DriveExplorer™

DriveExplorer™
Version 1.01.xx
User
Manual
Important User Because of the variety of uses for the products described in this publica-
Information tion, those responsible for the application and use of this control equip-
ment must satisfy themselves that all necessary steps have been taken to
assure that each application and use meets all performance and safety
requirements, including any applicable laws, regulations, codes and stan-
dards.
The illustrations, charts, sample programs and layout examples shown in

this guide are intended solely for purposes of example. Since there are
many variables and requirements associated with any particular installa-
tion, Rockwell Automation does not assume responsibility or liability (to
include intellectual property liability) for actual use based upon the
examples shown in this publication.
Rockwell Automation publication SGI-1.1, Safety Guidelines for the

Application, Installation, and Maintenance of Solid-State Control (avail-
able from your local Rockwell Automation office), describes some
important differences between solid-state equipment and electromechan-
ical devices that should be taken into consideration when applying prod-
ucts such as those described in this publication.
Reproduction of the contents of this copyrighted publication, in whole or

in part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, is prohib-
ited.
Throughout this manual we use notes to make you aware of safety con-
siderations:
ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices

or circumstances that can lead to personal injury or
! death, property damage or economic loss.
Attention statements help you to:
• Identify a hazard.
• Avoid the hazard.
• Recognize the consequences.
Important: Identifies information that is critical for successful applica-
tion and understanding of the product.
Summary of Changes
Summary of Changes
The information below summarizes the changes to this manual since the last
release.
Updated This is the first version of this manual.

Information
Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Summary of Changes
Notes:

Table of Contents
Using This Manual Preface

Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-1
Audience for This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-1
Purpose of this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-2
Contents of this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-2
Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-2
Terms and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-3
Conventions Used in this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-3
Rockwell Automation Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-4
Local Product Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-4
Technical Product Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P-4
Overview Chapter 1
Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
DriveExplorer Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
DriveExplorer Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Lite Versions of DriveExplorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Full Versions of DriveExplorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Navigating the DriveExplorer Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Menus and Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Common Windows Functions in DriveExplorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Starting DriveExplorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Quitting DriveExplorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Adjusting Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Accessing Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Transferring Files between an HPC and Desktop Computer . . . . . . . . .1-6

ii Table of Contents
Installing Chapter 2
DriveExplorer Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Windows 95 or Windows NT (4.0 or greater) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Windows CE (SH3 processor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Windows CE (MIPS processor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Installing DriveExplorer on Windows 95 or Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Extracting the DriveExplorer Setup Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Installing DriveExplorer on a Computer Running Windows 95 or NT.2-3
Installing DriveExplorer on Windows CE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Extracting the DriveExplorer Installation Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Installing DriveExplorer on an HPC Running Windows CE . . . . . . . .2-5
Connecting to a Chapter 3
Product Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Required Tools and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Connecting to a Product. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Ensuring That a Physical Connection Exists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Configuring the Communications Port in DriveExplorer. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Connecting to a Product in DriveExplorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Connecting to the Local Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Connecting to a Single Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Connecting to Multiple Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Changing the Serial Baud Rate in an Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Working with Chapter 4

Parameters Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Monitoring Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Viewing Hidden Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Editing Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Uploading Editable Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Downloading Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Comparing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Comparing Parameters to Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Comparing Parameters to File Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
Printing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Previewing the Print Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9
Printing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9

Table of Contents iii

Products and Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Adapters About Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Renaming Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Renaming a Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Reverting to the Vendor-Supplied Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Viewing and Editing Information in a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Viewing General Information about a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Viewing the Status/Feedback Bits of a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Viewing and Clearing Alarms in a Product Alarm Queue. . . . . . . . . .5-4
Viewing and Clearing Faults in a Product Fault Queue . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Viewing and Editing Information in an Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Viewing Information about the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Viewing and Clearing Events in the Adapter Event Queue . . . . . . . .5-7
Viewing I/O Transmitted into the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Viewing I/O Transmitted out of the Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
Using NVS (Non-Volatile Storage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
Storing Parameter Values to NVS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
Recalling Parameter Values from NVS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Resetting Default Parameter Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10

Custom Views Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
About Custom Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Creating a New Custom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Renaming a Custom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Adding Parameters to a Custom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
Selecting Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
Drag and Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
Copy and Paste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Saving a Custom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Opening a Custom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Reordering Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Deleting a Custom View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6

iv Table of Contents
Linking Product Chapter 7

Parameters Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Linking Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Clearing Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Clearing All Links in a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Clearing a Single Link in a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Troubleshooting Chapter 8
Chapter Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
Solving Communications Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
DriveExplorer Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Index Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1

Preface
Using This Manual

Objectives Read this preface to become familiar with the rest of the manual. In this preface,
you will read about the following:
• Who should use this manual.

• The purpose of this manual.
• Terms and abbreviations.
• Conventions used in this manual.
• Rockwell Automation support.
Audience for Use this manual if you are responsible for using DriveExplorer software to
This Manual monitor and edit parameters in Allen-Bradley products and adapters. You should
be familiar with programming these products and have basic personal computer
and Windows operation skills and knowledge, such as starting applications,
using menus and dialog boxes, and accessing application help.
ATTENTION: Only people familiar with Allen-Bradley

products and the associated machinery the products control should
! plan or implement the installation, configuration, and
maintenance of the product. Failure to comply may result in
personal injury and/or equipment damage.

P-2 Using This Manual
Purpose of this This manual is designed to get you started using DriveExplorer and to answer
Manual questions that you may have as you use DriveExplorer. First, this manual
presents information explaining the uses and interface of DriveExplorer. Then, it
presents instructions to help you complete tasks such as installing the software,
connecting to a product, and editing parameters. Finally, it provides information
that you can use to troubleshoot problems encountered when using
DriveExplorer.
Contents of this Manual
Chapter Title Contents
Preface Using This Manual Purpose, background, and scope of this manual.
1 Overview Overview of DriveExplorer functions, its main screen, and its commands.
2 Installing DriveExplorer Instructions for installing DriveExplorer on a desktop computer or hand-held personal
computer (HPC).
3 Connecting to a Product Instructions for configuring the serial port and connecting to a product.
4 Working with Parameters Instructions for monitoring, editing, uploading, downloading, and printing parameters.
5 Working with Products and Instructions for viewing product and adapter information and clearing faults,
Adapters warnings, and events.
6 Working with Custom Views Description of custom views and instructions on how to use them.
7 Linking Product Parameters Instructions for linking parameters.
8 Troubleshooting Information for correcting communications problems and responding to DriveExplorer

messages.
Related Documentation
All documentation for DriveExplorer is currently in the online help and this
manual. Because you use DriveExplorer with other products, you may need to
refer to the documentation for the other products.

Using This Manual P-3
Terms and For a complete listing of Allen-Bradley terminology, including terms and
Abbreviations abbreviations used in this manual, refer to the Industrial Automation Glossary,
Publication AG-7.1. The following terms are specific to this product:
Name Description
Adapter A device that provides an interface between a product and a network. It is often
referred to as a peripheral. For example, the 1203-SSS converter is an adapter.
Device An adapter or product.
Engineering Units Units displayed on the main screen of DriveExplorer. Engineering units are units
such as Hz, volts, and rpm. They are converted from internal units by
DriveExplorer.
HIM A HIM (Human Interface Module) is a device used to program, control, and monitor
Allen-Bradley drive and power products.
HPC An HPC (handheld PC) is a miniature computer that runs the Microsoft ®
Windows® CE operating system. There is a DriveExplorer program that runs on
Windows CE, and there is a different DriveExplorer program that runs on Windows
95 and Windows NT®. Both share a similar interface.
Internal Units Actual values of parameters as stored with the product parameter table. Internal
units are converted to display units in DriveExplorer. Internal units are sometimes
called drive units.
Node A product and its adapter(s) that are connected to a network.
Product A device with which you can use DriveExplorer to view and edit parameters.
DriveExplorer currently works with SCANport products and the Bulletin 160 drive
with a 160-RS1 adapter. An example of a SCANport product is the 1336 PLUS.
SCANport™ A standard peripheral communications protocol used by various Allen-Bradley

drives and power products.
Conventions Used The following conventions are used throughout this manual:
in this Manual
• Bulleted lists provide information, not procedural steps.
• Numbered lists provide sequential steps or hierarchical information.
• Italic type is used for chapter names and names of other manuals.
• Bold type is used for names of menus, menu options, and buttons that you
should click to accomplish a task.
• To access commands, you are given the menu, submenu (if applicable), and
then the command. For example, if you read “Select File > Save > All
Parameters,” you should click the File menu, point to Save to display its
submenu, and then click the All Parameters command.
Important: This type of paragraph contains tips or notes that have been added to
call attention to useful information.

