Chromalox 6040 and 6050 temperature controller with RS485

[Boopster]

Hi,

 I have a Chromalox heater and the Tempererature controllers (6040 and 6050).  Both controllers has the RS485 hook-up.  I would like to know how to communicate with these devices.  The devices themselves can function as an stand alone units with PID controller installed. These devices can be used with automatic or manual control.  I would like to set it on automatic and control it from Labview.  I am currenlty using the Fieldpoints modules with Labview 2009. I have several questions: 1. can I wire the RS485 2-wire connector directly to the field point module?  2.  if I need an RS 485 converter, I will use the RS485 to USB.  Would I then just use the RS232 visa? 3.  there are two connection on the controller for the RS485, I am not sure how to wire that together as twisted wire.  I have looked at the forum on the subjects and find bits and pieces of info..  I would like more directions.

Thank you,

[Shane-C]

Hello,

Can you tell me which Fieldpoint modules you are using?  If you can clarify this, it will help us be able to give you more specific advice.

[Boopster]

On my system I have the following modules:

FP-1000

FP-AI-110, FP-RTD 122, FP-TC-120, FP-FLY-420,  and the FP-AO-210 (that was can put on).

Thanks,

Justine

[Shane-C]

I took a look at your controller.  It looks like it supports RS485 natively.  You should be able to use a serial cable directly from your FieldPoint 1000 to the RS485 target device.  Then, I believe you will need to use the Optimux protocol to send out commands to your device.  The programming reference for Optimux is available here.

http://digital.ni.com/manuals.nsf/websearch/A62558E5BDED8486862573460055DF12

Let me know if you run into more problems setting this up.

[Boopster]

Hi,

I am not familiar with programing through this method.  When I download the file, I don't know what format it is.  Is it a pdf file for me to read on how to program or is it something I need to open under labview?

Blink4me

[Boopster]

Also, what do you mean "natively".?

[Shane-C]

Sorry, I believe I convoluted the issue here at hand.  Let me retract my earlier statement and say this.  Your FieldPoint module has the RS232 port on it, where you can write serial commands out to the device (I mentioned using Optomux earlier, while this is possible, upon second thought it is unnecessary).  You can then have the RS485 port write out to your temperature controllers.  Is this what you are trying to accomplish?  You should be able to wire the connections directly to the FieldPoint module.  Sorry for convoluting the issue earlier.  Does this answer your question more closely?  You mentioned using an RS485 to USB converter, where does that come into play?  I understood that you wanted to go from the FieldPoint RS485 port to an RS485 port onthe temperature controller?

[Boopster]

Thank you,

Thank makes sense.  So to confirm,  the FP-1000 has both the RS 485 and an RS 242.  I can sent input signal from the controller (via RS232) to LV and then sent signal output from LV (via the RS 485) port to the controller.  However, I have two controller, the 6040 and the 6050.  How do I deal with the second controller?  Should I use another FP1000?

[Boopster]

For further references,  Chromalox 6040 controller has an optional card for analog input that i used with the AO-200.  For the Chromalox 6050 controller, only the RS485 port is available for signal input.  For both this units, I use the analog retransmit option on the controller to sent a signal to the FP modules, in either voltage or mA signal.