Subject: Advice Needed for Directly Integrating IND570 Weigher with Citect Using Modbus TCP Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding a client's request involving the installation of an IND570 weigher. The client aims to connect the IND570 directly to Citect using the Modbus TCP option card, effectively eliminating the need for any PLCs in the process. The challenge arises from the manual's clear stipulation that data should be accessed through a PLC, and I understand why; the communication process for the weigher is not particularly intuitive. From what I've gathered, each scale features only one dedicated Modbus float register for capturing weigher readings. To populate this register with the desired values (such as gross or net weight), the Modbus master must send specific command words. The setup seems to require PLC logic that continuously retrieves various weights from this single register. Thankfully, the client primarily needs net weight readings, which simplifies matters, as this would only necessitate repeating the same command for each read cycle. My proposed solution is to create a dummy Citect tag with a fixed command word and send it to the IND570. In theory, this should enable Citect to consistently access the net weight data from the IND570. Has anyone had experience with this configuration? Could you please share your insights on whether this approach is feasible, or if I might be headed down the wrong path? Thank you!
Recently, I utilized the Profibus version of the scale, and I discovered that I didn't need to send a command word. Instead, I simply read the four SINT values and converted them into a floating-point format within the PLC. However, I encountered an issue with certain data addresses that I was reading but not utilizing. These addresses contained values that interfered with the proper reading of the scale. Once I reset those particular addresses to zero, everything functioned smoothly. By following this approach, I was able to enhance the efficiency of my measurements and optimize the performance of the Profibus scale in my automation system.
I frequently utilize the IND570 with PLCs, but I haven't yet explored displaying the data straight onto a SCADA system without the involvement of a PLC. I have my doubts about its feasibility. While it may be possible for the SCADA to directly read a Modbus TCP tag from the IND570, there needs to be a command word sent to the IND570 to specify which data it should return. I’m not certain how to accomplish this without establishing an implicit I/O connection. That said, I typically work with Ethernet/IP as opposed to Modbus TCP (using the same physical card, but a different protocol), and I'm not particularly experienced with Citect. Therefore, while I wouldn't guarantee that it's impossible, I'm definitely curious to see if you can find a solution!
While this update may not be the most captivating, we advised the client to proceed with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) solution for their needs. The discussion evolved as the client inquired about various data processing capabilities, such as calculating moving averages, which emphasized the necessity of implementing a PLC system.
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