P-4 Using This Manual
Rockwell Rockwell Automation offers support services worldwide, with over 75

Automation sales/support offices, over 500 authorized distributors, over 250 authorized
Support systems integrators located through the United States alone, and Rockwell
Automation representatives in every major country in the world.
Local Product Support

Contact your local Rockwell Automation representative for:
• Sales and order support.

• Product technical training.
• Warranty support.
• Support service agreements.
Technical Product Assistance

If you need to contact Rockwell Automation for technical assistance, please
review the information in this manual and the online help first. If you still have
questions, then email Rockwell Automation Technical Support at
RADriveExplorerSupport@ra.rockwell.com.
Refer to http://www.ab.com/drives/driveexplorer.

Chapter 1
Overview
Chapter Objectives Chapter 1 provides an overview of DriveExplorer. In this chapter, you will read
about the following:
• Functions in DriveExplorer.
• DriveExplorer compatibility.
• Differences between the lite and full versions of DriveExplorer.
• Features in the DriveExplorer main screen and commands.
DriveExplorer DriveExplorer is a software application that you can use to monitor and edit
Functions parameters in SCANport products, their adapters, and compatible products such
as the Bulletin 160 drive that is using a 160-RS1 adapter. DriveExplorer is
similar to Microsoft Windows Explorer. The difference is that you do not
manage folders and files in DriveExplorer. Instead, you manage nodes (i.e.,
products and their adapters) and their parameters.
DriveExplorer DriveExplorer runs on Windows 95, Windows NT (4.0 or greater), or

Compatibility Windows CE (2.0 or greater). DriveExplorer can be used with SCANport
products and compatible products such as a 160 drive using a 160-RS1 adapter.
The following table lists some of the DriveExplorer-compatible products:
Products➀
1305 AC Motor Drive 1336 PLUS II Drive 160 SSC™ Drive
1336 FORCE™ Drive 1394 Servo AC Drive SMC™ Dialog Plus
1336 IMPACT™ Drive 1397 DC Drive SMP-3
1336 Line Regeneration Package 1557 Medium Voltage AC Drive
1336 PLUS Drive 2364 RGU DC Bus Regen Front End
➀ To connect to a product, you must use a DriveExplorer-compatible adapter. Refer to Chapter 3, Connecting
to a Product, for more information.
Lite Versions of With the free versions of DriveExplorer Lite (Windows 95/NT) and
DriveExplorer pocketDriveExplorer Lite (Windows CE), you can perform these functions:
• Connect to a local device.
• Monitor and edit parameters.
• Upload parameters from a product or adapter and save them to a file.

1-2 Overview
• Download previously saved parameter files to a product or adapter.

• Print parameters (Windows 95/NT only).
• View information, such as fault and alarm queues, in a product.
• View information, such as event queues, in an adapter.
Full Versions of With the full version of DriveExplorer or pocketDriveExplorer, you can perform
DriveExplorer all of the functions in the lite versions. You can also perform these functions:
• Connect to a single device or multiple devices over a network.

• Hide hidden parameters.
• Compare current parameter settings to default or saved settings.
• Access parameters by number instead of scrolling.
• Use custom views to view parameters from different devices on one screen.
• Create links in products that support linking.
Navigating the Figure 1.1 and the following table identify and describe DriveExplorer features.
DriveExplorer
Interface Figure 1.1
DriveExplorer Main Window
11 12 13 14 15
1
3
4
Important:
5
Click a plus
sign to expand
a branch. Click
a minus sign to 6
close a branch.
2 10

Overview 1-3
Refer to Figure 1.1 to view these features in the main screen of DriveExplorer.
Number Name Description
1 Menu Bar Contains the menus and commands that you use to perform tasks. For example, you can select File > Save
to save parameter data to a file.
2 Left Pane Contains the devices to which you are connected, the custom views that you have created, and the
compare results if you have performed a compare.
Important: A plus sign indicates that there are additional items under the item. Click the plus sign to view
those items.
3 Devices Heading under which the devices to which you are connected appear. In Figure 1.1, there is only one
connected device.
4 Node A node is a product and its adapter(s). A number and name identify each node. In Figure 1.1, the node is
identified as node 1 and is named 1336 PLUS II Drv.
5 Product The product port number, name, and description. The port number 0 indicates this is a product, not an
adapter. In Figure 1.1, the product is a 1336 PLUS II drive.
6 Files and Groups Logically ordered collections of the parameters. In Figure 1.1, the PLUS II drive contains one file and 17
groups.
Important: Not all products group their parameters.
7 Adapter The adapter port number and name. In Figure 1.1, a 1203-SSS converter is used and is connected to
port 2.
8 Custom Views Heading under which the custom views that you have created appear. A custom view is a group of
parameters from different products and adapters that you paste on the same screen to make monitoring
easier. In Figure 1.1, two custom views with their default names, “New Custom View,” appear under the
Custom Views heading.
9 Compare Results Heading under which the resulting output of a compare appears. In DriveExplorer, you can compare the
parameter values in a selected device to parameter values in a DriveExplorer file or to factory-default
parameter values. In Figure 1.1, the results of a comparison between the present parameter values in the
1336 PLUS II and the factory-default parameter values of the drive appear under the Compare Results
heading.
10 Right Pane Displays the parameters for the selected product, group, adapter, or custom view. In Figure 1.1, the 1336
PLUS II drive is the selected product, so its parameters appear in the right pane.
Important: When the right pane is blank, the selected item in the left pane does not have parameters.
11 S S (status). In this column, you see whether a parameter is R (Read Only) or * (Editable). When
DriveExplorer is monitoring live data, you see these symbols appear and disappear. In Figure 1.1,
parameter 23 is R (Read Only).
12 N:P.P# N (node number) is the network node number for the device.
P (port number) is the port number for the device.
P# (parameter number) is the parameter number in the device.
In Figure 1.1, the first parameter is from the 1336 PLUS II drive at node 1. The port number 0 indicates that
this parameter is from the product, not its adapter. The P# 1 indicates that this is parameter 1 in the product.
13 Name The parameter name. In Figure 1.1, Output Voltage is the parameter name of the first parameter.
14 Value The value of the parameter. In Figure 1.1, 0 is the value of the first parameter.
15 Units The unit of measurement for the parameter. In Figure 1.1, Vlts is the unit of measurement of the first
parameter.

1-4 Overview
Menus and DriveExplorer contains the following menus and commands:

Commands
Important: Not all commands are available in the DriveExplorer Lite versions.
With commands in the File menu, you can perform these tasks:
• Create a custom view. Refer to Chapter 6.
• Open a previously saved custom view. Refer to Chapter 6.
• Delete a custom view. Refer to Chapter 6.
• Save parameters, links, or custom views to a file. Refer to
Chapter 4 or Chapter 6.
• Check the page layout before you print. Refer to Chapter 4.
• Print the parameters in the right pane. Refer to Chapter 4.
• Quit DriveExplorer. Refer to Chapter 1.
With commands in the Edit menu, you can perform these tasks:
• Clear selected parameters in a custom view. Refer to Chapter 6.
• Copy the selected parameters. Refer to Chapter 6.
• Paste parameters into a custom view. Refer to Chapter 6.
• Select all parameters in the right pane. Refer to Chapter 6.
With commands in the Explore menu, you can perform these tasks:
• Configure the communications port. Refer to Chapter 3.
• Connect to a product or multiple products. Refer to Chapter 3.
• View information about a product or adapter. Refer to Chapter 5.
With commands in the Actions menu, you can perform these tasks:
• Download a DriveExplorer file to the product. Refer to
Chapter 4.
• Upload parameters and save them to a file. Refer to Chapter 4.
• Compare current parameter values to those in a file or the default
values. Refer to Chapter 4.
• Work with the NVS options in a product. Refer to Chapter 5.
• Choose a parameter to edit. Refer to Chapter 4.
• Resize the columns in the right pane. Refer to Chapter 1.
• Link parameters. Refer to Chapter 7.
• Hide or display hidden parameters. Refer to Chapter 4.
• Monitor either continually updated parameter values or fixed
parameter values. Refer to Chapter 4.
With commands in the Help menu, you can perform these tasks:
• Display the DriveExplorer online help. Refer to Chapter 1.
• Display information about DriveExplorer. Refer to Chapter 1.

