an envelope containing a wire that is ended by a ring
cable shoe and other hardware that may be used to earth the controller’s power supply. The kit
also includes a rubber seal already seated in back of the operating panel, a CANbus network
termination resistor; a CD-ROM containing VisiLogic software for programming the
controller, a communication cable, this manual, and two sets of keyboard slides which you can
use to label the keyboard keys. Note that one set of slides is already installed in the operating
panel.
Some kits may also include installed Snap-in I/O modules and documentation.
Figure 2. Vision Connectors and Mounting Brackets

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Safety and Environmental Guidelines
• Do not install in areas with: excessive or conductive dust,
corrosive or flammable gas, moisture or rain, excessive heat,
regular impact shocks or excessive vibration.
• Do not place in water or let water leak onto the controller.
• Do not allow debris to fall inside the unit during installation.
• Double-check all the wiring before turning on the power
supply.
• Do not touch live wires.
• Stay as far as possible from high-voltage cables and power
equipment.
• Leave a minimum of 10mm space for ventilation between the
top and bottom edges of the controller and the enclosure
walls.

Chapter 2: Mounting
11
Mounting
Before you begin, note that the mounting panel cannot be more than 5 mm thick.
To maximize system performance, avoid electromagnetic interference by mounting the
controller on a metal panel and earthing the power supply according to the details in
Figure 7, page 16.
1. Make a panel cut-out that is appropriate for your model controller.
V230 cut-out dimensions are shown in Figure 3, page 12.
V260/V280 cut-out dimensions are shown in Figure 4, page 13.
2. If you are mounting the controller on a metal panel, earth the power supply:
a. Bore a hole, as shown below, that suits the NC6-32 screw supplied with the
controller kit.
b. Scrape the panel paint away from the contact area to ensure a conductive connection.
c. Drive the screw into the hole.
d. On the screw’s shank, place the following hardware in this order: washer, ring cable
shoe, second washer, spring, and nut; as shown in Figure 5, page 13.
3. Slide the controller into the cut-out, ensuring that the rubber seal is in place.
4. Push the 4 mounting brackets into their slots on the sides of the controller as shown in
Figure 2, page 9.
5. Tighten the bracket screws against the panel.

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
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Figure 3. V230 Panel Cut-out—Front View

Chapter 2: Mounting
13
Figure 4. V260/V280 Panel Cut-out—Front View
Figure 5. Earth Assembly

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
14
When properly mounted, the controller is squarely situated in the panel cut-out as shown
below.
Figure 6. Panel Mounted—Rear View

15
Chapter 3: Power Supply
Power Supply
The controller requires an external 12 or 24VDC power supply. The permissible input voltage
range is 10.2-28.8VDC, with less than 10% ripple. You must use an external circuit protection
device as shown in Figure 7, page 16.
Safety Considerations
• Do not touch live wires.
• A non-isolated power supply can be used provided that a
0V signal is connected to the chassis.
• Standard safety considerations require that metal cabinet
panels be earthed to avoid electrocution.
• Do not connect either the ‘Neutral or ‘Line’ signal of the
110/220VAC to the device’s 0V pin.
• In the event of voltage fluctuations or non-conformity to
voltage power supply specifications, connect the device
to a regulated power supply.
• The wiring of this device is specifically designed to be
safe and easy. A technician or engineer trained in the local
and national electrical standards should perform all tasks
associated with the electrical wiring of the device.
• Double-check all wiring before turning on the power
supply.
Wiring the Power Supply
• Do not use tin, solder, or any other substance on the
stripped wire that might cause the wire strand to break.
• Install at maximum distance from high-voltage cables and
power equipment.
• To avoid damaging the wire, do not exceed a maximum
torque of 0.5 N·m (5 kgf·m).
We recommend that you use crimp terminals for wiring; use 26-14 AWG wire for all wiring
purposes.

Vision 230/260/280 User Guide
16
6. Strip the wire to a length of 7±0.5 mm (0.250–0.300 inches).
7. Unscrew the terminal to its widest position before inserting a wire.
8. Insert the wire completely into the terminal to ensure a proper connection according to
the figure below.
9. Tighten enough to keep the wire from pulling free.
+V
0V
12 VDC
or 24 VDC
Circuit
protection
device
Figure 7. Power Supply Wiring
Earthing the Power Supply
To maximize system performance, avoid electromagnetic interference by:
• Mounting the controller on a metal panel.
• Earthing the controller’s power supply by connecting the chassis signal to the panel as
shown in Figure 6, page 14, and connecting the tapered end to the power supply as
shown in Figure 7 above.
Note: The wire used to earth the power supply must not exceed 8 cm in length. If your conditions
do not permit this, do not earth the power supply.