GRAVIMETRIC GATEWAY & ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS Maguire Products, Inc.
MAGUIRE PRODUCTS, INC. Gravimetric Gateway & Ethernet Communications Maguire Products, Inc. 11 Crozerville Road, Aston PA, 19014 Phone 610.459.4300 • Fax 610.459.
Table of Contents The Purpose of this Document Overview – Ethernet for G2 Communications Overview – Wired Ethernet Overview – Wireless Ethernet Benefits of Ethernet for G2 Communications Using Ethernet for G2 Communications General Requirements when using Ethernet (Wireless or Cabled) Requirements for Cabled Ethernet / Examples Requirements for Wireless Ethernet / Examples Wireless Ethernet for G2 Communications Wireless devices used in our wireless G2 testing Configuring a Wireless G2 Network / Examples C
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Purpose of this document T he purpose of this document is to give the reader an overview of several methods of using Ethernet, including wireless Ethernet to communicate with the Maguire Weigh Scale Blender controllers. The Maguire controllers are designed to be able to operate as a standalone unit unassisted by computer software.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Overview - Ethernet for G2 Communications Wired Ethernet – Ethernet can be used for G2 communications. In a typical situation this is accomplished by running a U/L approved CAT5 or better Ethernet cable to each blender controller from an Ethernet hub or switch and converting the serial port at the controller to Ethernet using an Ethernet to Serial converter (G2-ES).
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S occurs much faster and more reliably than error detection over a serial network where the G2 software and the controllers are responsible for detecting error. The end result is that the G2 Server and the controllers will always get successful data communication at a faster rate. • Speed - Ethernet enables the G2 software to communicate with multiple Maguire controllers at the same time.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S them to communicate with each other. For example if the G2 Server has an I.P. address of 192.168.1.100, then the G2 Client PCs and Ethernet to serial converters must be assigned I.P. address ranging from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254 without duplications. For TCP/IP configuration information beyond what is provided in this document, contact a network administrator.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Requirements for Cabled Ethernet • Ethernet to Serial Converter (G2-ES) – Each Maguire controller must have it’s own Ethernet to Serial Converter (G2-ES). Each G2-ES must be assigned a static I.P. address as well and specific serial settings. Configuration instructions are provided with each G2-ES and are also within this document. They are also posted online at http://www.maguire.com/page.php/g2manuals.htm.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Below is a diagramed example of a wired Ethernet network Key points in the diagram above: • Each Maguire Weigh Scale Blender is connected directly to it’s own G2-ES through a special Null Modem serial cable (provided with the G2-ES). Each G2-ES includes its own 12-volt transformer and must be supplied power within 6 feet of the G2-ES.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Below is a diagramed example of using Ethernet to break up a large serial network – In the diagram above, a large serial network with an excess of 30 blenders is broken into 4 branches. Branch 1, branch 2 and branch 3 are using an Ethernet to Serial converter to convert Ethernet communications from the G2 Server to serial using the G2-ES.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Requirements for Wireless Ethernet • G2 Server’s Ethernet to Wireless Ethernet – The G2 Server must have access to the wireless network. This can be accomplished by converting the G2 Server’s Ethernet port to wireless using a Wireless Access Point or a Wireless Bridge. The Wireless Access Point may be located somewhere on the wired network.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Devices used in our wireless testing: The GW21W-MAXI is a device combining the Ethernet to Serial converter (NPort DE-211) and the wireless Ethernet Bridge (WET11). It is configured and connected to the Maguire controller using a serial cable. When installing the GW21W-MAXI, consideration should be given to avoiding obstructions, high voltage, interference from vacuum loader lines, etc.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Configuring a Wireless G2 Network In the next few pages, several wireless networks are diagramed to illustrate several possible configurations. The requirements of your wireless G2 network will depend on factors such as distance, physical layout of the plant floor, the presence of obstructions such as walls or machinery.