PLC connection

This is a typical configuration for connecting an irBoard to a PLC.

• Since irBoard works with iOS devices like the iPad and iPhone, a WiFi connection is a fundamental requirement.
• Set up a WiFi router for a WiFi connection. If a WiFi environment already exists, this step is unnecessary.
• A wired LAN cable connects the PLC to the WiFi router. (It may pass through a HUB along the way.)
• Please consult the manufacturer's instructions for setting up the WiFi router. ( We cannot provide support due to the wide variety of models available. )
  Essentially, the connection to the iOS device is established so that the IP address can be automatically configured via DHCP or other methods.
  Choose an IP address that is outside the range assigned by DHCP for a fixed address for the PLC.

You can also connect an iPad using a wired LAN.
Please refer to this article for more information.
Connection via wired LAN (Japanese content)

After setting up, confirm that communication is possible.

Check the IP connection to the PLC.

First, check whether an IP connection to the PLC is established. If you have a development tool like GX Works or KV Studio already connected to the PLC via LAN, there’s no need to check the IP connection here. You can skip this section and review the port number.

Check from PC

Check the connection from a PC using the ping command.

• Connect the PC and PLC to the same LAN.
• Configure the LAN settings on the PC side if necessary.
• Type “cmd” in the search box next to the Start button, and the command prompt will show up as a search result.

• After the command prompt opens, use the ping command to check the connection. Type the ping command followed by the IP address allocated to the PLC.
  e.g.,

  ping 192.168.1.10

• If the connection cannot be confirmed, please check the WiFi environment, including the PLC, PC settings, WiFi router, etc.
• Once the connection is confirmed, check the port number.

Check the PLC port number connection

Use the telnet command to check the connection with the port number.

The Telnet command is not turned on by default in Windows and must be activated.
For specific instructions, please search for “window telnet enable" to check its availability.

• Utilize the command prompt and check the IP connection.
• Once the command prompt is open, use the telnet command to check the connection. To execute the telnet command, type 'telnet' followed by the PLC's assigned IP address and port number.
  e.g.,

  telnet 192.168.1.10 5010

• If the connection is successful, nothing appears on the screen at first glance, which is normal behavior. You can exit by pressing CTRL + ], but if that does not work, just close the command prompt.
• If a connection error happens, check the PLC port settings.

Confirmation of connection from irBoard

Using ping to check the connection from both the irBoard and a PC is reliable.

• There’s an excellent app called Network Ping Lite by MochaSoft available for download on your iOS device.
• Connect your iOS device to the WiFi router's SSID in the WiFi settings.
• Launch Network Ping Lite.
• Tap ping from TASKS.
• On the Ping screen, input the IP address of the PLC in the "IP Address to ping:" field.
• Pressing the Start button sends a ping command, and the results will be displayed below.
• If the connection to the PLC cannot be confirmed, check the WiFi router settings and the WiFi environment.
  The presence of noise-generating equipment, such as presses, may result in poor signal conditions and hinder the establishment of a connection.
• Once the connection is confirmed, configure the IP address, port number, and other settings based on the PLC connection configurations in irBoard's Project Settings.
• Run the project and make the connection.