MAG 8000

A word for word reading the Mag 8000 catalog sheet yields only this, "Flow Tool PC configuration

software". Configuration does not mean real time data acquisition. It means set-up.

That indicates that Siemens has no taylored or specific software package that supports real-time data acquisition for the Mag 8000.

For real-time communications with a Mag 8000, Profibus is not a communications option on the Mag 8000. However, the Modbus RTU protocol, using either an optional add-on RS-232 or RS-485

interface comm module, is an option.

The market category of HMI/SCADA/DAQ software does data acquisition using Modbus RTU as

one of its protocols. I believe WinCC is Siemens HMI/SCADA package, but it would be prudent to

see how well it handles Modbus before laying down any cash. Siemens tends to lean heavily towards Profibus and make Modbus a long shot also-ran, for whatever reason.

In any event, HMI/SCADA software is generally purchased as a development tool used for developing an application (starting with a blank slate). The run-time license might be a separate license or included with the development software. There is chit chat about open source HMI/SCADA software on other control web fora. Every PLC manufacturer has their own product. Brand names like Wonderware, Intellution, Citect, Iconics, and Indusoft are not affiliated with hardware merchants. Googling HMI SCADA yields numerous hits. It is not uncommon to hire a systems integrator to write the code to make the software do what you want it to do.

It is not clear to me whether the sanctity of the Mag 8000's accreditation as a "revenue program water meter" would be valid for data taken out of the meter via Modbus. I just don't know what the factors the accreditation rests on.

An alternative to direct comm with a PC is to use a paperless recorder, which can reads the data, logs the data and provide a ready-to-use software package for looking at the data on a PC. I think 'Sirec' is the Siemens brand for paperless recorders.