20-HIM-C6S — 20-HIM Series Remote Handheld HIM with Curly Cord

The 20-HIM-C6S is a remote handheld Human Interface Module (HIM) for the 700 and 755 series AC drives, connected via a coiled (curly) cord that plugs into the drive's HIM port. It provides a full-function parameter access interface — navigate the parameter tree, read and write values, initiate and stop the drive, view fault history, and run diagnostic functions — all from a handheld device that can be held at a comfortable distance from the drive or passed to a technician without disconnecting cables.

Drive commissioning and troubleshooting from the front-mounted keypad on the drive itself is fine when the drive is at eye level with good access. In real panels, drives are often mounted at the back of a deep cabinet, at floor height in a rack, or in a location where reaching the front panel requires awkward postures. A handheld HIM with a metre-long coiled cord changes the working ergonomics significantly — and in multi-drive panels, one handheld HIM can service all drives in sequence rather than requiring separate HIMs on each drive.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Part Number	20-HIM-C6S
Type	Remote handheld HIM with coiled cord
Compatible Drives	700 Series, 755 Series AC Drives
Display	4-line × 20-character LCD
Display Backlight	Yes
Keypad	Full alphanumeric + navigation + function keys
Connection	Coiled cord with DSI connector (mounts to drive HIM port)
Cord Length (extended)	~1 m
Language Support	Multiple languages (drive-dependent)
Parameter Copy Function	Yes — upload from drive to HIM memory, download to same or another drive
Enclosure	Handheld IP54-equivalent (for handling environment)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 55°C

Handheld HIM vs. Panel-Mount — When Each Makes Sense

Both types plug into the same HIM port on the drive. The choice depends on how the HIM will actually be used in the facility.

A panel-mount HIM is the right choice when operators need continuous access to the drive at the panel — viewing speed, checking current, adjusting setpoints during operation. It stays mounted in a fixed position, visible at a glance, and operable without reaching into the cabinet.

The handheld HIM fits a different pattern. In panels with multiple drives, technicians often carry one HIM between drives during commissioning or maintenance — no need for each drive to have its own panel-mounted HIM that sits unused most of the time. During commissioning of a new system, a technician can work through ten drives in sequence with a single handheld unit, plugging in, configuring, unplugging, and moving to the next. The coiled cord provides enough reach to work at a comfortable distance, and the cord retracts when not extended so it doesn't hang loose inside the panel.

The 20-HIM-C6S also works well in environments where space on the drive face isn't available for a fixed mount — where option cards occupy the area normally used by a panel-mount HIM, or where the drive installation doesn't leave accessible front-panel space.

FAQ

Q: Can the HIM be connected while the drive is running?

Yes. The HIM can be connected to or disconnected from a running drive without interrupting operation. The drive continues running normally; the HIM simply gains or loses visibility into the drive's parameters and status.

Q: Can the handheld HIM be used to start and stop the drive?

It depends on the drive's control source parameter. If the drive is configured to accept run commands from the HIM, yes — the HIM's Start and Stop keys issue those commands. If the drive is configured for terminal or network control only, the HIM keys are display-only for start/stop. The control source configuration also determines whether the HIM can issue a start command remotely (handheld) or only local (panel-mounted) HIMs can.

Q: Is the parameter copy function compatible between different firmware versions of the same drive?

Generally yes for drives on the same or closely-related firmware versions. Parameter sets copied between drives with significantly different firmware revisions may result in some parameters not being recognized or applied. When replacing a drive that has been updated to a newer firmware, verify that key parameters transferred correctly after the copy.

Q: Can the 20-HIM-C6S be used simultaneously with a network-connected drive running on EtherNet/IP?

Yes. The HIM connection is through the drive's dedicated HIM port, separate from the EtherNet/IP communication. Both can be active simultaneously — the network connection handles I/O control and the HIM provides local parameter access and status viewing without interfering with each other.

Q: What is the difference between the 20-HIM-C6S and the 20-HIM-A6 panel-mount version?

The 20-HIM-C6S is a handheld unit with a coiled cord designed to plug into the drive temporarily or semi-permanently. The 20-HIM-A6 is a panel-mount unit that installs permanently in the drive's HIM port cutout. Both provide identical functionality — the difference is physical form factor and how the HIM is integrated into the installation.

20-HIM-C6S New In Box 20HIMC6S Panel Mount LCD