Hardware Support > IWS-30/40

Hardware Support: Series 30/40 PLC Workstation

The documentation, software, and support information on this page applies only to the Series 30/40 PLC Workstation (IWS-30/40). To find another product, please return to Hardware Support.

Downloads

Documentation
Datasheet: Series 30/40 PLC Workstation	0.3 MB
User Manual: Installation (DOC-IWS-271C)	0.3 MB
User Manual: Terminal (DOC-IWS-281B)	0.3 MB
User Manual: PLC Workstation (DOC-IWS-279B)	1.6 MB
User Manual: BASIC (DOC-IWS-280B)	1.1 MB
Illustration: Series 30 PLC Workstation	0.2 MB
Drivers & Utilities
Operating Mode: Terminal (TERM_30)	0.1 MB
Operating Mode: PLC Workstation (CP_359)	1.0 MB
Operating Mode: BASIC (BP_359)	0.1 MB

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My Workstation has lost its program. What happened?
2. Can I upload my program from my Workstation to my PC?
3. Why am I having problems downloading to my Workstation?
4. Must I download firmware every time I download screen files?
5. I just downloaded my program, cycled power, and my program is lost. What happened?
6. I have forgotten my passcode. How can I retrieve it?
7. Why is my screen blank?
8. I've lost communication with my PLC. How can I restore it?
9. One of my keys is sticking, or not operating. What should I do?

My Workstation has lost its program. What happened?

There may be a power supply problem. Power fluxuations can affect the Workstation's EEPROM memory and disrupt either the firmware and/or 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.

Can I upload my program from my Workstation to my PC?

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.

Why am I having problems downloading to my Workstation?

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. CBL-C2 is a 25pin to 9pin cable, which is more convenient in some cases. Contact customercare@nematron.com for pricing and availability information.

The second most common problem is with the PC's operating system. The configuration software for these units was designed to run in MSDOS. It will work in a Windows 98 or NT DOS window, but not under Windows 95. If you have a Windows 95 computer, you must restart in DOS mode. If this fails, obtain a DOS boot disk and boot to it. If you have Windows 3.1 or 3.11, you must exit Windows.

Some PC's have an SL chipset, which will cause errors in communications. Examples of these computers are IBM's ThinkPad and some Toshiba Laptops. If you are using one of these and experiencing difficulty, switching to another computer may be the answer.

Always make sure that you have specified the correct COM port in CP.

Ensure that the Workstation is in Upload mode, by pressing the up and down arrow keys while powering up. The Workstation display should read:

Ready to accept firmware download.

CP software sometimes displays the following message when trying to download a program:

Version error: can't find disk file to replace wrong firmware. 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 from us. Contact support@nematron.com for details.

If all else fails, try performing the built-in communications port test, described in the User Guide. You will need to make a jumper plug to perform this test.

Must I download firmware every time I download screen files?

No, CP software automatically performs that function.

I just downloaded my program, cycled power, and my program is lost. What happened?

Perhaps you chose Temporary memory in the download process. This would result in the program going into RAM, not EEPROM. You must select Permanent memory in the download process to retain the program on power loss.

I have forgotten my passcode. How can I retrieve it?

Open the screen file in CP, choose Edit, and read it there.

Why is my screen blank?

Possible reasons and solutions:

• You may have a blown fuse. The fuse looks like a resistor, but it is not soldered. It is a "pico fuse", rated 1/2A @ 125V. Nematron sells a package of (5) fuses as part number COS-FUSE-30.
• If the fuse is good, but you get no "boot-up" messages, you may have a "dead" display. For IWS-30 and IWS-40, the display is part of the logic board. An IWS-30 display/logic board is part number #100A0262E, and the required gasket is #817A0086. For IWS-40 the part numbers are #100A0513 (display/logic board) and #817A0167 (gasket). 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.
• You may have Terminal firmware with no communications.
• You may have actually programmed a blank screen.
• The contrast may be turned all the way up or down. Try the adjusting the contrast using the knob on the back.

I've lost communication with my PLC. How can I restore it?

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).

One of my keys is sticking, or not operating. What should I do?

The replacement keypad for the Series 30 is Nematron part #100A0261. When replacing the keypad, the perimeter gasket (Nematron part #817A0079) must also be replaced. The display gasket (Nematron part #817A0086) may also be damaged upon disassembly. The corresponding part numbers for a Series 40 are: #100A0511 (keypad); #817A0079 (perimeter gasket); and #817A0167 (display gasket). Two-sided tape will be required to reattach the front bezel to the new keypad. The only tools required are a Philips screwdriver and a 5/16" nut driver or pliers. 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, and does not offer the standard 90-day repair warranty to parts sold for repair by others.