6AV9621-1AA05-1AX0 - SIEMENS

Preface, Contents

Introducing ProTool 1

Getting started in ProTool 2

ProTool integrated in

SIMATIC STEP 7 3

Creating and editing projects 4

Configuration techniques 5

Testing projects 6

Documenting and managing

projects 7

Appendix, Index

Release 12/02

SIMATIC HMI

ProTool V6.0

Service Pack 2

How to configure Windows-

based systems

User Manual

Order number

6AV6594-1MA06-1AB0

A5E00183247

Safety Guidelines

This manual contains notices which you should observe to ensure your own personal safety, as well as

to protect the product and connected equipment. These notices are marked as follows according to the

level of danger:

Danger

indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Warning

indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Caution

used with the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may

result in minor or moderate injury.

Caution

used without safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may.

Attention

indicates that unwanted events or status can occur if the relevant information is not observed.

Note

draws your attention to particularly important information on the product, handling the product, or to a

particular part of the documentation.

Qualified Personnel

Only qualified personnel should be allowed to install and work with this software. Qualified personnel

within the meaning of the safety notices of this documentation are persons capable of giving due

consideration to safety engineering standards when using this software on systems..

Trademarks

The registered trademarks of the Siemens AG can be found in the preface.

Impressum

Editor and Publisher: A&D PT1

The transmission and reproduction of this documentation and the exploitation and

communication of its contents are not allowed, unless expressly granted. Violators are

patent or registration by GM.

We have checked the content of this publication for compliance with the described

hard and software. However, discrepancies cannot be excluded, with the result that

we assume no guarantee for total compliance. The information in this publication is

checked regularly, and any necessary corrections are included in the following

editions. We would be grateful for any suggestions for improvement.

Siemens AG

Bereich Automation & Drives

Geschäftsgebiet SIMATIC HMI

Postfach 4848, D-90327 Nuernberg

 Siemens AG 2002

Technical data subject to change.

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

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1 Preface

Purpose

This document forms part of the documentation package for the ProTool CS

configuration software. It provides all information required for the creation and

configuration of projects.

Notation

Different font formats simplify orientation within the text:

“Output” Names of dialog boxes, fields and buttons are shown in

quotation marks.

“File” > “Edit” Menu items are shown in quotation marks. Successive

submenus/options are separated by arrows. The complete

route to the menu option in question is always shown.

History of the documentation

This documentation describes the configuration of Windows-based systems

with ProTool.

The various issues of the documentation correspond to the following product

versions:

Release 07/98 Configuring Windows-based systems.

Valid for ProTool/Pro CS 5.0 or higher.

Release 01/99 Inclusion of MP 270 and editorial reworking of manual.

Software runs under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows

NT 4.0 and higher.

Valid for ProTool/Pro CS 5.1 or higher.

Release 12/99 Extensions and inclusions of new operating units.

Software runs under Windows 95/98, Windows 2000 and

Windows NT 4.0 and higher.

Valid for ProTool/Pro CS 5.2 or higher.

Release 07/00 Extensions, new operating units and new PLC drivers.

Applies to ProTool/Pro CS version 5.2 or higher plus

Service Pack 2

Release 03/01 Incorporation of MP 370 and SIMOTION PLC drivers.

Applies to ProTool/Pro CS version 5.2 or higher plus

Service Pack 3

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6AV6594-1MA06-1AB0

Release 12/01 Valid for ProTool CS 6.0 or higher.

Release 12/02 Valid for ProTool CS 6.0 Service Pack 2 or higher.

Trademarks

The following names are registered trademarks of the Siemens AG:

• SIMATIC®

• SIMATIC HMI®

• SIMATIC Multi Panel®

• SIMATIC Multifunctional Platform®

• SIMATIC Panel PC®

• HMI®

• ProAgent®

• ProTool®

• ProTool/Lite®

• ProTool/Pro®

The remaining trademarks in this publication may be trademarks, whose use by

third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.

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Customer and Technical Support

Available round the clock, worldwide:

Johnson City

Nuremberg

Singapore

SIMATIC Hotline

Worldwide (Nuremberg)

Technical Support

(FreeContact)

Local time: Mon.–Fri. 8:00 to 17:00

Telephone: +49 (180) 5050-222

Fax: +49 (180) 5050-223

E-Mail: techsupport@

ad.siemens.de

GMT: +1:00

Worldwide (Nuremberg)

Technical Support

(fee-based, only with SIMATIC Card)

Local time: Mon.–Fri. 0:00 to 24:00

Telephone: +49 (911) 895-7777

Fax: +49 (911) 895-7001

GMT: +01:00

Europa/Africa (Nuremberg)

Authorization

Local time: Mon.–Fri. 8:00 to 17:00

Telephone: +49 (911) 895-7200

Fax: +49 (911) 895-7201

E-Mail: authorization@

nbgm.siemens.de

GMT: +1:00

America (Johnson City)

Technical Support and

Authorization

Local time: Mon.–Fri. 8:00 to 19:00

Telephone: +1 423 461-2522

Fax: +1 423 461-2289

E-Mail: simatic.hotline@

sea.siemens.com

GMT: -5:00

Asia/Australia (Singapore)

Technical Support and

Authorization

Local time: Mon.–Fri. 8:30 to 17:30

Telephone: +65 740-7000

Fax: +65 740-7001

E-Mail: simatic.hotline@

sae.siemens.com.sg

GMT: +8:00

The languages spoken by the SIMATIC Hotlines are generally German and

English – the Authorization Hotline is also provided in French, Italian and

Spanish.

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SIMATIC Customer Support Online Services

The SIMATIC Customer Support team offers you substantial additional

information about SIMATIC products via its online services:

• General current information can be obtained

– In the Internet under

http://www.siemens.com/simatic

• Current Product Information leaflets, FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions),

Downloads, Tips and Tricks can be obtained

– In the Internet under

http://www.siemens.com/automation/service&support

Training Center

Siemens offers a number of training courses to familiarize you with the

SIMATIC S7 automation system. Please contact your regional training center or

our central training center in D 90327 Nuremberg, Germany for details.

Telephone: +49 (911) 895-3200

Internet: http://www.sitrain.com

E-Mail: info@sitrain.com

Other Sources of Assistance

In case of technical queries, please contact the Siemens representatives in the

subsidiaries and branches responsible for your area.

The addresses can be found:

• In the Siemens Catalog ST 80

• In the Internet under

http://www.siemens.com/automation/partner

• In the Interactive Catalog CA01

http://www.siemens.com/automation/ca01

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Contents

1 Introducing ProTool..........................................................................1-1

1.1 Overview of the documentation ..............................................................1-4

1.1.1 ProTool for the whole SIMATIC HMI device family ................................1-5

1.1.2 ProTool for Windows-based systems .....................................................1-6

1.1.3 ProTool for graphical displays ................................................................1-8

1.1.4 ProTool for text-based displays ..............................................................1-9

2 Getting started in ProTool................................................................2-1

2.1 Starting ProTool......................................................................................2-2

2.2 Configuring Windows-based systems ....................................................2-3

2.3 Notes on the configuration computer......................................................2-4

3 ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7........................................... 3-1

3.1 How to start ProTool in SIMATIC STEP 7 ..............................................3-3

3.2 SIMATIC Manager ..................................................................................3-6

3.3 Working with SIMATIC Manager ............................................................3-7

3.4 Changing the PLC and applying tags .....................................................3-8

3.5 How to integrate and copy STEP 7 projects...........................................3-9

3.6 Connecting to STEP 7 Lite ...................................................................3-10

3.7 How to restore the symbolic tag connections ....................................... 3-11

4 Creating and editing projects ..........................................................4-1

4.1 Fundamental considerations when creating a project ............................ 4-2

4.2 Components of a ProTool project...........................................................4-4

4.3 Objects in the project window.................................................................4-5

4.4 Steps to be taken when creating a project .............................................4-6

4.5 Configuring behavior at run time ............................................................4-7

4.6 PLC drivers ............................................................................................. 4-9

4.7 Area pointers ........................................................................................4-11

4.8 Screen partitioning on the operating unit..............................................4-14

4.9 Configuration notes for touch devices ..................................................4-17

4.10 Functions to provide support for service work ...................................... 4-19

4.11 Editing projects .....................................................................................4-20

4.11.1 Convertible projects .............................................................................. 4-21

4.11.2 Key assignment when converting .........................................................4-23

4.11.3 Example of how to convert an MP 370 project ..................................... 4-26

4.11.4 Copying objects: Between projects and within a project ......................4-27

4.11.5 Replacing a project and project parts ................................................... 4-30

4.11.6 Undoing and redoing actions ................................................................4-33

4.11.7 Undoing the last action .........................................................................4-35

4.11.8 Redoing the last action .........................................................................4-35

4.12 Retrieving project information............................................................... 4-36

4.12.1 Display in "Cross-Reference" window .................................................. 4-36

4.12.2 Display at "Project Information" ............................................................4-37

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5 Configuration techniques.................................................................5-1

5.1 Create screens........................................................................................5-2

5.1.1 Screen objects in ProTool.......................................................................5-5

5.1.2 Libraries in ProTool...............................................................................5-10

5.1.3 SIMATIC HMI Symbol Library...............................................................5-12

5.1.4 Colors of screen objects .......................................................................5-13

5.1.5 Fonts .....................................................................................................5-15

5.1.6 Custom configuration user interface in ProTool ...................................5-16

5.1.7 Date/Time .............................................................................................5-17

5.1.8 Examples of how to create screens......................................................5-18

5.1.8.1 How to paste a coolant pump in a screen ............................................5-19

5.2 Configuring display elements and controls ...........................................5-20

5.2.1 Output fields (text/graphic list) ..............................................................5-22

5.2.2 Input fields (selection field) ...................................................................5-24

5.2.3 Input fields for date and time ................................................................5-26

5.2.4 Input fields for concealed password entry ............................................5-27

5.2.5 Function keys........................................................................................5-28

5.2.6 Trend view ............................................................................................5-30

5.2.7 Bit trigger functions ...............................................................................5-30

5.2.8 Bar graph ..............................................................................................5-31

5.2.9 State areas............................................................................................5-32

5.2.10 Buttons..................................................................................................5-34

5.2.11 State buttons.........................................................................................5-35

5.2.12 Using buttons as direct keys.................................................................5-37

5.2.13 Special features with direct keys ..........................................................5-38

5.2.14 Switches................................................................................................5-40

5.2.15 Slider controls .......................................................................................5-42

5.2.16 Analog display.......................................................................................5-44

5.2.17 Date/time display ..................................................................................5-46

5.2.18 Digital/analog clock ...............................................................................5-47

5.2.19 Configuring the date and time for Panels .............................................5-48

5.2.19.1 How to display the date and time on the TP 170A ...............................5-49

5.2.19.2 How to set the date and time on the TP 170A......................................5-55

5.2.19.3 How to synchronize the date and time with the PLC ............................5-62

5.2.19.4 How to configure the date and time for xP170B ...................................5-66

5.3 Using tags .............................................................................................5-68

5.3.1 Properties of tags..................................................................................5-71

5.3.2 Array tags..............................................................................................5-73

5.3.3 Tag settings ..........................................................................................5-75

5.3.4 Updating tags........................................................................................5-76

5.3.5 Address multiplexing.............................................................................5-78

5.3.6 Multiplexing tags ...................................................................................5-79

5.3.7 Archiving tags .......................................................................................5-80

5.3.8 Functions to change tags......................................................................5-81

5.3.9 Functions to set tags bit by bit ..............................................................5-82

5.3.10 Functions to change the value of a tag.................................................5-83

5.3.11 Functions for the linear scaling of tags .................................................5-84

5.3.12 Examples of configuring tags................................................................5-85

5.3.12.1 How to configure a multiplex tag (address multiplexing) ......................5-85

5.3.12.2 Structure of an archive for tags.............................................................5-87

5.3.13 Details on configuring tags ...................................................................5-88

5.3.13.1 Saving STRING tags.............................................................................5-88

5.3.13.2 Decimal places with tags ......................................................................5-89

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5.3.13.3 Address and type of a tag.....................................................................5-91

5.4 Creating text or graphic lists .................................................................5-92

5.5 Creating graphics and text....................................................................5-93

5.5.1 Making optimum use of graphics .......................................................... 5-96

5.5.2 Static text .............................................................................................. 5-97

5.5.3 Vector graphic elements .......................................................................5-98

5.6 Creating trends ..................................................................................... 5-99

5.7 Configuring schedulers .......................................................................5-101

5.8 Creating reports ..................................................................................5-102

5.8.1 Printing messages in a report .............................................................5-106

5.8.2 Printing recipes in a report.................................................................. 5-107

5.8.3 Page numbers in reports ....................................................................5-108

5.8.4 Example of creating reports................................................................ 5-109

5.8.4.1 How to create a report ........................................................................5-109

5.9 Messages............................................................................................5-111

5.9.1 Displaying operating and process states............................................5-111

5.9.2 The components of a message ..........................................................5-113

5.9.3 Message properties ............................................................................5-115

5.9.4 Acknowledging messages ..................................................................5-116

5.9.5 Settings for message classes ............................................................. 5-117

5.9.6 System messages ..............................................................................5-118

5.9.7 Logging messages..............................................................................5-120

5.9.8 Displaying messages on the operating unit........................................5-121

5.9.9 Message view .....................................................................................5-124

5.9.10 Configuring message processing ....................................................... 5-126

5.9.11 Contents of message buffers.............................................................. 5-127

5.9.12 Communication areas for messages ..................................................5-129

5.9.13 Message procedure ............................................................................5-130

5.9.13.1 Message bit procedure .......................................................................5-131

5.9.13.2 Message number procedure ALARM_S............................................. 5-133

5.9.13.3 Display classes for ALARM_S messages ..........................................5-136

5.9.13.4 Setting the message procedure and selecting the display classes .... 5-138

5.9.13.5 Incorporating ALARM_S messages ...................................................5-141

5.9.13.6 Updating the operating unit................................................................. 5-142

5.9.13.7 Resource consumption of messages .................................................5-144

5.9.13.8 Communication sequence in the event of ALARM_S messages ....... 5-145

5.9.13.9 Acknowledging ALARM_S messages ................................................5-147

5.9.13.10 Printing ALARM_S messages ............................................................5-148

5.9.14 Examples of configuring messages.................................................... 5-149

5.9.14.1 How to configure alarm messages .....................................................5-150

5.9.14.2 Message areas for SIMATIC S5 .........................................................5-152

5.9.14.3 Message areas for SIMATIC S7 .........................................................5-153

5.9.14.4 Examples of system messages .......................................................... 5-154

5.9.14.5 Event messages export file.................................................................5-155

5.10 Using functions ...................................................................................5-157

5.10.1 Events for triggering functions ............................................................5-159

5.10.2 Function parameters...........................................................................5-161

5.10.3 Combining multiple functions..............................................................5-163

5.10.4 User-defined functions........................................................................5-164

5.10.5 Special features with conversion functions.........................................5-165

5.10.6 Example of configuring a function ......................................................5-167

5.10.6.1 How to change the operating mode with a current display.................5-168

5.11 Create archives................................................................................... 5-173

5.11.1 Archiving process data .......................................................................5-174

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5.11.2 Settings for an archive ........................................................................5-177

