1.Communication Capabilities

The α2 Simple Application Controller has a wide range of communication capabilities that include remote programming, sending SMS messages to mobile telephones or e-mail accounts, and reading/writing data using a dedicated protocol. These powerful features bring a new era of information transfer possibilities to the simple application controllers.

The α2 can be used to monitor and control machines in remote stations and notify maintenance personnel in case of machine error or emergency situations. Remote monitoring through the AL-VLS/WIN-E software (version 2.00 onwards), hereafter referred to as VLS, can provide machine production and status updates as well as enable programming or parameter updates without the necessity of local access.

The Dedicated Protocol option gives the user the ability to transfer and monitor data from a peripheral device without the use of VLS software. Programmers familiar with C, C++, Visual Basic, or similar packages can write specialized communication programs.

Both standard and GSM modems can connect to the α2 controller.

The most powerful function is the ability to send SMS packets to e-mail accounts or mobile phones.

The new functional block which strengthens the communication from external equipment was added to α2 Controller (version 2.20 or later).

The new functional blocks is "Short Message Receiving(SMR) "and" Call Detect (CD)." "Short Message Receiving (SMR)" changes an output by the character string of a mail account. And "Call Detect (CD)" By GSM modem or an analog modem that supports"Calling Line Identification Presentation(CLIP)", an output is changed by call RING of a telephone. This functionality enables messages to be sent from remote locations to maintenance personnel or the appropriate staff thus reducing downtime for machines and the necessity for on site personnel at each location. The α2 Series Controller can connect to a GSM modem or standard modem to provide remote program upload/download, to monitor devices, set Function Block parameters, or change the I/O status. Program upload/download can be performed remotely by a PC that is using VLS software.

The procedure for Dedicated Protocol, which can remotely monitor or set parameters without using the VLS software, is discussed in Chapters 5 ~ 9.

Error messages can be prepared and placed on the α2 display to be sent as the SMS packet. Please refer to section 2.3 to view the available character set for SMS/GSM communication. The α2 Series Controllers communicates with a GSM or Standard modem from the connection port on the right side.

Note: The α controller communicates to a modem via the left side port and cannot connect to a GSM modem.

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