1784-PKTX Allen-Bradley Bus Communication Card for PLC-5 Series

Product Overview

The 1784-PKTX is an industrial-grade network interface card engineered by Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) for legacy PLC-5 and SLC integration architectures. Built on a PCI 2.3 compliant bus format, the 1784-PKTX bridges host computer systems directly to Data Highway Plus (DH+), Remote I/O (RIO), and DH-485 networks. System integrators rely on the 1784-PKTX to execute real-time process visualization, parameter tracking, and controller programming across multi-drop industrial communication loops.

Technical & Environmental Specifications

• Brand: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
• Series: PLC-5 Series
• Model: 1784-PKTX
• Module Type: Bus Communication / Network Interface Card
• Bus Compatibility: Local PCI 2.3 compliant
• Communication Ports: Channel 1A (3-Pin Phoenix for DH+ & RIO), Channel 1C (6-Pin Phoenix for DH-485)
• Supported Protocols: Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O, DH-485
• Maximum System Capacity: Four (4) modules per host system
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
• Relative Humidity Tolerance: 5% to 95% non-condensing
• Environmental Hardening: Conformal coat finish with 30G operational shock and 2G vibration rating (10 to 500 Hz)

Installation & Wiring Guidelines

• Insert the 1784-PKTX card into an available PCI 2.3 compliant slot within the host industrial computer.
• Utilize the 1784-CP12 cable featuring a 3-pin Phoenix connector and switchable termination resistors for DH+ connections.
• Deploy the 1784-CP14 cable featuring a 6-pin Phoenix connector for SLC controller links on the DH-485 network.
• Verify proper jumper configurations when deploying multiple cards up to the maximum limit of four modules per system.

Diagnostics & Operational Status Features

• Monitor channel-specific health using the dedicated diagnostic status LED indicator assigned to each communication channel.
• Track transmission integrity across varying distances, such as 10,000 feet at 57.6K bit/s or 2,500 feet at 230.4K bit/s for DH+/RIO loops.
• Utilize RSLinx PKTx driver diagnostics to verify packet exchanges and resolve drop-line communication faults in real-time.

Target Equipment & Application Scenarios

• Legacy PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 processor networks requiring desktop or industrial PC visualization access.
• Plant-floor automation systems utilizing Data Highway Plus or Remote I/O data backbones.
• Industrial monitoring workstations requiring multi-channel serial network interfacing.
• Retrofit projects upgrading human-machine interface (HMI) connectivity on established manufacturing floors.

Ordering, Shipping, and Warranty Terms

• Stock Availability: Ready for immediate dispatch from active inventory.
• Dispatch Window: Fast 24-48 hour processing.
• Logistics Carriers: Secure worldwide delivery via FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
• Warranty Protection: Comprehensive 12-month warranty included with every 1784-PKTX unit.

Global PLC Spare HUB's Insight

When maintaining older automation architectures, hardware obsolescence often threatens system visibility. Based on field experience at Global PLC Spare HUB, technicians replacing a malfunctioning interface card should verify that the host PC motherboard supports legacy PCI 2.3 voltage signaling before installation. Additionally, ensuring proper switchable termination resistor settings on the 1784-CP12 or 1784-CP14 cables prevents data reflection errors along long-distance DH+ trunk lines, ensuring stable data polling for SCADA and HMI software packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific software driver is required to operate the 1784-PKTX card?

The module utilizes the RSLinx PKTx driver for managing device connectivity across either DH+ or DH-485 communication layers.

How many 1784-PKTX modules can be installed concurrently in a single computer system?

A maximum of four (4) modules can be deployed per system, which is managed through proper jumper and software configuration settings.

What shopping and selection criteria should engineers follow when sourcing a replacement network card?

Ensure the host computer features a native PCI 2.3 compliant slot, verify protocol matching with your PLC-5 or SLC hardware, and purchase exclusively from certified suppliers offering a 12-month warranty.

What immediate troubleshooting step should be taken if a channel status LED fails to illuminate?

Check the physical seating of the card inside the PCI slot, verify that the correct communication cable is securely fastened to the Phoenix terminals, and review the RSLinx driver configuration status.

Can the 1784-PKTX handle Data Highway Plus and DH-485 networks simultaneously?

Yes, the card is equipped with separate physical channels (Channel 1A for DH+/RIO and Channel 1C for DH-485) allowing independent network interactions.

Tags