5.11.3 Displaying archive data in a specified time window............................5-178

5.11.4 Options for configuring archives .........................................................5-179

5.11.5 Examples of using archives ................................................................5-180

5.11.5.1 How to create an archive for messages .............................................5-180

5.11.5.2 Structure of an archive for messages .................................................5-181

5.11.5.3 Structure of an archive for tags...........................................................5-183

5.11.5.4 How to display archive data with a time window ................................5-184

5.12 Creating recipes..................................................................................5-185

5.12.1 Using and configuring recipes ............................................................5-187

5.12.2 Recipe view.........................................................................................5-190

5.12.3 Recipe screen .....................................................................................5-193

5.12.4 Configuring recipes .............................................................................5-194

5.12.5 Synchronization with the PLC.............................................................5-198

5.12.6 Editing data records ............................................................................5-199

5.12.7 Structure of the "data mailbox" area pointer .......................................5-200

5.12.8 Compatibility of recipes.......................................................................5-201

5.12.9 Examples and scenarios for creating and configuring a recipe..........5-202

5.12.9.1 How to create a recipe........................................................................5-203

5.12.9.2 How to configure a recipe view...........................................................5-205

5.12.9.3 Scenario 1: How to enter data records ...............................................5-207

5.12.9.4 Scenario 2: Manual production process .............................................5-209

5.12.9.5 Scenario 3: Automated production process (job list) ..........................5-211

5.13 Prompting the operator .......................................................................5-212

5.13.1 Help information on the operating unit................................................5-213

5.13.2 On-screen keyboard ...........................................................................5-214

5.13.3 Icons for local function keys................................................................5-216

5.13.4 Showing and hiding objects ................................................................5-216

5.13.5 Dynamic attributes ..............................................................................5-217

5.13.6 Light-emitting diodes on the operating unit.........................................5-218

5.13.7 Tab order ............................................................................................5-219

5.13.8 Width and order of columns (screen objects) .....................................5-221

5.13.9 Dynamic screen objects......................................................................5-222

5.13.10 Assigning operator permissions..........................................................5-223

5.13.11 Password administration.....................................................................5-225

5.14 Creating VB scripts .............................................................................5-227

5.14.1 Using ProTool objects in scripts .........................................................5-229

5.14.2 Internal script tags and ProTool tags ..................................................5-230

5.14.3 Debugging scripts in ProTool..............................................................5-231

5.14.4 Constraints with VBScript ...................................................................5-232

5.14.5 Examples of creating VBScripts .........................................................5-234

5.14.5.1 Example of a subroutine .....................................................................5-234

5.14.5.2 Example of a function .........................................................................5-237

5.15 Configuring in foreign languages ........................................................5-240

5.15.1 System requirements for foreign languages.......................................5-240

5.15.2 Languages in ProTool.........................................................................5-241

5.15.3 System message languages...............................................................5-243

5.15.4 Language dependent keyboard assignment ......................................5-244

5.15.5 Reference text.....................................................................................5-246

5.15.6 Steps to creating a multilingual project ...............................................5-248

5.15.7 Exchanging text with translators .........................................................5-250

5.15.8 Requirements for configuring in Asian languages ..............................5-252

5.15.9 Constraints on projects in Asian languages .......................................5-253

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6 Testing projects ................................................................................ 6-1

6.1 The Windows CE Control Panel .............................................................6-2

6.2 Downloading the executable project file ................................................. 6-4

6.3 Simulation options ..................................................................................6-6

6.4 Simulation of the project with the simulator ............................................6-7

6.5 Uploading projects ................................................................................6-10

6.6 Directly accessing values on the PLC (Status/Force tag) ....................6-12

6.7 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................6-13

6.7.1 Error messages during compilation ...................................................... 6-13

6.7.2 Error messages while downloading......................................................6-14

7 Documenting and managing projects............................................. 7-1

7.1 Printing project data................................................................................7-1

7.2 Project management with integrated operation ......................................7-3

7.3 Managing projects in stand-alone operation........................................... 7-4

7.4 Constraints with printing .........................................................................7-7

7.5 Example of documenting a project .........................................................7-8

7.5.1 How to create a customized printout ...................................................... 7-8

Appendix

A HMI System Messages..................................................................... A-1

B Abbreviations ................................................................................... B-1

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Release 12/02 Introducing ProTool

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6AV6594-1MA06-1AB0 1-1

1 Introducing ProTool

ProTool components

SIMATIC ProTool consists of the ProTool CS (Configuration System) configuration

software and a Runtime software for process visualization ProTool/Pro RT for

example. Both systems can run on the Windows 98 SE, Windows Millenium,

Windows 2000, and Windows NT 4.0 operating systems.

A separate Runtime software can also run on Windows CE devices.

• With ProTool CS, you create your projects on a configuration computer (PU or

PC) in Windows.

• With ProTool/Pro RT, you let your project run on the operating unit and

visualize the process. You also use ProTool/Pro RT on your configuration

computer to test and simulate the compiled project file.

Windows-based systems

SIMATIC ProTool/Pro RT can be installed (plug and play) on the following

Windows CE devices:

• Multi Panel, such as MP 270B, MP 370

• Panel, such as OP 170B, TP 170B, TP 170A, TP 270, OP 270

• Mobile Panel, such as Mobile Panel 170

SIMATIC ProTool/Pro RT can be run on the following Windows-based PC systems.

• SIMATIC Panel PC, such as PC 670, PC 670 TOUCH, PC 870, PC 870

TOUCH

• Standard PC

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A typical structure

Example of PC as configuration computer and SIMATIC Panel PC as operating

unit

Authorization

If you install the ProTool/Pro RT runtime software on a standard PC or on a

SIMATIC Panel PC, you require authorization for unrestricted use. If authorization

is not available, ProTool/Pro RT runs in Demo mode.

• PC: The authorization has to be ordered separately.

• SIMATIC operating units with enclosed runtime software: You purchased the

authorization for SIMATIC operating units with enclosed runtime software

(such as the Panel PC 670) with the unit; it is enclosed with the unit.

• Plug-and-play SIMATIC operating units: No authorization is required for plug-

and-play SIMATIC operating units (such as TP 170B or MP 270).

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ProTool is easy to use and versatile

The fully graphical user interface of ProTool CS allows you to create object-

oriented, symbol-based projects easily by mouse click. No special programming

knowledge is required. ProTool features:

• User-friendly process visualization with a large selection of standardized

input/output fields, bar graphs, trend views, raster and vector graphics and

attributes with dynamic capability.

• An integrated message system.

• Archiving of process values and messages.

• User functions on the basis of Visual Basic Script.

• Drivers for connection to the SIMATIC S5, SIMATIC S7, SIMATIC 505 and

many PLCs from other manufacturers.

ProTool and SIMATIC STEP 7

ProTool can be integrated in the SIMATIC STEP 7 configuration software. thus

allowing you to select SIMATIC STEP 7 symbols and data blocks as tags in

ProTool. This not only saves you time and money but also eliminates the possibility

of errors made when entering the same data several times.

You can use ProTool as a stand-alone application or integrated in SIMATIC STEP

7. In this documentation, attention is drawn at appropriate points to the fact that the

procedures for the two configuration differ.

You fill find more information about the configuration of ProTool with SIMATIC

STEP 7 at the topic "Configuring with ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7".

Offline configuration

With ProTool you create and edit your projects offline. The device need not yet be

available at this time. The configuration computer displays the configured project

data as it will subsequently be displayed on the device.

On completion of configuration you can download the executable project file from

the configuration computer to the device.

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1.1 Overview of the documentation

The SIMATIC HMI documentation is made up of a combination of manuals,

instructions and online Help in keeping with the range of target groups. This

chapter provides a broad outline.

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1.1.1 ProTool for the whole SIMATIC HMI device family

The SIMATIC HMI device family

The SIMATIC HMI device family is a complete family of text displays, operator

panels, touch panels and Windows-based systems for efficient machine operation

and monitoring. The performance and convenience of the devices are finely tuned

to suit the individual demands made of them.

SIMATIC HMI operating units

The great advantage is that you configure all the devices with the same

configuration software.

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1.1.2 ProTool for Windows-based systems

Devices

The "ProTool - Configuring Windows-Based Systems" documentation tells you how

to configure the following devices:

• Panels

– TP 170A

– TP 170B

– TP 170B Color

– TP 270 (6" and 10")

– OP 170B

– OP 270 (6" and 10")

• Mobile Panels

Mobile Panel 170

• Multi Panels

– MP 270B

– MP 270B TOUCH

– MP 270

– MP 370

– MP 370 TOUCH

– MP 370 15” TOUCH

• Panel PCs

– FI 25

– FI 45

– PC 670 10’’

– PC 670 12’’

– PC 670 15’’

– PC 670 12’’ TOUCH

– PC 670 15’’ TOUCH

– PC 870 12"

– PC 870 15"

– PC 870 15" TOUCH

– PC IL 70 12" TOUCH

– PC IL 70 15" TOUCH

• SINUMERIK Panels

– OP 010

– OP 012

– OP 015

• SIMOTION Panels

• PC

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Example: MP 370

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1.1.3 ProTool for graphical displays

Devices

The "ProTool - Configuring Graphics Displays" documentation tells you how to

configure the following operating units:

• Graphics-oriented operator panels

– OP 27

– OP 37

• Touch panels

– TP 27-6

– TP 27-10

– TP 37

• C7 devices

– C7-626 (OP 25 with integrated S7-CPU)

Example: TP 37

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1.1.4 ProTool for text-based displays

Devices

The "ProTool - Configuring Text-Based Displays" documentation tells you how to

configure the following operating units:

• Text-oriented operator panels

– OP 3

– OP 7

– OP 17

• Text displays

– TD17

• C7 devices

– C7-621 (OP 3 with integrated S7-CPU)

– C7-623 (OP 5 with integrated S7-CPU)

– C7-624 (OP 15 with integrated S7-CPU)

– C7-633 (OP 7 with integrated S7-CPU)

– C7-634 (OP 17 with integrated S7-CPU)

Example: OP 7

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2 Getting started in ProTool

Here you learn how to start ProTool, configure Windows-based systems, and what

you should look out for while you are configuring.

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2.1 Starting ProTool

Starting ProTool

After ProTool has been installed, you will find a folder on the Start menu called

Simatic, containing the following icons:

ProTool CS V6.0

Calls online Help.

Starts the configuration software.

Shows late-breaking information on the configuration software.

Starts Setup in order, say, to change the ProTool language or to add a

component.

ProTool RT V6.0

Copies the compiled project file in compressed form.

Starts the runtime software.

Shows late-breaking information on the runtime software.

Starts the simulation software.

Starts the loader.

ProSave 6.0

Opens ProSave as a stand-alone application.

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2.2 Configuring Windows-based systems

Getting Started

If you are not all that familiar with the ProTool visualization software, we would

recommend you read the short guide and get started with ProTool with the help of

the example. The printed version is enclosed with the manual.

Requirements for working with the brief introduction

To do the exercises for ProTool CS in this brief introduction, you require

• a PC as a configuration computer

• the ProTool software package ProTool incorporates the ProTool CS

configuration software and the ProTool/Pro RT Runtime software.

• an operating unit, such as a SIMATIC Panel PC.

Other documents on ProTool CS

You will find the electronic manuals on the ProTool CD at:

Docs\..\UsersManual_Win.pdf

You can find all the information contained in the manual in ProTool's online Help.

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2.3 Notes on the configuration computer

Notes on the configuration computer

So that you can work as efficiently as possible when you are configuring, give due

consideration to the following notes for your configuration computer:

• Close applications

Close all other programs. In this way more main memory will be available for

ProTool.

• Configurations on a local drive

Do not start projects from networks, but from your local drive. Network access

times are frequently too long.

• Large/small Windows fonts

In configurations that you create on a configuration computer with small

Windows fonts and then open on a computer with large windows fonts or start

on the operating unit (Runtime), the text on configured buttons appears too

large. Therefore, when different computers are being used, make sure that the

Windows fonts set are identical.

The following applies to devices in the Windows CE family:

As a general rule, set small Windows fonts on the configuration computer so

that the WYSIWYG functionality is not lost.

• Available disk storage

Your drive should have free disk storage space. Take note of Microsoft's

recommendations for the Windows system in this respect.

• More working memory

Memory requirements rise in proportion to the number and size of the screen

objects you are using. An increase in available main memory reduces

processing times considerably.

• System resources

Make sure when you are working with ProTool that you have 20 to 40 MB of

main memory available and at least 65% free system resources. You will find

information on this topic in Explorer by choosing "Help" > "About". Increase the

size of your main memory with additional RAM or virtual memory, as

necessary. Additional system resources are released by closing other

applications.

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• Environment tag TEMP

In Windows, a temporary file is created for files when they are opened and

processed. You decide where this temporary file is stored by means of the

TEMP environment tag.

The path of the TEMP environment tag is normally set in the autoexec.bat®

file. If the TEMP environment tag is not placed in the autoexec.bat

system file, the temporary file is stored in the local Windows directory. If an

error message is issued by ProTool that indicates an error upon write access,

the storage space on the drive might be too small for the temporary file.

In Windows 2000, the environment variable "TEMP" is set at "Start" >

"Settings" > "Control Panel" > "System" > "Advanced" tab > "Environment

variables" button.

In Win NT 4.0, you set it at "Start" > "Settings" > "Control Panel > "System",

"Environment" tab.

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3 ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7

Requirements

If the PLC you are using is a SIMATIC PLC and you have installed STEP 7

configuration software on your system, you can integrate ProTool in SIMATIC

STEP 7.

Advantages of STEP 7 integration

With integrated configuration, you access the database that you created when you

configured the PLC in SIMATIC STEP 7. You then have the following advantages:

• You can use SIMATIC Manager as a central point for creating, editing and

managing ProTool projects.

• The communication parameters of the PLC are created as default values when

you create your ProTool project and reset when SIMATIC STEP 7 is changed.

Example of the "Driver Parameters" dialog box with STEP 7 integration: network

parameters and parameters of the peer are set as default values.

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• When configuring tags and area pointers, you can directly access the STEP 7

symbols in ProTool. Simply select the STEP 7 icon in the ProTool tag dialog

box to which you wish to connect a tag. Changes to the symbol table in

SIMATIC STEP 7 are updated in ProTool.

• You assign symbolic names once only and use them in SIMATIC STEP 7 and

ProTool.

For this purpose, you must assign as name to a DB (data block) in the

SIMATIC STEP 7 symbol table. If this is not the case, this DB is not offered for

selection in the ProTool "Tags" dialog box.

• ALARM_S messages configured in SIMATIC STEP 7 are supported by

ProTool and can be output to the operating unit.

Switching STEP 7 integration from ProTool

A ProTool installation with integration in SIMATIC STEP 7 provides you the menu

item "ProTool Integration in STEP 7" under the "File" menu in ProTool. This allows

you to integrate ProTool in SIMATIC STEP 7 or to operate it in stand-alone mode.

After changing to integration mode, ProTool is automatically restarted.

Integration of ProTool in SIMATIC STEP 7 is still possible in "ProTool Setup",

irrespective of this.

In integrated mode it is also possible to copy single configurations from STEP 7.

You can then edit them in ProTool stand-alone mode (e.g. on another configuration

computer).

Integrating specific ProTool configurations and copying them from STEP 7

Configurations generated in ProTool stand-alone mode cannot be called directly in

SIMATIC Manager. To be able to implement such configurations in a STEP 7

project, you need to integrate them.

Execute by selecting the menu item "File" > "Integrate in STEP 7 project" in

ProTool.

Vice versa, if you want to use ProTool in stand-alone mode to edit projects created

in SIMATIC STEP 7 in integrated mode and without having SIMATIC STEP 7

available, you must first generate a copy of these configuration files offline of STEP

To do this, select the menu item "File" > "Copy from STEP 7 project" in your

ProTool application.

Note

When you open a stand-alone project, there can no longer be automatic

synchronization of the database between SIMATIC STEP 7 and ProTool. You

therefore have to ensure that the shared database is resynchronized (for example,

by re-integrating) if changes are made to the STEP 7 program.

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3.1 How to start ProTool in SIMATIC STEP 7

General

There are two ways in which you can start ProTool in SIMATIC STEP 7:

• By means of SIMATIC Manager

• Directly in Windows

Starting ProTool with SIMATIC Manager

Procedure:

1 Start SIMATIC Manager.

2 Select a STEP 7 project, or create a new STEP 7 project.

3 Choose the "Paste" > "Station" > "SIMATIC OP" option from the menu, and

enter a name for the ProTool project.

4 Start ProTool by double-clicking the ProTool project. Then select the

operating unit for the project.

Starting ProTool on a SIMATIC PC station

If, you install a WinAC PLC on a PC station on which the Runtime software is

installed, you can address it in ProTool Runtime as a PLC. In addition, you can

communicate over a network with SIMATIC PLCs outside the PC station.

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Procedure:

1 Start SIMATIC Manager.

2 Select a STEP 7 project, or create a new STEP 7 project.

3 Choose the "Paste" > "Station" > "SIMATIC PC Station" option from the

menu, and enter a name for the SIMATIC PC station.

Note:

Also take note of the online Help in STEP 7 and the documentation on the

SIMATIC NET CD-ROM. More information is available in the ProTool

Information System at "Technical data and system limits".

4 Select the "Open Object" from the shortcut menu of the SIMATIC PC station

(right click).

"HW Config" is started and the PC station is opened in it.

5 Select the "Paste" > "Hardware Components" option from the menu.

The "Hardware Catalog" dialog box appears.

6 Select "SIMATIC PC Station" > "HMI" and drag the entry "SIMATIC

ProTool/Pro RT" to a spare slot in the "PC" dialog box.

Do not use slot 2, since it is reserved for Soft CPUs (WinAC).

7 Close the "HW Config" application.

8 Start ProTool by double-clicking the ProTool project. Then select the

operating unit for the project.

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Starting ProTool in Windows

Start ProTool directly under Windows. Choose "File" > "New" from the menu to

open a dialog box in which you can select a STEP 7 project and create a ProTool

project in it. You then select the operating unit.

Example of the "New" dialog box for integrating STEP 7

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3.2 SIMATIC Manager

Requirement: ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7

If you are not working with ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7, SIMATIC

Manager is available to you for your ProTool projects.

