Make settings for FP-I4C interfaces

Enable one or more interfaces of the FP-I4C unit and make communication settings for each interface.

1. Go to COM Interface and enable one or more interfaces.

   Each interface can only be used by one application. If you use HMWIN Studio, make sure to select a separate interface for this application. For instance, if COM1 RS232 is enabled, you cannot use this interface in HMWIN Studio.

2. Make the following settings:

   • Protocol: Select the protocol used by the interface. Available protocols vary by interface.

     Protocol	COM1 RS232	COM2 RS485/RS232	COM3 USB	COM4 Ethernet
     MEWTOCOL	✓	✓	✓	✓
     MEWTOCOL7	✓	✓	✓	✓
     Modbus	✓	✓		✓
     Transparent	✓	✓

     In transparent mode, a COM interface cannot be used to control services, to log data, or to insert data into an SQL or NoSQL database. If you select this mode, you will receive a warning that the interface of these functions may have been changed. Be sure to check your settings.

   • Autobaud: If this switch is enabled, the FP-I4C unit detects the baud rate of the connected PLC automatically.

     Select the Save button on this page to trigger the autobaud setting again, or restart the FP-I4C unit. Otherwise, a changed PLC baud rate will not be detected.

     When Protocol > Transparent is selected, the Autobaud setting has no effect.

   • Baud rate: Set the baud rate of the serial ports.

   • Parity: Set the parity of the serial ports.

   • Mode: Set the mode of the COM2 RS485/RS232 port. COM2 is an insulated serial port that can be used in RS232 or RS485 mode.

   • Timeout: Set the communication timeout.

   • IP address: For Ethernet communication, you need to set the IP address of the destination device. For multiple communication links (e.g. for data logging or script function), you need to set an address offset.

   • Port: Set the port number of the server.

   • Address offset: Set an offset for the IP address if you have multiple Ethernet connections.

     Values: -255 to 255

     The supported address range depends on the protocol and the PLC type.

     When you set an offset value, the IP address is calculated by adding the last field of the IP address value, the station number, and the address offset.

     Example: IP address: 192.168.10.0, address offset: 200. The station number is specified with the script command FPWEB_COPY_DT("ETHERNET",6,40,"ETHERNET",7,100,30). Result: Data is written from 192.168.10.206 (0+200+6=206) to 192.168.10.207 (0+200+7=207).

3. Save your configuration.

   When you have changed any settings, a Save button appears in the upper right corner of the screen. You can make changes on multiple pages and then save your settings.

   To reset all settings on the current page to the default configuration, select the Reset button at the bottom of the page.