Fish Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 As the title suggests, I have a series of 18 oxygen probes connected to a Campbell Scientific MD485 multidrop interface via a 32 channel multiplexer. The MD485 runs a PakBus communication protocol which I guess is unique to Campbell Scientific. I am guessing that this communication protocol rules out the possibility of using DAQ Factory to obtain my oxygen readings, but would appreciate anyone who has any knowledge or suggestions in this area. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzeoTech Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 It might work. What are the oxygen sensors plugged into? The MD485 is just an comm interface device, not for sensor connections. It has a pass through option, and depending on which logger you are using, you may actually be able to use Modbus instead (for example the CR1000) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted August 17, 2012 Author Share Posted August 17, 2012 The sensors plug straight into the multiplexer relay (http://www.campbellsci.com/am16-32a) connected to a neighbouring MD485, which again is connected to another remote MD485 with a PC connection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzeoTech Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 I'd contact Cambell and ask if there is a simpler protocol, preferably Modbus, but most anything would be simpler than PakBus, that you could use to poll these sensors. PakBus appears to be designed for mesh type networking and you have such a simple system that it is extreme overkill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted August 17, 2012 Author Share Posted August 17, 2012 Thought I'd take a pic of the physical installation if that might help... Closeup of the probe connections to the multiplexer and the first MD485 and power supply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted August 17, 2012 Author Share Posted August 17, 2012 I can pull up a settings menu through a hyper terminal and choose between PakBus, MD9 and transparent, so probably that's it, but I could try to send them a mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzeoTech Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 I'd try contacting Campbell for advice about communicating with their hardware from third party software tools. If they keep pushing you towards their stuff, you might just consider getting different hardware. From the pictures, your installations seems like severe overkill. You could probably replace it with a LabJack or two with little effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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