In a previous post we introduced the FX5U Web Server, now we'll look at using the SLMP pre-defined protocol over Ethernet and the Desktop.Dash app to monitor a value.
XML Control - Desktop.Dash is a simple, multi-purpose Windows app built around Mitsubishi and open protocols, for example MODBUS, that can be used to create an interface to your PLC or similar device with data values, lamps, buttons and more for HMI and ANDON like functionality...
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| 7 Station Pie Machine & Desktop.Dash (click image to enlarge) |
The SLMP (Seamless Messaging Protocol) aka MC Protocol Frame 1E, is built-in to the FX5U, and it just needs configured... 🔧
FX5U SLMP Setup
Start GX Works3 with a new or existing project and ensure the device IP Address is set from node Project > Parameter > FXCPU > Module Parameter > Ethernet Port, then choose Basic Settings > Own Node Settings...
Set your required IP Address (and Subnet default of 255.255.255.0 unless you require otherwise)...
And importantly, ensure the Communication Data Code value is changed from Binary to ASCII (X, Y, HEX).
Next, click on the Basic Settings > External Device Configuration, then double-click on the <Detailed Setting> option...
The Ethernet Configuration (built-in Ethernet Port) dialogue is opened...
On the right hand side pane expand the [+] Ethernet Device (General) node, and then select the SLMP Connection Module...
Drag and drop the SLMP module item down and onto the right hand side of the Host Station module...
Almost there! Now we just need to assign a Port number for the SLMP to work on. Click into the Port No. input box...
And enter a value you prefer, for example 2000...
Finally, choose [Close with Reflecting the Setting]... (means Save!)...
Once returned to the parent dialogue, press [Apply]...
That's it. Download the PLC Parameters (and optionally any program you have created) into the PLC and restart it.
For reference, in this example we'll be looking at the value of PLC Store D0 - so some changing value in that store will be useful! 😉
Desktop.Dash Driver Setup
Start Desktop.Dash with a new or existing project.
Choose Main Menu > Admin > Options...
Ensure that the "MC Protocol over Ethernet, MELSEC or Virtual Devices" driver is selected...
Also adjust the Polling Milli-seconds (delay between device reads) to a suitable value, say 50ms. Press [OK] to apply, and if a new project, you will also be prompted to choose a folder to save the project into.
Desktop.Dash Test Connection
Next, let's test the actual PLC connection. From the main menu choose System > Connected PLC...
Hit the [Test Connection] button. All being well you should get something like...
All done here. Press [OK] and [Ok] again to close the Connected PLC dialogue.
Desktop.Dash Display Setup
We're going to add a "Display" gadget to the dashboard. This can display numercial values in a number of formats including text only, bar graph and gauge (Version 2 only).
From the Dashboard menu choose Display...
A new Display gadget will be added...
Drag out the dipslay into some free space, then right click on its interior and choose Setup...
Enter D0 directly into the DataPoint store (or use the [...] for the selection dialogue)...
Then press [Ok] to apply and close.
Desktop.Dash Run Mode
From the main menu choose System > Run (or hit F5)...
The displayed value should now update continuously...
To exit Run mode choose Main Menu > System > Stop (or hit F6).
Summary
The Mitsubishi FX5U with SLMP and Desktop.Dash provides a nice and easy solution to monitor data in near real-time without the delays enforced by the Web Design Tool and Web Server. Both approaches have their unique pros of course! Swings, roundabouts, slides - so many choices! 😵
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Disclaimer
Whilst some effort has been put into this guide, there is no certainty it will work for you in the exact same manner. Its purpose is to offer ideas and steps that have worked in this example that might inspire your own projects.