How to Upgrade the PLC Firmware for Thunder Air

Preface

This article describes the procedure to upgrade the PLC firmware of the Thunder Air fume extractor. Please strictly follow the steps below. Improper operation may result in upgrade failure.

If you perform both HMI and PLC upgrades, power off and reboot the device before carrying out the second upgrade. Skipping this reboot step may cause upgrade failure.

For HMI firmware upgrade procedures for Thunder Air, please refer to this link.

Tools Required

GXWorks software
USB‑A to Type‑C data cable
T‑handle 5 mm Allen‑key
Hex key

Specific steps

1. Install the GXWorks software.

Step 1: Unzip the attached file, then open the setup procedure.	Step 2: Wait for the wizard initialization to complete, then click Next step on the welcome screen.

Step 3: Enter user information and Product‑ID (half‑width characters). Modify the installation path if needed.	Step 4: Check all installation configurations.
Note: User information can be filled in arbitrarily, while Product‑ID must be entered as 998‑598638072.	Note: If the verified information is incorrect, click Previous Step to make modifications.

2. Connect your computer to the controller of the Thunder Air.

Step1: Locate this position on the rear side of the machine, then use the T‑handle 5 mm Allen‑key to open the top‑cover door by turning it counter‑clockwise.	Step 2: Find the controller, then use a hex key to remove the six nuts on its side to take off the housing.
	Note: The nuts may be covered by foam. Please gently move the foam aside to locate them.
Step3: Locate the PLC Port and use the USB‑A to Type‑C data cable to connect the computer and the Thunder Air.	Step 4: Turn on the Thunder Air.
Plug the Type‑C side into the PLC port of the controller, and connect the USB side to your PC.

3. Upgrade the PLC Firmware.

Step1: Open the GXWorks software.	Step 2: In GXWorks, click Project > Open the Project, then select the target GXW program file and open it.
	Note: You may get the upgraded firmware from Thunder‑Laser technicians.
Step3: Download Program to PLC.	Step 4: Write Parameters and Program to PLC.
Click Online > PLC Write to download the program to the PLC.	Select Write mode, choose Parameters + Program, and click Execute, then close the window after the PLC write completes. Note: The display of the following content indicates that the upgrade was successful.