PLC Data Exchange Programs
Boxx Engineering, Los Angeles, CA
Email: Support@bxxe.us
Purchase a license to unlock the Auto Start Feature.
This is the easy way to exchange information between PLCs.
This is the perfect solution if the second PLC is another vendor’s unit.
This typical example shows a ControlLogix and Siemens S7 PLC connected to different Networks.
Programs run on Windows 10 and 11.
Means ControlLogix and CompactLogix
Family of PLCs.
Means S7 Family of PLCs.
These programs are used to transfer information between three of the most popular PLCs on the Market.
Using these programs is a simple and uncomplicated way to transfer register information between these PLCs. All that is required is a small industrial PC. The PC will normally have one port, but if the PLCs are on two different networks, then a two Ethernet port PC can be used.
The programs transfer an Array of Real Registers (2 to 50) and a Double Integer (DInt) for discrete values (0 to 31).
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the Dint registers, the Bit Positions are maintained between the Siemens S7 and the ControlLogix PLCs. The program converts the bit positions so that Big Endian and Little Endian are accounted for during bit exchanges.
These are the programs that cover the different types of PLC communications:
1 - ControlLogix to ControlLogix
2 - ControlLogix to Siemens S7
3 - Siemens S7 to Siemens S7
4 - SLC-505 to ControlLogix
5 - SLC-500 to SLC-500
The above layout is for a typical ControlLogix and Siemens S7 PLCs. This layout shows each PLC has its own network. To accommodate each network, the computer has two Ethernet ports one configured for each network (IP address and Subnet Mask).
Setup Time:
- Register New Windows - 5 mins
- Setup Ethernet ports - 5 mins
- Download Program - 2 mins
- Install program - 1 min
- Configure Registers and test - 10 mins
- License and setup Auto Starting parameters - 10 mins
- Reboot PC and test Automatic Startup - 5 mins
> Total Time: 45 mins.
(For the second unit, you should be able to cut the setup time by half.)
Small PC that can be used with the programs.
AceMagician [Dual LAN Mini Gaming PC] AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Mini PC (8C/16T, up to 4.3Ghz) 16GB DDR4 512GB NVMe SSD Mini Computers, 4K Triple Display Mini.
Price: $300 from Amazon
This little PC has two Ethernet ports. Should the PLCs be on different networks, this computer has the ports to bridge the gap between each PLC.
You can mount this PC in one of your control panels which is usually where the Main PLC is that you have to transfer information.
AceMagician - AMD RYZEN 7 5800U 16GB 512GB
If you are on a budget, this little computer will work.
AceMagician Mini PC Computer
Windows 11 Pro
Intel 12th Gen N95 (up to 3.4GHz)
16GB LPDDR5 512GB M.2 SSD
Supports 4K UHD
Dual Gigabit Ethernet
2.4G/5G WiFi
Same setup as the AceMagician above.
Price: $160 from Amazon
Using a Fanless Industrial PC is a Good Choice as well.
They are designed for rugged, high temperature operation. And, there are many manufactures of these PCs.
Free Companion Computer Information and Ping Program
This program is used to Ping websites and other computers on your network. It is also used to get IP type information about your computer.
You can use this program to ping the PLCs to insure they are online and ready to Exchange Information.
It’s such a hassle opening a command shell and typing in Ping and the website or another’s computer’s IP addresses. This program automates this by remembering the IP addresses that have been pinged and saves them in a combobox.
This program also gives information about your computer, its IP addresses and its IP address on the Internet.
Free Advanced Network Scanner Program
Reliable and free network scanner to analyze LAN.
The program shows all network devices, gives you access to shared folders, provides remote control of computers (via RDP and Radmin), and can even remotely switch computers off.
It is easy to use and runs as a portable edition. It should be the first choice for every network admin.
This program is excellent to viewing your Industrial Network to see what PLCs and HMIs are online and ready.
RSA File Encryption Exchange Program. Free as in Free Beer
You and a Friend can use this program to exchange encrypted files between you. Since no one has access to your Private Keys, no third person can decrypt your files.
1 - Make Your RSA Keys: Start by making your key pair. This button makes your Public and Private Key Pair.
2 - Locate Your Public Key File To Send to Friend: This is the path to your Public Key. Email this file to your friend.
3 - Decrypt Friends Message File: Your friend will use this same program and your Public Key file to encrpt a text file to you. Only you can Decrypt your Friend's file using your Private Key.
4 - Get Friends Public Key: Your friend will email you their Public Key file. Locate that file with this button selection.
5 - Encrypt My File for Friend: Select the file you want to encrypt for your Friend. Use their Public Key. Once encrypted, email the file to them and they can decrypt the file with their Private Key.