Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
(OP)
First off I have to tell you I am a novice at PLC's and PLC programming.
We have an existing PLC that is running a custom designed program to control a piece of simple equipment. It has various digital inputs, and when certain conditions on the inputs are met it fires an output.
The system works like we want, so we are installing three new systems just like it.
What steps do we have to take to:
1. Copy out the existing program residing in the existing PLC?
2. Copy this program to the other PLCs?
3. Any: "Make sure you don't do this or you will screw it all up" detail I need to know?
Is this something someone with no experience, like myself, can do?
We have an existing PLC that is running a custom designed program to control a piece of simple equipment. It has various digital inputs, and when certain conditions on the inputs are met it fires an output.
The system works like we want, so we are installing three new systems just like it.
What steps do we have to take to:
1. Copy out the existing program residing in the existing PLC?
2. Copy this program to the other PLCs?
3. Any: "Make sure you don't do this or you will screw it all up" detail I need to know?
Is this something someone with no experience, like myself, can do?





RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
What is the PLC make and model? Under most circumstances you must have a PC or Hand Held Programmer, the programming software, connection means (cable) to upload to your PC and in turn to download to the new one. It is possible for a novice to do this with the help of the User/Programming manual for the PLC. Contacting the OEM may be you least expensive option but if you want to attempt it the model info would be helpful.
Extrospector
RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
You might be lucky, and be able to test it as a black box, and it'll all come up well. But if it doesn't, then without appropriate tools and the understanding of the original code, then you're in for quite a challenging time. You will, of course, require software plus an interface to copy them over in the first place...
It also means that should any of them go wrong down the track, you're up for the same diagnostic problem.
RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
I'm a novice to PLC's but I'm not a novice to programming, ladder diagrams or control systems. And this system is about as simple as you can find. I'm going to give it an attempt, what's the worst that can happen? It doesn't work? Thanks all for the advice and pointing me into the right direction!
RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another
RE: Copying a CompactLogix program from one PLC to another