How do I specify different sample rates for 4 turbidimeters?

[msezda]

I'm a newbie and not a programmer--only a water plant operator.  The Lookout program is very confusing to me.

I am recording the results of four turbidimeters using Lookout 5.1. For three of the meters I need samples every 15 minutes, but for the fourth I only need samples every six hours. I can't figure out how to confiure one different from all the others. Every time I enter a new sample interval, they all reset to that value. BTW, what's the difference between Sample Interval and Logging Interval?

Thanks for the help!

Allen

[Khalid]

Hi Allen,

What are these turbidimeters?  As in, are they RTUs/ PLCs/ any other IO device?  Or is it an internal Object within Lookout?  Assuming it's a PLC/RTU/IO device, poll-rate is what controls how often you get the data.  If you want different rates, you will have to separate them into three different Objects, and then use different poll-rates for each. 

Please write back if I misunderstood your question.

-Khalid

[msezda]

Thanks, Khalid. I don't know what the acronyms are that you used, but these turbidimeters are physical devices that are connected to the computer using an RS-485 interface. Three of them monitor the turbidity of each of three filter trains. The fourth monitors the composite turbidity. We are mandated to take samples from 1, 2, and 3 at 15-minute intervals, but we only have to sample #4 every six hours.

Apparently, if I understand your response, the first three can stay on the same object. Since I don't know how to create objects this may get a bit sticky. I tried to create a new Control Panel and then copy the appropriate object from the original screen, but Lookout didn't allow that. Apart from that, I'm at a loss as to what I have to do to create this new object.

I have a lot of experience in web and graphic design, and a bit in MS-Access (minus the VB programming). I can modify the screens and make them pretty, but have no idea how to add the necessary code to make them work! I have attached the object files for you to examine, if you have the time...

Thanks again for responding! Allen

[Khalid]

Hi Allen,

If you know what object they are, you can modify them and change the poll-rates.  I am guessing they are Modbus Objects..  just a wild guess. 

I don't have Lookout on this machine.  Is it possible to attach the LKS files?  I can then open 'em in Notepad. 

Thanks,

-Khalid

[msezda]

Here they are. I have a screen named 'Summary' that details the four meters. I guess what I need to do is create a second screen and move the Composite meter to that screen and leave the other three where they are. The problem is, I don't know any of the Lookout jargon (like Mobus objects).

Thanks!

[Donald]

---

@msezda wrote:

... I am recording the results of four turbidimeters using Lookout 5.1.

---

Allen,

Would these be MicroTOL turbidimeters from HF Scientific?  ... and are you using their HF Online software package which uses Lookout?

If yes and yes, you might get a faster answer to your query if you contacted HF Scientific by email/phone (www.hfscientific.com).  They were responsive and helpful a couple of times we've had problems (not related to RS-485 or Lookout) over the past few years.

Apologies if you've tried that route and were directed here.

Good luck.

[msezda]

Donald,

Yes I am using the MicroTol turbidimeters, and yes I did try that route. I was told that what I want to do couldn't be done. I'm sure it can be done as Lookout is designed to control a wide range of devices that perform a multitude of tasks, but it certainly can't be done with the objects they sent me! They suggested I use the same sampling rate for all four tubidimeters, and then cull the data I need through the ODBC connection to MS Access (which I will be using to report to the health department). That is probably a workable solution, although I was disappointed with their response.

I can't imagine that I am the only person using their meters who needs two different sampling rates. The NY State Department of Health mandates for all water plants 15-minute sampling on each filter train and 6-hour sampling of the composite water. Since I'm operating a private plant that serves only 250 people I don't have the resources to outsource the requisite programming.

I appreciate your help and interest in the  project and would welcome any further suggestions.

All the best,

Allen

[Donald]

---

@msezda wrote:

... I was told that what I want to do couldn't be done. I'm sure it can be done as Lookout is designed to control a wide range of devices that perform a multitude of tasks, but it certainly can't be done with the objects they sent me! ...

---

Hi Allen.

I'm sure it could be done in Lookout as well, but the fly-in-the-ointment may be that what you have is a 3rd party/OEM (Original Eqpmt Manufacturer) software package that was created with Lookout.  Unfortunately, I don't actually use Lookout (except for its protocol drivers) so I have no idea what limitations (or possible range of limitations) that places on what you as the end user can do.  Hopefully someone more knowledgable will be able to help you.

[msezda]

Donald,

I have a full-featured version of Lookout that works for 30 days. After registering, the only thing that works is the app created using the Lookout progam (that is, it can no longer be structually modified).

Félicitations si ça plane pour toi; ça ne plane pas pour moi du tout...

Allen

[.avi file]

Greetings!
   Listed are a few steps and resources you might find helpful.
   1) You have to view the object explorer
   2) Right click on the process and click on new object
  3) Choose modbus object from the list and configure
  4) The explorer helps you modify and set the objects for a process
  5) The following links are useful to know more about modbus, and lookout. It is simple to follow, specifically the chapter 2 in the manual.

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/webmain/8c5206e2c4c9dfc186256ddd0056e46f

http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/322390d.pdf

Thanks and hope this helps. Please let me know if you have questions.
Best regards
Avi Harjani