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How to Configure LDx006P0 using a DA10 Protocol Converter via RS485/RS232 serial communications with PLC

13 Apr 2026

Please note: The LDx006P0 is not natively designed to communicate directly with a PLC. Serial ASCII is used to write values to Counter A. A common mistake is attempting to use an LDxA05P0(analog input) model which does not have the ability to write values to input A. 

APPLICABLE PRODUCTS

 

PRE-REQUISITES

Before beginning this procedure, ensure the following:

  • Crimson 3.2 software is installed on a programming PC
  • Access to the DA10 via:
    • USB, Serial, or SD card (for initial download)
  • PLC communication settings are known:
    • Baud rate
    • Parity
    • Node address
    • Register map
  • Proper RS-485 wiring is installed:
    • A(+) / B(-) correctly wired
    • Termination resistors installed (120 ohm each end)
  • User has access/permission to modify PLC and DA10 configurations

 

IN THIS ARTICLE

This article covers the following configuration steps:

 

Create and Configure DA10 in Crimson

Table of Content

  • Create project
  • Set device type
  • Configure network

 

Step 1

Create a new Crimson database

Step 2

Select DA10 hardware platform

Step 3

Configure network settings

 

Instructions for Step 1

  • Open Crimson 3.2
  • Select File → New

 

Instructions for Step 2

  • When prompted, select DA10D as the target device
  • Confirm device selection before proceeding

 

Instructions for Step 3

  • Navigate to Communications → Network
  • Set:
    • IP Address (if Ethernet is used)
    • Subnet Mask
    • Gateway (if required)

Note: Ethernet may not be available until you have downloaded the configuration to the DA10. 

 

Note: A helpful tool when navigating the Crimson 3.2 software is the Balloon Help

 

Configure PLC Communication and Data Mapping

Table of Content

  • Add driver
  • Set communication parameters
  • Create and map tags

 

Step 1

Add PLC communication driver

Step 2

Configure communication parameters

Step 3

Create and map data tags

 

Instructions for Step 1

  • Go to Communications
  • Select the correct port (serial RS232/485 or ethernet)
  • Click Pick under a protocol slot
  • Select:
    • Modbus Master (most common for PLC polling)
    • Or appropriate PLC driver

 

Instructions for Step 2

Set communication parameters to match the PLC:

For Serial Communications to PLC

  • Driver: Modbus Universal Master
  • Baud rate (e.g., 9600 or 19200)
  • Data bits: 8
  • Parity: None/Even
  • Stop bits: 1

  • Node address

     

Ensure exact match with PLC settings.

 

For Ethernet Connections

  • Set IP address of PLC

  • Ensure your Ping Holding Register is set properly (Should be the first 16-bit integer in register. if having trouble, set to 0 and test)

  • Unit number needs to be assigned to match PLC settings.

 

Instructions for Step 3

  • Navigate to Data Tags
  • Create tags for each PLC value by selecting new tag(numeric)
  • Select name for tag by right clicking Tag 1 and choosing "Rename".
  • Then from Source dropdown, select LD
  • Select 4 Holding Register from menu that pops up

  •  

    Set the holding register address in the element field. 

    *Please be sure to confirm all settings before moving forward.

Examples:

  • Flow_Rate
  • Machine_RPM
  • Total_Count
  • Assign each tag to a PLC register:

Example:

  • 40001 → Machine_RPM
  • 40002 → Flow_Rate

  • Set correct data types:

    • Integer (16-bit)
    • Float (32-bit)

     

 

Download, Test, and Verify Operation

Table of Content

  • Download configuration
  • Verify communications
  • Troubleshoot

 

Step 1

Download configuration to DA10

Step 2

Verify communication and data flow

Step 3

Validate display operation

 

Instructions for Step 1

  • Connect to DA10 via USB or Serial
  • Click Link → Download
  • Wait for successful transfer

Note: First-time setup typically cannot use Ethernet.

 

Instructions for Step 2

  • Use Crimson diagnostics to monitor tags
  • Confirm:
    • PLC data is being received
    • Tag values are updating in real time

 

Instructions for Step 3

  • Verify LDx006P0 display updates correctly
  • Compare displayed values with PLC values
  • Confirm:
    • Correct scaling
    • Stable readings

 

ADDITIONAL INFO (Optional)

  • RS-485 must be wired in a daisy-chain topology, not star
  • Always verify:
    • A(+) / B(-) polarity
    • Termination resistors (120Ω at ends)
  • Common issues:
    • Incorrect register addressing (off by 1)
    • 16-bit vs 32-bit mismatch
    • Baud rate mismatch
  • Recommended tools:
    • Modbus test software
    • Serial analyzer
    • Loopback testing
  • Related articles:
    • Modbus communication troubleshooting
    • RS-485 wiring best practices
    • Scaling values in Red Lion devices