I am currently facing an issue with my vessel's water-tight door system, which was manufactured in China by a company that is no longer in operation. The system consists of 7 doors, each equipped with its own Fatek PLC for operation. These PLCs are connected to a display unit on the bridge with LEDs and buttons. Additionally, there is a panel in the Engine Room that displays door statuses. Although we have a backup of the door PLC codes, the PLCs in the bridge and Engine Room are password protected, and we are unable to access the passwords. I have successfully created the PLC code for the doors and set up the necessary links in the Link table. However, there seems to be an issue with the communication setup between the PLCs, as the system is not functioning as expected. The door PLC codes are the same, with only the station IDs varying from 1 to 7 for the doors, 8 for the Engine Room PLC, and 9 for the bridge PLC. I have provided all the necessary software files with the updated Bridge PLC code. I would appreciate it if someone could review the setup and identify any communication issues that may be present. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Keywords: vessel, water-tight door system, China, Fatek PLC, display unit, bridge, Engine Room, password protected, communication setup, station IDs, software, review, assistance.
What are the most frequently used communication modules in PLCs for data exchange and networking?
Hello, I would like to inquire about the communication between the 9 Bridge PLC acting as the 'Master' and the slave PLCs connected through the link tables you have set up. Can you verify if data exchange is occurring successfully with all slave PLCs? Furthermore, I am interested in understanding the rationale behind incorporating 118 data exchanging words in the Link table. Could you provide some insights on this? Please refer to the attached image for instructions to install M150, M151, and M152. Kindly provide feedback on the outcomes of this installation.
Hello, Thank you for your response. I have been focusing on establishing basic functionality and have not fully explored an additional function yet. Each alarm on every door is transmitted back to the main PLC, and a modbus NMEA string is sent to the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR). Although I am unsure of the structure of the string at this time, I believe it is important to include all necessary information so that I can properly configure it once I have more details. I will be visiting the vessel today to test and troubleshoot, and will make sure to implement your suggestions and provide an update afterwards. Thank you once again. Best regards, Brendan
AB2005 inquired about the data exchange between the 'Master' 9 Bridge PLC and the slave PLCs connected via link tables. Could you please confirm if data is successfully being exchanged with all slave PLCs? Additionally, could you provide insights on why there are 118 data exchanging words in the Link table? Please refer to the attached picture for the installation of M150, M151, and M152, and share the outcomes. I recently discovered that the 7 slave PLCs for each door had conflicting Modbus addresses, and the PLC code for door 3 was different from the rest, causing corruption in the Link Table. After removing the extra code, everything is now functioning smoothly. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, Brendan
It sounds like you've put a lot of work into diagnosing this issue. Going off what you've described, the first place I'd look into is the communication protocol you're using between different PLCs. It's possible that a mismatch in communication protocols could be causing the problems. Also, it's worth checking the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits. If these configurations don't match across all devices, communication issues can arise. It's also possible the issue could lie in your addressing scheme or data types. I hope this helps and I wish you good luck in solving this problem.
It sounds like you've made substantial progress in overcoming a tricky situation! Based on your description, it seems like the issue may lie in the communication between the different PLCs rather than the code itself (since you've already revised that). First and foremost, I would suggest double-checking your chain of communication - often, issues lie in small details that might have been overlooked during setup. If everything seems order, it could be beneficial to run a diagnostic test on each PLC individually; this will help identify if there is a specific station causing the problem. Lastly, regarding the password issue, you may want to consult an industrial automation expert or a cybersecurity specialist who might offer you solutions. Looking forward to hearing about your progress!
Hi there, your situation indeed sounds quite challenging. Based on what you've described, it seems like the issue lies primarily in the communication between the PLCs. If you've already setup links in the Link Table, then I'd suggest rechecking it to ensure that all the station IDs are assigned correctly. It's also crucial to ensure that all hardwired connections are in good order, as faulty cabling can often cause such integration issues. Since you're dealing with the now-defunct manufacturer's PLC, I'd recommend checking local regulations or contacting a professional specialized in such systems. Some firms provide specialized support for obsolete or discontinued equipment, which might be of use in your scenario. Good luck!
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Answer: - To troubleshoot communication issues in a Fatek PLC water-tight door system on a vessel, you should first ensure that all PLCs are properly connected and configured. Check the wiring, settings, and communication protocols to identify any potential issues.
Answer: - If you are unable to access the password-protected Fatek PLCs on your vessel's water-tight door system, you may need to contact a professional with expertise in Fatek PLC programming to help reset the passwords or troubleshoot the system.
Answer: - Having consistent door PLC codes and varying station IDs is crucial for the proper operation of a water-tight door system on a vessel. This setup helps differentiate between the different doors and PLCs, ensuring that each component functions correctly within the system.
Answer: - The display unit on the bridge plays a vital role in monitoring and controlling the water-tight door system on a vessel. It provides real-time feedback on the status
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