Inputs as outputs 7i95t

Hey chaps,

So I'm running out of outputs on my mesa 7i95t I have loads of inputs free. 

So my question is can the input pins be used as outputs?  If so how.

I have 6 ssr outputs on the card all are used for loads such as solenoids and relays.

I now need outputs (24v) for my drivers enable/alarm clearing functions.

I have ordered a 5 axis bob but it seems they are all inputs not outputs.

Any suggestions on how to get more 24v outputs? 

As far as I understand you can hook up one of those DB25 daughter cards to the P1 expansion connector.
Just look if something is suitable? I guess the bitfile needs to be changed. I was not able to figure that out. (so far pre-configured ones that were provided by Mesa worked for me)

store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=69_71

Some people used Modbus I/O expansion, I think that goes on the RS485 pins of the card. No idea how it works.

Those Serial connectors are for Mesa's SmartSerial cards, which is different to ModBus.

There are some remote smart serial I\O cards that will be just plug and play, ie all the messy voltage translation stuff is on the board. Depends on how much you want to pay eg 7i84 which will give an extra 32 inputs & 16 outputs. Maybe over kill.
store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=produc...69_70&product_id=123

As mentioned before a chinese bob will work but then you'll have to deal with 5v > 24v stuff.

So that is connected with one of those network cables on the 7i84 and then clamped to the screw terminals of the 9i95?
Is it possible to connect more than one of the cards to the same serial bus?

I must admit that I mixed up smart serial with modbus, because the RS485 tricked me into believing it is similar. But I do not have a clue about all this (who can guess?). I wonder if the 9i95t still could be used with the modbus RTU, similar to the video and omiting the USB adapter. I would probably not try to research it and just spend some extra money.



Seems there are many option to add I/Os to that LinuxCNC

 

Yes, a sserial card can add real time 24V I/O I would suggest a 7I84U which
adds 16x 5 to 28V 500 mA sinking or sourcing outputs and 32x 5-28V inputs.

The sserial devices are RS-422 so do not allow more than one device
per interface. This so the remote interface is real time.

The 7I95T also supports Modbus devices (mainly for VFD use).
Modbus I/O devices are common and inexpensive but do suffer
from a couple issues:

1. They are not real time
2. The inexpensive I/O devices I have tested do not have watchdogs
so leave outputs stuck on after LinuxCNC exits or there is a fault.