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S the Transmission Rate, the lesser the distance we were able to communicate. It was found that the lowest setting of 1 Mbps achieved the best results. The following diagrams illustrate several possible wireless networks. Wireless diagram 1 – This is the most basic wireless layout.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T Wireless diagram 3 – In this diagram the G2 Server’s Ethernet is connected to the WET11 Wireless Bridge (crossover cable not required, use X- II switch). Each Maguire Controller has a Wireless Serial Server. The G2 communications are transmitted via wireless from the WET11, to the WAP11, and then to each Wireless Serial Server.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Configuring Ethernet Devices Before you begin: Using Static IP Addresses The Gravimetric Gateway software uses the TCP/IP protocol to communicate. This includes communications between the G2 Server and Clients as well as with controllers using Ethernet, whether wired or wireless. TCP/IP (Internet Protocol) uses IP settings to route data packets.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Wireless Security Wireless transmissions are easier to intercept than transmissions over a wired network. Therefore use of security is highly recommended. Basic wireless security provided two methods of implementing security. They are SSID and WEP. SSID (Service Set Identifier) – Much like a password, this is a unique name shared among all points in a wireless network.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Wireless Ethernet Bridge (WET11) Linksys WET11 Wireless Ethernet Bridge. This configuration setup guide will follow the WET11’s Quick Installation Guide, packaged with the WET11 and include the recommended settings for configuring the WET11 for wireless G2 communications. How the WET11 is used in the G2 network: • • Converting a G2 Server PC or G2 Client PCs to 802.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S STEP 2 – Setup of the WET11 Wireless Bridge A. Insert the Linksys Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. (This CD is included with the Linksys WET11 Wireless Ethernet Bridge). The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the box that appears, enter d:\setup.exe (where “D” is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). B.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S F. This screen shows a choice of two wireless modes. Since a wireless G2 network will require an access point, select Infrastructure Mode and click next. G. The Basic Settings screen will now appear. Enter your wireless network SSID. For this example we are using G2-WIRELESS. For Infrastructure Mode, the Channel will not be selected. Enter a unique Bridge Name for this Wireless Ethernet Bridge device. Click next. H.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S the code used when logging a wireless device onto the wireless network. The passphrase is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. This passphrase will be used with the WAP (wireless access point) and the WAP in repeater mode. When complete, click the Next button. J. On the WEP Key Settings screen, you will see the automatically generated WEP key.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Advanced Wireless Setting Changes to the WET11 A. Open a web browser such as Internet Explorer. B. Enter the IP address of your WET11 into the address field. Example: http://192.168.1.225 (replacing 192.168.1.225 with your IP address). C. When prompted for a user name and password, leave the username blank and enter the default password admin D. You should be presented with a web page of LAN and wireless settings.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Wireless Access Point (WAP11) Linksys WAP11 Wireless Access Point This setup guide will follow the WAP11’s Quick Installation Guide, packaged with the WAP11 with the addition of specifying the recommended settings for configuring the WAP11 for wireless G2 communications. How the WAP11 is used in the G2 network: • Serves as the central Access Point to a Wireless-B network.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S B. Adjust the direction of the antennas. Both should be perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. C. Connect the power adapter to the Access Point’s Power port. STEP 2 – Setup of the WAP11 Wireless Access Point A. Insert the Linksys Setup Wizard CDROM into your CD-ROM drive. (This CD is included with the Linksys WAP11 Wireless Access Point).
