Doc. No.

: QMS/WI/OMS/ 11
MODBUS DEVICE COMMUNICATION CHECKING AND Rev. No/ Date: 00/ 01.03.2017
FAULT TRACING

1. Objective: - Checking and Trouble-shooting of any Modbus (TCP/IP or Serial)

communication device.

2. Need: - To ensure all the devices are communicating over SCADA.

3. Procedure :-
 Check the System Architecture screen over SCADA for the IP address or
Node Id of the device which is not communicating.
 Inform the concerned maintenance in charge.
 Collect all the tools required.
 Open the RTU panel and switch off the power supply of the panel from
MCB.
 For Serial devices like (AJB, MFM & Transformer meter), First identify the
particular Modbus loop and disconnect it from the RTU terminals and make
sure that the lugs are properly connected, if lugs are loose then crimp these
properly and then connect the Modbus cable to Serial to USB converter.
 For the TCP/IP devices remove the LAN cable from the Ethernet switch and
connect it to the Laptop and check the ping response of the device. If you
are not getting the ping response then connect the LAN cable directly to
the device and again check the ping response.
 If you are getting the ping response when directly connected to the
Modbus device, then probably the LAN cable is faulty, Use RJ-45
connecters and crimping tools to repair the LAN cable.
 After this again switch on the power supply of the RTU panel, so that
communication of the other devices with SCADA not get affected.
 Now open the Modscan software and do the communication settings (IP
address, Node Id, Baud-rate, Parity) as per configured in the device you
want to check.
 Set the values for Address, Length, Device Id and Modbus Point Type.
 If the device is ok, it will communicate and show the data over Modscan.
 If it is not showing any data over Modscan, then possibly that particular
device is faulty.
 Connect the cable again to RTU panel or Ethernet Switch.
 For serial Modbus device, after complete the above checking, go to that
particular device.
 Check and make sure that the Shield is properly grounded.
 Switch off the power supply of the device and disconnect it from the
Modbus loop.
 Now again connect this device to serial to USB converter and check the
data over Modscan.
 If device is still not communicating then replace this with the spare one.
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 Doc. No.: QMS/WI/OMS/ 11
MODBUS DEVICE COMMUNICATION CHECKING AND Rev. No/ Date: 00/ 01.03.2017
FAULT TRACING

4. Tools Required :-
 Laptop with Modscan Software
 Serial to USB converter
 Screw driver set
 Multi-meter
 LAN cable
 RJ-45 Crimping tool
 0.5 Sq. mm to 2.5 Sq. mm Lugs crimping tool
 Insulation tape

5. Safety and Precautions :-

(i) DO’s :-
 Assign the available free IP address to your Laptop.
 Check the cable tags to identify the right cable.
 Always wear safety shoes.
 Use proper illumination while working in dim light or night time.

(ii) Don’ts :-
 Never use damaged tools.
 IP address of your Laptop must not be used anywhere in the network.

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