Hi, I was testing PLCnext platform and developing some small C++ applications. It hit me that since PLCnext platform is hosted in an LINUX based system. Could it be possible to host the PLCnext firmware/Platform on a LINUX Container (Docker may be). This way we can have a soft PLC running on any machine for testing, simulating code and so on without any need of hardware. Also individual team members can test their feature, on PLCnext platform using the Container for PLCnext platform. Or is there something already something provided by PhoenixContact to simulate PLCnext platform on local machines?. With BR Muddasir Shakil
Hello Muddasir Shakil,
we currently do not support this feature.
But we have simulation on our Roadmap.Unfortunatly I can not name a date when it will come.
kind regards,
Oliver
I’m not familiair with Linux containers and docker, but I read something about docker in the 2020.LTS firmware update
Hello Arne, yes you are right but that is a completly different usecase.
Muddasir is looking for possibilty to run a PLCnext Firmware or even a Hardware emulation in a virtual machine on any device.
This would allow him to test his applications without having the actual Hardware at his desk.We have quite alot of requirements on a system like that and are already working on it evaluating the possibilities.
But I can not promise any release dates or tell you what the finished product will look like.What you mentioned is also right.
We are now able to install docker on a PLCnext Controller.
This enables us to run Virtual Machines on the PLCnext Hardware directly.I hope to publish some examples or tutorials on how to do this in the next weeks.
kind regards,
Oliver
Can you please provide more information on how to run Docker on PLCNext? We are urgently looking for a solution on how to do this. It would help us a lot!
Hi guco, AXC F 2152 firmware version 2020.0 is “Docker™ ready”. In practice, this means that it runs the latest stable version of Docker for Linux/armhf (version 19.03.5). However, in order to use Docker on an AXC F 2152 for any practical application, there are quite a few manual steps that must be taken, and even then it may not be possible to use all Docker features (at the moment). We have some activities scheduled for the next few weeks where we will explore the Docker features of the current firmware, and we will share the results with the Community. If you have an urgent application that requires Docker support, please contact me directly by email (mboers at phoenixcontact dot com) to discuss. ~ Martin.