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EtherTRAK
Ethernet I/O modules supports the Open Modbus/TCP protocol per
Modicon's specifications
from www.modicon.com. They also support Modbus over UDP which
is faster than TCP but has less error checking. Finally, these gateways
support the SIXNET protocol over either TCP or UDP.
Sure. Just install
TCP/IP (if you’re not using it already), set your IP addresses,
and your all set to talk to your
EtherTRAK Ethernet I/O modules. Most Ethernet networks can run
multiple protocols (i.e. NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, etc.) all at the
same time.
Yes. If your SIXNET
EtherTRAK Ethernet I/O
module is connected to a network with Internet access, then you can
access it from any where in the world just by specifying it’s
IP address.
Absolutely, and
everyone is doing it. In most applications, Ethernet's incredible
speed and bandwidth more than make up for the lack of determinism
that is found in a typical office Ethernet network. Also, there are
fairly simple methods to make Ethernet deterministic.
Click here for more information.
There are numerous
reasons. Please go to "Process
Quality" I/O for details.
I just got my EtherTRAK I/O. What should I do
first?
First, install the
SIXNET I/O Tool Kit software. Refer to the EtherTRAK
User Manual to power-up and connect your Ethernet I/O module to
your PC via an Ethernet hub (use straight-thru cable) or a direct Ethernet
connection (use cross-wired cable). Next, refer to the getting started
help in the SIXNET I/O Tool Kit. Follow the prescribed steps to configure
your module.
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Why can't I communicate to the field setup module
plugged into my EtherTRAK base?
First,
make sure that the serial number you entered into the SIXNET
I/O Tool Kit software exactly matches the one on your EtherTRAK
module's base. Then make sure you are using a ST-CABLE-PF (supplied
with the setup module) or an exact equivalent. Refer to the EtherTRAK
User Manual for a pin-out diagram. An off-the-shelf "null
modem" cable may not work. Next check the Device menu settings
in the SIXNET I/O Tool Kit. Make sure you have selected to "Use
the settings for the field setup module". When you try to communicate
watch the LEDs on the setup module. If you see no activity then you
may have the wrong or a bad cable, or you have selected the wrong
com port on your PC. If you see only the RD LED flash then it's probably
your Device menu settings. Finally, try cycling power to your module
and base.
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Why can't I communicate to my EtherTRAK module
from the SIXNET I/O Tool Kit over Ethernet?
First, make sure that the serial number you entered into the
SIXNET I/O Tool Kit software exactly matches the one on your EtherTRAK
module's base. Then make sure TCP/IP is installed on your computer.
Run a DOS window and try a ping command (example: ping 10.1.0.1). If
you get a "command unknown" error then TCP/IP may not be installed.
Try reinstalling it in Control Panel - Network. If you get a "destination
host unreachable" error then the IP address of your gateway is
not appropriate for your network. If you get a "request timed out"
error then check your cabling. Make sure the LNK LED on your module
is on steady. If not then you have a wrong or bad cable. A direct Ethernet
connection from your PC to the gateway requires a cross-wired 10Base-T
cable. A connection to a hub requires a straight-thru cable. For more
details on Ethernet troubleshooting refer to the
SIXNET Knowledge Base help file.
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I can communicate with my EtherTRAK from the
SIXNET I/O Tool Kit but why not from my HMI software using a Modbus/TCP
driver?
For the Modbus/TCP driver that you are using make sure you have specified
the correct IP address and station number of your EtherTRAK,
port 502 (for Modbus), and the appropriate Modbus I/O addresses. Some
drivers may ask for 16 bits of discrete data when the module really
only has 8. By default, the module will respond with an error unless
you select the "Report up to 32 discretes" option found under
the Ethernet - Advanced window. After setting this feature make sure
to remember to perform a Load to your EtherTRAK module.
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I can communicate over Ethernet to my EtherTRAK
from the SIXNET I/O Tool Kit but why can't I communicate via passthru
to the device connected off the RS485 port of my EtherTRAK?
First, make sure the RS485 port parameters (passthru protocol, baud
rate, etc.) on the module are configured to match those of your Modbus
slave device. Make sure you have the proper RS485 termination and biasing.
See the EtherTRAK User Manual
for details. Also, make sure the RS485 signal ground is connected between
the EtherTRAK and Modbus device. For the Modbus/TCP driver that you
are using make sure you have specified the correct IP address of the
EtherTRAK, station number of the Modbus device, port 502 (for Modbus),
and the appropriate Modbus I/O addresses.
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