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Copying PLC Files from one PLC to Another
Introduction
It is possible that the original .VAD file from the RFID PC Programmer may be lost, preventing
changes, upgrades or replacing the program in other PLCs in a multi‐unit site. In this case, if there is
a functioning PLC available with the correct program running, it may be possible to obtain a copy of
the .VAD file & the Application Definition (APP files) from this unit.
Procedure
Note that this procedure copies the Application Definition (APP) and .VAD (PC Programmer) files
only. For the base firmware (PLC Files) this should be copied in the usual way. See the previous
section for this.
A blank SD Card is required for this procedure.
Ensure the power is switched on to
1 the PLC and the Home screen is
displayed. Insert the blank SD Card.
Press the small reset button on the
2 left‐hand side of the PLC. This returns
the PLC to the Windows CE desktop.
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6.0 Supporting Hardware & Software
The screen of the PLC is touch‐
sensitive. Double‐tap on the My
3
Device icon. This opens a File
Manager window.
Double‐tap on the Internal Storage
4
icon.
Single‐tap on the APPDEF, file to
5
select it.
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Tap the Edit menu and select the
6
Copy option.
Click the Up One Level icon in the
toolbar. It’s a yellow folder with a
7 right‐angled upward pointing arrow.
This returns us to the root of the PLC
file system.
8 Double‐tap on the Storage Card icon.
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6.0 Supporting Hardware & Software
Tap on the Edit menu item and tap
again on the Paste option. This will
9
copy the APPDEF file to the SD Card
currently inserted into the PLC.
Click the Up One Level icon in the
toolbar. It’s a yellow folder with a
10 right‐angled upward pointing arrow.
This returns us to the root of the PLC
file system.
Repeat steps 4‐10 for the files ZONES,
TAGZONE, TAGS, STATUS, LIMITS and
CONFIG. You may have to scroll
11 down to see these files when in the
Internal Storage folder. At the end,
the StorageCard folder should look
like the picture shown here.
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When the copying is completed, the SD Card can be removed from the PLC and the key/power can be
cycled. There are now two options:
1. The SD Card can be placed directly into another PLC and this PLC will read the Application
Definition (APP) Files.
2. The SD Card can be placed into a PC and the file “APPDEF.VAD” can be opened in the
RFID PC Programmer.
In both cases, it is recommended to take a backup of the files that have just been copied onto the SD
card.
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