MThings User ManualManual usagePlease read this manual carefully before using this product. The content of the manual will be continuously updated and revised, but there may be occasional inconsistencies or errors with the actual use. Please feel free to leave us a message on the WeChat official account "MThings Technical Service" in a timely manner.

1 Software Overview

MThings is an upper computer software based on the MODBUS protocol stack, designed for operation and maintenance personnel in industrial control sites.

2 Maintenance and installation

2.1 Download

Download link:http://gulink.cn/download

2.2 Installation

2.2.1 prepare

Personal computer or server.

2.2.2 Install

1. Download the software package MThings_Pack.exe;

Detailed function description

3.1 Basic Concepts

3.1.1 Device

Devices are communication nodes, and MThings includes two types: simulated master devices and simulated slave devices.Simulated host deviceWhen MThings serves as a host to connect multiple slave devices, users need to create a corresponding simulated host for each slave device in the software, and different simulated hosts are distinguished by device addresses.Figure 1 Schematic diagram of simulated host device Simulate slave deviceWhen MThings is used as a slave to simulate data, users need to create different devices in the software based on different simulated slave addresses.

3.1.2 Data

In the MODBUS standard, four types ofdata blocksare defined:Table 1 MODBUS Data Definition

Based on the unit length of data blocks, four types of data blocks can be divided into two categories: Bit (BIT) data and Register (REG) data. Combining read and write attributes, the relationship between data blocks is as follows:Figure 2 Relationship between different data block types Datais a specific definition within a data block, and data definitions in different data blocks are independent of each other.A data definition can contain multiple consecutive BIT/REG data addresses.The attributes of a piece of data include: the data block it belongs to, the data name, the data address, the data size, the data type (protocol type), the data coefficient (involved when floating-point data is transmitted in a fixed-point format), the byte order (involved when the register data size is 1, 2, or 4), and the word order (involved when the register data size is 2 or 4).

3.1.3 Transmission type and presentation type

MThings provides a user-friendly data visualization method, supporting the display of message data inactual business formats.Figure 3 Schematic diagram of intuitive visualization effect of equipment data When configuring data entry, MThings provides four parameters: transmission type, presentation type, coefficient, and unit. Their meanings are as follows:Table 2: Explanation of the meanings of relevant configuration parameters presented in the data

MThings supports the conversion between multiple transmission types and presentation types, with the corresponding relationships as follows:Figure 4: Conversion between Transmission Type and Presentation Type

3.1.4 Word order/byte order

In communication debugging,byte orderis a common concept, such as local byte order and network byte order. The MODBUS protocol also has the concept ofword order.Word orderrequires and explicitly states that the word order should be little-endian, meaning that when the original data is 0X12345678, the transmitted packet byte stream should be as follows:

3.2 Interface function partitioning

1. Main menu: Used to switch to the "main function page".

3.3 Configuration file management

3.3.1 Configuration data content

The configuration file contains complete configuration information for the MThings usage process, mainly including: link list, link parameters, device list, device advanced parameters, and data configuration.

3.3.2 Common Operations

1. New: Used to create a new project configuration file. For first-time use, you can skip creating a new configuration file

3.4 Channel Management

MThings software supports establishing communication with the target device through serial ports, TCP connections, and UDP unicast.These three communication methods are collectively referred to as channels.Figure 7 Logical relationship between channels and devices

3.4.1 Serial Port Channel

Access the channel management page through the "Channel" option in the auxiliary menu to view the list of serial ports actually present on the current PC. After MThings is launched, the serial port list will be automatically updated once. As shown in the figure above, the operations related to serial ports are as follows:Table 3: Definition of Serial Port Channel Status

3.4.2 Network channels

Access the channel management page through the "Channels" option in the auxiliary menu to view the list of network channels. When using for the first time, there are no network channels, and users need to create them according to their needs. As shown in the above figure, network-related operations such asTable 5: Definition of network channel status

(Synchronous)”, “MODBUS-TCP (Asynchronous)”Figure 10: Application method of TCP client connectionTCP server192.168.0.20, 502)

TCP server192.168.0.30, 502)Figure 11: Application method of TCP server link

This device: 192.168.0.20

This device: 192.168.0.30

This device: 192.168.0.20

UDP Unicast -1192.168.0.10Target port: 502

This device: 192.168.0.30

UDP unicast - 1192.168.0.10Target port: 503

3.5 system parameters

The system parameter page provides global control parameters for the MThings software, which users can modify during runtime and have them take effect immediately. The parameter values will be saved locally.Figure 13 System Parameter Page Table 7 System Parameter Definitions