SIMATIC Manager

As will be familiar to you from SIMATIC STEP 7, you can use SIMATIC Manager

as a central point for managing your projects. You save time since you can perform

the following tasks without opening ProTool:

• Compile and download ProTool projects

• Start ProTool RT

• Export and import blocks of text for translation

• Perform language settings

• Copy or move ProTool projects

• Archive and unarchive ProTool projects as part of SIMATIC STEP 7 projects

For further information refer to the documentation on SIMATIC Manager.

Note

ProTool's Project Manager is not available to you in the event of integrated

operation. ProTool data can no longer be viewed independently in this event, since

the data is always linked to a STEP 7 project. It therefore has to be managed and

backed up using this application.

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3.3 Working with SIMATIC Manager

Advantages

You can deal with many tasks more efficiently in SIMATIC Manager than in

ProTool. Since there is a separate documentation for SIMATIC Manager, only a

short summary will be presented here of the menu commands available to you for

your ProTool projects in SIMATIC Manager.

For further information refer to the documentation on SIMATIC Manager.

Task Call

Compile a project Choose "Edit" > "Compile" from the menu

Download a project to an

operating unit

Choose "System" > "Load" from the menu

"System" > "Load" from the station shortcut menu

or click

Start ProTool RT Choose "Edit" > "Start Runtime" from the menu

Export and import blocks of

text for translation

Choose "Options" > "Manage Multilingual Text" >

"Import" or "Export" from the menu

choose "Manage Multilingual Text" > "Import" or

"Export" from the shortcut menu

Perform language settings Choose "Options" > "Manage Multilingual Text" >

"Language" or "Delete Language" from the menu

choose "Manage Multilingual Text" > "Language"

or "Delete Language" from the station shortcut

Copy or move projects Choose "Edit" > "Copy" or "Cut" from the menu

choose "Copy" or "Cut" from the station shortcut

or click or

or drag and drop.

Archive and unarchive

SIMATIC STEP 7 projects

including

Choose "File" > "Archive" or "Unarchive" menu

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3.4 Changing the PLC and applying tags

General

If you change the PLC (for example, when changing to the new model), the tag

connections are not lost. Tag names up to 80 characters long ensure, when tags

are applied from SIMATIC STEP 7, that the symbol names are applied in full.

Changing the PLC

The connection between a S7-CPU and a ProTool PLC might be lost. This means

that there is then no conenction between the STEP 7 symbols and ProTool tags,

either.

You will find more information about this in "Restoring symbolic tag connections".

Applying tags from SIMATIC STEP 7

The tag names, which you apply to the ProTool project from SIMATIC STEP 7, are

formed from the last component of the STEP 7 overall symbol (the tag name

"testname" is derived from "RotAxis.Speed.XDirection.testname", for example).

Identical tag names are given an index, starting at "1", for unique identification. The

index always remains the same for the tag. Unsupported characters within the tag

name are replaced by underscore characters ("_").

If you have since changed a tag name applied in that in that form, you are asked

the next time you apply the tag name whether you would like to retain the old tag

name or whether it should be adjusted to the STEP 7 symbol.

Applying arrays from SIMATIC STEP 7

If you are using a SIMATIC S7 300, a SIMATIC S7 400 or a SIMOTION PLC, you

can also apply whole arrays from SIMATIC STEP 7, in addition to tags. For this,

you must be operating ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7.

Note

If you are using the SIMATIC 300/400 PLC driver and would like to apply arrays,

perform the following steps:

- In the "Symbols" dialog box of the Tag dialog box, select the first array element.

- At "Number of elements", enter the number of elements contained in the array.

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3.5 How to integrate and copy STEP 7 projects

Computer without SIMATIC STEP 7

Perhaps you have only installed both ProTool and SIMATIC STEP 7 on your

workstation machine but would like to take a completed project with you on a

Notebook computer or a PU to a machine on site. In this case you can unintegrate

an integrated project and work with it as a stand-alone project in ProTool. The data

of the PLC programming in SIMATIC STEP 7 are then no longer available.

Conversely, you can re-integrate a project which you edited as a stand-alone

project.

Note

When you open a stand-alone project, there can no longer be automatic

synchronization of the database between SIMATIC STEP 7 and ProTool. You

therefore have to ensure that the shared database is resynchronized (for example,

by re-integrating) if changes are made to the STEP 7 program.

Integrating a project

Procedure:

1 Open ProTool.

2 Choose "File" > "Integrate" from the menu.

3 Enter the directory or the name of the *.pdb file that you would like to

integrated.

4 Connect a PLC in ProTool to the corresponding CPU in SIMATIC STEP 7.

The project is integrated and the connection of the tag to the symbols of the

PLC can be established by choosing "Edit" > "Restore Symbols".

Copying a project from STEP 7

Procedure:

1 Open the project in ProTool.

2 Select the menu item "File" > "Copy from STEP 7 project".

3 Enter a directory and filename.

The configuration is saved as *.pdb file. You can copy and move it in the

same way as any other file.

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3.6 Connecting to STEP 7 Lite

General

ProTool will automatically detect a STEP 7 Lite installation on your configuration

computer. If you create a new project and use the "SIMATIC S7 300/400" driver, a

selection is added to the Parameters dialog box (area A):

Here you can select a STEP 7 Lite project. The symbol information is stored in the

project, for example. If the CPU was configured in STEP 7 Lite, its address has

already been saved in the project.

Constraints

The following constraints apply to STEP 7 Lite:

• STEP 7 Lite supports only one CPU.

• When you work with ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7, STEP 7 Lite is

not supported.

For further information, please consult your STEP 7 Lite documentation.

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3.7 How to restore the symbolic tag connections

Background

The connection between a S7-CPU and a ProTool PLC might be lost. This means

that there is then no conenction between the STEP 7 symbols and ProTool tags,

either.

The following causes are possible for this:

1. Reuse of a ProTool project in another STEP 7 project.

Note

If the S7-CPU is copied together with the ProTool project within STEP 7 to a new

STEP 7 project, the connections are retained.

2. Integration of a ProTool project into a STEP 7 project.

3. Replacement of an S7-CPU in the STEP 7 project.

The CPU swop within STEP 7 HWCONFIG is not normally affected by this.

Note

The ProTool tags concerned are reported in the output window when the project is

opened.

Procedure:

Perform the following steps to restore the connections between ProTool tags and

STEP 7 symbols.

Procedure:

1 In ProTool CS, in the "Properties" dialog box, connect the ProTool PLC to the

corresponding STEP 7 CPU by means of the "Parameters" button.

When doing so, you receive a message to the effect that the connection of

the tag to the STEP 7 symbols has been restored.

2 In ProTool CS, choose "Edit" > "Restore Symbols".

3 From then on, the following cases are possible for the STEP 7 symbol used in

the ProTool tag:

1. A STEP 7 symbol that is used is present

2. A STEP 7 symbol that is used is present but the address in the S7 program

is different

3. A STEP 7 symbol that is used is not present in the STEP 7 symbols, but

another STEP 7 symbol having the same address is present

4. A STEP 7 symbol that is used is not present and there is no other STEP 7

symbol that has the same address

In case 1, the ProTool tag is linked to the STEP 7 symbol.

In case 4, an error message is issued, and the ProTool tag cannot be linked

and has to be corrected manually.

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Procedure:

4 In case 2 and 3, you have the following options:

• "Connect" button:

The ProTool tag is linked to the STEP 7 symbol.

• "Disconnect" button:

The ProTool tag is identified as not being symbolically linked.

• "Jump" button:

This can be used to postpone the decision to a later run

The ProTool tag remains in the error state and is not connected.

5 After ProTool Tag Management is executed, the symbolic connection is

restored to the extent possible.

Note

The ProTool tags that could not be successfully connected gain are read out to the

output window.

Tag connection for SIMOTION

Note

The connection to symbols is normally lost as a result of renaming objects in

SIMOTION SCOUT. You will find more information in the section "Process

communication" > "SIMATIC S7" > "SIMOTION".

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4 Creating and editing projects

Here you obtain an overview over:

• the ProTool project structure

• the procedure for creating a project

• copying objects

• displaying project information

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4.1 Fundamental considerations when creating a project

Objective

You want to make it possible to operate and visualize a machine or process. To do

this, you map the machine or process on the operating unit as accurately as is

necessary.

System configuration

Communication takes place between the operating unit and the machine or

process by means of "tags" via the PLC. The value of a tag is written to a memory

area (address) on the PLC, from where it is read by the operating unit.

The following diagram provides an overview of the fundamental structure:

A typical structure

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Defining an operating philosophy

Consider which process values or states of the machine you want to display on the

operating unit or work with and which object types you will have to configure for the

purpose.

1. Create a user interface Screens are the central components of the project, with

which you visualize the states of the machine or process and create the

prerequisites for operating the machine or process.

Example of screen creation

2. You can create a number of screens with display elements and controls - for

switching between screen,for example - for the user interface with which the

operator is subsequently faced on the operating unit.

3. Process data entry and transfer: In order to enter process data or set new

values, you configure input/output fields, for example. This is also possible as a

symbolic display.

4. Report process states: To acquire and log process and operating states on the

operating unit or to archive them, configure messages.

5. Define communication areas A defined address area on the PLC for data

interchange with the operating unit is addressed by means of an area pointer.

The number of area pointers available varies depending on the selected

operating unit.

Note

Disable the "Cyclic operation" option for the following CPUs of distributed systems

in the PLC dialog box:

- IM151 (ET200 S CPU)

- BM147 (ET200 X CPU)

In this way you avoid possible communication problems.

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4.2 Components of a ProTool project

What is displayed in the project window?

When you open a new or an existing project, the project window opens.

The project data of a ProTool project is stored in the form of objects. The objects in

a project are arranged in a tree structure.

The left side of the project window displays object types that belong to the project

and you can configure for the selected operating unit. The object types contain

objects with settable properties, which are shown in the right section of the project

window. The objects that you can configure depend on the type of the operating

unit.

The various objects are linked directly in ProTool with the tool required to edit

them.

The project window is structured as follows:

• The title bar contains the project name.

• Depending on the operating unit, the configurable object types are displayed in

the left half of the window and the objects you create in the right half.

Example of a project window with tags

Note

If you maximize the project window, tabs are displayed for the open windows along

the bottom border to enable you to change easily from one window to another.

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4.3 Objects in the project window

Overview Objects in the Project Window

Object symbol Object type Object name

(default)

ProTool project PRO1

Screens PIC_1

Messages ---

Recipes STRUCT_1

Tags VAR_1

PLCs PLC_1

Scripts SCRIPT_1

Archives ARCHIV_1

Text or graphic lists LIST_1

Graphics GRAPHIC_1

Trends CURVE_1

Scheduler ALARM_1

Reports REPORT_1

Multiplex tag MUXVAR_1

Area pointers ---

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4.4 Steps to be taken when creating a project

Principle

To create a project, perform the following steps:

1. Create a new project ("File" > "New" or "File" > "Open"). Choose "File" > "New"

to create a new project. The project assistant guides you through a number of

selection dialogs.

2. Select your PLC: Select a driver for your PLC. Only those drivers with which

the selected operating unit can be run are displayed.

3. Enter information about the project in the "summary", should you wish to. Click

the "Create" button to open the project window.

4. Set the communication areas (project window: "Area pointers"): Shared

communication areas (area pointers) have to be set for certain functions such

as "bit message procedure" and "synchronous data record transfer" to be used.

5. Create your project: This involves the most work. You can approach it in one of

two ways: Either you create all the individual parts first and then link them to

form a meaningful structure (the bottom > up approach), or you begin by

designing a structure and then fill it with the individual elements (the top >

down approach). To do this, you basically have to perform the following steps:

• Partition the display on the operating unit.

• Create a user interface with display elements and controls.

• Configure tags to allow data exchange with the PLC.

• Configure messages to receive information about the machine status or the

process.

6. In addition, you can configure additional objects, such as scripts, depending on

the operating unit.

Note

If you modify and save the project several times, the project file gets larger (*.pdb).

Reduce the size of the file by choosing "Save As" from the menu. This causes the

file structure to be reorganized.

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4.5 Configuring behavior at run time

Constraints

Depending on the device you happen to be configuring, not all options listed in the

"Settings" dialog box will be available. All the settings that are possible are listed in

the table below.

What are the possible settings?

To set how the project should behave at run time and the options open to the

operator, you can perform the following settings at "System" > "Settings":

Setting Explanation

User version The user version identifies the version of the

project.

OP password Here you enter the administrator's password

and the time after which the administrator

has to log on again if there has been no

operator input (time-out).

OPC server Select this check box in order to set the

operating unit as the server in the OPC

network in the executable project.

Conversely, OPC clients can recognize the

operating unit as the server in the OPC

network.

Display: Lock Task Switching This option allows you to stop the operator

calling up a different program on the

operating unit. The operating unit is then

only available to the ProTool project at run

time.

If you have selected "Lock task switching", it

is essential to configure a key with the

function Exit_Runtime in the project.

Otherwise you will not be able to exit

ProTool/Pro RT or Windows. The key

combination CTRL + ALT + DEL has no

effect either.

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Setting Explanation

Display: Full Screen You should decide right at the start of a

project how you want to display it at runtime,

so that you can create your screens in the

correct size.

When you select this check box, the project

is displayed on the operating unit while

making full use of the screen size.

This setting is useful for most projects. With

the "Full Screen" setting, you have a

somewhat larger area available for your

screens and the fixed window, as the border

and title bar are missing from the window.

If the "Full Screen" setting is deselected, the

project runs in a Windows-type window with

border and title bar. The operator can vary

the size of the window, he can minimize or

maximize the window, put the window in the

task bar or close it, and thus exit

ProTool/Pro RT.

Display: Use On-Screen Keyboard If you select this check box, the on-screen

keyboard will be displayed automatically at

run time when you select an input field.

This is practical with non-touch devices and

mouse-operated devices.

Display: Show Tooltips If you select this check box, the operator is

shown tooltips at run time for the input fields

you configured (such as limit values).

Cursor control as for v.5.10 If you select this check box, the cursor

control acts in the same way as in ProTool

5.10.

Of course, depending on the project requirements, you can combine settings for

run time. This allows you, for example, to ensure that a system is only available in

a specific ProTool project.

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4.6 PLC drivers

PLC drivers available for Windows-based systems

Select the PLC driver with the project assistant in the "Select PLC" dialog box.

You can also define or later edit the parameters there if you select PLC

"Properties" in the project window.

Note

You will find information about the various PLC drivers at "Start" > "SIMATIC" >

"ProTool" > "ProTool Information System" in the topic "Process communication".

You can select the following drivers for Windows-based systems:

SIMATIC S5 - AS511

SIMATIC S5 - DP

SIMATIC S7-300/400

SIMATIC WinAC

SIMATIC S7-200

SIMATIC 500/505

SIMATIC 500/505-DP

SIMOTION

OPC (Client/Server)

Allen-Bradley DF1 (PLC5/SLC500)

Allen-Bradley DH485

LG GLOFA-GM

MITSUBISHI FX

MITSUBISHI Protocol 4

Modicon Modbus

Telemecanique Uni-Telway

GE Fanuc SNP/SNPX

Omron Host-Link/Multilink

Repercussions for tags

The address of a tag depends on the PLC you are using. The way in which the

address of a tag with a PLC connection is displayed depends on the PLC you

selected.

You select the available data types and data formats in the "Tags" dialog box at

"Type" or "Format".

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You will find an overview of the available data types and data formats that you can

select for the PLC driver concerned in the "Communication for Windows-Based

Systems" user's manual.

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4.7 Area pointers

What are area pointers for?

A defined address area on the PLC for data interchange with the operating unit is

addressed by means of an area pointer.

You create area pointers in the project window at "Area pointers". You can edit

area pointers with all the commands available in the shortcut menu for example,

copy and then paste in another project.

What area pointers are available?

The number of area pointers available varies depending on the selected operating

unit.

For information on how large the area pointers should be when you create them,

and the structure they have to have, refer to the "Communication for Windows-

Based Systems" user's manual.

The overview below lists the various area pointers and what they are used for. The

area pointers are sorted in alphabetical order.

Area pointers Explanation

User version The user version identifies the version of the

project. A version check is performed on the

PLC by means of this area pointer.

Job mailbox The PLC uses this data area to transfer jobs

to the operating unit in order to trigger

specific functions (to display a screen, for

example).

Event messages You can configure an event message for

each bit in this data area. The bits are

assigned to the message numbers in

ascending order.

As soon as the PLC sets a bit in this data

area, the operating unit recognizes that the

assigned event message has "arrived".

Conversely, the operating unit interprets the

message as "departed" after the bit is reset

on the PLC.

Screen number In this data area the operating unit stores

information on the current screen. You can

evaluate this information in the PLC

program to call another screen, for example.

Data mailbox The data mailbox is a data area on the PLC.

