This demonstration was a very good example of how the EtherPAD can be used with a paperless
recorder to log and view process data over an Ethernet connection to a central Server.
Endress & Hauser have released their new, and powerful remote visualization and logging
software for their range of paperless recorders. SAN People and E&H worked together for
the Kyalami Process Control and Automation Exhibition to show how Ethernet connectivity is
used to extend the distance of the serial connection that would normally be used between an
Endress & Hauser Ecograph, and the monitoring PC.
At the exhibition, we ran an Ethernet cable between the SAN People booth and the Endress &
Hauser booth. An Etherpad was connected to the Ecograph on display, and the ReadWin 2000 software
was loaded on one of the notebooks at the SAN People booth. Since the connection between this
software and the Etherpad was to be Ethernet, we used Tactical software's COM/IP to create a
virtual serial port on the notebook. This "virtual serial port" allows the application
to see an imaginary serial port, and the communication is re-directed through the PC's Ethernet
adapter to the IP address of the Etherpad.
Endress & Hauser are now offering the Etherpad as an option with their paperless recorders.
http://www.endress.co.za
