As a newcomer to the world of AB automation, I have extensive experience working with Mitsubishi PLCs in the past. One great feature of Mitsubishi PLCs is the ability to back up the entire PLC system, including the program, parameters (such as io configurations), and device memory (tag/register memories). This allows me to make changes to the program logic, define new tags, and only write back the program without affecting the device memory or tag values. I can also choose to specifically back up tags and write them if necessary. I am curious if Allen Bradley (AB) PLCs offer a similar capability. My objective is to backup all tag memories in my PLC before making code changes and downloading them. After the download, I would like to restore the previous tag values to ensure that any settings configured via HMI/Scada are not lost. This process will help maintain the integrity of the existing settings and configurations.
Which PLC model are you currently using for your work: PLC 2, PLC 5, PLC 5-250, PLC 500, or PLC 5000? Let me know, James.
If you are searching for a way to export/import routines or programs, I will provide an example using a routine, although the process is the same for programs located one level higher in the hierarchy. To begin, make sure to take a system backup, saving it 'with tag data'. It is crucial to know the state your system needs to be in for this process. It is recommended to carry out this task with the systems stopped and empty. Next, with an updated copy of the program, go offline to make any necessary changes. In the explorer window (located on the left-hand side), right-click on the routine or program you modified and select 'export'. This action should prompt you to save an .l5k file. Proceed to go online with the controller and either upload from the controller or utilize the unchanged program to go online. Right-click on the routine that requires updating and select 'import'. There are various options available for creating or reconciling tags, which should be self-explanatory once you reach this step. In summary, Allen Bradley (AB) utilizes .L5K files for importing and overwriting entire routines or programs while in operation, without the need for a program download. It is important to note that there are certain changes that cannot be made while the system is running in this manner. However, changes to rungs and tag data can be implemented while the system is operational.
When downloading on newer CompactLogix systems, there is a checkbox that says "preserve existing tag values," which may be exactly what you're looking for. While I haven't personally utilized this feature, it is a recent addition and I'm not certain if it is only available on newer hardware or if it applies to firmware as well.
James Mcquade asked which Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) model is being utilized, specifically inquiring about PLC 2 / 5 / 5-250 / 500 / 5000. Currently, the system is operating with a ControlLogix / 1756-L73 CPU controller and running RSLogix5000 software.
Absolutely, Allen Bradley PLCs have similar functionality. You can utilize the Upload and Merge tool in RSLogix5000 to back up the tags and their descriptions before making any changes. Then, following your code change and download, you can merge your old tags with your new program, essentially restoring the states of any tag values that may have been altered. This process should help preserve your HMI/Scada-configured settings. Remember to be careful with your ladder logic codes because this process doesn’t cover changes made there.
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Answer: Answer: Yes, Allen Bradley (AB) PLCs offer the capability to back up and restore tag memories, similar to Mitsubishi PLCs. This helps in maintaining the integrity of existing settings and configurations when making code changes.
Answer: Answer: In Allen Bradley (AB) PLCs, you can use the appropriate software tools provided by the manufacturer to back up tag memories. This process ensures that you can restore the previous tag values after making code changes.
Answer: Answer: Yes, you can selectively restore specific tag values in an Allen Bradley (AB) PLC after downloading new code. This feature allows you to maintain settings configured via HMI/Scada without affecting other tag values.
Answer: Answer: By backing up and restoring tag memories in Allen Bradley (AB) PLCs, you can safeguard existing configurations, prevent loss of settings configured via HMI/Scada, and ensure smooth transitions when making code changes.
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