Setting Up an ADS Remote Connection

In order to create an AMS connection between a number (n) of computers, these computers need to be fitted with network cards. The network must be set up under Windows NT. If the computer is being operated in a LAN network, then it is possible to obtain the TCP/IP address of the computer via the DHCP server. If, for instance, the remote connection is being used to service equipment that is in operation, then it is recommended that a fixed TCP/IP address be assigned.

Assigning a fixed address also prevents the event display being filled up with the following error message: 'DHCP could not obtain a lease for the IP address for the card with network address 00E0F40FC80F. The following error occurred: The time limit for the semaphore was reached.'.

The network connection between the n computers should be tested using the command "ping <PCI/IP- address of the target computer>". If the network test is successful, it is possible to begin the settings in TwinCAT. The remote computers must first be made known to one another.

Entries necessary for this purpose are made under TwinCAT+-> Properties +-> AMS Router.

The AMS Net ID is composed of the TCP/IP of the local computer plus the suffix ".1.1". The AMS Net ID is based on the TCP/IP address, but the relationship is not entirely fixed.

Add should be pressed in order to include a remote computer in the connection.

It is possible to enter the parameters manually in his window, or to select them using Browse. This procedure is repeated n-1 times. Take care to see that the data in the window for adding a remote connection agree with the data for the remote computer. The host computer is added in the same way at the remote computer.

When the settings have been entered, they are confirmed with the Return key. The n computers can be restarted at this point.

In PLC Control, under Online +-> Select target system, one of the n computers can be selected as the PLC platform for the current PLC project.