Anomalous behavior when uploading programs to Opta PLC using Arduino PLC

Development Tools PLC IDE
1

Hi,
I conducted tests with 2 new Opta AFX00002 devices using the following setup:
Operating System: Windows 11 on two different laptops.
Software used:
-Arduino IDE version 2.3.4.
-Arduino PLC IDE version 1.0.7.0.

Steps performed:
1.In Arduino IDE, I verified in the Boards Manager that the "Arduino Mbed OS Opta Boards" package was installed correctly.
2.I closed Arduino IDE and proceeded with PLC IDE.
3.I activated the Opta license in the PLC IDE and successfully uploaded the runtime to the Opta device.
4.I created a simple project to turn on LEDs L1 and L2.
5.The PLC IDE correctly recognized the Opta PLC, and the program compiled without errors.
However, the following issues arose when trying to upload the sketch to the Opta PLC:
Error message: Failed Uploading: Uploading error: exit status 74
Pop-up window: Cannot download sketch file (error code: 1)

Despite these errors, clicking the "Connect to the target" button showed the message "SOURCE OK" in the bottom-right corner of the IDE, and the program started running correctly on the Opta device.

Later, I modified the program and repeated the process. Once again, the program compiled successfully, but the same error messages appeared when trying to upload it:

Error message: Failed Uploading: Uploading error: exit status 74
Pop-up window: Cannot download sketch file (error code: 1)

Afterward, reconnecting to the target device showed the status "NOT RUNNING" in the bottom-right corner of the IDE.
Clicking "Cold Reset" changed the status to "SOURCE OK", and the program ran correctly again.

Observations:

  • This behavior was reproduced on two different laptops with similar setups.
  • Although the program eventually works after performing a "Cold Reset," the error messages persist, which could hinder development and cause uncertainty.

Even when the program uploads successfully, displays the “SOURCE OK” message, and allows me to run the debugger, if I disconnect power from the Opta PLC and turn it back on, it behaves as if it was not programmed, and I see the message “NO CODE”.

Questions:

  1. Could this be a bug in the Arduino PLC IDE or the Opta runtime integration?
  2. Is it safe to continue programming Opta PLC devices with this behavior?
  3. Are there any additional steps or recommendations to avoid these error messages?

Note: I used the programming cable included with the Arduino PLC Starter Kit and when uploading the program using the Arduino IDE, it uploads without any issues.

And what

Any guidance or additional information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

1 Like
2

Hi,

I found that this issue is related to the version of Windows 11. On computers running version 24H2, the ARDUINO PLC IDE software exhibits the previously mentioned problem. However, on Windows 11 versions prior to 24H2, the PLC IDE software works correctly. I have already confirmed this on three laptops with version 23H2, where it operates without any issues.

Perhaps someone else can verify or confirm my findings?

3

@Athot and all,

I am seeing the same thing. Using an earlier version of the PLC IDE several months ago, I programmed an OPTA WiFi with a small test application, and that application still powers up in RUN and runs just fine. Now I'm finding some time to play again, and I have an OPTA Lite test/lab jig and PLC IDE v1.0.7, It was crazy difficult to get where a program would load into the OPTA. Eventually I found the Memory Partitioning sketch, was then able to get a simple XIC/OTE test app to load. But when I cycle power, the app appears to be gone -- and NO LEDs on the OPTA light at all --- it looks to be quite dead. I can load the application again and it runs until power cycled.

It makes sense that it could be related to Win11 24H2, because that's about the only change to this PC since the exercise several months ago.

Hope we can get a fix soon.

Also, one question: Can the OPTA Lite be used with an HMI via Modbus TCP? Some things I read seemed to say I need an OPTA-RS485 or an OPTA WiFi to be able to use an HMI via Modbus. Haven't tried it yet, just wondering if I need to get an OPTA with 485 to be able to use an HMI (via Ethernet).

Thanks!
Dale

4

I can confirm this. Also on my laptop with windows 11 24H2 it's impossible to download any sketch from PLC IDE, every times the download fails with "error code 1"

5

I have also had the same issue with the 11 24H2 Version of Windows. The way I got the Opta to hold its code after a power cycle is to put the Opta into bootloader mode by pressing the reset butting twice concurrently when the PLC IDE says

Performing 1200-bps touch reset on serial port COM33
Waiting for upload port...

This then causes the Opta to receive the code and is persistent upon reboots

However, I have trouble connecting to the Opta after doing so. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get around this?

PLC programs load ok, Sketch not
6

I'm having the exact same issue a you guys! It's March 8th and I can't properly upload or interact with my Opta Lite or Opta Wifi. The only option that I'm given for connection is the standard USB Modbus interface so I can't upload via ethernet as well. I've been using these PLC's for over a year and a half and have had problem after problem. Arduino has the most basic and limited resources as if they don't even know what they're doing when it comes to industrial control. I guess I should of just bought a Siemens Logo

7

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Same problem! What next Arduino IDE? Apparently it woks with C/C++ sketches but of course no PLC.

8

Hi all,
Can you please uninstall your current version of the PLC IDE and install the 1.0.8? It is available from Software as usual.

Thanks,
G.

9

Hi, I am using 1.08 version but the problem still here.
When the opta power cycle, the PLC program will lost.

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10

I cannot tell you what a relief it is to find this forum string after so many videos and Google searches. The Opta has been a major disappointed and not easy to work with at all!

I have the exact same issue as detailed throughout this discussion and I am on Arduino PLC IDE 1.0.8, and the latest Arduino IDE (even though I'm not using that but it always seems to be the thing support wants you to update so I did to remove doubt), and yes - I'm using a data cable which is the one that came with the IoT kit.

Maddening that this device appears like it should be so simple yet the simplest act of pushing a button to turn on an LED causes such drama.

11

In fact, the Opta is more for enthusiasts than for a real industrial environment. If you're going to use the PLC IDE, I had several problems at the company with that software. Sometimes I couldn't connect, and the times I could, it seemed to freeze when I connected the modules, and it started causing certain issues with the cycle. In the end, the best option you have with the Opta is to use C++ in the Arduino IDE. So far, I haven't had any problems there; several things have been running for more than a year. However, the learning curve is a bit steep if you haven't worked with C before.