General Notes on GX IEC / FX PLC Ethernet Setup
8th July 2012
Before you can use Desktop.SCADA in Ethernet mode and connect to a suitably equipped FX PLC Ethernet module you will have to configure the Ethernet module with the Mitsubishi supplied programming tools.
As an aside, if you do fit an Ethernet module you can simultaneously program the PLC device, connect it to a HMI and also interface to it with a 3rd party app, for example; Desktop.SCADA.
GX IEC 7.04
After installing GX IEC Developer (FX PLC programming tool) and connecting the USB cable to the port on the front of the FX3x you will be prompted to locate a driver.
Point the “New Hardware Found” wizard to:- C:\MELSEC\Easysocket\USBDrivers
You will need FX Configurator-EN; also installed from the GX IEC Installation disc; in order to configure the external Ethernet Adapter (FX3U-ENET) when fitted to the RHS of the PLC module.
(At the time of writing, I understand that the procedure for FX-ENET-ADP type modules may be different, as GX Works 2 will include inbuilt support for configuring the ADP module from the programming tool. GX Works 2 FX is due for release July 2012 in the UK.)
Using FX Configurator-EN
Note that there are a mile of conceivable uses for the ENET module; what I describe here are only those settings pertinent for use with Desktop.SCADA and remote Ethernet based programming of the target PLC.
Start the configuration utility;
Step 1. Choose [Transfer Setup]
In the first instance, before you can subsequently connect to the PLC via Ethernet, you will need to program the ENET module via the PLC. In this example we’re going in through the in-built USB connector on the front of a FX3G; if you are going via a GT Series HMI then choose “USB (GOT Transparent Mode)”.
Configure as shown above then press the [Connection Test] button to check the Comms. As mentioned, once you have configured the ENET module the first time you may subsequently use the “(o) Ethernet Board” option as shown above. Press [Ok] and [Ok] to finish.
2. Now the “Ethernet Module Settings” must be configured.
First of all set the “Module None” to “Module 0”. Then press the [Operational Settings] link button.
Configure as shown above. (Note: Desktop.SCADA uses ASCII mode, hence the reason for that choice.)
3. Click “Open Settings” These parameters will define what channels of communication are available to the PLC via the Ethernet Module.
In the example above:-
- TCP. Melsoft Connection. This permits programming of the device via Ethernet
- TCP. Unpassive. Receive. MC Protocol on Port 2000. This is for Desktop.SCADA (or other)
- TCP. Unpassive. Send. MC Protocol on Port 2000. This is for Desktop.SCADA (or other)
Where Port 2000 is chosen by yourself. Desktop.SCADA will need configured to target this port also.
That’s it; If you’re using a local switch/hub to connect to the PLC. However, if you are using a company Intranet and a router, then also press the “Router Relay Parameter” link button and configure as follows:-
4. “Router Relay Parameter”
Just configure a router address and a subnet mask.
Press [End] when done.
Finally, press the [Write] button on the main form to download these parameter settings to the Ethernet module via the PLC. Follow the simple prompts that follow to complete this action.
You should PING the Ethernet module once it is configured. Windows > Run > CMD > ping 192.10.200.200 for example to make sure everything is working ok.
NOTE: Your host PC (the PC you are working from) MUST be within the same SUBNET address space as the PLC Ethernet module; otherwise your PLC will NOT respond.
This information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
© XML Control 2012