Troubleshooting PLC Control Panel Issues in Nigerias 25,000 Ton Grain Silo: Could a Faulty H2-ECOM Module be to Blame?

Question:

Hello, I am a PLC engineer currently working on troubleshooting the control panel for a 25,000 ton grain storage silo in Nigeria. I have encountered an issue where the panel is not functioning correctly. Upon further investigation, I discovered that inserting the H2-ECOM ethernet module into the first rack causes the CPU run light indicator to turn off, and pressing any motor start button on the HMI does not elicit a response. Even after removing the ethernet module, the motors remain unresponsive when operated from the HMI. Could a faulty H2-ECOM module be causing the lack of motor response from the HMI? Despite receiving feedback beeps when interacting with the HMI, the buttons do not change colors to indicate functionality. Is there a connection between the ethernet port and HMI control over the PLC system? The HMI is connected to the PLC via a serial cable, and while the system accepts the input override pin, pressing buttons on the HMI does not trigger any action. Considering the HMI's connection to a hub, which in turn connects to the ethernet port on the first rack, I suspect the issue may lie with the faulty ethernet port. This may be the reason why the HMI is unable to effectively control the PLC system.

Top Replies

Hello, Donetop. Are you using the H2-ECOM with an Automation Direct PLC? Please provide details of the specific hardware being used. What is your role in this project? Do you have access to the PLC program? Who originally programmed the PLC? Donetop has discovered through troubleshooting that inserting the H2-ECOM ethernet module into the first rack in its original position causes the CPU's run light indicator to turn off. Are you currently installing or removing the H2-ECOM module? If you are unfamiliar with AD PLCs, it is likely that you need to update the hardware configuration in the PLC program to match the physical hardware. Troubleshooting these issues may be best done online, but you will need the original PLC program to do so effectively.

Yes, definitely, a faulty H2-ECOM module could cause such issues. It looks like your HMI is not communicating correctly with the rest of the system due to the issues at the Ethernet port. I'd recommend checking the Ethernet communication from the HMI to the PLC once the module is removed. If your CPU indicator turns off when plugging in the Ethernet module, it suggests the CPU is most likely going into stop mode and thus, the start button on your HMI doesn't elicit a response. It might not necessarily mean the H2-ECOM is at fault, but rather there's an IP or protocol conflict putting the PLC into stop mode. Try looking at the PLC faults to get a better idea of what it doesn't like when you insert the H2-ECOM. Good luck with troubleshooting your control panel!

It does indeed sound like the H2-ECOM module may be at fault here. Although the HMI is not directly connected to the ethernet port, any disruptions in the port due to a faulty module - especially one seated on the first rack - could interfere with the overall network traffic, causing the HMI to lose control over the PLC. I would recommend testing the H2-ECOM module on a different rack and trying a different ethernet module on the first rack to isolate if that is the problem. If the system works properly then, it's likely the H2-ECOM, not ethernet port, is causing the issue. Also, ensure your HMI and PLC's communication settings are correctly configured after adding or changing devices on network.

Hi, you're on the right thinking path. The H2-ECOM module could indeed be at fault here particularly if your system setup requires the H2-ECOM to communicate data between the PLC and your HMI through an Ethernet connection. Although the HMI connects via a serial cable, if there's some form of protocol translation occurring through the hub and the Ethernet port, a faulty H2-ECOM could disrupt that process resulting in the HMI not properly executing the control commands. Before replacing the module, you may want to first isolate the issue by testing the module on another rack or with different PLCs. Also, check the LEDs on the Ethernet module or try to ping it to help further diagnose the problem.

More Replies →

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

✅   Work Order Management

✅   Asset Tracking

✅   Preventive Maintenance

✅   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. Could a faulty H2-ECOM module be the reason for the lack of motor response from the HMI?

Answer: Answer: Yes, it is possible that a faulty H2-ECOM module could be causing the issue, especially if inserting it into the first rack causes the CPU run light indicator to turn off and the motors to remain unresponsive.

FAQ: 2. Why do the buttons on the HMI not change colors to indicate functionality, even though feedback beeps are received?

Answer: Answer: This could be due to a possible connection issue between the ethernet port and HMI control over the PLC system, which may be impacting the communication and functionality of the buttons on the HMI.

FAQ: 3. Is there a relationship between the HMI's connection to a hub, the ethernet port on the first rack, and the control of the PLC system?

Answer: Answer: Yes, there is a connection between these components. The HMI is connected to the PLC via a serial cable, and the hub connects to the ethernet port on the first rack, which may be affecting the HMI's ability to effectively control the PLC system.

FAQ: 4. What could be the reason for the system accepting the input override pin but not triggering any action when buttons on the HMI are pressed?

Answer: Answer: The issue may lie with a faulty ethernet port, particularly the one connecting the HMI to the PLC system, which could be hindering the communication and

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  â†’