What is MCSlink ?
MCSlink is an integrated software/hardware package
designed to solve data communication problems in industrial environments
in a professional, safe and reliable manner.
MCSlink DNC is a data collector equipment package
that can be connected to CLP or CNC controllers with RS232C. It allows
a multi-point connection of up to 32 terminals using an RS485 interface.
It communicates with the PC using only a single port (normally the COM2
port).
MCSlink Management Software manages the operation
of the interconnected collectors and operates on a PC platform (PENTIUM®,
100MHz, 8M RAM) using either the Windows® 95/98 operating systems.
... MCSlink DNC is very versatile with functions that are normally separated
among several other pieces of equipment:
1-Data collector:
The data collector transfers data, parameters or
programs to/from a PC, CNC or CLP through RS232C; selecting the desired
program by using the keyboard, then, reading or writing the data in "FLASH"
type, nonvolatile memory and with storage capacity up to 370 Kb (basic =
128 Kb). The equipment can be connected to the PC via RS232 (COM2 is normally
available since the COM1 is used for the mouse connection).
The MCSlink Management Software allows practical access
from data to DNC collectors. The equipment must be connected to the PC
to allow the program to recognize the connections with the active collectors
as if they were PC disks, allowing all file operations (such as 'read',
'write', 'copy', 'rename', 'visualize' or 'edit') while listing files
in an easy, intuitive way and following the same standards used by Windows®
95/98.
2- DNC: RS485 net connection + RS232 connection with CNC/PLC/PC
It allows the connection using the standard RS485
serial network via twisted pair, connecting up to 32 terminals to a single
PC. Each terminal has a unique (keyboard) programmable identification that
is stored in its "FLASH" memory. The MCSlink Management software
identifies the connected terminals and answers programs and data requests
required by operators or net controllers, allowing the sharing of the connection
and data exchange that is transparent to the operator.
The net works at a 38400 baud rate with a reliable
protocol and has a high level of immunity to noises while automatically
providing necessary retransmissions in case of error.
A RS485 interface operates safely at 38400 baud
at distances up to 500 meters without repeater.
3 - Data transfer remote unit (optional):
Reception/transmission of data, parameters or programs
for a PC, CNC or PLC using RS232, supplied by internal rechargeable batteries
with a capacity of up to 48 h. Once reconnected to the 9-12 VDC supply,
it automatically recharges its batteries for a new data transfer operation.
Since this function is an optional item and the
use of rechargeable batteries and a low-consumption CPU is required, additional
cost is incurred.
Data Collector (MCSlink DNC)
Data collector basic functions:
-
- Collector Setting:
Setting of RS232 communication parameters ( rate, number of bits, parity,
number of stop bits )
Identification of each collector
Presentation and edition of parameters stored in the 'FLASH' (256 bytes).
Operation options (application specific parameters)
Serial communication (RS232):
File receiving via serial and storage in the memory ("FLASH"
128k)
File transmission from the memory via serial.
Operations with internal FLASH stored files:
-
- Listing of files in the display (number; name; size).
Selection of internal file for external communication.
File copy.
File exclusion.
Change file name/number.
Clear "FLASH".
Content presentation (dump: hex / text).
Serial network ( RS485 )
-
- RS485 serial communication up to 38400 baud with safe protocol, check
sum and automatic retransmission mechanism.
Management of DNC communication clear to the machine operator.
Operation with external files ( in the PC harddisk
):
-
- Files listing in the display: directory (number; name; size)
External file selection for importation (RS485 "FLASH")
Internal file selection for exportation ("FLASH" RS485)
External file selection for communication with the machine (RS485 <->
RS232).
DNC operations with the machine / PC:
-
- Receiving of commands/data from machine (RS232)
and export to the PC.
Import of commands/data from PC (RS485) and transmission to the machine
(RS232).
Import of commands/data from PC (RS485) and presentation in the collector
alphanumeric display (text).
Special applications:
Development of C-language dedicated applications,
running in the multi-task environment of the collector, with access to
entry data operations using the keyboard, data presentation in the display
and DNC communication with the machine and via RS485 net with the PC.
Dimensions 
MCSlink Management Software
-
- Manages the MCSlink DNC Data Collectors.
Configures RS232 communication parameters (baud rate, numbers of bits,
parity and number of stop bits).
Maps the network active collectors, connected to the PC.
Selects a specific collector for management operations.
Serial communication (RS232)
- Receive files via serial port and storage in disk.
- Transmission of files from the disk via serial port.
- File listing of the collector: directory (number; name; size).
- File exclusion in the collector.
- Change file name / number in the collector.
- Clear "FLASH" memory in the collector.
- File contents presentation (dump: hex / text) in the collector. Rede
Serial
- COM1/COM2 <-> RS485
Serial COM1/COM2 <-> RS485 network
- Serial communication RS485 up to 38400 baud with safe protocol, check
sum and automatic retransmission mechanism.
- Controller / machine operator transparent DNC communication management.
- Files receive from the collectors and storage in disk.
- Files transmission from the disk to the collectors.
- Files listing of the selected collector: directory (number; name;
size).
- File exclusion of the selected collector.
- File name/number change in the selected collector.
- Clear "FLASH" memory of the selected collector.
- File contents presentation (dump: hex / text) in the selected collector.
Collector DNC operations with the PC and vice-versa
- Machine commands / data receiving directly exported to the PC without
operator handling.
- PC command / data sending to the machine through selected collector,
without operator handling.
- PC commands/data sending to the selected collector, or to the asking
one: messages / informations are displayed on the collector.
Special applications:
Development of C++ language dedicated applications,
running in the multitask environment of the MCSlink Management Software,
with access to entry data operations using the keyboard, data display,
DNC communication with the machine through RS485 network and database
operations.
Download the software:
MCSLink Disk 1 (1,3 Mb)
MCSLink Disk 2 (513 Kb)
Print Screen
