For a small operator interface on a 250-1 CPU, the C-More Micro offered more interface features than the DV-1000, and firmware version 1.11.6.51A was reported in January 2007 to correct slow touch response and other bugs. For programming, use the recommended C-More Micro cable assembly rather than assuming an existing serial converter and cable are safe for the panel port.
Choose the C-More Micro for the required operator interface
The original selection was between a DV-1000 that appeared to cover the required functions and a C-More Micro with more display and input options. The stated reasons for considering the Micro were nearly twice as many pixels, multiple background colors, and an optional touch screen. At that time, the recommendation was to choose the Micro for its price and features; the DV-1000 remained an alternative when its simpler function set was sufficient.
| Decision factor | C-More Micro | DV-1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Display and input features cited | Nearly twice the pixels, multiple background colors, optional touch screen | Described as sufficient for a basic interface; no comparable feature details were given |
| Response concern | Slow touch response was reported as a firmware issue addressed by version 1.11.6.51A at the time | Its manual suggested waiting one second between key entries |
| Programming experience | Use the dedicated programming cable assembly recommended for the Micro | Some users described programming as difficult; another user preferred not needing a separate utility |
Do not use anecdotal programming preferences as a substitute for checking the tasks operators perform. List the required screens, entry actions, and expected response before selecting the panel. Check: the chosen interface supports the required operator actions, and a one-second pause between DV-1000 key entries is acceptable if choosing that unit.
Correct slow touch response before changing the interface design
Slow response alone did not establish that the C-More Micro was inherently too slow: a January 2007 response identified firmware 1.11.6.51A as correcting slow touch response and several other bugs. The practical first step is therefore to verify firmware, not to redesign screens or reject the panel based only on early reports.
The firmware statement is historical. Before applying it to a present-day panel, identify the installed firmware and check the currently applicable release information and instructions through the manufacturer. The 2007 response pointed to the AutomationDirect firmware binaries page: support.automationdirect.com/firmware/binaries.html. Confirm that any file and procedure match the specific panel before downloading or installing; do not treat the historical version as a current release recommendation.
| Observed condition | First check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Touch response is slow | Read the panel's installed firmware version and compare it with applicable release information | If a matching release addresses the issue, follow its update instructions and retest |
| Response remains slow after an update | Repeat the same operator action and distinguish touch detection delay from display or PLC data-update delay | Record the repeatable condition and panel details; request manufacturer support rather than guessing at another firmware change |
Check: the installed version and test result are recorded, and a repeated touch action responds acceptably before programming work proceeds.
Use the recommended cable assembly instead of the old converter
The existing setup used a 9-pin D serial-to-RJ-12 programming cable for the 250-1 CPU and a Keyspan USB-to-serial converter to reach the PC. That does not establish that the combination is appropriate for programming the C-More Micro. The manufacturer response recommended the C-More Micro programming cable assembly because it handles power issues that could damage the panel port when another converter is used.
Keep the old cable and converter out of the Micro programming path until the manufacturer confirms their compatibility. Similar connectors do not prove identical pin assignments, power handling, or electrical compatibility. Do not infer that a serial adapter that works with the CPU is safe for the HMI.
- Identify the Micro programming connection and the programming equipment already on hand.
- Use the recommended
EA-MG-PGM-CBLcable assembly for the Micro programming connection. - If the proposed setup involves a different converter or cable, stop before connecting it and confirm compatibility with official support.
Check: the assembly is identified as the Micro programming kit, and no unverified converter is connected to the panel.
Confirm the kit includes the RJ-12 cable
The EA-MG-PGM-CBL kit was described as including a USB cable, a converter box with three lights, and an RJ-12-to-RJ-12 cable. The exact RJ-12 cable identity was initially a question because the pinouts were not called out in the description. Manufacturer support confirmed that the RJ-12 cable in the kit is a DV-1000CBL.
For that kit, the confirmed cable identity means a separate DV-1000CBL was not needed to complete the listed programming-cable assembly. Do not identify a cable solely by its tan color or by appearance in a picture; verify the kit contents and cable marking or documentation.
- Check the kit for the USB cable, three-light converter box, and RJ-12-to-RJ-12 cable.
- Check the cable identity against the
DV-1000CBLconfirmation or current kit documentation. - If a cable is missing, unmarked, or differs from the documented assembly, pause and ask the manufacturer to identify it before connecting the panel.
Check: all listed kit components are present, and the RJ-12 cable is the documented cable rather than an assumed substitute.
Program the Micro through the verified assembly
Once the correct kit is in hand, use its components as the programming path. The three indicator lights were part of the converter box description, but no specific light meanings or required states were provided; use the current kit documentation to interpret them rather than assigning meanings from memory.
- Connect the USB cable, converter box, and RJ-12 cable in the arrangement specified by the kit documentation.
- Connect the assembly to the Micro programming connection. Do not insert the legacy CPU cable or Keyspan converter into this path unless official documentation explicitly identifies that combination as compatible.
- Use the manufacturer's programming instructions and observe the converter indicators according to those instructions.
- If the PC does not detect the panel or programming fails, stop repeated connection attempts. Recheck the cable path and documentation before seeking support.
Check: the PC recognizes the panel through the verified assembly and completes the intended programming operation without an unexpected port or connection problem.
Verify operator response on the installed panel
Confirm both the programming path and the operator experience under the actual application conditions. Compare identical touch or entry actions before and after any firmware change; otherwise, a subjective impression can hide whether the fault moved or cleared. The one-second key-entry pause mentioned for the DV-1000 is a model-specific limitation cited in its manual, not a timing specification for the Micro.
- Power the panel and confirm the intended screens and controls appear.
- Repeat the entry and touch actions that previously felt slow, including any frequent operator inputs.
- Check whether the delay occurs at touch detection, screen update, or after the panel exchanges data with the CPU; record the action and observed delay rather than guessing at the cause.
- Confirm that the interface remains usable for the required operator tasks and that programming still works through the recommended assembly.
Check: the repeated actions meet the application's response needs, the CPU link behaves as expected, and no legacy adapter has been left in the Micro programming path.
FAQ
Can I program a C-More Micro with my 250-1 CPU cable?
Do not assume the 9-pin D-to-RJ-12 CPU cable and Keyspan USB-to-serial converter are suitable for the Micro. The recommendation was to use the EA-MG-PGM-CBL assembly because another converter can create power issues that damage the panel port.
Does the EA-MG-PGM-CBL include a DV-1000CBL?
Yes. Manufacturer support confirmed that the RJ-12-to-RJ-12 cable in the EA-MG-PGM-CBL kit is a DV-1000CBL, so a separate cable was not needed for that kit.
Can firmware fix slow C-More Micro touch response?
Firmware 1.11.6.51A was reported in January 2007 to correct slow touch response and other bugs. Check the panel's installed version and current manufacturer instructions before updating; stop and contact official AutomationDirect support if the correct cable, firmware match, or connection behavior is unclear.