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New Modbus Wingboard

Home › Forums › Mayfly Data Logger › New Modbus Wingboard

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    • 2021-04-30 at 3:53 PM #15462
      neilh20
      Participant

        I’m working on a new Modbus wingboard and will be building and testing a small production prototype on Monday, and then looking to do initiate a small production run of it shortly thereafter, probably Tuesday.

        This is personal initiative, and doesn’t have any institutional backing – I am using the excellent forum for discussion about  – but if anybody would be interested in pre-ordering some, I can add them to the order.

        The description of the device is here https://github.com/EnviroDIY/Mayfly-Modbus-Wing/tree/master/knh002-MayflyWingShield . Its all open source including the hardware design using KiCad-pcb.  Its up to any potential user to identify if its a benefit for their project over previous versions, and to do that you will need to read schematics.

        I have tested and made previous revisions, and have every confidence that that the base hardware for RS485 is working.  I have software that is working with the devices on my fork.   However this is supplied AS IS,  and any body purchasing it needs to figure out if it works for their specific system

        The cost is still in flux, and likely to be $30-$40.

        Finally I’ll apologize in advance for any misunderstandings – this is an experimental process,  manufacturing hardware is costly for small quantities, and making it easy to purchase the way that shicks does takes time and effort.

        If you think you are still interested please email me privately.

        Feel free to discuss the merits of the board 🙂 or the approach here.:)

      • 2021-04-30 at 7:47 PM #15468
        James_NZ
        Participant

          Hi Neil,

          I’m looking to deploy a network of Yosemitech turbidity sensors (Y511-A) and for this I will need modbus wingshields. Can you explain what the issue with the current wingshield build is? I have read a conversation about the polou 9v step up regulator not being able to activate the 511-A brush, but I’m not aware of other problems. I’m just trying to gauge whether I should continue with the current modbus shield plans or wait for yours.

          James

        • 2021-04-30 at 8:59 PM #15469
          neilh20
          Participant

            https://github.com/EnviroDIY/SensorModbusMaster/issues/14

            In a nutshell, the low cost RS484 hybrid often doesn’t work. Technically the QA of the workmanship is untracked.

          • 2021-05-02 at 5:07 AM #15471
            James_NZ
            Participant

              Hi Neil,

              I have read through the link above and everything is making a lot more sense.  I think your effort in designing a new modbus wingboard is amazing!

              However, I am in two minds given my current situation which requires deployment of 10 Mayfly stations within the next 3 months.  Obviously waiting for your wingboard is the more reliable option, but I only need ten functioning boards and the adapter modules are cheap.  We also have a heap of printed PCBs ready to use.  I’m thinking I might ‘give it a crack’ with cheap modules from multiple sources and see if I can get them to work, perhaps with a 120 ohm resistor attached.  It might be a frustrating process but I’m sure I can get some working.

              Saying that, I fully support what you are doing and would definitely be interested in your boards if my attempts fail.

              James

               

               

               

            • 2021-05-02 at 1:30 PM #15472
              neilh20
              Participant

                Hello James,  yes I have a few hybrids that are working,  that’s the way that they have been working up to now. I would think you’d want to test  your 10 ASAP.   For me the devices that did not work, they just they didn’t work. So for testing its they either work or not.  As an electrical engineer I did do an analysis and laid out what I had done,  but it didn’t really make a difference.

                This is a custom build, to a specified qty, which I will place on Tuesday. I had thought of a kick starter framework, but that was going to take more time. There is NO excess to sell on a market later, as that gets so complicated.  🙂

                Manufactures want to be paid up front for what they build.

                I got all the parts and the PCB yesterday, so building the proto tomorrow to verify the parts. All the details will be available as an open source hardware build, so it can be build later, either yourself or choosing a supplier of your choice. I’m sure they have small manufacturing shops in NZ. Also the hardware can be easily modified if required.

                 

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