FAQ

Multicon CMC, MultiLog SRD

Update: 07.12.2011

1.1. Q:

Is it possible to display 32-bit signed/unsigned integer data on CMC-99 display?

1.1. A:

Yes. CMC-99 can read/process data in formats:

• 16 bit signed/unsigned integer

• 32 bit signed/unsigned integer

• 32 bit float

Single CMC-99 channel is able to display 5 digits only (in most display modes). To display longer data it is required to divide it into 2 or 3 logical channels using mathematical functions and display result as separate parts (units, thousands, millions).

1.2. Q:

Is it possible to use CMC-99 to make average value of 3 * Pt100 inputs and retransmit this average value with 4-20 mA?

1.2. A:

Yes. To gain an average of 3 channels use a mathematical function:

1. You can use a function Mean X[i] and select the input channels (logical channels which reads data from your Pt100 sensors), on the output you obtain a mean value of all three inputs,

2. You can also use a Sum X[i] and select the channels to be added, next simply divide the result by 3 - on the out there will also be an average value of all three channels.

To convert the result into a 4-20mA output, use "Build in outputs" menu and choose one of current outputs, then set the logical channel for controlling the out and simply enter the "characteristic" - the input value (temperature) for out=4mA, and for out=20mA. If you e.g. set 0°C=4mA, and 100°C=20mA then if your average temp = 0°C the out gives 4mA, if T=50°C then output current is 12mA, and of course 20mA, for 100°C.

1.3. Q:

CMC-99 do not start properly. Black screen or progress bar is displayed continuously. Is it possible to program older/newer firmware without device menu?

1.3. A:

If system is crashed and progress bar (full) is showed, and main firmware do not run then low level update method can be used:

1. Insert FlashDrive with upgrade files into USB port of CMC-99 device,

2. Power CMC-99 down,

3. Press left upper corner of CMC-99 Touch-screen and power CMC-99 up,

4. While device runs and first screen is visible (without progress bar) release left upper corner and press quickly (max. 0.2 to 0.5 second delays) a sequence:

   • right upper corner of Touch-screen,

   • right bottom corner of Touch-screen,

   • left bottom corner of Touch-screen.

5. CMC-99 then start updating,

6. Finally device runs normally.

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1.4. Q:

Are all inputs of CMC-99 modules UI4, UI8, U16 and I16 galvanically insulated against each other on a same input option card?

1.4. A:

No, UI4, UI8, U16 and I16 modules are insulated from CMC-99 internal circuits but inputs on single module ARE NOT insulated one from another (their GND are connected together).

1.5. Q:

Is it possible to read the logged and stored data from CMC-99 using the RS-485 and SimCorder Soft?

1.5. A:

No, there is dedicated software DAQ Manager designed for downloading data from CMC-99 and preparing reports.

1.6. Q:

Is there a limitation of quantity of channels or devices the DAQ Manager is able to handle?

1.6. A:

Theoretically there is no limitation for number of CMC-99 serving by DAQ Manager. But in fact the more devices (data stored by DAQ Manager) the slower DAQ Manager processing will be.

1.7. Q:

Is it possible to adjust the displayed value of a Pt100 temperature input on the CMC-99?

1.7. A:

Yes, displayed value can be adjusted using “Scaling” option available in “Input channels” menu.

1.8. Q:

Is it possible to connect the CMC-99 (standard version) with an external I/O-module and with a PC at one time – or it is required to use a second RS-485 (ACM module)? What is a often used application for more than one RS-485 in one CMC-99?

1.8. A:

Standard version (without ACM module) can work as a single MASTER or a SLAVE. In extended version (with ACM module) there are 3 x RS-485 interface available and each of them can work independently as a MASTER or SLAVE. In the typical application CMC-99 is the MASTER for external I/O modules, and the SLAVE for a PC, which means ACM module is required.

1.9. Q:

How many relays is there available in R81 module CMC-99 device? Are there independent controlled relays?

1.9. A:

There is 8 relays available in R81 module. All of them can be controlled independently but some of them have common terminals. Relays R5 and R6 are both connected to the terminal 11 (it is their common terminal). Similarly relays R7 and R8 are both connected to the terminal 14 and this is their common terminal.

1.10. Q:

Can I use DAQ Manager to connect CMC-99 and PC via RS-485 interface?

1.10. A:

No. To read data from CMC-99 via RS-485 you have to use another application, e.g. SimCorder Soft. DAQ Manager is only for visualisation of recorded data, however it can display a current measurements, but it requires a direct connection with CMC-99 via ETHERNET to serve this function.

1.11. Q:

What is the meaning of the function “X[i] selected by Y” available as CMC-99 mathematical function

1.11. A:

This is a multiplexer. User can select the range of input Logic channels X[i], and log.chan. Y decides which channel of X[i] is switched to the output.

