Add an AMS route between the local computer and the target

To establish communication between the local computer and a target PLC or runtime, you need to add an AMS route between the two. This can be done on either the local computer or the target,if both have valid AMS Net IDs.

Each TwinCAT node on the network or each PLC, runtime, or computer that has the ADS software installed, has a unique AMS Net ID that consists of six numeric values separated by periods (e.g., 5.7.46.126.1.1). When you install the ADS software on a computer, that computer is given a default AMS Net ID based on the IP address of the computer. The AMS Net ID is separate from the IP address, however, if you change the IP address, the AMS Net ID is not updated to match. You can manually change the AMS Net ID, if necessary.

Add the AMS route on the local computer

1. In the notification area of the Windows taskbar, right-click the TwinCAT icon, and then on the shortcut menu, click Router > Edit Routes. (You might need to expand the notification area if the TwinCAT icon is hidden.) The TwinCAT Static Routes dialog box is displayed.

2. In the TwinCAT Static Routes dialog box, click Add. The Add Route dialog box is displayed.

3. If the target is located on the same network as the local computer, you should be able to select it:

   1. Click Broadcast Search to get a list of targets that broadcast their presence on the network.

   2. Select your target in the list. The route settings are automatically configured for the selected target.

4. If the target is not located on the same network as the local computer, you need to manually configure the route settings:

   3. In the Route Name (Target) box, type a name for the target. This is the name that will be displayed in the local list of routes of the computer, after you add the route.

   4. In the Route Name (Remote) box, type a name for the local computer. This is the name that will be displayed in the list of routes of the target, after you add the route. The default name is the host name of the local computer, and you can change it if necessary.

   5. In the AmsNetID box, type the ID of the target. If you do not know the ID, either use the TwinCAT programming software to get it or use Broadcast Search on another computer on the network of the target.

   6. In the Transport Type list, select the transport type or protocol of the network. In most cases, you should select TCP_IP (i.e., TCP/IP). For all other options, please contact Beckhoff.

   7. In the Address Info box, type the host name or IP address of the target.Make sure the corresponding option either Host Name or IP Address is selected.

   Tip: You can use the ping command, at the Windows command prompt, to confirm that the specified host name or IP address is valid and accessible.

5. Click Add Route. The Add Route dialog box is closed, and the route is added to the list of routes of the local computer.

6. Close the TwinCAT Static Routes dialog box.

Alternatively, if you want to add the AMS route on the target, see the documentation of the manufacturer for that PLC or runtime.