#20 - Connecting to a PowerFlex VFD with anaconda and CCW

A practical way to connect to a Rockwell VFD such as the PowerFlex family, is using the Allen-Bradley 1203-USB, also known as anaconda. Just plug the USB end into the laptop and the RJ-45 end into a VFD DSI (Device Serial Interface) input. Even if the physical connector is of the RJ-45 form, which is normally used for Ethernet connections, it is worth remembering that the protocol used in this communication is Serial.

Software side, open the Connected Components Workbench (CCW) and follow the steps below:

• Check the COM port that is configured on the laptop (open Device Manager) and that AB 1203-USB pops up with the corresponding COM port

• Open RSLinx and configure (Add New...) Driver: RS-232 DF1 devices
  
  Configure RS-232 DF1 Device:

        Comm Port: COMx (Find the right COM port for the AB 1203-USB in the Device Manager)
        Device: 1770-KF2/1785-KE/SCAN
        Baud Rate: 115200
        Station Number: 00
        Parity: None
        Error Checking: BCC
        Stop Bits: 1
        Protocol: Full Duplex

    

        (Note: Do not click on Auto-Configure button)

• Open CCW and click Discover ... to scan the network by selecting the Driver configured above and select the DSI connection

• It is now possible to do several actions in the VFD, such as checking and editing the parameters, backing up, Importing/Exporting projects, among others. The file format used is .CCWSLN.