FAQ

Yes. To gain an average of 3 channels use the mathematical function Mean X[i] and select the input channels (logical channels which reads data from your Pt100 sensors). On the output you will obtain the mean value of all three input temperatures.

Next, set the hardware mA output to read the data from the channel with the average measured and retransmit it over the 4÷20 mA signal, accordingly to your range expectations, e.g.: -20°C = 4 mA, 200°C = 20 mA.

The below Study Case with related video explains the task thoroughly.

The video summary:

1. Go to the Menu / Device configuration / Logical channels / Channel No. X (select a channel).

2. Set the channel to math function mode, the function is Mean X[i].

3. Select the three input temperatures as the Xes. Remember to set the unit the same as the input temperature is and preferably the precision.

4. Now the selected channels shows average of the three input temperatures read from the Pt100 sensors.

5. To configure the output, go to Menu / Device configuration / Built-in outputs / Output No. X (select the proper output).

6. Then, when your CMC is equipped with mA outputs, set the input lower and upper value to preferred temperature range, e.g. -20÷200°C.

7. Next, set the lower and upper value for the output, i.e. 4 mA and 20 mA.

8. This steps resulted in the average temperature being retransmitted to the 4÷20 mA output in the range -20÷200°C.

Attachments:

 MultiCon config.cfg file 

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

1. Insert flash drive with upgrade files into the USB port of MultiCon CMC device

2. Power OFF the MultiCon

3. Press left upper corner of MultiCon CMC touch-screen (while not powered!) then power ON the MultiCon

4. While device the first screen (view) pops up release left upper corner and press quickly (max. 0.2 to 0.5 second delays) a sequence:

   1. right upper corner of the touch-screen

   2. right bottom corner of the touch-screen

   3. left bottom corner of the touch-screen

5. CMC will then tries to read the firmware files from the USB flash drive

6. It’ll reboot when the procedure is done

Yes, the Multicon has modules with inputs galvanically insulated against each other. There are: current inputs module IS6, universal inputs modules UN3, UN5, counter inputs modules CP2, CP4, HM2, HM4 that are fully isolated (each input). There are also modules with inputs groups galvanically insulated, i.e. D8, D16, D24. These and all the other modules are galvanically separated from the device and other modules.

No, there is dedicated PC software DAQ Manager, designed for downloading data from MultiCon and preparing reports.
Logged data from MultiCon may be downloaded automatically using Ethernet connection or to a flash drive and opened by the software.
Using SimCorder Soft and RS-485 allows to read only current measurement values and log it in the SimCorder software, independently of the data being logged on the device.

Theoretically there is no limitation for number of MultiCons serving by one DAQ Manager. However, the more devices are connected, the slower DAQ Manager processing is.

Yes, displayed value can be adjusted using “Scaling” option available in “Input channels” menu.
This option is possible to all logical channels regardless of type of signal they are working with.

The video shows scaling data in hardware input mode.

The video summary:

1. Go to the Menu / Device configuration / Logical channels / Channel No. X (select a channel)

2. Set the channel to Hardware input mode

3. Select the hardware input No. (e.g. Inp.B1 : Current)

4. Select Configure source and set it accordingly to your input signal parameters

5. Scroll down to the Processing section

6. Press Scaling, select linear mode

7. For linear scaling select values on two points (input/output)

8. Exit the menu

All of the relays can be controlled independently but some of them have common terminals. For example, in R81 module, relays number 5 and 6 are both connected to the terminal 11 (it is their common terminal). The same relays number 7 and 8 are both connected to the common terminal 14.

No. To read current measurements from MultiCon via RS-485 you have to use another application, e.g. SimCorder Soft or basically any SCADA software. The RS485 does not work for the logged data. DAQ Manager is designed or visualization of recorded data, however it can display a current measurements too, but it requires a direct connection with MultiCon via Ethernet to serve this function.

This function is a multiplexer. User can select the range of input Logic channels X[i], andone log. ch. Y which decides which of the X[i] channels is switched (forwarded) to the output channel Y.

An example:

Log.ch.1, Log.ch.2, Log.ch.3, Log.ch.4 are selected as input (X[i] channels). Log.ch. 5 is selected to be the switch driver (Y). In the table below a simplified mathematical description is used to show how the function works. The multiplexer selects X[i] as follows:

Pay attention whilst selecting channel Y that its value is exact, i.e. the 0 is 0.000 not 0.00001. For instance, if the Y was 0.00001 the channel #2 would be selected accordingly to the above table.

The below Study Case with related video explains the task thoroughly.

There are simply electromechanical relays with more than 5 A max. load (for R45 module) or more than 1 A (for R81 module). There is no heating issue, 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 20 A (8 A respectively) relay. The delays between particular relays cause non-uniform division of in-rush currents what can damage module by overcurrent.

