Hardware Support > IWS-110/120
The documentation, software, and support information on this page applies only to the Series 110/120 Industrial Workstation (IWS-110/120). To find another product, please return to Hardware Support.
| Documentation | |
| Datasheet: Series 110/120 Industrial Workstation | 3.1
MB |
| User Manual: Installation & Terminal (DOC-IWS-232D) | 1.6
MB |
| User Manual: PLC Workstation (DOC-IWS-201C) | 5.0
MB |
| User Manual: BASIC (DOC-IWS-187B) | 1.2
MB |
| Illustration: Series 110 Industrial Workstation, Models IWS-110 & IWS-113 | 0.2 MB |
| Illustration: Series 110 Industrial Workstation, Model IWS-117 | 0.2 MB |
| Illustration: Series 120 Industrial Workstation, Models IWS-120 & IWS-123 | 0.2 MB |
| Illustration: Series 120 Industrial Workstation, Model IWS-127 | 0.2 MB |
| Drivers & Utilities | |
| Operating Mode: Terminal (TERM_120) | 0.1 MB |
| Operating Mode: PLC Workstation (CP_359) | 1.0 MB |
| Operating Mode: BASIC (BP_359) | 0.1 MB |
The most common reason is the RAM backup battery is dead. The [Alarm] LED should flash if the battery is going bad. The battery is conservatively rated for six (6) years, but some have lasted as long as ten (10) years. Some may fail sooner due to environmental conditions. If your battery has not been replaced for several years, this would be the most likely cause. (See “How do I replace my battery?” below.)
If the battery is fine, there may be a power supply problem. Power fluxuations can affect the Workstation's EEPROM memory and disrupt either the firmware or, on “/E” models, the program information stored there. Many times this is a transitory phenomenon; to resume normal operation, simply reload the program. If the problem persists, check for ungrounded equipment, unshielded cabling, or cables running in proximity to noise-generating components such as transformers, CRT screens, electric servos or motors, and so on.
If it is operating in PLC Workstation mode, configured with the CP software, no. CP is a one-way communications and configuration utility.
If it is operating in BASIC mode, configured with the BP software, yes, unless the program includes security.
If it is operating in Terminal mode, there are no screens or programs loaded on it.
Open the screen file in CP, choose Edit, and read it there.
The battery is accessible via a small cover on the side of the Workstation. While the Workstation is powered on, remove the cover and replace the battery. NOTE: We recommend you do this while the Workstation is on in order to preserve your program. There is no dangerous voltage present.
Replacement lithium batteries are available as Nematron part #COS-BAT-120. Contact customercare@nematron.com for pricing and availability.
There are several factors involved, any of which could contribute.
The most common problem is the cable. It must be a standard null modem cable with the shield grounded at only one end, usually the Workstation end. Nematron part #CBL-C1 is a 25pin-to-25pin cable packaged with a 25-to-9pin converter. Nematron part #CBL-C2 is a 25pin-to-9pin cable, which is more convenient in some cases. Contact customercare@nematron.com for pricing and availability.
The second most common problem is with the PC's operating system. The configuration software for these units is designed to run in MS-DOS. It will work in a DOS window under Windows 98 or Windows NT, but not under Windows 95. If you are running Windows 95, you must restart in DOS mode. If this fails, obtain a DOS boot disk and boot from it. If you are running Windows 3.1, you must exit Windows.
Some PCs, including IBM's ThinkPad and some Toshiba models, use an SL chipset which can cause communication errors. If you are using one of these and experiencing difficulty, switch to another PC.
Always make sure you have specified the correct COM port in CP. Also, check the DIP switch settings on the back of the Workstation; verify that switch 2 is on and the rest are off.
Ensure that the Workstation is in Upload mode by pressing [Upload]. The Workstation display should read:
Upload waiting for start. Press [Cancel] to abort.
