Allen-Bradley 1784-PCMC1 Data Highway Plus Assembly | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The Allen-Bradley (AB) 1784-PCMC1 is a Data Highway Plus (DH+) communication card assembly designed for ISA-bus PCs, enabling direct connectivity between a host computer and Allen-Bradley DH+ networks. It is widely used in legacy PLC-5 and SLC 500 automation environments. This page provides full technical specifications, compatible replacement options, equivalent models, and a structured selection guide to help engineers and procurement teams make informed sourcing decisions.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 1784-PCMC1
- Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
- Description: Data Highway Plus (DH+) Assembly Card
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Network Protocol: Data Highway Plus (DH+)
- Communication Speed: 57.6 Kbps / 115.2 Kbps / 230.4 Kbps (selectable)
- Connector: DB-9 (DH+ network port)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
- Weight: Approx. 250 g
- Form Factor: Half-length ISA card
- Software Support: RSLinx Classic, RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500
- Operating System: Windows (via RSLinx driver)
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
The 1784-PCMC1 is a legacy ISA-bus card. As ISA slots are no longer available on modern PCs, the following alternatives are recommended for new installations or system upgrades:
- 1784-PKTX — Allen-Bradley PCI-bus DH+/DH-485 card; direct functional replacement for PCI-equipped systems
- 1784-PKTXD — Dual-port PCI DH+ card; supports two independent DH+ channels
- 1784-U2DHP — USB to DH+ adapter; ideal for modern laptops and desktops without PCI/ISA slots
- 1747-UIC — USB to DH-485 interface converter; suitable for SLC 500 DH-485 networks
- ProSoft Technology AN-X2-AB-DHRIO — Ethernet to DH+/DH-485/RIO gateway; enables IP-based access to legacy DH+ networks
- Moxa NPort / Serial Device Server — For serial-to-Ethernet bridging in mixed-protocol environments
Note: Always verify bus compatibility (ISA vs. PCI vs. USB) and RSLinx driver support before selecting a replacement.
Why Choose the Original Model
- Legacy System Continuity: Maintains exact hardware compatibility with existing ISA-bus industrial PCs without requiring system reconfiguration
- Proven Reliability: Field-tested in PLC-5 and SLC 500 environments over decades of industrial deployment
- Minimal Downtime: Drop-in replacement for failed cards in operational systems — no software reconfiguration required
- Cost-Effective MRO: Sourcing a genuine 1784-PCMC1 is often more economical than a full communication infrastructure upgrade
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintains validated system configurations in regulated industries (pharmaceutical, energy, water treatment)
Typical Applications
- PLC-5 programming and monitoring via DH+ network
- SLC 500 data acquisition and remote diagnostics
- SCADA host-to-PLC communication in legacy DCS architectures
- Factory automation HMI connectivity in automotive and discrete manufacturing
- MES/ERP data collection from Allen-Bradley DH+ nodes
- Maintenance and troubleshooting of installed DH+ networks
System Compatibility
- Compatible PLCs: Allen-Bradley PLC-5 series, SLC 500 series (via DH+ port)
- Compatible Software: RSLinx Classic (all versions), RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk View
- Host PC Requirement: ISA bus slot required (legacy industrial PC or IPC)
- Network Topology: DH+ token-passing network, up to 64 nodes
- Cable: Belden 9463 (blue hose) or equivalent shielded twisted-pair
Selection Guide
Use the following decision matrix to select the right DH+ interface for your application:
- Have an ISA-bus industrial PC? → Use 1784-PCMC1 (original) or equivalent ISA DH+ card
- Have a PCI-bus PC? → Use 1784-PKTX or 1784-PKTXD
- Using a modern laptop or desktop (USB only)? → Use 1784-U2DHP
- Need Ethernet/IP to DH+ gateway? → Use ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
- Connecting to DH-485 (SLC 500)? → Use 1747-UIC (USB) or 1784-PKTX (PCI)
- Multi-node or multi-network access? → Use 1784-PKTXD (dual-port PCI)
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
- All units sourced through verified industrial automation distributors and authorized resellers
- Each card undergoes functional testing prior to shipment: DH+ communication handshake, RSLinx driver recognition, and network node enumeration
- Original Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation hardware — no counterfeit or cloned components
- Packaging includes anti-static protection and original documentation where available
- Warranty: 90-day functional guarantee; extended warranty available upon request
- Traceability: batch records and serial numbers maintained for regulated-industry customers
How to Order
- Step 1: Confirm your host PC bus type (ISA / PCI / USB / Ethernet)
- Step 2: Verify your DH+ network speed setting (57.6K / 115.2K / 230.4K)
- Step 3: Select the correct model from the table above or contact our team for a compatibility check
- Step 4: Add to cart or submit a quote request for bulk orders
- Step 5: Receive order confirmation with lead time and tracking information
For urgent requirements or large-quantity procurement, contact us directly at support@konmask.com or +0086 19859288691.
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
- Q: Is the 1784-PCMC1 still in production?
- A: No. The 1784-PCMC1 has been discontinued by Rockwell Automation. It is available as a refurbished or surplus unit. For new installations, the 1784-U2DHP or 1784-PKTX is recommended.
- Q: Can I use the 1784-PCMC1 with Windows 10 or Windows 11?
- A: The ISA bus is not supported on modern motherboards. The 1784-PCMC1 requires a legacy ISA-slot PC. For modern OS environments, use the 1784-U2DHP (USB) with RSLinx Classic.
- Q: What is the difference between DH+ and DH-485?
- A: DH+ (Data Highway Plus) is used with PLC-5 and some SLC 500 systems at higher speeds (up to 230.4 Kbps). DH-485 is a lower-speed RS-485 network used with SLC 500 and MicroLogix. The 1784-PCMC1 supports DH+ only.
- Q: How many nodes can a DH+ network support?
- A: A DH+ network supports up to 64 nodes (addresses 0–63), including the host PC card.
- Q: Can I use the 1784-PCMC1 as a replacement for the 1784-KTX?
- A: The 1784-KTX is also an ISA DH+ card. The 1784-PCMC1 is functionally equivalent and can serve as a direct replacement in most configurations. Verify IRQ and I/O address settings match your system.
- Q: Do you provide installation support?
- A: Yes. Our technical team can assist with RSLinx driver configuration, IRQ conflict resolution, and DH+ network commissioning. Contact support@konmask.com.
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