XL200 Direct Ethernet Communication with Eclipse Classic

XL200 Series controllers support a direct Ethernet connection. Operators will find that AMS’ integrated Ethernet drastically simplifies setup because they are not required to install a single function, proprietary network.

Beginning with the XL2.6-x hardware model, XL200 Series controllers are now built with an onboard Ethernet port. The controller software version must be 4.06.00 or higher (XL200 Series controllers can be field updated) to use this function.

If you’re unsure of your hardware model, look at the serial number tag on the back of the unit:

XL2.6-XX-X Hardware Model Serial Tag

To find the software version of your XL200 Series machine controller, navigate to Diagnostics\System Information:

XL200 Series Software Version Information

Once the physical Ethernet connection is made, the network, the controller and Eclipse must be configured to allow communication between the machine controller and Eclipse.

Configuring the Network

When setting up an Ethernet connection between a device and the network, a system administrator or IT professional is required to assign a reserved or “static” IP address to the device. Depending on the structure of the internal company network, a IP Subnet Mask and IP Gateway might also be required.

All of this information should be retained so it can be programmed in the controller and Eclipse.

Configuring the Machine Controller

The XL200 must be programmed with the static IP Address reserved for it on the network, as well as the IP Subnet Mask and IP Gateway (if applicable). To access these parameters at the machine controller, navigate to Setup\Controller Settings\Network Settings:

Network Settings

At least 2 parameters must also be set under Setup\Controller Settings\Eclipse Settings:

• Network Unit ID = X
• Eclipse Source = Ethernet

The Network Unit ID must be a unique number for each machine on the Eclipse network, starting at 1:

Eclipse Settings in the XL200 Series Controller

Configuring Eclipse

Once the machine has been configured, Eclipse must be programmed with the machine’s Network Unit ID, and IP Address. You must also define whether the connection to the machine is via Ethernet, or a RS485 daisy-chain network. Eclipse supports any combination of network types, even situations where the connection is Ethernet to a converter box that will break out to a daisy-chain network for multiple machines. These values are assigned in the Machine Definitions form in Eclipse (Maintenance\Machine Definitions):

Eclipse: Machine Definitions Form

Once the Network Unit ID (Machine Number), COMM Port type, and IP Address are configured for the machine in Eclipse, Eclipse-COMM should be restarted to establish communication.