Description
Product Introduction
The Allen-Bradley 1203-GK5 is a DIN-rail mounted interface module designed to link Allen-Bradley SCANport-compatible equipment—such as 1305 and 1336 AC drives, 1395 DC drives, or SMC Dialog Plus soft starters—to a DeviceNet control network.
Acting as a protocol translator between the SCANport drive architecture and the DeviceNet network bus, the 1203-GK5 allows programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or supervisory systems to pass start/stop logic, speed references, fault diagnostics, and full parameter data to legacy drives over a single open DeviceNet trunk line.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1203-GK5 |
| Device Interface | SCANport Drive Connection (via male SCANport cable) |
| Network Interface | DeviceNet (5-pin or 10-pin open-style connector) |
| Input Power Voltage | 12 to 25 VDC (DeviceNet bus powered) |
| Input Current / Load | 110 mA max (SCANport load: 60 mA) |
| Network Data Rates | 125 kbps, 250 kbps, 500 kbps (DIP switch selectable) |
| Configuration Controls | 8-position Onboard DIP switches (Node Address, Baud Rate, Datalinks) |
| Mounting Format | Standard 35mm x 7.5mm DIN Rail Mount |
| Status Indicators | Diagnostic LEDs for DeviceNet Network & SCANport Link Health |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
It is 1:30 AM at a beverage bottling plant. A 1336 PLUS drive controlling a bottle washer drops off the DeviceNet network, triggering a comm-loss trip. The maintenance tech finds that the old comm module suffered a DeviceNet transceiver power surge. Swapping in a pre-configured 1203-GK5 module onto the DIN rail, matching the DIP switch node address (e.g., Node 12 at 250k baud), and reconnecting the SCANport ribbon plug restores network communication instantly—bringing the line back online without needing to re-program drive parameters.
- Material Handling & Conveyor Systems – Centralized Speed Reference Tracking – Transmits real-time speed setpoints and run status from a DeviceNet Master to multiple 1305 or 1336 AC drives.
- Pumping & HVAC Facilities – Soft Starter Diagnostics – Links SMC Dialog Plus motor controllers to DeviceNet for remote monitoring of 3-phase motor currents, power usage, and thermal load.
- Paper & Converting Operations – Line Synchronization – Uses SCANport DataLinks through the 1203-GK5 to pass high-speed torque and speed feedback back to the main PLC loop.
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship boxes; we test them on live SCANport drive and DeviceNet test rigs.
- Inbound Visual Audit: Microscopic inspection of internal circuit boards, DIN rail clip assembly, SCANport female pin sockets, and DeviceNet terminal block threads.
- DeviceNet Bus Power & Line Check: Verified power draw across the 12-25 VDC DeviceNet terminals to confirm clean internal power regulation.
- DIP Switch Functionality Test: Toggle tested across all 8 DIP switch positions to ensure reliable node address (MAC ID) and baud rate assignment.
- Live SCANport Handshake & DataLink Test: Connected to an active 1336 PLUS drive and DeviceNet scanner; verified bi-directional logic command transmission, feedback reading, and parameter access.
- ESD Protection & Packaging: Cleaned, sealed in static-shielding bags, and packaged inside dense shock-absorbing foam.
- 1203-GK5
- 1203-GK5
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
- ⚠️ Set DIP Switches BEFORE Applying DeviceNet Bus Power!
The 1203-GK5 reads its DIP switch settings (Baud Rate, Node Address, and DataLink configuration) only at power-up. If you adjust the node address switches while the module is powered, the changes will not take effect until you cycle 24V bus power to the DeviceNet connector.
- ❗ Mind the Node Address (MAC ID) Limits
DeviceNet supports node addresses from 0 to 63. Ensure the address assigned via SW1 switches on the 1203-GK5 is unique on your network. A duplicate node address will cause the module’s DeviceNet status LED to turn solid or flashing red and fault the node off the bus.
- ⚠️ Configure “Fault Action” Behavior for Process Safety
DIP switches on the 1203-GK5 allow you to set how the connected drive reacts to a communication loss (e.g., Fault & Stop vs. Hold Last State). Always verify your DIP switch settings match your safety design—you don’t want a conveyor drive to keep running blindly if the network cable is severed!
- ❗ Shielding and Termination Resistors
DeviceNet requires a 121-ohm terminating resistor at each physical end of the main trunk line. Missing termination or improper grounding of the bare shield wire in the DeviceNet cable leads to intermittent packet errors and dropped SCANport frames on the 1203-GK5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Can I use the 1203-GK5 with newer PowerFlex drives (e.g., PF525 or PF750 series)?
A: No. The 1203-GK5 uses the legacy SCANport protocol designed for older Allen-Bradley drive families (1305, 1336, 1395, SMC Dialog Plus). PowerFlex drives use DPI or Dual-Port EtherNet/IP communications (such as 20-COMM-D or 25-COMM-E).
Q: Is external power required for the 1203-GK5?
A: The 1203-GK5 receives its 12-25 VDC operating power directly from the DeviceNet network cable pins (V+ and V-). SCANport control logic power is isolated and supplied through the SCANport interface cable.
Q: What is the difference between 1203-GK5 and 1203-GD2?
A: The 1203-GK5 is a DeviceNet communication module, whereas the 1203-GD2 is an RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial interface module (DF1 protocol) used for direct PC-to-drive connection (DriveTools).
Q: Are these units original Allen-Bradley hardware?
A: Yes. The 1203 series has been discontinued by Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation. We stock high-grade New Surplus (unused plant spares) and fully bench-tested refurbished original 1203-GK5 modules.
Q: What warranty comes with this module?
A: Every Allen-Bradley 1203-GK5 module includes a full 12-month replacement warranty. If network communication or SCANport handshaking fails within one year of purchase, we replace it immediately from available inventory.
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