Over My Head???

[MikeD7907]

Hello,

I would like to be able to control and monitor my VFD from a Raspberri Pi. I envision a control Panel (HMI). I am new to both programming and Arduino / Raspberri Pi... . Thats the reason I purchased Flowcode 8.
I was just wondering if the Scada component is the next appropriate upgrade to help me accomplish my goal or is there another method built in I just haven't found yet?
I realize the VFD is MODBUS and I have the TTL to RS-485 Converter Module. I just have to figure out how all this works.
It's probably to ambitious for a 1st project but why walk when you can run?

Thanks,
Mike

**Edit** I changed monitoring from my PC via an Arduino to Monitoring from a Raspberri Pi because my CNC machine runs GRBL on a com port. I would probably be asking for trouble trying to do both at once if that is even possible.

[Benj]

Hello,

The Modbus master component communicates using a COM port / UART and has property settings to allow for RS485 style communications to allow for TX/RX switching.

Are you wanting the Arduino / Pi to control the VFD or do you want the Flowcode runtime to control the VFD?

If you want to drive from the PC at least to begin with then you can potentially use the Arduino as a bridge by simply programming it with a program that leaves the D0 and D1 pins floating as inputs. You can then connect the TX/RX pins on the TTL to RS485 to pins D0 and D1. The Modbus master allows simulation via COM port so just select the port of the Arduino and the data will flow through to the RS485 converter.

For the Modbus to work you need to know which specific addresses do what and what formatting the values need. Is there information on this you can access?

Hope this helps.

[MikeD7907]

Sorry for the delayed reply,

Ultimately I would like to be able to monitor and control the VFD from an Arduino / Pi connected to a touch screen. For now I'm just learning so I imagine whatever I learn to do will help me towards that goal.

The VFD came with all the modbus addresses and values so I do have all of that information.

Your reply was very helpful. Although a bit more advanced than where I am at the moment it gives me points to study and learn more about.

Thanks,
Mike