Overview 1-5
Common Windows If you have used other Windows applications, you should have no problems
Functions in using the basic features of DriveExplorer since it shares a common Windows
DriveExplorer interface.
The following are some tasks that you perform in Windows applications such as
DriveExplorer:
• Starting the application.

• Exiting the application.
• Adjusting columns.
• Accessing online help.
Starting DriveExplorer
DriveExplorer can be started using either of the following methods:
• In Windows 95 or NT, click the Start button, then select Programs >
DriveExplorer Application > DriveExplorer.
• Double-click the DriveExplorer shortcut icon .
Quitting DriveExplorer
Select File > Exit to close the DriveExplorer window and end your session.
Adjusting Columns
If a name or value displayed in the right pane of DriveExplorer is too long for
the column, an ellipsis (…) appears at the end of it. To adjust the size of a
column in DriveExplorer, use the following methods:
Location of Column Method
Left Pane Position the cursor over the split bar, and then click and drag the bar
until the column is the desired width.
Right Pane Select Actions > Adjust Columns to resize all columns.
Accessing Help
All versions of DriveExplorer come with online help, so you can access help
whenever you have questions. To access the online help, select Help > Help
Topics. In Windows 95 and Windows NT, you can also access help by pressing
the F1 key.

1-6 Overview
Transferring Files You can run DriveExplorer on a hand-held computer (HPC) that runs the
between an HPC Windows CE operating system. Doing so lets you move between products
and Desktop without having to move a large laptop or desktop computer.
Computer If you are using an HPC and want to keep DriveExplorer files permanently, you
must transfer the files from the HPC to a computer with disk storage in case the
battery in the HPC loses power. Otherwise, the files could be lost. To transfer
files from an HPC to a laptop or desktop computer, refer to your HPC manual.
Important: DriveExplorer files are compatible on the HPC and desktop

computer, so you can work with the same file on an HPC and desktop computer.

Chapter 2
Installing DriveExplorer
Chapter Objectives Chapter 2 provides instructions for installing DriveExplorer. In this chapter, +
you will read about the following:
• System requirements.
• Installing DriveExplorer on Windows 95 or Windows NT.
• Installing DriveExplorer on Windows CE.
The section in this chapter that you need to read depends on the operating
system on which you are installing DriveExplorer. Refer to the following table:
Operating System: Refer to:
Windows 95 or Windows NT “Installing DriveExplorer on Windows 95 or Windows NT” on page 2-2
Windows CE “Installing DriveExplorer on Windows CE” on page 2-4
System Windows 95 or Windows NT (4.0 or greater)

Requirements Personal computer using 486 66MHz processor or better with at least 16 MB of
RAM and 2 MB of hard disk space, VGA monitor, CD-ROM (for installation),
mouse or other Windows pointing device.
Windows CE (SH3 processor)

Windows CE 2.0 or greater, handheld personal computer using SH3 processor
with at least 12 MB of RAM, 650 KB of available program memory, and
650 KB of storage memory.
Windows CE (MIPS processor)

Windows CE 2.0 or greater, handheld personal computer using MIPS processor
with at least 12 MB of RAM and 700 KB of available program memory and
650 KB of storage memory.

2-2 Installing DriveExplorer
Installing To install DriveExplorer on a computer running Windows 95/NT, you must have
DriveExplorer on either downloaded the Windows 95/NT version from the Allen-Bradley web
Windows 95 or page or purchased a copy. After obtaining a copy, you must:
Windows NT • Extract the DriveExplorer setup files if downloaded from the Internet.
• Install DriveExplorer.
Extracting the DriveExplorer Setup Files

If you downloaded DriveExplorer from the Internet, you need to extract the
setup files before you can run the installation wizard. To extract the these files,
you need to:
1. Start Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the .exe file.
Figure 2.1
Extracting the Setup Files
3. Double-click the .exe file.

4. Indicate where you want the installation files to be extracted.
5. Extract the files.
6. Note the location to which you extract the files.

Installing DriveExplorer 2-3
Installing DriveExplorer on a Computer Running Windows 95 or NT

After extracting the files or inserting the CD, you must run the DriveExplorer
install wizard. To do so, you need to:
1. Start the setup using one of the following methods:
If you: Then:
Purchased a copy of 1. Insert the DriveExplorer CD into your CD drive. It should start automatically and
DriveExplorer. display the DriveExplorer Setup dialog box. If it does not start, click the CD drive
in Windows Explorer, and then double-click Setup.exe to display the
DriveExplorer Setup dialog box.
2. Click the PC with Windows 95/98/NT4.0+ button to display the setup wizard.
Downloaded a copy 1. Navigate to the folder in which you unzipped the installation files.
from the Internet. 2. Double-click Set-up.exe to display the setup wizard.
Figure 2.2
Setup Wizard
2. Follow the instructions in the setup wizard.

When the installation is complete, you are ready to start the application and
connect to a product. Refer to Chapter 3, Connecting to a Product.

Installing To install DriveExplorer on a hand-held computer running Windows CE, you

DriveExplorer on must either have downloaded the appropriate Windows CE version from the
Windows CE Allen-Bradley web page or purchased a full copy.
Important: You must determine whether your HPC uses an SH3 processor or a
MIPS processor, and then use the appropriate .exe file for that processor.
After obtaining a copy, you must:
• Extract the DriveExplorer setup files if downloaded from the Internet.

• Install DriveExplorer.
Extracting the DriveExplorer Installation Files

If you downloaded DriveExplorer from the Internet, you need to extract the
setup files before you can run the installation wizard. To extract the files, you
need to:
1. Start Windows Explorer on your desktop computer.
2. Navigate to the .exe file.
Figure 2.3
Extracting the Installation Files
3. Double-click the .exe file for your HPC processor.

Important: You must use the file for the type of processor that your HPC uses:
either an SH3 processor or a MIPS. In our example, we are using an HPC with
an SH3 processor.
4. Navigate to where you want the installation files to be extracted.

5. Extract the files.
6. Note the location to which you extract the files.

Installing DriveExplorer 2-5
Installing DriveExplorer on an HPC Running Windows CE

1. Establish a serial connection between your computer and HPC. Refer to
your HPC user manual for instructions.
2. Start the setup using one of the following methods:
If you: Then:
Purchased 1. Insert the CD into your CD drive. It should start automatically. If it does not start,
DriveExplorer. click on the CD drive in Windows Explorer, and then double-click Setup.exe to
display the DriveExplorer Setup dialog box.
2. Click the H/PC running Microsoft Windows CE 2.xx button to display the
Processor Type Selection dialog box.
3. Select the processor that your HPC is using, and then click OK to display the
Pocket DriveExplorer Application Selection dialog box.
4. Select the DriveExplorer application that you want to install, and then click OK to
start the installation.
Downloaded 1. Navigate to the folder to which you unzipped the installation files.
DriveExplorer from 2. Double-click NStall.exe to start the installation.
the Internet.
3. Respond to the prompts displayed on the desktop computer.

4. Respond to the prompts displayed on the HPC to complete the installation.
When the installation is complete, you are ready to start the application and
connect to a product. Refer to Chapter 3, Connecting to a Product.

