Using Fieldpoint Explorer, I am having trouble configuring outputs on my RLY-420 and PWM-520 modules attached to an FP-1000 network module

Question

I have noticed that I can not get my Relay module to turn off all of the channels, also I can only set the PWM modules down to ~4% output.
I have tried to "Reset" the factory defaults on the FP-1000. I've tried to configure the powerup states of the different modules, all with no luck.
I have made sure I am running with the latest firmware on the FP-1000
I did notice this problem before upgrading the firmware. Immediately after doing the upgrade the problem went away for a short while. Now it is back again.
My system is configured as follows:
1 FP-1000 network module @address 0
4 FP-TC-120 modules @1,
2, 3, 4
2 FP-TB-10 dual channel bases @ 5, 6
2 FP-PWM-520 modules @ 7, 8
1 FP-RLY-420 module @ 9
Something seems to me to be happening with my .iak file in FieldPoint Explorer, of course I could be completely off base.
I appreciate any insight anybody might have with this problem
Kerry Libberton
TDA Research
Wheat Ridge, CO

Answer 1

Kerry,
There are several different things that may be going on here. First of all, there may be an issue with power consumption. A network module (FP-1000 in this case) is designed to source up to 9 Watts of power to I/O modules. This assumes an average of 1 Watt per module. Certain modules require more than 1 Watt, most require less leaving extra power for the ones that require more. In your configuration, you may be over this depending upon how your FP-TB-10's are populated. Assuming that the TB-10 is unpopulated, your consumption is 4 * 0.35 + 2 * .25 + 2 * 0.6 + 1.7. = 3.8 Watts. Thus, the load from the Dual Channel modules may not exceed 5.2 Watts. If you are using exclusively the Dual Channel Analog Out Current modules, you will overload the power supply.
Anothe
r thing to look at is when resetting the network module, check the box that says factory configuration. After the reset, uncheck the box and then configure your channels and power-up values (edit this device on each module).
Also, there are some times when relays may get "stuck" in an on position due to extremely high inductive loading. I have not seen that happen very frequently, but it does make me wonder, what type of load are you driving on the relay channels?
The PWM module, has 12 bit resolution, and will accept values of 0% for the output duty cycle. What value for the period have you set?