How to Set Up Ethernet Communication for Control with Keyence GC-1000 and Mitsubishi QJ71E71-100

When working with industrial control systems, establishing clear and effective communication between devices is crucial. In this article, we’ll guide you through setting up Ethernet communication for control using the Keyence GC-1000 and Mitsubishi QJ71E71-100, with the Q03UDVCPU PLC. You’ll learn how to configure the communication settings and create the necessary ladder logic for your setup, specifically focusing on using the MC protocol for control.

Understanding the Setup: Keyence GC-1000 and Mitsubishi QJ71E71-100

The Keyence GC-1000 is a versatile controller used for automation, while the Mitsubishi QJ71E71-100 is an Ethernet module that enables the PLC to communicate with other devices over a network. In your setup, you’ll be using the MC protocol to communicate between the GC-1000 and the Q03UDVCPU PLC.

The MC protocol, or Mitsubishi Communication Protocol, allows for efficient data exchange between the PLC and external devices like the GC-1000. The goal is to control the output of the GC-1000 and ensure that the PLC can read and react to this output accordingly.

Configuring the QJ71E71-100 Module in GX Works2

Before you can start programming, the QJ71E71-100 module needs to be properly configured in GX Works2. This involves setting up the Ethernet communication settings and ensuring that the module is correctly recognized by the system.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to configure the module:

1. Open GX Works2 and create a new project or open an existing project.
2. Navigate to the Device Configuration screen.
3. Select the QJ71E71-100 module from the list of available modules and drag it to your system configuration.
4. Set the IP address and subnet mask according to your network configuration. Ensure that the communication settings match the Keyence GC-1000’s Ethernet configuration.
5. After setting up the module, compile the configuration and download it to the PLC.

Programming the Ladder Logic for Communication

Once the hardware is configured, it’s time to program the ladder logic to control the communication between the Keyence GC-1000 and the PLC. You will use the MC protocol for this task, as it allows for data exchange over the Ethernet network.

Here’s an example of how you can structure the ladder logic to handle the communication:

// Example ladder logic for reading input from GC-1000
MC_Recv(PLC_Addr, Command, Data);

This example shows how you would configure the ladder logic to read data from the GC-1000. The MC_Recv function is used to receive the data from the external device (in this case, the GC-1000) and store it in the PLC for processing.

Ensuring Successful Communication: Troubleshooting Tips

While setting up communication, issues can arise that prevent proper data transfer. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

• Check the IP Address Configuration: Ensure that both the Keyence GC-1000 and the QJ71E71-100 module are on the same network and that their IP addresses are correctly configured.
• Verify Ethernet Cables and Connections: A loose or damaged Ethernet cable can cause communication failures. Ensure that all cables are securely connected.
• Confirm Protocol Compatibility: Double-check that the MC protocol is properly set up on both devices and that the correct settings are used in GX Works2.
• Monitor Communication Status: Use GX Works2 to monitor the status of communication between the PLC and the GC-1000 to detect any errors or interruptions.

Conclusion: Setting Up Ethernet Communication Between Keyence GC-1000 and Mitsubishi QJ71E71-100

By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to set up Ethernet communication using the MC protocol between your Keyence GC-1000 and Mitsubishi QJ71E71-100 module. The key to success lies in careful configuration of both the hardware and ladder logic, along with attention to network settings. With the right setup, you can efficiently control and monitor your devices using the PLC and ensure reliable communication for your automation system.