K-TC: configuring channels and CAN output in K-CAL

Set which channels K-TC sends on CAN, under which IDs and how often, then export the DBC file your logger needs to decode them.

Before you start

K-TC ships pre-configured. Change the configuration in K-CAL when you need different CAN IDs, rates, thermocouple types or a different bit rate. You need:

• K-CAL installed on a Windows PC, with the driver for your interface. See K-CAL: installing the software and CAN interface drivers.
• A connection to the module, one of these:
  • The K-TC's own USB port
  • A Kvaser interface (Leaf Light HS v2, Memorator HS/HS or USBcan Light 4xHS)
  • A REBEL CT or REBEL LT
  • A REXGEN 1, REXGEN 2 or REXGEN 2 IMU GNSS through its J2534 driver
• The module powered. K-TC32 always needs an external supply. See K-Series: connecting and powering modules.

K-CAL can configure up to five K-Series modules at once.

Connect K-CAL to the module

1. Open K-CAL. Use the desktop icon or the Influx Technology folder in the Start menu.
2. Check the status bar. If the module is switched on and connected, the bar at the bottom of the window shows the model, ON Line, the serial number, the firmware version, the interface and the bit rate.
3. Select the interface if needed. If the module is not connected, select your interface in the Interface list on the General tab. Then select Baud Rate Scan so K-CAL finds the module's bit rate.
4. Load the settings. Select Load on the toolbar to read the module's current settings.

K-CAL tabs and toolbar

The tabs across the top of K-CAL lead to every function. Some are available only while a module is connected.

General

The CAN interface, bit rate, byte order, sleep settings and tool options.

Measurement

Live thermocouple values and the oscilloscope. See K-CAL: viewing live data on the oscilloscope.

Thermo Couples

CAN IDs, transmission rates, enabled channels and thermocouple types.

Calibration

Calibrates the thermocouple inputs. See K-TC: calibrating channels and updating firmware.

Reprogramming

Updates the module firmware.

Manufacturer

Read-only details: vendor code, product code, revision number, serial number and firmware version.

The toolbar buttons used on these tabs:

Load

Reads the settings from the module and shows them.

Commit

Writes your changes to the module.

Default

Resets the settings on the tab to their defaults.

Export

Opens the DBC export window.

Import

Loads settings from a DBC file.

Notes

Opens the release notes for your K-CAL version.

General tab settings

Baud Rate

The CAN bit rate of the module. Match it to the bus you connect the module to.

Byte Order

Intel or Motorola byte order for the CAN signals.

Deep Sleep

Enables the low-power deep sleep mode.

No CAN Activity

Sends the module to sleep when there is no CAN activity.

CAN ID

The CAN ID of the sleep command.

After Time

The delay before the module sleeps.

Load at startup

Loads the module's settings automatically when K-CAL starts.

Load at export

Reloads the channel settings from the module when you export a DBC file.

Auto assign ID

Assigns CAN IDs automatically so they do not clash when you configure several modules at once.

TC Units

Shows temperatures in deg C or deg F.

For how the bit rate relates to bus length and timing, see CAN bus baud rate and its calculation.

Set up the channels

On the Thermo Couples tab, the channels sit in groups of four: TC(0-3), TC(4-7) and so on. Each group is sent as one CAN message.

1. Set the CAN ID of each group. Select or enter the ID in the group's CAN ID box. Tick Extended to use a 29-bit ID.
2. Enable or disable channels. Tick the box next to each channel you want to send, for example TC0 to TC3.
3. Set the transmission rate. Select the group's Rate. The standard list runs from 100 ms to 1 min. Not Use stops the group being sent. To add rates to the list, use Rate list config.
4. Set the thermocouple type. Select K, J or T in Default TC type.
5. Commit the changes. Select Commit on the toolbar. The module stores the settings and keeps them when the power is off.

Watch: connect K-TC to K-CAL and export a DBC (1:12)

Export a DBC file

The DBC file describes the module's CAN messages and thermocouple signals, so DIALOG, REXDESK or any other tool can decode them. Export it after you commit your settings.

1. Open the export window. Select Export on the toolbar. The Select Channels To Export window opens.
2. Choose the messages. Tick the messages to include, for example TC_0_3 and TC_4_7. To add the module's serial number to the file, tick Include serial number.
3. Save the file. Select Export and choose where to save the DBC file.

Then load the DBC file into your logger's software. For a REBEL, see K-Series: logging module data with REBEL and DIALOG. For what a DBC file holds, see Understanding CAN DBC.

Check the module details

The Manufacturer tab shows the vendor code, product code, revision number, serial number and firmware version. Select Load to read them. Have the serial number and firmware version ready when you contact technical support.

Next: K-TC: standalone logging with K-Log.