Is there a way to reset the PLC to factory settings using a USB key?
I found this procedure in the forum:
I think it’s wonderful to have this solution, but is there a way to reset the PLC without using Automation Studio?
The reason I’m asking is that we use two types of C30 PLCs (same PLC but with two different references), which means two different installation packages.
Today, my colleague (test technician) tried to upload the black screen using the wrong package, and the PLC restarted in service mode. We then tried to use the correct package, hoping it would overwrite the configuration in the PLC, but it didn’t work. I had to reset the PLC using Automation Studio (following the procedure linked above) to resolve the issue.
We are considering using these devices worldwide, which is why I’m searching for an alternative solution (Automation Studio will not be available for everyone).
I’m not sure if it’s possible with an USB stick only, but I could imagine it can be solved using some predefined, suitable (empty) projects together with using a prepared “script” in Runtime Utility Center instead of Automation Studio.
With Runtime Utility Center (RUC), for example you would be able to read the PLC hardware version online and, based on this hardware type, select automatically the right project to transfer.
I’m already away from my desk so I can’t prepare an example and therefore I’m also not sure if your complete usecase can be covered, but at least I think it’s worth a closer look on it, since RUC has many functions and can be installed without having Automation Studio.
You can technically also use Runtime Utility Center to execute the HDD/CF utility. Therefore, you don’t need AS.
However, this has the downside that you need to know the IP address of the PLC and it has to be valid. In BOOT mode, this means requiring a DHCP server and knowing how to obtain the provided IP address from the network/server. It’s just easier to download and install AS. Outside of BOOT mode, your AR is 4.33 or higher (aka modern PLCs) and you can’t use the HDD/CF utility.
(Runtime Utility Center doesn’t have the same browse/set IP address capability of Automation Studio.)
If you already have a USB project installation package, then you just needed to place the C30 panels into BOOT mode, and then perform the installation again. It doesn’t sound like you actually needed to clear the partitions on the C30, just get it back into a mode it would accept the correct project.
Since the Configuration ID is different/blank in BOOT mode, an initial installation is always performed and it would wipe the incorrect package from the C30.
I tried this method before, but it seems I did NOT do it the right way. I tried again this morning and it works.
I reproduced the same behavious, restarted the PLC in boot mode, then the project was uploaded in PLC.
