Abstract

The VT-uIPm-431-H has the lowest RAM (Random Access Memory) option of the RTU product options. Depending on the number of programs and processes running the VT-uIPm-431-H can sometimes run out of memory. When memory runs out certain functions can stop unexpectedly. More RAM cannot be added to the RTU, but oftentimes memory can be freed up by disabling features that are not used.

Products

RTU Products:

VT-uIPm-431-H/VT-uIPm-441-H

Use Case: Free up RAM to prevent running out of RAM

Required Software

Sixnet I/O Tool Kit 5.0.103

Comment out unused processes

Some processes can be disabled in the RTU. The process below describes how to stop certain processes from starting on bootup.

1. First we will read and download the /sv start up script, then edit it. To do this go to Operations > File Operations. Click on the sv file in the root directory and click the “Read File” button. Save the file to the computer.

1. Open the sv file using a text editing program like notepad++. To comment out a process add a ‘#’ at the beginning of the line. Below is a list of processes that may be commented out and their basic function. If the application calls for the feature described do not add the ‘#’ to comment out the process. Save the file.
   1. ./sxmbeth_client – Modbus slave functionality.
   2. ./sxpeerlink – Master IP and Serial Modbus/Sixnet communication, Wait for Reply.
   3. ./sxetherpeer – Master IP Modbus/Sixnet Communication, Rapid Fire.
   4. ./sxtagload – Tag names reference for C programs used in the RTU.
   5. ./aDispatch – Alarms in the RTU.
   6. ./ioAgent – Alarms in the RTU.
   7. ./ioMonitor – Alarms in the RTU.

1. Read and edit the inittab startup script. Read the /etc/inittab startup script so it can be edited. To do this go to Operations > File Operations. Click on the inittab file in the /etc directory and click on the “Read File” button. Save the file to the computer.
2. Open the inittab file using the text editing program like notepad++. Tomment out the process add a ‘#’ at the beginning of the line. The only process that can be commented out in inittab is sxredundancy used for controller redundancy. Find that line add the ‘#’ at the beginning of the line. Save the file.

Load the modified startup scripts

1. To load the modified startup scripts /sv and/or /etc/inittab files to the RTU add them in the User Software loader in the RTU configuration.
2. Go to Configure > Configure Station/Module > User Software tab.
3. Click on the ‘Add a File’ button. Select ‘Copy file(s) into the station’ and click OK. Find the modified sv or inittab file and click Open. The ‘Local Path (source):’ field will depend on the system and where the modified startup scripts were stored. The ‘Load as (Destination):’ field should be ‘/sv’ for the sv startup script and ‘/etc/inittab’ for the inittab startup script. Click OK.
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4. Set the Octal field in the User Software configuration to 755. Click OK, and save the project file.
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5. To load the file in the RTU go to Operations > Load Advanced > Load User Software. Once the load is complete reboot the RTU.
6. The startup scripts will apply until firmware is reloaded to the RTU. At that point the process must be applied again.

Disclaimer

It is the customer's responsibility to review the advice provided herein and its applicability to the system. Red Lion makes no representation about specific knowledge of the customer's system or the specific performance of the system. Red Lion is not responsible for any damage to equipment or connected systems. The use of this document is at your own risk. Red Lion standard product warranty applies.

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