FAQ: Is it possible to configure a LEGEND-MC to communicate with a 3rd party PLC over Ethernet TCP/IP with Modbus protocol?
Breadcrumb
Contact Us
contactUsAction
The following is a description of the setup:
HARDWARE SETUP:
- The MP920 Rack system uses a 218 ethernet I/F module with an ethernet 10Base-T RJ45 Transceiver module (Model E-TBT-MC02 made by Transition networks). Essentially, the MP920 represents any third party PLC that can communicate Modbus over TCP/IP Ethernet.
(Alternate Transceiver module available from Focus Networks (www.signamax.com) part number 065-2160, description 10BaseT RJ45 Ethernet Transceiver module for $33.00 - Call CSC in Chicago @ 800-446-2377.)
- The 218If module also needs a +12VDC power supply, a wall mount supply is sufficient for testing.
- The LEGEND-MC, MP920 System, and PC are all linked together via a DS108 Dual Speed 8-port hub made by Netgear. Category 5e ethernet patch cables by Belkin (Model: R7J304 4 pair 24 awg) were used for interconnection.
- The system is physically connected and verified for connection at the HUB: Hub is connected to the building network via port#8 with the uplink engaged and receive LED blinking. PC connected @ port#1 shows 100M LED ON. LEGEND-MC connected at port#2 shows 10M LED ON. MP920 218 connected at port#3 shows 10M LED ON.
For additional information on obtaining 3rd party hardware for this setup see this FAQ
CONFIGURATION:
- In this set-up, it is important to point out that the LEGEND-MC will be the master on the network, controlling data transfer to and from the MP920 or PLC over ethernet. The limitation in this configuration is 8 handles in each master LEGEND-MC and 8 handles in each MP920 (and a master typically requires two handles for a connection to a slave).
- The PC is set up as IP address 192.168.1.21
- To set up the MP920, it will be necessary to first expand the MP920 program, "Cpu1.zip", into a temporary directory from Windows Explorer. Next, from MW, using the standard CP Ladder editor, create a new MP920 CPU. Lastly, from Windows Explorer copy the folders under the CPU1 temporary directory from above and paste them into the C:\YEToos\Cp717Usr\.... (make sure to select the proper order and controller folders).
- The MP920 program attached is configured for station IP address 192.168.1.200 via software port (which is the standard port for Modbus), and utilizes a modbus function block in the low speed ladder L01. At this point, it should be possible to log into the MP920 controller via MW and find the L01 drawing with the function block as described (see attachment below). Note that this example shows its usage in the CP ladder editor. When online, do a full transfer from HD to CPU. Then, cycle power on the MP920 system.
- To verify a connection, it is possible to use the "PING" utility from the MSDOS prompt (see below for example of a successful response to a PING command on the MP920 IP address). Note: if the MP920 is not responding, it may be necessary to cycle power on the system.
- The SMC3010 is set up as IP address 192.168.1.29 and assigns the MP920 connection on handle E. This is defined in the attached setup program, "Tcpmtst1.smc". From YTERM, connect to the LEGEND-MC, download the program, and execute it with the XQ command. Pay special attention to the messages on the screen. TC1 will also indicate any problems.
- To verify that the handle E connection has been made, an ethernet utility "Vcomm" is available from the YTerm installation CD. Launching this program will connect to the LEGEND-MC (use IP address 192.168.1.29 as indicated above). Verify the data is similar to that shown in the "Vcomm alpha" example window attached below.
RUNNING THE PROGRAM:
- The attached program, "Tcpmtst2.smc", is a test progam to write registers (6 registers starting from MW00000) over TCP Modbus from the LEGEND-MC to the MP920, and then read them back out again. After downloading and executing this program, verification of variables VAR10, 11, 12, 13, 14 should read the same as those set in VAR0,1,2,3,4.
To monitor the data from the MP920, simply verify via the "Register List" in MW. Note that the first 4 are 16-bit words and should be monitored as MW registers and the last one is 32-bit long and should be monitored as an ML register.
See attached .PDF file for further information (Diagrams).
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF FAQ INFORMATION!
Please read and understand the product instruction manual before installing, servicing or operating Yaskawa products. FAQ content and illustrations are provided as technical advice to augment the information in manual, not supersede it. It is not possible to give detailed instructions for all types of installation or support activities. The information described in the FAQs are subject to change without notice to improve the product or FAQ. Yaskawa assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or damages resulting from the use of the information contained in any FAQ. All warnings, cautions and product instruction for product use must be followed. Installation, operation and maintenance should be carried out by qualified personnel. Failure to observe these and other precautions highlighted in the product manuals will expose the user to high voltages resulting in, serious injury or death. Qualified personnel are defined as individuals who are familiar with the installation, starting, operation and maintenance of Yaskawa products of the type described and have proper qualifications to perform the work.
Phone
If you have an urgent request, please call: 1-800-YASKAWA (927-5292) or 1-847-887-7000.Electronically
To contact us electronically, please select your type of request and complete the form.Yaskawa America, Inc. - Drives & Motion Division
2121 Norman Drive South
Waukegan, IL 60085