Frequently asked questions 

For user

What does "app types" mean and which do exist?What does "app types" mean and which do exist? 

Each PLCnext App is assigned an app type. Based on the app type, a user can determine how the PLCnext App will be used.


There are currently six app types available: App (combined type of the previous Function Extension and Runtime), Desktop Tool, Library, License, PLCnext Engineer Project and Solution.

 

For more information, refer to the topic App types in the PLCnext Store.

Is it possible to combine apps on one device? Is it possible to combine apps on one device?

The combination of apps is always dependent on the type of the apps you are using. 

For which devices can I find apps in the PLCnext Store?For which devices can I find apps in the PLCnext Store?

The PLCnext Store only offers apps for the following PLCnext Control devices:

The apps in the PLCnext Store are not for smartphones!

How do I connect a PLCnext Control to the PLCnext Store?How do I connect a PLCnext Control to the PLCnext Store?
  How do I put my PLCnext Control online? How do I put my PLCnext Control online?

After resetting a PLCnext Control (e.g. firmware update, factory reset or inserting an SD card), a controller that was previously registered in the PLCnext Store may be shown as "Offline" in the PLCnext Store, even though the controller has a functioning internet connection.  Check the following points to put your device back online.

  • Log in to the PLCnext Store, using your PLCnext Store account credentials.
  • Open your device list.
  • Click the Action button. 
  • Chose Reset Device Communication.

This will automatically create a new security token for your device. This security token is automatically stored in the device and authenticates you as an authorized user. 

  • Open the WBMPLCnext Store of your PLCnext Control with a browser (e.g.: https://192.168.1.10/wbm). 
  • Open the PLCnext Store page (Configuration ­­ PLCnext Store) and make sure that the PLCnext Store Service is enabled.
  • Click the Apply button.

If your PLCnext Control has a connection problem, the PLCnext Store page shows corresponding information. 

  • Check if the device IP address is unique and in the same IP address range as the gateway (internet router).

You can set the IP addresses via the WBM or via PLCnext Engineer

 For more information on how to configure the IP address, refer to the topic Configuration - Network in the PLCnext Info Center.

If the system time of the PLCnext Control is invalid, the security certificates are also invalid.

  • Check and set the system time of your PLCnext Control via PLCnext Engineer

For more information on how to set the system time, refer to the topic System time in the PLCnext Info Center.

What is a UUID?What is a UUID?

 

The UUID (universally unique identifier) is a number used to identify your controller. 

 

The format of a UUID looks like: abcd1234-abcd-1234-abdc-abcd1234abcd


The UUID is printed on the housing of the controller and can also be found in the WBM under  Configuration → Proficloud .

You can reach the WBM at the following address: https://<IP_address_of_the_controller>/wbm

Example: https://192.168.1.10/wbm

 

 
What happens after a reset type 1?What happens after a reset type 1?
  • The overlay file system (upperdir) is deleted. This also deletes all apps. 
  • Existing licenses on the controller are retained. The licenses can be checked with the WBM.
  • The IP address and gateway of the controller is default 192.168.1.10.
  • The Regtoken is invalid. To reset the Regtoken, proceed as follows:
  • Log in to your Proficloud account, using your PLCnext Store account credentials.
  • Select the My Appliances menu item.
  • Select the UUID of the controller that is not connecting to the PLCnext Store.
    You can see the UUID of a controller in the WBM under Configuration → Proficloud .
  • Press the Reset Regtoken button.


The Proficloud service in the controller is switched off: The service must be reactivated via the WBM.

Note: After a firmware update, the apps are retained.
How do I install a license?How do I install a license?

See section Installing a license.

How do I move a PLCnext Control from one profile to another?How do I move a PLCnext Control from one profile to another?
  • Uninstall all apps from your controller.
  • Deactivate all licenses from your controller.
    Note: The licenses are put back into your license pool.
  • If the controller is empty, press the Remove device button.

If a PLCnext Control is added to the PLCnext Store, the controller is automatically (in the background) also registered in the Proficloud. The reason: Data exchange between the controller and the PLCnext Store is implemented via the Proficloud.
It is necessary to remove the Proficloud binding for the device move.
To remove the controller from your Proficloud account proceed as follows:

  • Go to https://www.proficloud.net/ and log in.
  • Click on My Appliances.
  • Click on the UUID.
  • Click on Release Ownership.

Now your PLCnext Control is unbound.

Is there a quality gate or does someone at Phoenix Contact check the apps posted by third parties?Is there a quality gate or does someone at Phoenix Contact check the apps posted by third parties?

Currently, every app provider must contact Phoenix Contact during the registration process. After making contact, Phoenix Contact will evaluate the technical requirements for the implementation of an app. In principle, the provider themselves must ensure the quality of their app. Phoenix Contact provides a binding quality guideline that must be observed. Furthermore, Phoenix Contact uses an evaluation system consisting of 0 - 5 stars. The stars show the quality of the app and the app provider. In the medium term, there will be an option for an app provider to have their app certified by Phoenix Contact

Who supports third-party apps?Who supports third-party apps?

Apps are supported by the app provider themselves. The method of support must be discussed directly with the app provider.

  • To contact the app provider, press the Contact Developer button on the detail page of the app.


 

For app developer

How do trial licenses work?How do trial licenses work?
  • We offer a free trial (demo) license for every paid app.
  • A trial app can only be installed directly on an online device.
  • A trial license can only be used once per user.
  • The trial license is valid for 10 days. The function of the app is not restricted.
  • A trial license can not be stored in the license pool.
  • A trial license remains on your device after expiration and can not be removed from it.
  • After the trial license has expired, a full license can be installed parallel to this license.
How do I license the apps I want to publish?How do I license the apps I want to publish?

How you integrate our licensing mechanism in your app depends on the software type from your app. Solutions and Libraries (IEC-61131) must include a license function block in the PLCnext Engineer project.

Wibu mechanisms are used to check the license.
In case your app is programmed in C++ you use the method GetLicenseStatus which is offered in the SDK 2019.6.

Is there a quality gate or does someone at Phoenix Contact check the apps posted by third parties?Is there a quality gate or does someone at Phoenix Contact check the apps posted by third parties?

Currently, every app provider must contact Phoenix Contact during the registration process. After making contact, Phoenix Contact will evaluate the technical requirements for the implementation of an app. In principle, the provider themselves must ensure the quality of their app. Phoenix Contact provides a binding quality guideline that must be observed. Furthermore, Phoenix Contact uses an evaluation system consisting of 0 - 5 stars. The stars show the quality of the app and the app provider. In the medium term, there will be an option for an app provider to have their app certified by Phoenix Contact

Who supports third-party apps?Who supports third-party apps?

Apps are supported by the app provider themselves. The method of support must be discussed directly with the app provider.

  • To contact the app provider, press the Contact Developer button on the detail page of the app.

 

 


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• Published/reviewed: 2023-11-17 • Revision 14 •