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S E. The Basic Settings screen will appear. Enter a unique name in the AP Name field. The IP Settings screen will now appear. It is recommended that the G2 network have static IP addresses. From the network settings drop-down menu, select Static IP. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask appropriate for your network. Click Next to proceed. F. The Basic Wireless Setting screen will appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S I. On the next screen, review your settings. If they are correct, click Yes. If they are not correct, exit the wizard and restart this section again. Advanced Wireless Setting Changes A. Open a web browser such as Internet Explorer. B. Enter the IP address of your WAP11 into the address field. Example: http://192.168.1.251 (replacing 192.168.1.251 with your IP address). C.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Wireless Repeater (WAP11) Linksys WAP11 Wireless Access Point In Repeater Mode This setup guide will follow the WAP11’s Quick Installation Guide, packaged with the WAP11 with the addition of specifying the recommended settings for configuring the WAP11 for wireless G2 communications as a Repeater.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S STEP 2 – Setup of the WAP11 Repeater A. Insert the Linksys Setup Wizard CDROM into your CD-ROM drive. (This CD is included with the Linksys WAP11 Wireless Access Point). The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the box that appears, enter d:\setup.exe (where “D” is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S E. The Basic Settings screen will appear. Enter a unique name in the AP Name field. The IP Settings screen will now appear. It is recommended that the G2 network have static IP addresses. From the network settings drop-down menu, select Static IP. Enter an IP Address, Subnet Mask appropriate for your network. Click Next to proceed. F. The Basic Wireless Setting screen will appear. Enter your wireless network’s SSID.
G R A V I M E T R I C I. G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S On the next screen, review your settings. If they are correct, click Yes. If they are not correct, exit the wizard and restart this section again. Advanced Wireless Setting Changes A. Open a web browser such as Internet Explorer. B. Enter the IP address of your WAP11 into the address field. Example: http://192.168.1.251 (replacing 192.168.1.251 with your IP address). C.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Wireless Serial Server This section will guide you through the setup of the GW21W-MAXI. GW21W-MAXI Single-Port Wireless Serial Server Configuration Methods: There are several ways to access the GW21WMAXI to configure or modify the configuration settings. For the initial setup of the GW21W-MAXI this example will use HyperTerminal through the console mode.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S 4. Open a Terminal program such as HyperTerminal. (Click the Start button, choose Run and type HYPERTRM.EXE, click ok) 5. Start a new connection and choose to connect using the COM port you have connected the GW21W-MAXI to on your PC. 6. Set the baud rate to 9600 bps for console port communication. Do not set it to 115200 bps, which may be specified in the GW21W-MAXI’s instructions. This is incorrect. 7.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S 5. Press 2 then enter, you will see: Networking: IP 1. IP Address(10.0.50.100) 2. Gateway(10.0.0.254) 3. Subnet Mask(255.255.0.0) SNMP 4. SNMP(Enable) 5. SysName(name) 6. SysLocation(locaion) 7. SysContact(contact) Input choice and enter(1~7): 6. Select 1, enter the IP Address of your GW21W-MAXI 7. Select 2, enter the Gateway of your network 8. Select 3, enter the Subnet Mask for your network 9.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S 12. Press 2, Baud rate Select (9) other, Input the baudrate as 1200 and press. Enter. Note: Some earlier firmware versions were unable to set the baud rate to 1200 baud by selecting (1)1200 due to a bug in firmware. Therefore we recommend using (9) other and entering 1200. 13. Press Esc to return to return to the previous menu. You will see: 0.Exit 1.Overview 2.Networking Input choice and enter(0~5): 3.Security 4.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S 21. Press Esc to return to return to the previous menu. You will see: 0.Exit 1.Overview 2.Networking Input choice and enter(0~5): 3.Security 4.Com1 5.WLAN 22. To change the password of the GW21W-MAXI, press 3, Security. 23. Confirm to change password, enter the original password (by default it is blank, no password) 24. Enter your new password, then enter again to verify.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Ethernet to Serial Converter (G2-ES) There are many Ethernet to Serial converters on the market. For this example, the Moxa NPort DE-211 is used. The DE-211, referred to as the G2-ES, has been testing and found to be reliable and currently in use in G2 communication networks. Maguire Products Inc.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S cable must be configured as a crossover type cable (diagram at the end of this document). • For installations using one G2-ES per 2 or more blenders - If multiple blenders will share a single G2-ES unit, a signal amplifier may be required to boost the serial communications on the serial side of the G2-ES (place after the included null modem cable).
