This tutorial explains how to configure the RevPi Connect 4 as a Modbus TCP Server and control an LED through the digital output of the RevPi DIO. The Modbus TCP Client is simulated using QModMaster, and a Python script leveraging the RevPiModIO library is developed to transfer Modbus data to the digital outputs.

Prerequisites #

Hardware

✓ RevPi base module (eg. RevPi Connect 4)
✓ Client device or software: e.g. QModMaster running on a Windows PC.
✓ Matching cables with RJ45 connectors
✓ Power supply for RevPi Connect

Software

✓ Modern web browser (e.g. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox)
✓ QModMaster: Downloadable from SourceForge for use in this example

Setting up the System

Ensure that:

✓ the RevPi base module and client device are located in the same network.
✓ IP addresses are properly configured, and the devices can communicate with each other.

Step 1: Setting up the Hardware #

▷ Connect the RevPi Connect to the client device using an RJ45 cable.

▷ Power on the RevPi Connect by connecting it to a suitable power supply.

Step 2: Configuring Modbus TCP Server in PiCtory #

▷ Start pictory.

▷ Add Base Module and Add the virtual Modbus TCP Server to your configuration, see Arrange Devices.

▷ Drag the base module from the Device Catalog onto the virtual DIN rail.

▷ Open the folder Virtual Devices_ in the Device Catalog.

▷ Drag Modbus TCP Slave to the base module on the virtual DIN rail.

❯ The Modbus TCP Server will now appear in the configuration.

▷ Configure Modbus TCP Server, see Configuring Inputs and Outputs.

▷ Select the Modbus TCP Server in the configuration.

PiCtory config

▷ Set the following parameters in the Value Editor:

  • TCP Port: 502 (default value according to the Modbus specification)

  • Max. Modbus TCP Connections: 10 (or other suitable value)

  • Input_1 → ModbusInput1

  • Output_1 → ModbusOutput1

PiCtory config
PiCtory Value editor modbus

▷ Save the configuration and restart the driver to apply the changes.

Step 3: Preparing the Hardware #

▷ Connect the RevPi Connect 4 to the RevPi DIO via the PiBridge.

▷ Attach an LED to one of the digital outputs of the RevPi DIO (e.g. RevPi DIO Output 1 oder O_1).

Step 4: Setting up QModMaster #

Installing QModMaster

▷ Download QModMaster from its official website and install it on your computer.

Establishing Connection

▷ Start QModMaster.

▷ Navigate to Options › Modbus TCP and enter the following details:

  • IP Address: IP address of the RevPi Connect 4

  • Port: 502 (default for Modbus TCP)

▷ Confirm the settings and establish the connection.

Sending Modbus Data

▷ In QModMaster, select the function Write Single Register (0x06).

▷ Enter the address of the first Modbus register (e.g., address 0).

▷ Write the value 7 (equivalent to 0b0000111) to set the first three digital outputs (RevPi DIO) to HIGH.

RevPi commander starten

Step 4: Creating and Uploading a Python Script Using RevPiModIO #

Creating the Python Script

▷ Write the following Python script to process Modbus data and control the LED:

import revpimodio2
import time

# Initialize the RevPiModIO object
rpi = revpimodio2.RevPiModIO(autorefresh=True)

while True:
    # Set ModbusOutput1 value to the value of I_1
    rpi.io.ModbusOutput_1.value = int(rpi.io.I_1.value)
    # Set O_1 value to the value of ModbusInput1
    rpi.io.O_1.value = int(rpi.io.ModbusInput_1.value)

    # Print current values for verification
    print(f"ModbusOutput_1: {rpi.io.ModbusOutput_1.value}, O_1: {rpi.io.O_1.value}")

    time.sleep(0.02)
Transferring the Script to the RevPi

There are two ways to upload the script:

Option 1

▷ Use the RevPi Commander.

Option 2

Manually via Terminal:

▷ Open a terminal on the RevPi or connect via SSH.

▷ Create the script using the following command:

sudo nano Revpi_DIO_Modbus.py

▷ Paste the script code and save the file.

▷ Run the script with:

python3 Revpi_DIO_Modbus.py

Summary #

In this tutorial, you learned how to configure the RevPi Connect 4 as a Modbus TCP Server, control an LED using the RevPi DIO, and send data via QModMaster. The Python script utilizes the RevPiModIO library to transfer Modbus data to the RevPi DIO outputs.

Now, the first three digital outputs should activate when the value 7 is sent to the Modbus register, making the LED light up.