It is used for synchronization during data

record transfer from the operating unit to the

PLC.

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Area pointers Explanation

Date/Time The operating unit writes the date and time

in this data area in accordance with a PLC

job. This data can be evaluated by the PLC

program.

Date/Time PLC The operating unit reads from this data area

in the set date/time acquisition cycle to

synchronize with the PLC.

The date and time must be stored in the

PLC in the format S7_DATE_AND_TIME.

Coordination The PLC can use this data area to prompt

the status of the operating unit (for example,

startup of the operating unit, current

operating mode and communication

readiness).

Trend request The PLC can use this area pointer to

determine which bit-triggered trend is

currently being displayed on the operating

unit.

Trend transfer area 1 This data area is used to trigger trends. As

soon as the PLC program sets the bit

assigned to the trend and the trend

communication bit in the trend transfer area,

the operating unit detects the trigger and,

depending on the configuration, reads out

either a value or the entire buffer.

Trend transfer area 2 This data area is required when you

configure trends with a switch buffer. The

data area is structured in the same way as

the "trend transfer 1" data area.

LED assignment The PLC can use this area pointer to drive

the light-emitting diodes on the function

keys of the operating unit.

OP Acknowledgement The operating unit uses this area pointer to

indicate to the PLC which alarm messages

have been acknowledged on the operating

unit.

PLC Acknowledgement Messages can be acknowledged from the

PLC using this area.

Alarm messages You can configure an alarm message for

each bit in this data area. The bits are

assigned to the message numbers in

ascending order.

As soon as the PLC sets a bit in this data

area, the operating unit recognizes that the

assigned alarm message has "arrived".

Conversely, the operating unit interprets the

message as "departed" after the bit is reset

on the PLC.

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Note

The following applies to the "Coordination" area pointer:

You can configure more than one "Coordination" area pointer in ProTool 5.2 + SP3

or higher.

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4.8 Screen partitioning on the operating unit

Display areas

Depending on the operating unit for which you create your project, you can

partition the display into different areas. These areas can either be moved

(message area and message indicator) or they are immobile (fixed window, icons

for function keys).

Where do you set the areas?

Choose "System" > "Screen/Keys" to set the areas. The settings made here apply

to the whole project, So set the areas before you begin configuration, to the extent

possible.

The example below shows one possible way of partitioning the display:

Example of partitioning the display on the SIMATIC Panel PC

Basic area

The basic area is the entire screen area without the fixed window. If you change

the size of the fixed window, the size of the basic area automatically changes as

well. All the other areas are superimposed on parts of the basic area. You

configure process screens in the basic area. This means that the contents of the

basic area changes for each screen you call.

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Fixed window

The fixed window is a window that is always displayed. It uses up part of the basic

area. You can enable and disable the fixed window by choosing "System" >

"Screen/Keys" from the menu. If it is switched on, it is displayed during screen

configuration and thus reduces the size of the area available for screens. The size

of the fixed window can be changed, but its position is always the same at the top

of the screen. The fixed window is configured with the "Screens" editor.

Message indicator

The message indicator is a symbol indicating alarm messages that are still

applicable on the operating unit. You can enable and disable the message

indicator by choosing "System" > "Screen/Keys". You cannot change the size, but

you can the position.

The message indicator can be used with touch devices.

Message area

The message area is the area in which messages are displayed on the operating

unit. By choosing "System" > "Screen/Keys", you can set separately for alarm and

event messages whether they are displayed on the message line or in a message

window, or whether they are not displayed at all.

• Message line: A configured message line is always present irrespective of the

screen that has been selected. It shows the most recent message to arrive.

• Message window: If one of the display modes "Window/Window",

"Window/Line" or "Window/Off" is configured, the message window for alarm

messages is automatically opened as soon as an alarm message arrives. To

open the message window for event messages by means of an operator input,

in your project the function Display_Event_Message_Window must be

linked to a control.

Icons

On SIMATIC HMI operating units having an integrated keyboard (for example, the

OP 170B, MP 270 or Panel PC 670), you can place icons on the screen for

function keys having locally defined functions. This is only possible, however, for

the function keys arranged directly around the screen.

To find out how to assign keys globally or locally, refer to the topic "Function keys".

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Setting the display for the operating unit

By choosing "System" > "Settings", you can set how the compiled project will be

displayed on the operating unit for PCs and SIMATIC Panel PCs, for example. You

can start the project either in full screen mode or in a window that is smaller than

the screen. For full screen mode, check the option "Full Screen" at "Display".

In Full Screen mode, more space is available to you even while you are configuring

since the window frame is hidden. Therefore, set Full Screen mode as a matter of

course before you start configuring if your target device supports this option.

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4.9 Configuration notes for touch devices

Screen partitioning basics

Before you start setting touch device controls, set the basic partitioning of the

screen on the operating unit. Give consideration to where messages and input

windows will be opened in order to prevent unintentional overlapping of buttons

and input fields.

Dimension the controls, such as buttons, large enough for them to be operated

properly. For display elements, such as output fields, use font sizes that are large

enough to allow comfortable reading.

The figure shows an example of screen partitioning on the TP 170B.

Example of screen partitioning on the TP 170B

Global buttons

Position buttons which you want to be available globally in every operating situation

in the fixed window. Buttons in the basic area and their assigned functions are

available only locally on the screen concerned.

Overlapping controls

Mutual overlapping of control elements can result in undefined operating states

and

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On-screen keyboard

To read in values, the touch device automatically displays an on-screen keyboard

as soon as the operator touches an input field, for example. The keyboard is

automatically hidden when the input is terminated. Depending on the configured

input field, the on-screen keyboard features keys for purely numerical input or for

entering alphanumeric characters.

Special features of touch devices

Input fields and input/output fields are touch-sensitive on touch devices. Configure

a border for the field, or select a background color that is different from the

background color of the current screen. In this way the touch-sensitive area of the

field can always be recognized on the operating unit.

Help text is particularly helpful with input fields and input/output fields, since the

assignment of input field to input window on the touch device is not always directly

evident from the position of the input window.

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4.10 Functions to provide support for service work

Purpose

In your project, you should provide controls to make service work easier on startup

and during operation.

It is advisable to configure these controls in a separate screen, with their selection

protected by a password. In this way, you prevent operators who are not service

personnel changing basic settings by mistake.

Functions for service work

The following tasks when starting up a project or when the project is running, can

be simplified by using functions:

• Opening the Windows CE Control Panel: The service technician can use the

Windows CE Control Panel to set the printer, and data and time, or configure

the network card.

• Changing modes: At project run time, the operating mode is usually set to

"Online". In order to test a new project first without a connection to the PLC, the

operating mode must be changed to "Offline", to transfer a new project to

"Download mode".

• Switching languages: Where projects involve several languages, the service

technician can set the language required by the actual installation when

starting up or while the project is running.

• Display software version: The Hotline needs the software version of the

installed ProTool components to efficiently process your inquiries.

• Displaying Task Manager: The service technician can change to other

applications on the operating unit by using Task Manager.

• Opening Internet Explorer: Using Internet Explorer, the service technician can

change from the world-wide web from an operating unit Windows CE.

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4.11 Editing projects

Useful functions when editing projects

If you edit projects in ProTool, there are several ways in which you can make work

easier for you.

Converting projects

If you wish to create similar projects for different devices, you can convert a project

into a project for another destination device. In this way you quickly create a basis

for a new project.

In this instance, it is possible, for example, to convert a project for graphics

displays to a project for Windows-based systems.

Copying objects

You can copy previously created objects from one project to another project. You

do not have to create the same objects twice when you edit several projects.

Undoing and redoing actions

You can undo many of the actions performed in ProTool when, for example, you

have entered a wrong value or have edited a screen object incorrectly. Similarly,

you can redo actions you have undone.

Substituting a project and project parts

To use an existing project, say, as a basis for a new project or to reuse previously

configured parts of a project, you can substitute whole projects in ProTool or only

certain selectable project parts in a destination project.

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4.11.1 Convertible projects

Windows-based system > Windows-based system

You can use menu command "File" >"Convert" to convert a ProTool project that

you created for a Windows-based device to a project for a different Windows-based

device.

It is also possible, within a device class, to convert from one resolution to another,

or between different destination devices having different display sizes.

Note

When you convert an existing configuration for another destination device, close

the converted configuration and open it again before you make changes.

Note

Projects for the TP 170B Mono can be converted to a project for the TP 170B

Color, and the other way round.

You can cross convert projects for the following devices:

Note

Take note of the system limits of the device when you convert projects.

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Graphics display > Windows-based system

You can also create a new project for a Windows-based system (such as an MP

370 or Panel PC 670), by choosing the "File" > "Convert" option from the menu,

from an existing project for a device having a graphics display (such as an OP 37).

Projects of different resolution are also mutually convertible.

All objects that can be mapped to the new destination device can be converted. If

the functionality of a given object is not supported on the destination device, the

object will possibly only be converted in part or not at all. ProTool will tell you in the

system message window if there are any objects and functions that cannot be

converted.

Note

If a project is converted from a graphics device to a 6 inch Windows CE device, the

maximum number of visible list elements in a symbolic selection field should be

changed to six. This ensures a neat display in every viewing position.

Note

You will find more information about converting projects in the documentation

called "Configuration support for upgrading - migration to Windows-based devices"

[ Projektierungsunterstützung für Umsteiger - Migration zu Windows-basierten

Geräten].

Settings for conversion

You can influence the conversion result by choosing "File" > "Convert" > "Settings".

• Smoothing

If the "Smooth" setting is enabled, an anti-alias filter for replacing missing

pixels due to interpolation is used when increasing or decreasing the size of a

graphic. This setting results in softer transitions in photo-realistic displays. In

the case of drawings, the display quality is enhanced when zooming out of

graphics in particular, since the complete screen information is retained.

• Converting resolution

Select this setting if you would like to convert projects between different

operating units having different resolutions or display sizes.

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4.11.2 Key assignment when converting

Mapping keys when converting projects

This table provides an overview of how the keys are mapped to each other when a

project is converted for another operating unit.

Examples:

You have configured a function on F20 on the MP 270; following conversion, this

function is triggered with F8 on an MP 370 and with SHIFT + F8 on a standard PC.

If you have used F15 for a FI45 project, this function is no longer available on a

standard PC following conversion.

Note

When converting in ProTool CS, the keys are imaged on each other irrespective of

the key code.

MP 370

PC 670/PC 870

FI 25/FI 45

P0 12K/P0 15K

MP 270

OP 37/Pro

MP 270B

OP 270 10"

OP 270 6"

OP 170B

Standard PC

F1 F13 F9 SHIFT F1

F2 F14 F10 SHIFT F2

F3 F15 F11 SHIFT F3

F4 F16 F12 SHIFT F4

F5 F17 F13 SHIFT F5

F6 F18 F14 SHIFT F6

F7 F19 -- SHIFT F7

F8 F20 -- SHIFT F8

F9 -- -- SHIFT F9

F10 -- -- SHIFT F10

F11 -- -- SHIFT F11

F12 -- -- SHIFT F12

F13 -- -- --

F14 -- -- --

F15 -- -- --

F16 -- -- --

F17 -- -- --

F18 -- -- --

F19 -- -- --

F20 -- -- --

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MP 370

PC 670/PC 870

FI 25/FI 45

P0 12K/P0 15K

MP 270

OP 37/Pro

MP 270B

OP 270 10"

OP 270 6"

OP 170B

Standard PC

S1 F1 F1 F1

S2 F3 F3 F3

S3 F5 F5 F5

S4 F7 F7 F7

S5 F9 -- F9

S6 F11 -- F11

S7 -- -- --

S8 -- -- --

S9 F2 F2 F2

S10 F4 F4 F4

S11 F6 F6 F6

S12 F8 F8 F8

S13 F10 -- F10

S14 F12 -- F12

S15 -- -- --

S16 -- -- --

-- K1 K1 --

-- K2 K2 --

-- K3 K3 --

-- K4 K4 --

-- K5 K5 --

-- K6 K6 --

-- K7 K7 --

-- K8 K8 --

-- K9 K9 --

-- K10 K10 --

-- K11 -- --

-- K12 -- --

-- K13 -- --

-- K14 -- --

-- K15 -- --

-- K16 -- --

HELP HELP HELP --

ESC ESC ESC --

ACK ACK ACK --

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MP 370

PC 670/PC 870

FI 25/FI 45

P0 12K/P0 15K

MP 270

OP 37/Pro

MP 270B

OP 270 10"

OP 270 6"

OP 170B

Standard PC

ENTER ENTER ENTER --

PAGE UP PAGE UP PAGE UP --

PAGE DOWN PAGE DOWN PAGE DOWN --

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4.11.3 Example of how to convert an MP 370 project

Objective

You want to convert an MP 370 project to a PC project.

Procedure:

1 Open the existing MP 370 project.

2 Choose "File" > "Convert" > "Settings" from the menu.

In the "Conversion Setting" dialog box, set whether the graphics should be

smoothed ("anti-aliasing") and the resolution should be adapted to the

destination device.

Select "Convert resolution", too, if you wan to convert projects between

devices of different screen resolution. During conversion, all screens will then

be adapted to the resolution of the destination device.

3 Close the dialog box by clicking OK.

4 Choose "File" > "Convert"" > "Start".

The "Save As" dialog box appears.

5 Enter a directory and a new name for the new project.

6 From the "Device type" list, select the destination device for your conversion,

in this instance PC.

The list displays all available destination devices for the source project you

want to convert.

7 Select the resolution of the destination device from the "Resolution" list.

8 Click "Save".

The project is converted and opened in the project window.

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4.11.4 Copying objects: Between projects and within a project

Principle

You can cut or copy selected parts of your project and paste them from one project

to another via the Clipboard. For example you can copy text and fields from the

alarm message editor to the event message editor, or graphic elements from one

screen to another.

A requirement for successfully copying from one project to another is that the

system limits of the destination project are not exceeded.

You can also copy objects between projects with different resolution. If the

destination system uses a lower resolution than the source system, then the icons

of soft keys, for example, are cleanly adjusted to the new resolution by an anti-

aliasing mechanism.

Preparations for new projects

Before starting to copy objects from an existing project, you should without fail

carry out the following global settings in the new project. This will ensure that no

loss of data occurs due to different settings during copying.

• At "System" > "Screen/Keys", adjust the partition of the screen display to that

in the source project.

• Make the option for Full Screen mode the same as in the source project by

choosing "System" > "Settings" from the "View" menu.

• Make the name and driver of the "PLC" the same as in the source project.

• Make the language settings the same as in the source project by choosing

"System" > "Language Assignment".

Pasting objects in the destination project

To paste objects from the Clipboard to the destination project, choose "Edit" >

"Paste" from the menu.

The object is pasted from the Clipboard to the destination project. If there is already

an object of the same name in the destination project, the object is pasted under a

new name.

Note

With "Paste", ProTool always checks the lower-level objects (such as the limit

value tags of a tag which has been copied) to ensure that existing objects are

reusable.

If there is already an object of the same name in the destination project, the object

to be pasted will be renamed if necessary. It is given the next available name in the

destination project.

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Example:

Tag VAR_4 will be renamed VAR_11 if tags VAR_1 through VAR_10 already exist

in the destination project.

What is copied?

You can copy the following via the Clipboard:

• All objects listed in the project window, such as screens, text or graphic lists,

tags etc.

• Objects from screens (trends, fields, graphics etc.) in the screen editor.

• Messages and objects from messages (message text, fields, Help text etc.) in

the message editor.

• Area pointers

• Global and local function key assignments

An object is copied complete with its attributes and all cross-referenced objects.

Special situations encountered during copying are reported in the "system

message window" at "Clipboard". This gives you information about any objects that

have not been copied or renamed, for example.

Special situation with screens

If the object to be copied refers to a screen that does not exist in the destination

project, the underlying screen is not copied; instead a blank screen is created as a

dummy if the destination project does not contain a screen that can be reused.

This ensures that you will not copy the complete source project by mistake along

with the start screen.

Afterward, when you paste the screen via the Clipboard, the dummy screen in the

destination project will be automatically replaced by the proper screen.

Special feature with tags

Perform the steps listed below so that tags with a PLC connection can be inserted

completely in the destination project when copying from one project to another:

• Assign a self-explanatory symbolic name for the PLC in the source project and

do not use the system default setting (for example, PLC_1).

• Copy the PLC object to the destination project first so that it is present in both

projects with identical parameters. The copy the tags belonging to this PLC.

Special feature of recipes

With Windows-based systems, you can also copy recipes via the Clipboard. You

will find more information about this at "Compatibility of recipes".

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What is not copied?

These objects are not copied:

• Objects that are unknown in the destination project (such as functions or

command buttons when copying from TP 170 to OP 170)

• Character sets

• In the case of multilingual projects, only the languages available in the

destination project are copied. No new languages will be created. If necessary,

create them before copying.

