Connect to FX5u using MXSheets over internet remote connection

[Crocket]

Hi all,

Sorry I am more of an oily rag but I do use PLC's too (badly)

I can connect to a FX5u PLC through an ethernet switch and log data into MXSheets on an ethernet connected PC which works fine

It isn't obvious how to set it up for remote internet access but I was told it is easy enough

Does anyone have an example configuration?

Thanks in advance!

 

[glavanov]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScAMpKm-qFE&ab_channel=MITSUBISHIELECTRICFactoryAutomationGlobal

[Crocket]

Thank you glavanov,

That is a good tutorial

I wish I had seen that earlier but I have connected to PLC with ethernet network already and that works fine

 

I want to know how to set up communications so I can monitor a PLC over the internet in another location

eg.

I am in london and I have another site in Glasgow

I want to monitor a PLC in Glasgow from London and alter a few D registers

I think this is possible?

Thanks again

Chris

 

 

[pturmel]

It is possible but definitely not safe, if you simply expose the target on the public internet.  Learn how to set up a VPN (or buy VPN products) between your sites so that the traffic isn't exposed.

[Crocket]

Thanks pturmel,

So it wasn't that simple then like the salesman suggested!

best to set up a laptop with plc connected with team viewer or something like that by sounds of it?

 

 

[WattUp]

I would recommend getting EWON or similar industrial VPN device.  These are dedicated VPN systems for your exact purpose. 

 

[pturmel]

21 minutes ago, Crocket said:

with team viewer

No, a PC permanently connected is overkill.  (And I don't trust Team Viewer--they've been hacked and responded lamely.)  Use a true VPN.  (Does your company not have an IT group?)

[Crocket]

Sadly we are a small company so no such luxury of having an IT dept!

I am glad clever people like you can advise me I am not missing something in the settings

I will look into VPN's

Whatever they are!

thanks again!

 

[WattUp]

VPN is a software used to establish secure connections between two computers. 

I HIGHLY recommend buying a commercial solution, as setting up a proper secure VPN may require some IT knowledge and insecure setup would put your systems at risk. 

Reach out to your PLC supplier and ask what systems they have. 

 

EWON is one example of these systems, the hardware installs in your machine, and they have a website based service that will access all of your connected systems

https://www.ewon.biz/solutions/machine-connectivity/plc-connectivity

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/hms-networks/FLEXY20100-00MA/21407502

For a ~$1000 it gets you a secure solution. 

[pturmel]

Wow!  Ewon's pricing has skyrocketed since HMS acquired them.  I think the last Cosy I bought was under $500, in 2020.  (I mostly use my own cloud server VPN, based on OpenVPN.)

[WattUp]

Yeah i haven't used them in years either, i thought it was ~$600, but I still think its a solid turn key solution to offer up. 

I know there are other options similar but I have only used them before and know they were reliable. 

[Crocket]

Thanks for all your help on this

I have asked Ewon for a starter kit

There is a tosibox type here too which I will look in to

 

[chelton]

On 08/01/2024 at 1:43 AM, Crocket said:

Sadly we are a small company so no such luxury of having an IT dept!

I am glad clever people like you can advise me I am not missing something in the settings

I will look into VPN's

Whatever they are!

thanks again!

 

You also have the luxury of not having a "hard to deal with" IT dept.

Approach your local IT/PC companies, tell them what your needs and requirements are and maybe work with them. Networks become very messy and hard to control/maintain when there is no structure. Just adding a VPN is not a difficult task, controlling who has access to what is when things become more important.

[Crocket]

Hi all,

I ended up with an IXON vpn which allows me to connect to FX5u with GXWorks

Only problem now is how to get MXSheets to connect through it!

I cant seem to get MXComponent set up right so it will find PLC

Anyone used MXSheets remotely through a VPN?

[Crocket]

I got the thing to talk in the end

[WattUp]

4 hours ago, Crocket said:

I got the thing to talk in the end

That's great! 
What was the missing detail that got the connection to work?   [ Posting the answer might help others who find this thread in the future ]