Modicon Momentum Communications Adapter
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Schneider Electronics
Schneider Electronics design paradigm allows manufacturers to control machinery using modules that specialize on a particular function - like motion control, I/O, digital to analog, weight measurement, etc. Each of the modules can be placed around cnc machinery in convenient locations, then connected to a central computer using cable or wireless connection that attaches to communications adaptors that snap onto each module. Several types of adaptors are availabe for different communications protocols. (See the image below.)
http://www.advancedtubular.com/cncbender/images/schneider_adaptors.jpg
The term "top hat" has been used for years as an alternative name for these snap-on adaptors. The top hat allows each module to receive and send messages from the main controlling computer using any of several protocols.
The Momentum 170 - Ethernet Communications Adaptor (or Top Hat)
SMT Industries / Advanced Tubular benders takes advantage of this modular design. Each CNC Bender is surrounded by modules that control the bender. The module types may be control, input, output, digital to analog, etc. We selected to use the Ethernet standard for communication between each module and the main computer. The image below is a close-up of an Ethernet top hat.
http://www.advancedtubular.com/cncbender/images/schneider_momentum170.jpg
The Momentum 170 - IP Addresss Setup
If you ever replace or reprogram a top-hat on one of our machines, it is important to know that the appropriate IP address will need to be programmed into the new top hat. Remember: Each top hat is assigned a unique IP address which is clearly labelled in our electronics cabinets. If you have any question about which IP address to use, please contact SMT or Advanced Tubular.
The IP assigned to a top-hat must be initialized to flash memory using the BootP software from Schneider. We provide the links to this software below. If you need it, download the BootPLite program and instructions using these two links below.
[1]Download 1 - The ENTIRE BOOTPLITE PROGRAM
[2]Download 2 - The PDF MANUAL ONLY
The BootPLite program files can be unzipped to any convenient folder. The executable should be run from the command prompt since it requires parameters in the command line. Follow the instructions in the PDF file to learn the steps for using BootPLite.
--Mcone 17:21, 29 June 2006 (EDT)
