• Sample Source Code for Modbus Protocol Conversion

NEW PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• EDS Series "-ST" Models Are Ready to Ship
• New Fiber Ring Mode for One to Many Communication

• The Automatic Monitoring and Control of Bridge Lighting
• Industrial Wireless Ethernet—Using AWK-1100 in Mining Systems

• Moxa's Global Website Gets a New Look
• See Us at the 2005 Moxa Solution Forum
• Learn More about Moxa

Modbus is by far the most popular protocol for automation systems. In fact, most traditional control systems and equipment support, or are compatible with, the Modbus protocol, and Modbus is used widely for general-purpose devices and equipment. In order to help our customers reduce the time to market of their own products, MOXA has taken the initiative to create a Modbus Protocol Conversion sample program. The sample program is designed to demonstrate the implementation of a Modbus Protocol Conversion Program on the UC platform.

Click Here to download the sample code Software partners or software programmers who want to use UC series embedded computers for Modbus Serial/TCP Conversion should click here to download the sample code. The sample code is available FREE of charge..

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In addition to Fiber Optic SC connectors, many customers also use ST connectors in their devices and applications. In order to satisfy the needs of these customers, we now provide "-ST" models of
EDS-305-M, EDS-308-MM, EDS-405-MM, and EDS-508-MM. As with the original "-SC" models, the newer "-ST" models will be of the highest quality and reliability to ensure that your applications work well and trouble free.

Please contact Moxa or one of Moxa's resellers for detailed information about how to order these new -ST models.

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Introduction
Cities around the world use road and street lighting for both safety and beautification purposes. One example of a type of road that can benefit from the beautification aspect is bridges, particularly since bridges are often visible for several miles. Bridge lighting can be used to accentuate a bridge's unique shape, and with the advent of reliable computers, dynamic lighting that exhibits complicated patterns can be used to attract attention and entertain passersby.

Until recently, bridge lighting was connected to RS-485 networks, which in turn connected to IPCs (Industrial PCs) located along the bridge. In this case, one or more multiport serial boards must be installed in each IPC. However, using IPCs for this kind of limited, special purpose application is nothing short of over kill.

Recently, a newer, more efficient and economical solution has become available. The "embedded computer," such as the UC-7400 series of embedded computers from MOXA, has all of the right features for controlling lights on a large bridge. For example, several hundred beautifying lights are installed on one of Shanghai's bridges. The lights are controlled by several groups of light controllers connected to RS-485 networks. Special effects, such as running-train and flickering, are managed by a main controller. For this application, the main controller is required to have more than four RS-485 ports, and be suitable for installation in the light controller box under the bridge.

Previous Solution:
IPC (Industrial Personal Computer) plus multiport I/O cards:

New Solution:
MOXA Embedded Computer:

Advantages of the new solution:
1. Smaller size, space-efficient
2. Low power consumption
3. No fan, no hard disk, for higher reliability
4. Easy to program light controlling routines
5. CompactFlash slot for adding Gigabytes of storage space
6. Multiple connection options for greater networking versatility
7. Programmability gives system integrators infinite possibilities

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The traditional way of setting up a mining system is to use standalone PLC systems for diagnostics, fault finding, and modifications. However, when the system has problems, technicians must connect directly to the PLC via a short distance serial link to troubleshoot and solve problems. This kind of onsite maintenance, particularly for mines, takes quite a bit of time and costs a lot of money.

A better method of setting up the mine system uses a combination of AWK-1100 (Moxa's new wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client) and an industrial Ethernet switch (e.g., MOXA EDS-405). As shown in the figure, a combination of one switch and wireless AP are used at each end of the connection. At the device end, PLCs connect to vent fans used for underground ventilation, and other PLCs connect to the truck loading facility. The PLCs connect to the switch, which connects to an AWK-1100 wireless AP.

Another switch/AP combination is used at the control end of the system. Since the two APs can communicate with each other, a direct connection is established between the outside LAN and devices inside the mine.

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Those of you who make frequent visits to Moxa's English language website will have noticed a few changes recently:

1. The homepage was redesigned to better emphasize Moxa's wide array of products for industrial networking.
2. A "My Price Requests" link was added at the top right of each page. The link is to a new Complete Product List, which was included to enhance our website's Request a Price tool. Visitors can access the Request a Price tool directly from the product list.
3. We have added five new "Solution Zones" for a total of more than 100 new pages. Links to the Solution Zones are located on the homepage under the "Find a Solution" heading.

We are particularly proud of our new Marine Industrial Ethernet section. Moxa has indeed set sail for maritime markets! With DNV Certification, Moxa's industrial Ethernet switches and media converters are well suited for use in adverse marine-type environments. To inform (and impress) potential customers, we have set up a marine section at http://www.moxa.com/marine. The Marine Theme site highlights industrial Ethernet in Maritime and offshore applications.

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