Lookout Ethernet Communications to Field Point Modules

How do I monitor 'link' between the Lookout program and the Ethernet
Field Point Module. I have tried using CommFail, but it seems to only
work intermittantly. 'Link' is always present and I don't have
any problems communicating to the devices. I am just trying to
come up with a way if the cable was broken (aka - loose link) , I can
detect and display this in Lookout.
I am using Lookout 5.0.
Thanks for your help
Suzi

The best approach may be to implement a "heartbeat" signal yourself -- use a digital output and toggle it on the FieldPoint, and monitor it in Lookout. Or setup a counter and monitor that. Search this Lookout forum for other heartbeat options in Lookout.
-Khalid

Similar Messages

Help : use field point module

Suite à de très gros problèmes avec mon système d’acquisition de données, j’ai besoin d’aide. Pour résumer la situation avec un langage non technique (mes compétences ne me permettent pas de plus amples détails) je dispose de plusieurs modules fieldpoint : FP2010, FPTC120, FPAI111, FPAO200.
Dans un premier temps j’ai voulu faire communiquer en local mon pc et mes modules via un câble Ethernet croisé. En vain, le Pc n’a jamais voulu reconnaître le boîtier central (pourquoi ?). De ce fait je me suis créée une adresse Ip et à ce niveau mon module FP2010 communiquait mais les autres systèmes n’étaient pas reconnu malgré le fait que la led ‘ready’ était éclairée. J’ai donc essayé de faire un reset au module fp2010 et depuis aucun module ne fonctionne. En fait la led status clignote en permanence et je n’arrive plus à faire de liaisons (en local ou sur réseau)…
Je pense avoir essayé toutes les solutions et je suis donc bloquée ne sachant plus comment m’y prendre.
Si vous avez des conseils, je suis preneuse. Merci d’avance.
Ophélie Bouzon (Université de Savoie)

Bonjour Ophelie,
Ca a l'air d'être un problème d'installation du FP-2010.
Je vous conseille de bien lire les documents ci-dessous :
*** Troubleshooting Communication Problems with the FieldPoint Ethernet Network Modules
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/webmain/49e7983a1c47a3af86256a3a005b4a3e
*** Connecting a Fieldpoint Controller Directly to an Ethernet Card
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/websearch/DF05D39E13B3AC4B862569B60055B6DC?OpenDocument
*** Le "User Manual" du FP-2010 où on explique de manière détaillée comment configurer et installer un FP-2010 :
http://digital.ni.com/manuals.nsf/websearch/B31455BC0C2746DA86256CEE0078354D?opendocument
J'espère que cela vous aidera à avancer et résoudre votre problème.
Cordialement,
Sanaa T
National Instruments France
Sanaa T.
National Instruments France
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Hello, I have created a distribution kit for my program.The problem is that the when the program is installed onto another computer, it fails to communicate with field point (Using FP-AO-200 and FP-AO-1000). Help is greatly appreciated, Thanks faen9901

Hi Everyone,
I have a program that sends information(analog output) to lab windows cvi in the form of a text file or user input.
The program runs on the computers that I have the field point explorer and lab windows cvi installed on. In order to run the program without always installing labwindows/cvi and field point; I wanted to create an executable file that could be load on another computer.
I used the create distribution kit part of labwindows/cvi to do this.After creating the distribution kit, I then installed it
to another computer.
My user interface appears on the screen, when the user clicks on the exe. file, but no data is sent to the field point module. I know that the data is being read from the user and textfile because in it appears in the uir.
The following are some details about the problem:
1. On another computer without labwindows/cvi and field point explorer not installed - no data is sent to field point module
I know this because a current is being read on the current meter connected to field point module.
My questions are the following:
1. What are the possible reasons for the data not being sent to the field point module?
2. Do I still need to create an iak. (Installing Field point Explorer) file stored on any new computer that I install my created distribution kit file too?
Thankyou very much for any help that you can provide. I greatly appreciate it.
Faen9901

Re: Hello, I have created a distribution kit for my program.The problem is that the when the program is installed onto another computer, it fails to communicate with field point (Using FP-AO-200 and FP-AO-1000). Help is greatly appreciated, Thanks faen9901Faen9901,
1) If you do not install FieldPoint Explorer, the FieldPoint Server is not installed so there is nothing on the target computer that knows how to talk to the FieldPoint system.
2) Yes, you need an IAK file on the target computer. Assuming the settings (i.e. com port#) are identical you can simply include the iak file as part of the distribution.
3) You also need to include as part of your installer the file "fplwmgr.dll". If this file is not installed, your program will not be able to access the FieldPoint Server. Alternatively, this file is installed automatically if FieldPoint Explorer detects LabWindows/CVI or Measurement Studio Development versions on the target computer or if you choose to do a custom FieldPoint Explorer installation and
choose to provide LabWindows/CVI support.
Regards,
Aaron