Notes:

Chapter 3
Connecting to a Product
Chapter Objectives Chapter 3 explains the different ways to connect to a node and then provides
step-by-step instructions for connecting to a node or nodes. In this chapter, you
will read about the following:
• Required tools and equipment for connecting to a product.

• Setting up a physical connection to a product.
• Configuring the communications port.
• Connecting to a node in DriveExplorer.
Required Tools To connect to a product, you need the following:
and Equipment • An adapter and appropriate cables. The following table lists compatible
adapters and required cables:
Adapter➀ Required Cable(s)➁
1203-SSS SCANport cable and 1203-SFC RS-232 serial cable
1203-CN1 SCANport cable, 1203-SFC RS-232 serial cable, and ControlNet network cable(s)
1203-GU6 SCANport cable, 1203-SFC RS-232 serial cable, and DeviceNet network cable
1203-GK2, SCANport cable and standard straight-thru serial cable

1203-GD2,
1336-GM2
160-RS1 Standard straight-thru serial cable

➀
The adapter that you use must support an RS-232 serial connection (DF-1 protocol). For detailed
information on your adapter, refer to its user manual.
➁
If you are using an HPC, you also need a null modem converter (e.g., Allen-Bradley 1203-SNM) and the
HPC cable included with the HPC.
• Either a PC or HPC running DriveExplorer.

Connecting to a To use DriveExplorer to monitor or edit parameters, you must connect to a
Product product. There are three basic steps to connecting to a product.
1. Ensure that there is a physical connection. Refer to page 3-2.

2. Configure DriveExplorer to use the same baud rate as the computer and
adapter. Refer to page 3-4.
3. Connect to the product using DriveExplorer. Refer to page 3-5.

3-2 Connecting to a Product
Ensuring That a To use DriveExplorer, you must physically connect your computer or HPC to a
Physical product so that you can access its parameters. There are a number of ways to
Connection Exists connect to a product. For example, you can connect your computer to a product
using a serial communications module (refer to Figure 3.1 through Figure 3.3).
Figure 3.1
Serial Connection from a PC to a Product using a 1203-SSS Converter
SCANport 1203-SFC
cable cable
1203-SSS
Computer Running
1336 PLUS
DriveExplorer
Figure 3.2
Serial Connection from an HPC to a Product Using a 1203-GD2 Converter
standard
straight-thru HPC
SCANport
cable serial cable serial cable
1203-SNM
HPC Running
1203-GD2 null modem
DriveExplorer
converter
1336 PLUS
Important: When you connect an HPC (handheld personal computer) to an adapter, you must use
either a null cable converter (e.g., 1203-SNM) or a standard computer null cable with two male
9-pin sub-miniature D connectors. In this example, we use a 1203-SNM null modem converter.
Figure 3.3
Serial Connection from a PC to a Bulletin 160 Drive Using a 160-RS1 Adapter
standard straight-
thru serial cable
Bulletin 160
with 160-RS1
Computer Running
Adapter
DriveExplorer

Connecting to a Product 3-3
You can also connect to a product on a network via a 1203-CN1 module

(ControlNet) or 1203-GU6 module (DeviceNet).
Figure 3.4
Example of a ControlNet Network
Node 2 Node 3
1336 PLUS II 1336 PLUS
Node 1 Computer Running

PLC-5C DriveExplorer
1203-SFC
cable
1203-CN1 1203-CN1
ControlNet Channel A
ControlNet Channel B
Important: DriveExplorer cannot communicate with controllers (PLC or SLC), so it can access only nodes 2 and 3 on this
example network.
Figure 3.5
Example of a DeviceNet Network
Node 3
1336 PLUS II
Node 2
Node 1
1305 PLC-5
Computer Running
DriveExplorer
1203-SFC
cable
1203-GU6 1203-GU6
DeviceNet
Important: DriveExplorer cannot communicate with controllers (PLC or SLC), so it can access only nodes 2 and 3 on this
example network.
Important: DriveExplorer can communicate with any node on a DeviceNet network that uses one of the following adapters:
1203-GU6, 1336-GM6, 1203-GK5 (FRN 2.xxx), or 1336-GM5 (FRN 2.xxx). You must use at least one 1203-GU6 so that
you can connect a computer to the network.

Configuring the By default, DriveExplorer attempts to communicate with the adapter and
Communications product using the following settings:
Port in
• Communications port 1 on the computer.
DriveExplorer
• 9600 bps baud rate.
• CRC-16 checksum.
• 3 second time-out.
If the settings of the adapter or computer communications port do not match
these default settings, you can change the settings that DriveExplorer is using.
Follow these instructions:
1. Select Explore > Configure Communication to display the Configure

Communication Port dialog box.
Figure 3.6
Configure Comm Port Dialog Box
2. In the Comm Port box, select the computer communications port to which
the serial cable is connected.
3. In the Baud Rate box, select a baud rate that your adapter and computer
communications port support. Refer to your adapter user manual for
information on supported baud rates.
4. Under Checksum Type, select the checksum that your adapter and computer
communications port support.
5. Under Time-out, select the number of seconds that DriveExplorer waits for
a response message from the adapter before timing out. We recommend that
you select 3 seconds. However, if you receive frequent DriveExplorer
messages regarding communication time-outs, select a larger number.
6. Click OK to configure the communications port.
You can now connect to a product. Refer to the “Connecting to a Product”
section in this chapter.

Connecting to a A node consists of a product and its adapters. With DriveExplorer, you can
Product in access parameters in one node or multiple nodes on a ControlNet or DeviceNet
DriveExplorer network.
When you connect to a node on a network, you can make three types of
connections. The following table lists and describes the types of connections:
Important: Single and multiple connections are available only in the full
versions of DriveExplorer that you must purchase from Rockwell Automation.
The lite versions do not support single and multiple connections.
Type of
Description Refer To:
Connection
Local View and edit parameters only in the node directly connected to “Connecting to the Local
the computer. For example, in Figure 3.4 and Figure 3.5, you can Node” on page 3-5
make a local connection only to Node 3.
Single View and edit parameters in any one node connected to the “Connecting to a Single
network. For example, in Figure 3.4 and Figure 3.5, you can Node” on page 3-6
make a single connection to either Node 2 or Node 3.
Multiple View and edit parameters in multiple nodes connected to the “Connecting to Multiple
network. For example, in Figure 3.4 and Figure 3.5, you can Nodes” on page 3-7
make a multiple connection to both Node 2 and Node 3.
Connecting to the Local Node

A local node connection is a point-to-point connection to the node to which your
computer is directly connected.
To connect locally to a product, you need to:
1. Ensure that the communications port is correctly configured. Refer to

“Configuring the Communications Port in DriveExplorer” in this chapter.
2. Select Explore > Connect > Local. In the left pane, a node appears under
Devices.
If you are not able to connect, refer to Chapter 8, Troubleshooting.

Connecting to a Single Node

A single node connection can be to any one node on a network.
To connect to a single node on a network, you need to:

2. Select Explore > Connect > Single to display the Connect to a Single Node
dialog box.
Figure 3.7
Connect to a Single Node Dialog Box
3. In the Node Address box, type the node number, or click the up and down
arrows to select the node number.
Important: You can verify that a node number exists by typing a number and
clicking Exists?. If DriveExplorer finds the node, “Yes” appears next to the
button; if not, “No” appears.
4. Click Connect. In the left pane, a node appears under Devices.


Connecting to Multiple Nodes

You can use a multiple node connection to view parameters from multiple nodes
on a network.
To connect to multiple nodes on a network, you need to:

2. Select Explore > Connect > Multiple. The Connect Node Range dialog
box appears.
Figure 3.8
Connect Node Range Dialog Box
3. In the Starting Node # box, type the node number of the first product.
Important: You can verify that a node number exists by typing a number and
clicking Exists?. If DriveExplorer finds the node, “Yes” appears next to the
button; if not, “No” appears.
4. In the Ending Node # box, type the node number of the last product.
5. Click Connect. In the left pane, the available nodes appear under Devices.
6. In the left pane, click the node to view its parameters.

