Can I use two FP-AO-210's and one FP-1000 to obtain 16 channels of analog output?

[ericw]

Hello All,
I'm new to both Fieldpoint and LabVIEW.

I'm developing a control system that requires at least 9 channels of analog-only output. I have been trying to connect two FP-AO-210's to a single FP-1000 by connecting one FP-AO-210 directly to the FP-1000, and the second FP-AO-210 to the first FP-AO-210. However, Fieldpoint Explorer only detects the network interface and the first analog output module.

Is this configuration correct? Or, do I need a FP-1001 in order to use a second FP-AO-210?

Does anyone have any alternate suggestions on how to obtain at least 9 channels of analog output?

Thanks,

Eric W

[Aaron_G]

Eric,

One FP-1000 (or FP-1001/160X/20XX) can control up to 9 IO modules. If the second FP-AO-210 is not being detected by FieldPoint Explorer there are a couple things to check. First check to make sure that all of the terminal bases and modules are firmly connected to each other.

Next, check the Power & Ready LED of the FP-AO-210 at address 2. Both LEDs should be lit. If they are not, de-power the system, remove the modules and terminal bases and make sure that you do not have any bent pins. Re-assemble and power up the system. Use FieldPoint Explorer again.

If the module is still not detected, take a look at the addressing of the detected modules. The system should be detecting the first FP-AO-210 at address 1 (or 1 + a multiple of 10 if you have s
et the FP-1000 to a different address). If the FP-AO-210 is at a different address, then it is likely a problem with the addressing circuitry either in the network module or the terminal base. Try swapping the positions of the two terminal bases and try again. If it works, then the error is in the addressing circuitry of the terminal base, if not, then it is in the addressing circuitry of the network module. Note: bent pins can also cause this.

Regards,
Aaron

[ericw]

Aaron,

Thanks for your help. I was able to find out that we had a broken terminal base with your advice. I can now view both modules and the network interface from within Fieldpoint Explorer, and both modules show green LEDs for Power & Ready.

However, I am now getting red LEDs for channels 0 and 1 on the FP-AO-210 @ address 2. I've tried switching its position with respect to the FP-1000 and also tried switching its terminal base. There are no bent pins. Nothing is connected to any of the channels on either FP-AO-210, and I have coupled power from one output module to the other. The power supply for my system is 24V.

Do you think this is a calibration problem or just broken equipment? Thanks again,

Eric W