Serial comm through programming port

[michel]

Hi, is it possible to communicate through the FX programming port to retrieve (for example) a specific data register? I know it can be done in GX developer, but suppose I want to make my own software to communicate through this port, what protocol to use? Is that easy? I would like to make a simple terminal (with a pic controller or something) that plugs into the programming port and reads or sets data registers.

[Crossbow]

Protocol is proprietary. Use an OPC server or MX Components.

[panic mode]

check download section, there was a QBASIC program that would do just that. you will of course have to translate it to whatever language you plan on using.

[michel]

YES! That's it! QBASIC, the good old times Wondering where the programmer got the info from, I can't find anything about this protocol elsewhere. Already installed a port sniffer to get the required info. But a ready-made QBASIC program is about 100 times better Thanks! >> just tested, program works! Question, is this comm different from QnA series? Edited January 5, 2009 by michel

[Crossbow]

You won't find documentation on the protocol, because as I said Mitsubishi does not release it. Only way to figure it out is to packet sniff and reverse engineer. Personally I have used MX Components before for Visual Basic or Visual C++ apps, but only in testing in the lab. I've never had to do it on a real project. Used OPC servers on those.

[michel]

yes, I understand this but the problem is that the available software components are of no use if you want to communicate through (for example) a PIC controller. I can't put MX Components into a PIC controller and call it's i/o functions. Anyway, the QBASIC program suits me, so problem is solved.