1784-U2DHP Alternative: USB to Data Highway Plus (DH+) Programming Cable
If you are searching for a cost-effective 1784-U2DHP alternative, the original Allen-Bradley USB to Data Highway Plus (DH+) cable remains active in Rockwell Automation’s catalog but commands prices of over $3,000 USD new.
The ANC-120e serves as an economical, field-proven 1784-U2DHP alternative, providing seamless USB-to-DH+ connectivity for Windows 10 and Windows 11 (32-bit and 64-bit) environments at a fraction of the OEM cost—shipping immediately from stock.
1784-U2DHP at a glance
- What it is: Allen-Bradley USB-to-DH+ programming cable
- Connects to: PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 through the 8-pin mini-DIN DH+ port
- RSLinx Classic driver: 1784-U2DHP for DH+ (uses the COM port assigned to the cable)
- DH+ address: any node 0–77 octal (default station 0)
- Price new: over $3,000 USD
- Alternative: ANC-120e, $995, in stock and ready to ship
Why Choose the ANC-120e as a 1784-U2DHP Alternative
Unlike legacy interface cards (such as 1784-PKTX, 1784-PCMK, and 1770-KF2) or high-priced OEM cables with long distributor lead times, the ANC-120e delivers reliable engineering access:
- Modern OS Support: Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 (32/64-bit) without requiring virtual machines.
- RSLinx Classic & FactoryTalk Linx Compatible: Works with the free version of RSLinx Classic (no RSLinx Gateway license required) using the “Ethernet devices” or “Remote Devices via Linx Gateway” driver—enabling full programming, upload, download, and online monitoring in RSLogix 5 (PLC-5) and RSLogix 500 (SLC 5/04).
- Automatic DH+ Baud Rate Detection: Automatically connects across standard 57.6 kbps, 115.2 kbps, and 230.4 kbps DH+ networks without manual switch configuration.
- Auto-Polarity Wire Detection: Automatically adjusts to network wiring polarity, eliminating communication faults caused by reversed Blue Hose leads.
- Complete Kit Included: Ships with a carrying case, an 8-pin mini-DIN DH+ cable, mini-DIN to DB9 and mini-DIN to 3-pin Phoenix adapters, and a quick setup manual.
Technical Specification Comparison: ANC-120e vs. OEM 1784-U2DHP
Compare technical capabilities, pricing, and system compatibility between the active OEM cable and the ANC-120e:
| Specification | ANC-120e Cable | Rockwell 1784-U2DHP (OEM Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System Support | ✅ Windows 10 / 11 (32 & 64-bit) | Windows (driver included with RSLinx Classic 2.53+) |
| Automatic Baud Rate Detection | ✅ Yes (57.6k, 115.2k, 230.4k) | Manual rate switch (read at power-up) |
| Operating Temperature | ✅ 0 to +85 °C | 0 to +55 °C |
| Automatic Polarity Detection | ✅ Yes – Auto-detects wiring polarity | N/A (connects through the 8-pin DIN programming port) |
| Included PLC Cables | ✅ 8-Pin Mini-DIN + Phoenix Included | USB cable + 8-pin DIN cable (no 3-pin DH+ connector) |
| Hardware Warranty | ✅ Lifetime Replacement Warranty | Rockwell standard warranty |
| Lifecycle & Lead Time | ✅ Active / In Stock (Ready to Ship) | Active Catalog (Distributor Lead Times) |
| Purchase Price (USD) | $995.00 USD (In Stock, Ready to Ship) | Over $3,000 USD (new) |
Replacing Legacy 1784-KTX, 1784-PKTX and 1784-PCMK Cards
Before the USB cable, Allen-Bradley connected PCs to DH+ through internal cards and a laptop card. Rockwell now lists the 1784-PKTX and 1784-PCMK as discontinued, and the older 1784-KTX needs an ISA slot that PCs haven't had for decades.
| Legacy interface | Computer connection | Rockwell lifecycle | Modern replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1784-KTX / KTXD | ISA / EISA card for desktop PCs | Legacy | ANC-120e (USB), or ANC-100e for a networked PC |
| 1784-PKTX / PKTXD | PCI card for desktop PCs | Discontinued | ANC-120e (USB), or ANC-100e for a networked PC |
| 1784-PCMK + 1784-PCM5 / PCM6 cable | PCMCIA Type II card for laptops | Discontinued | ANC-120e |
The ANC-120e connects through any USB port and works with RSLinx Classic on Windows 10 and 11, so the laptop you already have becomes your DH+ programming terminal. If the old card sat in a desktop that stays connected to the plant network, the ANC-100e puts the whole DH+ network on Ethernet instead.
Permanent Network Integration vs. Laptop Service Cable
Depending on whether your facility requires on-demand field service access or permanent plant network monitoring:
- Service & Troubleshooting (ANC-120e): Pocket-sized USB cable powered directly by your PC USB port. Ideal for maintenance engineers and field technicians connecting directly to individual machinery.
- Continuous SCADA / HMI Integration (ANC-100e): DIN-rail mount gateway connecting legacy DH+ PLCs permanently to modern EtherNet/IP networks, Ignition, AVEVA Wonderware, Kepware, and PanelView Plus terminals. (See our 1756-DHRIO alternative guide for rack replacement details).
For step-by-step setup procedures and driver walkthroughs, see the ANC-120e User's Guide.
Field-proven 1784-U2DHP alternative. Connect your laptop to PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 controllers via USB on Windows 10 & 11.
- • Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit) native support
- • Cost-effective 1784-U2DHP alternative
- • Auto Baud & Auto Polarity detection
DIN-rail gateway for permanent SCADA, HMI, and PanelView Plus integration to legacy DH+ PLCs.
- • Standalone DH+ gateway architecture
- • Ignition, Kepware & FactoryTalk compatible
- • Lifetime Warranty & 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
Why pay over $3,000 USD for a DH+ programming cable? The ANC-120e provides factory-warrantied USB to DH+ connectivity for Windows 10 & 11 PCs, backed by in-stock units ready to ship from the USA and a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.