Get Started With The Alpha

To get up and running with the Alpha Web Interface you should discover the Mitsubishi Alpha 2 (II, XL) Micro-controller then review these notes...

• • Hardware Get the Alpha-In-A-Box Starter Kit. (Hint; go for the AL2-14MR-D controller, programming lead and software; it's superior in many ways to the 10MR version). You need the lead to connect the Alpha to your PC/Laptop. You only need the software to program your own control strategy into the Alpha (not required if you just want to use the Alpha's I/O in dumb terminal mode!).

  • More Hardware! The programming lead only has a RS-232 DB9 connector. So, if your PC only has USB then get a generic USB/Serial adapter. The Alpha needs a 1 Amp 24Vdc Power Supply Unit too.

  • Optional Hardware If you want to monitor temperatures/humidities, etc, you'll need 0-10Vdc compatible sensors. If you want to switch any appliance at mains voltages you'll need interfacing relays and associated control gear. (PLEASE get an experienced electrical person for this kind of thing though!).

  • Operating System The XML Control was developed for Xp and Win7. The XML Control software also requires the .NET 2.0 Runtime, which is free from Microsoft. You'll probably already have that installed, if not then click onto Microsoft's web site and search for ".Net 2.0 download".

  • Web Interface If you don't need remote control or in-built webcam support then get a FREE copy of the XML Control Alpha Web Interface! This software gets the raw data from the Alpha, formats it and serves it up into simple HTML and XML files.

  • Web Server If you want to serve up your Alpha outside the home/office/factory, then you really need a web server. Get the FREE Apache Server or use the server of your choice. If you want server side scripting then try the free PHP engine with Apache. If you have Win Xp Professional or Windows 7 Home Premium or above then you already have IIS web server available; just needs installed. With IIS get and use the free Visual Web Developer tool from Microsoft to create an ASP.net website.

  • Programming Skills By default the XML Control generates both a fully formatted HTML webpage (albeit very simplistic!) and a generic XML file. These can be used 'as is' or be the basis for your own artistic web-designer license via DHTML, JavaScript and server side scripting! Anyhow, no programming skills are required, although the use of native web-formats do allow unlimited customisation.

Getting Hardware

Next you'll need suppliers. We recommend these sources, however all kit is generic, so shop if you must and get the price/delivery/support equation that's right for you.

Mitsubishi Alpha Starter Kit - Target cost £170($275) net.

These are available world-wide, in the UK though, the following links are favourite.

LC Automation Ltd. www.lcautomation.com

RS Components Ltd. www.rswww.com

USB/Serial Converters - Target cost £20($35) net.

These are available almost everywhere. Try Maplin's, Radio Shack, PC World, your local PC store, or just Google "usb/serial db9" for many options.

24Vdc Power Supply Units - Target cost £50($80) net.

These take a mains voltage of between say, 110Vac to 240Vac, and output a smooth 24Vdc to power both your Alpha and any peripheral input and output interfacing items such as sensors and control relays. You'll need a 1 Amp supply at minimum, and then add some for your other control's load requirements.

Again, RS can supply these, also Farnell Components (who are worldwide, just like RS). Mitsubishi also offer a range of PSU's matched to the Alpha's form factor; which are ideal if you intend to house your Alpha in an domestic electrical consumer unit.

Sensors - Target cost from £40($65) net upwards depending on type.

If you need temperature or humidity sensors, or in fact any sensor, then bear in mind that the Alpha has 0-10Vdc Analogue Inputs, so sensors must match this type. Suitable sensors can be had from the aforementioned suppliers plus, in the UK, Sontay, Western Automation/ETS amongst many others.

Mains Control Gear

If you need to switch any mains electrical equipment with an Alpha then be sure to make the system completely safe! Electrical circuits need to be properly housed in suitable enclosures, each circuit needs to be protected from fault and overload conditions and final loads should never be switched in such a manner as to introduce risk to persons or property! So, if in doubt, get someone in who knows exactly what to do - this cannot be over-stressed.

Finally, a small screwdriver might be helpful. =)