Systems Lauer LCA 265 Text Display

Product Overview

The Systems Lauer LCA 265 is a dedicated alphanumeric text display terminal designed for industrial operator interface applications. It provides a clear, high‑contrast LCD screen and a tactile keypad, enabling operators to view machine status, adjust parameters, and acknowledge alarms. The unit is built for panel mounting in control cabinets and is suitable for a wide range of machinery including packaging lines, conveyor systems, and special‑purpose equipment.

Display and Keypad

The LCA 265 features a 4‑line by 20‑character LCD with a bright LED backlight (yellow‑green). The contrast is adjustable via a front‑panel trimmer. The display supports ASCII characters as well as extended character sets (Latin‑1, Cyrillic, Greek) that can be downloaded via the configuration software. The membrane keypad comprises 20 tactile keys: a numeric block (0‑9), decimal point, sign, four cursor arrows, Enter, Escape, and three programmable function keys (F1‑F3). All keys are backlit and rated for 500,000 actuations. The front overlay is IP65 rated.

Communication and Connectivity

The terminal is equipped with two serial interfaces: Port 1 (RS‑232, 9‑pin D‑sub) and Port 2 (RS‑485, screw terminal block). The baud rate is selectable from 1200 to 115200 bps, with parity (none, even, odd) and data format (7 or 8 bits) configurable. The unit supports the LAUER proprietary protocol, Modbus RTU (master or slave), and an ASCII transparent mode for connection to barcode readers or printers. The RS‑485 port allows multi‑drop networks with up to 31 devices.

Memory and Configuration

The onboard flash memory (256 KB) stores up to 128 user‑defined screens, each containing static text, numeric variables (integer and floating‑point), and selection lists. The device manages 200 internal registers (bit, word, double word) and supports 64 alarm messages with priority levels and acknowledgment logic. A real‑time clock with battery backup (CR2032) is included for time‑stamping events. Configuration is performed using the LAUER LCA‑Config software (Windows‑based), which provides a screen editor, variable manager, and communication wizard.

Electrical Specifications

• Supply Voltage: 24 V DC ±20 % (accepts 19‑33 V DC)

• Power Consumption: < 200 mA at 24 V (with backlight)

• Isolation: 500 V between power and communication ports

• Protection: Reverse polarity protection, transient suppression

Mechanical and Environmental Data

• Housing: ABS/PC blend, UL94 V‑0, front IP65, rear IP20

• Dimensions: 160 mm x 96 mm x 45 mm (W x H x D)

• Panel Cut‑out: 138 mm x 68 mm (+0.5 mm)

• Mounting: Spring clips, panel thickness 1‑5 mm

• Weight: 0.4 kg

• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +50 °C

• Storage Temperature: –20 °C to +70 °C

• Humidity: 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing)

Configuration and Programming

The LCA 265 is programmed using the LAUER LCA‑Config tool (version 2.0 or higher). The software allows the user to design screen layouts, define variable addresses, and set communication parameters. It includes a simulation mode to test screen navigation without hardware. The project is downloaded via the RS‑232 port using a null‑modem cable. The software also offers online monitoring, enabling real‑time viewing and modification of variables while the terminal is running.

Installation and Wiring

Prepare the panel cut‑out and insert the terminal from the front. Secure with the four spring clips, tightening evenly to achieve IP65 seal. Connect the DC power supply (two‑pin screw terminal) – terminal 1 = +, terminal 2 = –. For RS‑232, use a shielded cable to the 9‑pin D‑sub (pin 2: RX, pin 3: TX, pin 5: GND). For RS‑485, connect A, B, and GND to the screw terminals. If the unit is at the end of the RS‑485 bus, enable the internal termination resistor (jumper setting). After wiring, apply power – the display will show a startup message. Adjust contrast if necessary. Download the application using the configuration software.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Clean the front overlay with a soft, damp cloth – avoid solvents. The backlight (LED) has a typical lifetime of 50,000 hours; dimming or failure indicates end‑of‑life. The internal battery (CR2032) for the RTC should be replaced every 5 years – accessible through the rear cover. Common faults: “No Communication” – check cable and baud rate; “Keypad Not Responding” – clean keypad edges; “Display Blank” – adjust contrast or check power. For persistent issues, restore factory defaults via the configuration software.

Compatibility and Ordering

The LCA 265 is compatible with all LAUER LCA controllers and with PLCs supporting Modbus RTU. The standard model is LCA‑265‑G (green backlight). Variants include red backlight and extended temperature range. When ordering, specify the part number and any custom key legends.