Q: IP issues with I-Mark - Check list

Why does the I-Mark software show an IP address when it is disconnected?
The address in the Properties tab is the last IP address the software used to connect to the I-Mark. It does not confirm the controller’s current address. In this case, the displayed address was 192.168.1.90; the controller may subsequently have been changed to 192.168.1.100.

What does the IP Address Configuration dialog show?
It lists the computer’s network adapters and their IP addresses. The fields below are used to enter an address for the I-Mark controller. Select the Ethernet adapter connected to the I-Mark network. A Wi-Fi or other adapter shown in the dialog may use a different network and be unrelated to this connection.

Do the computer, I-Mark, and PLC need matching IP addresses?They need unique addresses that can communicate under the network’s subnet settings. For the installation discussed, the PLC is 192.168.1.10, and the Ethernet adapter used for the I-Mark also has an address beginning 192.168.1. Matching the first three numbers is consistent with a common 255.255.255.0 subnet mask, but the subnet mask should be checked rather than assumed.

Could changing the I-Mark address from 192.168.1.90 to 192.168.1.100 cause the PLC connection to fail?
It could prevent the PLC from reconnecting if its EtherNet/IP configuration still points to .90. However, the reported communication errors began before that possible address change, so it may be a separate issue.

What should we check first when the I-Mark previously communicated with the PLC?

1. Confirm the I-Mark controller’s current IP address, subnet mask, and physical Ethernet connection.
2. Compare that address with the address configured for the I-Mark in the PLC’s EtherNet/IP connection.
3. Check whether either .90 or .100 is already assigned to another device. A duplicate address can disrupt communication even if no new equipment was added.
4. Check the PLC and I-Mark for connection status or fault messages, and record the exact errors.
5. Check whether the marking head homes when the controller powers up.

How can we check whether the controller performs its startup homing action?
Follow the machine’s safe shutdown procedure and power off the controller. If it is safe to access the marking head, move the marking pin to the middle of its marking window by hand. Restore power and observe whether the pin moves to its home position after approximately 20–30 seconds. Report the result to CMT Support. This checks a basic controller function; successful homing alone does not confirm that EtherNet/IP communication is working.

What information should we send CMT Support if communication still fails?
Provide the controller’s verified current IP address and subnet mask, the IP address configured in the PLC, the exact PLC or I-Mark fault messages, whether the controller homes on startup, and whether the computer can connect using the Ethernet adapter on the I-Mark network. - [email protected]