BLH NOBEL G4-DT, Technical Manual, Page: 110 / 194

Technical Manual
6-4
EtherNet/IP
The optional EtherNet/IP interface is intended for accessing weight data, scale status,
input and output status, level status, set-point status. Commands for e.g. taring,
zeroing etc. can be issued over the EtherNet/IP interface.
The interface is not intended for set-up of the instrument. Use the instrument front
panel user interface or the web interface for set-up. Neither does it support read/write
of batching or flow rate data. See the separate EtherNet/IP manual 601165 for a
complete description on the EtherNet/IP interface.
Ftp Server
The G4 instrument contains an ftp server that can be used to transfer files between the
instrument and an external computer using an ftp client. To connect to the instrument
the ftp client must login to the instrument with the user ID ‘G4User’ and the password
‘1937’ (default password). Note that the password for the ftp server and the web server
can be set in the menu ‘Server Configuration’. In this menu there are also settings for
turning on or off the ftp server and web server. By default both ftp server and web
server are turned on.
The ftp handling can be automatic, e.g. to collect log files once every 24 hours or
manual.
The ftp client (on an external computer) can access the user area of the instrument
flash file system. The user area consists of (by default) the InstrBackup, Misc, Recipes
and LogFiles folders.
In the current instrument version the InstrBackup folder is used by default when
creating backup files. The LogFiles folder is used for storing Scale batching log files.
Modbus protocol
For communication with a master computer (PLC) the Modbus protocol is used in
the instrument. The Modbus protocol is a standard protocol, used for master/slave
communication in the industry.
Information is transmitted in blocks of data to minimize polling and response time
delays. For example the error register, status register and weight register could be read
with one command to the instrument.
When a command that cannot be performed is sent, the instrument responds with
an exception code. For a better explanation of the error, a special command error
register could be read.
Depending on the type of the communicating equipment (the master), the commands in
the application program (PLC program, or pc program) may be different from type to
type. However, if the master is not a Modicon PLC system, then the Modbus
implementation in the master must have some cross-reference function to transfer the
Modbus register and I/O bit numbering to the masters own register and
I/O bit numbering. All registers and coils described in this manual use the standard
Modbus (Modicon) register and I/O numbering.
See the master's own Modbus driver documentation for how the commands should be
activated in the master's application program.
Most manufacturers of PLC systems and HMI and SCADA software can provide
Modbus drivers. Various Modbus drivers for development of Windows programs are
also available on the market.
More information about Modbus protocol can be found at ‘www.modbus-ida.com’ and
many other places.