Nuts and Volts - September 2017

for signal integrity measurements on serial buses.

The Modbus decoder is available for all PicoScope models, from the low cost 2000 series to the top range 6000 series.

For sources that are not referenced to earth (such as RS-485), the recently introduced PicoScope 4444 series permits quick and easy differential measurements on up to four channels without the expensive external active differential probes typically needed in industrial applications.

PicoScope includes a comprehensive set of automated and ruler-based onscreen measurements as standard.

Modbus is a serial communications protocol for use with programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Managed by the Modbus Organization, this simple and robust protocol is widely used to connect industrial electronic devices.

The PicoScope decoder supports master and slave devices, standard and custom baud rates, and one or two ID bytes.

Hundreds or thousands of Modbus messages can be captured with each acquisition using the deep memory provided in most PicoScope models.

Each message is stored with start/end timing information, device IDs, function codes, transmitted data, and CRC information, as well as data validity checks.

The table of acquired messages can be analyzed directly within PicoScope or can be exported in CSV format for offline analysis.

A link file helps to speed analysis by cross-referencing hexadecimal field values (such as the slave ID) to plain text. Clicking on a decoded packet takes you to the corresponding point on the analog waveform, making it easy to troubleshoot bus errors.

Modbus decoding and analysis is included as standard in the latest PicoScope beta version 6. 13, which now supports a total of 18 serial protocols.

The software is available free of charge for all existing and new PicoScope users and can be downloaded from their website.

DUAL EXPRESSION

PEDAL

Electro-Harmonix announces the introduction of a dual output expression pedal featuring the company’s advanced polymer construction that yields roadworthy pedals with a significant weight savings.

The Dual Expression Pedal’s dual-output design gives hands-free control of two devices from a single source. Each expression output has independent range and reverse, plus a polarity switch for maximum compatibility with a wide range of gear. Two six foot TRS cables are included.

The Dual Expression Pedal carries a US street price of $72.70.

INTERNET-ENABLED

DATA LOGGERS

Measurement Computing Corporation announces the release of WebDAQ Internet enabled data loggers. WebDAQ devices offer a complete and easy-to-use remote data acquisition solution.