Changing the When you first connect to a product, you must use the baud rate to which its
Serial Baud Rate in adapter is set. After you are connected, you can edit the parameter for the serial
an Adapter baud rate in the adapter. For example, you may want to change the baud rate
from 9600 to 19200 to increase the communications speed. After you change the
serial baud rate in the adapter, you then have to change the baud rate in
DriveExplorer to reestablish the connection.
Important: At the time of release, you can use DriveExplorer to change the
serial baud rate in the 1203-GU6, 1203-CN1, and 1203-SSS. To change the baud
rate in other adapters, use the DIP switches.
To change the serial baud rate in the adapter, you need to:
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the adapter.

2. Edit the Serial Port Rate parameter.
ATTENTION: Hazard of equipment damage or injury exists. When you reset or

power cycle the adapter, the product may fault because of communications loss.
! Make sure that you can reset or power cycle the adapter safely.
3. Reset the adapter by setting the Reset Adapter Parameter to Enable or by

temporarily disconnecting the SCANport cable from the adapter.
4. Select Explore > Configure Communications to display the Configure
Communications dialog box.
5. Under Baud Rate, select the baud rate to which you just set the parameter.
6. Click OK to reestablish communications between DriveExplorer and the
product.

Chapter 4
Working with Parameters
Chapter Objectives Chapter 4 provides instructions for using DriveExplorer to monitor, edit, and
save parameters. In this chapter, you will read about the following:
• Monitoring parameters.
• Viewing hidden parameters.
• Editing parameter values.
• Uploading and downloading parameters.
• Comparing parameters to files and default values.
• Printing parameters.
Monitoring Monitoring parameters is enabled by default in DriveExplorer, so updated

Parameters parameter values are continually displayed. To monitor parameters, you need to:
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product, group, or adapter whose
parameters you want to monitor. Parameters for the selected device appear
in the right pane.
Important: If necessary, click a plus sign next to a heading in the left pane to
display the products or groups under it.
2. In the Actions menu, verify a check mark appears next to Monitoring.
Important: Selecting Actions > Monitoring switches monitoring on and off.
When a check mark appears, values are continually updated. When a check
mark does not appear, values are not updated.
Viewing Hidden Some products have hidden parameters—parameters not viewable using the
Parameters HIM. By default hidden parameters are shown in DriveExplorer. To switch
between hiding and displaying hidden parameters:
Important: Hiding and displaying hidden parameters is available only in the full
versions of DriveExplorer that you must purchase from Rockwell Automation.
1. Select Actions > Show Hidden Parameters. When a check mark appears
next to the command, hidden parameters are displayed. When check mark
does not appear, hidden parameters do not appear in the linear list.
2. If you choose to hide parameters, you must reconnect to the product. Refer
to "Connecting to a Product in DriveExplorer" on page 3-5.

4-2 Working with Parameters
Editing Parameters Products and adapters have two types of parameters: read only and editable. You
can view, but not edit, read only parameters. In DriveExplorer, an “R” in the
Status column indicates that a parameter is read only.
You can view and change the values of editable parameters. In DriveExplorer, an
“*” in the Status column indicates that a parameter is editable.

To edit a parameter, you need to:
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product or adapter whose

parameters you want to edit.
2. In the right pane of DriveExplorer, double-click a parameter to display its
edit dialog box.
Important: If you are viewing a linear list of parameters in the right pane, you
can select Actions > Parameter Edit to display the Go To Parameter dialog
box. Type the desired parameter number, and then click OK to view the edit
dialog box for the parameter. This shortcut feature is not available in versions of
DriveExplorer Lite.
Figure 4.1
Example Edit Dialog Box

Working with Parameters 4-3
3. Edit the parameter as necessary. Refer to the following table.
Type How to Edit Example
Value Type a number for the value.
Important: If desired, you can change

the value using internal units in the
Internal Val box.
List Select a value from the list.

Selection
the value using internal units in the
Internal Val box.
Bit Selection Select a bit to turn it on or off. A check

appears when the bit is on.
ASCII Type a letter or the hexadecimal

Character equivalent.

the value using hexadecimal units in
the Hex Value box.
Important: To retrieve the current parameter value, click Read. To retrieve the
factory-default parameter value, click Select Default.
4. Click Write to update the parameter value in the connected product or

adapter.
Important: Some products and adapters write changes immediately to NVS
memory; others write changes to RAM memory. Refer to your product or
adapter user manual. If you want to save parameter edits to NVS, refer to "Using
NVS (Non-Volatile Storage)" on page 5-9.
5. Click Close.
Important: Some products and adapters must be reset or power cycled before a
change takes effect. Refer to your product or adapter user manual.

Uploading Editable It is possible to upload editable parameters and their values in internal units
Parameters from the connected product and store them in a file. There are three upload
options: upload all parameters, upload selected parameters, and upload links.

editable parameters you want to upload.
Important: If you want to upload selected parameters, you must select them in
the right pane of DriveExplorer
2. Select Actions > Upload and Save to display the Save Parameters dialog
box.
3. Select All Parameters, Selected Parameters, or Links.
Important: You cannot upload links with versions of DriveExplorer Lite.
4. Click OK to upload the parameters and display the Save As dialog box.
Figure 4.2
Save As Dialog Box
5. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the parameter file.
6. In the File name box, type a name.
7. In the Save as type box, select either DE Parameter Data Files (*.dep) for
parameters or DE Links Files (*.del) for links.
8. Click Save.
Important: If you are using an HPC, the file is stored in RAM and is kept only
as long as the battery stays charged. You must transfer the file to a computer for
permanent storage. For information on transferring files between an HPC and a
computer, refer your HPC manual.

Downloading To transfer values saved in a parameter (*.dep) or link (*.del) file to a product,
Parameters you must download the file.
Important: Do not download a file uploaded from one type of product to a
different type of product or adapter. If you attempt to do so, a message alerts you
that you cannot proceed. If you attempt to download to the same type of device
that has different firmware, catalog number, or configuration, a warning
message will appear allowing you to continue or cancel.

To download the file, you need to:

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product or adapter to which you
intend to download the file.
2. Select Actions > Download > Archive File. A prompt appears to warn you
that setup values may change.
3. Click Yes to display the Open dialog box.
Figure 4.3
Open Dialog Box
4. In the Look in box, navigate to the archived file.

5. Click the desired file with a .dep extension for parameters or .del for links.
6. Click Open to download the file to the drive.

Comparing With DriveExplorer, you can compare the present parameter values in a device
Parameters with either parameter values saved in a DriveExplorer file or the default
parameter values saved in the drive Non-Volatile Storage.
Important: The compare command is available only in the full versions of

DriveExplorer. The lite versions do not support it.
Comparing Parameters to Default Values

parameters you want to compare.
2. Select Actions > Compare to display the Compare Selection dialog box.
Figure 4.4
Compare Selection Dialog Box
3. Select Device Values to Default Values, and then click OK to compare the
parameters. The Comparing dialog box appears and displays the status of
the compare. When the compare is done, either you are alerted that there are
no differences with a DriveExplorer message box, or a compare results
section appears in the left pane of DriveExplorer.
Figure 4.5
Example Compare Results

4. Click the results under Compare Results to display the numbers and names
of parameters that have different values in the right pane. The present value
of a parameter in the device is displayed in the Device Value column, and
the default value is displayed in the File/Default Value column.
5. If desired, print the comparison. (Windows 95/NT only)
Important: You cannot save a comparison. It is lost when you quit
DriveExplorer or when you delete the comparison by clicking Compare Results
and then pressing Delete.
Comparing Parameters to File Values

parameters you want to compare.
2. Select Actions > Compare to display the Compare Selection dialog box.
Figure 4.6
Compare Selection Dialog Box
3. Select Device Values to File Values, and then click OK to display the Open
dialog box.
Figure 4.7
Open Dialog Box

4. In the Look in box, navigate to a .dep file.

5. Click the desired file.
6. Click Open to compare the parameter values in the file to the parameter
values in the drive. The Comparing dialog box appears and displays the
status of the compare. When the compare is done, either you are alerted that
there are no differences with a DriveExplorer message box, or a compare
results section appears in the left pane of DriveExplorer.
Figure 4.8
Example Compare Results
7. Click the results under Compare Results to display the numbers and names
of parameters that have different values in the right pane. The present value
of each parameter in the device is displayed in the Device Value column,
and value of each parameter in the file is displayed in the File/Default Value
column.
8. If desired, print the comparison. (Windows 95/NT only)
Important: You cannot save a comparison. It is lost when you quit
DriveExplorer or when you delete the comparison by clicking Compare Results
and then pressing Delete.

