5.7. Working over network

XiLab is capable of interacting with remote controllers via Ethernet. However you need a special XIMC server, which can be either obtained as a standalone program and installed on any appropriate device, or as one of the services of 8SMC4-USB-Eth1 adapter.

5.7.1. Getting started

  • Before launching, connect controllers to the device with XIMC server installed using USB cable. At the same time, it is assumed that controllers can be connected to the motor and energized from power supply (see Overview and getting started for more details).
  • Connect the device with XIMC server to the same subnet that contains the control computer, DHCP server. In case of 8SMC4-USB-Eth1 adapter supply it with power adapter (via 5V - 2A connector) and wait for a minute to finish Linux boot on the onboard computer.
  • Launch XiLab and make the following.

At first start, XiLab opens controller detection window with two virtual devices.

../../_images/XiLabWin1.png

Click Settings, check Enumerate network devices in the right tab and press Scan for local XIMC servers button. XiLab will use broadcast request to find available XIMC servers in your LAN and for each detected instance an entry in the “IP/hosts” list will be created. You can also edit address list manually if desired.

../../_images/XiLabWin2.png

Click Rescan button in the left tap, XiLab will find all axis connected to the system. In controller detection window choose an axis you need. You can control it in single-axis mode or in multi-axis mode if more than one axis was chosen. For additional information please refer to Getting started with XiLab software and XILab application User’s guide.

Note

Once the device IP address has been found, it should be understood that moving the device to another location may lead to a change in its IP.

Note

Working with multiple adapters may cause a problem when the same board responds in a broadcast requests. You can find a new device by two different ways :

  • Disconnect other 8SMC4-USB-Eth1 adapters, find the device on the network, connect all again.
  • Press Scan for local XIMC servers button until you find sought-for device.