PC-PLC COM

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PC-PLC COM

You can establish PC-PLC communications via Ethernet or, if your model supports it, via USB cable.

Note	To access the controller's Ethernet settings, open UniApps and check under Network> Ethernet. To download Logic-only via the last used PC-PLC Communication method, you can use the keystroke Ctrl + D.

UniLogic - PLC Communication Password

Starting with UniLogic versions 1.29.xx and the UniStream firmware supplied with that version, Unitronics embedded user authentication measures into both UniLogic software and UniStream firmware. This enables you to prevent unauthorized access to your UniStream controller.

For this reason, UniLogic requires users to enter a PLC password before executing commands and tasks that require UniLogic to UniStream communication, including:

Application Download / Upload
Verify
On-line test mode (debug)
Changing Work mode (Stop, Run, Reset, Reboot)
Set Date and time in PLC
Remote Upgrade

Note that in the event that after you install Firmware from V1.29 an up, you wish to down grade, you need to follow the procedures given in the topic How_to_Downgrade_Firmware__after_installing_BIN_1.29_

The first time a user establishes UniLogic to UniStream communications to a particular PLC, for example at application download, or to run online Test mode, UniLogic requires the user to change the default password, as shown in the next image.

The PLC password must be at least 8 characters long.
It must contain at least 1 digit, at least 1 lower case letter, at least 1 upper case letter, and at least 1 symbol
Note that are some restricted symbols including: ' " < > & ; |

Once a password is assigned to the PLC, UniLogic stores that password for that specific user (the user currently logged into Windows).

When a user attempts UniLogic to UniStream communications, UniLogic authenticates the user access permission to that specific PLC.

If the PLC password has been changed, and is recognized by UniLogic, or if a different user logs into the PC and then attempts to access the PLC, UniLogic requests the password.

If the user enters the password incorrectly, communications are blocked.

Other ways to change the Password

From UniLogic via the ribbon: UniStream Management > Change Password.

Via UniApps> System> PLC >System > PLC Password.

You can also restore the PLC's default password via UniApps, and then assign a new one.

Ethernet

Connect your PC to the controller using an Ethernet cable.
Access the controller's Ethernet settings by opening UniApps.
UniApps is a collection of applications and tools that are embedded in the operating system of the controller. Via UniApps, you can perform a number of operations, such as:
- View and edit system data
- Run updates to upgrade different aspects of the controller
- View and edit communication settings
- Implement Working Mode actions such as resetting the controller.
You can enter Information Mode at any time without regard to what is currently displayed on the LCD screen.

Entering UniApps:
- Touch and maintain contact for several seconds with the upper right corner of the HMI Panel touchscreen until UniApps appears.
Check under Network> Ethernet to see the controller's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
Note that you can edit these values by touching a field to open the keypad.
In UniLogic, on the Solution Explorer, click PLC Communications>Panel. The settings here must match the controller's settings.
Click the PLC tab on the program ribbon, and then click Communication.
Select Ethernet, and enter the controllers address; you may need to click the refresh icon in order to establish communications.
Click OK.

Note that in order to gain first-time access to a UniStream PLC out of the box, you must use the PLC's factory default IP.

UniStream PLC default IP

UniStream Display default IP

IP: 192.168.1.4

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

IP: 192.168.1.5

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

USB

Directly connect your PC to the controller using a mini B USB cable.
Click the PLC tab on the program ribbon, and then click Communication.
Select USB; the network Discovery utility will begin to search for UniStream devices.

Click the desired device to establish communications.

PC-PLC Communication

Ethernet connection troubleshooting

Check:

The physical connections, PLC power source, and communication cables.
Password access.
Verify that the relevant Ethernet ports are not blocked.

Protocol Ports

Ensure that ports dedicated to specific protocols are accessible.
Note that if the PLC is not part of the LAN, the ports may be blocked. In this case, you can configure the router connected to the PLC to open the ports, and forward the ports to the PLC.

The protocols listed below use the ports shown in the next table.

Protocol	Port	Purpose
SFTP	22	Download
	3335	Online using SSL
	3999	PC / CPU Tunneling
VNC	5900	VNC
HTTPS	8001	REST APIs
Web Server	any available port

Previous Versions

Note that UniLogic versions 1.28.34 and lower use ports as defined in the next table.

Protocol	Port	Version 1.28/Previous	Version 1.29 and higher
SSH	22	Commands	Not in use
SFTP	22	Download	Download
	3335	Online	Online using SSL
	3999	PC / CPU Tunneling	PC / CPU Tunneling
VNC	5900	VNC	VNC
HTTPS	8001	Not in use	REST APIs
Web Server	any available port

Restoring the PLC Default Password

To reset the PLC Password back to the default:

Enter UniApps: touch and maintain contact for several seconds with the upper right corner of the HMI Panel touchscreen until the UniApps popop menu appears. You can also enter via VNC, by clicking the cursor on the upper right corner of the HMI and holding the mouse button down.
Select UniApps.
Select the System tab, then press the arrow at the right side of the screen to view and press the PLC Properties option.
Select Restore Password, and select OK to restore the PLC default password.

After you have restored the default password, when you next try to establish PC-PLC communications, UniLogic will request that you change the PLC default password.