3.6 User Management

The user management page offers two types of users: administrators and end users. Administrators can perform all functions provided by MThings, while end users are only allowed to operate certain functions. The tuning and testing functions are not displayed, and they are prohibited from modifying device data, alarms, system configurations, etc.Table 8 User Permission Assignment

The default password for administrators is none. When using MThings for the first time, the default is a password-less administrator account, which supports password modification by the administrator. Once the administrator sets a non-empty password, MThings will log in as the end user after restart. Users need to enter the administrator password to switch to the administrator user.Figure 14 User Management

3.7 Authorization Management

For commercial (paid) features in MThings, users need to obtain authorization before use. Before purchasing authorization, users need to enter the authorization management page to generate a machine identification code. After obtaining the authorization certificate, enter the authorization management page to import the certificate and activate the commercial features.Figure 15 Authorization Management 1. Upon clicking, a unique machine code will be automatically generated, which can be used to purchase an authorization certificate;

3.8 Device management

The device is a local image or service object of the communication debugging target device, and the device is responsible for everything

3.8.1 Add Device

1. Add device entry;0~255The starting address should be less than or equal to the ending address. By setting the starting and ending addresses, multiple devices can be added at once. If the starting address is equal to the ending address, it indicates that only one device is added.You can click "add" multiple times.

3.8.2 Remove device

1. Check the equipment that needs to be removed.

3.8.3 View device information

1. Click the ">>" button, and the device list will automatically expand the page, displaying key device information: device type, device ID, channel, and device address.Table 9: Meaning of Device Name Status

FactoryAfter adding a device, MThings assigns a default name, and its format is described as follows:Figure 20: Meaning of the default device name format.

[M]COM1-001

[Device Type]: Link Name Device Address

3.8.4 Device disabled

If it is necessary to temporarily stop the operation of a device, the device can be disabled, instructing it to cease all operations and communications. Device disabling is often used to suspend the operation of a simulated slave device, simulating a device going offline.Figure 21 Schematic diagram of device disablement 1. Check the devices that need to be disabled, and double-click the "Sequence Number" header to select all.

3.8.5 Device recovery

1. Check the device that needs to be recovered, and double-click the "Sequence Number" in the header to select all.

3.8.6 Device attribute modification

For the created devices, it supports modifying key device attributes, including device name, associated link, and device address.Figure 23 Schematic diagram of device attribute modification 1. Double-click the device row that needs to be modified.

3.9 Device Data Configuration

Device data configuration involves converting MODBUS data protocol definitions into MThings configurations. After completing device data configuration, simple button operations can quickly initiate polling, batch read/write, and single read/write without manual packet assembly and data conversion. MThings supports intuitive visualization of protocol data information, which can significantly improve tuning and testing efficiency.

3.9.1 Adding Data Configuration

Method 1:Figure 24 Schematic of Adding Data Configuration 1. Click the "Data" menu.

3.9.2 Delete data configuration

1. Click on the "ID" column to select the data configuration you wish to delete. Double-click the "ID" header to select all or cancel all selections.

3.9.3 Edit Configuration Item

If the data item is an input register, it must not exceed 125.Note:The changes will take effect after MThings is restarted.

If data items are combined into one request with other data items, the timeout value should be the maximum among them.Figure 26 Schematic diagram of timeout and interval time for simulated host Figure 27 Schematic diagram of the interval time for simulating the slave machine Figure 28: Example of Bit Offset & Bit Count

4 Reg (8 Bytes) 300001 300002 300003 300004

3.9.4 Batch editing configuration

If you need to quickly edit the "Name", "Unit", "Address", "Quantity", "Bit Offset", "Bit Count", "Factor", "Offset", and "Range" of data configuration, MThings supports users to copy multiple rows of Excel data and paste them into the designated position of the data configuration table.Figure 29 Example of batch filling configuration

3.9.5 Mark the background color of the data

1. long pressFor the "Name" cell of data that requires background color marking, the "Set Data Name Background Color" page will pop up.

3.9.6 Manual data sorting

You can rearrange the data configuration rows by dragging the "address" cell of the data.

One-click data sortingFigure 31 Schematic of one-click data sorting 1. Double-click the "Sort" button to complete the one-click sorting function.The data blocks are sorted in the following order: coil status, discrete input, hold register, and input register.Within the same data block, sort by "data starting address" from small to large.When the data starting addresses are the same, they are sorted from small to large with reference to the "bit offset".When the bit offsets are the same, sort them from small to large with "bit number" as the reference.

3.9.8 Advanced parameter settings

The software provides advanced device parameter configuration for controlling public functions related to device reading and writing.Figure 32 Schematic diagram of advanced parameter settings for equipment 1. Click on the "Advanced Parameter Configuration" icon to enter the page.Table 11: Definition of Device Data Page Status

Used to specify the display format of data addresses, with options of "Decimal" or "Hexadecimal". When "Hexadecimal" is selected, the address format is

3.9.9 Copy Data Configuration

When multiple devices follow the same MODBUS data protocol, if the data configuration of one device has been completed, the current device data configuration can be fully copied to other selected devices through a copy operation.Figure 33 Schematic of Copying Data Configuration 1. Click the "Copy Configuration to Other Devices" icon button to enter the "Select Devices" page.

3.9.10 Create and export data templates

The data configuration workload in MODBUS is significant. To facilitate the transfer and sharing of data configurations, MThings supports the function of exporting data templates, making them independent of specific debugging environments, links, devices, and other differentiating factors. The recipient can quickly set up their own debugging environment through the data template, eliminating the need to reconfigure the data again.Figure 34 Schematic of creating and exporting data templates 1. Click the "Export" button to enter the "Export Device Data Configuration" page.Figure 35 Schematic of exported data template file

3.9.11 Import data template

1. Click the "Import" button to enter the "Select Device Configuration Template File" page.

3.10 Simulate data operations on host devices

3.10.1 Single data read

1. Double-clickto read the "Value" cell of the data row.double-clickThe "Numerical" header allows for batch reading of all rows of data at once.

3.10.2 Batch read (polling) data

1. Confirm the scope of data to be read in batch.

3.10.3 Single data writing

1. Double-clickto trigger the editing of the "instruction" cell, and enter the target value of the issued data.double-clickWrite button, immediately issue the command to write data.

3.10.4 Write data in batch

1. Confirm the selected range for batch data writing.

3.10.5 View data curve

If the curve is checked in the data configuration item and the data has been read and operated for a period of time, you can enter the "Data Curve Display" to view the changes in data values.Figure 41: Viewing the data curve diagram 1. Confirm the selected range of the data curve.

3.10.6 Parse message

To facilitate the analysis of response messages for read data and request messages for write data, MThings supports mapping BIT and register data from the original messages to a data table based on existing device data configurations. This eliminates the need for users to perform byte-by-byte analysis and calculation, allowing them to intuitively view the content of transmitted data.Figure 42 Schematic diagram of parsing message operation 1. Click the "Parse Message" button to open the parsing message input page.Figure 43 PDU Definition

3.10.7 Data search

When there are numerous data configuration rows and users need to quickly locate a specific data row, they can scroll to the designated position in the table quickly by searching for the data name.Figure 44 Schematic diagram of data search operation 1. Enter a partial keyword (case-sensitive) in the name of the data to be searched.Figure 45 Schematic diagram of widening row height operation 1. Click on the cell in the "Name" column to increase the height of the current row.

3.10.8 Data Filtering

The data page provides multiple methods for filtering information, facilitating users to focus on key information more quickly and effectively.Figure 46 Schematic diagram of data filtering 1. Clicking the "Filter Blocks" button can hide/display specified data block types.

3.11 Simulate data operation of slave devices

The process of simulating the response from the slave device data does not require manual triggering. Upon receiving a request from the master, the software automatically packages and responds. The simulated slave also supports data curves and parsing of messages. For operation methods, refer to the previous chapter.Figure 47 Schematic diagram of preset simulation data method 1. Double-click the "Value" cell that requires simulated data to open the "Select Simulated Data Method" page.

