Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 1784-PKTX is a network interface card designed to mount directly to a PCI port of a personal computer. It enables connection to Data Highway Plus (DH+), Remote I/O (RIO), and DH-485 networks, making it essential for integrating PLC-5 and SLC processors into modern PC-based control systems.

Technical Specifications Breakdown
Key parameters for the 1784-PKTX are listed below for quick reference:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Communication Protocol | Data Highway Plus (DH+); Remote I/O (RIO); DH-485 |
| Communication Channels | Channel 1A: DH+ / RIO; Channel 1C: DH-485 |
| PCI Compliance | PCI 2.3 compliant |
| DH+ / RIO Max Cable Length | 10,000 ft. (3048 m) @ 57.6K bit/s; 5,000 ft. (1,524 m) @ 115.2K bits/s; 2,500 ft. (762 m) @ 230.4K bits/s |
| DH-485 Max Cable Length | 4,000 ft. (1219 m) @ 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19,200 bits/s |
| Status LEDs | 1 diagnostic/status LED per channel |
| Max Modules Per System | Four (4) |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 12.4 x 6.3 inches (115 x 317 x 160 millimeters) |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (0.1 kg) |
| Coating | Conformal Coat |
Industry Applications
This card is widely used in manufacturing plants where legacy PLC-5 or SLC processors need to communicate with modern PC-based HMIs or SCADA systems. For example, in a bottling line, the 1784-PKTX enables real-time data collection from DH+ networks without replacing existing controllers. In material handling, it supports RIO scanner functionality to manage remote I/O racks, reducing wiring costs. Choosing this card over a complete system upgrade offers significant ROI by extending the life of installed equipment.

Installation & Setup Guidance
Mount the card into any available PCI 2.3 compliant slot on the host computer. Use the 1784-CP12 cable (3-pin Phoenix with switchable termination) for DH+ connections and the 1784-CP14 cable (6-pin Phoenix) for DH-485. Ensure termination resistors are set correctly based on network topology. The card supports up to four modules per system via jumper configuration. For Windows-based systems, use the RSLinx PKTx driver. For other operating systems, a custom driver must be created.
Maintenance & Reliability
The card features conformal coating for protection against moisture and contaminants. Inspect the card periodically for dust accumulation on the PCI edge connector and Phoenix connectors. Operate within 0 to 60 degrees Celsius and 5 to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing). The card withstands 30G operational shock and 2G vibration at 10 to 500 Hertz, making it suitable for industrial environments.
Compatibility & Integration
The 1784-PKTX is compatible with PLC-5, PLC-5/250, and SLC 5/04 processors directly. For SLC 5/01, 5/02, and 5/03 processors, use a 1785-KA5 module. The card supports DH+ and RIO on channel 1A and DH-485 on channel 1C, allowing mixed-protocol networks.
Selection Guide & Purchasing Advice
When selecting the 1784-PKTX, verify that your host computer has an available PCI 2.3 slot. Consider the cable lengths and baud rates required for your network. For new installations, confirm compatibility with your existing processors. AutoDCSTech offers this card with fast shipping and expert support to ensure correct integration. Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with AutoDCSTech before ordering.
Availability & Condition at AutoDCSTech
| Part Number | 1784-PKTX |
|---|---|
| Availability | In Stock |
| Condition | New |
| Warranty | One Year |
| Origin | US |
