Devices Channels (Reference) encapsulate protocol configurations and settings, providing communication pathways between the HMI and field devices through various network interfaces.
Device Channels provide:
- Protocol encapsulation
- Interface configuration (Serial, TCP/IP)
- Connection management
- Timeout handling
- Remote execution capability
- Diagnostic monitoring
Each channel represents a configured communication path using a specific protocol to connect with PLCs or field devices.
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Creating Channels
- Navigate to Devices → Channels
- Click New Channel or Plus button
- Select protocol from list
- Configure:
- Channel Name - Unique identifier
- Description - Documentation
- Click OK
Channel Properties
Core Settings
Property | Description | Options |
---|---|---|
Protocol Options | Protocol-specific settings | Varies by protocol |
Interface | Communication type | Serial, Multi Serial, TCP/IP |
InitialState | Startup behavior | Enabled, Disabled, Remote, Reserved |
Timeout | Response timeout | Default: protocol-specific |
RemoteSettings | Remote execution configuration | IP:Port format |
DriverVersion | Current driver version | Read-only |
Interface Types
Serial
- RS-232/485 communication
- Single port configuration
- Hardware handshaking options
Multi Serial
- Multiple RS-232 ports
- Port count configuration
- Independent port settings
TCP/IP
- Ethernet/wireless networks
- Connection pooling
- Multiple simultaneous connections
Interface Settings
TCP/IP Settings
Setting | Description | Default |
---|---|---|
Listening Port | TCP port for slave connections | 502 (Modbus) |
Node Connection | Parallel requests per node | 1 |
Max Simultaneous | Concurrent connections limit | 10 |
Share Node Same IP | Multiple slaves on single IP | False |
Use Single Thread | Single thread for same IP | False |
Use Ping Check | Verify connection before send | False |
Accept Unsolicited | Allow unsolicited messages | False |
Serial Settings
- Baud Rate - Communication speed
- Data Bits - 7 or 8
- Parity - None, Even, Odd
- Stop Bits - 1 or 2
- Handshake - None, RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF
Channel States
State | Description | Use Case |
---|---|---|
Enabled | Active at startup | Normal operation |
Disabled | Loaded but inactive | Maintenance mode |
Remote | Runs on remote computer | Distributed architecture |
Reserved | Not loaded | Temporarily excluded |
emote Channels
Configure channels to run Execute Device Module on remote computers :for gateway and tunneling applications.
System Requirements
- All computers on same network
- Product installed on all computers
- Firewall ports configured
Configuration
- Set InitialState to Remote
- Configure RemoteSettings:
RemoteSettings:
Primary IP: 192.168.1.100:3100
Backup IP: 192.168.1.101
Port: 3101
Benefits:
:3100
Required Ports
Enable in firewall (Inbound/Outbound):
- WebServices: 10108, 80, 3100
- TServer: 3101
- Custom ports as configured
Remote Execution Process
- TStartup connects to remote TWebServer/IIS
- TRemoteDevice process launches on both computers
- Remote computer executes channel operations
- Data transmitted back to main server
Special Considerations
Note |
---|
Protocol drivers with specific permissions (PI, Tundra, Prediktor) must be executed by Windows Users. TWebServices or IIS must run under the same Windows User account. |
Runtime Control
Start/Stop Operations
csharp
// Stop channel
@Device.Channel.ChannelName.Stop();
// Start channel
@Device.Channel.ChannelName.Start();
// Stop with timeout
@Device.Channel.ChannelName.Stop(10);
Script Example
csharp
public class ChannelControl
{
public void RestartChannel(string channelName)
{
// Stop channel
@Device.Channel[channelName].Stop(5);
// Wait for stop
Thread.Sleep(1000);
// Start channel
@Device.Channel[channelName].Start();
}
}
Common Configurations
Modbus TCP
Protocol: Modbus
Interface: TCP/IP
Port: 502
Node Connection: 1
Timeout: 1000ms
Serial RS-485
Protocol: Modbus RTU
Interface: Serial
Baud: 19200
Data Bits: 8
Parity: Even
Stop Bits: 1
OPC UA
Protocol: OPC UA
Interface: TCP/IP
Port: 4840
Security: Basic256
Max Connections: 5
Best Practices Checklist
- Name Channels Clearly - Include protocol and purpose
- Document Settings - Use description field
- Set Appropriate Timeouts - Match network conditions
- Configure Connection Limits - Prevent overload
- Use Remote Channels - For distributed systems
- Monitor Channel Status - Track communication health
- Test Before Production - Verify all settings
Troubleshooting
Channel won't start:
- Check InitialState setting
- Verify protocol license
- Review interface configuration
- Check port availability
Communication timeouts:
- Increase timeout value
- Check network latency
- Verify device response time
- Review connection settings
Connection failures:
- Verify IP addresses
- Check firewall rules
- Test network connectivity
- Review security settings
Remote channel issues:
- Verify remote computer online
- Check remote settings
- Test network path
- Review firewall exceptions
Diagnostics
Remote Channel Monitoring
Verification Steps
- Check TStartup shows "Module Device started remotely"
- Verify TRemoteDevice process on server
- Confirm TRemoteDevice on remote computer
- Monitor command line parameters
Monitor channel performance:
csharp
// Get channel status
bool isConnected = @Device.Channel.ChannelName.IsConnected;
// Check last error
string error = @Device.Channel.ChannelName.LastError;
// Get statistics
int successCount = @Device.Channel.ChannelName.SuccessCount;
int errorCount = @Device.Channel.ChannelName.ErrorCount;
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