What is the cheapest way to get my laptop on devicenet?

[strantor]

I want a device that I can use to connect to devicenet to configure devices and monitor network health/troubleshoot via RSNetWorx or Omron CX-Integrator or other (suggestion?) software. For situations like (ex 1 I can't see any devicenet device through the PLC and I suspect the devicenet card is bad, or (ex 2 I need to set a devicenet address for a new module and I can't do it through the PLC, or (ex 3): I am having random device comms loss that I need to troubleshoot.

I don't want to pay $2000 for a EN2DN or $1700 for a U2DN.

I would prefer to connect to devicenet through ethernet; if I can't have that, then USB is fine, and if I can't have either, then serial will have to do.

As an added bonus, it would be nice (not required at all) if the device could also be a gateway to other networks such as profibus, serial, controlnet, etc.

Added bonus #2: it would be nice (not required but highly desired) if the unit were an actual diagnostic unit with a companion software suite that could aid in sorting out addressing issues, bus corruption/noise, etc.

My pie-in-the-sky wish is to find used for a couple hundred bucks or less. But don't limit your feedback to that budget number; If I can't get what I want for the price I want, then tough titty for me, I'll adjust my budget.

I was thinking perhaps even toting around a small devicenet-enabled PLC would be cheaper than some of these adapters, but then I still might not be able to configure devices, etc.

I am doing my own research concurrently with waiting for replies to this post; not expecting to be spoon fed information, more just looking for personal recommendations - things you've used and will vouch for. Some devices that I'm reading up on currently (I have not researched yet to find out if they will work for my purposes; just glimpsed at them, and jotted them down):

MKS Micronode
HMS AnyBus-X gateway
Allen Bradley 1761-NET-DNI
Accu-Sort FB-066
etc.


Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[Ken Roach]

The 1784-U2DN is what you need.

Yes, it's expensive. No, it doesn't do all the other functions you want.

None of the serial-to-DeviceNet modules you listed perform the features you need. They are all slave-to-serial devices.

I've always been frustrated with the high cost of DeviceNet interface and troubleshooting tools relative to the low cost of slave devices, but that's just the way of the world with low-volume industrial electronics.

I don't go to any DeviceNet service call without a Woodhead DeviceNet NetMeter. It's the single best tool for CAN-level troubleshooting.

If you're going to do protocol analysis and developer-level troubleshooting, you want Frontline Test Equipment's NetDecoder software. It works with the 1784-U2DN.

The answer to your actual question: "what's the cheapest way to get my PC connected to DeviceNet" is "a used 1770-KFD and a USB/RS232 converter".

 

[geniusintraining]

Not sure if you are a fan of eBay but you can find them a lot cheaper on there... http://www.ebay.com/itm/121342111414 this one is cheap, still not cheap but better then list price

I buy a lot (and sell) and I have not had a lot of issues, but I only buy from people that take a return or guarantee that the items work

 

[strantor]

Thank you gentlemen. I guess it's "back to the drawing board" and adjust the budget, save up for a while longer.