parameter	Usage & Configuration Method
Strategy	Define simulation method, default is fixed value
Refresh interval (ms)	Interval for numerical update, during which the value remains unchanged.
Time axis starting point	Define the origin position of the curve time axis.
Upper and lower limits of random interval	Based on existing curve values, when a valid random interval is defined, random numbers within the range are superimposed. If the upper and lower limits are the same, it represents no randomness.
Maximum/minimum value	Based on existing curve values, when a valid extreme value range is defined, the curve values will be constrained within this range, which can generally be used for curve peak shaving and filling
Table 13: Configuration of Slave Register Data Strategy
Strategy	Usage & Configuration Method
Fixed Value / Linear / Parabolic	Refer to the description in the software interface
/ Sine Curve / Square Wave
Preset Data	Each piece of data is separated by a newline character;Supports copying entire columns of data from Excel to the data window;When the refresh interval is set to 0, requests from the host are replied to in a row-by-row manner;When the software is restarted or the round-robin reading is reinitiated, the data reply will also be reset.
Association Mode	Associate any data from other simulated hosts to integrate key information and forward it to northbound devices.

3.12 Data Curve Display

The Data Curve Display is a container for multiple data curves, serving multiple important functional areas. Each curve represents a legend, and the display provides legend customization, data statistics, and export functions.

3.12.1 Curve Viewing

The curve view includes a list of data curves (legends) and a legend display area. The legend list on the left contains legends in the display state, with the background color matching the curve color. The legend display can show multiple legends simultaneously. By default, different legends are associated with the left Y-axis, but some legends can be configured to be associated with the right Y-axis.

3.12.2 Maintain the legend

1. Click the "Maintain Legend" button to open the legend editing page.

3.12.3 Coordinate axis management

The data curve displayer supports multiple modes for viewing data curves, including: normal mode, fixed mode, and oscilloscope mode.Figure 50 Axis parameters Table 14 Definition of coordinate axis parameters

3.12.4 Data Export

1. Click the "Export" button, select the path to store the exported data, and you're done.

3.12.5 Filter Devices

If there are too many data curves, to facilitate viewing all data curves under the same device, you can use the device filtering function to hide data curves that are not needed for the moment (legend).Figure 52 Schematic of Filtering Device 1. Click the "Filter" button to open the device filtering page.

3.13 Channel message management

As channel messages serve as crucial debugging information, MThings provides a comprehensive and user-friendly approach for message management.

3.13.1 View channel messages

1. By default, the software does not enable the message browsing window. To enable it, you need to check "Message", and then the message window will be embeddedTable 15: Definition of Message Colors

3.13.2 Channel message control

1. By default, the software starts receiving all link messages upon startup. Checking the "Receive" option allows you to enable or disable message reception.

3.13.3 Serial port packet capture

To perform serial port packet capture, simply create any simulated host device within the target serial port connection,

3.14 system data

The system data page provides configuration functionality, enabling users to flexibly and intuitively display and manipulate data based on existing device data. This feature requires authorization to use.Figure 55 Schematic of system data page

3.14.1 Enter configuration editing

3.14.2 Exit configuration editing

Double-click the system data canvas again to exit the configuration editing.

3.14.3 Overall page parameters

After entering the configuration editing mode, the "Page Parameter Settings" dialog box will automatically pop up, allowing users to modify the overall page parametersTable 16 Overall Parameter Definition for Page

3.14.4 Add graphic control

The process of adding a graphical control involves completing four configuration steps:Drag inIn the canvas;

3.14.5 Modify graphical controls

After entering the configuration editing mode, clicking on an existing graphical control will result in the appearance of a blue wireframe. Users can quickly resize the graphical control by dragging it with the mouse.Figure 58 Modify Graphic Control 1. Adjust the alignment of the selected control

3.14.6 Control description

Name	Effect diagram	Function description
Data label		Display data name, value, and unit;After double-clicking, edit the value and issue a command;Support multiple name and value layout methods.
Static text	Annotation information	Display static text information;Font size and color can be set.
Multi-row table		Display data from multiple different devices.
During the daytime		, the local time is displayed.
Page tabs		allow for switching between different interface information displays by clicking on different page tabs.
Slider		provides a quick way to adjust numerical parameters using a slider;supports floating-point instructions;allows for customization of control background and numerical colors.
Device status		displays the communication status of devices in the associated device list.

