
Using a schematic, the architecture of the network that will be built is explained.
Modsim32 is the Modbus master simulator that will be used to read data from the device.
Winlog Lite is the HMI development software application. It is the main application that will be used in the course.
We have a look at the website from which the sensor was purchased.
We look at the datasheet for the sensor to determine the communication details.
We have a quick look at the sensor as I have it on my work bench.
An overview of the objective of the section.
Initial configuration is done to Modscan32 to prepare for reading of the Modbus data from the sensor.
A live connection is made to the sensor using Modscan32 and the results assessed.
The first part of the process of creating the HMI using Winlog Lite.
The second part of the process of creating the HMI using Winlog Lite.
The configured HMI is run and live communication with the sensor takes place.
This course as created as a result of requests of students who wanted to have a single example of a Modbus-enabled RS485 device being taken "out of the box" and the steps taken to connect the device onto a Modbus RS485 network where it's data values could be read and displayed.
The course uses a Temperature / Humidity sensor that has Modbus RS485 capability, as the device to be connected to the Modbus network. The documentation associated with the device is analyzed and is then used to configure Modbus master test software, where register addresses are confirmed.
The device is connected to a PC via a USB-to-RS485 converter.
After verification of data register addresses, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) application is created using an application called Winlog Lite. The HMI application is then used to read the data values from the Modbus device and display those values in a user-friendly format.
The course is extremely practical and steps he student through the complete process in a very systematic and logical manner. As the software tools are all free trials, the student will be able to download the applications and practice further.