Question
How can the Programmable Controller "SYSMAC" be connected to a personal computer through a serial port or an Ethernet? Is the FinesGateway necessary?
Answer
In the case of serial interface
There are two ways: using the FinsGateway Ver.3 or not using it.
In the case when an application to be developed with the VisualC++ or the VisualBasic may be used through other interface methods, it is better to utilize the FinsGateway Ver.3.
On the other hand, in the case when the connection is done only through a higher-level link, it is possible to open a COM port directly from the VisualC++ or to issue a higher-level link command disclosed in the manual by using the VisualBasic and the ActiveX Control for commercially available serial access without using the FinsGateway Ver.3.
In the case of Ethernet interface
There are two ways: using the FinsGateway Ver.3 or not using it.
In the case when an application to be developed with the VisualC++ or the VisualBasic may be used through other interface methods, it is better to utilize the FinsGateway Ver.3.
On the other hand, in the case when the connection is done only through an Ethernet interface, it is possible to call up the WinSock2 library directly from the VisualC++ or to issue FINS/UDP/IP commands disclosed in the manual by using the VisualBasic and the ActiveX Control for commercially available WinSock2 without using the FinsGateway Ver.3.