Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB (also referenced as 1784-PKTX rev. B) is a 32-bit PCI-bus communication interface card developed by Rockwell Automation for direct connection of an IBM-compatible personal computer to Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+), DH-485, and Remote I/O (RIO) networks. The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB is the PCI-version successor to the original ISA-bus 1784-KTx cards and is primarily used with RSLinx® Classic communications software to program, monitor, and troubleshoot PLC-5®, SLC 500®, and MicroLogix™ controllers that communicate over DH+ (a token-passing peer-to-peer network at 57.6 kbps or 230.4 kbps node-to-node) or DH-485 (master-slave at 19.2 kbps).Designed for system integrators, maintenance technicians, and OEM service personnel who must retain access to legacy Allen-Bradley control networks, the Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB emulates a DH+ node and/or a Remote I/O scanner, allowing the host PC to appear as a legitimate station on the network. This enables uploading/downloading of ladder logic, forcing I/O bits, viewing data tables in real time, and performing firmware flashes—functions that cannot be accomplished through standard Ethernet or serial ports on older PLC-5 and SLC 500 processors. The card features a 9-pin D-shell (DB-9) female connector for DH+ / DH-485 physical layer attachment using standard Belden 9463 or equivalent shielded twisted-pair cabling with 1770-CD cables or terminal blocks.Although the Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB has been declared obsolete by Rockwell Automation (replaced conceptually by USB-DH+ adapters such as 1784-U2DHP for newer laptops without PCI slots), it remains in active demand for legacy system support in process plants, utilities, and heavy-industry facilities where PLC-5 and SLC 500 equipment continues to operate. The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB is fully compatible with Windows® XP / Windows 7 (32-bit) running RSLinx Classic v2.40 and later legacy-supported versions, and is recognized by RSLogix™ 5 and RSLogix 500 programming packages.
Technical Specifications
| Product Model | 1784-PKTXB (1784-PKTX Series, Rev B – PCI Version) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley |
| Product Type | PCI-Bus Communication Interface Card for DH+ / DH-485 / Remote I/O |
| Bus Interface | 32-bit PCI 2.2 (5 V signaling), half-length, single-slot |
| Supported Networks | Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+), DH-485, Remote I/O (Scanner Mode) |
| DH+ Data Rates | 57.6 kbps (standard DH+), 230.4 kbps (node-to-node DH+ high speed) |
| DH-485 Data Rate | 19.2 kbps (master-slave polling) |
| Physical Port | 1 × Female DB-9 (RS-485 differential for DH+ / DH-485) |
| Cable Type (DH+) | Belden 9463 (shielded twisted pair, 120 Ω termination as required by network topology) |
| Node Address Setting | Software-configurable via RSLinx Station Number dialog (DH+ node 0–77 octal) |
| Remote I/O Function | Emulates 1771-ASB or 1747-ASB scanner (RIO adapter not supported – scanner only) |
| Required Software | RSLinx Classic (v2.40+ legacy-supported editions); RSLogix 5 / RSLogix 500 for programming |
| OS Compatibility | Windows NT 4.0 SP6a, Windows 2000, Windows XP (32-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit) – NOT compatible with 64-bit OS |
| Power Drawn from PCI Bus | +5 VDC @ approx. 350 mA typical |
| Dimensions (Card Only) | 107 mm × 89 mm (4.21″ × 3.50″) – standard half-length PCI |
| Operating Conditions | 0 °C to +55 °C, 5%–90% RH non-condensing (indoor, office/control-room use) |
| Agency Approvals | CE, FCC Class A, cULus listed |
Main Features and Advantages
Direct legacy-network access from a modern(ish) PC:The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB provides the only reliable, Rockwell-supported method to attach a PCI-equipped desktop or industrial PC directly onto a DH+ or DH-485 multidrop network for program upload/download and live data monitoring. Unlike serial-converter workarounds, the Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB participates in DH+ token passing as a true node, ensuring deterministic network behavior and compatibility with older PLC-5 processors that lack Ethernet ports.Triple-protocol support on one card:A single Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB simultaneously supports DH+, DH-485, and Remote I/O scanner emulation (one active protocol per session, selectable in RSLinx driver configuration). This eliminates the need to stock separate interface cards for different legacy network types found in mixed SLC 500 / PLC-5 plants. Technicians can connect to a PLC-5 on DH+ in the morning and a MicroLogix 1000 on DH-485 in the afternoon using the same Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB installation.RSLinx-native driver integration:The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB is auto-detected by RSLinx Classic’s “Configure Drivers → Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX(DH+/DH-485)” wizard. Station/node address, baud rate, and protocol are set through the RSLinx GUI, and the card appears as a browseable node in the RSWho tree—enabling right-click “Upload from Device,” “Go Online,” and “Troubleshoot” workflows identical to those used with Ethernet/IP or DF1 drivers.Remote I/O scanner emulation for bench testing:When configured in RIO Scanner mode, the Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB can emulate a 1771-ASB adapter scanner, allowing engineers to commission and test 1747 or 1771 Remote I/O blocks on a workbench without a full PLC rack—a valuable feature for I/O module validation during spare-parts testing or panel checkout.Proven legacy-platform continuity:For plants with long-life PLC-5 or SLC 500 assets, the Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB is an essential lifecycle-support item. Keeping a spare Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTXB and a compatible 32-bit engineering workstation/VM image ensures that critical legacy equipment remains serviceable even as corporate IT migrates to newer hardware lacking ISA/PCI slots.
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