Field Point FP-1000 communication issue - Device found but offline in MAX

Hello,
I am trying to control several field point PLCs in a level tank. They are communicating through a FP-1000 module. I am able to add the devices through a configuration file in MAX. But there is an error saying " The device is offline. Make sure the device is connected and its power is on. " All of the field point PLCs have green light on for both " Power" and "Ready". I am not sure what the issue is here. I am using Labview 2014 and Field Point , VISA drivers are installed. Please see attached pictures for details.
Many Thanks
FLiu
Attachments:
IMG_1359.JPG ‏4812 KB
IMG_1360.jpg ‏2220 KB
IMG_1361.jpg ‏2251 KB

Thanks for your reply. I installed the most updated version for both ones. It turns out the configuration file for FP-1000 bank points to the wrong COM port for the Serial communication. I am able to communicate with the system now. I do have another problem through. I only have excutable labview files and a configuration file for the control system that I am working with. The original VI project file were lost. After importing the right configuration file in MAX, I installed the excutables and tried to run it. There is no response at all.The labview only last a few seconds and stopped. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Fliu

I have a FP-1600 and a FP-AO-200 module, 0-20 ma. When I use Field Point Explorer 3.0.1, I can not command any of the channel output current. The current remains in the lowest value 0.0035 A. What is the problem ?

I have a FP-1600 and a FP-AO-200 module, 0-20 ma. When I use Field Point Explorer 3.0.1, I can not command any of the channel output current. The current remains in the lowest value 0.0035 A. What is the problem ? The communications with the module are OK, because it shows when the current are open or closed.

Jorg,
I noticed that you claimed to be using the module in 0-20mA mode, yet the reading you are seeing is 3.5mA. This is the minimum value (with overranging) when the module is set to 4-20mA mode. My guess is that your module is defaulting back to 4-20mA mode, but your IAK file still thinks the module is in 0-20mA mode. You can verify this by using the find devices button in FieldPoint Explorer and then trying to write to the channel.
To fix this problem, you should use the snapshot feature to change the default power-up mode for that channel.
Regards,
Michael Shasteen
Applications Engineering
National Instruments
www.ni.com/ask
1-866-ASK-MY-NI

End of memory. Labview + Real time module + Compact Field Point 2120

My name is Michele Ciampichetti, I'm writing from Italy.
Frist of all, excuse for my english.
This is my first experience with Labview, and the application is not so easy. We use Labview 8.2.1
Our system is costituited by two different parts: there is a Compact Field Point 2120 as remote target whit some I/O card, and a PC used to releave data and memorize them (host).
The comunication between the two targets is performed by ethernet lan with Shared Variables not bufferized and not real-time fifo.
The problem is this: the sistem requires a big number of Vis and Variables (about 20 Vis per target and 50 variables localizated in 5 different librarys all in the remote target), and it should store data, acquisited by the FieldPoint, on a database (SQL Server 2005), one time per minute. This storage is made by Labview Database Connectivity Toolkit, and it work correctly. The problem is an excessive consumption of RAM on the PC.
The question is this: The use of many shared variables or vis, bring the memory to always grow? I try to explain myself. When we start our application, after the first minute and registration on the database, the memory grow of approximately 1,3 Megabytes. This is repeated every minute, and after approximately two ours, Labview break down and display "Not enought memory".
We look the on-line help for one solution, and we have found that the variables (local and shared), the concatenate funcion, the array and Vi indicators copy in memory their older value when updated. Is possible that this is the cause of our problem? There is a method to avoid it? How labview uses memory? It is possible set it up for not maintain older value in memory?
We need to run the application up to 4 days for complete its work, is a long test for a climatic room.
We're looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Michele

centerbolt is correct, you can't load a .exe or even run a program on the fieldPoint controller unless you have the Real Time module. However, that does not mean you can't use your FieldPoint bank without the Real Time module.
From LabVIEW for windows you can make calls to the fieldpoint IO using the fieldpoint read/write functions.
This program runs on the PC not the FieldPoint controller. If you loose network connection to the fieldpoint, your program will loose connection to the IO. For many data logging applications this type of arrangement can work just fine. However, if this is the only type of application you are ever going to run, then you may as well not buy the Real Time controller for your fieldpoint but the network controller only.
If your application requires more reliability, and/or greater determinism than can be achieved by running a program on windows, then you should use the LabVIEW Real Time module and develop a program that can run down on the FieldPoint controller independent of windows.
Message Edited by StevenA on 07-22-2008 04:14 PM
SteveA
CLD
FPGA/RT/PDA/TP/DSC
Attachments:
fp pallet.PNG ‏6 KB

Do compact Field Point devices need special drivers in Lookout?

We recently switched one of our processes from regular to compact Field Point. We use Lookout 6.0.1 and are having trouble accessing signals from the Field Point object created in Lookout. Do we need a compact Field Point driver, or does the regular driver support compact field point objects. Thanks for your help.

I am using Lookout 6.0.1, that we purchased about 2 and a half years ago. I do not beleive we have updated any drivers in that time. We are able to view, edit and controls signals with MAX, and have saved our edited informations to a new .iak file. We are using a cFP-1804 backplane with a cDO-400, a cAIO-600, and cTC-125 modules and cCB-1 and 3 bases. Our problem is that in Lookout we do not see any of the connected channels listed in the newly created Field Point object when trying to edit connections or modify existing objects like gauges and hypertrends. We entered the .iak file and checked the import alias information box when creating the FP object. I have been able to write to the DO module, by entering the address DO001.00 in the edit connetions menu, but hae not had the same luck with the AIO or TC channels.
<:AtomicElement>Thank your for your help.
<:AtomicElement>Matt

What are the limitations of using labview 8.5.1 developers suite verses a real-time module in field point applications?

What are the limitations of using labview 8.5.1 developers suite verses a real-time module in field point applications? Can an exe. be loaded onto a field point controller or does the controlling program have to reside on a PC for example?

centerbolt is correct, you can't load a .exe or even run a program on the fieldPoint controller unless you have the Real Time module. However, that does not mean you can't use your FieldPoint bank without the Real Time module.
From LabVIEW for windows you can make calls to the fieldpoint IO using the fieldpoint read/write functions.
This program runs on the PC not the FieldPoint controller. If you loose network connection to the fieldpoint, your program will loose connection to the IO. For many data logging applications this type of arrangement can work just fine. However, if this is the only type of application you are ever going to run, then you may as well not buy the Real Time controller for your fieldpoint but the network controller only.
If your application requires more reliability, and/or greater determinism than can be achieved by running a program on windows, then you should use the LabVIEW Real Time module and develop a program that can run down on the FieldPoint controller independent of windows.
Message Edited by StevenA on 07-22-2008 04:14 PM
SteveA
CLD
FPGA/RT/PDA/TP/DSC
Attachments:
fp pallet.PNG ‏6 KB

How to use the FP-DO-AC120 module on Field Point?

Hi,
I am trying to use a FP-DO-AC120 (discrete output module) as a relay to switch of an equipment I control via Field Point 2000. This FP-DO-AC120 is connected to a FP-TB10 terminal base along with some other modules. When I try to use the “write” function on MAX (Measurement and Automation Explorer), it doesn’t allow me to do so and the “this item is read only” pops up. Checking the channel type to where the module is plugged in it shows that is a discrete input channel. I’ve tried to change it to a discrete output type, but when I do so, the status of that slot is “empty base or terminal”. I don’t understand what is going on here. Could anyone please advise?
Thanks for the help.
Adriana

Adriana,
I found a similar discussion forum thread that addresses the same issue.
My FP-DO-AC120 module is being read as DI in FP Explorer, Why?
This is an older post, so keep in mind that all the functionality of FieldPoint Explorer is now included in MAX.
Otis
Training and Certification
Product Support Engineer
National Instruments

How do i measure the frequency of a sine wave using a field point counter module

I need to measure the frequency of the sine wave using field point. is it possible and if yes how. do i need to convert the sine wave signal to square wave. Please let me know.

It probably would be easiest to convert the sine wave to a square wave with a simple external circuit and then use a counter module to measure the frequency. There is a shipping example in LabVIEW that shows how to measure frequency with a FieldPoint Counter module.
JRA

How to setup and configure NI OPC Server to OMRON PLC (CJ2H model) using FINS Ethernet communication protocol?