Simply example:
Log.ch.1, Log.ch.2, Log.ch.3, Log.ch.4 are selected as input X range and Log.ch. 5 as a switch driver (Y). Due to a CMC-99 uses a floating point values (not integers) it requires of strictly defined ranges. In the table below a simplified mathematical description is used, so in fact Multiplexer selects X[i] as follows:

Y value (Log.ch. 5 value)	Output
Y ≤ 0	Log.ch.1
0 < Y ≤ 1	Log.ch.2
1 < Y ≤ 2	Log.ch.3
2 < Y ≤ 3	Log.ch.4

Selecting channel Y be careful that its value is exact, the best it should be a manual setpoint.

1.12. Q:

Is it Modbus RTU protocol fully implemented in CMC-99?

1.12. A:

Modbus RTU protocol is not fully implemented in the CMC-99. Functions 3, 4, 6 and 16 (10 Hex) of Modbus RTU protocol are available only.

1.13. Q:

Is it possible to connect all relays together to obtain 8Amps (8x1A) load using R81 module or 20Amps (4x5A) load using R45 module of CMC-99? Does this cause any thermal problems?

1.13. A:

There are simply electromechanical relays with more than 5A max load (for R45 module) or more than 1A (for R81 module). There are no heating, but it is strongly recommended not to switch full load (e.g. every 1 second) for a long time. Due to construction of this modules it is IMPOSSIBLE to connect all relays together to obtain 20Amps (8A respectively) - the delays between particular relays cause non-uniform division of in-rush currents what can damage module.

1.14. Q:

How to download user manual, available in CMC-99/141 devices (in pdf format) or export it to a Flashdrive?

1.14. A:

To export user manual into flash disk, use “Export manual” button available in „Device information” menu.

1.15. Q:

How to configure CMC-99 using external PC?

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1.15. A:

To enable the configuration of the CMC-99 with an external computer, follow these steps:

1. Download free “Xming” software from: http://sourceforge.net/projects/xming/files/Xming/6.9.0.31/Xming-6-9-0-31-setup.exe/download
2. Install “Xming” on your PC using default settings. During installation enable “Create a desktop icon for “Xming” option and disable “Launch Xming” option.
3. After installation of the "Xming" use the right mouse button to open the properties window for desktop icons of the "Xming" and replace the “-multiwindow” with “-ac -screen 0 320x240+300+300”, then close the window properties and run “Xming” using desktop icon.
4. In “Network settings” of the CMC-99 device in the group "Remote Display" enter the IP address of your computer and “Screen number”=0, then exit menu and save configuration changes.
5. In the “Device information” menu press “Remote display” button and confirm switching to remote display. After a while the device screen will be redirected to your computer screen.

1.16. Q:

What are the differences between CMC-99 and CMC-141?

1.16. A:

CMC-141 is equivalent to the CMC-99 device in a larger housing (144x144x100mm instead 96x96x100mm) and a larger touch screen. Using a larger housing allows to equip the CMC-141 unit in modules with increased (50%) number of inputs and outputs of measurement and control.

1.17. Q:

Is it possible to download previously downloaded data from SRD-99 data logger once again?

1.17. A:

Yes it is possible, but you have to use “LoggySoft” software connected to SRD-99 via RS-485.
While downloading data to the USB flash disk the last downloaded data is automatically marked in a SRD, so it is not possible to download it again to USB disk. Similar marking is used when data is downloaded directly to a PC using RS-485 connection, but it is possible to ignore markers using “LoggySoft” software. In the newest version the method can be as follow:

1. Go to "Devices" tab and press " Show advanced options" button - password is : "srd system",
2. Uncheck "Auto" options for downloading date, Date combobox will appear,
3. Set proper date, since when you would like to download the data,
4. Press "Download data (RS485)" button and wait until all the data is downloaded from SRD - it can takes few minutes or more, depending on how much data have to be downloaded.

1.18. Q:

What is the meaning of the parameter “Alarm state” available in “Built-in outputs“ menu of CMC devices?

1.18. A:

Alarm state of source channel can inform about few events, e.g.: sensor error, too high/low value or no response (via RS-485).
In such situations device has to know how to set the output. For example: relay in alarm state, may be set to defined state (open/close) or remain unchanged. Similarly current output in alarm state, can generate defined value or remain unchanged.

1.19. Q:

How to display a flowmeter Totaliser?

1.19. A:

1. Select one logical channel and switch it in "hardware input" mode,
2. Select and configure input for measurement of the current flow using “Source” and “Configure source” options,
3. Select another logical channel and switch it in "Data from other channel" mode,”,
4. Set “Source” parameter by selection of the channel previously configured (see step 1),
5. Set “Quantity” parameter as “Balance”

1.20. Q:

How to configure PC / local network to use Java Applets and CMC?

