Timed Locks

Timed Locks

Timed Locks are tools used to control the commercial lifecycle of the manufactured device. This feature gives manufacturers the ability to stop the operation of the device at predefined times, ensuring that the device does not continue to operate without the manufacturer's authorization. This authorization is granted through passwords defined by the manufacturer for specific dates. These passwords are stored in the controller’s hardware and are not affected by changes to the software or the PC.

A maximum of 24 timed locks can be defined on a single controller. Each password can be up to 8 characters long, and must consist of uppercase/lowercase letters and numbers—case-sensitive. Dates must be defined on a monthly basis according to the Gregorian calendar and must comply with the format required by the software.

Activating Timed Locks

To define timed locks, the controller must be connected to the PC, and a valid connection between the controller and the software must be established. The controller must also be online, and an activation code must be entered. When all conditions are met, the Update button under the Internal Clock section becomes active, allowing the controller’s date and time to be updated. (Figure 18)

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Note:

• The update is based on the computer's system clock. Make sure your PC's date and time are accurate before updating.
• If there is a previously defined lock on the controller, the Update button will not be active. You must remove all existing locks to proceed with the update.

In the Conditions section, there are two buttons: Add and Remove.

• Use Add to define a new timed lock.
• Use Remove to delete an existing one.
  Manufacturers can define or remove up to 24 locks.

After clicking Add, a configuration window will appear.
To define a lock:

1. First, select the activation date for the lock.
2. Then, define a password of up to 8 characters (letters/numbers, case-sensitive).
   To remove a lock, you must know the password—locks cannot be deleted without the correct password. (Figure 19)

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Important Notes:

• When the lock date arrives or has passed, and the user attempts to run the program, a Condition Key message is shown, prompting for the lock password. If entered correctly, the program resumes. Otherwise, it will not run.
• If the lock date arrives while a project is in progress, no message is shown immediately. The warning will appear at the next command input.
• Timed locks only affect program execution commands. Manual commands and I/O operations remain active.
• Be cautious when defining locks and entering passwords. The system is case-sensitive, and forgetting or misplacing the password makes removal impossible without manufacturer intervention.
• If someone deliberately tampers with the controller’s internal clock, the controller will cease functioning and can only be restored by the manufacturer.
• Without an activation code, the lock list is hidden. Users cannot see the defined lock dates or the number of active locks.
• The manufacturer will not update, erase, or reprogram the controller's memory without coordination with the original buyer—ensuring that end users cannot bypass or tamper with timed locks without authorization.