Rockwell Logix Designer

Agent Requirements

Below are the Agent system requirements to configure a Copia Agent for the backup of Rockwell Logix Designer projects:

  • You will need a licensed copy of Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer (see supported versions) that is capable of backing up the entire Project from a Device, which typically equates to Service Edition, Standard Edition, or higher. (refer to the Rockwell documentation to ensure that the version installed is adequate for this purpose, based on your local usage requirements)

    • If there are many versions of a Project that will be managed by the Agent, each version should be installed.

  • In addition, any additional vendor software must be licensed and installed on PC running the Copia Agent. (i.e. EDS files, Add-on's etc.)

  • The Agent should be tested to confirm that it can backup the PLC using the vendor software.

    • Please refer to the Rockwell documentation regarding port requirements for communication requirements for RSLinx Classic and FactoryTalk Linx.

  • The Agent must be set to use the correct communication software for the devices it will manage. To do this you must open Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer on the Agent, and (without any project open) choose the correct version, based on the menu options shown.

New Project Configuration

To configure a project for Rockwell Logix Designer, you will need to already have a repository created with the Rockwell .acd file.

Click either of the Add a Project buttons in the Projects tab.

The Add a new project configuration dialog will appear which allows you to fully configure the project, devices and job for the project.

Any items highlighted with an asterisk are required.

This is a multi-step process with each section explained in detail. At any time, you can edit the prior section of this workflow.

The project can be edited after creation. Devices and Jobs can also be edited or created directly, using the Devices or Jobs tab. The steps for creation are similar to the steps provided below for those sections.

Define the Project

To get started, we will first select the Project Type from the list provided, and then select an Agent. If you have not already created an Agent, you can create and assign an Agent at a later time. See more about this in the Agents section of the documentation.

When complete, press Save and Continue.

You will now select the Project Path, which is the location (Repo/Branch) that the project is, or will be stored.

You can edit the previous steps at any time.

You will only be allowed to select the appropriate filetype or folder that is allowed for the Project Type. In some cases, a project is required to perform a backup, in other cases, the backup can create the initial backup into an empty project folder.

Once selected, press Save and Continue to proceed.

The project details allows you to update the Project name, and description if desired.

Define the Device(s)

The Device Setup section is for defining the device information (PLC, network, authentication, etc.) that is in your project. If you have pre-created devices, you can add existing devices, otherwise you can Add a Device as seen.

Fill in all required field, and any fields that are applicable. The Name would often be that same name as the Project for Rockwell, to maintain the 1-to-1 relationship.

Communication Path

The Communication Path contains the Linx path to the device. An Agent can be used with RSLinx Classic, or FactoryTalk Linx (not both, at this time). Depending on the version being used, follow the directions below:

  • RSLinx Classic

    • If using RSLinx Classic, the RSLinx path can be entered in the Communication Path field, and the Copia Agent will attempt to use that path. The RSLinx path name is typically in the form of: drivername\ipaddress\backplane\slotno (i.e. AB-ETHIP-1\192.168.1.21\backplane\0).

  • FactoryTalk Linx

    • If using FactoryTalk Linx the field can be left empty, and the Agent will attempt to use the path configured in the project (at the bottom of the RSWho dialog in Logix Designer, see below). If you do not have a path set in the project file, you can do so by navigating to the controller, and using the button to Set Project Path, and committing this change.

Press Save Device when complete.

Define the Job(s)

Creating Jobs is similar for all vendor types, and is described in the Creating Jobs section. It is recommended to review that section while completing a job configuration, and press Save to save the job. You can create more than one job for a device if desired.

Submit the Configuration

Once complete, press Submit Project Setup to create the Project, Device(s) and Job(s).

Don't forget to enable/disable the Watch button, based on your preferences for project Notifications.

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