• Settings at "System" - for example, Language Assignment or Full Screen

mode.

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4.11.5 Replacing a project and project parts

Purpose

If you would like to introduce new or updated standard components (say, from

ProAgent) of one project in your project, you can do so with the ProTool's Replace

function.

Replacing a complete project

By choosing "File" > "Replace" > "Setting..." from the menu, you can set the object

types which should be taken into account when replacing whole projects. To do

this, select the object types you want.

The settings will be saved in the project; if this project is used as a source project

for the substitution, the settings are taken input.

If you choose "File" > "Replace" > "Start" from the menu, you can select a project

that you want to replace your currently open project. The source project must be of

the same type as the destination project. You should save the active configuration

before doing so.

Replacement of a complete project cannot be undone.

Using the object name, a check is made for all the objects present in the source

project as to whether an object having the same name is already present in the

destination project.

If there is no such object present, a new object is created with the name used in

the source file. If the object is already present in the destination project, it will be

replaced by the object in the source project.

Object linking is not changed by the substitution; merely the contents of the object

are inserted and additional linking added.

Should errors occur in the project during the substitution operation, they are

reported in the same way as other errors when the project is compiled.

Note

PLCs and permanent windows are not replaced.

Replacing objects

You ca also copy individual project objects from a source project and paste them in

another project with the "Insert/Replace" function:

• By choosing "Edit" > "Copy", you copy as many objects you like from the

source project to the Clipboard.

• Choose "Edit" > "Insert/Replace" from the menu all objects in the destination

project having the same name are replaced.

The replacement of individual objects and their linked (referenced) objects can be

customized in a settings dialog box. This dialog box is displayed for every Replace

action.

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In the dialog box, you set which objects you wished to have replaced as referenced

objects with replacement via the Clipboard. Select the object types you require.

This setting is not saved locally for the project but globally for the application.

Example

An archive has been configured for an archive. If this tag is now copied from the

source project to the Clipboard and replaced in the destination project, the

referenced archive object is replaced if you have selected the "Archive" object type

in the "Replace Setting" dialog box and the archive object is already present with

the same name in the destination project.

If the archive object is not in the destination project, a new object is created and

linking of the tags expanded.

Destination project

The tag VAR1 (WORD data type) has a limit tag VAR2. This in its turn references

the three functions FKT1, FKT2 and FKT3.

Source project

Tag VAR2 (BYTE data type) references the function FKTX.

Result

Limit value tag VAR2 has been replaced by tag VAR2 from the source project.

Object linking is not changed by the substitution; merely the contents of the object

are inserted and additional linking added. All the objects referenced by the inserted

objects are also pasted in the destination project.

Should errors occur in the project during the substitution operation, they are

reported in the same way as other errors when the project is compiled.

The replacement of individual objects can be undone. Further, Replace is

supported differently by various objects, including between projects of different

types; thus, for example, you can paste objects from a graphics project in a

Windows-based project.

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What you must bear in mind

You cannot insert more objects with Replace than the number allowed by the

quantity structure of the destination project.

If the destination project has a smaller range of functions than the source project, it

is possible that not all objects will be applied.

Only objects having the same name are replaced. If, for example, you wish to

replace a recipe with 50 entries in the destination project with a recipe having 500

entries, the entries not contained in the destination project will be created.

Object attributes that have not been defined in the source project will be assigned

default values in the destination project.

Scenario 1

Accepting objects from other projects without breaking up the project structure and

without time-consuming reconfiguration.

Example

You want to renew the contents of a picture without overwriting the contents of the

tag on the screen.

1. Copy the required screen for the substitution in the source project to the

Clipboard.

2. In the destination project, replace the screen of the same name in the

destination project by choosing "Edit" > "Insert/Replace" from the menu.

3. Deselect the "Tags" object type in the Settings dialog box. Tags referenced on

the screen by means of input/output fields, for example, are then not replaced.

Scenario 2

Updating projects issuing from a common "basic project".

Example

All standard screens have been revised in the basic project, or new ones have

been added to it. For example, screen elements have been inserted or deleted and

tag fields adapted. All derived projects now have to be updated.

1. In the basis project, select all object types you want to have replaced in the

destination project by choosing "File" > "Replace" > "Setting..." from the menu. If,

say, only screens, tags and archives have been modified, only these object types

should be selected.

2. Save the basic project.

3. In the destination project, select the basic project by choosing "File" > "Replace"

> "Start..." from the menu. In the Settings dialog box that then opens you then

select the object types for substitution again. The types already set in the

destination project are offered as defaults. Object substitution starts after you quit

the dialog box by clicking OK.

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4.11.6 Undoing and redoing actions

Purpose

During configuration, it may become necessary to cancel actions which have been

performed, or to reconstruct actions which have been discarded. The two

commands "Undo" and "Redo" on the "Edit" menu are used for this purpose.

• Undo

The "Undo" command (key combination Ctrl + Z) cancels the last action

performed. If you keep selecting the command, you can cancel up to 30

successive modifications.

• Redo

The "Redo" command (key combination CTRL+ Y)revokes the last action

canceled, thus restoring the status before the last "Undo" command was

executed.

Principle

Each active editor (project window, screen editor, drivers) has its own undo history.

Thus, for example, if three screens are opened at the same time, three separate

Undo Histories will be created. When a screen is closed, the actions listed in the

accompanying History are deleted. When the project is saved, all the Undo

Histories for the current project are deleted.

The last recorded action is displayed in abbreviated form in the menu. The tooltips

contain detailed texts for the "Undo" and "Redo" buttons and for the status bar.

Example of menu

Undo: VAR_5 edited Ctrl + Z

Redo: PIC_2 edited CTRL+ Y

Example of tooltip/status bar

Undo: property edited of tag VAR_5

Redo: contents edited of screen PIC_2

Until the corresponding undo history is deleted, deleted objects in the cross-

reference continue to be listed as used objects. The status of these objects is

shown in brackets after each object - for example, PIC_5 (deleted).

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General Information

The commands "Undo" and "Redo" only work with actions taken since the last time

the project was saved. If, for example, you move a screen object and then save

your project, you cannot later cancel this action.

These are some of the rules that apply to "Undo/Redo":

• Settings in dialog boxes (properties of a field) can only be canceled in their

entirety. It is not possible to open the dialog box and discard individual entries.

• With multilevel dialog boxes, only changes to the primary object are recorded.

Modifications to underlying objects, or creations or deletions cannot be

reversed.

Example (project window):

"Edit Tag" > "Edit Limit Value Tag"

You can only undo changes to the tag here.

• "Undo/Redo" is special to ProTool. With a project integrated in SIMATIC STEP

7, the Undo buffer cannot be accessed by a higher-level SIMATIC Step 7 Undo

Manager.

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4.11.7 Undoing the last action

Possible procedures

To cancel your last action in ProTool, choose one of the three following options:

• Choose "Edit" > "Undo" from the menu.

The last action that can be undone (canceled) is shown in abbreviated form

after the menu command. A longer description is given in the status bar.

• Click the "Undo" button on the toolbar.

This opens a tooltip which shows you the last action that can be undone

(canceled). You are given the same information in the status bar.

• Press CTRL and Z simultaneously.

In contrast to the first two options, you are not given any feedback about which

action has been canceled.

If you keep executing the "Undo" command, you can successively cancel all the

recorded modifications.

4.11.8 Redoing the last action

Possible procedures

To restore your last canceled action in ProTool, choose one of the three following

options:

• Choose the "Edit" > "Redo" command from the menu

The last undone action is shown in abbreviated form after the menu option. A

longer description is given in the status bar.

• Click the "Redo" button on the toolbar.

This opens a tooltip which shows you the last canceled action. You are given

the same information in the status bar.

• Press CTRL and Y simultaneously.

In contrast to the first two options, you are not given any feedback about which

action has been restored.

If you keep executing the "Redo" command, you can successively restore all the

recorded cancellations.

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4.12 Retrieving project information

Tools

The following tools are available to you for displaying or storing information on a

project.

• Cross references

• Project information

4.12.1 Display in "Cross-Reference" window

Usage

When you have to add to or modify a project and need to check where and how a

particular object is being used in your project, you open the "Cross-Reference"

window.

You select an object in this window, and all the references to this object in the

project are then displayed to you.

Example from a project

You open the "Cross-Reference" window by choosing the "View" > "Cross-

Reference" option from the menu. The active object is displayed with a red border

around it.

The selected object is at the uppermost level, and all the objects in which the

selected object is used appear under it.

The cross-reference list also contains objects in the current Undo history (undo and

restore actions). The status of these objects is shown in brackets after each object

- for example, PIC_5 (deleted).

Note

You can use the "Cross-Reference" window efficiently for troubleshooting.

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4.12.2 Display at "Project Information"

Usage

To obtain information about a project when projects change or are adapted, open

the "Project Information" dialog box. To do so, choose "File" > "Project Information"

from the menu.

The "Project Information" dialog box displays general "project data" and the

"memory requirements" for the project. Project information is spread according to

subjects over three tab controls:

• General

• Description

• Statistics

Example relating to the "Statistics" tab

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General

The "General" tab shows information on the device type, project name, path name

of the stored project file and person who created the project. You fill in the "Created

by" field and all the other fields are updated automatically by ProTool when the

project is saved.

Description

The "Description" tab contains an input field for the project description. Here you

can enter any information you like that are important for your project.

Statistics

The "Statistics" tab shows when the project was created, modified, generated and

downloaded, the ProTool version last used to edit the project and the memory

required by the project after it has been downloaded to the flash memory on the

operating unit. The memory requirement is determined and displayed after every

download operation.

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5 Configuration techniques

Here you will learn how to:

• Create screens

• Use tags

• Configure controls and display elements

• Configure schedulers and trends

• Create reports

• Configure messages

• Use functions

• Create archives and recipes

• Configuring operator prompting

• Creating VB scripts

• Configuring in foreign languages

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5.1 Create screens

Example

Screens are an image of the process. You can display processes on screens and

specify process values. The figure below shows an example of a mixing unit for

producing different juices. Ingredients are filled into a mixer from different tanks

and then mixed. The liquid levels in the tanks and in the mixer are displayed. The

intake valves can be opened and closed by means of the operating unit. The motor

for the mixer can be turned on and off in a similar manner.

Example of a Screen: Mixing Station

Components of a screen

A screen can consist of static and dynamic components. Static components - for

example, text and graphics - are not updated by the PLC. Dynamic components

are linked to the PLC and visualize current values from the PLC memory.

Visualization may take place in the form of alphanumeric displays, trends and bar

graphs. Dynamic components are also inputs made by the operator on the

operating unit and written to the PLC memory.

The connection to the PLC is established by means of tags.

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Screen editor

Screens are created with a separate editor in ProTool. The operating unit is

displayed when you call the screen editor. Open the screen editor by:

• Double-click on "Screens" in the left half of the project window to create a new

screen.

• Double-click in the right half of the project window on an existing configured

screen to open the screen for editing.

By choosing "View" > "User Interface" or the buttons on the toolbar, you can zoom

in and zoom out of the display in steps. If, for example, you wish to edit details you

can do it much more simply by zooming in on them.

Note

If possible, you should always configure in 100% Mode, since the display will

correspond to the display as shown later at run time and you thus obtain a most

precise preview.

To obtain an overview of the complete area that you can process, select "Complete

screen area" in the "User Interface" dialog box or on the toolbar.

Screens are stored under a symbolic name. You enter a name by choosing "Edit" >

"Properties" from the menu. This name has to be specified when you edit,

reference or delete the screen. In addition, screens are numbered automatically.

Start screen

Declare one screen in every project as the "start screen". The start screen is the

screen that is displayed after the operating unit has started up.

Fixed window

The fixed window is the window that is always flush with the top border of the

operating unit screen. By choosing "System" > "Screen/Keys" from the menu, you

can open and close the fixed window and adjust its height by dragging with the

mouse. Since the contents of the fixed window do not depend on the current

screen, you can output important process tags or the date and time to it, for

example.

You configure the contents of the fixed window in the screen editor. To access the

fixed window, click it with the mouse.

Soft keys/buttons

Soft keys are function keys with screen-dependent assignment. Buttons are virtual

keys on the operating unit screen. You can configure both soft keys and buttons for

specific screens. When configuring, you assign functions to these controls. You

can illustrate the task of a control by means of a graphic or text.

You can use soft keys and buttons to open another screen, turn a motor on and off

or display the message buffer, for example.

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Select screen

Every configured screen has to be integrated into the control process so that it can

be opened at run time on the operating unit. For this there is the Select Screen

function. You an assign this function to an input field, a function key or a button, for

example. As parameters, specify the screen name and the field in which you want

the cursor to be positioned following a change of screens. This means that a

screen can be displayed by means of an input field or a function key or button.

With input fields, soft keys and buttons, the function can be used only locally on

that screen. Should you wish the function to be available globally, you have to

configure the function on a globally assigned function key or on a button positioned

in the fixed window.

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5.1.1 Screen objects in ProTool

Introduction to screen objects

Screens consist of individual objects. There are different types of object, which you

can use at will when configuring a screen. You can determine the number and type

of the objects, as well as their position and size.

Libraries

Libraries are collections of preconfigured screen objects. In the screen editor, you

can insert any library object into the current screen and edit it. You can integrate

suitable screen objects from a screen to a library.

Note

Under the illustrated object, there are other pre-configured screen objects for

Windows CE devices, Panel PCs and standard PCs in the "SIMATIC HMI Symbol

Library".

Vector graphics

A vector graphic is a rectangle or a line, for example. You will find an overview of

objects for vector graphics in the topic "Vector Graphic Elements".

Available screen objects

The following table contains you short descriptions of the most important screen

objects. Not all the screen objects listed here are necessarily available for every

destination device.

Screen

object

Name Description

Graphics With the graphic field, you can use

graphics from other graphics programs

in your project.

Text You can configure static texts with the

text box. Various formats are available.

You can display text in different fonts,

enter several lines of text and align it

vertically or horizontally.

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Screen

object

Name Description

Output field With the output field you can display

process values directly. Different display

formats - for example, decimal and

binary - are possible.

Output fields can be formatted (such as

3D effects, colors, flashing, etc.).

Input field

(for alphanumeric values)

With the input field, the operator can

enter values of different formats directly

on the operating unit.

You can also set limit values for the

input or protect the input field by means

of a password.

Date/Time With Date/Time you can display and set

the system time numerically.

Symbolic output field A symbolic output field shows text in

place of a numerical value.

The assignment between the text and

the values of the tags is configured in a

text or graphic list (text list or graphic

list).

Example:

Instead of the values 0 and 1, you can

output the texts Motor OFF and Motor

ON on the operating unit.

Selection field

(input field for symbolic

values)

In selection fields, the operator selects a

block of text for the input from a "text

list".

Example:

Instead of the values 0 and 1, the

operator can select the text Motor OFF

and Motor ON to control the motor.

Viewing a graphic With the graphic view, you can

dynamically position graphics from other

graphics programs in your project.

Graphic list The graphics list shows a graphic from a

list irrespective of the PLC status.

Example:

Instead of the values 0 and 1, you can

display a graphic for a closed valve and

a graphic for an open valve.

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Screen

object

Name Description

Selecting a graphic In graphics selection fields, the operator

selects a graphic for the input from a

"graphics list".

Example:

With a graphics selection list, you can

design the user interface independently

of any language, for example.

Button Buttons are objects that trigger

configurable functions by clicking a

mouse or using a touch-sensitive

screen. Buttons can be freely assigned

a graphic or a block of text.

Status button The status button is used to input and

display two states: ON and OFF or

Pressed and Not pressed. You can

configure it with or without latching.

State area The status area is a display element.

Depending on the configuration, you can

configure a warning indication or read

out the status of a unit of equipment that

cannot be seen from the operating unit

(such as a motor).

Switches The switch is used to input and output a

binary status. It can only be switched on

or switched off.

Invisible button With invisible buttons, their contours are

not visible. The button can, for example,

be placed over a graphic, to allow

indirect operation of graphic elements.

You trigger configurable functions by

touching an invisible button.

Trend view You can present several trends

representing value histories

simultaneously in trend view. The axes

of the trend view can be configured

(scales, units, etc.).

Bar graph Bar graphs display a value from the PLC

as a rectangle. You can use it to display

fill levels, for example.

Message view In the message view, the operator can

visualize selected messages or

Message events from the message

buffer or message archive. To display

the message archive, you must have

configured a message view.

All the features offered for message

display by default only access the

volatile message buffer.

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Screen

object

Name Description

Single message view The single message view features a

subgroup of the functions of the

message view. You can use it to

implement, for example, a message line

in a screen.

Status/Force Using the "Status/Force Tag" screen

object, can read and write directly to

individual address areas on the

connected SIMATIC S5 or SIMATIC S7.

