Lauer PCS 950 Operation Console Application Guide

Lauer PCS 950 Operation Console Application Guide

Product Overview and Positioning

Lauer PCS 950 is a modular programmable control console designed specifically for human-machine interaction in industrial automation. It provides 20 freely definable function keys (F1-F20), each key is equipped with a green and a yellow LED (a total of 40 LEDs), and a 320 × 240 pixel graphic LCD display screen (24 lines × 40 characters). This device supports up to 1024 messages (information/warning/fault level three priority), 255 configuration blocks, 8 timers (each with 8 cams), real-time clock, running hour counter, and comprehensive log printing function. Its core advantage lies in the saying 'today is like this, tomorrow is like this' - the same hardware can handle thousands of operating scenarios through different parameter configurations, without the need for extensive I/O wiring. PCS 950c is a color version, and PCS 950e is an explosion-proof type (used in hazardous areas). This article is based on the official technical manual, systematically sorting out its installation wiring, data word definitions, variable types, priority management, and troubleshooting points, helping engineers quickly master this powerful tool.

Hardware installation and electrical connection

2.1 Power Supply and Grounding

PCS 950 requires 24V DC ± 20% power supply, polarity reverse protection, with a typical power consumption of about 800mA (up to 1A at 19V). The power terminal is screw type, allowing a wire diameter of 2mm ². The protective conductor (PE) is isolated from 0V inside the equipment, and the PE is connected to the outer shell and shielding layer. To achieve optimal noise resistance, the casing must be grounded, with a grounding wire (4mm ²) as short as possible, and 0V should be grounded nearby on the power side (according to VDE standards). The rear of the device is equipped with a 10 bit DIL switch for driving selection, baud rate (PCSPROW transmission: ON=115.2k, OFF=38.4k), run/stop mode (DIL8: OFF for normal operation), and Flash write protection (DIL9/10: ON allows writing, OFF write protection). During operation, it is essential to ensure that DIL8 is turned off, otherwise it may cause abnormalities.

2.2 Interface and Communication

PCS 950 provides multiple serial interfaces:

PRO/COM: 25 pin Sub-D, configurable as RS232 or TTY (current loop).

COM: 15 pin Sub-D, can be configured as RS485 or RS422.

PRN: Another RS232/TTY interface used for printers.

The communication protocol is related to the PLC type and requires the use of corresponding drivers (such as Siemens S5 L1/AS511). DIL5/6 is used to select one of four configurations (such as baud rate, interface type). Configure cable PCS 733 for parameter download between PC and PCS.

2.3 Mechanical Installation

The opening size of the front panel is 204+1mm (width) × 259+1mm (height), with an installation depth of 65mm (excluding connectors) and a weight of approximately 2kg. The protection level of the front panel is IP65, and the rear is IP20. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the sealing ring is correctly positioned to maintain IP65. Leave at least 100mm of heat dissipation space around.

Memory structure and data record management

The PCS 950 contains multiple types of internal storage devices:

EPROM (BIOS): Fixed boot program and display/keyboard drivers.

EEPROM: 2x8KB, used for Recipe Manager.

Flash EEPROM: 256KB firmware+2 × 128KB data recording+2 × 8KB driver. Data records (including variables, text, messages, etc.) are created and written using PCSPROW software.

Additional card slot: Can insert memory cards (Flash EEPROM) such as PCS 802/803/806 for storing additional data records or backups.

Battery backup RAM: 2 × 128KB, used for non-volatile data (logs, printer cache, etc.).

The device supports two internal data records (Record 1 and Record 2) and an external card slot data record (Record 3). At startup, you can select which one to load through the BIOS menu. Data records are generated by PCSPROW and can be transmitted together with firmware and drivers. Please note that only PCSPROW software can be used to create data records, other tools may cause malfunctions.

Core functions and parameterization

4.1 Variable System

PCS 950 supports rich variable formats for displaying and modifying data in PLC. Variables are divided into external variables (PLC data area, W110~W255) and internal variables (83 predefined system variables, such as message count, time, date, running hours, etc.).

External variable formats include:

BIT: Single bit, associated with two strings (such as "close/open").

STRING: One byte (0~255) corresponds to up to 256 strings (such as "automatic/manual/maintenance").

CSTRING: Similar to STRING, but immediately writes to PLC after modification (no need to press Enter).

BCD-1/2:1~8-bit BCD value (with leading zero option available).

BIN-1/2, VBIN-1/2:16/32-bit binary, supports calculator style input or shift input, can have symbols, decimal points, and scaling.

WORD: Display 16 bit words in binary, hexadecimal, or double decimal format.

ASCII: A string of up to 32 characters.