SMX-RNS20 Remote Access to SICK Safety Controllers

Caution

Safety warning: Remote access to safety controllers carries risk. Always ensure the machine is in a safe state before modifying safety programs remotely. Follow your site’s safety management procedures and applicable regulations (e.g., IEC 62061, ISO 13849).

Overview

SICK Flexi Soft (FX3-CPUx) and other SICK safety controllers with Ethernet gateways (EFI-pro, Ethernet/IP) can be reached remotely over an SMX-RNS20 tunnel using the SICK Safety Designer or Flexi Soft Designer programming tools.

Hardware setup — SMX-RNS20 connected to SICK Flexi Soft safety controller (FX3-CPU) via USB

Hardware Requirements

• SICK Flexi Soft system with an FX3-ENET0 or FX3-ENET2 Ethernet module, or a controller with a built-in Ethernet port.
• The SICK Ethernet module must be configured with a static IP on the same subnet as the SMX-RNS20 LAN.
• SMX-RNS20 LAN port connected to the same switch as the SICK Ethernet module.

Steps

1. On the engineering PC, open SX-Client and establish a connection to the SMX-RNS20.
2. Open SICK Safety Designer or Flexi Soft Designer.
3. In the project’s device settings, configure the IP address of the FX3-ENET module.
4. Use the software’s Online → Connect function. The tool will reach the SICK device through the SMX tunnel.
5. Perform diagnostics, parameter reads, or (if the machine is safely de-energised) program modifications.
6. Disconnect from the device before re-enabling machine operation.

Screenshots

SX-Client — connected device list showing SICK Safety PLC USB connection

Flexi Soft Designer — Hardware Configuration with COM as connection type

Flexi Soft Designer — Online Test function confirming successful connection