Devices and Interfaces > Configuring Channels
  
Configuring Channels
Channels in FactoryStudio are the protocols you use to communicate with your PLCs. Many built-in protocols are available. You must set up a channel for each protocol you need to use.
To configure channels:
1. Go to Edit > Devices > Channels.
2. Click Create New.
•The Create New Channel window displays.
3. Enter or select information, as needed.
 
Column
Description
Channel Name
Enter a name for the channel. The system lets you know if the name is not valid.
Protocol
Select the protocol this channel uses. If you do not see a protocol that you need, click More to provide information for a new protocol.
Interface
Select the interface type for this channel.
•Serial—Use to configure the serial parameters for RS232/485 networks.
•MultiSerial—Use for configurations with multiple RS-232 ports.
•TCPIP—Use for Ethernet or wireless networks.
For more information about the configuration for common protocols, click Help at the top of the tab.
Description
Enter a description for this channel.
4. Click OK.
•The channel is added as a new row in the table.
5. Enter or select information, as needed.
•To add or remove a column, right-click the column heading area and select or deselect columns.
 
Column
Description
Name
Enter a name for the channel. The system lets you know if the name is not valid.
Protocol
Shows the Selected protocol
ProtocolOptions
Configure the options for this protocol.
*Note: The Protocol options are dependent upon the Selected Protocol. Select the protocol on the ComboBox on the top of the page and press the HELP button on its side to access the specific protocol documentation.
Interface
Shows the Physical interface used by this channel.
Settings
Configure the settings for this channel. The values available depend on the Interface the channel is using.
Note: The settings here must match the settings on the slave device.
•For serial interface, typically keep the defaults.
•For a MultiSerial interface, enter the number of RS-232 ports to use in the Ports field.
•For TCPIP interface:
•AcceptUnsolicited—Accept unsolicited of slave.
•ListeningPort—TCP port where the slave device is connected (default is 502).
•NodeConnection—Number of parallel requests sent to each node (asynchronous communication).
•MaxSimultaneousConnections—Maximum number of concurrent connections.
•ShareNodeSameIP—A single IP address and several slaves connected. For example, RS485/Ethernet Converters.
 
Timeout
Configure the timeout options for this channel. Typically, keep the default value.
IntialState
Select the initial state for this channel.
Description
Enter a description for this channel
[Other columns]
For definitions of other columns that are available in many tables, see Common Column Definitions.
6. Continue adding as many channels as you need.
•If needed, right-click a row to cut, copy, paste, or delete the row.
•See the following sections related to the other device tabs:
•Configuring Nodes
•Configuring Data Points
•Configuring Access Types