B4.1 Physical installation VPVision cabinet
B4.3 Sensor connection to VPVision-M
Now it is time to install the VPVision Main cabinet, the instrumentation and connect them all together. There are several options on how to connect all the different devices to the VPVision cabinet, all of which we will go through in this chapter.
 | Be aware that the new version of VPVision has just released, for more information about VPVision 5.2 can be found in the user manual |
Besides, VPVision offers the option to have remote access to all the data by using the internal network of your factory or the optional 3G/4G VPN router.
This chapter will cover:
 | Installation involves a connection to the mains. The installation of field cables requires in-depth knowledge and skills. The electrical installation has to be carried out by certified installation professionals. |
| Make sure the ambient temperature does not exceed the limits of the VPVision main cabinet. (max 40o C l 104o F) |
B4.1 Unboxing the VPVision cabinet
- Unpack the cardboard transport packaging.
- Open the VPVision cabinet with the special key.
- Remove all of the transport foam from the cabinet.
- Check if all of the DIN Rail mounted modules are still in place. If not, please place the modules carefully back on the DIN Rail.
B4.2 VPVision main cabinet components
The VPVision main PC is mounted within a sturdy powder-coated steel field enclosure. A general overview:
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Power supply: the base unit features a 4 Amp. (100 Watt) power supply, which delivers power to the VPVision main PC, up to 8 Modbus devices and 8 analog 4..20mA. loop powered sensors.
B4.3 Mechanical installation
| The installation should be carried out by certified professionals only. |
 | Avoid excessive heat. Make sure that the ambient temperature does not exceed the limits. Overheating might cause temporary shutdown or permanent failure of the hardware (max 40o C | 104o F). |
| Protect against external water damage, eliminate a corrosive atmosphere and avoid mechanical vibrations for the VPVision main PC and all remote I/O modules. |
- Mount the VPVision cabinet on a smooth wall, preferably on eye-hight, where it can be easily opened for service and configuration.
- Install the required mains power connection.
The VPVision cabinet’s main power can be switched on/off with a 2-pole circuit breaker. It is highly recommended to add a surge protector to protect the entire unit from overvoltages.
| Check if the earth wire (field ground) is free of interference and potentially dangerous high voltage. Make sure the circuit breaker is in the off position. Then install the L, N and Earth wire. The L, N, and Earth may have a different color, depending on your local legislation and directives for medium voltage systems. |
B4.4 Sensor connection to VPVision-M
1. Introduction
VPVision offers flexible and scaleable connection possibilities. These are the connection possibilities that will be covered:
- Modbus devices connected directly to the VPVision main PC.
- Analog devices connected directly to the VPVision main PC.
- Connection of Modbus/analog sensors via Ethernet converters.
- Sensors connected directly via Ethernet.
2. Modbus devices
The Modbus devices have to be wired in a daisy chain, devices in a daisy chain have there data and power chained from one to the next.
| Maximum 8 Modbus sensors in a single daisy chain. |
The RS485 connection terminal in the VPVision cabinet is pre-wired to COM3 of the VPVision main PC. It contains the following pins:
| Pin | Description |
| 1 | Data B |
| 2 | Data A |
| 3 | Power – |
| 4 | Power + (24VDC) |
There are 3 more COM ports are available, which enable the creation of 3 more separate direct daisy chains. To connect more than 8 Modbus devices directly to the VPVision main PC, use the VPInstruments Modbus extension modules.
Wiring Modbus sensors:
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- Maximum of 8 sensors in a single daisy chain, as the data traffic and power are limited.
- Always use Modbus junction boxes to “enforce” the correct wiring.
- Distance between the Modbus junction boxes and sensors should be kept as small as possible.
- The cable shielding should be only connected on one side, preferably in the VPVision cabinet. Make sure that the shielding is connected in each junction box.
Connection overview (orange is the ground connection):
3. Analog devices
In the VPVision cabinet (full version) the analog converter, with 8 inputs to connect the analog sensors to, is pre-wired.
The default interface is 4..20mA. If desired this can be changed to 0..10V. via the dip switches in the converter. Check the converter user manual for more details.
The analog input converter measures 4… 20 mA. and is part of the current loop. Check the schematic for further details. Reversing the 4… 20 mA. polarity will result in faulty readings.
