System recorder module - startup guide

Start-up guide for Recorder modules (RD81RC96 and RD81RC96-CA)

This article describes basic concepts and capabilities of recording solutions provided by Recording modules.

Introduction

System Recorder is a solution that integrates the recording, reproduction and analysis features performed in the breakdown maintenance phase.
Gathered data can be used for recognising the possible faults and bugs of system, during machine development process and full production phase.
There are three possible solutions for such process that can be combined together:
  1. Camera recording package (FBs package) - solution that realises a recording system by using dedicated FBs for a network camera connected with an Ethernet port. No hardware required. Function blocks are prepared for various PLC series, including iQ-R and iQ-F series.
  2. Recorder module (RD81RC96) - module that provides features for recording PLC registers and labels and saves them in specified location
  3. Camera Recorder module (RD81RC96-CA) - module that provides comprehensive feature for gathering data both from cameras and PLC memory.
Specific features of those are described below.

Functionality comparison

Functionality in simplified version is shown as table below.
O  function / option available
X  function / option unavailable

Feature
FBs package
RD81RC96
RD81RC96-CA
PLC recording 
X
O
O
Camera recording 
O1
X
O
Offline monitor - Data Flow Analysis
X2
O
O
SD memory card format 
X
O
O
Camera time synchronisation
O
X
O
Camera event handling
O
X
O
Camera adjustment (PTZ position control)
X
X
O
GOT linkageX
X
O

Note:
1) Recording function is limited in functionality, when compared with Camera Recorder
2) FBs package do not provide Data Flow Analysis, but might be a valuable supplement for Recorder module data acquisition

Hardware configuration

Both recorder modules might operate in two modes:
  1. Main
  2. Sub
For each PLC CPU, there might be exactly one module working as "Main" and up to 3 following "Sub" modules.
In a multiple CPU system, up to four modules, including a module with "Main" selected and ones with "Sub" selected for the recording operation setting, can be used per CPU module; therefore, up to 16 main and sub modules can be used when configuring four CPU modules.
There is no restriction regarding setting up Recorder or Camera Recorder module as "Main".
Anyway, "Sub" modules may handle more network cameras; therefore it is recommended to use Recorder module as "Main" for larger systems. Details are shown below.

Connectable network cameras

There are restrictions for models available to connect to Camera Recorder module. Detailed information of applicable models is available in this technical document.
Network cameras supporting the Camera recording package (can be downloaded with e-manual Viewer. Document number: FAA0306)

Tables below describes allowable amount of cameras based on operating mode, frame rate and camera resolution - VGA(640 × 480) / HD (1280 × 720) / SXVGA (1280 × 960) / FHD (1920 × 1080)



Set up connection with cameras 

Camera setup

Each camera differs with configuration window, therefore refer to dedicated instruction manual for this device.
From camera we should obtain several parameters:
  1. IP address
  2. TCP port No. (default: 80)
  3. ONVIF user login
  4. ONVIF user password
Please note that ONVIF users and standard users (used for setting up configuration).
ONVIF user should be created separately.

Other concern regarding available frame rates:
If you want to use Frame rate of 30 fps, it might be necessary to switch in camera settings the voltage frequency value from 50Hz to 60Hz.
25fps is not supported yet.

Camera Recorder setup

Configuration of camera communication can be done from GX Works3 software.
After adding and fixing module in the 'Module configuration', in the 'Navigation' window should appear Camera Recorder module


'Module parameter' window refers to internal module parameters. For basic configuration of one camera, only IP address needs to be set.
If more than one Recording setting will be configured, 'Recording buffer setting' has to be open to distribute memory among all applied Recording settings.


'Module extended parameter' window refers to connected network cameras.

Up to 4 setups can be done (but not all of them might work - refer to 'Connectable network cameras' section).
Inside this setup provide relevant data about network camera.


Camera can be also found using 'Network Camera List' window.

It is recommended to perform communication test to ensure that configuration is properly done.

Recording setting

Up to 4 settings can be configured - each setting require sufficient memory allocation, as described in 'Camera Recorder setup' section.
Setting item List:


  1. Saving Period Setting - contains time-related configuration of the video/PLC log file that should be created by this Recording setting
  2. Device / Label Sampling Setting - configure of PLC data obtained for logging
  3. File Saving Trigger Setting - specify which register should trigger saving of data
  4. Saving Path setting - specify where obtained data should be stored. Possible to gather data on Camera Recorder SD Card or any network storage
  5. Video Data Receiving Target Setting - select cameras related to work with that setting and confirm correct memory allocation


Programming

In attachment there is a sample program that briefly shows how to use PTZ control, record video data and store it on SD card.
PTZ positions needs to be preconfigured using 'Preset Position Setting' inside 'Module Tool List' (Top menu -> Tool -> Module Tool List).