SYST-012

Locate the LOCAL/REMOTE switch

On R-30iA/R-30iB controllers, locate the LOCAL/REMOTE selector switch. This is typically a keyed rotary switch on the operator panel door or integrated into the teach pendant interface panel. The switch will have three positions: LOCAL, OFF (middle), and REMOTE.

Ensure no personnel are in the robot work envelope before switching to REMOTE mode, as this enables external automatic operation.

Switch to REMOTE position

Turn the LOCAL/REMOTE switch fully to the REMOTE position. You should feel a positive detent when the switch is properly seated. The teach pendant status bar should update to display 'REMOTE' mode indication.

If the switch is key-locked and you don't have the key, check with production management. Many facilities intentionally lock out REMOTE mode during setup or maintenance windows.

Verify mode indication on teach pendant

Check the teach pendant top status line. It should display 'REMOTE' in the mode field. On R-30iB Plus systems, press MENU > STATUS > Program Select to verify the mode status is showing REMOTE with no asterisk or warning indicators.

The mode display updates immediately. If it doesn't change after switching, there may be a hardware fault with the mode switch itself or the operator panel connection.

Reset the alarm

Press the RESET button on the teach pendant or the external RESET button on the operator panel. The SYST-012 alarm should clear immediately if no other conditions are preventing remote mode.

If the alarm resets but immediately reoccurs, the issue is likely with UOP configuration or system variables, not the physical switch.

Check UOP configuration status

From the teach pendant: MENU > SYSTEM > Config > Operator Panel. Verify the 'User Operator Panel' setting. If set to 'ENABLED', the system requires external UOP signals. Check the 'Remote/Local' setting which should show 'UOP' for UOP-controlled mode selection.

System variable $OP_PANEL.$PANEL_TYPE will show '1' for standard panel or '2' for UOP configuration. Access via MENU > DATA > System Variables.

Verify UOP remote input signal

Navigate to MENU > I/O > Digital > Inputs. Scroll to the UOP input bank (typically starting at UI[1]). The 'REMOTE' input (usually UI[1] or UI[2] depending on configuration) must be ON for remote mode. Check your electrical drawings for the specific input assignment.

Do not force or simulate UOP inputs unless the system is in T1 mode and you have verified all personnel are clear of the work envelope.

Check PLC output to UOP remote input

Verify the PLC or external control system is energizing the physical output connected to the UOP REMOTE input. Use a multimeter to measure 24VDC at the controller input terminal. On R-30iB systems, UOP inputs are typically on connector JD1A or the UOP dedicated connector block.

Common wiring issue: UOP remote signal is sourcing instead of sinking or vice versa. Verify input configuration matches wiring: NPN (sinking) vs PNP (sourcing) in System Config > I/O.

Verify UOP mode configuration variables

Check system variable $OP_PANEL.$REM_LOCAL. This should read '2' (REMOTE) when the UOP remote input is active. If it reads '1' (LOCAL), the UOP signal is not being recognized. Also verify $OP_PANEL.$ENABLE_FLAG shows enabled status.

If UOP inputs are reading correctly but mode doesn't switch, check system variable $REMO_MODE. This consolidated variable shows the final mode determination including all interlocks and safety conditions.

Check teach pendant software mode override

Press MENU > SYSTEM > Remote/Local on the teach pendant. Verify no software override is forcing LOCAL mode. Some R-30iB systems have a software mode selection that can override the physical switch. Ensure 'Use Panel Switch' or 'REMOTE' is selected, not 'Force Local'.

System variable $REMOTE can be set by TP programs or macros to force mode. Check this variable under MENU > DATA > System Variables. It should be TRUE for remote operation.

Verify no controlled start conditions pending

Navigate to MENU > SETUP > Controlled Start. If Controlled Start is enabled and not satisfied, the controller may prevent remote mode. Check that all required controlled start digital inputs are satisfied and the timeout period (if any) has elapsed.

Controlled Start is a safety feature. Do not bypass or disable without proper risk assessment and management approval per ANSI/RIA R15.06 standards.

Check system password protection status

Navigate to MENU > SYSTEM > Security. If password protection is enabled for production operations, verify you're logged in with appropriate privileges. Some facilities configure security to prevent remote mode without supervisor password. Check 'Application Level' matches your operational requirements.

System variable $SHELL_CFG.$PASSWORD_LVL shows current password security level. Level 4 may restrict remote mode changes to prevent unauthorized production runs.