G R A V I M E T R I C • G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S NPort’s Batch Configurator (See Moxa’s documentation for more info) NOTE: In some cases the Configurator program will not run correctly under Windows XP. This problem was observed in version 1.0 of the Configurator program. The problem may have been corrected in version 1.3, which is included on the enclosed CD-ROM.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S 8. In the Configurator program click Locate Server, then Broadcast Search. If no DE211 units were found in a Broadcast Search, verify that the NPort Express is properly connected to the network and powered on. 9. With a successful search the Configurator will find your DE-211. Select your DE-211 from the list of found devices, and then click Configuration in the menu, then Modify Configuration.
G R A V I M E T R I C • • • G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Verify that you have assigned an un-used ID number to the blender and are associating that ID with the IP address of the G2-ES that is connected to that Blender. Verify that you are using the NULL Modem cable provided with the NPort Express Unit. Do not extend this serial cable beyond 15 feet or signal may degrade. Verify the settings in the Edit Blender screen.
G R A V I M E T R I C G A T E W A Y A N D E T H E R N E T C O M M U N I C A T I O N S Adding Ethernet Accessible Blenders in the G2 Software The Last step is configuring G2 to access a Weigh Scale Blender located on the network (wired or wireless) is to add the Blender’s ID number to the G2 Client’s Blender Edit Screen along with the TCP/IP access network settings. Follow these instructions to add a TCP/IP Blender: 1. With the G2 Server Running, open a G2 Client. 2.
G2 Wireless Experimentation The following section is a summary of in-house testing, which describes some specific, very basic tests that were done to demonstrate the feasibility of wireless Ethernet as a means of communication between the Gravimetric Gateway software and the Maguire Weigh Scale Blenders. Each test used in-expensive, off the shelf wireless components and tested under different wireless configurations in settings similar to an actual production environment.
Wireless Test Results for G2 Communications Two test blender controllers were configured with the wireless equipment so that they could be moved to different test locations at the same time. Test blender 1 used the G2-ES/WET11 combo; test blender 2 used the GW21W-MAXI wireless serial server. Both test blenders communicated with the same WAP11 (wireless access point) and the same G2 Server computer. Description of Test Blender 1: The G2 Server PC’s Ethernet is connected directly to the WAP11.
The following tests were locations within our buildings. Each location was chosen to test distance and obstructions to the wireless signal of both controllers, each using different wireless equipment. Location 1, test blender 1, test blender 2 G2 Server located on 2nd floor, WSBs located 1st floor, 100-150 foot distance, transmitted through 2 drywall walls, 1 cinder block wall. Initial transmission rate tested – highest rate.
transmission rate to lowest rate – 1 Mbps, wireless connection still sporadic, probably due to too many obstructions. Area of test considered a “dead spot” in the wireless topography. Placed a WAP11 in Repeater Mode at the 20-foot doorway in the cinder block wall. With transmission rate reduced to lowest rate – 1 Mbps and repeater in place, wireless connection was established and remained established. G2 communicated with WSBs continuously at 1 Mbps.
Location 10, test blender 1, test blender 2 Distance Test - This test was to demonstrate the capability of the wireless equipment to handle increased distances and extending a wireless signal into an area that otherwise could not be reached with the Access Point. For this test a location was found in the building where neither blender controller could detect a signal from the Access Point. Two additional pieces of wireless equipment were used to extend the distance of the wireless signal.
Crossover cable Reference Diagram: Contact Information: Sales Maguire Products, Inc. 11 Crozerville Road Aston, PA 19014 USA Tel: Fax: Web: Email: 1-888-459-2412 610-459-4300 610-459-2700 www.Maguire.com info@maguire.com Support Green Bridge Station Technologies – Developers of the G2 Software Tel: 610-358-9800 Fax: 610-358-9896 Web: www.gbs.com E-Mail: g2@maguire.
