Introduction
Welcome to the Modbus Mapper Pro User’s Manual, your guide to mastering this innovative application for simplifying Modbus RTU communication. Designed to help you navigate the software’s powerful features, this manual provides step-by-step instructions and tips for installation, configuration, and efficient usage.
Modbus Mapper Pro is an innovative application designed to address and simplify the most complex Modbus RTU communication challenges. The application is built with two core purposes that set it apart in the field of industrial automation tools:
- Dynamic Modbus Mapping: Modbus Mapper Pro dynamically constructs a detailed Modbus map in real-time as it monitors communications. This map decodes and translates raw Modbus frames into human-readable values such as strings, integers, and floats, enabling users to view the exchanged data in a natural, comprehensible format. The results are displayed in an intuitive Excel-style grid, providing a clear and actionable visual representation of device data and register activity. This feature eliminates the need for manual decoding of Modbus frames, making diagnostics, system optimization, and troubleshooting a breeze.
- Sharing a Single Slave Port with Multiple Masters: Modbus Mapper Pro enables the seamless sharing of a single Modbus RTU server (Slave) with multiple Clients (Masters). This functionality ensures efficient and conflict-free communication, even in complex multi-client setups. Additionally, the tool allows silent monitoring of RS485 RTU devices without disrupting their operation, making it an invaluable asset for engineers and technicians working with live systems.
By combining real-time data monitoring with these unique capabilities, Modbus Mapper Pro empowers users with a unique way to monitor the live data exchanges between the Modbus RTU client and server. Its user-friendly interface, powerful data visualization, and groundbreaking features make it an indispensable tool for professionals in the industrial automation and communication space.
Getting Started
Learn how to set up Modbus Mapper Pro and configure it for your specific needs:
- Installation
Follow straightforward instructions for installing the software, ensuring your system meets the necessary requirements and prerequisites. This includes setting up any required drivers or hardware. - Connecting to Devices
Understand how to establish connections for Modbus RTU, ASCII, and TCP protocols. Detailed guidance on configuring communication parameters such as baud rate, parity, and device addresses is provided to get you up and running quickly. - First Use
Walk through capturing and analyzing your first Modbus packet. Utilize features like dynamic Modbus mapping and live data visualization to gain insights into your communication setup. The manual covers using packet templates and understanding the layout for efficient diagnostics and system optimization.
Installation
Modbus Mapper Pro application can be installed either directly from our site or Windows. The application runs in Windows 10 or newer with a minimum of 4GB RAM:
Install from the Web – Visit QuantumBitSolutions.com | Download or Shop pages to download or purchase the application. The software is a portable version, meaning it can be run from any location without requiring installation. Note that during the first launch, a slight delay is normal as the application unpacks files to a temporary location.
Install via Microsoft Store – Search for Modbus Mapper Pro directly in the Microsoft Store on your Windows Desktop. Once installed, the application can be accessed from the Start Menu.
Download: Trial or Microsoft Store Version from Downloads page
Purchase: Subscription or Full license from Shop Page.
Connecting to Devices
Modbus Mapper Pro uses standard serial ports available in Windows to communicate with devices or to sniff data on existing RTU networks. The available serial ports can be found under the “Ports (COM & LPT)” section in the Windows Device Manager.
Tips for Optimal Serial Port Performance
- Choose Quality Hardware:
For reliable communication, use high-quality serial port adapters with low-latency hardware and robust drivers. These ensure stability across various Windows states, such as Sleep or Hibernate, without locking up or losing functionality. - RS485 Sniffing Considerations:
When monitoring existing traffic on an RS485 network (Mode 2), select a reliable RS485 adapter that can silently listen to the communication without interfering. It is crucial to use adapters capable of starting and staying in Receive Mode to avoid interrupting the existing communication flow. - Recommended Serial Port Manufacturers:
Modbus Mapper Pro works seamlessly with a variety of USB-to-Serial adapters, and the following brands have been thoroughly tested for performance and reliability:- FTDI: Known for its high-quality chipsets and drivers that provide consistent performance.
- Moxa: A trusted name in industrial automation, offering durable and efficient adapters suitable for demanding environments.
- Silicon Labs (CP210x): Provides affordable and reliable USB-to-Serial solutions with well-supported drivers.
- Prolific Technology (PL2303): A widely-used option that works well in less demanding environments. Ensure you use genuine products to avoid compatibility issues.
- StarTech: Offers industrial-grade USB-to-RS485/RS232 converters, ideal for professionals.
- Additional Considerations:
- Always verify the driver version of your adapter to ensure compatibility with the latest Windows updates.
- Avoid counterfeit adapters, as they often have unstable drivers that can lead to communication failures or device lock-ups.
By adhering to these guidelines and using trusted hardware, you can ensure stable and reliable Modbus communication for both data exchange and monitoring tasks.
