ClearPath SD, ClearLink and LabView

[llaala]

Is it feasible to transmit directives to a Clearpath SD via LabVIEW? I'm utilizing the Clearlink microcontroller, yet its documentation stipulates that it's exclusively controllable via a PLC due to its nature as a slave module. Can LabVIEW function as a PLC? If affirmative, what steps are involved in achieving this?

[Kyle97330]

The ClearLink controller appears to use Ethernet/IP, assuming this is what you are referring to:

https://teknic.com/products/ethernet-ip-io-motion-controller/

LabVIEW has a toolkit for Ethernet/IP functionality, which is not free, and you can see it here:

https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/product/ni-industrial-communications-for-ethernet-ip.html

An alternative solution that is free but totally unsupported is to use the .NET DLL found in this Git repo:

https://github.com/rossmann-engineering/EEIP.NET

This repo specifically has a LabVIEW example here:

https://github.com/rossmann-engineering/EEIP.NET/tree/master/EEIP.NET/LabView%20Example

We have used both of these at my company and they both worked, but having never tried it with a ClearLink specifically I can't guarantee anything.

[santo_13]

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@llaala wrote:

Is it feasible to transmit directives to a Clearpath SD via LabVIEW? I'm utilizing the Clearlink microcontroller, yet its documentation stipulates that it's exclusively controllable via a PLC due to its nature as a slave module. Can LabVIEW function as a PLC? If affirmative, what steps are involved in achieving this?

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To be clear, LabVIEW is a programming language like Python, C, C++, etc., just that it is graphical and created mainly for Engineers and Scientists but not limited to.

The right question is whether there are "easy-to-use" ways to talk to your ClearPath servo controller using LabVIEW just as one would with a PLC.

[llaala]

I'm trying to use LabVIEW to control a ClearPath servo motor through a ClearLink microcontroller. I've explored using NI-Industrial Communications for Ethernet/IP to help with this. However, I'm unsure about what specific data I should input in the control section of the EthernetIP Tag Write SINT to make the motor move as desired.

[santo_13]

Please refrain from creating multiple topics for the same question.

https://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/ClearPath-Servo-motor-and-Labview/m-p/4378814

[llaala]

I've explored using NI-Industrial Communications for Ethernet/IP to help with this. However, I'm unsure about what specific data I should input in the control section of the EthernetIP Tag Write SINT to make the motor move as desired. I am trying to make sure I can achieve what I want before purchasing the toolkit.

[pallen]

I've used ClearPath Servos in a couple different LabVIEW projects. 

In both cases the projects used a combination of cDAQ hardware and a Windows based tablet PC.   (Always double check your PC USB specs!)  

With my projects, I was able to configure the Servo using the ClearPath application and trigger Start, Stop, Speed and Direction inputs on the servo controller while acquiring data from the device being tested.  (DUT) 

There are many different "modes" that these servos can be operated in.  

I did not try setting up direct communication, but there is a PDF here.  

It looks like the tables for commands start at page 18.  

*edit* 

I've found more. 

ROS Toolkit for LabVIEW

Video

GitHub

I haven't used this toolkit.  But it looks like it might have what you need for direct coms with the controller.  

[Sales@Teknic.com]

Hi llaala,

I'm an engineer with Teknic and saw your recent post. I can’t speak to the capabilities of LabVIEW, but wanted to clarify the control options and capabilities of the Teknic products you are trying to use:

• ClearLink requires an EtherNet/IP Scanner. EtherNet/IP is a specific industrial ethernet protocol. Not every PLC is capable of functioning as an EtherNet/IP scanner. We provide additional detail about ClearLink and some helpful resources at: https://teknic.com/products/ethernet-ip-io-motion-controller/CLNK-4-13/
• The ClearPath SD requires 5-24 VDC single-ended “Step and Direction” commands from a controller. Unless you have hardware, such as an output card, that provides this digital functionality, you cannot control the ClearPath SD directly from LabVIEW.

You can contact Teknic’s support via our website (https://teknic.com/contact/) or by giving us a call at 585-784-7454.

Best regards,

Aaron B. – Teknic OEM Application Engineer

[llaala]

Hello, 

Is it possible to use the ClearLink for digital output instead of an output card?

Thanks again!

[llaala]

I tried using the MOLEX EIP tool. I am able to define classes, attributes, and instances and retrieve bytes successfully. Next, I attempted the same process in LabVIEW using the EthernetIP CIP VIs. I am also able to retrieve bytes using the 'get' VI. However, I am unsure how to send specific commands. Although I can see byte ranges and other information in the table of commands, I don't know how to use them in a way that LabVIEW understands. I used class #4, attribute #3 and instance #112 for testing.