RS232/ 485 connections

[tayloredtech]

Hey!

What is the 232 and 485 ports on the masso used for? Can I monitor Gcode and/ or control the Masso via these ports? I have an external automation control system I would love to incorporate into my system like a wireless hand held remote for jogging and triggering outputs and relays. Is that possible via either of the serial connections?

Cheers

Mitchell

 

[masso-support]

this was initially added to MASSO to control VFD's with RS485 interface but we haven't had many requests for this so the RS485 hardware is not being used for the time being.

 

[routertrav]

I think it could be a nice addition for sure. It would make it much easier to connect the VFD to the controller, and it is only a 2 wire connection. It should be universal no matter what type of VFD you have, as most VFD's, from my understanding, have a RS485 connection.

 

[tayloredtech]

Quote from MASSO - Support on September 7, 2018, 2:26 am

this was initially added to MASSO to control VFD's with RS485 interface but we haven't had many requests for this so the RS485 hardware is not being used for the time being.

So the RS232 does nothing as well?

 

[masso-support]

@tayloredtech yes at this stage its not supported in software

@routertrav control via RS485 for VFD will be good, but one problem, all manufacturers have different data protocols, so no one way to set this

 

[routertrav]

@masso-support, ah, was not aware of that. I am assuming that you would have to build in all the different protocols in the software, and have an area on the setup screen for activating which protocol you need, based on VFD manufacturer. I can see where that could be a difficult task. Thank you for the info.

 

[testyourdesign]

@masso-support my experience with RS485 is that it is very susceptible to electromagnetic interference. I have tried implementing this a few times in the past without much success. Its easy to use the 0-10V control but it gives you less control over the available RPM range. In my experience you either loose top end or bottom end range on on the spindle rpm and the middle range is more accurate when using the 0-10V control. I have not implemented spindle speed control with the Masso yet but I plan to connect it the spindle servo drive very soon.

 

[eti]

adding MODBUS functionality would be a huge plus, buy not sure if the masso could handle the coms

RS484 is robust and works, almost all drives support modbus

base set of features

• baud rate and Communication Protocol for rs485
  
• ability to set modbus address and data type for each function
  

if you could provide a small ladder logic editor so the user could write their own modbus controls that would be great. (save masso from having to write one of each drive)

with the ability to read / set any of the masso IOs or functions in the ladder logic, allowing control of not only VFDs, but tool changers, advanced logic off loaded to a PLC

just the ability to control a VFD with modbus helps with precision and cycle time
on precision you can call and exact speed or using tapping functions
for cycle time you can get feedback to know when it is at speed or stopped, so instead of waiting for x seconds, you can call next line exactly when drive is at desire state, starting a cut or waiting for stop to change a tool.



the RS232 port would be prefect to control clearpath SC series drives



but all of the above should be at the very end of your to do list, other items should take priority