1.20. A:

Port 502 should be enabled (added to exception list) in firewall settings. If CMC does not have external IP address assigned (e.g. NAT is used) proper redirection of port 502 should be made on a router/gateway in CMC's network. Additionally, on PC should be installed JRE in version greater or equal 1.6.0_27 (applets has not been tested on JRE 1.7). JMulticon applet certificate should be accepted to launch it.

1.21. Q:

How to load Modbus template to a CMC?

1.21. A:

1. Download Modbus templates from www.simex.pl website,
2. Unpack them and copy to a flashdrive, plug the flashdrive into CMC USB plug,
3. Enter CMC menu: "File management" → "Configuration Files" → "Load modbus template",
4. Select template to be copied into CMC, and press apply button.

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1.22. Q:

How to set up RS-485 interface for cooperation with slave devices?

1.22. A:

1. Load Modbus templates to a CMC,
2. Enter CMC menu: “Modbus”, and select desired port number,
3. Set the port configuration:

   Mode: MASTER

   Baud rate: usually 9600 bit./sek.

   Format: 8N1

   Request Timeout: 1 sek.

4. Press "SLAVE devices" button,
5. Select “MODBUS address” of the desired device. Simex factory setting is "255" for devices with display, or "254" for DIN-rail mounted devices (check manual of the device to select correct address).
6. Press "Load device template", and select proper modbus template form the list,
7. If you want to connect more devices repeat the procedure from point 5.

1.23. Q:

How to read data from external devices?

1.23. A:

1. Set up RS-485 interface (e.g. MB1) as MASTER for cooperation with slave devices,
2. Enter CMC menu: ”Device configuration” → “Logical Channels”,
3. Select logical channel to be used for reading external data and configure it as follows:

   Mode: Modbus

   Port: e.g. MB1 (MASTER)

   SLAVE device: according to desired slave device address

   Device input: according to desired slave device register number

4. Configure other settings of logical channel.

OTHER DEVICES

2.1. Q:

How to remove "Write protect" in such devices as SIAi, SCK (equipped with reset switch)?

2.1. A:

To remove "Write protect" setting you must proceed a "FORCING OF ADDRESS FFh" function using reset switch. This function allows to force basic parameters (address, speed, write protect) to its default values . Please remember to set new address and speed after this function.

2.2. Q:

Is it galvanic separation Input / Output, for the SRS-U/4 and SRS-2/4 converters?

2.2. A:

Yes, both our converters SRS 2/4 and SRS U/4 have optical separation between output and input.

2.3. Q:

Are the drivers for the SRS-U/4-Z45 that can be downloaded from your homepage compatible with Windows7 32 and 64 bits versions?

2.3. A:

Yes, drivers available on our homepage are compatible with both Win7 32 and 64 bit

2.4. Q:

In data sheet of SGS-61 there are two data about isolation's voltage. One is 2.5kV and other in technical data is 750V. Whitch one is correct?

2.4. A:

Both values are correct. Higher value 2.5kV is test voltage, which is used while tests during production (short time pulses or surge), and 750V is permissible constant difference (DC shift) between input and output sides of SGS-61. Note, that SGS-61 mustn’t be used as equipment for safety circuits, and given voltage is a strength of functional insulation only.

2.5. Q:

In your formula for the SLIK you refer to LM and LW, what are these values referring to?

2.5. A:

LM and LW are internal counters. LM - main counter, LW - pre-counter. Pre-counter is a modulo counter that is cleared when reaches number of pulses equal to DIV factor (e.g. pulses per revolution for some encoder) and then Main counter is incremented by 1. In other words LW is used to determine the "position" of encoder (fractional part of single revolution ), while LM remembers integer number of revolutions of the encoder. When MUL is bigger than DIV then content of LW has direct influence to displayed result, so the formula given in manual contains all the prescaler factors and both counters (LM and LW).

2.6. Q:

Is there a way to configure the SLIK-94 so that the relay 2, 3 and 4 threshold values are not shown (that is, only relay 1 threshold value is shown in "Quick Access View")?

2.6. A:

"Quick Access View" enables/disables possibility of change the setpoints values (thresholds) without knowing the password. Regardless of ArEL2 to ArEL4 setting of SECu menu, setpoints of all relays are displayed and this function can not be switched off. Due to this feature, if ArEL2 to ArEL4 are set to "oFF" then, you can check setpoints of REL2 - REL4 but can't change them.

2.7. Q:

2.7. A:

"SimCorder Soft” software is not designed to configure devices but it allows to visualize, archive and print of measurements (e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure). To configure devices via RS-485 it is recommended to use „SMConfig” software.

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