add modbus server to project?

[mooseo]

I need to communicate with several controllers using Modbus TCP. I have LV 2010 with the DSC module installed.

If I go through the NI Distributed System Manager, I can set up a process, then add I/O servers to that process to add each controller. I can then add variables, read my process values, and everything seems to work.

What I think I'd like to do is to add these I/O servers under my project to keep everything organized. It seems like this should work. Within the Process Explorer, I can right click My Computer (or a sub library) and I see the option "New -> I/O Server" which brings up a dialog where I can chose "Modbus." At this point, though, absolutely nothing happens. The dialog goes away without taking any action.

I can add variables to my project based on the devices being set up in the Dist. System Manager... maybe this is how I should do it anyway? The disadvantages is that it adds steps whenever I need to add a new controller (which will happen as my system scales). I also hoped that keeping them within the project would make it easier to move from my development computer to the one this will actually run on.

thanks for any suggestions.

mike

[Greg_S-Video]

Hello mooseo:

Thank you choosing National Instruments.  Could you please tell me which controllers you are trying to interface with?  As well, if you could please tell me which LabVIEW version you are using as well as your operating system. 

Thank you very much!

Greg S.

[mooseo]

Hi Greg,

I'm using LV 2010 on W7. I am interfacing with a Honeywell UDA2182.

I actually seem to have solved my problem the hard way. For unrelated reasons, I reinstalled my operating system and labview and now I get the options I expect under the project manager.

However, even when the variables are set up in the project they don't get any values from the controller until the Distributed System Manager is opened. I don't know if this is the expected behavior, though it is acceptable. I guess I can just put it into my startup folder to have it come up on boot.

Thanks,

mike

[Greg_S-Video]

Hi Mike

I am thrilled that you were able to come up with a solution to your issue.  Are you completely satisified your set up at this point?  Please let me know if this solution works for you and by all means I'd be happy to do some more research if you request it.

Thank you for choosing National Instruments.

Greg S.

[Greg_S-Video]

Hi Mike

I am thrilled that you were able to come up with a solution to your issue.  Are you completely satisified your set up at this point?  Please let me know if this solution works for you and by all means I'd be happy to do some more research if you request it.

Thank you for choosing National Instruments.

Greg S.

[mooseo]

Hi Greg,

Yes, I'd say this issue is resolved. Thanks for your willingness to help.

cheers,

mike

[Greg_S-Video]

That's wonderful, Mike!

All the best!