Remote Manual Mode

Chapter 3 - SmartController Operation

The Front Panel provides for a Manual Mode circuit (see Figure 3-5 on page 53, Table 3-7 on page 49, and Table 3-8 on page 50, and your robot manual for further details about the customer Remote Manual Mode circuitry).

The Adept Front Panel, or customer-supplied panel, must be incorporated into the robot workcell to provide a “Single Point of Control” (the operator) when the controller is placed in Manual mode. Certain workcell devices, such as PLCs or conveyors, may need to be turned off when the operating mode switch is set to Manual mode. This is to ensure that the robot controller does not receive commands from devices other than from the MCP, the single point of control.

If the user needs to control the Manual/Automatic mode selection from other control equipment, then a custom splitter cable or complete replacement of the Adept Front Panel may be required. See Figure 3-6 on page 54 for the Front Panel schematic. In this situation, a pair of contacts should be wired in series with the Adept Front Panel Manual/Automatic mode contacts. Thus, both the Adept Front Panel and the customer contacts need to be closed to allow Automatic mode.

WARNING: Do not wire customer-supplied Manual/Automatic contacts in parallel with the Adept Front Panel switch contact. This would violate the “Single Point of Control” principle and might allow Automatic (high-speed) mode to be selected while an operator is in the cell.

User Manual/Auto Indication

Two pairs of pins on the XUSR connector (pins 9, 22 and 10, 23) provide a voltage-free contact to indicate whether the Front Panel and/or remote Manual/Automatic switches are closed. The user may use these contacts to control other mechanisms (for example, conveyor, linear modules, etc.) when Manual mode is selected. The load on the contacts should not exceed 40VDC or 30VAC at a maximum of 1A.

User High Power On Indication

In the CAT-3 version of the SmartController (see page 21), a V+ controlled, normally open relay contact, on the XDIO connector (pins 45 and 46, see Table 3-12 on page 63), will close when High Power has been enabled. The user can use this feature to power an indicator lamp, or other device, that signals High Power is On. The limit on these contacts is 1 A at 30VDC or 30VAC.

56	Adept SmartController User’s Guide, Rev. E

RS-422/485, XSYS, XUSR, RS-232/TERM specifications

Nortech Systems offers a comprehensive suite of serial communication solutions, including RS-232/TERM, XUSR, XSYS, and RS-422/485 interfaces. These products are designed to facilitate reliable and high-speed data transmission in various industrial applications, making them essential for connecting devices in automation, telecommunications, and data acquisition systems.

The RS-232/TERM interface is a widely adopted standard for serial communication, known for its simplicity and robustness. It supports point-to-point communication over relatively short distances, typically up to 50 feet. Key features include a maximum baud rate of up to 115.2 kbps, error-checking capabilities, and a straightforward connection process, making it ideal for connecting peripheral devices like printers, modems, and barcode scanners.

Building on the RS-232 standard, the XUSR and XSYS devices offer enhanced functionalities and flexibility. XUSR, for instance, supports not just traditional RS-232 connections, but also protocol conversion for various serial interfaces, facilitating seamless integration of legacy systems with modern networking technologies. It is particularly useful in environments where multiple protocols need to be managed simultaneously.

XSYS is designed for more complex applications and supports advanced communication features such as multi-drop configurations, enabling it to connect multiple devices on a single bus. This makes it suitable for extensive industrial networks where space and wiring complexity need to be minimized. Synchronous and asynchronous data transfer modes ensure that the XSYS is adaptable for both real-time data collection and standard command-response applications.

On the other hand, RS-422/485 interfaces excel in long-distance communication, allowing for data transmission over distances up to 4,000 feet. They are designed for multi-point connections, supporting up to 32 devices on a single bus through differential signaling, which enhances noise immunity. These characteristics make RS-422/485 particularly well-suited for environments with electromagnetic interference, such as factories or subways.

Nortech Systems’ serial communication solutions emphasize reliability, ease of use, and versatility. With their commitment to high performance and user satisfaction, these interfaces provide critical connectivity in today’s increasingly automated and interconnected world. Whether in data centers, manufacturing setups, or remote sensor networks, Nortech's offerings stand out for their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring effective data communication across diverse applications.

Nortech Systems XUSR, RS-232/TERM, RS-422/485 Remote Manual Mode, User High Power On Indication

Models: RS-422/485 XSYS XUSR RS-232/TERM