Password list In ProTool you can protect entry

operations by means of passwords.

Passwords have to be assigned for

permission levels 0 (no password) to 9

(administrator).

The password list is required to enter

the passwords for the different

permission levels on the operating unit.

Recipe view With recipe view, the operator can

display and edit data records on the

operating unit.

Digital/analog clock With digital/analog clock, you can either

display the system time on the operating

unit as a clock with hands, or digitally.

Slider controls Using the slider, the operator can enter

and read off numerical values.

When entering values, the operator

slides the slider, for example, with the

mouse or the arrow keys, to the desired

position.

When it is used as a display element,

the position of the slider indicates a

current value from the PLC.

Analog display Use the analog display to display

numerical values as a pointer

instrument.

SIMATIC HMI Symbol Library This is a comprehensive library

containing Graphics covering the areas

of engineering and production.

The library contains, among other

things:

valves, motors, tanks

conveyor belts

heat exchanger units and heating

devices

ISA symbols

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Note

The following applies to the TP 170A, TP 170B and TP 270-6'':

If you change from one input field to another within a screen as a result of an

operation, thus resulting in the on-screen keyboard being displayed, the "Exit field"

event for the previous field is not triggered immediately but only after the on-screen

keyboard has been closed.

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5.1.2 Libraries in ProTool

Purpose

Libraries are collections of preconfigured screen objects. They add to the number

of screen objects available and enhance the effectiveness of your configuration by

repeated and multiple use of "finished parts".

Standard libraries

Once ProTool is installed, the following libraries are available to you in the

\Library directory:

File name Content Suitable for devices

Bmp-Graphics.lib Technical

standard

symbols

All

Vector-Graphics.lib Pipes, pumps,

tanks and valves

All Windows systems,

except TP 170A

TOUCH-Switches.lib Buttons All Windows systems,

especially for touch-

operated devices, except

TP 170A, TP 170B,

Mobile Panel 170

TP 170A-TOUCH-Switches.lib Buttons All Windows systems,

especially for touch-

operated devices such as

TP 170A, TP 170B,

Mobile Panel 170,

TP 270, MP 270 TOUCH,

MP 370 TOUCH

Note:

All objects in this library

are displayed in gray

tones.

TP 170B-Color-Touch-Switches.lib Buttons TP 170B, TP 270, MP

270B TOUCH, MP 370

TOUCH, MP 370 15”

TOUCH

You can add further libraries to this directory yourself and then use them in

ProTool. Files must be of the *.lib type and have the same format as a ProTool

library.

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Managing libraries

As soon as you open a screen in a project, you have access to the menu

options under "Edit" > "Libraries" and to the icon button.

Once you open the first library, the library window on the screen is active. The first

library opened and all those subsequently opened are shown together here, as a

tree structure.

The following functions are available to assist you in managing your libraries:

• Adding a library: You insert a file (of the *.lib type or in ProTool library

format) in the \Library directory. Use the "New" option on the shortcut menu

to create a new, empty library. Save a library under a different name and then

edit it.

• Renaming or deleting a library: Use the Windows functions in Explorer of the

library.

• Deleting library objects or folders: Use the shortcut menu of the library.

• Restructuring a library: Edit the overview by dragging with the Windows

functions. Use "New Folder" on the shortcut menu to add a new folder. To

rename folders or library objects, click twice or press "F2".

Note

You cannot edit a write-protected library.

Editing library objects

You cannot edit library objects directly, you can only edit them in a project.

Paste the object in question to a screen in your project, edit it there and move it

back to the associated library. Delete the original object and give the one you have

just added the same name as the old one.

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5.1.3 SIMATIC HMI Symbol Library

Purpose

There is also the "SIMATIC HMI Symbol Library", in addition to ProTool's own

libraries. You open this library by means of an icon button on the "Screen Objects"

toolbar.

The SIMATIC HMI Symbol Library provides you with more options for the varying

and realistic design of screens in your project. You can find virtually all screen

objects (graphics) in a whole number of categories dealing with subjects on

technology and production, such as:

• valves, motors, tanks

• production lines

• factory buildings

• 3D ISA symbols

• refrigerator units and heating installations

Settings

In the screen editor, you can paste any object from the SIMATIC HMI Symbol

Library into the current screen and edit it. As well as the usual tabs which you get

for all screen objects (Color, Attributes, Functions, Position, Name, Help text and

Enable), there are two more tabs for the SIMATIC HMI symbol library:

• Symbol: Selecting the required symbol

• Style: Settings for color fill, transparency and alignment of the screen object,

as well as configuration of a tag:

You can modify the appearance and manner in which a symbol and its

background are displayed.

You can mirror the symbol and/or rotate in steps of 90°.

You can give the cursor above the screen an additional lightning symbol to

make the configuration of a function clear to the operator, for example (only

when using the mouse).

You can configure a tag to the symbol and thus control the display of colors as

a function of a limit value range not being achieved or being exceeded.

The preview automatically shows you how the symbol will appear in

ProTool/Pro RT.

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5.1.4 Colors of screen objects

Color attribute

You can assign one or more colors to each screen object created in ProTool.

Depending on the screen object, you can configure different colors for the following

color attributes, for example:

• Background

• Foreground

• Exceeding the limit values

Colors

You can allocate a color to each color attribute. Several colors are available to you

for this assignment:

• Default colors

16 default colors are permanently defined and cannot be changed.

• Project colors

You can select any 8 project colors you like from a range of colors. These

colors are globally available throughout the project. To define project colors to

your range of colors, choose "Tools" > "Colors" from the menu or double-click

in the "Colors" toolbar on one of the project color fields in Colors.

• Different colors

For each color attribute, you can also select a specific color from a range of

colors. This color applies to the current color attribute only. It is not globally

available in the entire project and cannot be selected on the "Colors" toolbar.

To assign a specific color, click the "Different Color" button on the "Color" tab, .

"Colors" toolbar

The "Colors" toolbar is available to you in the screen editor for rapid selection of

colors. It contains the following elements:

1 = selected foreground color

2 = selected background color

3 = 16 invariable standard colors

4 = 8 definable project colors

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Note

Screen objects (message views, trend graphics, recipes, buttons, etc.) are also

affected by the color settings on the control panel. In Windows 2000 the default

color settings on the Control Panel have been changed compared to earlier

operating systems (Windows 98 and Windows NT). Screen objects, for example,

are shown in a lighter gray than the background.

To adjust it again, select the "Appearance" tab at "File" > "Settings" > "Control

Panel" > "Display".

Select the setting "Windows Classic" from the list shown at "Scheme".

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5.1.5 Fonts

Purpose

In all screen objects which contain static or dynamic texts, you can assign

parameters to the appearance of the texts, to mark the significance of individual

texts within a screen. For example, you can select the font, the font style and the

font size and set additional effects, such as strikethrough and underscore.

Settings

Perform all the settings in the Properties dialog box of the relevant screen object on

the "Font" tab. In the case of screen objects with a number of texts to which

parameters can be assigned (such as message view, status/control, recipe view)

you can set different font attributes for titles and basic text, for example. The fonts

available depend on the actual device that has been set. Which font properties are

available will depend on the font selected.

Note

Text markings, such as font style (bold, italic, etc.), and effects (strikethrough,

underscore) always refer completely to the selected screen object property. This

means, for example, that you can display all the titles within a screen object as

bold, but not the individual letters or words in a title.

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5.1.6 Custom configuration user interface in ProTool

Custom configuration user interface

To configure display elements and controls in a user-friendly manner, you can

create the configuration user interface in ProTool so that it satisfies your

requirements.

Select "View" > "User Interface" from the menu while the screen is open . You can

perform the following settings in the "Interface" dialog box:

• At "Zoom", set the zoom factor of the current screen in percent.

• At "Field grid", set the density of the grid on the current screen.

• At "Display", select whether and how you want to have the grid displayed.

Note

You can perform the zoom functions in conjunction with CTRL and the numeric

keypad, too:

CTRL + "+": Zoom in

CTRL + "-":

CTRL + "*":

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5.1.7 Date/Time

Usage

The date and time details can be displayed and changed on the operating unit.

The following facilities are available for this:

• Date/time display: You can use the date/time display for screens and logs. This

means that you can adjust the date and time on the operating unit or in tags.

You can use tags to assign start values for the date and time.

• Digital/analog clock: The digital/analog clock is purely a display element. This

allows you to choose between digital and analog display.

• PLC jobs: You can use PLC jobs 14 and 15 to set the date and time on the

operating unit, and PLC jobs 40 and 41 to download the date and time to the

PLC.

• Input/output field: Configure an input/output field with a tag in a time or date

format if a date/time display is not available for your operating unit. When an

input field is used for the date and time, the operator can enter the date and

time on the operating unit.

Note

The actual date and time format depends on which setting you have selected in

your Windows system.

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5.1.8 Examples of how to create screens

In this example we will show you how you insert a coolant pump from a library in a

screen.

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5.1.8.1 How to paste a coolant pump in a screen

Objective

You can use the SIMATIC HMI symbol library to paste in a screen, say, a coolant

pump that flashes as a function of the value of a certain tag.

Procedure:

1 Open the screen in question.

On the "Screen objects" toolbar, click on the adjacent button and then in the

screen, at the place where you want the object to appear.

The "Symbol Library" dialog box opens.

3 On the "Symbols" tab, select the "pumps" category at the bottom left

The "coolant pump" is selected on the right-hand side.

4 On the "Style" tab, change the "Foreground mode" to "Shading" and set the

"Background type" to "Opaque".

The foreground color cannot be changed in the "Shaded" Foreground mode.

5 Select on the "Color" tab the colors for the foreground, background and

flashing of the coolant pump.

6 Select the "Attributes" tab to perform the settings for flashing.

7 Add a decimal value of 0 and assign, at "Flashing", Off and Red as the

foreground color and Green as the background color.

8 Add a decimal value of 1 and assign, at "Flashing", On and Green as the

foreground color and Red as the background color.

9 Click "Force" and link a control tag to the attributes. Confirm by clicking OK.

10 Configure an input field for the control tag on the same screen.

11 Declare the screen to be your start screen in the project and compile the

project.

12 Start "ProTool Runtime".

ProTool/Pro RT appears on the screen.

13 Enter the value 1 in the input field. The coolant pump starts flashing.

Note

If you enable flashing on the "Color" tab and on the "Attributes" tab, the setting

enabled at "Attributes" takes precedence.

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5.2 Configuring display elements and controls

Purpose of display elements

The operator uses display elements to monitor the machine or the system on the

operating unit. You can view current information, such as actual values from the

PLC, process and operating modes and malfunctions, on the operating unit as a

numerical value, in plain language or as a graphic.

Purpose of controls

The operator uses controls on the operating unit to intervene directly in the

process. He uses them, for example, to specify setpoints, trigger functions, open

screens and acknowledge messages.

You can assign a password level to controls in order to prevent operation by

unauthorized persons.

Display elements in ProTool

Two types of display element are available in ProTool:

• Static display elements

Static display elements are pieces of text and graphics that are not linked to

the PLC. They do not react to user inputs and cannot be modified at run time

on the operating unit. Use static display elements, for example, for system

screens or for textual or graphic explanations for controls and dynamic display

elements.

Static display elements are

- Static text

- Vector graphics

- Graphics

• Dynamic display elements

Dynamic display elements can be linked to the PLC by means of tags. They

visualize current values from the PLC in alphanumeric or graphic form.

Dynamic display elements can change their display spontaneously at run time

on the operating unit without the operator intervening.

Use dynamic display elements for all tasks associated with monitoring the

process, a machine or the system.

Dynamic display elements are

- Output fields

- State area

- Bar graphs

- Trend view

- Date/time display

- Digital/analog clock

- Analog display

- Objects from the SIMATIC HMI Symbol Library

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Controls in ProTool

The following controls are available in ProTool:

• Input fields

• Function keys

• Buttons

• State buttons

• Switches

• Slider controls

Dynamic attributes can be used to indicate - for example, by means of a change of

color or by flashing - that an operator input is expected at the control in a certain

situation. In addition, you can display and hide control elements controlled by an

event on the operating unit to make operation easier.

Note

To many flashing and transparent objects can have a negative impact on the

screen change frequency and updates.

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5.2.1 Output fields (text/graphic list)

Purpose

Output fields display current values from the PLC on the operating unit. The values

may be output optionally in numerical, alphanumeric or symbolic form.

Numerical and alphanumeric output

Output fields for numerical or alphanumeric values show the value as a number or

as text. A numerical value, for example, is the number 80 as the actual value of a

temperature. An example of an alphanumeric value is the text string Valve_12.

You configure output fields for numeric and alphanumeric values on the open

screen in the "Screen Objects" toolbar by choosing the button shown.

Symbolic output

Output fields for symbolic values do not display the true value but, optionally, a text

string or a graphic from a text or graphic list. For example, you can store the two

states of a valve in a text list or in a graphic list. When the valve is open, the output

field then points, for example, to the text string OPEN or to a corresponding graphic.

By using output fields for symbolic values, you eliminate misinterpretations on the

part of the operator to a large extent, since a symbolic value often presents a state

more lucidly than an abstract numerical value, for instance. With graphics, there is

the added advantage of your being able to configure the symbolic output

independently of any language.

You configure output fields for text on the open screen in the "Screen

Objects" toolbar by choosing the button shown.

You configure output fields for graphics on the open screen in the "Screen

Objects" toolbar by choosing the button shown.

Output field for date and time

Using the output field for date and time, you can display the calendar dates and

time specifications in the selected format. The format depends on the language

currently set on the operating unit. It complies with international conventions. The

figure shows an example of one output field for the time and one for the date for

English-speaking countries.

The output field for the date and time is especially useful for operating units such

as the TP 170 A, whose range of functions does not include the "Display

Date/Time" screen object.

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Array tags

You can configure array tags for input and output fields. Using an index, you can

address a specific input or output field in this way. You can use array tags

configured for input and output fields for mapping a recipe structure to the screen

configuration, too.

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5.2.2 Input fields (selection field)

Purpose

In input fields the operator enters values on the operating unit that are transferred

to the PLC. The values can be optionally numerical, alphanumeric or symbolic. If

you define limit values for the input field tag, operator inputs on the operating unit

that are outside the specified range of values are rejected.

Input fields

In input fields for numerical and alphanumeric values you enter the value one

character at a time on the operating unit. A numerical value, for example, is the

number 80 as the setpoint for a temperature. An example of an alphanumeric

value is the text string Valve_12.

Input fields for numeric and alphanumeric values are created on the open

screen on the "Screen Objects" toolbar by choosing the illustrated button or

at "Insert" > "Input Field".

You can configure, among other things, the following displays for input for use with

special tasks:

• Password

The string you enter is displayed in the input field with placeholders (*).

• Date and time

The values you enter for the date and time are formatted depending on the

language.

List boxes

In list boxes you do not enter the value one character at a time but select this value

on the operating unit from a list. On the list, you assign the value to every symbolic

entry of a tag during configuration. You can configure two different types of

selection field:

• Text

The selection field consists of a text list. For example, you can turn a motor on

and off by means of the two entries ON and OFF.

• Graphics

The selection field consists of a graphics list. This means that you can

configure language-independent selection lists, for example.

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By using list boxes, you prevent misinterpretations to a large extent, since the

operating unit accepts only the configured values on the text list.

You create a selection field for text on the open screen in the "Screen

Objects" toolbar by selecting the illustrated button or by choosing "Insert" >

"Selection Field" from the menu.

You create a selection field for a graphic on the open screen in the "Screen

Objects" toolbar by selecting the illustrated button or by choosing "Insert" >

"Graphic Selection Field" from the menu.

Array tags

You can configure array tags for input and selection fields. Using an index, you can

address a specific input or selection field in this way. You can use array tags

configured for input and selection fields for mapping a recipe structure to the

screen configuration, too.

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5.2.3 Input fields for date and time

Purpose

Using the input field for date and time, you can enter calendar dates and time

specifications in the selected format. The format depends on the language

currently set on the operating unit. It complies with international conventions. The

figure shows an example of one input field for the time and one for the date for

English-speaking countries.

Usage

The input field for the date and time is especially useful for operating units such as

the TP 170 A, whose range of functions does not include the "Display Date/Time"

screen object.

Tag linking

Depending on the display you chose - date or time - you can configure a tag of

the relevant type for the input field. The operating unit writes the values you enter

to the tag. In addition, the tag presents you with the option of assigning a start

value to the input field.

Note

In order to be able to change calendar dates and specifications of times on the

operating unit with the input field, the configured tag must have a connection to a

SIMATIC S7. The system time on the operating unit cannot be directly changed by

means of the input field but must be implemented by means of the "Date/Time

Display" object.

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5.2.4 Input fields for concealed password entry

Purpose

With the input field for passwords, the operator can conceal passwords when they

are entered on the operating unit. The string you enter is displayed in the input field

with placeholders (*). The figure shows an example.

