Power Switch Serial Control | PCM815SHNA

[Jarir]

Dear Labview Community,

Hope you are doing well. I am planning to buy a power switch (Power Switch 8 Outlet Serial Control PDU - Rack PDUs | Server Rack Accessories | StarTech.com) for an emergency stop algorithm I am trying to build up. I have several process controllers that I need to turn off if a certain limit is exceeded in a pressure transducer. I am being able to communicate with the transducer with a serial port. However, I am not finding any power switch/ power distribution unit that can be communicated via Labview. 

The product I have shared seems to have off command through serial port. Can I use labview to turn off the power switch? (Manual Link: PCM815SHNA.qxd (startech.com)

Additionally, if you have suggestion about any product, you know that has certified LabVIEW driver will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jarir

[crossrulz]

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@Jarir wrote:

The product I have shared seems to have off command through serial port. Can I use labview to turn off the power switch? (Manual Link: PCM815SHNA.qxd (startech.com)

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Yes, you can make your own driver fairly easily by using VISA and use the terminal commands as shown starting on page 10 of the manual.  You can get some good information on using the serial port here: VIWeek 2020/Proper way to communicate over serial

[crossrulz]

I just had a look at the product page for your PCM815SHNA and noticed it was discontinued.  So you will have to find a different device to use.  It is fairly common to find a managed PDU.  Here's one I found quickly from Eaton: PDUMH15NET2LX.  The documentation shows an Ethernet and a serial option.  Similar to your other device, you would have to program up the terminal commands to control the PDU.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

IMO, emergency control situations should be controlled directly by hardware, not software running on a PC.

-AK2DM

[Jarir]

Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I watched the video as well. This is so helpful. 

Question: Could you please refer me to the commands of serial communication from the manual? I am finding the ethernet one. 

[Jarir]

You have a valid point. We have hardware-controlled emergency control system for our main equipments. This is just to stop a secondary equipment wasting it's lifetime during an emergency shutdown. That's why I am choosing software one. 

[LVNinja]

Page 11 has the commands to power off.