Created Date: March 16,2000

Created by: derek@youngpecan.com

Hi,

I want to build a network from 05 units interfaced to scales. Originally it was supposed to controll the feed system only but the project is growing. The Cardinall 708 scale indicator has a serial output but the protocoll is wery primitive and limited. Can I use com2 of the DL05 to pool for weight data by sending "05 " and then just read 17 characters with the information? Than I have to comunicate the information to host hopefully with the use of the other COM - 1.

Anybody had similar experience and is willing to share?

Thanks

derek@youngpecan.com

Created Date: March 16,2000

Created by: Russ

Derek,

Feature creep, isn't it wonderful? http://forum1.automationdirect.com/board/rolleyes.gif It's hard to give really specific advice on your project without asking lots of questions like how many units are involved, the distance between scales and nodes on your network, will there be local or master operator interfaces, or what ( if any ) data will be logged to a PC or other computer system. Other considerations like project costs and completion time frame are probably also factors too...

Maybe it isn't practical, but have you considered using a 205 based system with a F2-CP128 CoProcessor BASIC module instead? It is more expensive from a hardware point of view, but it does make the total system more flexible overall ( can add Ethernet, flexible I/O, Analog etc... ) and is more suited to the tasks you need to accomplish. By spending less time trying to get the 05's to work properly ( if at all ) you may actually finish the project sooner, making up the difference in hardware costs through decreased labor and quicker system start-up.

Just my two cents worth, but hope it helps. Good luck with your application!

Regards,

Russ O 'Rourke