OMRON FINS with Node-RED

IIoT Data Acquisition Guide with Node-RED and Omron FINS

Tags: #OmronFINS #NodeRED #IIoT #PLC #IndustrialAutomation #Hubbox #SmartFactory #DataAcquisition

Introduction

In industrial automation, one of the most powerful methods for extracting data from Omron PLC systems and transferring it to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud) or local databases is using Node-RED. In this guide, you will learn how to establish end-to-end communication using the Omron FINS (Factory Interface Network Service) protocol.

1. System Architecture

Before starting the communication, it is essential to understand the structural setup.

Here is a system architecture where Node-RED, Hubbox, and Omron PLC are integrated. Hubbox processes the data received from the PLC and securely transfers it to cloud-based AI platforms.

2. Installing Required Libraries

Go to the "Manage Palette" tab in the Node-RED interface and install the industry-standard package.

• Package Name: node-red-contrib-omron-fins

• Terminal Command: npm install node-red-contrib-omron-fins

By installing the node-red-contrib-omron-fins package, which appears when you search for "fins" in the Node-RED "Manage Palette" screen, you can gain the ability to communicate with Omron PLCs.

3. FINS Protocol Configuration

To read data via the Omron FINS protocol, you must enter the following parameters correctly in the node settings:

4. Sample Application: Reading and Writing Data from PLC

A. Data Reading (Read)

To read 5 pieces of data starting from address D100:

1. Drag and drop the Fins Read Node.

2. Type D100 in the Address field.

3. Type 5 in the Count field.

B. Data Writing (Write)

To send data to the PLC, use a Function Node to format the data into an array:

// Writes the value 1234 to address D200
msg.payload = [1234];
return msg;

A simple example of a Node-RED flow: An "Inject" node triggers the "Fins Read" node, which reads data from the Omron PLC, and the results are displayed in the "Debug" node.

Would you like me to create a specific troubleshooting guide for common FINS connection errors, or should we look into MQTT integration for these data points next?