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The Compact FieldPoint programmable automation controller (PAC) is an easy-to-use, highly expandable control and acquisition system designed for applications that require the flexibility of a PC and the reliability of a PLC. This rugged system combines a real-time controller with a wide range of industrial I/O modules suitable for data logging in harsh remote locations. With native Ethernet connectivity and web server functionality, you can access logged data nearby or miles away using the same software framework. The Compact FieldPoint (cFP) Embedded Data Logger is a stand-alone application written in LabVIEW that allows you to deploy your Compact FieldPoint bank as an embedded data logger capable of autonomous data acquisition. This turn-key solution requires no programming to run. Its web-accessible interface steps you through a simple configuration to record, graph, and export data in spreadsheet format. To create additional features or develop a more specific version of the cFP Embedded Data Logger, the source code is readily available online for customization using NI LabVIEW.
Table of Contents
- How to Get the cFP Embedded Data Logger
- Configuring the Compact FieldPoint Controller
- Running the cFP Embedded Data Logger
- Customizing the cFP Embedded Data Logger
How to Get the cFP Embedded Data Logger
If you are purchasing a new Compact FieldPoint system, you can request to have the cFP Embedded Data Logger installed for you through the Factory Installation Service. This can be requested through the Compact FieldPoint Advisor, an online website that assists you in building your entire system, or by contacting an NI Technical Representative.
If you already own a Compact FieldPoint system, you can download this free example program on the Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger website. To run the cFP Embedded Data Logger, your Compact FieldPoint controller should have the LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 8.5 and NI-FieldPoint 6.0 driver software.
Related Links:
Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger Program
Contact an NI Technical Representative
LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 8.5 download
NI-FieldPoint driver download
Configuring the Compact FieldPoint Controller
The first step to running the cFP Embedded Data Logger is to configure the IP address of the Compact FieldPoint controller. Start by launching the Measurement & Automation Explorer by selecting Start » Programs » National Instruments » Measurement & Automation. Then follow the step-by-step instructions found in the following articles.
Related Links:
FieldPoint Installation/Configuration
How to Network FieldPoint to a Host Computer with Ethernet
Once the IP address of the cFP controller is set, you are ready to begin data logging.
Running the cFP Embedded Data Logger
Setting Up the cFP Embedded Data Logger
1) Any computer can be used to view the cFP Embedded Data Logger on an Internet browser by simply installing the LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 8.5 (Web Browser Only version).
Go to the following URL in your web browser to access your data logger and to view detailed steps in the Step 1 - Instructions tab:
http://<IP ADDRESS>/datalogger.html
* Note: <IP ADDRESS> is the IP address of the cFP controller.
2) In the Step 2 - Create Settings tab, set the following logging parameters:
• Timing
• Memory Management
• Triggering
• Logging Session Tag
Fig. 1. Internet browser showing the cFP Embedded Data Logger configuration page.
Table 1. Explanation of fields on the cFP Embedded Data Logger configuration page.
| Log On Startup | Start logging when the controller powers up. |
| Start Log Time | The time to start logging. |
| Stop Log Time |
The time to stop logging. Note: Make sure the clock is set correctly on the controller. The settings described above refer to the cFP controller clock. |
| Log Rate | The number of milliseconds to wait between each acquisition. |
| FP Drive For Data Files | The drive to store the log files in. The C: drive is the default for all cFP controllers. If you want to save to the removable CompactFlash drive on the cFP controller, select the D: drive. |
| Digital "Pause" Line |
The Digital Input item to use as a "pause" button for data logging. Logging pauses when the signal is high. When the signal goes low again, a new file is created and logging continues if appropriate. Note: Use only Digital Input items for the Digital "Pause" Line. |
| Logging Session Tag | Is stamped on the spreadsheet that the data logger creates. |
Viewing Live Data
3) Not only can the cFP Embedded Data Logger store data in memory, but it also provides a real-time display of input values. View the live data remotely in the Step 3 - View Data tab to help with troubleshooting and verification of proper sensor operation.
* Note: The LEDs A and B light up when the settings have been loaded correctly. A blinking LED A indicates that the cFP Embedded Data Logger application is running. A solid green LED B indicates that the controller is currently logging.
Fig. 2. Internet browser showing live data from the cFP Embedded Data Logger.
Retrieving Logged Data
4) For memory storage, the Compact FieldPoint controller offers up to 128 MB of internal nonvolatile storage and a removable CompactFlash drive. The FTP Logged Data tab provides information on how to access the logged data using FTP either with the Measurement & Automation Explorer or an Internet browser. If you selected the C: drive as the data drive, the logs are stored in ftp://<IP Address>/logs on the controller memory. Likewise, if the D: drive is the data drive, the logs are stored in ftp://<IP Address>/d:/logs on the CompactFlash memory.
Related Links:
FTP Transfer of Files between Host and Real-Time Targets in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)
Customizing the cFP Embedded Data Logger
In addition to providing a simple installer for the data logger software, the cFP Embedded Data Logger Program website makes available all the LabVIEW source code used to create this web-accessible utility. This example program is available for free so that you can use NI LabVIEW to add any extra functionality or make your own custom version of the cFP Embedded Data Logger. NI LabVIEW is a graphical development environment that enables engineers and scientists to rapidly and cost-effectively interface with real-world signals, analyze data, and share results with the world.
Related Links:
Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger Program
NI LabVIEW
NI LabVIEW Real-Time
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