Troubleshooting RFID Reader Communication Issues with Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES PLC

Question:

I am utilizing a PLC Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES with an RFID reader to read values from tag cards exclusively. However, the reader is currently unresponsive, possibly due to issues with its RS232 communication using the ladder RS2 command. What could be causing this lack of response?

Top Replies

Consider sharing detailed code snippets and settings for the 232 card, along with the specific protocol utilized by the RFID technology. This information can provide valuable insights for troubleshooting and optimizing the system's performance.

parky recommended sharing the code, settings, and protocol used by the 232 card and RFID device. While I'm not certain about the code, I do have information on the RFID protocol. Would you mind expanding on that, please?

As a novice in this field of study, I have limited knowledge of RS232 communication.

The location of the send data bit set M8561 is unclear. It seems like you may be attempting to send data too quickly with a 10ms clock. Additionally, it appears that you are moving data twice to the same bit D200 onwards, which doesn't make sense as the data is overwritten in the next scan of the PLC. To properly send a request, follow these steps: STX, Start Address, Number of Bytes, BCC, LFCR, then wait for the response (ACK or NAK), Data, BCC, LFCR. Reset the RX bit before setting the send bit again. It is assumed that the 232-BD board is being used. To test communication, set the data, trigger, and manually send the request once to see if you receive a reply or a NAK. It is important to establish communication before making repeat requests. Ensure the BCC calculation method is correct before sending the data.

In the initial feedback, Parky inquired about the location of the set send data bit M8561. It appears that there may be a confusion in the data transfer process, with the 10ms clock speed being considered too fast. Additionally, the data seems to be moved twice to the same location, which could be causing issues in PLC scanning. To ensure smooth communication, it is recommended to follow a specific protocol of sending a request (STX, Start Address, Number of Bytes, BCC, LFCR), waiting for a response (ACK or NAK, Data, BCC, LFCR), and resetting the RX bit before sending again. It is assumed that the 232-BD board is being used for this process. For troubleshooting, it is suggested to manually trigger a data request and observe the response before attempting any repeated requests. It would also be beneficial to clarify the method used for calculating the BCC before sending the data. Regarding the M8561 bit insertion and removal, it was initially thought to be related to data reception or writing. The FX5-232ADP module handles the setting of byte numbers. As for reading RFID tags, a structured example or suggestions would be greatly appreciated for further guidance. Any insights or examples provided would be of great help. Thank you for your assistance.

Hey there, it looks like you have quite a puzzle on your hands! When it comes to the Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES PLC and your RFID reader, issues can often be traced back to the communication parameters. Have you ensured that the baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity on your PLC match the configuration of your RFID reader? Also, ensure there's no interference or bad wiring on your RS232 cable. If it's done right, the RXD and TXD should be communicating effectively with the reader and PLC respectively. Finally, check that your ladder RS2 command isn't encountering an error mid-operation, as it might stop it from responding and could well be the hidden culprit here.

You may need to check if both the baud rate and data format match on your PLC and RFID reader. RS232 communication can be rather finicky and require specific settings for successful connectivity. Also, ensure the correct COM port is in use. Sometimes, if the RFID reader isn’t powered correctly it can cause such issues. If everything seems perfectly fine with your settings and power supply, there could be a possibility of a faulty RS232 cable. Try switching it out to rule out that possibility.

It sounds like you're on the right track investigating the RS232 communication, but I'd suggest checking a few key things: first, ensure that the wiring is solid and correctly configured, as poor connections can often lead to communication issues. Double-check the baud rate and settings on both the RFID reader and PLC to make sure they match—mismatched configurations are a common culprit. Also, try using a basic loopback test on the RS232 line to confirm that there’s no hardware failure with the PLC or reader. If you have access to a terminal program, that could help you see if any data is actually being sent or received. Good luck!

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating issue with your RFID setup! There are a few potential culprits for the unresponsive reader; first, double-check your RS232 connections—ensure that the wiring is secure and that you're using the correct cable type. Also, verify the settings on both the PLC and RFID reader for baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as mismatches can lead to communication failures. If those look correct, you might want to test the reader separately with a terminal emulator to rule out hardware issues. Lastly, make sure the power supply to the RFID reader is stable, as power fluctuations could interrupt communication. Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Why is my RFID reader unresponsive when connected to a Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES PLC? - The lack of response from the RFID reader could be due to issues with its RS232 communication using the ladder RS2 command. Ensure that the communication settings (baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity) on both the PLC and the RFID reader are correctly configured and matching.

FAQ: 2. How can I troubleshoot communication issues between the RFID reader and the PLC?

Answer: - To troubleshoot communication issues, check the physical connections between the RFID reader and the PLC, verify the communication settings, test different communication cables, and monitor the communication status indicators on both devices.

FAQ: 3. What steps can I take to resolve RS232 communication problems with the Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES PLC?

Answer: - To resolve RS232 communication problems, double-check the ladder RS2 command configuration in the PLC program, ensure proper grounding of the devices, check for any hardware faults, and consider testing the communication with a different device to isolate the issue.

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