====== 2.3. Connect and configure a device ======

===== Connect an IO-Link® device =====

IO-Link devices are connected with an standard M12 connector to the Pinebox. In our example we will use a distance sensor. Anyhow, the configuration principle is the same for all device types and all available ports on the Pinebox.

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:connect-io-link.png?300&nolink}}\\

If your device does not have a M12 connector, you will need an adaptor or open-connections cable.

===== Configure an IO-Link device =====

First, the IODD needs to be loaded. Download the file from your device manufacturer and upload it over the web interface (Step 1: Select file, step 2: upload). The Pinebox accepts zip-Files and plain .iodd files (in xml-Format):

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:configure-1.png?500&direct}}

Now you see the device information in the info section:

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:configure-2.png?500&direct}}

If the device is applicable to more than one device type, you can select the connected device via the dropdown menu. The selection however does not have a functional impact, it just changes the image of the device:

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:configure-3.png?250&direct}}

===== Device data =====

The device data is seperated in the following sections:

  * **Process data:** This is data that is cyclically exchanged, like distance values for a distance sensor
  * **Parameters**: This is data that is used to check and configure the device, e.g., with serial number, or threshold values

===== Enable power =====

To communicate with the device, you need to apply port power by clicking the “Power ON” button. Please not that this activity will take a short time to be completed.

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:power-1.png?500&direct}}

When power is emabled, the information of the connected device is visible:

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:power-2.png?500&direct}}

===== Test the device =====

After enabling power, you can test the device by reading and writing information in the parameter section, e.g. the hardware and firmware revision:

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:test-1.png?500&direct}}

You can also exchange process data (the data might not be complete on the first click):{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:test-2.png?500&direct}}

If the device has process data OUT (data from the Pinebox to the device), the values can be set in the corresponding section. You can also auto-update the process data cyclically with the switch on the top of the page:

{{:pinebox:manual:2_getting-started:test-3.png?500&direct}}

<WRAP center round tip 60%>
Congratulations! You just finished configuring the first device on the Pinebox!
</WRAP>