Setting up a Machine Tending Application with CNC as Ethernet I/P Adapter and AB PLC as Scanner

Question:

Hello, I am seeking assistance with setting up a machine tending application involving configuring a CNC as an Ethernet I/P adapter and an AB PLC as a scanner. While I have a basic understanding of the process, implementing it through Sycon.net has been challenging. I have followed a manual from the CNC manufacturer, but it assumes a certain level of experience halfway through, making it difficult for me to proceed. I have successfully configured a COMX100 gateway to my machine and can ping it with the USB and Ethernet cables connected to my PC. However, I am now at a point where I need to import an EDS file for adapter settings. I am confused about whether I actually need this file since I already have adapter profiles listed. Additionally, the manual includes a section on configuring an EthernetIP Master, which I did not set up initially. Could someone explain the necessary components of my network setup? Will my final project include a gateway, a master, and an adapter hanging from the master? What should the configuration settings be for the Master - should it have the same IP address as my PLC, for example? Is the Adapter module's IP the same as the gateway or the machine's IP address? I am eager to learn and succeed in this project, so any guidance from this community would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Top Replies

Learning how to navigate the Hilscher gateways and devices with Sycon can be a bit challenging at first, as you try to understand the functions of each pane. It has been some time since I last set up Sycon on a virtual machine, so I am unable to provide sample screenshots at this moment. If you are using a COMX100, it is important to note that there is only one network fieldbus connection configuration available - the EtherNet/IP Adapter mode, with the other side being the dual-port memory, rather than another fieldbus. It is possible that there may be a misconfiguration in Sycon where it is being set up as an EtherNet/IP Scanner for the COMX100, which is incorrect. The A-B controller should be the "Scanner" or "Originator", while the COMX100 serves as an Adapter only. When setting up the COMX100, the IP address is the only one you need to focus on; you do not need to specify the IP address of the Scanner to the Adapter.

Thank you for responding. I believe there may be some errors in my process, even though I am following the CNC's procedure, which has been translated multiple times from Japanese. Today, I will be referring to Hilscher's configuration manual to set up accordingly. I have a query regarding Hilscher's manual, which presents two scenarios: Adapter DTM at the Root-Line (Stand-Alone Slave) and Adapter DTM at the Scanner busline. Can you advise me on which one to prioritize or focus on? The CNC's manual suggests setting up a gateway at the root-line, followed by adding a Master and an adapter module on the master's line, which is quite confusing for me.

Sure, I'd be happy to help! To start, the Ethernet I/P adapter is your CNC machine, and the AB PLC controller is your scanner or master. In most EIP networks, the master/scanner coordinates the communication and the adapter/slave provides the data. An EDS file is a simple text-things file used by network configuration tools to help you identify products and easily commission them on a network. If your adapter profiles are already listed and accurate, you might not need to import another EDS unless it provides essential information missing from the current profile. In regards to configuration, your Master (PLC) should have an unique IP address. It should be on the same subnet as your adapter (CNC machine) however, it should not have the same exact IP. The same goes for the adapter module: it should have a unique IP, different from the controller (master) and the gateway. Your Gateway is simply allowing communication between devices - it also needs a unique IP. The typical topology setup will be: Gateway - Master (PLC Scanner) - Adapter (CNC machine). I hope this clarifies things a bit. Enjoy your project!

Hey there! It definitely sounds like you're on the right track. To break things down, the gateway acts as a translator between the Ethernet IP network and your CNC machine. Your final setup will indeed include a gateway, a master (AB PLC in your case), and the adapter (CNC machine). The Master and adapter should have different IP addresses, otherwise you might run into problems. Yes, you will need the EDS file to define the data structure, which the gateway uses to exchange I/O between the Master and adapter. It is necessary even if you already have adapter profiles listed, as its purpose is to simplify setup and maintenance. As for the IP addresses, the Ethernet IP Master (PLC) typically doesn't have the same IP as your gateway. Each device on a network should have a unique IP address to avoid conflicts. Ensure the adapter module's IP is not the same as the gateway or the machine's IP address. You might also need to make sure that your Gateway, Master and Adapter are in the same subnet (i.e., the first three segments of their IP addresses are the same). Don't hesitate to ask if you need more details. This stuff can be complex, but you're learning fast, and I'm sure you'll nail your project!

Hi, it sounds like you're making good progress with your project! Regarding your network setup, you're right about the three components - a gateway, a master, and an adapter hanging from the master. Each of these components typically requires a unique IP address, so your Master should not have the same IP address as your PLC. The Adapter module's IP address should be unique and can be either the gateway or machine's IP depending on your network topology. Concerning the EDS file, it's mostly required to ensure correct configuration and diagnosis. The adapter profiles that you see are essentially placeholders until an EDS file is imported for the specific adapter. Furthermore, you likely need to set up an EthernetIP Master if it's mentioned in the manual. Remember, referring to the manual of the specific gateway, PLC, and machine you're using can contain valuable information related to your setup. You're doing well, keep going!

It sounds like you're making good progress! For your setup, you definitely need a clear structure: the gateway should act as the bridge between your PLC (the master) and the CNC (the adapter). Typically, the master and the adapter should have unique IP addresses within the same subnet to avoid conflicts; the PLC's IP address will be different from the gateway's. Regarding the EDS file, it's often necessary to ensure your controller can accurately communicate with the adapter, especially if there are specific settings you need to implement that aren't covered by the predefined profiles. I recommend double-checking the manufacturer's documentation to see if they provide an updated EDS file or any specific configurations for the gateway. Don't hesitate to dive into the community forums for any specific issues or examples, as many have likely faced similar challenges! Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Do I need to import an EDS file for adapter settings when setting up a machine tending application with a CNC as an Ethernet I/P adapter and an AB PLC as a scanner? - It is recommended to import an EDS file for adapter settings to ensure proper configuration and compatibility.

FAQ: 2. What are the necessary components of the network setup for this project?

Answer: - The network setup will typically include a gateway, a master (PLC), and an adapter connected to the master.

FAQ: 3. What should be the configuration settings for the Master (PLC) in this setup?

Answer: - The Master (PLC) should have its own unique IP address, which may or may not be the same as the CNC or other devices on the network.

FAQ: 4. Should the Adapter module's IP address be the same as the gateway or the machine's IP address?

Answer: - The Adapter module's IP address should typically be different from both the gateway and the machine's IP address to ensure proper communication within the network.

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