6K Misc - Connecting a Motion Panel to a 6K.

Owned by Jack Degrano
Last updated: Jun 24, 2024 by Eric Rojas (Unlicensed)
3 min read

How do I connect a Motion Panel to a 6K?

First, you need to be using at least version 5.1.3 of the 6K operating system and it is recommended to use version 5.2.1 and newer. If you are using a version of the operating system lower than 5.2.1, please upgrade from our website.

Second, talk to the 6K via serial and enter these commands:

NTFEN1
NTADDR192.168.10.30
NTMASK255.255.255.0
RESET

These commands will enable the ethernet port, set the subnet mask and the IP address. Note, when communicating via ethernet, communications on serial port 1 on the 6K will be lost. This is due to communications sharing; the ethernet port, fieldbus port and serial port 1 share the same port even though they physically connect to the 6K in different places.

Note: If you have a 6K with one of the fieldbus options (Profibus or DeviceNet) you will need to disable this option to use the ethernet port. This is done by the OPTEN0 command.
Once you have set up the 6K, you will need to get a crossover ethernet cable or two straight-through ethernet cables and a hub. Connect the ends of the ethernet cables to both the 6K and the Motion Panel. Then, with the 6K already powered up, turn on the Motion Panel and allow it to power up to the main panel. Once at the main panel, look at the ethernet port on the 6K. There should be a green light on constantly and an amber light flashing at a fast rate. If this is the case then you are connected. Another check to ensure connection is to press the "Setup/Control" button, this will take you to the drive enable panel. Here you should see only the axes that are present on your 6K. For example, if you have a 6K2 then you should only see two axes on the panel. If this is the case, then you are connected. Note, if you are using a 6K8, then you should try to enable one of the drives to ensure connection.

If you don't see the amber light flashing on the 6K's ethernet port then you are not connected. Please disregard the "ONLINE" indicator in the top left-hand portion of the main panel. This feature is not indicative of the connection state. If you are not connected, then ensure you are in NTFEN1 and that you are using a crossover ethernet cable or two straight-through cables and a hub. If you are still having problems, please contact the Compumotor Applications Department at 1-800-358-9070.For further programming of the 6K, you can connect to serial port 2 of the 6K even with the Motion Panel connected. When you enter the terminal screen with the Motion Panel connected you will see a lot of scrolling carrots and sometimes question marks. These are the response of the 6K to commands sent down by the Motion Panel. The occasional question marks occurs when a command sent down from the Motion Panel which is designed for a 6K8 is received on something other than a 6K8, like a 6K4.

To eliminate the scrolling carrots enter these commands while connected to serial port 2 on the 6K.

PORT2
ERRLVL2

This will eliminate the scrolling carrots by disabling the carrot return.