Setting Up the AceMagic PC
Setup Items
There are a number of steps to setup the PC so that it will run the exchange program continuously :
1 - Setup the PC to not go to sleep mode:
Start-Settings-Power-Screen and Sleep
2 - Setup the PLC-Data-Exchange program to automatically start when computer powers up. Use is link to download the free program to configure this feature.
url: http://codestuff.obninsk.ru/ (This program is shown below.)
3 - The licensed version of the PLC-Data-Exchange program can be configured to automatically resume exchanging data between the PLCs when the program is started.
4 - Disable the Windows 11 login by not entering a password.
Start-settings-Accounts-sign in options-Password change
Don’t enter or clear the password
5 - Automatically start computer on power failure and power restore. This is a complicated setup:
Start-settings-Recovery
Advanced startup: Restart Now
Troubleshoot-Advanced Options-UEFI Firmware settings
Advanced
- AMD CBS
-FCH Common options
-AC Power Loss Options
-Always On
This will setup the mini PC to keep the PLC-Data-Exchange program running and reliable.
Virtual Monitor Display Emulator
If a monitor is not connected to a Windows 11 computer, Windows will turn off the display. Since the computer is mounted in a control panel, chances are, there will not be a monitor installed.
Since, we want to access the computer remotely, the computer will need to have the display working, called a virtual display. Use this Display Emulator plug to force Windows to create a virtual display for remote access.
Price: $3 from Amazon
24vdc to 19vdc Buck Voltage Reducer
DC Converter Buck Module DC‑DC 24V to 19V 10A 190W Voltage Regulator Reducer Transformer Power Supply, Adapter IP67 Waterproof.
If your panel has a 24vdc power supply, you can use it to power the AceMagic computer since there are no batteries involved. However, if you want to maintain the computer’s label voltage, you can use this buck voltage converter.
This unit is available on Amazon for around $15.
Attachements to Mount Computer to Din Rail
The computer comes with a mounting bracket. These Din Rail mounts can be used to install the computer on the panel’s Din Rail. Again, they can be purchased from Amazon for ~$10.
This is the description:
Comidox Set of 5 PCB Din C45 Rail Adapter Circuit Board Mounting Bracket Holder
Din Rail Attachements Mounted to Computer
Add the PLC Data Exchange Program to the Startup Configuration.
This program is free and can be download from the button below or from their website.