Connecting the Development PC and the Controller
Connect the development PC to the connection USB port for the development PC.
For the connector position, refer to the following section.
Part Names and Their Functions
KEY POINTS
For other details on the connection between the development PC and the Controller, refer to the following manual.
"Epson RC+ User's Guide - [PC and Controller Communications] (Setup Menu)"
For RC800-A, be sure to install Epson RC+ to the development PC first, and then connect the development PC and RC800-A with the USB cable.
If RC800-A and the development PC are connected without installing Epson RC+ to the development PC, the [Add New Hardware Wizard] appears. If this wizard appears, click the [Cancel] button.
What is Development PC Connection USB Port?
Connect the Controller and development PC by a USB cable to enable development of the robot system and setting of the Controller configuration with the Epson RC+ software installed in the development PC.
The development PC connection port supports hot plugging, and so cables can be inserted and removed while the development PC and the Controller are turned on. However, the robot stops when the USB cable is removed while the Controller and the development PC are connected.
Notes
Pay attention to the following points when connecting the development PC and the Controller.
- Connect the development PC and the Controller using a USB cable with length of 5 meters or less, and do not use a USB hub or extension cable.
- Connect one Controller per development PC.
Connecting multiple Controllers to one development PC may cause unintended Controller operation. - Do not connect any device other than the development PC to the development PC connection port.
- Do not pull on or bend the cable excessively.
- Do not apply excessive force to the connector.
- While the development PC and the Controller are connected, do not connect or disconnect other USB devices from the development PC. This could cause the Controller to disconnect.
Connecting the PC and the Controller Using the Development PC Connection USB Port
This explains the procedure for connecting the development PC and the Controller.
Make sure that the Epson RC+ software is installed on the development PC connected to the Controller.
(Install the software if it is not installed.)Connect the development PC and the Controller by a USB cable.
Turn on the Controller.
Start the Epson RC+ software.
From the Epson RC+ menu, select [Setup] - [PC to Controller Communications] to display the [PC to Controller Communications] dialog box.
Select No.1, and click the [Connect] button.
After connection of the development PC and the Controller is completed, "Connected" is displayed in the [Connection Status:] field. Check that "Connected" is displayed, and click the [Close] button to close the [PC to Controller Communications] dialog box.
This completes the connection of the development PC and the Controller. The robot system can now be used from Epson RC+.
Backing Up the Controller Initial Status
Back up the Controller setting data that was configured at shipment.
Backup procedure for project and system settings:
- From the Epson RC+ menu, select [Project] - [Copy].
- In the [Copy Project] dialog box, change the [Destination Drive] box to the desired drive.
- Click the [OK] button. The project is copied to the external media.
- From the Epson RC+ menu, select [Tools] - [Controller].
- Click the [Backup Controller] button.
- In the [Drive] box, select the desired drive.
- Click the [OK] button. The system settings are backed up to the external media.
Disconnecting the Development PC and the Controller
This explains the procedure for disconnecting the development PC and the Controller.
- From the Epson RC+ menu, select [Setup] - [PC to Controller Communications] to display the [PC to Controller Communications] dialog box.
- Click the [Disconnect] button.
After the [Disconnect] button is clicked, the Controller and the development PC are disconnected, and the USB cable can be removed.
KEY POINTS
If the USB cable is removed while the Controller and the development PC are connected, the robot will be stopped. Be sure to click the [Disconnect] button in the [PC to Controller Communications] dialog box before removing the USB cable.