Anybody using Zetron 1730/1732's using LabView 7

[rekholm]

Has anyone built a labview program that interfaces with Zetron 1730 / 1732 Units?? I am trying to figure it out, since it got dumped on me,and am having quite a time with it!! I am planning on going to the classes, but wanted something up and going before August when I am headed there!

Any help suggestions or files(?) would help that much more!!


Rod Ekholm Jr.
Spokane County Communications Dept
(509) 477-3712
rekholm@spokanecounty.org

[Khalid]

Hello Rod,

As you may have found out, the Zetron controllers use Modbus protocol for communication. Your objective will be to establish a communication between LabVIEW and the Zetron controllers using this Modbus protocol.

There are several options for this:

1. The recommended solution is to use the Modbus Server from the Lookout Protocol Drivers (LPD; which are nothing but OPC Servers) with LabVIEW-DSC (which has a built-in OPC Client).

2. You can also use DataSocket from within LabVIEW (instead of LabVIEW-DSC) as an Client. Again with LPD serving as the Modbus OPC Server.

3. Implement the Modbus protocol yourself in LabVIEW. This will not be easy, but is doable. People have done this. You may search the NET for some Modbus VIs.

I
hope this gives you a big picture of what needs to be done. Write back if you have questions.

Regards,

Khalid

[rekholm]

Thanks.. kinda have gotten the feeling that Looout was the software of Choice!! But, as this got dumped on my lap 2 years after we bought the software, I'm trying to figure out a way to make this work, and soemwhat easily for myself. I'll continue to look at the OPC item in Lookout and see if I can figure it out!!



Thanks for your help!!
Rod

[Khalid]

Forgot to mention this earlier: Zetron Controllers and RTUs are normally dial-up/radio communication based, as you already know. So, you'll be working with modems a lot, and Lookout (and thus LPD) has very good built-in support for modems.

Good luck!

Khalid