Is there an easy way to change controller in a project?

RaimondasProrega

So I have Started using AXC F 1152 controller, Updater to the latest firmware 2021.9, and made a project. Added IO modules, assigned pin names (Data List), programmed a few programs, made a few web pages for control, and indicate the processes. But I have noticed that this controller once a 60 min or sometimes more often has Bus communication error with IO modules. Checked all bus pins, all of them are ok. Tried downgrading firmware to 2021.6, but wasn't able to connect to the controller. Can't "Unassign" and add a current one. So had to upgrade it to 2021.9. Errors were continuing to show up randomly. So I can't use it in a factory.
Decided to change the controller to another one. But I do not have a second AXC F 1152 PLC. I only have AXC F 2152 with 2021.3 firmware. Can't find a way to switch controllers in my project without deleting one. So ExportetHMIWebserver "Data List", Made templates of current pages. Exported PLC "Data list".
Deleted project controller and added new one from "Online controllers". then Imported HMI Webserver and PLC "Data Lists". Added all programs to an "ESM1" cycle. Added web pages from templates. And cant build, because I have an error Internal Error : Object reference not set to an instance of an object..
https://proregateam-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/raimondas_prorega_lt/EVT0Cb_xL3tDjWGsm8mSy0wBCidyGrB27gb0kb-PUZTBtA?e=eR3vgO (For some reason I cant add image, image insert has only URL, but no "OK" button)
Do not know why. Tried Deleting again and adding all data and programs, pages to the controller. Same thing. Plus cant export the "Data list" of IO modules. Have to assign them by hand. So if the Controller is replaced or have multiple physical projects, I have to make multiple projects files by hand. And when in one of them some bug is found or something is updated, I'll need to do it by hand to every project.

So is there's a way to use the same project for multiple Controllers? Or convert it fast to another one. Or somehow export everything and import it into another project easily.

Martin - PLCnext Technology Team

Regarding the image problem in this forum, this is a missing feature that has been raised with the site admins. Sorry about that.

The PLCnext Engineer help system explains how to replace a controller in a project. Search for "replacing", and there is a section on "replacing devices".

I've copied the relevant section here:

How to replace a device
You have several possibilities to replace a device with PLCnext Engineer:

Replacement via the device's context menu in the PLANT

In the COMPONENTS area, search for the replacement device and select it.
Press <Ctrl>+<C> or select the 'Copy' command from the device's context menu to copy the device to the clipboard.
In the PLANT, select the device to be replaced and choose the 'Replace' command from the device's context menu. Alternatively, press <Ctrl>+<Shift>+<R>.
The 'Replace' command is only executable when the replacement operation is allowed for the selected device.

The successful replacement operation is indicated in the Project log in the LOGGING window.

Replacement via the station editor of a Profinet device ('Module List') or Axioline F device ('Device List')

There are two possibilities to replace a device via the station editors ('Device List'/'Module List'):

Replacement via Role Picker (see method 1 below).
Replacement by cutting or copying an existing device to the clipboard and calling the 'Replace' command (method 2).
The following procedures are similar for the replacement of Profinet devices/modules (via the 'Device List'/'Module List' editor) and Axioline F devices (via the 'Device List' editor). In the following examples, the replacement of an Axioline F device is described. Replace other devices in the same manner.

Method 1:

Double-click the 'Axioline F' node in the PLANT and open the 'Device List' editor in the editors area.
In the 'Type' field, left-click on the device you want to replace.
Alternatively, move the table cursor using the arrow keys to the desired 'Type' field and press <Enter>.
The Role Picker appears for selecting devices providing only devices for selection that are allowed to be inserted at the selected position.

Example for the device selector opened for an Axioline F device:

Select the folder in the tree on the left and then the replacement device on the right by clicking it or pressing the <Enter> key. Use the following keys to navigate:
Press the shortcut ... ... to ...
<Tab>/<Shift> + <Tab> switch between the folders on the left and the entries on the right.
<ArrowDown>/<ArrowUp> move the cursor down/up.
<Enter>
(focus on the right side) select the currently marked entry, close the selection control and apply the entry to the table field.
<ArrowRight>/<ArrowLeft>
(focus on the left side) expand/collapse the currently marked folder on the left.

The successful replacement operation is indicated in the Project log in the LOGGING window.

Method 2:

Double-click the 'Axioline F' node in the PLANT and open the 'Device List' editor in the editors area.
In the table, right-click the row with the replacement device and select 'Cut' or 'Copy' from the device's context menu. (Alternatively, press <Ctrl>+<C> to copy or <Ctrl>+<X> to cut the device).
Left-click on the table row with the device you want to replace and select the 'Replace' command from the device's context menu.
The successful replacement operation is indicated in the Project log in the LOGGING window.

Replacement via Drag & Drop from the COMPONENTS area into the PLANT

In the COMPONENTS area, search for the replacement device.
Left-click the device, press the <Shift> key and drag the device to the PLANT while keeping the <Shift> key pressed.
Drop the object on the device to be replaced.
PLCnext Engineer checks whether replacement of the device is allowed. The cursor changes as shown in the following figure when it is allowed to drop the replacement device.
An inadmissible operation is prevented by the system and indicated by the "not allowed" cursor:

The successful replacement operation is indicated in the Project log in the LOGGING window.

RaimondasProrega

Thank you.

I have forgot to thank for your response. It worked.