Communicating with Eurotherm via et24xx driver

[ALD1]

I am trying to get a Eurtherm model 2408 integrated with Labview. I have installed the et24xx package and the latest version of VISA.  I am receiving an error message right off the bat (1073807339). Any thoughts?

[mikeporter]

Well, the error code -1073807339 is a timeout error. If that is the value that is being returned (and not positive 1073807339 - which isn't defined), it sounds like the controller isn't responding for some reason. Unfortunately there could be a bunch of reasons why you would get no response: bad serial configuration, incorrectly wired cable, etc, etc, etc.

Did the controller itself come with any sort of utility program for communicating with it from a PC? Sometimes those free programs - while otherwise basically useless - can be helpful in determining where a comm error might lie. For example, if it works then you know the cable is good, the controller is good and you are connected to the right port, so the problem lies in the LV code. If however, it can't talk to the controller either, you have a different set of potential problems to consider.

Mike...

[gwd]

I tried to communicate with a Eurotherm once, without success.

In general: try to get the instrument to reset, or to WRITE one simple parameter. If you can't do either, then you have isolated your problem to RS232 settings, connections, or terminators. So then try to use ANY other program along with an RS232 sniffer. Or hyperterm.

Reset should be easiest, write one parameter next, and you shouldn't even try to read anything until you have these two working.

[Mache]

Hi there,

Please tell us how you are trying to communicate  with eurotherm.

Protocol - Modbus, EIA 485, Rs 232, BiSync.?
Code - Ni Certified Driver, Modbus Driver or Own Code?

[Brian_Beal]

Download iTools from the Eurotherm site.  It will communicate with the 2408 if your wiring is correct.

[ALD1]

Thanks for your help, still no luck. I am using an RS232 port with a  485 converter. I have downloaded itools but I can't seem to find my eurotherm on the install list. Do I need a product key? Which part of the itools package should I be using?

[Brian_Beal]

Use iTools Engineering Studio.  I don't know what install list you are talking about.  Set up your comm port to match your instrument setting.  Enable the comm port in iTools, then select "Scan".  iTools will automatically find any instrument that is connected.  Are  you using 2-wire or 4-wire 485?  Eurotherm polarity seems to backwards from everyone else.  If the lines at your converter and the instrument are both marked "+" and "-", then match them.  If they are marked "A" and "A not", then try to switch them.

[Brian_Beal]

I know what you are talking about now.  If you set up the com port in the server, then the scan will work.  Open the server from iTools, then configure the com port.  Once you select the com port, hit the edit button to set the baud rate.  See attachments.

[ALD1]

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[ALD1]

Thank you for your help. I am using a 2 wire 485 port. I think the polarity is correct, I am wiring + to + and - to -. I ran itools but I think I must be doing something wrong, the scan took over an hour and then just ended. It did not find anyhting nor did it report not finding anything, it simply ended?