Downloading PLCnext Engineer project without affecting already existing TIC and GDS files

PLCnext Technology & PLCnext Controls
1

Hi,
In a project I am using PLCnext engineer only to include a C++ application and for some IEC programs. In the PLCnext engineer project, I do not configure the axioline and profinet configuration because I generate all TIC files and the GDS with a .net application.
I have made a lot of progress, and my current goal is to be able to make changes in PLCnext engineer project (for example the IEC programs), and writing them to the PLC without affecting the already generated IO configuration files. Is there an option in PLCnext Engineer to not build/write the axioline and profinet configuration? If so, the rest of this text is not relevant anymore.
When I download (and overwrite) my own configuration files to the PCWE directory on the PLC, the PLC is reading the files as expected. However, when I download the PLCnext engineer project again, the configured files are removed or overwritten (obviously).
According to https://github.com/PLCnext/IOconf_Examples, it should be possible to change the location of the configuration files which are being read by the PLC at startup using the command: ln -sfn IOconf current. In this case, I have to download my configuration files to directory /opt/plcnext/projects/IOconf. However, the PLC is still reading the configuration files from the PCWE directory, so it looks like the command is not working. How is it possible to change the directory?. Moreover, if this would work, will the PLCnext Engineer project in the PCWE directory still being read by the PLC?
Thanks in advance,
Koen

2

Hello Koen,
I sended the answer to your question to Damian Bombeeck (my colleague in netherland), he will go in toutch with you and provide the steps and additional information.
You will find in email also the video to update the current symbolic link to point to your own project: (the command works on my PLCnext Target):
cd /opt/plcnext/projects
ln -sfn IOconf current
reboot
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

3

Hello, I think my question is somehow related to this topic. I need to download the full project to a controller and then start the project execution but without using PLCnext Engineer. Where I should copy the project files in the controller? Which format should the project have? Which command should I use to start the project execution?

Appreciate your help.
Juan

4

Hello jbbeeplanet,
I assume you mean with „complete project“ the complete PLCnext Engineer Project. You can proceed the download and start the Project (Wihout PLCnext Engineer) as follows:

                                          1. Create a new PLCnEng Project and compile it.
                                          2. Open the binary Path of PCWE-folder on your Windows OS. The location is : "C:\Users\Public\Documents\PLCnext Engineer\Binaries\PROJECT_xxx@binary\RES_xxx\Configuration\Projects\PCWE"
                                          3. Copy/Replace the "PCWE" folder into "/opt/plcnext/projects" directory on PLCnext-Target 
                                          4. Execute the following command: "sudo /etc/init.d/plcnext restart"

Please note the restart-command will execute the „cold-start“.
BR Eduard