On-demand update for M172 application on customer-side

[S_Stolyarov]

Hi Everybody!

I want to rise a very interesting and complex topic about how to set up an on-demand application update process on customer-side for Controller M172 by digital instruments, remotely without service or engineering stuff.

For example, you are producing some range of products with PLC and found some bug in PLC application or want to give your customers new features.

One of the ideas that we have been thought about is to create internet resource where we can store application files, and the customer can register and see if the te any updates for installed machine and why. Then he can simply upload the files from the site and reload them to the controller via FTP.

Have you ever faced with such task and what are your thoughts on how this process can be set-up and what underwater rocks could be?

[Bastian_Schmitz]

The upload of the application (PLCIEC.COD) via FTP is possible. 

But if you upload only this file the EEPPROM values are missing. 

One of my customers has build up his own maintance tool for their service techincans. 

The upload the programm via FTP to controller.

After that the write all EEPROM and BIOS parameter via Modbus.

Please take care that the FTP function is in FW10 not working proper.

If you want test it use FW9 or wait till FW11. The problem will be fixed with the new Version.

[S_Stolyarov]

Hi Bastian,

Thanks a lot! Do you know, if there any way to upload all values from the controller, maybe by the recipe, then replace an application and download values, again by recipe?

And I'm sorry, but what is FW9 or 10, is it firmware version?

[Bastian_Schmitz]

Hello,

You can use the target variable sysUsbCommand to get a solution like recipe.

For that You can upload via FTP to the NOR (Internal) or  MicroSD (if fitted) a text file based on the strucuter of the PARAM.RAW/DAT.

The value of 216 or 116 for target var sysUSBCommand shouldl be work. 

Please look into the proprties windows of the target variable to see how it works.

Regarding to the Firmware I mean actually we use the FW10 which means 668.10 (7-18IO) 596.10 (28-42IO).

The FTP function works proper with 668.9 or 596.9. 

But we have some problems in the actual version.

This problem will so far I know be fixed with the next Version of ESME HVAC. 

[S_Stolyarov]

Thank you! We will try it when starting this project.

[S_Stolyarov]

Dear colleagues!

Any other thoughts, ideas, how to organize PLC application updates via digital instruments, maybe modems, communication modules?

[Bastian_Schmitz]

If you use the RS232 communication plug in, you have the possibility to add a modem. 

I have personaly no expirence with such a solution.

If you have a Harmony HMI (like HMIST6xxx) or a HMIBSC in your solution you have additional the the possiblity to connect to the PLC via Secure Connect Advisor. This solution works very well. In that case you can update the PLC via the software via remot, and you have the possibilty to check the webvisualisation of the PLC via Mobil Device via secure Connect advisor.

[S_Stolyarov]

Thank you!

Have anyone have experience with updating PLC application via modem, connected to RS232?