How to Backup and Restore a Sysmac Project to a SD card
Written by Arlo D'Cruz
Updated at March 17th, 2025
It is possible to backup and restore a program from the NX/NJ series PLC to a local SD card.
Backing up the project
Ensure that the SD is inserted to the PLC.
Sysmac
1. In the SD Memory Card Window, display the folder in which to create the backup file and then click the SD Memory Card Backup Button (save) on the toolbar. The SD Memory Card Backup Dialog Box is displayed. Select the root directory.
2. Click the Execute Button. The backup is started. When the backup is completed, a Backup Completed Dialog Box is displayed.
DIP Switch
1. Power down the PLC.
2. Set the DIP switches as follows: 1: OFF, 2: OFF, 3: ON, and 4: OFF (For the NX701 CPU Unit, set all of pins 5 to 8 on the DIP switch to OFF.)
3. Power on the CPU
4. Press the SD Memory Card power supply switch for 3 seconds. The indicators lights will flash for a period. Wait for the SD PWR indicator to remain lit.
5. Power down the CPU and reset the DIP switches.
6. Power the CPU on.
Restoring the Project
1. Power down the PLC.
2. Turn ON the power supply to the Controller with the DIP switch set as follows: 1: OFF, 2: OFF, 3: ON, and 4: ON (For the NX701 CPU Unit, set all of pins 5 to 8 on the DIP switch to OFF.)
3. Wait for the SD PWR indicator to remain lit.
4. Press the SD Memory Card power supply switch for 3 seconds. The indicators lights will flash for a period. wait for the SD PWR indicator to remain lit.
5. Power down the CPU and reset the DIP switches.
6. Power the CPU on.
Video Example: