Remote programming M172

[otrotabi]

What is the prefered way to program a PLC on a remote location ? As far as I understand, you can :

1) Use USB stick

2) FTP programming 

3) HTTP ? Is it possible to open a port on a remote router ?

... ?

What are the pros and cons of each approach ? Can both PLC and HMI be programmed this way or there are restrictions ?

I would appreciate any comments and links to tutorials should they exist.

[LeTomas · Accepted solution]

Hi @otrotabi ,

For remote access Schneider has a solution called "EcoStruxure Secure Connect Advisor", this requires one of our HMIs to use as gateway from where the machine is installed. Please find in the next link the training material:

https://schneider-electric.box.com/s/zsv55tnof75upt3n4ajs54mgd94bjn32

Of course.... sometimes having on site another pc with the software + teamviewer is a life saver 🙂 because we do not rely on the technical staff that is on site to follow the process of using the usb

Best regards,

Leandro

[otrotabi]

Thanks. This last option seems to be the simplest one. I forgot about the obvious.

[StevenCho]

When it required cyber security, I do use Secure Connect(Proface Connect) as LeTomas said.

But if not, I do use 'Port forwarding'.(feature of router)

[StevenCho]

Thank you for sharing the training material🙂
Your YouTube is where I get help most.
Thank you.

[Bastian_Schmitz]

Since a few weeks you have also the possiblitie to use Secure Connect Advisor with our new Secure Interface for TM172 which you can find here

[Hanif777]

Hello I want to ask another, but related question:

I'm trying to integrate the M172 to an existing network via a router.

I've enabled the EnableDHCP_ETH_PI parameter in the BIOS and downloaded it to the PLC, but it seems to not working as the router didn't assign any IP to the PLC, any suggestion? wiring should be non-issue, I double-checked it already

[Bastian_Schmitz]

The DHCP mechanism start every time after boot. Did you try to restart the PLC? Did you check via commisioning if you get per DHCP an IP Address?

[Hanif777]

Aah yeah that's the issue

I've always turned the PLC on first before connecting the cable (a habit from using the USB cable w/ external power)

Ok it successfully assigned an IP & connected to Ecostruxure, thanks!

[jf_graphen_pl_b]

Hello,

I have a such situation: many M172 PLC's working as modbus RTU slaves. They have own addresses of course and are connected on common bus. The applications on them is not quite ready, so there is and propably will be  a need  to change smth. But unfortunally they are closed in cabinets with no access to USB, so the reprogramming (redowloading) it would be necessary to conduct from the master site (PC with studio and USB/RS485 converter). Is it possible? When I try connect on-line the studio says that no connection, beside this that I can  connect using the same hardware and software master like modscanner.

Can anybody help me  with this?

Artur

[Bastian_Schmitz]

If you are connected to the Modbus RTU Master via Ethernet you could use in the programming part the sysbridge function. In that case the Modbus RTU Master work also as Modbus TCP / RTU gateway. In that case you could connect to the slave PLCs via Ethernet. You have to use the Modbus RTU address as unit id in the configuration tab for communication.

[jf_graphen_pl_b]

Hello,

At first: Thanks a lot for reply. 

In my system as a RTU Master works AS-P.  How can I use a sysbridge function in it? Maybe you know a software tool which have such function? 

I have an idea to test- to use Moxa Modbus RTU Gateway like MGate MB3xxx but I don't have it now at hand.

Once again, thanks a lot.

Artur

[jf_graphen_pl_b]

It works. I've found a software which as such a gateway and it's good (if somebody has the same need do not hesitate to write to me. I don't know if it is suitable to write the name of this soft here).

Thanks again and greetings.

Artur

[otrotabi]

Hello Arthur. Last Monday someone posted something quite similar to this thread I started, it looks we are all looking for the same solution.

I could not find a way to send you a PM, but I would like to know which is the software you are mentioning. If you know how to contact me or maybe give me a hint on which kind of software you are using I will be thankfull.

Regards

José