Ewon Flexy 205 - Starter Kit

For servicing and ongoing monitoring of the machine

The Flexy 205 is suitable where, in addition to remote access, you need to continuously monitor the status of a machine. It reads values from the PLC into internal variables, stores history, evaluates alarms and provides data to other applications. The service technician’s VPN session and data collection can be utilised according to the application’s requirements.

• The machine manufacturer will integrate remote servicing with fault monitoring and operational data tracking.
• Maintenance staff can view the history of temperatures, pressures or statuses and set alarm limits.
• The integrator transfers the values to SCADA, a database, a web dashboard or a cloud service.

If you only need a service VPN without a data application or expansion cards, please also compare Ewon Cosy+ routers.

Contents of the STK205 starter kit

• Basic router Ewon Flexy 205.
• WiFi expansion card FLB3271_00 with an antenna for connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
• I/O expansion card FLX3402_00: 8 digital inputs, 4 analogue inputs and 2 digital outputs.
• I/O simulation module for testing input and output signals.
• Power supply with EU, UK and US adaptors, a 1 m Ethernet cable, a screwdriver and a quick start guide.

In this configuration, the router’s two slots are used for the Wi-Fi and I/O cards. The numbers of signals stated refer to the I/O card; the basic router also has its own 2 digital inputs and 1 digital output.

Basic router and expansion options

The base unit has four 10/100 Mb/s RJ45 Ethernet ports, two slots for expansion cards, an SD card slot and a power terminal block with built-in digital inputs and outputs. Port 1 is always LAN; the other ports can be configured as either LAN or WAN.

The FLB3271_00 card provides the 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) WiFi client in the kit. The basic Flexy 205 unit itself does not have this WiFi card. Other cards provide additional functionality, such as serial communication, USB or input/output ports. The card type, slot configuration and supported firmware version must be selected for the specific application.

Communication drivers and OPC UA

Data from the PLC is configured using built-in drivers, referred to as IO servers. For each variable, you specify the source, address, read interval and, where applicable, data logging or an alarm. Protocol support does not imply automatic compatibility with every device; compatibility depends on the specific model, version and its communication settings.

Data reading and writing are subject to the capabilities of the relevant driver and the permissions of the target device. Only allow writing to the PLC for values where remote modification via the application is safe.

Historical data and alarms

Flexy allows you to define up to 2,500 internal tags and store historical values of up to 1,000,000 timestamped records. You can allocate this capacity amongst the monitored variables. The actual length of the history depends on the number of values, the frequency of saving and the selected recording method.

Alarms set above selected values will alert you to a threshold being exceeded or a change in status. These can be linked, for example, to an email or a custom action. For SMS, you need to check the service used, the tariff and the method of sending; this is not an unlimited feature included in the price of the router.

Following an internet outage, local data collection and storage may continue depending on the configuration. Remote access and data transmission will resume once the connection is restored. Configure the behaviour when memory is full and the transmission of unsent values according to the application’s requirements.

Visualisation and data transfer

The integrated web interface allows you to monitor values, trends and alarms. Use the viewON editor to create a web visualisation for Flexy. For more comprehensive monitoring, data can be transferred to your own SCADA system, database or cloud application.

Historical data can be exported to the Talk2M DataMailbox or transferred via FTP or email. The DMWeb API enables applications to retrieve data from the DataMailbox. The availability and limits of this service are governed by the Talk2M tariff; it does not constitute unlimited long-term storage.

Scripting and service tools

BASIC and Java scripting are used to add custom logic: value conversions, KPI calculations, responses to alarms or custom data transmission. The scheduler allows you to run selected tasks at a set time. Your own application must be tested for the required load and behaviour in the event of a communication failure.

PROFINET Explorer helps during maintenance work to locate stations and adjust their basic network parameters, such as their name or IP address. Flexy does not, therefore, replace the PROFINET IO Controller or the machine’s control CPU.

Remote connection via Talk2M

Talk2M connects the router in the machine to an authorised service technician. The router establishes an outbound connection to the service; the technician logs into the eCatcher app and opens a VPN session. M2Web can be used for the device’s web interfaces. Neither a public IP address nor port forwarding of incoming ports to the PLC is required. However, outbound communication must be authorised by the network administrator.

The figures given apply to simultaneously open VPN sessions across the entire account. They do not limit the number of registered routers or users. Re-registering a router that is already in use does not renew the free period. Transfer limits, data services and the scope of management are governed by the selected tariff.

We can help you choose the right service Talk2M overview for Ewon.

Settings, software and documentation

The initial configuration takes place via the router’s web interface: you set up the machine LAN, the internet connection and registration with Talk2M. The LAN and WAN must have correctly configured addressing. Before deployment at the customer’s site, verify access to the PLC and the permissions of individual technicians.

• eBuddy It searches for a router on the local network and helps with address management, backups or device restoration.
• eCatcher is used to log in to Talk2M and establish a remote VPN connection.
• viewON is used to create web visualisations for Flexy. Data drivers, alarms and historisation are configured in Flexy.

You can find the latest manuals and installation programmes for this specific product in the ‘Downloads’ tab. Select the correct firmware for your model: Cosy+ and Flexy use different packages. Create a backup before updating and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Technical specifications of the Ewon Flexy 205 Starter Kit

Frequently Asked Questions