Switch		visually displays the state quantity;Users can manually trigger the issuance of switch statuses;Supports custom status values (other than 0/1).
Separator		Separator for auxiliary control classification display.
Flow line		Based on the base map pipeline, adds dynamic flow direction effects;Supports adjusting line color and width;Supports multiple turning points;Supports triggering flow or stillness based on associated device data.
Electricity		Displays remaining electricity data;Supports defining data range and refresh step size;Supports defining alert values and automatically matching alert colors.
Graphic switch		Intuitively displays state values;Multiple switch styles;Users can manually trigger the issuance of switch states;Supports custom state values (not limited to 0/1).
Dashboard		Intuitively displays value names, values, and units;Supports adjusting range, display precision, and units;Supports modifying value colors.

Speedometer		Intuitively displays value names, values, and units;Supports adjusting range and units;Supports modifying numerical color;LCD code presents integer data.
Progress dial 1		Visually displays absolute value and percentage of data;Supports adjusting actual data range.
Progress dial 2		Visually displays relative range percentage of data;Supports adjusting actual data range.
Compass		Visually displays angle data (0~360);Supports floating-point data.
Thermometer		Visually displays temperature data;Supports customizable range;Supports negative temperatures;Supports floating point numbers;Supports modification of scale color.

Background image		Used for locally adding image display;Supports importing images from any local path;Supports commonly used image file formats.
Real-time curve		Displays up to 3 sets of data curves simultaneously;Supports modifying the display time range;Can display up to 24 hours of data;Supports modifying the colors of curves and coordinate axes.
Historical curves		Displays a historical data curve;Supports modifying the display time range;Can display up to 180 days of data;Supports modifying the colors of curves and coordinate axes.
Alarm summary		Window displays all active alarms;Supports dynamic display changes.
Alarm statistics		Display key statistical data for activity alarms;Automatic alarm correlation function.

3.15 Historical data

The historical data page provides persistent storage, display, printing, and export functions for device data, and supports generating independent data files daily, as well as statistical data summary information. This function requires authorization for use.Figure 59 Schematic diagram of associated device data storage The operation of historical data is strongly associated with device data. Users need to first check the "Store" option for the data items to be stored on the "Data" page.

Refreshing the historical data display table: The backend historical data will not automatically update the table on the page. If you remain on the current page for an extended period, you will need to manually click the "Refresh" button to view the latest historical data records.

3.16 Data gateway

The data gateway function provides protocol conversion and data aggregation capabilities, enabling bidirectional conversion of different channel types, protocol types, device addresses, register addresses, data blocks, data types, and data lengths. This function requires authorization for use.Figure 61 Schematic Diagram of Data Flow in Transparent Transmission Mode Figure 62 Schematic Diagram of Data Flow in Caching Mode 3.16.1 Application of Transparent Transmission ModePreparatory work:1) Create a simulated host in MThings and connect it to a southbound serial device;Figure 63 Device configuration in transparent transmission mode 1. double-clickNewly established slave device.double-clickAfter binding the mode, select the transparent transmission mode.double-clickBind the device.

3.16.2 Cache mode application

MThings supports associating two different devices (simulated slave and simulated master) through cache mode to achieve channel, protocol, and device address conversion functions.Preparation:1) Create a simulated master device in MThings and connect it to a southbound serial device;Figure 64 Cache mode configuration and device binding 1. double-clickFrom the machine equipment.double-clickBinding mode.

3.17 Alarm Data

The alarm data page provides functions such as device alarm generation, storage, configuration, display, export, and voice prompts. It supports the generation of alarm information based on multiple conditions and across devices, referring to the standard: "IEC 62682:2014"Figure 65 Schematic diagram of alarm data function 1. Switch the alarm record type. The active alarms are divided into two categories: "Need to Confirm" and "No Need to Confirm"Figure 66 Schematic diagram of alarm configuration function 1. Add a new alarm configuration.Table 17: Parameter definitions for the alarm information configuration table

3.18 Custom request

MThings supports users in sending custom messages based on the created simulated host devices, and the messages must comply with the MODBUS protocol requirements.

1. Click on the "Customization" main menu to enter the customization request page.

3.19 Message statistics

MThings supports synchronous statistics of message interaction data during the communication interaction process between simulated master devices and simulated slave devices.Figure 68 Schematic diagram of statistical operation 1. Click on the "Statistics" main menu to access the statistics page.Table 19 Definition of statistical data items

3.20 Auxiliary tools

MThings, as a commonly used MODBUS testing tool, provides multiple auxiliary tools to assistFigure 69 Schematic diagram of auxiliary gadget operation 1. Click on the "Auxiliary" main menu to enter the auxiliary page.