Hello all,
This is my first post, so i hope im doing it wright.
Let me start by saying im not a PLC pro, i started to learn programing on my own a few month ago, i am now able to program small system (stand alone machines) on Micro8xx series.
Our machine are either a stand alone plc with serial cable to the HMI or both PLC & HMI are plugged into a switch (we sometimes also add a VFD to the switch).
I know how to connect with a cat5 cable, this works great ... but im tethered to the control panel.
I am looking for a way to be able to connect wirelessly to the PLC so i can walk around the machine/plant with my laptop and have access to the PLC program (CCW).
I did some reading, and it seams like a "travel router" would do the trick.
But i was un-able to find a place that explains how to do it in "real life.
I understand the concept: the router plugs into the ethernet switch then the PC connect to the router giving it access to the ethernet network inside the panel:
Laptop <-> wifi <-> "travel router" <-> cat5 cable <-> switch <-> cat5 cable <-> PLC
But, that leaves me with a lot of questions, so here are the first few:
- what software do i need to get the "travel router" setup properly setup?
- how do i set it up? (do i give it an IP? a subnet? is it in router/bridge mode?)
- how do i let RSlink know the "path"?
- How do i setup on laptop to see the "p"ath?
- I read a lot about making a VPN network, how does that help me setup the wifi?
Obviously im really new to this and I may be over-thinking this ... hopefully you can help me make it clear in my mind.
Also, i am not too concerned about security as this would only be for temporary setup. When i leave, i disconnect all the equipment and take it with me.
I am looking at cheapo router (~$20) for testing then thinking about getting something a little nicer once i can make it work (looking at the asus WL-330N3G). Ultimately, if this works reliably, i may be able to justify something like the tosibox ...
Thank you al in advance for your help.
X
This is my first post, so i hope im doing it wright.
Let me start by saying im not a PLC pro, i started to learn programing on my own a few month ago, i am now able to program small system (stand alone machines) on Micro8xx series.
Our machine are either a stand alone plc with serial cable to the HMI or both PLC & HMI are plugged into a switch (we sometimes also add a VFD to the switch).
I know how to connect with a cat5 cable, this works great ... but im tethered to the control panel.
I am looking for a way to be able to connect wirelessly to the PLC so i can walk around the machine/plant with my laptop and have access to the PLC program (CCW).
I did some reading, and it seams like a "travel router" would do the trick.
But i was un-able to find a place that explains how to do it in "real life.
I understand the concept: the router plugs into the ethernet switch then the PC connect to the router giving it access to the ethernet network inside the panel:
Laptop <-> wifi <-> "travel router" <-> cat5 cable <-> switch <-> cat5 cable <-> PLC
But, that leaves me with a lot of questions, so here are the first few:
- what software do i need to get the "travel router" setup properly setup?
- how do i set it up? (do i give it an IP? a subnet? is it in router/bridge mode?)
- how do i let RSlink know the "path"?
- How do i setup on laptop to see the "p"ath?
- I read a lot about making a VPN network, how does that help me setup the wifi?
Obviously im really new to this and I may be over-thinking this ... hopefully you can help me make it clear in my mind.
Also, i am not too concerned about security as this would only be for temporary setup. When i leave, i disconnect all the equipment and take it with me.
I am looking at cheapo router (~$20) for testing then thinking about getting something a little nicer once i can make it work (looking at the asus WL-330N3G). Ultimately, if this works reliably, i may be able to justify something like the tosibox ...
Thank you al in advance for your help.
X