I am working on a Senior Design project revamping an HVAC trainer. It currently has a LonWorks server UNC-410-1 and two MNL-800 controllers. It is our intension to interface with the current equipment and read the data into LabView for classroom LAB projects. In this scenario, I understand that I have to have a LonWorks OPC server (software) in order to use LabView's OPC plugin to access the pins on the controllers. However, I am uncertain as to what additional hardware I will need to interface with the unit. I have seen equipment from Easylon such as the Easylon Ethernet Adapter that is designed for this purpose. Obviously, since this is a senior design project, our budget is limited unless we are able to locate a sponsor do donate the hardware. For this reason, I am researching alternative solutions to our problem.
The other alternative is to start over with NI hardware and manipulate the data in LabView. I have researched what to use on the NI website such as the SCXI-1122 and SCXI-1322 termianl block. This will require a chassy SCXI-1000, and a contoller SCXI-1600 USB. The price for these items comes to around $3950.00. I am hoping I can manipulate the data with a 32 voltage input DAQ instead. I have acheived this with thermisters but have not attempted a pressure transducer nor a thermocouple.
I will need to read in 12 thermolcouples and four pressure transducers for line pressure. I would like a couple of outputs in case I want to shut off the compressor or fan motor. Any recommendations on what hardware I will need for this for the lowest cost possible? Any other recommendations?
Thanks,
Richard
