Networkcard WinCC S7-300

[Fritzfrederix]

Hi there,

I'm planning to connect a WinCC HMI to a S7-300 PLC with a CP 343-01 (ethernet). What kind of network card do I need in my PC?

Thanks in advance

 

[Macbeth]

You computer may allredy have a ethernet port on it, chek that first, after that any ethernet card will do. I would also not recomend trying to use a X-conect cable. Try useing a Switch over an Hub.

 

[Fritzfrederix]

Dear Macbeth,

If I would like to use a regular ethernet card don't I
need a kind of a driver? Softnet ?

kind regards

 

[jacekd]

You need a Simatic Net.
Using an X-connect cable is OK.

Regards.

 

[dloos]

Use the INAT VCOM program.
VCOM is a program that runs in the background and redirects the data addressed to your serial port to the Ethernet card.
You can download the VCOM program from

http://www.inat.de

and test it. It is easy to configure and you then can use your normal programs such as Step7 with the serial port.
Should work with you WinCC (serial port) as well and no additional Siemens Software required.
Try it.
Cheers Dieter Loos

 

[davidcohen]

Hello,
I have a PLC, a computer with Step7 and a computer with winCC (v6), all connected over Ethernet (using MAC addresses, no TCP/IP).
I try to read tags on the PLC with winCC, but the PLC is said to be disconnected. I know this can't be the case because I'm able to monitor it and download to it from the Step7 computer; I know the winCC computer is connected because I have access to the network from it.
What could the problem be? Could anyone help me?

 

[Fritzfrederix]

Hi David,

What kind of networkcard are you using in your WinCC PC, a CP1613?
Why don't you use TCP/IP togheter with MAC adresses it works for me.

Rudi

 

[davidcohen]

thanks Fritzfrederix, but I've tried that - defined MAC addresses for both the PLC and winCC computer, using Ethernet, but the Step7 computer still doesn't identify the winCC computer (although they're all on the same Ethernet), and the winCC computer still doesn't see the PLC...
do you know what kinds of configurations I need to do, and where?

 

[Fritzfrederix]

David,

I have had also several communication problems at first, even today. I'm gona ask, perhaps some stupid, questions.

Is there a direct connection from your PC to your PLC and if so are you using an crossed network cable?

What kind of configuration did you use for your CP1613 card? If used this one:
When you put in your CP card in the PC the Commissioning wizard starts up (1-7). Then click "NEXT" (screen 2-7).
On the second screen select "Use module for PG operation only" and click "NEXT" (goto screen 3-7).UNselect "SIMATIC NET OPC Server in configured PC station" and click "NEXT".
In sreen 4-7, 5-7 and 6-7 just click "NEXT". And at last click "FINISH". The Configuration Console opens automatic.
Under the TAB structur open MODULES => CP1613 and click on GENERAL. Select under the item ‘Mode of the module:’ PG operation and click Apply.
After this open the ‘Set PG-PC interface’. 2.17 Select in the menu of Access point of application ‘CP_H1_1’.
Click in ‘Interface Parameter Assignment used’ CP1613(ISO) en click OK.

Now you only need to configure your WinCC application.

Hope this helpes of not just reply

 

[dazmac]

I would always recommend using the WinCC computer set to PG mode as described in the post above.

I have had less comms problems since adopting this approach ( it was actually recommended by a Siemens tech).

I have also had tags showing as "no connection to PLC" when moused over, with a known good comms set-up, a power down of the PLC with the WinCC in runtime then restart the PLC can usually get around this.