Printing With DriveExplorer, you can print out the parameters so that you have a backup
Parameters of the configuration on paper. You can also preview the parameter printout
before printing it.
Important: Print and print preview are available only if you are using a
computer running Windows 95/NT. They are not available on Windows CE
versions.
Previewing the Print Out

Before printing a document, you can preview how the printed document will
look. To do so, you need to:
1. Select File > Print Preview to display the Print Preview dialog box.
2. Verify that correct information will be printed.
3. Click either Close to close the Print Preview or Print to print the file.
Printing Parameters
If you want a printed copy of the parameters in a product or adapter and their
values, you can print them from DriveExplorer. To do so, you need to:

parameters you want to print.
2. Select File > Print. The Print dialog box appears.
3. Select the desired print options.
4. Click Print.

Notes:

Chapter 5
Working with Products and Adapters
Chapter Objectives Chapter 5 provides instructions for finding information about a product or
adapter and for clearing faults and warnings. In this chapter, you will read about
the following:
• Renaming nodes in DriveExplorer.

• Viewing device properties.
• Clearing faults.
• Clearing warnings.
• Using Non-Volatile Storage (NVS).
About Nodes With DriveExplorer, you view nodes to which you are connected. A node
consists of a product and its adapter. For example, a node could consist of a
1336 PLUS II drive and a 1203-SSS converter.
Renaming Nodes By default, a node is named with the name of the product to which the adapter is
connected. Some adapters (e.g., 1203-GU6 and 1203-CN1) have the ability to
store a name that you assign. DriveExplorer can display this name, so the node
has a descriptive name instead of a vendor-supplied name.
Renaming a Node
1. Ensure that your adapter supports names.
2. In the left pane of the DriveExplorer, click the node whose name you want
to change.
3. Click the name again to enter the edit mode.
4. Type the new name (up to 16 characters).
5. Press the Enter key to save the new name.
Important: Because the node name is saved in the adapter and not the product, it
stays with the adapter if it is moved.

5-2 Working with Products and Adapters
Reverting to the Vendor-Supplied Name

To revert to the vendor supplied name, do the following:
1. Click the node name.

2. Click the name again to enter the edit mode.
3. Press Delete.
4. Press Enter.
Viewing and Using DriveExplorer, you can view and sometimes edit information in a
Editing Information product. Specifically, you can do the following:
in a Product
Task Refer To
Viewing General Information about a Product page 5-2
Viewing the Status/Feedback Bits of a Product page 5-3
Viewing and Clearing Alarms in a Product Alarm Queue page 5-4
Viewing and Clearing Faults in a Product Fault Queue page 5-5
Viewing General Information about a Product

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose information you
want to view.
2. Select Explore > Device Properties to display its dialog box.
Figure 5.1
General Tab for a Product
Important: The Status information is updated when status in a product changes.
3. View the information, and then click Close.

Working with Products and Adapters 5-3
Viewing the Status/Feedback Bits of a Product

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose status/feedback
you want to view.
3. Click the Status / Feedback tab.
Figure 5.2
Status/Feedback Tab for a Product
Important: Status/feedback information of the product is updated whenever it

changes.
4. View the status/feedback information, and then click Close.

Important: The status/feedback information displayed in this dialog box varies
based on the type of product.

Viewing and Clearing Alarms in a Product Alarm Queue

Important: In some products, alarms are referred to as warnings.
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose alarms

(warnings) you want to view.
3. Click the Alarms tab to display the alarm queue.
Important: Some products do not support this feature.
Figure 5.3
Alarms Tab
4. If desired, click Clear Alarm to clear the most recent alarm.

Important: If desired, click Clear Queue to remove all alarms from the alarm
queue.
5. Click Close.

Viewing and Clearing Faults in a Product Fault Queue

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose faults you want to
view.
3. Click the Faults tab to display the fault queue in the product.
Figure 5.4
Faults Tab
4. Next to Status, view whether the product is currently faulted.

5. Under Status, view the most recent faults in the product fault queue.
6. Next to Fault Trip Index, view the number of the fault that tripped the drive.

7. If you need to reset the product to clear a fault, click Reset Product.
Important: Some products have faults that can only be cleared by resetting the
product. Other products do not support the reset command. Refer to the product
manual to determine if your product supports this feature.
8. If desired, click Clear Fault to clear the most recent fault in the product.
Important: If desired, click Clear Queue to remove all faults from the fault
queue.
9. Click Close.

Viewing and Using DriveExplorer, you can view and sometimes edit information about an
Editing Information adapter. Specifically, you can do the following:
in an Adapter
Task Refer To
Viewing Information about the Adapter page 5-6
Viewing and Clearing Events in the Adapter Event Queue page 5-7
Viewing I/O Transmitted into the Adapter page 5-7
Viewing I/O Transmitted out of the Adapter page 5-8
Viewing Information about the Adapter

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the adapter whose information you
want to view.
Figure 5.5
General Tab

Viewing and Clearing Events in the Adapter Event Queue

want to view.
3. Click the Adapter Events tab.
Figure 5.6
Adapter Events Tab
4. View the events in the event queue.

5. If desired, click Clear Event to clear the most recent event in the adapter.
Important: If desired, click Clear Queue to remove all the events from the
event queue.
6. Click Close.
Viewing I/O Transmitted into the Adapter

want to view.

3. Click the Input Monitor tab.

Figure 5.7
Input Monitor Tab
Viewing I/O Transmitted out of the Adapter

want to view.
3. Click the Output Monitor tab.
Figure 5.8
Output Monitor Tab

Using NVS Non-volatile storage, also called EEPROM, lets you store, recall or load default
(Non-Volatile information into the permanent memory of the product.
Storage)
You can use Non-Volatile Storage to perform the following tasks.
Task Refer To
Storing Parameter Values to NVS page 5-9
Recalling Parameter Values from NVS page 5-10
Resetting Default Parameter Values page 5-10
Storing Parameter Values to NVS

To store the current parameter values in the product to its permanent memory, do
the following:
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, select the product whose parameters you
want to store to permanent memory.
2. Select Actions > NVS to display the Non-Volatile Storage dialog box.
Figure 5.9
Non-Volatile Storage Dialog Box
3. Click Store to NVS to store the current values in the active memory to the
permanent memory of the product.
Important: Not all products use this command. Many automatically save
parameter values to permanent memory when they are written.

Recalling Parameter Values from NVS

If you make changes to parameters in a product and then want to revert to the
parameter values that were saved in NVS, you can recall parameter values from
NVS.
want to recall from permanent memory.
3. Click Recall from NVS to recall the parameter values previously saved in
the product permanent memory to its active memory.
Resetting Default Parameter Values

If you want to revert to the factory-default parameter settings for the product,
you can load the defaults.
want to revert to default settings.
3. Click Load Defaults to load the factory-default parameter values to active
memory.
This resets the current parameter values to their default values in the active
memory of the product.

Chapter 6
Working with Custom Views
Chapter Objectives Chapter 6 provides an overview of using custom views in DriveExplorer. In this
chapter, you will read about the following:
• Custom views.
• Creating a new custom view.
• Renaming a custom view.
• Adding product/adapter parameters to a custom view.
• Opening a custom view.
• Saving a custom view.
• Reordering parameters.
• Deleting a custom view.
Important: Custom views are available only in the full versions of
DriveExplorer that you must purchase from Rockwell Automation. The lite
versions do not support custom views.
About Custom Custom views are collections of parameters that you select to monitor on one
Views screen. Custom views can contain parameters from different products or
adapters. You can save your custom views and open them at a later time.
Creating a New To create a custom view of selected parameters, you must first create a custom
Custom View view in the left pane of DriveExplorer. To do so, you need to:
• Select File > New Custom View. A New Custom View appears under
Custom Views in the left pane of DriveExplorer. Its default name is “New
Custom View.”

