CANOpen monitor and configuration tool

Hi everyone,

Lately I've been asked about CANOpen and the COTS tools to work with it.

 

My background for CANOpen is as follows:

I started with the MicroChip CANOpen Stack and ported it to two different
PIC18F series processors.  One of them had 4 inputs and 4 outputs and the
other an LCD display and keypad (my ELS).  I set up the OD with SDOs and
PDOs so the buttons turned on and off the relays and the inputs triggered
messages on the LCD.

 

Since then I've used the PIC18F code as a starting point and created a
couple of CANOpen (non-certified) modules with PIC30F5011 processors.  I
also wrote my stack code for a Master running on a Freescale 9S12.  The 9S12
keeps everyone in PRE-OP until it sees the heartbeats from the two PIC30F
modules.  Then brings the system OPERATIONAL.

 

I also installed an RM Michealides  RM1001 display that is currently just
used as a passive device capturing PDOs and displaying the values in the
PDOs on the LCD.  It's not part of the list of "must be there modules" but
it's rewarding to see a COTS device display PRE-OP and then OPERATIONAL as
my CANOpen network boots up.  If one of the critical nodes is missing it
stays PRE-OP.  Very cool.

 

The RM1001 display, although a bit confusing at first, was really easy to
integrate into the system.  I bought their CAN dongle and software tool and
with only a little bit of coaching was able to make it work.   Nice stuff.
Will more than likely use more of their product.

 

But I'm looking for a more general CAN monitor and configuration tool.
Something that can read or generate the EDS files so that I can tell a COTS
device how I'd like a PDO configured.  I realize I have to buy that
supplier's CAN dongle in order to work with the software tool.    I know
Vector has a number of tools and dongles.  I know I can write something
myself using a CANUSB from Lawicel or a CAN4USB from Zanthic (I have both
here) and that writing to the OD with SDOs to configure a PDO is all quite
possible but I'd rather not write my own tool.

 

What I need is the laymans guide to picking a tool.  One that I can run on
several different PCs so perhaps the code is locked to the dongle serial #?

 

Thanks

John Dammeyer  

 

 

 

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