Usage

The input field for passwords is particularly suitable for the following applications:

• You want specifically to log on in the start screen of your operating unit, for

example, without calling a password-protected function beforehand which will

automatically open the login window.

• You want to log in on the TP 170 A.

Tag linking

You can configure a STRING type tag for the input field. The operating unit writes

the string you enter to the tag.

If you link the tag to the function Logon_User , the operating unit deletes the tag

contents as soon as it detects a valid password has been entered. This means that

unintentional evaluation or display of the password elsewhere is avoided.

Should you still require the password as a tag in order, for example, to evaluate the

tag on the PLC, configure for the "Change Password" event the global function

Write_Password_To_Tag. This makes sure that the tag only contains the valid

password and not input that could be faulty.

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5.2.5 Function keys

Purpose

A function key is a key on the operating unit for configuring a function assignment.

You can assign one or more functions to any function key in ProTool. The functions

are triggered as soon as the key on the operating unit is pressed.

The function key assignment may be locally or globally significant.

You can assign a password level to function keys in order to prevent operation by

unauthorized persons.

Note

Do not operate several function keys/soft keys or buttons simultaneously.

Unintended actions might otherwise be initiated.

Global assignment

Globally assigned function keys always trigger the same function, irrespective of

the current control situation. You can the open a specific screen, for example,

display queued messages or print the contents of the screen.

By using globally assigned function keys, you cut your configuration effort

considerably since you do not have to assign individual functions to global keys on

every screen.

You assign function keys globally in the "Screen/Keys" dialog box, which you open

by choosing "System" > "Screen/Keys" from the menu. To do so, click in the

"Screen/Keys" dialog box on the function key you require. You can specify which

function you have assigned to a specific key on labeling strips, as required, or you

assign an informative icon to the function key.

Note

By choosing "System" > "Screen/Keys you can specify global settings for keys that

apply to all screens. The icons appear in each configured screen provided the

settings are not subsequently overwritten by an individual screen. In that case, the

changes apply only to that particular screen.

Local assignment

Locally assigned function keys trigger different actions on the operating unit

depending on the screen. A function key whose assignment may vary from screen

to screen is referred to as a "soft key".

Assign soft keys locally in the screen editor. Click the function key you require for

this on the screen. With most SIMATIC operating units, you can assign to any soft

key an icon that illustrates the soft key function by means of text or a graphic. Icons

can,of course, only be assigned to soft keys positioned directly on the screen of the

operating unit.

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You can also assign soft keys globally. A global assignment is active on all screens

to which you do not assign a screen-specific function. Use globally assigned soft

keys, for example, to change from any screen to the same system screen.

Note

Do not assign functions that have to be permanently available on the operating unit

to soft keys.

Displaying assignments

You can see in the "Screen/Keys" dialog box and in the screen editor how your

configured soft keys are assigned:

Inhibited

Assigned locally

Assigned globally

Assigned locally and globally

Depending on whether it is a case of function keys, soft keys or soft keys with

LEDs, the display can vary slightly from the representation.

Special feature upon change of screen

The following special points apply, since the key assignment changes after a

change of screens:

• All functions are executed immediately on leaving the screen when the event

"Release key" occurs, even when the key is still pressed.

• When the function "Set Bit When Key Is Pressed" is configured for a function

key, the bit is reset immediately on exiting the screen.

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5.2.6 Trend view

Purpose

A trend view is a dynamic display element. Trend views make possible a

particularly lucid form of continuous display of process data on the operating unit.

You can display several different trends simultaneously in one trend view on the

operating unit.

You configure a trend view on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the button shown.

5.2.7 Bit trigger functions

Principle

When a screen containing a trend view with one or more bit-triggered trends is

opened on the operating unit, the operating unit sets the bits assigned to the

individual trends in the "trend request area" in each case. From the bits set, the

PLC can evaluate which trends are currently being displayed on the operating unit.

If the PLC program now sets both the bits assigned to the trends and the trend

communication bit in the "trend transfer area", the operating unit detects the trigger.

It resets the trend bits and the "trend communication bit" and, depending on the

configuration, reads out one value or the entire buffer.

As soon as the conditions for a new trigger have been met, the PLC program sets

the trend bits and the trend communication bit again.

Once the screen has been deselected, the operating unit resets the bits set in the

trend request area.

Define the trend request area and trend transfer area in the project window at

"Area pointers". You will find a description of these data areas in the

"Communication Manual".

Note

The position of the communication bit in the trend transfer area depends on the

PLC you set. Do not use this bit for the identification of bit-triggered trends.

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5.2.8 Bar graph

Purpose

A bar graph is a dynamic display element. Bar graphs display a value from the PLC

as a rectangular area. This means that you can tell at a glance on the operating

unit how far the current value is from the limits or whether a specified setpoint has

been reached. Bar graphs can be used to display fill levels or quantities, for

example.

Configure bar graphs by selecting the symbol illustrated.

Settings

Bar graphs are linked to the PLC by means of a tag. Apart from this tag, which

contains the value that is required to be displayed, you can define other tags in

order, for example, to visualize when a limit value has been reached or to display

or hide the bar field.

You can freely define the direction, scaling, bar and background color and also

labeling of the Y axis. In addition, you can show limit value lines to indicate limit

values.

The following figure shows a bar that is updated vertically and has limit value lines

drawn on it.

Example referring to a bar graph

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5.2.9 State areas

Purpose

The state area is a display element. Depending on the configuration, you can

configure a warning indicator, signal the status of a unit of equipment than cannot

be seen from the operating unit (such as a motor), or configure a light indicator

whose color changes or flashes as a function of the status concerned.

You create state areas by selecting the symbol shown or by choosing

"Insert" > "State Area" from the menu.

Response

You can configure the response of the state area. Select one of the following types

for this:

• One state: A state area can only display one state, such as a warning or tip, for

example.

• Two states: The state area has a stable idle condition (Motor OFF, for

example). When a state changes (Motor ON in our example), it changes to

"ON" state and remains in that state until there is another change of state.

"One state" type

For a state area with just one state you can set a range of values in which the state

area is displayed or hidden. In conjunction with a tag representing the fill level of a

tank, for example, you can configure the display of a warning.

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"Two states" type

You use a "two states" type state area to display the status of a unit of equipment

on the operating unit.

• Tag connection: For the "two-state" type state button, you can configure a tag

which represents the current state of the state area and can also change it. If

you wish, you can define a value for the configured tag that represents the

"ON" state (not for BOOL type tags). The table shows which state the state

area assumes as a function of the tag:

Status Value

(BOOL tag type)

Value

(integer tag)

On TRUE (1) Configured value n

Off FALSE (0) Each of n different values

When linked to an integer tag, the state area shows the "ON" state only if the tag

accepts the configured value n. With any other value, the "OFF" state is displayed.

• Text/graphic display: For the two states "ON" and "OFF", you can configure

different blocks of text or graphics which visualize the current state of the state

area.

The figure shows differently configured state areas.

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5.2.10 Buttons

Purpose

A button is a virtual key on the operating unit screen to which you can assign one

or more functions. You operate a button with a pointing device, such as a mouse,

or by hand in the case of touch-operated devices.

You create buttons on the open screen in the "Screen Objects" toolbar by

selecting the button shown.

Labeling

You can label buttons statically or dynamically with text or graphics.

• Static labeling: When configuring the button, enter a text or select a graphic.

This type of labeling is static, which means that it is not changed on the

operating unit.

• Dynamic labeling: When configuring the button, select a text or graphics list

and an associated "index tag". The value of the index tag determines which list

element is displayed on the button at run time.

Operation

Pressing, clicking and releasing a button triggers the functions that you set for

these events.

If a button is pressed by mistake and the function is not supposed to be triggered,

the operator can keep the button pressed and move the mouse pointer, for

example, or his finger (for touch panels) away from the button. This process is not

interpreted as a release event.

Note

Do not operate several function keys or soft keys or buttons simultaneously.

Unintended actions might be initiated otherwise.

Invisible buttons

Invisible buttons are transparent buttons that are not displayed upon the operating

unit. If you place invisible buttons on graphics, you can operate parts of the graphic

- for example, a motor or a valve.

You create invisible buttons on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the button shown.

If you use invisible buttons in your project, you should enable the display of

invisible buttons while configuring by means of the illustrated button in the

toolbar.

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5.2.11 State buttons

Purpose

The state button is a control and display element with two states: "pressed" and

"released". State buttons can signal the status of a unit that is not visible from the

operating unit (for example, a motor). This means that you can simultaneously

change the status of the unit on your operating unit.

State buttons are created on the open screen in the "Screen Objects" toolbar

by selecting the illustrated button or by choosing "Insert" > "State Button"

from the menu.

Response

You can configure the response of the state button. Select one of the following

types for this:

• Switch: The switch has two stable states. When operate, it changes from one

state to the other and retains that state until it is operated again.

• Pushbutton: The pushbutton has a stable idle condition. When operated, it

goes to the "pressed" state and retains this state for the whole time it remains

pressed. It then reverts automatically to the "released" idle condition.

"Switch" type

• Tag connection: For the "switch" type state button, you can configure a tag

which represents the current state of the switch and can also change it.

Functions that you assign to the switch are triggered only by operating the

switch and not by any change in the value of the configured tag.

If you wish, you can define a value for the configured tag that represents the

"pressed" state (not for BOOL type tags). The table shows which value the tag

assumes when the switch is pressed:

Status Value

(BOOL tag type)

Value

(integer tag)

Pressed TRUE (1) Configured value n

Released FALSE (0) For each of n different values

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When linked to an integer tag, the switch shows the "pressed" state only if the tag

accepts the configured value n. With any other value, the "released" state is

displayed.

• Text/graphic display: For the two states "pressed" and "released", you can

configure different pieces of text or graphics which visualize the current state of

the switch.

The figure shows the switch for different ways of configuration.

Example referring to a switch

"Pushbutton" type

The "pushbutton" type of state button can be configured in two different ways:

• Pushbutton: This is the standard way. It behaves very similarly to a button. You

can configure text or a graphic for pushbutton labeling, as you please. The

labeling applies to both states - in other words, "pressed" and "released". An

optical checkback signal of the current state is possible only with a configured

3-D display using the different border colors (refer to figure).

• Pushbutton with checkback signal: With this form you can configure different

labeling for the two states "pressed" and "released". The figure shows an

example of an optical checkback signal of the two states by using different

graphics.

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5.2.12 Using buttons as direct keys

Purpose

You can also configure buttons as direct keys on touch-operated devices in order

to allow high-speed key operations without delays attributable to communication.

Shortcuts are, for example, a condition for typewriter mode.

Constraint

Direct keys cannot be configured on Panel PCs and OPs; permanent keys are

assigned to OPs.

PROFIBUS direct keys

With PROFIBUS direct keys, you set bits on the operating unit directly in the I/O

area of the SIMATIC S7. The bit area is set in SIMATIC STEP 7. The bit is set

when the direct key is touched and reset when the key is released or when you quit

the screen.

Requirements

• At the time your project is generated, ProTool is installed and integrated.

• The operating unit is connected to a SIMATIC S7 over the PROFIBUS-DP

during operation.

• You have defined the bit area for direct keys in SIMATIC STEP 7 (you will find

configuration tips in the "Communication Manual").

Panel Inputs (bits) Outputs (bits)

TP 170B 32 (0...31) -

TP 270 6" 32 (0...31) -

TP 270 10"

MP 270 TOUCH

40 (0...39) -

MP 370 TOUCH,

MP 370 15” TOUCH

40 (0...39) -

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5.2.13 Special features with direct keys

Functionality of DP direct keys

The functionality of the DP direct keys has been modeled on that of the hard-wired

hardware keys.

Particular attention was paid to the fast response time.

Windows CE based key-operated devices

With Windows CE based key-operated devices you have to bear in mind that key

operation is evaluated irrespective of the screen that happens to be shown, such

as when the screen saver is active.

For Windows-based touch-operated devices

With touch-operated devices you have to remember further that the direct key is

triggered only by touch control and not by clicking the mouse.

Password protection is not supported for buttons having the "Direct Key" function.

The DP direct key function is triggered irrespective of the password level

configured on the button when the button is operated. Do not use password

protection for buttons having the "Direct Key" function.

Using the "Direct Key" function

When you configure a button with the "Direct Key" function, a fixed area of the

touch display is reserved for direct key operation.

Graphic elements that are located above the button having the "Direct Key"

function in this area at run time visually conceal the button but operation of the

touch display at this point will nevertheless result in the "Direct Key" function being

triggered.

Warning

Unintentional actions on the system can be initiated by operating the button and

might possibly result in persons being endangered or in material damage.

The following points have to be taken into account to avoid this problem:

• When configuring screens, graphic elements must not conceal the button

containing the "Direct Key" function.

• Dynamic updating of the position or the display (enable) of a graphic object as

a function of process values must not result in the button having the "Direct

Key" function being concealed at run time.

It is essential for these requirements to be taken into account by the configuring

engineer. Existing configurations must be modified without delay if necessary.

The problem described above does not occur in the following cases if the button

containing the "Direct Key" function is concealed:

• Operate message window

• Cancel screen saver

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• Enter a value using the on-screen keyboard

• Run an external application such as Internet Explorer

• Activate the wipe screen

• ProTool recipe dialog boxes

Note

The "Direct Key" function can be used only once per button.

Behavior of DP direct keys in Offline mode

If the "Mode" function is triggered with the "Offline" parameter on the operating unit,

the connection to the configured PLC or PLCs is cleared.

Note

The configuring engineer has to give due consideration in as far as STEP 7 and

ProTool are concerned:

The DP direct keys remain active in this instance. If you operate a button having

the "Direct Key" function in "Offline" mode or operate a corresponding button on a

key-operated device, the associated bit is set on the PLC.

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5.2.14 Switches

Purpose

A switch is used to input and output a binary status: it can only be on or off. The

"OFF" status corresponds to the value 0 (or FALSE) of the tag linked to the switch.

All tag values which are not the same as zero, are interpreted as "ON".

Create a switch by selecting the symbol shown or by choosing "Insert" >

"Switch" from the menu.

Display:

You can configure the switch in both the horizontal and vertical directions; the "ON"

position of the switch toggle is freely selectable. You can label the switch and also

visually highlight the current switch status with a background color.

Switch position marked by a background color

Tag linking

The table shows which value the tag assumes when the switch is pressed:

Status Value

(BOOL tag type)

Value

(integer tag)

switched off FALSE (0) 0

switched on TRUE (1) 1

When linked to an integer tag, the switch shows the status "switched off" only if the

tag has the value 0. With any other value, the switch is "switched on".

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Mouse and keyboard operation

Switches can be operated by the touch panel, the mouse and the keyboard.

• The operator can move the switch directly with the mouse or by touch. When

you click in the slide opening, the switch is immediately set to the opposite

position and the tag to the corresponding value.

• From the keyboard, the operator can select the switch with TAB (the border will

then be shown as dashed) and then toggle it with SPACEBAR / ENTER.

Triggered events

If the status of the switch is changed by an operator input, this triggers the

following events:

• Switch on: as soon as the switch changes from "OFF" to "ON".

• Switch off: as soon as the switch changes from "ON" to "OFF".

• Status change: each time the switch status changes.

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5.2.15 Slider controls

Purpose

Use a slider control to enter and display numerical values in analog form. Values

are entered by moving the operable slider, for example, with the mouse or the

arrow keys, to the desired position. When it is used as a display element, the value

to be displayed is derived from the position of the moving slider.

Create a slider control by selecting the symbol illustrated.

Settings

The slider control is linked to a tag. When you move the operator-controllable

slider, the corresponding value is written to the tag. Conversely, when the tag value

is changed, so is the position of the moving slider, unless this is just being changed

by the operator.

Apart from the tag containing the value to be displayed/entered, you can define

other tags in order, for example, to modify dynamically the values for the upper and

lower stop at run time.

In addition, you can configure, among other things, the following attributes:

• Labeling

• Axis labeling

• Scaling

• Current value (numerical)

• Bar chart

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Display:

The example in the figure shows a slider for setting and displaying temperature

values. The current value (here: 50) is displayed in plain language and also as a

bar graph.

Example referring to a slider

Note

To display numeric values in analog form, you can also use the "Analog Display"

screen object.

Note

Because scaling is automatic, it could happen that two intermediate scale marks

will appear right next to each other (looking like a wide intermediate mark). To undo

this effect, make a minor adjustment to the length of the slider control.

You can also completely inhibit the scaling display.

Deviations between slider and tag

In the cases that follow, the value displayed on the slider might deviate from the

actual value of the associated tag:

• The range configured for the slider (minimum and maximum values) do not

correspond to the configured limit values for the slider tag.

• An invalid password is entered for a password-protected slider.

