The Allen Bradley 1747-PT1 Hand Held Terminal Tutorial

More in depth programming information and documentation is available at DO Supply covering a wider array of Allen-Bradley FAQ

The Allen Bradley Handheld Terminal, affectionately known as 1747-PT1, is something that was more popular when Ronald Reagan was president and Duran Duran was a cool new wave band.  That’s the 1980’s for those who are not my generation.  I’m kind of a nostalgic guy so digging into how a hand held programmer works is some sort of weird interest for me.  For good reason these devices were left in the closest to gather dust once personal computers came around and you could program your PLC in DOS.  With the advent of RSLogix and cheap laptops there’s very little reason to brush the dust of your 1747-PT1.  Then again, maybe there is if all you want to do is just check a value or quickly change a preset on a timer.  You could be the coolest geek around with this puppy strapped to your belt.  Just beware your boss and work mates might think you’re goofing of playing game boy.

This article is different then a regular 1747-PT1 tutorial.  As the saying goes, “If you don’t use it you lose it”, so this is meant to be more of a cheat sheet or a quick refresher course.  I assume you all ready have a knowledge of how the SLC500 processors store files and how to address memory.  I’m more concerned with how to get around the menu structure of the 1747-PT1 once they’ve escaped my brain cells after a couple months of non-use.  If you’re looking for something more in depth then you can still download “The Getting Started Guide for HHT” and/or the “1747-PT1 User Manual” from the Rockwell Automation site.

The 1747-PT1 hand held programmer is only good on these SLC-500 processors. 

Fixed SLC500

  • 1747-L20A
  • 1747-L20B
  • 1747-L20C/F
  • 1747-L20D
  • 1747-L20E/G
  • 1747-L20L/N
  • 1747-L20R
  • 1747-L20P
  • 1747-L30A
  • 1747-L30B
  • 1747-L30C
  • 1747-L30D
  • 1747-L30L
  • 1747-L30P
  • 1747-L40A
  • 1747-L40B
  • 1747-L40C/F
  • 1747-L40E
  • 1747-L40L
  • 1747-L40P

SLC 500 Modular 5/01 and 5/02

  • 1747-L511
  • 1747-L514
  • 1747-L524

This means the 5/03, 5/04 and 5/05 processors are NOT supported.

Extra tid bits

  • The communication cable is part number 1747-C10.  The unit is powered off the CPU through this connection.
  • There’s also a power supply 1747–NP1 or NP2 used to power on the terminal when there is no PLC.  I don’t have this but dig around in your closest and see if you have one.  It could come in handy.
  • Since the programmer has been sitting in the closest for ages you might get a BATTERY TEST FAILED message when first starting up or there may be a flashing letter B on the prompt line.  All this means is you need to replace your battery (catalog number 1747-BA).  Do a search on the internet and get it cheap.  Just slide the back cover off and replace it. 
  • Hopefully you have the PTA1E memory card installed too so that when the power is turned off you can retain the program in hand held programmer.
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