TG-NB HMI Replace Existing PLC with Variable Retention

Purpose

This guide details how to change PLC model in an existing NB HMI project, while retaining existing PLC addressing 

*This procedure does not support the replacement of an Omron PLC Serial Connection to an Omron PLC Ethernet Connection, or vice versa.   There is no known automation tool supporting replacement of NB Serial to/from NB EtherNet applications.

Problem Explanation/Objective

A typical NB Designer (NBD) application consists of a particular Omron PLC, and a particular model NB HMI.  If the PLC needs to be replaced, it is tempting to delete the PLC from the application, and drag the new PLC on to the Configuration and Setup Window.  Unfortunately, deleting the Omron PLC from the application also removes all of the PLC settings, and all of the HMI object PLC variables.  Follow this guide using the “Change PLC Model” function to keep the PLC settings and variables.

Supported devices

NB HMI with EtherNet Connectivity

NB Designer Version 1.61

Requirements

This guide assumes you are familiar with NB Designer applications

Procedure

1. Open NB Designer Application and use Save As to create a new working copy from the original

2. Navigate to the Configuration and Setup Window, right-click the PLC, and select “Change PLC Model”

3. Select the new PLC from the New PLC list box, and verify the correct memory areas for the new PLC.  In this example “Omron CJ/CS/NJ Series Ethernet UDP” was selected.

4. Select OK to make the change. Read the warning message indicating the changed cannot be recovered and select Yes to confirm the changes.

5. Navigate to the Configuration and Setup Window, right-click the HMI and select “Property”

 6. Select PT tab, then select Communication Setting.

7. Using the Communication Setting dialog box, select HMI0 then Modify.

8. Select the appropriate Comm Protocol for the new controller.  In this example “Omron CJ/CS/NJ Series Ethernet UDP” was selected.

9. Select OK to confirm the changes.

10. Select OK to exit Communication Setting.

11. Select OK to exit PT property.

12. Compile the application and download to the NB

Date/Revision History

Submitted for Review 1/15/2025

Author:

Ed Gallagher, Technical Support Specialist

References

NB Designer Version 1.61 freely accessible through Omron Automation Website: https://automation.omron.com/en/us/

NB Designer Operation Manual V106:   

https://www.omron.com.vn/data_pdf/mnu/v106-e1-26_nb3q_nb5q_nb7w_nb10w.pdf