How do I detect Fieldpoint modules through two fiber optic modems?

[ericw]

Hi All,

I'm trying to connect to Fieldpoint modules through two fiber optic modems, but cannot get Fieldpoint Explorer to find them.

When I start a search for my modules in FP Explorer, I see that the network status light on my FP-1000 blinks yellow in response everytime it receives a query from my computer through the fiber optic modems, however, as far as I can tell, no signal is being sent back. The LEDs on both modems light up whenever FP Explorer queries.

Does anyone have any troubleshooting ideas? Both modems work, the data transmission speed is within limits for the modems, and if I connect my PC straight to the FP modules, FP Explorer finds them easily.

I'm working with two TC Com
munications 1000 modems, they're nearly 5 years old and very simple (only transmit and receive), which suits my purpose (no control signals).

Thanks,

Eric W

[AnujD]

Eric,

If understand it correctly, the modems you are connecting to your computer should basically add a com port to your computer at a remote location.

If you FP Explorer cannot find your FP-1000, I would ensure that your serial ports are working properly. You may want to preform a loopback test to verify this:

http://sine.ni.com/apps/we/niepd_web_display.display_epd4?p_guid=B45EACE3ED2A56A4E034080020E74861&p_node=DZ52058

Hope this helps,
AnujD.

[Aaron_G]

Eric,

There are several things the need to be considered here. First is the cabling. Typically with a modem set-up (whether phone or fiber-optic), the cable between the computer and the modem should be a straight cable (Tx to Tx, Rx to Rx, and Gnd to Gnd), and the cable between the modem and FieldPoint unit should be a null-modem cable (Tx to Rx, Rx to Tx, and Gnd to Gnd). Assuming that the cabling is correct, the next thing to check is the modem and FieldPoint Baud Rate settings. The FieldPoint unit and the modem must both be set to the same Baud Rate. If you change the settings on the FieldPoint unit, you do need to remove and restore power to have the new settings to be used.

Given that you see the Network LED but never the Access LED, I suspect tha
t the problem is most likely the Baud Rate.

Regards,
Aaron