6-2 Working with Custom Views
Renaming a After creating a custom view, you should rename it with a unique, descriptive
Custom View name, especially if you intend to create multiple custom views. To rename a
custom view, you need to:
1. Click New Custom View.

2. Click it again to display the insertion point (blinking line).
Figure 6.1
Insertion Point for Editing Custom View Names
3. Type a new name.

Figure 6.2
Renaming a Custom View
4. Press Enter to rename the custom view.

Working with Custom Views 6-3
Adding Parameters After creating a custom view, you want to select and add parameters to it. You
to a Custom View can add parameters from a product or an adapter. There are two ways of adding
parameters to your custom view. You can either drag and drop or copy and paste.
Selecting Parameters
No matter which method you choose to add parameters, you need to know how
to select them. There are three ways to select parameters:
To select: Do the Following:
Single parameter Click the parameter.
Group of parameters directly under Click a parameter, hold down the Shift key, and then click the last
each other parameter that you want to select.
Group of parameters not under each Press and hold Ctrl, and then click the parameters that you want to
other select.
Drag and Drop

1. In the right pane of DriveExplorer, select the parameters that you want in
your custom view.
Figure 6.3
Selecting Parameters for a Custom View

2. Drag and drop the selected parameters to the custom view in the left pane.
The parameters are added to the end of the list in the custom view.
Copy and Paste

1. In the right pane of DriveExplorer, select the parameters that you want in
your custom view.
2. Select Edit > Copy to copy the parameters.
3. Click the custom view in the left pane.
4. Select Edit > Paste to add the parameters to the end of the list.
Important: If you want to paste the parameters above a parameter already in
your custom view, click the custom view in the left pane, click the parameter
above which you want to paste the new parameters in the right pane, and then
paste.
Saving a Custom To save a custom view, follow these directions:

View
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, select the custom view that you want to
save.
2. Select File > Save > Custom View Config. The Save As dialog box
appears.
Figure 6.4
Save As Dialog Box
3. Navigate to where you want to save the file.

Working with Custom Views 6-5
4. In the File name box, type a name.

5. In the File type box, select DE Custom View Files (*.dev).
6. Click Save to save the custom view.
Opening a Custom To open a previously saved custom view, do the following:

View
1. Select File > Open Custom View to display the Open dialog box.
Figure 6.5
Open Dialog Box
2. Navigate to the desired custom view file (.dev extension).

3. Select the custom view.
4. Click Open.
DriveExplorer opens the file and tries to communicate with the nodes that were
connected when the custom view was saved. If the nodes are not available, a
message alerts you that communication with the nodes cannot be established.

Reordering By default, parameters are added to the bottom of the custom view list. To
Parameters reorder parameters within the custom view, you need to:
1. Select the parameter(s) you want to move.

2. Select Edit > Cut.
3. Select the parameter that you want the parameter(s) to be placed above.
4. Select Edit > Paste.
Important: To insert at the bottom of the list, do not select any parameters.
Deleting a Custom If you no longer wish to use a custom view, you can delete it. To delete a custom
View view, you need to:
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the custom view.

2. Select File > Delete Custom View. A DriveExplorer message box appears
to confirm that you want to delete the custom view.
Important: You can also press Delete to delete the selected custom view.
3. Click Yes.

Chapter 7
Linking Product Parameters
Chapter Objectives Chapter 7 provides instructions for using DriveExplorer to link parameters.
Important: Linking is available only in the full versions of DriveExplorer. The

lite versions do not support linking.
Linking In some products, you can link parameters. A link is a software connection
Parameters between two parameters that lets one parameter receive information from
another parameter. In DriveExplorer, the parameter receiving the information is
called a sink parameter. The parameter providing the information is called a
source parameter.
Each sink parameter can only have one source parameter. However, source
parameters may be linked to multiple sink parameters. The information from the
link always flows from the source parameter to the sink parameter. To link a
parameter to another parameter, follow these instructions.
Important: Linking parameters is a function supported only in certain products

(e.g., 1336 FORCE drive). Refer to your product user manual to see if it
supports linking.
1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose parameters you
want to link.
2. Select Actions > Linking to display the Links dialog box.
Figure 7.1
Example Links Dialog Box

7-2 Linking Product Parameters
3. Double-click a sink parameter. The Sources dialog box appears with a list
of available source parameters.
Figure 7.2
Example Sources Dialog Box
4. Select a parameter.
5. Click Link.
Important: To close the dialog box without linking, click Cancel.
Clearing Links In DriveExplorer, you can clear all links or clear just one link.
Clearing All Links in a Product

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose links you want to
clear.
3. Click Clear All Links.
Clearing a Single Link in a Product

1. In the left pane of DriveExplorer, click the product whose link you want to
clear.
3. Double-click the link that you want to clear to display the Sources dialog
box.
4. Click Clear.

Chapter 8
Troubleshooting
Chapter Objectives Chapter 8 provides information that you can use to troubleshoot problems that
you may encounter in DriveExplorer. In this chapter, you will read about the
following:
• Solving common communications problems.
• Understanding DriveExplorer Messages.
Solving DriveExplorer is sometimes unable to connect to a product. When this happens,

Communications DriveExplorer tries for an extended length of time to make a connection. While
Problems trying, it displays a dialog box similar to the following.
Figure 8.1
Example Connecting Dialog Box
It then flashes the “Node Not Found” message and returns to the workspace
without making a connection.
Figure 8.2
DriveExplorer Message
To make a connection, verify the following:

• The product and adapter are receiving power.
• All cables are securely connected.
• The correct computer port, baud rate, and checksum are specified in the
Configure Communication Port dialog box.
• The correct node address is specified in the Connect dialog box.

8-2 Troubleshooting
DriveExplorer In DriveExplorer, you sometimes see messages that tell you that
Messages communications have failed or you cannot perform a task. Figure 8.3 shows an
example.
Figure 8.3
Example DriveExplorer Message
The following table lists these messages and details the corrective action that
you can take.
Message Description Action
STS 0x05 Application layer timed out. No • Verify that the product and adapter are
acknowledgment received, time out. receiving power.
STS 0x02
(Device may be turned off or • Verify that all cables are securely
disconnected. Node no longer responds connected.
to application.) • Click either Yes to try again to monitor or
No to stop monitoring.
EXT STS 0x10 Application attempted to write to a read • Some parameters become read only when
only location. a drive is running. Stop the drive and try
EXT STS 0x1f again to edit the parameter.
• Select a parameter that you can edit. A *
appears in the S column if the parameter
can be edited.
STS 0x10 Illegal command or format. The adapter • Verify that the connected product or
or product does not support this adapter supports the command that you
command. are doing.
Important: You may also see messages from the various devices to which you
are connected. Refer to your product user manual for explanations of these
messages.

