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2 Simple Application Controllers
Communication Capabilities 1
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1. Communication Capabilities
The
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2 Simple Application Controller has a wide range of communication capabilities that
include remote programming, sending SMS messages to mobile telephones or e-mail
accounts, and reading/writing data using a dedicated protocol. These powerful features bring a
new era of information transfer possibilities to the simple application controllers.
The
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2 can be used to monitor and control machines in remote stations and notify
maintenance personnel in case of machine error or emergency situations. Remote monitoring
through the AL-PCS/WIN-E software (version 2.00 onwards), hereafter referred to as VLS, can
provide machine production and status updates as well as enable programming or parameter
updates without the necessity of local access.
The Dedicated Protocol option gives the user the ability to transfer and monitor data from a
peripheral device without the use of VLS software. Programmers familiar with C, C++, Visual
Basic, or similar packages can write specialized communication programs.
Both standard and GSM modems can connect to the
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2 controller.
The most powerful function is the ability to send SMS packets to e-mail accounts or mobile
phones.
The new functional block which strengthens the communication from external equipment was
added to
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2 Controller (version 2.20 or later).
The new functional blocks is "Short Message Receiving(SMR) "and" Call Detect (CD)."
"Short Message Receiving (SMR)" changes an output by the character string of a mail
account. And "Call Detect (CD)" By GSM modem or an analog modem that supports"Calling
Line Identification Presentation(CLIP)", an output is changed by call RING of a telephone.
This functionality enables messages to be sent from remote locations to maintenance person-
nel or the appropriate staff thus reducing downtime for machines and the necessity for on site
personnel at each location. The
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2 Series Controller can connect to a GSM modem or stan-
dard modem to provide remote program upload/download, to monitor devices, set Function
Block parameters, or change the I/O status. Program upload/download can be performed
remotely by a PC that is using VLS software.
The procedure for Dedicated Protocol, which can remotely monitor or set parameters without
using the VLS software, is discussed in Chapters 5 - 9.
Error messages can be prepared and placed on the
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2 display to be sent as the SMS packet.
Please refer to section 2.3 to view the available character set for SMS/GSM communication.
The
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2 Series Controllers communicates with a GSM or Standard modem from the
connection port on the right side.
Note: The
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controller communicates to a modem via the left side port and cannot connect to
a GSM modem.