Introduction

The interconnection between a Melsec FX3 PLC and Adroit SCADA using Ethernet-based communication protocol.
Since, unlike the FX5 series, the FX3 series does not have a built-in ethernet communication port, an Ethernet communication adaptor (FX3U-ENET-ADP), or an Ethernet communication module (FX3U-ENET) may be required.
In this article, we will be discussing the latter option.

The Requirements

In addition to Adroit SCADA and GX Works2 (with FX3 PLC) – the user will also require the FX3U-ENET card as well as FX Configurator-EN. setup engineering software.
This software is freely downloadable from the MyMitsubishi Website.
This software is to be completely installed.

The Method – on the PLC (Melsec FX3) side

The FX3U-ENET module is to be setup and programmed separately.
Power up the PLC, and connect to the FX3U-ENET module from the PC via an Ethernet cable (cross-over)
Upon the completion of the installation of the FX Configurator EN – Ethernet configuration engineering software, Run it.

The following setup page will open:

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 1

Click on the Open settings button. This will open the Ethernet Open Settings Window.
Complete the table as follows:

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 2

Some pointers to take note of here:

  • Unpassive connection would be the connection used to connect to the Adroit SCADA. Two pipes are being used \ made – one for receive and one for send (from the PLC perspective) – the station port number would be 1280 (DEC) which is 500 (HEX)

  • Also, Melsoft Connection is the internal proprietary communication protocol for Mitsubishi FA to connect the engineering software to the device (in this case FX3 PLC)

From here – click on END, and click on WRITE to program the FX3-ENET card.

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 3

Dont forget to save your project on your PC (project backup file)

Adroit SCADA Setup

From here the Adroit SCADA setup is to be completed for this communication purpose:

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 5

On the Driver tab
Create a new Mitsubishi FX TCP Driver instance (device)

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 6

Note that if the Mitsubishi FX TCP Driver is not available, then it must be separately installed:

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 7

Open the driver instance (device) created – and apply the following settings:

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 4

Pay special attention to the IP address and Port number. If either of these is incorrect, no data transition would occur.
It is also important to note that a Ping test is NOT sufficient.
A positive Ping test is NECESSARY but NOT SUFFICIENT for communication to be guaranteed.

From here all the necessary steps are followed to accommodate the desired communication.
Note that the communication status gear will only turn green, as soon as at least one tag has been scanned to\from this device (from the perspective of the Adroit SCADA)

Reference and Information Resources

FX3U-ENET User’s manual:
FX3U-ENET_UserManual_JY997D18101-F.pdf (4.0 MB)

FX3U-ENET Installation Manual:
FX3U-ENET Installation Manual.pdf (323.3 KB)

The Adroit Mitsubishi FX TCP Driver manual (found here)

Adroit SCADA and Melsec FX3 PLC via FX3U-ENET module - Ethernet Connection Configuration Setup 8

FX Configurator-EN Manual:
jy997d38401j.pdf (4.1 MB)

FX-Configurator-EN software:
FX_Configurator-EN.zip (3.7 MB)
sw1d5-fxenetl-e_140e.zip (5.2 MB)
FX Configurator EN 1.40 EN.zip (1.2 MB)

FX-Configurator-EN configuration sample files for FX3U-ENET module: