Schneider Electric PLC Programming

[mjp123gp]

I need some help with a Schneider Electric TM221CE40R controller. A customer wants me to add a few level switches and do some basic programming but I'm not familiar with this controller at all.

The previous contractor retired and didn't leave any electrical drawings or PLC files with the plant so they're in a bit of a mess.

-With this controller, can the program be uploaded from the PLC to my laptop? -Are descriptions stored in the controller?
-What software is needed? From the little bit of research, it looks like EcoStruxure is the software but I'm not positive.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Jirrr]

Hello....

EcoStruxureMachine Expert - Basic, free licence, programing software for M221 controllers......

https://www.se.com/ww/en/product/ES...ce,-programing-software-for-m221-controllers/

 

[parky]

I have never used Schneider but there are a few things you need to know.
1. In general, the comments & symbols are not stored in the PLC by default so it is likely that if you upload the code into the IDE there will be no comments or symbols, many PLC's have the ability to store the symbols & comments but many programmers do not so you may need the original source files for the comments.
2. If it was a contractor it is also possible that they have password protected the code so you can only access it if you have the code, many do on the premise that it is their intellectual property, or they consider it bad practice to allow others modify the code as it might cause problems, if it was specifically written for your company & the company paid them to do it, not a standard build i.e. an OEM machine then it should be your property, however, this is a contentious issue, debated by many.
Some PLC's cannot re-constitute the code unless the source code has been downloaded to the PLC, the only thing you can do is give it a try & upload it if it will allow.
If it is possible to upload the code & it translates into ladder then you could add comments based on the drawings, however, it appears you do not have these either so a little difficult and not for a beginner.

 

[kallileo]

You will need mini Usb cable to connect to the PLC in case you don't know the IP address.