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First steps
Kontrolér Unipi Neuron neobsahuje interní úložiště, proto je nutné ke každému kontroléru zakoupit i paměťovou kartu, nejlépe typu SLC. Podrobnější informace a doporučení, jakou kartu zvolit, naleznete v článku věnovaném SD kartám.
Neuron
Dostupné obrazy OS pro kontroléry Neuron jsou založeny na systému Linux Debian a mohou obsahovat i předinstalovaný SW, např. Mervis, či Node-RED. Tento článek předpokládá zvolení OS se SW Mervis. Licence pro tento SW je dodávána zdarma ke každému kontroléru Neuron.
Mervis is the primary officially supported software platform for Unipi controllers. The basis of the Mervis platform is Mervis IDE, serving as a software development environment with support for two languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard (function blocks - FUPLA and structured text - ST) and Mervis RT - runtime (RunTime), which executes the resulting compiled program deployed to the controller from the Mervis IDE.
Additionally, the controller within the RT also contains a web server Mervis HMI, which communicates with the program and can be used to control or read data from the running program. The Mervis DB service is used for data storage, in which data can be stored for several years. Remote supervision or control of a running program in the controller and collection or processing of data from Mervis DB is provided by the service Mervis SCADA.
All these products together form a comprehensive system suitable for interconnection, automation and supervision of all operated technologies
If it is not clear what state the device is in, all possible states are described in the category LED indication including a graphic example.
Preparation and access to the unit
Before the first startup, it is necessary to insert an SD card with a flashed OS into the unit.
Instructions for flashing the OS can be found on this link.
After startup, the unit processes the uploaded program and the Mervis HMI website and other Mervis services communicating with the unit are also available. The device will startup fully a few seconds after the power supply is plugged in, it may take even longer for the first startup. The mode is physically indicated by PWR LED continuous emitting and RUN LED emitting with short flashes (demonstration here / startup simulator here).
First connection of the unit
Unipi Neuron unit size S must be powered by 24 V⎓ power supply; 0.63 A, sizes M and L must be powered by 24 V⎓ power supply; 1,5 A. To access the introductory HMI web page, it is necessary to connect to the unit from a computer or tablet, with any modern web browser.
For the programming option, it is necessary to connect to the unit from a computer with the MS Windows 10 operating system or higher with the Mervis IDE installed. The installation procedure is described below.
Connection via local network with DHCP server
Despite its somewhat complex name, this approach is a simple and most commonly used variant. All you have to do is connect the unit to a computer network using an Ethernet cable and connect a computer or tablet (either via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi) to the same network. Your DHCP server (router or Wi-Fi router) on this network will automatically assign an IP address to both of them from the available range.
The IP address of the unit can be found either from a DHCP server or by a suitable program to scan the network (such as Advanced IP Scanner). In most cases, however, an mDNS address variant will suffice.
The IP addresses used are only examples.
Direct connection
A direct connection requires the physical connection of the computer and unit with an Ethernet cable. Because this solution does not include a DHCP server, both the computer and the unit automatically assign itself a random IP address from the range 169.254.XXX.XXX.
You can find the IP address of the unit with a suitable program for scanning the network (such as Advanced IP Scanner). In most cases, however, an mDNS address variant will suffice.
The IP addresses used are only examples.
Connection to the Mervis HMI
To enter the Mervis HMI interface, open a web browser and simply enter the IP or mDNS address of the unit in the address bar.
For example:
http://s103-sn1
You will see the following interface:
Congratulations! You have just connected to your Neuron.
From this web interface, you can link via clicking on one of the three dark blue icons to the page with:
- the latest version of the Mervis IDE for download
- tutorials for Mervis
- an overview of suitable SW for you, if you have not yet decided which SW to use
With smaller three icons you will get to:
- article about Mervis product
- Forum
- FAQ - Frequently asked questions
By clicking on “Menu” button you will display page with three links:
- Charts - showcase of charts with history (saw and sinusoidal course)
- Emails sending - showcase of sending emails including function to change sender via dynamic parameters
- A sample of other functions - includes pulse button and tank level
Installation of Mervis
Download the latest version of Mervis from our download section and run the installation package.
The installation process displays the welcome screen, which you can confirm by clicking on Next.
In next dialog, you have to confirm the License agreement and click on Next
In next dialog, we can select parts of Mervis for installation. The IDE is the editor, in which we will create and debug programs for Unipi unit. The Windows RT is a simulator of a unit, if you don't have one. Typically, you will need only the IDE.
In older Mervis version, there was also option for installing HMI editor. In current version, the HMI editor has been merged into IDE.
Last two dialogs are just for confirmation of the installation process and finishing it. Just hit Install and then Finish.
Mervis návody
Pokud jste se již připojili ke svému kontroléru a máte nainstalováno Mervis IDE, pokračujte návodem: First project with a Unipi unit.
Dalšími důležitými návody, které je třeba přečíst v případě, že se rozhodnete pro svůj projekt použít SW Mervis jsou:
Veškeré další návody pro práci se SW Mervis na kontrolérech Unipi naleznete v tomto odkazu.