Index
A connecting to the local node

abbreviations, P-3 definition, 3-5
accessing help, 1-5 instructions, 3-5
adapters conventions in manual, P-3
changing the serial baud rate, 3-8 creating custom views, 6-1
clearing events in, 5-7 custom views
definition, P-3 adding parameters to, 6-3
in DriveExplorer, 1-3 creating, 6-1
list of, 3-1 definition, 6-1
viewing I/O transmitted into, 5-7 deleting, 6-6
viewing I/O transmitted out of, 5-8 in DriveExplorer, 1-3
viewing information about, 5-6 opening, 6-5
viewing the event queue in, 5-7 renaming, 6-2
adjusting columns, 1-5 reordering parameters, 6-6
alarm queues, 5-4 saving, 6-4
alarms, 5-4
audience, P-1
D
default parameter values, 5-10
B deleting custom views, 6-6
baud rate, 3-8 devices
definition, P-3
C in DriveExplorer, 1-3
cables, 3-1 downloading parameters, 4-5
change the serial baud rate in an adapter, 3-8 DriveExplorer
clearing alarms, 5-4 commands, 1-4
clearing fault queues, 5-5 compatibility, 1-1
clearing faults, 5-5 connecting to a node, 3-1 to 3-7
clearing links, 7-2 description, 1-1
closing a branch, 1-2 features, 1-1 to 1-2
columns, resizing, 1-5 full version, 1-2
commands, 1-4 installing
communications on Windows 95 or Windows NT, 2-2
messages, 8-2 on Windows CE, 2-4
troubleshooting, 8-1 left pane, 1-3
communications modules, see adapters list of compatible products, 1-1
communications port, 3-4 lite version, 1-1
comparing parameters, 4-6 main screen, 1-2
compatibility of DriveExplorer, 1-1 menus, 1-3, 1-4
configuring the communications port, 3-4 messages, 8-2
connecting problems, 8-1 quitting, 1-5
connecting to a single node right pane, 1-3
definition, 3-5 shortcut icon, 1-5
instructions, 3-6 starting, 1-5
connecting to multiple nodes system requirements, 2-1
definition, 3-5 drives, see products
instructions, 3-7

I-2 Index
E M
editing parameters, 4-2 main screen, 1-2
EEPROM, see NVS manual
engineering units, P-3 audience, P-1
error messages, 8-2 contents, P-2
event queue, 5-7 conventions, P-3
events, 5-7 purpose, P-2
exiting DriveExplorer, 1-5 related documentation, P-2
expanding a branch, 1-2 menus
extracting files, 2-2, 2-4 list of, 1-4
location, 1-3
F messages, 8-2
factory-default parameter values, 5-10 minus sign, 1-2
fault queues, 5-5 modules, see adapters
faults, 5-5 monitoring parameters, 4-1
files, 1-3 moving parameters in custom views, 6-6
full version, 1-2 multiple node connection, 3-5
G N
groups, 1-3 N (node), 1-3
H name, 1-3
naming custom views, 6-2
handheld personal computers, see HPC
naming nodes, 5-1
help, 1-5
hidden parameters, 4-1 navigating DriveExplorer, 1-2
network connections, 3-2
HPC
node, 1-3
definition, P-3
transferring files, 1-6 nodes
definition, P-3, 5-1
I in DriveExplorer, 1-3
I/O in adapters, 5-7, 5-8 renaming, 5-1
icon, 1-5 reverting to the vendor-supplied name, 5-2
input monitor, 5-7 non-volatile storage, see NVS
installation files, 2-2, 2-4 NVS, 5-9
installing DriveExplorer loading default parameter values from, 5-10
on Windows 95 or Windows NT, 2-2 recalling parameter values from, 5-10
on Windows CE, 2-4 storing parameter values to, 5-9
interface, 1-2
internal units, P-3
O
online help, 1-5
L opening custom views, 6-5
left pane of DriveExplorer, 1-3 output monitor, 5-8
linking parameters, 7-1
lite version, 1-1
loading default parameter values from NVS, 5-10
local node connection, 3-5

Index I-3
P S
P (port number), 1-3 S (status), 1-3
P# (parameter number), 1-3 saving custom views, 6-4
parameter number, 1-3 saving parameters to a file, 4-4
parameters SCANport
adding to custom views, 6-3 compatible products, 1-1
comparing, 4-6 definition, P-3
downloading, 4-5 screen, 1-2
editing, 4-2 selecting parameters, 6-3
linking, 7-1 serial baud rate, 3-8
loading default values from NVS, 5-10 serial connections, 3-2
monitoring, 4-1 serial port, 3-4
printing, 4-9 shortcut icon, 1-5
recalling values from NVS, 5-10 single node connection, 3-5
reordering in custom views, 6-6 starting DriveExplorer, 1-5
saving to a file, 4-4 status, 1-3
selecting, 6-3 status/feedback, 5-3
storing to NVS, 5-9 storing parameter values to NVS, 5-9
uploading, 4-4 system requirements, 2-1
peripherals, see adapters
plus sign, 1-2 T
pocketDriveExplorer, 1-2 technical support, P-4
pocketDriveExplorer Lite, 1-1 terms, P-3
port number, 1-3 transferring files, 1-6
printing parameters, 4-9 troubleshooting, 8-1
products U
clearing alarms in, 5-4 units, 1-3
clearing faults in, 5-5
uploading parameters, 4-4
compatible with DriveExplorer, 1-1
definition, P-3 V
in DriveExplorer, 1-3 value, 1-3
viewing alarm queues in, 5-4 viewing hidden parameters, 4-1
viewing fault queues in, 5-5
viewing general information about, 5-2 W
viewing status/feedback bits in, 5-3 warning queues, see alarm queues
warnings, see alarms
Q web page, P-4
quitting DriveExplorer, 1-5
R
recalling parameter values from NVS, 5-10
related documentation, P-2
renaming custom views, 6-2
renaming nodes, 5-1
reordering parameters in custom views, 6-6
required tools and equipment, 3-1
resizing columns, 1-5
right pane, 1-3

I-4 Index
Notes:

1336 FORCE, 1336 IMPACT, DriveExplorer, SCANport, SMC Dialog PLUS, and SSC are
trademarks of Rockwell Automation.
ControlNet is a trademark of ControlNet International, Ltd.
DeviceNet is a trademark of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association.
Windows, WindowsNT, and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders and hereby acknowledged.
Reach us now at www.rockwellautomation.com
Wherever you need us, Rockwell Automation brings together leading
brands in industrial automation including Allen-Bradley controls,
Reliance Electric power transmission products, Dodge mechanical power
transmission components, and Rockwell Software. Rockwell Automation's
unique, flexible approach to helping customers achieve a competitive
advantage is supported by thousands of authorized partners, distributors
and system integrators around the world.
Americas Headquarters, 1201 South Second Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA, Tel: (1) 414 382-2000, Fax: (1) 414 382-4444
European Headquarters SA/NV, avenue Herrmann Debroux, 46, 1160 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: (32) 2 663 06 00, Fax: (32) 2 663 06 40
Asia Pacific Headquarters, 27/F Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 2887 4788, Fax: (852) 2508 1846
Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999 P/N 191871 (01)

Copyright 1999 Rockwell International Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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The illustrations, charts, sample programs and layout examples shown in

Rockwell Automation publication SGI-1.1, Safety Guidelines for the

Reproduction of the contents of this copyrighted publication, in whole or

ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices

Attention statements help you to:

Updated This is the first version of this manual.

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Using This Manual Preface

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Working with Chapter 4

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Working with Chapter 5

Working with Chapter 6

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Linking Product Chapter 7

Index Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Using This Manual

• Who should use this manual.

ATTENTION: Only people familiar with Allen-Bradley

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Contents of this Manual

Chapter Title Contents

7 Linking Product Parameters Instructions for linking parameters.

8 Troubleshooting Information for correcting communications problems and responding to DriveExplorer

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Device An adapter or product.

Node A product and its adapter(s) that are connected to a network.

SCANport™ A standard peripheral communications protocol used by various Allen-Bradley

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Rockwell Rockwell Automation offers support services worldwide, with over 75

Local Product Support

• Sales and order support.

Technical Product Assistance

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

DriveExplorer DriveExplorer runs on Windows 95, Windows NT (4.0 or greater), or

to a Product, for more information.

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

• Download previously saved parameter files to a product or adapter.

• Connect to a single device or multiple devices over a network.

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Number Name Description

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Menus and DriveExplorer contains the following menus and commands:

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

• Starting the application.

• Double-click the DriveExplorer shortcut icon .

Location of Column Method

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Important: DriveExplorer files are compatible on the HPC and desktop

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

you will read about the following:

Operating System: Refer to:

Windows 95 or Windows NT “Installing DriveExplorer on Windows 95 or Windows NT” on page 2-2

Windows CE “Installing DriveExplorer on Windows CE” on page 2-4

System Windows 95 or Windows NT (4.0 or greater)

Windows CE (SH3 processor)

Windows CE (MIPS processor)

Publication 9306-5.0 – March 1999

Extracting the DriveExplorer Setup Files

3. Double-click the .exe file.