Q&A: Connecting to a PC Ask Mark Senior Applications Engineer 1-888-3-SENSORS Description: When setting up an inspection, you'll need to connect your PC to your vision sensor to run the software. It isn't complicated, but I get lots of questions about it. Here are some answers to the most common questions. Q: Should the PC always be connected to my vision sensor? A: The vision sensor can run an inspection without being connected to a PC. But you need a PC to run the software to set up inspections and to view inspection results. Q: Why isn’t the PC communicating with my vision sensor? A: First make sure of the following: The vision sensor is powered up The PC is directly connected to the sensor via Crossover Ethernet Cable. (When the proper Ethernet cable is connected to the sensor the amber Ethernet LED, above the Ethernet port, is on.) The IP address of the PC is 192.168.0.2 All virus and firewall software packages on the PC are disabled. The IP address of the controller is 192.168.0.1 (default) The green Ethernet LED above the Ethernet port will start to blink when starting software. The PC software version and the vision sensor firmware versions are the same. After you’ve checked all of the above and your PC is still not communicating with your sensor, contact a Banner rep. Q: How much is the software and can I upgrade my vision sensor software when new versions are available? A: The software is complementary for each system. It isn’t licensed and can be distributed to anyone. Check Banner’s site for information on the latest software version. Q: Can I use the software off-line? A: No, the PC must be connected to the sensor to run the software. Q: Do I have to remove the old version of the vision software before I install another version? A: Yes, it’s recommended. Previously saved inspections won’t be lost when you uninstall the old version of software. Q: Why can't my PC switch between multiple PresencePLUS vision sensors when the vision sensors have the same IP address? A: PresencePLUS vision sensors has two addresses, a MAC and an IP address. The MAC address is unique for each sensor that can't be altered, but the IP address can be configured. When the PC connects to the controller, it makes a table that ties the IP address with the MAC address. Therefore when the PC connects to another vision sensor with the same IP address, the PC detects that the MAC is different and doesn't connect. There are two ways to clear the IP - MAC table (arp table): Reboot the PC In a DOS prompt type the following command arp -d (ex. arp -d 192.168.0.1) Q: Why can’t I see the entire screen? A: Your current display setting may not be compatible with proper viewing of the PresencePlus software. Change your settings for better viewing by doing the following: Open the Desktop Properties Go to Advanced Settings Change font size to small Change the DPI settings to 96 DPI Change the screen resolution to at least 1024x768 Q: How do I change the IP address on my PC? A: Refer to one of the following job aids, depending on your system.

Q: How do I find the IP Address of my controller? A: Do the following after the software has launched: Go to the system window. Click on the Communications tab. The sensor IP Address is displayed on the upper left hand corner of the communications window. Q: I did not know which TCP/IP adapter to change on my PC so I set all of them to 192.168.0.2, why can't I communicate with the vision sensor? A: Only one IP adapter can be set to 192.168.0.2. The PresencePLUS vision sensor won’t know which adapter to search for. If you don’t know which adapter to set, then set them to different IP addresses starting with 192.168.0.2, 192.168.0.3…. Q: I set my TCP/IP address for my PC to 192.168.0.1 and I can’t communicate with the vision sensor? A: The IP address of the PC must be different from the sensor. The default controller IP address is 192.168.0.1. It’s like trying to call your home from your home phone, you’d get a busy signal. Try changing the IP address of the PC to 192.168.0.2. Q: Are there PC compatibility issues with Windows XP? A: YES - Windows XP has a default firewall that will prevent a vision sensor from communicating properly. The symptoms include: no image, no focus number, or the vision sensor will not save an inspection. To turn off default firewalls, do the following: Go to the network connections window Double-click the LAN connection for the vision sensor Click on Properties Click on the Advanced tab and uncheck the firewall option Q: Are there PC compatibility issues with PCs that have RSLogix from Allen-Bradley? A: Yes – When RSLogix is installed, the RSLogix software will take over all the communication ports. Verify that RSLogix doesn’t start any software programs during the startup of the PC before connection with the PresencePLUS Pro. Q: I get communication errors or, image will not update. I have a Dell Computer with a 3COM 3C920 Ethernet card. A: The 3COM 3C920 Ethernet card, common in many Dell computers, ships with an old Ethernet driver. The driver has to be updated, and you may do this by using the driver in the LAN3C920_Driver folder on the vision sensor Software CD. Q: Can I save images from my vision sensor to my PC? A: Yes, you can do this by installing a video capture card on your PC. Contact a Banner rep regarding installation and connection to the vision sensor. Related Links: Learn more about how a vision sensor works. View Banner's entire line of vision sensors. If you are having trouble changing the IP address on your PC, download one of these references.