Introduction

On machines that are not capable of sharing data through software adapters (FANUC FOCAS, MTConnect, MODBUS, etc.), the MachineMetrics I/O module will be used to collect data from the machine. The module we use on wireless I/O integrations is the Labjack U3. The U3 has screw terminal inputs (AIN0-3) which can receive data from sensors or electrical signals directly from your machine's circuitry. These signals are then transmitted via USB to the Machinemetrics Wifi Edge Device. The Wifi Edge Device sends the signals to the cloud where they are interpreted by software and displayed on the Machinemetrics app. 

Topics covered in this article

• Wifi Edge Device Installation
• I/O Installation
• Connect Signals
• Add Machine to Dashboard

Wifi Edge Device Installation

The Wifi Edge Device is responsible for transmitting signals collected from your machine to the MachineMetrics app. The only required electrical connection from the Edge device to your machine is to provide the Edge with 12VDC to 24VDC power. Most machines are equipped with 24VDC power supplies and spare terminals to which auxiliary equipment is connected.

Identify the +24VDC and 0V terminals in your machine's electrical cabinet, and connect the supplied pigtail power cable - the wire with the white stripe is positive (+24VDC) and the black wire is negative (0V). Do not reverse polarity or you will damage the Edge device and/or your machine! Alternatively, you could plug your Edge device into a 120VAC receptacle using the AC power adapter.

If you are mounting your Edge device within the machine's electrical cabinet, it will be important to install the antenna extensions so that the antenna (which detect the wifi signal) are mounted on the exterior of the cabinet. For detailed instructions on how to install a wireless Edge device in your machine, follow this link.

Visit this article for a list of our Hardware Kit and Connection Schematics.

I/O Installation

The Labjack U3 can be mounted onto DIN rail within your machine's electrical cabinet. The U3 is powered by and communicates with the wifi Edge device with a USB cable, so mount the U3 relatively close to the Edge device.   

*it is good practice to power your Edge device from the same power source as the signals coming to the AIN terminals of the Labjack. Although it is uncommon, your machine control may read errors if there is an imbalance caused by the mixing of power supplies. Note that it is possible to isolate a signal using a relay.

Connect Signals

The Labjack U3 can receive signals up to 40VDC on the AIN terminals. These signals are interpreted by a YAML based configuration script so that each signal can be programmed to indicate a particular machine state. The two most important signals to retrieve from your machine are those that indicate the machine is in-cycle (active), and that a part has been made. For the sake of consistency, connect the signal for in-cycle to AIN0, and the signal for part-count to AIN2.

Depending on the make, model, and year of your machine, the signals you collect - either from a sensor or straight from the machine's circuitry - will vary. It is possible that we could provide you with specific instructions on how to connect what signals you need from your machine, however, in many cases, your machine may be unique from others of the same make/model/year. To understand the methods of collecting and interpreting signals from your machine, please read this article: I/O Integration Methods.

Add Machine to Dashboard

After you have installed the I/O hardware and connected signals to the Labjack U3, you can now add your machine to the MachineMetrics Dashboard. 

On the Machines List, click Add Machine.

The Add Machine form will lead you step by step through the process of adding your machine to the Machinemetrics Dashboard. For detailed instructions on this process, visit this article on Machine Settings. 

When adding the "Data Collection Method", select "Digital IO (U3 Module)" from the list.

After selecting "Digital IO (U3-Module)", you will be prompted to enter a configuration script. The YAML based script is used to interpret the signals coming into the U3.

The adapter script in the "Configure your adapter" section is what interprets the signals coming to the U3 module.

There are many advanced variations to configurations, so don't feel limited to the simple example below! Please reach out to a Machinemetrics support team member to discuss what you can do with the signals from your machine.

Feel free to copy and paste this example:

version: 2
variables:
  execution-raw:
    - source: AIN0
    - resample: 0.1
    - min-delta: 0.1
  part-count-raw:
    - source: AIN2
    - resample: 0.1
    - min-delta: 1
  part-in:
    - source: AIN2
    - threshold: 3
    - falling-edge
    - count
  execution:
    - source: AIN0
    - threshold: 3
    - off-delay: 0.5
    - state:
      - ACTIVE: this
      - READY: true
data-items:
  - execution-raw
  - execution
  - part-count-raw
  - part-in

In the example above, the adapter script tells our system that AIN0 is execution (InCycle) and AIN2 is part count (end of Cycle). In this case if the signal on AIN0 exceeds 3 DC volts, the machine is considered active. The threshold can be adjusted depending on how high or low the signal to AIN0 may be. If the signal on AIN2 rises and then falls below 3 volts, a part is counted. Notice that this signal is set to count on the "falling-edge" - this means when the signal falls below the threshold, it will count. If you have a noisy signal, filters can also be added to the signal. Speak to a MachineMetrics support agent for more advanced configurations.

Have questions? 

Reach out to use at support@machinemetrics.com.