Troubleshooting CompactLogix IP Configuration Issue After Activating MSG Instruction

Question:

As a novice in PLC programming, I apologize if my questions may not be advanced. I am currently using a CompactLogix L32E PLC connected to a PanelView, distributed I/Os, PowerFlex, and my PC via an ethernet switch. Initially, all components had preconfigured IP addresses and were functioning smoothly until I unintentionally activated a pre-downloaded instruction within the PLC. Consequently, I am unable to locate my PLC on the network. The problematic instruction I activated was a MSG with the following configurations: Message Type: CIP Generic Service Code: 10 Class: f5 Instance: 1 Attribute: 5 Source Element: IP_address[0] Source Length: 22 The Source element array used includes the integers 11-88-640-1-1-1, with the remaining array filled with "0". I am unsure of the exact impact of this instruction and how to restore communication between the PLC and other devices. The previous address of the PLC was 10.0.2.170. Any insights on resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Top Replies

This mechanism used is quite advanced! The message has successfully set the IP address of the CompactLogix to the default address of 192.168.1.1, along with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. To revert the CompactLogix back to its original settings, you can either connect a PC with a similar IP address within the 192.168.1.x subnet or connect to the serial port of the CompactLogix. In RSLinx, simply navigate to the CompactLogix Ethernet interface module, right-click, and choose "Configure Module" to adjust the IP address accordingly.

Can you explain the process to me in detail? I am highly interested. I had no idea that coding could allow a message to determine the IP address.

Many thanks, Ken, for your guidance. I am pleased to report that everything unfolded exactly as you had predicted.

Ken, can you please explain to me how this process works? I am extremely curious as I had no idea that coding could achieve this. It's fascinating that a message can set the IP address. I would love to learn more about it. Any recent developments on this topic?

Greetings xGlory7! It's great to have you join the PLCTalk forum community. This particular thread dates back to September 2010, and a lot has changed in the world of Rockwell automation in the 13+ years since then. Rockwell has introduced new platforms such as the 5380 and 5580, which come with more advanced TCP/IP capabilities like selectable DLR ring versus independent configuration. The original query posed was about recovering from an MSG instruction that had overridden the IP address. The solution provided was to connect with RSLinx Classic and utilize the Device Configuration feature to reset the IP address to the desired setting. If you have any other specific questions regarding configuring IP addresses on Rockwell controllers programmatically, feel free to navigate back to the main Q&A section and kickstart a new discussion by clicking on the shiny orange New Thread button. Let's delve deeper into your unique equipment and inquiries.

It seems you've inadvertently changed the IP address of your PLC with the MSG instruction you activated, which would explain why you can't find it on your network now. The array you've mentioned (11-88-640-1-1-1) looks like it might be a CIP path but without knowing the exact details of your config, it's quite hard to say what it may have been changed to. My suggestion would be to temporarily connect your PLC directly to your PC and use software like RSLinx or BootP-DHCP tool to scan and change the IP address back to 10.0.2.170. For the future, it's best to avoid using instructions without a firm grasp of their implications, especially if you're dealing with network parameters. Good luck!

No need to apologize, we all start somewhere in PLC programming and your question is perfectly valid. From the configuration you provided, it seems like the MSG instruction you activated may have changed the IP address of your PLC. The Source Element array essentially positions an IP address equivalent in decimal format. For your PLC's original IP address, these integers should have been 10-0-2-170. However, if the array elements 11-88-640-1-1-1 inadvertently got written into the PLC's address, it might have attempted to switch to an infeasible IP address, causing it to drop off your network. Try resetting your PLC to factory settings if it's an option, and re-enter the correct network configuration manually. Always remember to triple check before downloading instructions into a live controller.

Hey there! No need to apologize, we all start somewhere. It sounds like this could be a mismatch between your PLC IP address and the MSG instruction IP address. The MSG instruction possibly changed the IP address of your PLC, hence why it might have gone invisible to your network. What I would suggest doing first is to perform a reset on the PLC to its factory settings - this should revert its IP back to 10.0.2.170. If you can't physically reset it, you might need to get a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, connect your PC directly to the PLC, and manually set your PC's IP to a compatible address. Once you're connected, use the BootP-DHCP tool to reset the PLC's IP address. Moving forward, be cautious when working with MSG instructions as they can change the communication parameters of your PLC. Good luck!

It sounds like you've run into a tricky situation, but don't worry; it happens to a lot of us! The MSG instruction you activated might have altered the PLC's IP address if the data you sent was interpreted as a new configuration. To resolve this, you might want to try connecting to the PLC using the RSLogix 5000 software and see if it allows you to access the controller directly through its default IP address or via a direct USB or serial connection (if applicable). If you can get in, check the current IP address settings and restore them to what they were before. Alternatively, if that doesn’t work, consider using Ethernet/IP to discover the device using the Rockwell Studio tools, which might help you identify the current IP address it’s on. Good luck!

More Replies β†’

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

βœ…   Work Order Management

βœ…   Asset Tracking

βœ…   Preventive Maintenance

βœ…   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be the impact of activating the MSG instruction with the provided configurations on a CompactLogix PLC?

Answer: - Activating the MSG instruction with the specified configurations could potentially disrupt network communication by changing the IP address or network settings of the PLC.

FAQ: 2. How can I restore communication between my CompactLogix PLC and other devices after activating the problematic MSG instruction?

Answer: - To restore communication, you may need to check and adjust the IP configuration of the PLC to match the previous address (10.0.2.170) or the original network settings.

FAQ: 3. What steps can I take to troubleshoot the IP configuration issue on a CompactLogix PLC?

Answer: - You can start by reviewing the network settings on the PLC, checking the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and ensuring they match the network requirements. You may also need to verify the configuration of the MSG instruction and its impact on network communication.

FAQ: 4. Is there a way to reset the IP configuration on a CompactLogix PLC to its default settings?

Answer: - Depending on the model of the CompactLogix PLC, there may be a way to reset the IP configuration to factory defaults. Refer to the user manual or documentation for specific instructions on how to perform an IP reset.

FAQ: 5. How can I prevent unintentional network configuration issues when working with PLC programming on a CompactLogix system?

Answer: - To avoid unintention

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  β†’