Conversion path for existing FieldPoint app

[lgk]

I have an existing application using LabVIEW and FieldPoint (FP1000, with AIO and DIO modules, total I/O count: 6).

It appears that NI is phasing out FieldPoint (price is going through the roof and not recommended for new development).

What would be NI's recommended path for new development (I need to change from RS-232 to Ethernet, or USB) and getting the price situation under control?

[Irene B]

That is correct that National Instruments is in the process of phasing out classic FieldPoint. You may want to consider the Compact FieldPoint platform, since it has similar Ethernet/serial expansion chassis that use the same NI-FieldPoint software and that have I/O modules with the same functionality.  The cFP-1804 is the 4-slot version and the cFP-1808 is the 8-slot version. They have Ethernet and RS-232 ports, and natively speak Modbus and OPC. 

Hope this helps,

Irene B.

National Instruments

[lgk]

Irene: thank you for your response.

It appears that compactFieldPoint will require a significant rework of the existing software due to the programmable controller on the cFP-1804.

My existing application contains a user interface as well as the I/O control logic and runs on a desktop computer. If I understand the compactFieldPoint architecture correctly, I will have to break the application into two pieces, one to control the I/O (residing on the cFP-1804) and the other providing the user interface (residing on a desktop or other suitable platform).

Am I correct in my interpretation, above? Is there a supported NI product that I can switch to that will avoid the software rework and provide the distributed I/O functionality of the existing FieldPoint (but in Ethernet or USB, not RS-232)?

Sorry to be a pest, but there are so many offerings from NI, I am concerned that I may overlook the best solution due non-familiarity with the product lines.

[Irene B]

No problem, it's my pleasure to help.  Actually, the cFP-180x does not have a programmable controller on it, meaning that you cannot embed code onto it as a standalone datalogger.  It must be tethered to a PC or controller of some type, so the application must run on the host PC. If you want to avoid software rework, switching to Compact FieldPoint is probably the easiest since they both use the same software programming API, NI-FieldPoint.  Other NI options would require you to use a different software driver.

If you'd like someone to help explain the details of upgrading to the cFP-180x over the phone, feel free to call our technical sales team at (888) 280-7645.  Otherwise, let me know if you have any other questions!

Irene B.

Message Edited by Irene B on 12-03-2009 12:23 PM