Configuration of MultiCon using external PC is possible only for devices connected via Ethernet (equipped with ETU or ACM module). The easiest way to establish the Etherne connection is to use the company LAN (and router in it) and connect the CMC do the network with DHCP function enabled.

If it’s not possible, and the direct PC-CMC connection is required see the FAQ for “

To enable the Xming connection 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 “--ac -kb -notrayicon -screen 0 320x240+900+400” with “-ac -screen 0 320x240+300+300”, then close the window properties and run “Xming” using desktop icon.

4. In “Network settings” of the MultiCon CMC 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.
   
   

Instalation and use of „Xming” as remote display are shown on the wideo:

CMC-141 is equivalent to the CMC-99 device in a larger housing (144 x 144 x 100 mm instead of 96 x 96 x 100 mm) and a larger touch screen. Using larger housing allows also to equip the CMC-141 unit with modules with increased number of inputs and outputs.

What is more CMC-99 has 60 logical channels and CMC-141 has 90 logical channels (60 of them may be recorded).

Tu sum up:

• CMC-141 can be equipped with bigger modules

• CMC-99 has 60 and CMC-141 has 90 logical channels

• CMC-99 has 3.5” diag. screen, CMC-141 has 5.7”

The alarm state of a source channel can inform about different 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.

To simplify the answer, the alarm state of an input defines, what should appear in the logical channel that is set to show the input.

Configuring current flow (point 2): https://youtu.be/ZqIrAQKplEA
Configuring totalizer (points 3-6): https://youtu.be/-J34LPCfRD0

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. Use another logical channel and put 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 “totalizer”

6. Set proper scaling in the logical channel

Configuring current flow (point 2) is shown on the video:

Configuring totalizer (points 3-6) is shown on the video:

1. Download Modbus templates from the 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.
5. It is now possible to use the file in the Modbus settings submenu whilst configuring slave devices

The following video shows how to apply a template into a CMC device:

The Modbus configuration is quite complex and vary, regarding different slave devices. Especially from different manufacturers. This example only shows general principle. For details, see our YouTube channel, the Modbus playlist.

1. Go to Menu / Device configuration / Modbus settings

2. Set the communication parameters suitable for your particular slave unit

3. Then go to the Slave devices submenu

4. Next, select the proper Modbus address (the address the slave is at)

5. In the Input list you can create a list of registers that are to be read from the slave. Their addresses, data format (integer, float), read function (INPUT, HOLDING)

6. The last step is to go to logical channels settings

7. Select one of the channels, and put it in the Modbus mode

8. Next, you can chose a slave device, and its register to be shown in this channel

The most common task regarding master-slave communication using Modbus RTU protocol, is to send a value from the master device, to the slave device. The tutorial video, and the following steps, describe the task thoroughly.

1. Go to Device configuration / Modbus

2. Set the unit to MASTER mode, and set up proper (for the slave unit) communication parameters

3. Go to slave devices section

4. Select the Modbus address the slave unit is at

5. When using Modbus template, the Output list is already defined. Whilst not using any temple, user must define a register address (number) and type he wants to write data into

6. Press “+” to add new output register (output from the MultiCon to a slave)

This video shows how to write data to slave CMC device:

1. Enter Modbus menu and choose port 1
2. Configure port as follows:
   Mode: MASTER
   Baud rate: 9600 bits/sec. (example of a value depending on external device)
   Format: 8N1 (depending on external device)
   Request timeout: 1 sec.
   Request retrials: 3
3. Press SLAVES devices button and choose Modbus address according to external device specification, e.g. 30
4. Set Device type on defined
5. Press Output list and configure output channel as follows:
   Output active: yes
   Control type: as a linear output
   Enter Output register parameter:
   Register number: 4h (register number in which the data should be written)
   Data format: 32 bits, float (example of a value depending on external device)
   32-bit reading: two 16-bit registers (example of a value depending on external device)
   Ordering: ABCD (standard) (example of a value depending on external device)
6. Go back to SLAVE devices menu and set:
   Blocks config.mode: automatically
   Max. block size: 20 (example of a value depending on external device)
7. Leave Modbus menu and enter External outputs menu
8. Choose from list in upper right screen corner: MB1:Addr.30:Out.1:analog, and then:
   From list in Source parameter choose logical channel whose value will be written in external device
   Input levels → Lower level: 0
   Input levels → Upper level: 0
   Output levels → Lower level: 100
   Output levels → Upper level: 100
   Alarm level → 100

Profile can be set different ways. All depends on the purpose. Here is an exemplary configuration video tutorial of some typical time profile. Let’s say channel #1 will trigger the time profile and the channel #3 will pause it. Both are bistable buttons.