There are different types of analog sensors, every type of sensor has to be wired in a slightly different way. The different types of analog sensors that can be connected to the VPVision main PC are:
Analog 4 wire sensor:
- Active output
- Example: VPFlowScope with analog output
Analog 3 wire sensor:
Analog 2 wires
- Powered loop
- Example VPLog-i, Dew point sensor, Pressure sensor
4. Ethernet converters
Ethernet converters allow the possibility of connecting more sensors to the VPVision main PC. The converter also offers power supply for up to 8 devices.
Converters can be directly connected via the LAN ports of the VPVision cabinet, LAN 3 and LAN 4 are available for this. The VPVision main PC has a total of 4 LAN ports:
- LAN 1: Pre-configured as configuration port. Do not change the IP address of this port.
- LAN 2: Pre-configured for the Analog input converter (often Moxa)
- LAN ports 3 and 4: Available.
5. Wiring via industrial Ethernet
The other option is to connect VPVision to the factory’s Ethernet. This offers several new possibilities for your system.
 | Connection to the factory Ethernet network allows for connections over large distances and gives the possibility to connect many more sensors. |
| Use similar communication protocols for sensors connected to 1 converter box. See more about software configurations in Chapter B3.2. |
The following devices can be connected to the factory’s Ethernet:
- Direct sensors.
- Converters.
- Modbus to Ethernet converter.
- Analog to Ethernet converter.
- Analog and Modbus to Ethernet converter.
Modbus RS485 to Ethernet converter
The converter can handle up to 8 RS485 (Modbus RTU) VPFlowScope devices (8*4 =32 parameter queries per second) and includes a power supply for the connected devices. All the incoming data is transferred via the Ethernet connection.
- Maximum of 8 VPFlowScope devices.
- To be combined with Modbus junction boxes to form a daisy chain.
Analog to Ethernet converter
The Analog to Ethernet converters provide input for up to 8 analog sensors and it includes a power supply. It is identical to the Analog to Ethernet converter in the VPVision cabinet. All the gathered data will be converted and transferred via the Ethernet connection.
- Up to a maximum of eight 4 .. 20 mA. based analog sensors.
- You can use 2,3 or 4 wire analog sensors (or a combination).
Modbus and Analog to Ethernet converter
The converter provides input for 8 Modbus devices and 8 analog sensors. It also includes a 24 VDC. power supply. All the data will be transferred via an Ethernet connection.
- Maximum of 8 Analog sensors and 8 RS485 (Modbus RTU) sensors.
- You can also use the 2,3 and 4 wire analog sensors (or a combination).
- There are 3 ways to connect converters to the factory’s Ethernet.
Modbus TCP sensors
You can also connect Modbus TCP/IP based sensors directly to the VPVision main PC. The sensors need to be known by VPVision to use them. VPVision offers standard drivers for VPFlowScope M and several power meters. If you need a driver for a specific device, you can order it from VPInstruments.
The sensor’s IP address needs to be in the same range as the Ethernet port which is connected.
B4.4 VPN connection
VPVision offers the option to have remote access to all of your data and reports. This VPN connection also enables us to provide remote support. For safe remote access to VPVision without compromising the client’s network security, a VPN router is mandatory. If a VPN connection is already available on-site, the only thing the IT department needs to configure is the remote access to the IP of the VPVision main PC. If a VPN service is not present, the consideration can be made to use a 3G/4G VPN router, as offered by VPInstruments. See the next chapter for further information.
| VPVision does not send out or retrieve any data to/from the internet. As long as port 80 is blocked, The VPVision will not be visible from outside the premises. |
| Various hardware can be used for the VPN service. Please consult the IT department for setting up a VPN connection and an appropriate safety level. |
B4.5 Wireless connection
A cellular internet connection can be used if it is not possible to create a wired connection. VPInstruments offers a 3G/4G VPN gateway that can be used. When using a third-party device, make sure that an industrial rated VPN gateway is used. These gateways are DIN Rail mountable and have one or more Ethernet connectors that can be connected to VPVision’s Ethernet ports. A SIM with internet subscription can be sourced locally. The amount of data that will be used depends on the number of users and the remote access time.
Please take the following items into account while selecting a router:
- It is an industrial router with a built-in VPN service.
- It supports port forwarding.
- It has one or more RJ45 ports, not just a USB port.
| It is highly recommended to ask locally for advice on the best choice on a 3G or 4G router when using a third-party device. Further detailed specifications or descriptions cannot be given as each 3G / 4G router is different. Additionally, each hardware device functions differently on each continent. |
B4.6 Next step
Now that the hardware is installed on-site, it is time to start with the configuration of the software.
Next step: B5. Software configuration