Hello everyone, I specialize in mobile application development and recently created a client-side mobile app that communicates with a PLC to read and write data. The PLC is connected to a server/computer, and I am looking to develop server-side code to facilitate communication between my mobile app and the PLC. I know that using the Modbus protocol is essential for this task, and I have identified the register addresses on the PLC where data needs to be updated. I am seeking recommendations for books, resources, and industry terminology that can help me improve my understanding and successfully complete this project. While I do not have extensive knowledge of hardware or PLCs, I am committed to learning and overcoming any complexities associated with developing a server-side program for a PLC. Any guidance and assistance provided would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
If you are looking for technical resources related to Modbus, you can visit the Modbus Organization website. Additionally, there are numerous Modbus projects available on Github for reference. Many Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have built-in instructions that support the Modbus server-side protocol. When selecting a PLC for your project, consider whether you want the server/computer to facilitate communication between a client-side mobile application and the PLC. It is important to clearly define the connections between devices such as PLCs, servers/computers, and mobile devices. Specify the type of connections (e.g. ethernet, wifi, serial RS-232/-485), protocols to be used (e.g. Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet), and designate whether devices will act as clients or servers in each connection.
For optimal performance, it is recommended to utilize an MQTT broker on the server to manage Modbus communications. Mosquitto, a widely-used software tool primarily built on Python, is commonly employed for this purpose.
Understanding the purpose of "server side code" is crucial. To interact with your PLC and access registers for reading and writing, your PLC needs to function as a Modbus server (slave). This means that you will need to develop the client code (master) within your mobile app to communicate with the PLC.
In order to interact with your PLC and read/write registers using Modbus, your PLC needs to act as a Modbus server (slave) while your mobile application serves as the client code (master). It is essential to understand the role of the "server-side code" in this process. Your mobile application sends https requests to a computer connected to the PLC, which acts as a server. This computer/server, connected to the PLC via RS485, may be seen as a black box, making it crucial to understand its functioning.
If you're wondering how to set up web pages on a computer hosting an HTTPS server to showcase data from a linked PLC, this may be better suited for a different platform. Consider researching terms like "web-based SCADA" online for more relevant resources.
Hey there, it's great that you're self-directed and eager to grasp new concepts. I recommend starting with the "Modbus Messaging on TCP/IP Implementation Guide V1.0b" from Modbus-IDA.org, it provides a very comprehensive understanding of the Modbus protocol. For real-time, hands-on experience, you might want to look at using simulation software like Modbus Poll or even a Python library like 'pymodbus' to experiment with creating a server-side program. Additionally, you may want to consider "PLC Programming using RSLogix 5000" by Nathan Clark, as it not only introduces PLC basics but also covers more advanced topics. Webinars and courses from websites like Udemy and Coursera can be quite helpful as well. Remember, learning the lingo and knowing what to create are essential, but understanding why you're doing what you're doing is utmost. Good luck!
Hi there, kudos to you for driving into an area outside of your expertise; that's how great learning is done! I highly recommend the book "Hands-On PLC Programming with RSLogix 500 and LogixPro" by Eman Kamel and Khaled Kamel. It's exceptionally comprehensive and builds your understanding from the ground up. For resources, you may want to check out the PLCdev Tools website and the PLC Talk forum; both are fountainheads of knowledge on this topic. You'll come across terms like Ladder Logic, I/O addressing, HMI etc. quite frequently when working with PLCs. My best advice? Embrace the curiosity and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Happy learning!
Hey there! It’s great to see your enthusiasm for diving into PLC communication with your mobile app. For a solid foundation on Modbus and PLC programming, I recommend "Modbus: The Everyman's Guide to Modbus RTU and TCP" by John Rinaldi, which is beginner-friendly and comprehensive. Also, you might find the "PLC Hardware Design" book by Bill d'Acquisto helpful for understanding the hardware-side a bit better. For practical resources, check out the Modbus Organization’s website for documentation and examples, and don't forget about online forums like Stack Overflow or Reddit’s PLC subreddit for community support when you hit any snags. Good luck with your project—it's an exciting area to explore!
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Answer: Answer: There are various resources available such as books on Modbus protocol, online tutorials, forums, and industry-specific websites that can help you improve your understanding and successfully complete your project.
Answer: Answer: While having some knowledge of hardware and PLCs can be beneficial, it is not always necessary. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you can overcome any complexities associated with developing a server-side program for a PLC.
Answer: Answer: The Modbus protocol is essential for establishing communication between your server-side program and the PLC. It allows for reading and writing data to specific register addresses on the PLC, facilitating effective data exchange.
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