1. Go to the Menu / Device configuration / Profile/timers

2. Go to profile #1

3. Set triggering mode to “level (gate)”

4. Set triggering source to the channel #1

5. Set pause mode to “high level” and the pause source do log. channel #3

6. Idle value: 0

7. Next, go to section list, here you can set a couple of sections (ramp or constant value). Add or remove a section by using + or – button.

8. Set looping setting to e.g. counted 3 times and the return to position #3 (these settings are optional)

9. Go to log. channel #2, set it to profile/timer mode

10. Select profile #1 as the source

11. Now the channel #1 activated the time profile, channels #2 can pause it any time.

The following video shows how to use profile/time in the MultiCon CMC:

Yes, however user should keep in mind that relays have minimal ON and OFF time which is 1 second. If user will try to change the relay state more often than that, it might cause an unexpected work of the output.

Assuming there is the duty cycle (0-100% value) in channel #1, and that the desired PWM period should be 10 s:

1. Go to logical channels, ch.#2, set it to hardware input mode: demo (triangle, low/high limit: 0/100, low/high simulated value: 0/100, period: 10 s, rise time: 10 s)

2. Set scaling of the channel #2 to rounding: floor

3. Go to channel #3, set it to “Data from other channel” mode, source: channel #2 (the triangle)

4. Set user characteristics scaling, points:
   -99 : 1
   0 : 1
   1 : 0
   99 : 0

5. Go to channel #4, set it to “Data from other channel” mode, source: channel #1.

6. Set latch for this channel, triggering source: channel #3

7. Go to the relay settings, set it to “below level” mode, the source: channel #2 (triangle), level mode: channel, level: channel #4

The relay will now operate basing on the PWM signal duty cycle which is in the channel #1.

If it is USB mouse or keyboard or two devices with one USB transmitter, just simply plug it in to the USB socket. The MultiCon should recognize the devices normally as a PC does.
If user wants to connect mouse and keyboard using two USB ports, there are two ways to do that. If MultiCon has two USB sockets, then user should plug mouse to one USB and keyboard to the other USB. The second way is to use USB HUB to get more USB ports in one device.

Yes, however it can be done only by an authorized service. If user will do it by himself, warranty will be void.

Modules are identified automatically when device boots, so it’s possible to change them in a unit. After such switch, there might be changes at the input/output lists, what affects the logical channels configuration. In other words, user should correct the configuration after switching modules.

All temperature measurements in MultiCon are made in Celsius degrees. To rescale this measurements to degrees Fahrenheit user should use formula which is TF = 1.8 * TC + 32 (TF - temperature in °F, TC - temperature in °C).

Let’s assume that our temperature range is from 0˚C to 32˚C (but this range is arbitrary). In that case:

1. Enter desired Logical channel menu

2. Use scaling in linear mode

3. Configure scaling submenu

4. As output unit put °F

5. Then configure the scaling in two points:
   point 1 input: 0, output: 32 (according to the formula above)
   point 2 input: 10, output: 50 (according to the formula above)

Even though the scaling point are in range 0÷10°C, the scaling will work in the whole range.

Tare function is possible to implement in the MutliCon regardless the type of the input. Assuming there is a measurement in the channel #1 and the tare monostable button in channel #2:

1. Go to a new logical channel settings and put it in “Data from other channel” mode

2. Source is the channel #1

3. Latch is enabled from a logical channel, it’s the channel #2

4. Use another channel (#4) in a math function mode, the mode: X-Y

5. X is channel #1, Y is channel #3, do additional filtering or processing

These are basics of tare configuration on the logical channels of the MultiCon CMC.

PID controllers give proportional output that is usually linked with analogue or PWM signal. The standard logical signal going out from the controller is 0-100% (and every value in between). It is easy to link it with analog (e.g. 0-10 V, 4-20 mA) signal. However the PWM is also often used as it does not require any additional control equipment to e.g. control resistive heater.

Let’s assume there is already configured 0-100 signal in the channel #4. Now how to link it with SSR #1 output in the PWM mode:

1. Go to Menu / Device configuration / Built-in outputs

2. Select desired output (e.g. #1 on SSR outputs module)

3. Source is the 0-100 value from the PID (channel #4)

4. Lower/upper level values are values from the input channel that represent 0% and 100% of the PWM signal

5. Since this particular PID controller changes from 0 to 100, these settings also should be 0 and 100

6. Period parameter is a parameter of the PWM signal and should be chosen wisely basing on the control object specifics

These are all settings required to set the 0-100% PWM signal on SSR output basing on the 0-100 value in the logical channel #4.