Overview
Channels are created and configured to handle specific communication protocols and drivers. Each channel is defined by a specific protocol driver and connection type, such as RS-232 or TCP/IP. Channels allow the module to access multiple devices (such as PLCs) using the defined protocol and interface.
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Configuring Device Channels
Device channels are the pathways for communication between the HMI and the devices in the system. The sections below describe how to create and edit device channels on the platform in more detail.
Creating A New Channel
To create a new channel, follow these steps:
- Access Devices → Channels.
- Click on the plus icon.
- Choose a Protocol and fill in the Channel Name and Description fields. The table at the end of this section describes each option available.
- Click OK.
The following table describes each available property you can configure when creating a channel:
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Channel Name | Name for the channel. |
Protocol | The protocol the channel will use. |
Description | Description for the channel. |
Configuring A Channel
To configure or edit an existing channel, follow these steps
- Access Devices → Channels.
- Double-click the property you wish to edit on the row corresponding to the channel you want to modify.
- Edit the property fields.
The following table describes each available property you can configure when editing a channel:
Field | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Protocol Options | Defines the options for this protocol. The options depend on the selected protocol. Check each protocol documentation to guide you. | ||
Interface | Defines the interface type for this channel.
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Settings | Defines the settings for this channel. The available values will depend on the interface the channel is using.
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Timeout | Defines the timeout options for this channel. Typically, keep the default value. | ||
InitialState | Defines the initial state for this channel, the states can be as follows:
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Remote Settings | Defines the primary IP and backup IP to configure the remote computer where this channel will run. | ||
Driver Version | Defines the version of the current driver being used. |
Restarting channels
After creating a solution, you may face issues that compromise the communication with the field device. In such moments, instead of restarting the entire system, you may solve the problem by restarting the channel. You can perform such tasks using scripts, avoiding shutting down the entire system. To do so, follow these steps:
- Access Scripts → Classes
Create a new class using the C# code below, where "XXXX" refers to the name of the used channel.
Code Block language c# @Device.Channel.XXXX.Stop() @Device.Channel.XXXX.Start()
You can create a Task or Expression to call this class when needed and also do it in other ways that don't use the class. You can also learn how to configure Remote Channels here.
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