First Use Quick Start Demo
Walk through capturing and analyzing your first Modbus packet. Utilize features like dynamic Modbus mapping and live data visualization to gain insights into your communication setup.
Visit the Quick-Start Demo page for the detailed steps with screenshots.
Application Main Window
| Window Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Hamburger Menu | Click to expand left-side navigation panel |
| Serial Port Config. (Main Window) | A centralized interface for managing serial port settings for Client 1, Client 2, and the Server. The configuration supports two distinct modes: Multiplexer Mode: – Enables forwarding of Modbus RTU data from Client 1 and/or Client 2 to the Server. – Both Client 1 and Server ports are active in this mode, facilitating seamless data routing. – Also enable Client 2 when used in “Multi-master” or “Modbus Multiplexer” mode so single server can be shared by both Client 1 and Client 2. Listen-Only Mode: -Activates the Server port in a passive mode to silently monitor bi-directional RS485 communication on an external network. -With the Listen-Only switch enabled, the Server port operates exclusively as a data “sniffer,” leaving Clients inactive to avoid interference. This design ensures flexible and efficient serial communication tailored to specific operational needs. |
| Client Request Viewer | A user-friendly tool that displays client requests in a clean and organized list format. It highlights only unique and filtered requests to eliminate clutter, making it easier to focus on important and actionable submissions. Save Button: Exports the requests list to a CSV file (available with a full license). Copy Button: Copies the requests list to the clipboard (available with a full license). Delete: Clears all saved requests from the list. Show Requests: Toggles real-time display of new and unique requests from clients. Turn off to pause monitoring for new entries. This viewer streamlines client request management while keeping the interface intuitive and efficient. |
| Modbus Map Viewer | A convenient tool for viewing Modbus data in an easy-to-read format, with live updates displaying server responses in a natural, user-friendly manner. Save Button: Exports the Modbus map to a CSV file (available with a full license). Open Button: Loads a predefined or pre-formatted map from external applications such as Modbus Monitor XPF or Modbus Mapper Pro. + (Add): Adds a new Modbus monitoring point to view data in the selected format.- (Delete Row): Removes a specific row from the map.++ (Add All): Automatically converts all requests into Modbus map monitoring points.Delete Button: Clears all monitoring points from the map. X (Clear Data): Empties the Value column without affecting the map structure.Add Switch: Automatically adds a new monitoring point when a new request is detected. Auto Update (On/Off): Toggles automatic updates to refresh the Value column with the latest data from the server. This viewer simplifies monitoring and managing Modbus data, offering intuitive controls for real-time and pre-configured mapping needs. |
| Live Traffic Viewer | Monitor live traffic from multiple sources, including Client 1, Client 2, and Server. The viewer decodes and displays Modbus RTU frames, along with additional log information such as errors or warnings (e.g., serial port busy). All live traffic is decoded and timestamped in UTC format. Save Button: Exports the log to a file (available with a full license). Delete Button: Clears all log entries. Copy Button: Copies the log to the clipboard (available with a full license). Raw Switch: Displays raw byte data as it arrives on the serial port. Log On/Off: Enables or disables log processing (turn off to reduce CPU usage). Scroll On/Off: Automatically scrolls to the end of the log when new entries are added. This viewer provides a comprehensive view of real-time Modbus traffic while offering tools to optimize performance and analyze data efficiently. |
| License Window | The License Window provides multiple options to purchase, activate, and load offline licenses conveniently. Store: Purchase or validate an existing license directly. Shop: Access the online store to browse and purchase licenses. Load: Load offline or site-wide licenses using a provided license file. Activate: Activate a license using the key delivered via email after an online purchase. Subscribe: Activate a subscription key purchased online. Exit: Close the application. This window streamlines the license management process, offering both online and offline options for activation and purchasing. |
Overview of Modes
Two Modes of Operation
Modbus Mapper Pro supports two distinct modes operation for versatile functionality.
- Mode 1 – Pass-Through or Multiplexer Mode:
In this mode, data from a serial port connected to Client 1 or 2 is passed through internal memory to the Server port. This setup allows you to monitor and analyze the traffic while facilitating communication between clients and servers. The built-in multiplexer ensures seamless operation by automatically prioritizing requests from both clients. It synchronizes these requests, managing their timing and sequencing to prevent conflicts before forwarding them to the server port. This intelligent synchronization ensures efficient, conflict-free communication, making it possible to analyze data in real time without disrupting the workflow. - Mode 2 – Listen-Only Mode:
This mode is ideal for monitoring existing communication on an RTU network without disrupting ongoing operations. It offers a non-intrusive way to capture and analyze data exchanged between a Client and a Server. To enable this mode, ensure that a single serial port is connected and that the ‘Listen Only’ switch is turned on. This configuration ensures passive monitoring while maintaining the integrity of the network’s communication.
Contact us for support until then: List questions in our Forum or contact us for additional help support@quantumbitsolutions.com
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