How to Change Controller Name in Control/Compact Logix Online

Question:

Hello everyone, we need to address the possibility of changing the controller name in Control/Compact Logix while the Processor is in Run mode. While the GSV instruction allows us to read the controller name, the SSV instruction does not offer this functionality. Are there any alternative methods for changing the controller name, or is it simply not possible? Your input is appreciated. Thank you.

Top Replies

I am intrigued by the reasoning behind the need to attempt this task, even if it is technically feasible. It is highly probable that even if successful, you may encounter issues with communication, as controllers typically rely on their unique device name for identification purposes.

Is it possible to modify the data displayed on the processor screen through programming? Unfortunately, that cannot be done programmatically. You will need to manually configure it in Logix/Designer 5000.

@jrwb4gbm asked about the program version number being included in the controller name. At our company, we have around 40 production lines with identical configurations. Any modifications made and approved on one production line require deployment to all other lines. We use a different type of device unification for communication. @jkerekes acknowledged this information and expressed hope for a possible solution.

One user on a forum mentioned that when you check the controller tags section, the name assigned by the user is displayed next to each configuration, input, or output assembly. Therefore, altering the module name in online mode will impact communication. However, this is not entirely accurate as the names are actually displayed with a "local" prefix, not the controller name. It is indeed possible to change the controller name online using CIP messages. Yet, if you are running version 24 or higher, going online with the controller after renaming it can be a bit complicated. Additionally, this practice is not endorsed by Rockwell. Renaming online will also modify the display on the LCD screen. It is advisable not to include the program version in the controller name. The ACD file does not necessarily have to match the controller name. Instead, consider placing the version information in the controller description, which can be adjusted online via Studio. To clarify further, the controller name is not the same as the controller's hostname, which can be changed whenever necessary. The controller name does not impact communication but is visible in Linx.

From my experience, once your Control/Compact Logix is in Run mode, you cannot change the controller name. This is because the controller name is a system-defined attribute, and modification is only allowed when the processor is offline. Changing the controller name while it's in Run mode could potentially interfere with its operation and lead to system errors. So, while it might be inconvenient, it’s safer to wait until you can take the system offline to make any changes to the controller name.

Hi there. Changing the controller name while the processor is in Run mode just isn't possible as per the Control/Compact Logix system design. It's a limitation that controllers must be taken to Program mode before any configuration changes, including renaming controllers, can be made. I agree, this might not always be convenient for us engineers, but it's there to avoid possible disruptions in control operations. Imagine the communication mess if we could change controller names on a running system! It would have been great though if we could use some form of alias for the controller name, that could be changed anytime.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Can the controller name be changed in Control/Compact Logix while the Processor is in Run mode? - No, the SSV instruction does not offer the functionality to change the controller name while the Processor is in Run mode.

FAQ: 2. What instruction can be used to read the controller name in Control/Compact Logix?

Answer: - The GSV instruction can be used to read the controller name in Control/Compact Logix.

FAQ: 3. Are there alternative methods available for changing the controller name in Control/Compact Logix?

Answer: - As of now, there are no alternative methods provided for changing the controller name in Control/Compact Logix while the Processor is in Run mode.

FAQ: 4. Is it possible to change the controller name in Control/Compact Logix when the Processor is not in Run mode?

Answer: - Yes, changing the controller name may be possible when the Processor is not in Run mode, but this may require additional steps or procedures.

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