Flowmeter with two 4-20mA outputs to a PC

[Pittlimey]

Please let me start by saying I am not an electrical engineer, I am a software developer. I have a current project where I need to connect a Flowmeter which has two 4-20mA outputs into a management system (A specialized PC). I need to be able to differentiate between the two inputs.

The PC has only a single RS232 or an Ethernet port.

I will attach the specification of the Flowmeter to this posting.

I have tried searching the Internet for 4-20mA convertors and have found quite a few, but I feel out of my depth in determining which is the best way to go.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

 

[itsmoked]

What you need is a power supply and two 4-20mA input channels on your computer. Whatever samples fast enough to provide for your requirements would do. Ethernet or RS232 whatever works best for you.

You also need a 12,15,or 24V DC power supply that can provide 200mA or more. That would be a 5W or greater supply.

You will be looking at the "Connection to a PLC/Recorder, separate supply."

Hunt up what will work for you and let's see it.


Keep in mind that inside a PC is 12VDC and that can also be used for the supply as it is more than adequate for your transmitter. So if a 4-20mA 'adapter' exists that provides 12VDC output power that would be a good solution also.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[ScottyUK]

Something like

http://www.amplicon.co.uk/MandC/product/Distributed-Ethernet-ADAM-216.cfm

might be worth a look. Modbus-TCP/IP is pretty standard these days. There are plenty alternatives from different manufacturers - some are cheaper than others as you'd expect so it might be worth spending some time on Google. If you ring Amplicon's applications guys to discuss what you're trying to do you'll find they are some of the most knowledgable and helpful in the industry - highly recommended.

I'd keep away from serial ports as fewer and fewer computers seem to have them, especially laptops.


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