wlederer

I am just starting a new structured project with FX3U from scratch. Think, should start from writing basic programs, functions or function blocks related to equipment to be used. But, what is better to use ST or structured ladder? If ST, where to find related manual for FX3U? I saw some manuals at Mitsubishi site, but they are for Q/L only. Regards, Waldemar

We use Beijer iX for several years. The main advantage is, the iX Developer does support .NET technology. It means You can use a lot of ready solutions published on many existing C# forums. Sometimes, simply copy and paste into script. They use compact and widely spread  SQLite database. GOT offer next to nothing in relation to scripting. Which database they use and how to treat it is not clear. 

Thank You very much Veganic. I will.

Dear Veganic and kaare_t, thank You very much for help. I found and downloaded the  EthernetFX3MC_GW2_V100.sul library. The problem is that another one was found as well:  EthernetFX3QMC_GW2_V100.sul. In the GX Works2 they look different. Which one is correct?. 

Hi Veganic, thank You for the answer. Now I have one FX3u-ENET unit, only. Can FX3u-ENET communicate to FX3u-ENET-P502? Are they compatible? If yes, which protocol should be used?

Thank You very much for information. What about FX3u-ENET-P502?  I need to create link between 2 PLCs (both FX3u). Simply send data (values of 80 registers) in both directions. What is better: serial or Ethernet? If Ethernet, which units, protocols should I use?   

Thank You for the answer. What actually means "similar to C", something from C works, something doesn't? Last year I was asked to write a script for GOT1000. But, because of lack of knowledge how to do it (I could not find much in manuals and forums about GOT scripting) decision was made to migrate to Beijer  iX HMI, where scripting supported much better and You can get extra help from any C# forum.  

Sorry, which language is used for scripting in GOT2000? I remember,  a language similar to C was mentioned in GOT1000 manuals. Is it still the same?

Dear colleagues, several years I programmed Mitsubishi FX using ladder (Simple project in GX Works2). A couple a year ago started to use Structured programming. Sometimes I ask myself: "What is this all headache for?". There is a lot of function blocks, but many of them do not work. Why they are being kept? Periodically, You get some strange compilation errors, You never heard before. Simple task: divide something by something is not as simple by structured project. Now You have to clear PLC memory, each time, before downloading program, because  automatic assignment can do anything. Two projects for FX3u were compared, the same task, one made with ladder, another with structured programming. The last one run about 40% slower and demanded more PLC memory. In theory, the structured programming should save developing time. But, does it really happen?  One Mitsubishi PLC programming trainer told me, that in Japan they don't use the structured. Is it true? What is Your opinion?

Tested Works fine. Thank You.

Dear colleagues, I need to reset values in a range of registers (for example from %MW100 to %MW599) in the Unity Pro. How can I do it with one command? Regards, Waldemar  

Thank You dear Quant. I will try it.

Do You use HMI in Your project? If yes, it may be easier to get ModbusTCP communication through HMI Ethernet port.

Thank You cHud for the answer. Is it possible to tell HMI to look for the text file in SD card (not in internal memory)? It would allow to modify the test procedure  without need to change HMI program. What, actually,  the SD card can be used for in the HMIG3U?

Hi my dear colleagues, I tried to configure data location for the text file used with text display. It works if loaded to main drive. But, if I point to secondary or optional drive the system doesn't even allow me to download the program to HMI. Error 1850..secondary drive not found. I noticed in the property inspector, that the windows for Secondary and Optional drive are grey. The Vijeo Designer V6.2 and HMIG3U with three USB ports (one mini and 2 usual) and one SD port are used.  May be, they are all disabled somewhere, with a hardware switch? But, even if the windows were active, I have no idea, what to put into them, to configure SD or USB as secondary or optional drive. Please, help. regards, Waldemar

Hi cHud, thank You for Your help. It is a program for machinery self testing. Each message relates to certain step number and informs operator what to do. If it works with 255 steps I can divide the process. But, may be, it is possible assign the text value with a script?

Hi, I am new to Vijeo. The task is to show different messages on HMI screen (I use Vijeo designer V6.2.5 and Magelis HMIG3U).  A new string variable "ToDoTxt" was created as an Array with dimension 2048. A StringDisplay was put on the screen and ToDoTxt[0] was chosen. How can I show other 2047 values, which depend on value of another integer variable "StepNumber"?

Thank You Garry. I used Modbus TCP before. Where in the Unity Pro do I have to set something to choose Modbus TCP or Ethernet IP? Is it in Communication>Networks>Add Network..?

Hi, I am new in Unity Pro and trying to make connection between PLC (Modicon M580) and HMI (Magelis HMIG3U) over Ethernet cable. Question:  What is meaning of 0.0 : EIO : CommHeadDIOL2 (look the picture attached)? Which IP address does it define and what for?

Hi Garry, thank You for the answer. How would You recommend to configure communication between M580 and  HMIG3U ? What is the easiest way? regards, Wal

I am not sure, that this is specific to Mitsubishi. Does anybody compared other  PLC performance running structured versus traditional? I don't remember such reports. Generally, the idea of structured programming is good. But, in reality, the big PLC manufacturers have no interest in investing money for improving their tools for structured programming. Most programmers use ladder anyway, because it is simple and works fine. Why should managers hire engineers and spend extra money? Will income increase? I compared Mitsubishi FX and found that the ladder program perform better. It is possible that with Mitsubishi Q or L result will be different. It depends on compiler.  Generally, the problem is that the hardware is not standardized. The automation market is badly segmented and investment in the software standardization does not make profit.  

Dear Inntele, thank You for the response. Please, explain, what everything? Do You mean, if structured programming would be chosen, the PLC will run quicker and demand less resources?

Dear colleagues, thank You for the responses to this topic. More than 9 months left and I want to add more.  1. I never met situations where Structured programming in comparison with ladder, potentially could make benefit. 2. In cases when I used the Structured programming result was negative. Instead of reducing programming time, there was increasing, PLC run slower and demanded more memory. You, may,  have to choose a stronger PLC for Your task. 3. Every new compilation can change the local variables address.You need to clear PLC memory every time before download. It's most annoying.  After that all registers used have to be set again to their values. Conclusion: Use ladder.  For discussion: If we avoid using local variables in the Structured project (make all global), is it still necessary to clear PLC memory before download?

Thank You kaare_t . Can You advice, please, how to create a csv file with HMI tag's values on an USB stick inserted into GOT2000? Is anywhere examples available?  

Hi kaare_t, thank You for the suggestion. If I have FX3u*+FX3U-ENET-P502 (can it be FX3U-ENET as well?) and network cable,  what else do I need? Which router can be used? Which software tools do I need to write an application for a smartphone (with Android, Windows Phone or Apple OS)?