I am looking to establish communication between two CompactLogix controllers using a MSG instruction. I am curious to know if the built-in Ethernet connection in the processor supports communication or if an external Ethernet module is required. Both PLCs will be connected to an Ethernet switch for networking purposes.
For effective communication between PLCs on a shared network, it is essential that each device has a distinct IP address and is properly subnetted. This allows for seamless messaging between the devices.
To enhance communication between PLCs, consider setting up Produced/Consumed tags. To do this, add both PLCs to each other's IO trees and create identical tags in each PLC. For more information, refer to the user manual. This process improves data exchange and efficiency in industrial automation systems.
That's fantastic news - it means we won't need to include an Ethernet module! Also, I'm wondering if I need to consistently add the additional PLC to the IO tree while utilizing the MSG instruction.
When sending a message, there is no need to include anything in the tree. The main benefit of including a PLC in the tree is the simplification of the pathway. Personally, I refrain from adding PLCs to the tree when simply sending a message.
Many CompactLogix models are limited to the onboard Ethernet port and do not support adding another Ethernet module, with a couple of exceptions being the 1768-L43 and L45. The necessity of adding them to the IO tree typically arises when utilizing Produced/Consumed data functionality.
You can indeed use the built-in Ethernet connection on the CompactLogix processors for communication between two controllers. The MSG instruction can facilitate such communication over Ethernet/IP. Just ensure your controllers are configured correctly with unique IP addresses and that they're connected to the same network via your Ethernet switch. An external Ethernet module is not necessary unless you have specific additional requirements. Remember that having an accurate synchronization of the controller's clocks may be beneficial depending on your application.
You can absolutely use the built-in Ethernet ports on your CompactLogix controllers for communication with MSG instructions. There's no need for an additional external Ethernet module. The crucial part is configuring the communication path properly in your program. Make sure both PLCs are on the same network and their respective IP addresses are correctly specified in the communication path of your MSG instruction. The Ethernet switch should handle the rest.
In my experience, you don't need an external Ethernet module as the built-in Ethernet port on the CompactLogix processors should suffice for the MSG communication. Just ensure the configuration settings, such as the IP addresses and communication path, are set up correctly in each PLC, and you should be able to establish communication through the Ethernet switch. If it's your first time, it might be a little complicated but thankfully there are plenty tutorials online that can guide you through the process.
You can definitely use the built-in Ethernet ports on the CompactLogix controllers to establish communication via the MSG instruction—no need for an external module! Just ensure both controllers are on the same subnet and that you configure your MSG instruction correctly. As a tip, don’t forget to check firewall settings if you run into any connection issues. Happy programming!
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Answer: 1. Do CompactLogix controllers support communication between each other using MSG instruction? - Yes, CompactLogix controllers can communicate with each other using the MSG instruction.
Answer: - Yes, the built-in Ethernet connection in the CompactLogix processor supports communication between controllers.
Answer: - No, an external Ethernet module is not required as the built-in Ethernet connection can be used for communication.
Answer: - Yes, both PLCs can be connected to an Ethernet switch for networking purposes.
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