Hi,
Could someone help me in the setup and configuration of NI OPC server to OMRON PLC (CJ2H model) using FINS Ethernet communication protocol? I already read some materials available in the web but it uses a different PLC and communication protocol. The OPC server is installed in my laptop and I'm using Windows 8 as my OS. I used a cross over RJ45 LAN cable and connected to the ETN21 module of the PLC. I was able to confirmed the communication of my laptop and PLC by pinging the ip address of the ETN21. I also tried to configure the OPC server based on the documents I just read online. I created a channel, device and tag to the OPC server. By the way, I just need to read the data from the tag I created. Can someone also tell me how to monitor the data on the tag? I hope that you could help me. Thank you in advance.

Good day,
Try following the instructions on the driver’s help, take a look at the attach picture. It should be a good starting point. After the PLC is configured you can use this tutorial (Connect LabVIEW to Any PLC Using OPC » http://www.ni.com/white-paper/7450/en/) for a guide on how to monitor the tags.
I hope this helps
Alejandro | Academic Program Engineer | National Instruments
Attachments:
OPC Server Help.JPG ‏237 KB

PG 522 Field Point I/O Activity Lights always on even when no output is requeste

I am making Time Duration outputs to a PG-522 Module. SOmetimes, even when I have no output the activity light stays on all the time. The only way to clear it is to reset the Field Point Communications. What could Cause this to happen?

Hi Pat,
The activity light does not tell you if your channel is in the ON or OFF state. It tells you if the channel is generating pulses. According to the manual, if you are using the 1s resolution the max ON/OFF time is 65,535s. This could cause the activity light to stay on while it looks like you have no output.
Justin Parker
National Instruments
Product Support Engineer

Does Field Point answer correctly to Ping ?

Our customer has made a 1H-cyclic Ping command from a PC-Win XP to a Field Point standard (1601) via Ethernet, in a way to be informed when the I/O is out of work.
Some times the Ping doesn't get any response, but the Field Point seems to work well. Can you confirm the ability of a Field Point to answer to a classic Ping command.
Thanks a lot for your response.
Franck Dubreuil
[email protected]

Franck,
To the best of my knowledge, the FieldPoint ethernet modules should always respond to a ping. The cases I personally have seen in which there is no response to a ping is due to the processor being overloaded by the downloaded RT code ([c]FP-20xx series only), incorrect network settings (FP-160x and [c]FP-20xx modules), too much network traffic, corupted firmware, an offline network module and/or duplicated IP addresses.
Also, the ethernet network protocol used by FieldPoint does automatically include keep alive and status information. Depending upon the programming environment you are using, the status should be reported automatically. Thus the Pinging may be redundant.
Regards,
Aaron

How can I get all the options of Field Point Explorer 3.0.2 in Measurement and Automation Explorer 3.1?

I am a student using LabVIEW and Compact Field Point to implement a
senior design project in Electrical and Computer Engineering. We
have LabVIEW 7.1 and a cFP-2020 and additional modules. We are
trying to use the CTR-500 module to output a pulse train to drive a
stepper motor. We have found instructions online of how to do
this, but they all use Field Point Explorer. The instructions
make use of options in Field Point Explorer that are not included in
Measurement and Automation Explorer (the software included with the
cFP).
I have downloaded Field Point Explorer 3.0.2 and followed the
directions. Now, in LabVIEW, when I using the newly created .iak
file, I get a dialogue asking to find the SubVI: 'FP Read (Float Array
-IO).vi'. Included with LabVIEW are subvis for FP Read, but not
with the float array part. So I figure I cannot use Field Point
Explorer created .iaks with LabVIEW 7.1. So how cannot I access
the same options in Measurement and Automation that I was able to find
in Field Point Explorer?
Thanks

Hi,
FieldPoint Explorer is no longer used to configure FieldPoint systems. However, I do not think that the configuring your system in FieldPoint Explorer is causing the error.
FieldPoint systems are now setup in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX). Information on setting up FieldPoint systems in MAX can be found in the MAX help under: Installed Products>> FieldPoint. Also, I recommend upgrading to the latest FieldPoint driver and version of MAX. The FieldPoint VI's will be slightly different when you upgrade, so there is a good chance that this will eliminate the error.
Regards,
Hal L.

How to do ICON_EXPAND and ICON_COLLAPSE input fields in module pool screen?

hi frnds.
My problem is in module pool screen how to do ICON_EXPAND and ICON_COLLAPSE input fields in module pool screen?And how to do GUI STATUS and GUI TITLE? IN SE80.
ITS URGENT.POINTS WILL BE REWADED.THANKS IN ADVANCE.

Hi,
Go through this thread.
[expand and collapse|expand and collapse]
Cheers,
Simha.

Lookout Ethernet Communications to Field Point Modules

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