ION Protocol / EtherGate - Third Party Gateway Hardware?

[JamesAZZO]

As you can see from this thread () - there are still those of us who have situations where we are using a number of ION protocol meters (timely with the PM8000 release next year) like the ION 7330/7350 and because of various reasons (like the inclusion of the analog I/O option cannot choose Ethernet as an optional card) we need to get these meters on Ethernet, but we need a direct protocol transmission with no transformation. (which is why the EGX-100 doesn't work). In Management Console in IONE/SPM/PME, there is a Gateway Port for Lantronix MSS, but those devices have been updated as noted.

I need to know if anyone is CURRENTLY using any of these new devices to achieve this functionality and any limitation they know of.

Looks like: Serial Ethernet Converter - External Device Servers - UDS1100 - Lantronix and Lantronix - UDS1100-IAP are options? although it's hard to see the difference?

We need a timely response from someone who has done this recently. or any ideas from what you guys have done? do you recall doing anything like this recently?

[matt_azzo_com_a · Accepted solution]

To close the loop for all who might be interested, we got in one of these gateways (Serial Ethernet Converter - External Device Servers - UDS1100 - Lantronix) and can confirm that it meets our needs for communicating to meters using ION protocol.

Setup was simple, just entered the correct serial settings and changed the local port to 3001 (not necessary, but this matches the Lantronix option in the Configure Site settings in Management Console).

As James mentioned, this works well for occasions where we need ION protocol and Ethernet isn't an option, but as it can't do Modbus TCP/RTU conversion it's no replacement for the EGX-100.

[Hal_Etheridge]

Lantronix should have a variant of its gateway devices that does do Modbus TCP to RTU conversion.  At least years ago they did when we started to use modbus more extensively.  It is doubtful they will have all the extra features of the EGX line like SW logging etc as Lantronix just does plain TCP to serial conversion but they may be a good option for some applications.

[sesa10844_bridg]

We've used the following in the past:

• Lantronix UDS1100-IAP
• XPress-DR+
• XPress-DR-IAP
• XPress-DR

Most recently (purchased/installed mid-last year), we used the XPress-DR with ION protocol (7650 meters and 7500 RTUs).

[Anonymous user]

Hi James,

We have successfully used the MOXA Nport 5150 and Nport 5232 in the past as an ION TCP/IP to serial gateway.  You just need to get the serial and TCP settings right.

[Yut]

In Thailand I always use the Wisco RC-33 Ethenet to RS-232/485/422 converter from www.wisco.co.th local products. Recently I install over 20 units of these converters around campus the biggest university in Thailand (installed every buildings to connect the PM820 at the building MDB via FO network).

[arjanbijker]

Hi Todd,

you can share the serial and TCP settings that worked for you?

Thanks