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Author Topic: The ModIP is alive. (Almost)  (Read 4377 times)

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The ModIP is alive. (Almost)
« on: October 28, 2009, 07:21:55 PM »
Hi all,

 Over the last 12 months (or longer), I've been working on the ModIP. The ModIP
 is a Modbus slave on steroids.

 Firstly it connects to Mach3 via Ethernet, hence the IP in ModIP. It uses
 Modbus over TCP/IP for communications. AS such it allows for much faster
 transfers with the versatility and robustness of Modbus.

 Another advantage of using TCP/IP is that the configuration of the device can
 be done through web pages. Additionally, firmware upgrades are as simple as
 loading the update file through the webpage.

 The ModIP also includes a Gateway function. Currently MAch3 is capable of only
 opening one TCP/IP Modbus port at a time. This limitation means that you can
 only communicate with a single TCP/IP device. The ModIP overcomes this
 limitation by providing a gateway function that allows you to the route Modbus
 messages to multiple Modbus slaves based on the subaddress value in the
 message. The Gateway function allows you to add up to 8 additional TCP/IP
 Modbus slaves.

 If the ModIP can't find a match in the gateway routing table, the message is
 sent out on a serial port (RS232 or RS485) so you can also use your existing
 ModIO's or serial based PLCs, VFDs etc.


 The ModIP will also contain a scripting language. You can upload an edit a
 basic sript language that can will be continuously run, very similar to the
 Mach3 macropump, but a lot faster. This should be a great help for
 toolchangers, Pendants etc.

 I'm still deciding on the amount of I/O, but it will have plenty. Additional
 I/O modules will communicate via the industrial strength CAN bus interface.

 There is still a long way to go but what I have now is running on a prototype
 development board. The device can be accessed by setting your browser to:
 http://114.78.173.122/


 You can can even access it via Mach3. Set up your Mach3's TCP Modbus
 configuration to use IP address 114.78.173.122 then set up a cfg# to use:
 Subaddress: 1
 Start address: 1000
 Number of registers: 10 (or 100)
 Register type:  Read Holding registers

 The best way to do this is via the Modbus test page. Currently the registers
 just hold the address value of the register.

 I'm really excited about the development of the ModIP as I see great potential
 for industrial strength I/O expansion.


 Enjoy,

 Cheers,

 Peter.
----------------------------------------------------
Homann Designs
http://www.homanndesigns.com
email: peter at homanndesigns.com
Re: The ModIP is alive. (Almost)
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2009, 03:07:04 AM »
Looking good peter. It will be a nice addition to the list of I/O products for Mach3
We never have the time or money to do it right the first time, but we somehow manage to do it twice and then spend the money to get it right.

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Re: The ModIP is alive. (Almost)
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2009, 07:53:23 AM »
Looks very interesting Peter, look forward to seeing more details as you progress :)

Hood