Memory cassette - update a password protected PLC

[WKla]

Hello, Can a password protected PLC be updated with a help a memory cassette? The documentation states that it is not possible. But if the memory cassette is protected with the same keyword? Thank you. Edited April 24, 2015 by WKla

[Crossbow]

How about telling us which PLC? Typically when a CPU is password protected you have no access to the program, either with software or a memory card.

[WKla]

Sorry, FX3G PLC.

[JRoss]

So you are the original programmer, and have the keyword, but the PLC is on a machine some distance away, and you want to send a memory cassette to the owner to update the program, yet still keep it password protected? My understanding is that you can do this. Send them the cassette, they power down, pop it in, power up, and are under way with the new program. I've worked on machines with FX2N that used memory cassettes in this way, so I would assume the FX3G would work similarly.

[WKla]

This is exactly what I intend to do. I will order one to test it. Thank you!

[Crossbow]

All FX run the program from the memory card when it is installed. This is instead of the internal memory. So for this to work, you need to leave the memory card installed. Or get the memory card which includes the read/write loader function. Part number will end with L.

[WKla]

I have received the FX3G-EEPROM-32L memory cassette. After testing it, I can tell that the Read and Write functions (32L <-> PLC) are available only when the memory cassette and the PLC are not password protected. If one of them is password protected or if both are password protected (with the same password!), then the transfer will not occur. I will have to find another solution.

[Theo V]

Hi WKla, As an alternative fotr th EEPROM cassette you can try to use a secure service router to connnect to your PLC in the field trough the internet (VPN). If you set up an eWon 141 cosy router this has Mitsubishi drivers on-board that can run on the serial programming port of the FX3. If your FX3 has an Ethernet port it is even more simple to connect based on IP. You have to use a SC-09 (the red one) programming cable between the eWon and the PLC RS422 port or use a RJ45 UTP patch cable between the eWon and PLC. The software to make the virtual connection is freeware. Check out www.Talk2M.com to learn more. Actually you can make an extended programming cable trough the internet that passes almost any firewall in the factory and gives you all the functions you have as if you had it connected on the workbench. Upload, monitor and change the program at the other end of the world even start the machine but that can be very dangerous! Best regards, Theo V.

[JRoss]

Interesting. Good to know. As an integrator, I'm usually on the receiving end of passwords set up by the OEM... Another idea would be to just leave the memory cassette in the PLC. When installed, the cassette replaces the memory of the PLC. This means that if you would load the new program on the cassette with password protection and ship it to the customer, they could install it and just leave it in place. If the changes you made don't work, they can remove the cassette and be right where they were. This has the added advantage of making it easy for the customer to replace the PLC in case of failure, since they can just move the cassette over.