Brother D Series CNC: Ethernet & OPC UA Setup Guide

This step-by-step guide explains how to configure Ethernet settings, assign a static IP address, enable OPC UA, and save your settings on a Brother D Series CNC machine.

It includes important notes on formatting and screenshots to guide you through each step.

📍 Step 1: Access the Communication Menu

1. From the machine’s main screen, press the DATABANK soft key at the bottom.

2. In the menu, select 7. Communication parameter to open network settings.

🌐 Step 2: Configure IP Address and Network Access

Inside the Ethernet/FTP settings screen:

1. 0202 - Use DHCP → Set to No
   This enables manual input of a static IP address.

2. 0203 - IP address → Enter your desired static IP.

   💡 Important Format Note:

   • The machine does not accept standard dot notation (e.g., 172.22.3.34) directly.

   • Instead, enter the IP address as a 12-digit numeric string without dots.

   • Example: 172.22.3.34 → Input as 172022003034

3. 0204 - Mask bit → Typically set to 255.255.255.0

4. 0004 - Display slave command alarm → Set to No
   Prevents unnecessary command display alerts.

5. 0216 - Restrict Ethernet access → Set to No
   Ensures full network accessibility.

🔐 Step 3: Enable OPC UA and Configure Security

Navigate to the final Ethernet/FTP menu screen and set:

1. 0235 - OPC UA server function → Valid
   Enables OPC UA functionality.

2. 0236 - Security communication for client → 2: Type2
   Commonly used secure mode for client connections.

3. 0237 - OPC UA security communication (optional):

   • 0: No → No username or password required

   • 1–5 → Enables varying levels of RSA/AES encryption with authentication
     Choose based on your environment’s security needs.

💾 Step 4: Save and Finalize Settings

After configuring all required parameters:

1. Press Save and end at the bottom left.

2. Use Overwrite save if prompted and you don’t want to exit yet.

⚠️ If you do not save, all changes will be lost on shutdown or reboot.

✅ Summary of Key Parameters

📡 Step 5: Verify Ethernet & OPC UA Connectivity

To confirm your Ethernet settings and OPC UA communication are working:

1. Press the MONITR soft key at the bottom of the screen.

2. Select 3. Communication monitor.

In the Communication Monitor:

• Look under the Port column for activity such as Ethernet (OPC UA).

• The Message column will show success indicators like:

  • Sending completed

  • Data sent

  • Output request received

This confirms OPC UA is transmitting data correctly.

For detailed IP and Ethernet status:

1. In the MONITR menu, select Ethernet information.

This screen displays:

• IP Address

• Subnet Mask

• Gateway

• MAC Address

• DHCP status

Connection String in MachineMetrics

opc.tcp://<ip-address>:<port>

or

opc.tcp://10.103.112.62:4840

Sample OPC-UA Script - Download here