How to: Collect data from the CANbus

This guide provides an easy-to-follow introduction to getting started with the Canmonitor tool. By following these steps, users will learn how to add and manage CAN messages and signals effectively. Let’s get started!

Getting Started with CAN-Monitor

Step 1: Access the CAN-Monitor Tool

  • To begin, click on "CAN-Monitor" to open the tool.
  • Next, click on "Add Message" to create a user-defined CAN message.

Step 2: Define Message Details

To configure and send data to the cloud, you need to provide:

  • Correct CAN ID: Specify the CAN identifier (either 11-bit or 29-bit).
  • Cycle Time: Define the interval for data checks.

Once you’ve entered these details, press Deploy. This will transmit the message settings to the device and cloud. From now on, the device will query data from the CAN BUS at the specified intervals (e.g., every minute) and send it to the cloud.

Example of a CAN Message

This is an example of a CAN message. It consists of multiple parts that were defined earlier. Let’s explore how to define these parts.

To add a part, press the plus (“+”) symbol.

Adding New Signals

When adding new signals, you have several options:

  1. Use the Wizard (recommended for easier signal creation).
  2. Standardized Metric : Select from predefined metrics.
  3. Custom Metric : Define your metric from scratch.
Case 1: Wizard + Standardized Metric
  1. Choose a predefined metric from the list.
  2. Enter a Signal Name (preset or user-defined).
    1. Type: Specify the data type.
    2. Start Position: Define where the signal starts in the message (automatically set to the next free bit).
    3. Endianness: Choose "Big" (most significant byte first) or "Little" (least significant byte first).
    4. Permission Level: Set visibility based on organization type.
    5. Delta Function: Enable up/down counting, or select "none" (default).
  3. Activate advanced settings.
  4. Multiply or divide the signal value.
  5. Set an offset.
  6. Specify the number of decimal places.

When done, click Add to include the signal in the message.

Case 2: Wizard + Custom Metric
  1. Enter a Signal Name .
  2. Select a Unit for the signal.
    1. Type: Specify the data type.
    2. Start Position : Define the starting bit.
    3. Endianness: Choose "Big" or "Little."
    4. Permission Level : Set variable visibility.
    5. Delta Function : Enable or disable delta functionality.Activate advanced settings.
  3. Multiply/divide the signal value.
  4. Set an offset.
  5. Define the number of decimal places.

Click Add to include the signal.

Case 3: No Wizard + Standardized Metric

When the wizard is disabled, a signal with default values is directly added to the message list. You can customize it using the same steps as before.

Case 4: No Wizard + Custom Metric

When creating a custom metric without the wizard, a signal with default values is added. Assign a Signal Name and configure it as needed.

By following these steps, you can efficiently set up and manage CAN messages and signals using the Canmonitor tool. Happy monitoring!