Remote Program DirectLogic PLC: StrideLinx VPN Cloud

In this video, we will show the process of getting connected to a DirectLogic CPU through the StrideLinx VPN router. If you have not already setup you Router please see the videos for the initial setup, in the description below. Once you have setup your router, then continue on to this video. Now, we need to discuss the DirectLogic IP address. This is IP address of the VPN router on the control side and to remotely program your DirectLogic PLC it must be on the same subnet as the VPN router and have the IP address of the Router as it’s Default Gateway. This way the DirectLogic will be communicating through the router. Now, It is very important that everything is a static IP address, as one limitation of VPN networks is that Broadcast communications will not work and that is what is used to auto discovery these types of devices. So, let’s set up the IP address of a DirectLogic 06 for the first time locally. Let’s open up Net Edit 3. Now select Network and then adapter and verify that you are scanning using the correct Network adapter. Click on scan network and you should see your DirectLogic 06 CPU. Double click on the CPU and enter in the information we discussed earlier. Now, this will change the IP address of your CPU. Now that the PLC has been setup and shipped to the remote site, let’s make our first connection through the StrideLinx. Select your device and then select connect. Once the IX client is connected, open up your DirectLogic programming then select PLC and then Connect. Now, we will need to create a new Link. So, select add and then select Ethernet. Make sure UDP/IP is selected and then Next. From the adapter section select Windows TAPP Adapter. Now Select Link Editor. Select your CPU type and then select the Port Tab. In the IP address portion place the IP address of the CPU and then select the advanced settings tab. Here I would increase your Timeout time This is the time that the software will use, for this link, to gauge if it has lost communication to the CPU. So, increasing this time will help overcome long communication time or spotty networks. I typically place this at 15 seconds and then increase if I have issues connecting. Select Ok. Now, give the Link a name and then select Accept. Now just select the link we had created and read in the project from the Remote Plc. Now you will be able to program and control you PLC from around the world with just an internet connection. A little safety disclaimer. Before you make any changes to your PLC Remotely take into account what you are activating and deactivating remotely as it may cause an unsafe condition. It is always best to have local eyes on the equipment while making these changes. This is where the digital input on the VPN router can be useful, it will allow you to lock out remote changes until someone is there to monitor to safety purposes If you have any questions about the Stride VPN router please contact AutomationDirect’s support team during regular business hours. They will be glad to help. Click on this video to learn more about AutomationDirect’s many support options, click here to learn more or see more videos on our many products, and be sure to click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel for upcoming videos.