Unitronics Vision 230 User manual

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

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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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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
6
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.