If the unit has Terminal firmware loaded — as it does from the factory or service department — [Upload] may not access the correct Upload mode, especially if the customer configured the unit for Terminal operation. In this case, the best bet is to access firmware download mode by holding [6] and [4] while powering on.
CP software sometimes displays the following message when trying to download a program:
Error: unable to find the firmware file to download to Workstation. Press [esc].
This means that you do not have the correct PLC driver file. If, upon installation of CP, you did not select All for PLC selection, you may need to re-install CP to obtain the correct driver. All PLC drivers except for the Allen-Bradley SLC-500 are included in CP. (Since Allen-Bradley charges Nematron a royalty to use the DH-485 technology, you must purchase this driver separately. Contact support@nematron.com for details.)
If all else fails, try performing the built-in communication port test described in the User Guide. You will need to make a jumper plug to perform this test.
Rebooting the Workstation, the PLC, or both will usually restart communication. If not, refer to Chapter 6 in the PLC Workstation User Guide for information on testing your communication port(s).
The replacement keypad for the Series 110 is Nematron part #COS-KYBD-11x. For the Series 120, it is Nematron part #COS-KYBD-12x. Each of these includes the keypad, gasket, screws, and instructions. Contact your distributor or customercare@nematron.com to order.
Due to the technology involved and uncertainties in user expertise, Nematron recommends sending malfunctioning units to the authorized service center. Nematron does not offer the standard 90-day repair warranty to parts sold for repair by others.
If you have entered a non-zero number in the Screen Saver field on the Configuration screen in CP, the Workstation waits for that number of minutes after a keypress or alarm. At that time, it either turns off the backlighting (Series 110) or starts a single moving flashing block across the screen (Series 120). A keypress, alarm, or change in the Screen Select Register (if enabled) will reset the timer and display a screen. Other than resetting the screen, the Workstation ignores the first keypress in this situation.
Your contrast could also be set all the way down (Series 110 only). Try adjusting it by pressing [F( )] and [5].
If, after the above actions, the screen remains dark, it may have a faulty display unit. For the Series 110, the display is Nematron part #118A0034; you will also need a new display gasket, Nematron part #817A0060. For the Series 120, the display is #550A0017 and the gasket is #817A0059. Due to the technology involved, and uncertainties in user expertise, Nematron recommends sending malfunctioning units to the authorized service center, and does not offer the standard 90-day repair warranty to parts sold for repair by others.
If you have an older Series 100 Workstation with a "dead" display, you must send it in to our service department for repair. The display is glued directly to the circuit board, and both the display and the circuit board may be damaged if you attempt to remove the display yourself. Most importantly, the Series 100 circuit board is out of production and cannot be replaced if damaged.
Can I print from my Workstation?
The IWS-110, -113, -120, and -123 have only one communication port. As the Workstation must be connected to a PLC, printing is not possible with these single-port models.
The IWS-117 and -127 have two additional serial ports and a parallel port which can be used to print. If the unit is operating in PLC Workstation mode, you can configure it to print a screen or display it, but not both. You can also configure it to print or display alarm messages. If the unit is operating in BASIC mode, the PRINT command can be used to send output to a printer on any port.
Yes. The EEPROM is Nematron part #MEM-E23-100. The maximum memory is 30K.
Yes. To transfer the program file:
In early versions of the CP firmware (prior to v. 3.36), pressing [F( )] and [Cancel] opens a Utility menu which allows Time/Date changes. In current versions of the CP firmware (v. 3.36 through 3.59), you must create a "Custom" screen with a "Time/Date" line and you must enable operator changes.
Alternately, the Time/Date transfer functions in CP may be used to have the Workstation read the time and date from specified addresses in the PLC.
The BP and Terminal firmware still have the time/date set with the firmware.
The React R command must be executed, or some other provision to automatically run the program after power is cycled. Reference the React command in the BASIC User Guide. If you get the "No such program" message, it means that the program was loaded into RAM but not into EEPROM. At the Command level, type in the PROG command to save into EEPROM.