Control/monitor VFD with computer?

[daved20319b]

So I finally have my VFD working on my lathe, but I'd like to be able to monitor ALL the pertinent data at one time on one display. I'm running a TECO-Westinghouse L 510 VFD, it has an RJ485 port and I know I can get a cable to connect that via USB to a computer. But I have NO idea how to make the two devices talk to each other. My goal here is just monitoring what's going on, I'm quite content to set/change parameters from the VFD keypad. I currently have my VFD set up to show frequency, output current and voltage, and DC bus voltage, but I can only SEE one item at a time, I'd like to have a display that shows ALL that data at the same time. I don't mind adding additional hardware, and although not much of a programmer, I can muddle my way through an Arduino sketch if necessary. Thanks!

Dave

 

[Eddyde]

I have the same VFDs. I haven't yet hooked one up to a computer but here is the addendum for the data port:

 

[Chip Hacket]

To communicate to this via USB you will need some kind of converter. https://www.usconverters.com/usb-rs485-rs422-converters. The addendum Eddyde kindly posted lays out the Modbus Protocol Description. I certainly don't want to discourage you from this, but it is a project and will take time to develop software wise. Personally I'm not a great fan of these converter type modules as they can have some electronic incompatibilities and you could have all the code perfect yet may not work. I have experienced this before. So unless you have a way to verify and understand the electronic data you could be at a dead end. Probably the safer approach would be to install a dedicated RS485 board in your computer. Sorry I don't have a link. Not saying the converter would not work just a heads up.
But honestly unless your are just doing this for fun (plenty good enough reason) the information you get may not be all that useful. That port is generally used for control from probably a PLC to give run/stop, speed, signals and for setting the drive parameters from the PC. But if you want to run your lathe from the comfort of your PC? I get it

 

[stupoty]

You could get an arduino to read the info and send it via serial using a usb port maybe.

https://docs.arduino.cc/learn/communication/modbus/

Stu

 

[mksj]

Almost nobody looks or needs to view that data once a VFD is setup unless one is getting error messages or tuning certain parameters for complex systems. Higher end VFDs like Yaskawa, have software to monitor multiple parameters but not aware if anything is available for the L510 which is Teco’s entry level model.

 

[matthewsx]

Research PLC programming if you want to go down this rabbit hole.

Agreed, beyond RPM/frequency I'm not sure what data you'll get that would be useful. But, that's not always the objective....

However, there are likely other rabbit holes to go down that will provide more useful information.

John

 

[Ulma Doctor]

I’m also questioning the value of the information that would be provided. If it is just curiosity, then have at it.

 

[daved20319b]

I'm thinking of this along the same lines as the instruments in my truck. I don't fixate on any one thing normally, just a scan to see that the numbers are where they should be. If something's a little off, I keep a closer eye on it. This has saved major engine damage for me over the years on at least a few occasions. Ya'll are probably right though, it's another rabbit hole I probably don't need to head down, but I suspect my name was Alice in a past life . I was also thinking Arduino, that's another of those rabbit holes I jump into on occasion. BTW, I did download the communication addendum and am wading my way through it. Not sure it's really going to help much, it's mostly about control, all I'm after is monitoring. But thanks for the input guys, later.

Dave