This article covers getting data into and out of the controller: on-screen data logging and export to an SD card, plus the optional Ethernet connection and the Remote Access, SD Card Access, and MODBUS communication it enables. These are optional features; if your unit did not ship with them, contact South-Tek Systems to discuss adding them.
In this guide
On-screen data logging
The Data Logging screen captures and records system data, showing the current, average, maximum, and minimum value for each reading. To get the full set of readings, the system needs the optional sensor suite: an air flowmeter, an N2 flowmeter, an O2 analyzer, the nitrogen storage pressure transducer (standard), an incoming air pressure transducer, and an incoming air thermocouple.
Figure 1: Data Logging screen
- Press Press to Start Data Analysis (bottom left) to begin collecting data.
- Press Press to Stop Data Analysis to pause; pressing Start again resumes collection.
- To begin a fresh data set, press Reset Stats, then press Start again.
Logging to an SD card
To log data to a CSV (Excel) file, a specially formatted South-Tek micro SD card must be inserted in the controller. If the unit was purchased with the Logging Functionality option, the card is already installed (upper left side, viewed from the back of the controller).
To start logging to the SD card:
- Confirm the screen reads SD Card: OK at the bottom.
- Reset the stats.
- Press Press to Log to Excel.
- Press Press to Start Data Analysis. Data begins recording to the card.
To stop logging and retrieve the data:
- Press Press to Stop Excel Logging.
- Press Eject SD card.
- Wait for the green Ready message below the Eject SD button. If it does not appear within 5 seconds, press Eject again.
- Once Ready appears, remove the card from the back of the controller and insert it into a computer.
- Open the SD card drive and navigate to Excel → Excel 1. Find the file by the number shown on the Data Logging screen.
- Open the Logging Header Template (also in the Excel 1 folder), copy the column headers into the saved data log, and save the CSV as an Excel document to add personalized graphs.
Ethernet connection
If the optional Ethernet card is installed, assign the controller a static IP address and enter it manually into the controller. Subnet and gateway are not needed when accessing the controller within your organization's intranet. After entering the static IP, press the connect button or cycle power to the controller to see the device on the network. A connection status message indicates whether the connection succeeded.
Figure 2: Network communication settings and status screens
Remote Access and SD Card Access
The setup files for both tools are included on the microSD card installed in the PLC, and both run on any Windows 7 or higher PC.
Remote Access gives full control of the controller touchscreen from the PC, as if you were standing at the machine. To set up the connection:
Figure 3: Remote Access communication setup
- Open the Remote Access software and go to Configurations → Communication - PC settings.
- Select Connection Type: TCP/IP (Call).
- Press the red folder to open the TCP/IP Addresses setup.
- Enter the controller's static IP address under the IP Address column, and select TCP under Protocol.
- Enter the PLC Name (found on the second page of the hard-copy manual shipped with the generator).
- Press Get OPLC Information to confirm the connection details. An error appears if anything is incorrect. Press Exit once confirmed.
Then load the image file and log on:
Figure 4: Loading the fonts and images file
- Go to Configurations → Select Fonts and Images file (*.urc).
- Browse for PLC Image File.urc on the SD card.
- Press the glasses icon in the upper left to establish a real-time connection with the controller.
SD Card Access uses the SD Card Explorer software to reach the files on the card without physically removing it. Set up its communication the same way as Remote Access.
MODBUS communication
Once the controller has a static IP and is visible on the network, MODBUS can be set up to retrieve real-time data. Use these settings:
- Protocol: TCP/IP
- Local Port: 502
- PLC Controller: Slave
Register addresses:
| Register | Controller (Unitronics) | MODBUS TCP/IP Address | Units / Status | R/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen Storage Pressure | MI 118 | 40119 | PSIG / kPa | R |
| Oxygen Concentration (%) | MI 5 | 40006 | % O2 | R |
| Oxygen Concentration (PPM) | MI 112 | 40113 | PPM | R |
| Supply Air Pressure | MI 161 | 40162 | PSIG / kPa | R |
| Supply Air Flow | MI 155 | 40156 | SCFM / SCMH | R |
| Nitrogen Flow | MI 167 | 40168 | SCFH / SLPM | R |
| Supply Air Temperature | MI 173 | 40174 | °F / °C | R |
| Supply Air Pressure Dewpoint | MI 255 | 40256 | °F / °C | R |
| N2 Generator Cut-In Pressure | MI 20 | 40021 | PSIG / kPa | R/W |
| N2 Generator Cut-Out Pressure | MI 21 | 40022 | PSIG / kPa | R/W |
| Low Tank Pressure Alarm Point | MI 98 | 40099 | PSIG / kPa | R/W |
| O2 % Alarm Point | MI 14 | 40015 | % O2 | R/W |
| O2 PPM Alarm Point | MI 16 | 40017 | PPM | R/W |
| Duplex Switch-Over Hours Setpoint | MI 239 | 40240 | Hours | R |
| Duplex Current Run Hours | MI 242 | 40243 | Hours | R |
| Staging Current Run Hours (32-bit) | ML 36 | 28709 | Hours | R |
| Staging Switch-Over Hours Setpoint (32-bit) | ML 37 | 28710 | Hours | R |
| Generator Total Run Hours (32-bit) | ML 14 | 28687 | Hours | R |
Coil addresses:
| Coil | Controller (Unitronics) | MODBUS TCP/IP Address | Status | R/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start / Stop | MB 12 | 00013 | 0 = Off, 1 = On | R/W |
| Running / Standby | MB 7 | 00008 | 0 = Standby, 1 = Running | R |
| Common Alarm | MB 61 | 00062 | 0 = Good, 1 = Alarm | R |
| Common Alarm Toggle | MB 19 | 00020 | 0 = Off, 1 = On | R/W |
| BlastOff Alarm | MB 2050 | 02051 | 0 = Good, 1 = Alarm | R |
| Oxygen Concentration Alarm | MB 0 | 00001 | 0 = Good, 1 = Alarm | R |
| PurityProtect On/Off | MB 225 | 00226 | 0 = Off, 1 = On | R/W |
| Low Tank Pressure Alarm | MB 106 | 00107 | 0 = Good, 1 = Alarm | R |
| Particulate Filter Status | MB 14 | 00015 | 0 = Good, 1 = Change Needed | R |
| Coalescing Filter Status | MB 28 | 00029 | 0 = Good, 1 = Change Needed | R |
| Absorbing Filter Status | MB 29 | 00030 | 0 = Good, 1 = Change Needed | R |
| Low Battery Indicator | SB 8 | 20489 | 0 = Good, 1 = Low Battery | R |
| Local Alarm Buzzer Toggle | MB 227 | 00228 | 0 = Off, 1 = On | R/W |
| PSA Staging Toggle | MB 170 | 00171 | 0 = Off, 1 = On | R/W |
| PSA Duplex Toggle | MB 208 | 00209 | 0 = Off, 1 = On | R/W |
| Duplex - Set Primary | MB 211 | 00212 | High transition sets primary on start-up | R/W |
| Duplex Identification | MB 210 | 00211 | 0 = Secondary, 1 = Primary | R |
Related Articles
- N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series — Controls & Touchscreen Navigation
- N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series — Alarms & Troubleshooting
- N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series — Overview & Specifications
- N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series — Safety Guidelines