The ClientBox functionality allows data collected by the Indus Box to be accessed locally on the Cloud Box.

To access this data, the Cloud Box provides a Modbus RTU server that can be used with a USB/serial converter. It also supports Modbus TCP for local network-based communication.

Access the General Configuration page of the Indus box, then tick the "ClientBox mode enabled" box, in the Optional services section :

The ClientBox settings section appears.

You can choose between two communication modes :

Once the modbus RTU mode has been selected, it is then possible to set the parameters for the serial port accessible via a USB/Serial converter.

Once the modbusTCP mode is selected, specify the Ethernet port number to use :

To configure the data exposed by the Modbus server, you need to use the equipment's Excel file.

This process involves exporting the current configuration and then importing the updated variable settings.

To do so, follow the procedure below.

To export an existing device, access the Data Source page of the Indus Box.

Then, click on the export button for the device of your choice :

The Excel file is downloaded from your browser.

Note : If you are using multiple devices, ensure that you assign different addresses to each device to avoid address conflicts.

To do so, in the exported Excel file, go to the equipment tab :

And make sure that each of your devices has a different IP address and a different slave number.

The Excel file has two tabs. The second tab allows you to view all the equipment variables.

In order to make the clientBox variables available, you need to set their addresses in the ClientBox Address column.

Note : BOOL data types can be read on the Modbus RTU server using function 2 - Inputs status.

All other data types can be read on the Modbus RTU server using function 4 - Inputs registers.

WARNING ! In the equipment's Excel file, the "Function Type" column only applies to the device's read request.

Once the necessary changes have been made, you can import the equipment again.

To do so, click on the "Import file" button at the top of the Data Source page :

Select the updated Excel file and click the Confirm button :

Since the equipment already exists, a message suggests replacing it. Click on confirm.

To access the data, connect to Modbus RTU on the second port of the Cloud Box using a USB/RS converter, following the parameters previously defined in the General Configuration (refer to chapter 1.2.1).

The data can be read at the addresses set in the Excel file.

To access the data via Modbus TCP, simply connect an Ethernet cable on the Cloud Box and ensure that the network settings are configured as defined in the General Configuration (refer to Chapter 1.2.2).

Regardless of the type of input function, data can be read in functions 2 (Input status) and 4 (Input register).

WARNING ! If the Cloud Box is not connected to a DHCP-enabled network, the timestamp must be set manually to ensure the data is read correctly.

This process is similar to setting the timestamp on the Indus Box.