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5.2.16 Analog display

Purpose

An analog display presents numerical values as a pointer instrument. You can set

up as many as three areas on the instrument dial, each with different color

backgrounds. This is how to visualize different operating modes, for example,

normal operation, warning area and danger area.

Note

On operating units that run Windows CE, the configured, differently colored scale

ranges are not displayed at run time.

You can also configure the display to include a non-return pointer. At run time, the

non-return pointer indicates the maximum reached so far by the value to be

displayed.

You configure an analog display on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the button shown.

Settings

The analog display is linked to a tag. When the tag value is changed, the pointer

travel of the analog display is also changed. Apart from this tag, which contains the

value to be displayed, you can define other tags in order, for example, to modify

dynamically the values for upper and lower pointer travel at run time.

In addition, you can configure, among other things, the following attributes:

• Text for the measured quantity (such as temperature) and the unit (such as °C)

• Angle of rotation of the pointer at minimum and maximum values.

• Differently colored scale ranges for Normal, Warning and Danger (are not

displayed on Windows CE devices at run time)

Note

The analog display is purely a display element. You cannot use it to enter analog

values on the operating unit. Use the "slider control" screen object for this purpose.

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Display:

The example in the figure shows an analog display to present temperatures.

A typical analog display

Background screen and border screen

You can replace the preset background and border displays with separate screens.

• Background screen: A user-specific background screen covers the dial and

the three areas marked in color on the scale. The pointers, pointer axis, scale,

scale labeling and text strings for the measured quantity and unit to be

displayed, remain visible.

• Border screen: A user-specific border screen replaces the color default

background outside the dial.

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5.2.17 Date/time display

Purpose

Use the "date/time display" to display calendar dates and times shown on the

operating unit and make them modifiable. Date and time displays are language-

dependent. It is based on the format specified by your Windows system.

You can also use the "date/time display" for the input and output of tags in

date/time format in order to enter, for example, time specifications for the axis of a

trend/archive display.

For the "date/time display" you can set a fixed start value by configuring a tag for

the "date/time display".

You configure a date/time display on the open screen in the "Screen

Objects" toolbar by choosing the button shown.

Settings

You can perform the following settings, among other things:

• Whether you want to display just the time, just the date or both.

• Whether the displayed data can be modified on the operating unit at run time.

• Whether the date should be shown in short or long form.

Short form: for example, 24.07.98, 17:09:43

Long form: for example, Friday, July 24, 1998, 17:09:43

Note

Use four digits for the year in the "Date/time" object. If necessary, change the

Regional Options settings in the operating system on your operating unit.

Use different separators for date and time in the Regional Settings on the Control

Panel. If identical or wrong separators are used, changes of date or time are not

applied at run time, or wrong values are set.

To display the time, you can use the "digital/analog clock" screen object.

Displaying date and time on the TP 170A

Since the TP 170A does not have a battery-backed system clock, the system time

of the PLC has to be displayed in its place. To do this, configure a date/time tag for

an input/output field.

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5.2.18 Digital/analog clock

Purpose

A digital/analog clock gives you the option to display the system time in numbers

(digital) or as a clock with hands (analog).

The digital display also includes the current date. The display format is language

dependent. It is based on the format specified by the Windows system of your

destination device.

You configure an analog/digital clock on the open screen in the "Screen

Objects" toolbar by selecting the button shown.

Note

The digital/analog clock is purely a display element. You cannot set the time or the

date on the operating unit. Use the "date/time display" for this purpose.

Display:

The example in the figure shows an analog clock without a face. The clock

background has been replaced by a separate screen.

A typical analog clock

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5.2.19 Configuring the date and time for Panels

xP170B devices or later

These devices can directly access the system time of the HMI device by means of

the "Date/Time" screen object. The example "How to configure the date and time

for the xP170B or later" will show you how to configure the "Date/Time" screen

object. To synchronize the time with the PLC, use the example "How to

synchronize the date and time with the PLC".

TP 170A

Since it is not possible to access the system time of the TP 170A using an

input/output field or an output field, the PLC system time has to be displayed in an

output field. The examples show you how to configure the date and time on the TP

170A:

• How to display the date and time on the TP 170A

• How to set the date and time on the TP 170A

• How to synchronize the date and time with the PLC

Configuration of the date and time requires programming experience with

programmable logic controllers. You will find information about this topic in the

documentation for the PLC.

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5.2.19.1 How to display the date and time on the TP 170A

Procedure:

To display the date and time on the TP 170A, configure a date/time tag for an

output field. The tag has to be supplied with the system time on the PLC.

Note

The example applies to a connection for a S7-300 or S7-400. The differences from

a S7-200 connection are pointed out.

The figures show the settings for a connection to a S7-300 or S7-400.

Procedure:

Insert an output field and perform the following settings:

S7-300 or S7-400:

Display: Date and time

S7-200:Display: String

Field length: 17

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Procedure:

2 Create a new tag with the following settings:

S7-300 or S7-400:

Name: Date and Time Tag

Type: DATE AND TIME

Acquisition cycle [s]: 0.5

Area: DB

DB: 1

DBB: 0

S7-200:

Name: Date and Time Tag

Type: STRING

Length: 17

Acquisition cycle [s]: 0.5

Area: V

VB: 300

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Procedure:

3 Apply the settings by clicking OK.

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Procedure:

4 S7-300 or S7-400:

The text or graphic list of the PLC program in ASCII. It can be imported into

the program.

126,READ_CLK

126,ReadTime_FC

126,TP_DB

126,WriteTime_FC

Define the storage area on the PLC.

Data_Block "TP_DB"

TITLE = DB with Date and Time tags

VERSION: 1.0

BEGIN

END_DATA_BLOCK

Activate FC2 in OB1 (CALL "ReadTime_FC").

Activate in PLC program SFC1 "READ_CLK".

FUNCTION "ReadTime_FC": VOID

TITLE =ReadTime

VERSION: 1.0

VAR_TEMP

END_VAR

BEGIN

NETWORK

TITLE =ReadTime

//The PLC system time is read with SFC1

END_FUNCTION

Note

You can activate SFC1 in any program scan cycle. The execution time

depends on the CPU being used and can be taken from the CPU

documentation. As a rule of the thumb you can use 0.5 ms.

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Procedure:

5 S7-200:

In the PLC program, open the "Display Time" subroutine (SBR0).

SUBROUTINE_BLOCK Display_Time:SBR0

BEGIN

NETWORK 1

//Time display on TP 170A as 1 STRING tag

//VB 300 length 17

//OR

//Time display on TP 170A as 2 STRING tags

TODR VB200

HTA VB202 VB300 2

MOVB 46 VB302

HTA VB201 VB303 2

MOVB 46 VB305

HTA VB200 VB306 2

MOVB 32 VB308

HTA VB203 VB309 2

MOVB 58 VB311

HTA VB204 VB312 2

MOVB 58 VB314

HTA VB205 VB315 2

END_SUBROUTINE_BLOCK

Use the function "Convert hexadecimal number to ASCII string" to convert the

time, after it has been read out, to an ASCII string.

Note

You can activate SBR_0 in any program scan cycle. The recommended

setting for the acquisition cycle of the tag "Date and Time Tag" is 0.5 s.

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Result

The PLC system time is now displayed in the output field.

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5.2.19.2 How to set the date and time on the TP 170A

Procedure:

If the PLC system time is displayed in the output field on the TP 170A, it should

also be possible to set it. To set the date and time, configure an input field and a

button for transferring the date and time from the input field to the PLC.

Note

The procedure for configuring an input/output field is the same for a "Date and

Time" type output field (S7-300 or S7-400) or a "String" type output field (S7-200).

The example applies to a connection for a S7-300 or S7-400. The differences from

a S7-200 connection are pointed out.

The figures show the settings for a connection to a S7-200.

Procedure:

Insert an input field and perform the following settings:

S7-300 or S7-400:

Display: Date and time

S7-200:Display: String

Field length: 17

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Procedure:

2 Create a new tag with the following settings for the input field:

S7-300 or S7-400:

Name: Date_and_Time_Tag1

Type: DATE AND TIME

Acquisition cycle [s]: 0.5

Area: DB

DB: 1

DBB: 8

S7-200:

Name: Date_and_Time_Tag1

Type: STRING

Length: 17

Acquisition cycle [s]: 0.5

Area: V

VB: 317

App

the settin

s b

clickin

OK.

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Procedure:

3 Create a tag with the following settings:

S7-300 or S7-400:

Name: Set_Time_Tag

Type: BOOL

Acquisition cycle [s]: 0.5

Area: DB

DB: 1

DBX: 16.0

S7-200:

Name: Set_Time_Tag

Type: BOOL

Acquisition cycle [s]: 0.5

Area: V

V: 335

Bit: 0

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Procedure:

Apply the settings by clicking OK.

Insert a state button with the following settings:

Type: Pushbutton

Text: Set Time

5 Configure the following functions for the state button:

Event "Press (1)":

Function Set_Bit with the tag "Set_Time_Tag" as the parameter.

When the state button is pressed, the tag is set to "true".

Event "Release (1)":

Function Reset_Bit with the tag "Set_Time_Tag" as the parameter.

When the state button is released, the tag is set to "false".

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Procedure:

6 Apply the settings by clicking OK in each case.

7 S7-300 or S7-400:

The text or graphic list of the PLC program in ASCII. It can be imported into

the program.

126,SET_CLK

126,TP_DB

126,WriteTime_FC

Define the storage area on the PLC.

Data_Block "TP_DB"

TITLE = DB with Date and Time tags

VERSION: 1.0

BEGIN

END_DATA_BLOCK

Activate FC1 in OB1 (CALL "WriteTime_FC").

Activate SFC0 "SET_CLK" in PLC program for "true".

FUNCTION "WriteTime_FC": VOID

TITLE = SetTime

VERSION: 1.0

VAR_TEMP

END_VAR

BEGIN

NETWORK

TITLE = SetTime

//The PLC system time is set with SFC0

END_FUNCTION

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8 S7-200

Activate SBR1 "Enter_Time" in the PLC program for "true".

SUBROUTINE_BLOCK Enter_Time:SBR1

BEGIN

NETWORK 1

//Time entry on TP 170A as 1 STRING tag

//VB 317 length 17

//OR

//Time entry on TP 170A as 2 STRING tags

ATH VB317 VB209 2 //Convert day to STRING

ATH VB320 VB208 2 //Convert month to STRING

ATH VB323 VB207 2 //Convert year to STRING

ATH VB326 VB210 2 //Convert hour to STRING

ATH VB329 VB211 2 //Convert minute to STRING

ATH VB332 VB212 2 //Convert second to STRING

TODW VB207 //Read Date/Time

END_SUBROUTINE_BLOCK

Note

Alternatively, you can update the system time immediately after your input:

Configure the function Set_Bit for the "Value Change" event of the "Date and

Time Tag1" tag. If the "Value Change" event occurs, the "SetTimeVariable" bit is

set. After SFC0 (S7-300 or S7-400) or SBR_1 (S7-200) has been initiated, the

"SetTimeVariable" must be reset, since system functionality will otherwise be

impaired.

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Result

Click "Set Time" to apply the date and time from the input field as the new CPU

system time.

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5.2.19.3 How to synchronize the date and time with the PLC

Procedure:

With the TP 170A, synchronization of the PLC system time is only necessary if you

have configured "Single message view". "Single message view" is the only screen

element of the TP 170A that accesses the system time of the device. This

constraint applies solely to the TP 170A, not to xP170B.

Note

The example applies to a connection for a S7-300 or S7-400. The differences from

a S7-200 connection are pointed out.

The figures show the settings for a connection to a S7-300 or S7-400.

Procedure:

1 Double-click "Area pointer" in the project window.

The "Paste New Area Pointer" dialog box appears.

2 Select the area pointer PLC Date/Time and click OK to parameterize the

area pointer.

The "PLC Date/Time" dialog box appears.

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Procedure:

3 Perform the following parameter settings in the "PLC Date/Time" dialog box:

S7-300 or S7-400:

Acquisition cycle [s]: 15

Area: DB

DB: 2

DBW: 0

S7-200:

Acquisition cycle [s]: 15

Area: V

VB: 400

Note:

The area pointer requires 6 DBW. The first four DBWs are reserved for

writing the PLC system time in the SIMATIC STEP 7 Date and Time format.

The remaining two DBWs are reserved. The recommended acquisition cycle

is 15 s.

4 Apply the settings by clicking OK in each case.

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Procedure:

5 S7-300 or S7-400:

The text or graphic list of the PLC program in ASCII. It can be imported into

the program.

126,BZ_DB

126,CYCL_EXC

126,READ_CLK

126,ReadTime_FC

126,ReadTimeBZ

126,SET_CLK

126,TP_DB

126,WriteTime_FC

Define the storage area on the PLC.

Data_Block "TP_DB"

TITLE = DB with Date and Time tags

VERSION: 1.0

BEGIN

END_DATA_BLOCK

DATA_BLOCK "BZ_DB"

TITLE = DB for area pointer

VERSION: 1.0

BEGIN

END_DATA_BLOCK

6 S7-300 or S7-400:

Initiate FC3 in OB1 (CALL "ReadTimeBZ").

Enter the CPU system time in the memory area of the area pointer by

initiating SFC.

FUNCTION "ReadTimeBZ" : VOID

TITLE = enter system time in BZ

VERSION: 1.0

VAR_TEMP

END_VAR

BEGIN

NETWORK

TITLE =

END_FUNCTION

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Procedure:

7 S7-200

Enter the CPU system time in the memory area of the area pointer by

initiating SBR2 "Set_Time".

SUBROUTINE_BLOCK Set_Time:SBR2

BEGIN

NETWORK 1

//Set TP 170A clock (for messages)

//on the TP 170A -> Date/Time area pointer = VB400, length 6 data words

TODR VB214 //read Date/Time

BMB VB214 VB400 6 //and load area pointer on TP 170A

MOVB 0 VB406 //byte n+6 & n+7 -> MOVB

MOVB 1 VB407 //Byte n+6 & n+7 -> reserved

END_SUBROUTINE_BLOCK

The system time of the operating unit will be synchronized at run time with the

system time of the PLC without the user having to trigger it.

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5.2.19.4 How to configure the date and time for xP170B

Procedure:

The "Date/Time" screen object is available for xP170B devices and higher. With it,

you can directly access the system time of the HMI device.

Procedure:

Insert the "Date/Time" screen object and perform the following settings:

Time: Yes

Date: Yes

Editing allowed: Yes

System time: Yes

2 Apply the settings by clicking OK.

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Result

The system time of the operating unit is then displayed in the Date/Time field. The

"Editing allowed" setting supports direct write access to the system time of the

operating unit. You can set the time by entering a new time in the Date/Time field.

The system time of the XP170B can be synchronized with the system time of the

PLC using the "PLC Date/Time" area pointer. PLC job 41 can be used to

synchronize the system time of the PLC with the system time of the XP170B.

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5.3 Using tags

Purpose

Since tags are the most important means of communication between the operating

unit and the PLC and for exchanging data, a detailed explanation is presented here

of what tags are and what types of tag are used in ProTool.

Definition

A tag has a symbolic name and a defined data type. The value of the tag changes

while the PLC program is being executed.

Tags with a PLC link are referred to as global tags. Tags without a PLC link are

known as local tags.

• Global tags

A tag with a PLC link occupies a defined memory address on the PLC, to

which read and write access is possible from both the operating unit and the

PLC.

• Local tags

Local tags are not connected to the PLC. They are available only on the

operating unit. You create local tags, for example, so that the operator can

enter limit values on the operating unit.

Tag types

ProTool recognizes the following tag types (but these are not available on every

PLC):

data type Bit System Range of Values

BYTE

(OP 7/17

only)

8 bit 0 through 255

INT 16 bit - 32768 through 32767

UINT 16 bit 0 through 65535

LONG 32 bit - 2147483648 through 2147483647

ULONG 32 bit 0 through 4294967295

FLOAT 32 bit Upper limit: ± 3.402823 e+38

Lower limit: ± 1.175495 e-38

DOUBLE

(OP7/17

only)

64 bit Approx. 12 valid digits

BOOL true (1), false (0)

STRING (1) 1 to 128 bytes

DATE 64 bit Date/time value

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data type Bit System Range of Values

ARRAY tags This tag type combines a given number of tags of the

same type to form a total, which can be handled as a

whole.

(1): The StringChar data type is featured in addition to the STRING data type. The

StringChar data type is made available for the migration of graphic display or text-

based displays to Windows-based systems. Use the STRING data type in new

projects.

Note

If you configure tags for input and output fields, you should always configure

separate tags for input and output. If you do not, there might be contentions when

tags are modified simultaneously by the operator and the PLC.

Online tags for S5

data type Bit System

KF 16 bit, fixed-point

KH 16 bit, hexadecimal

KM 16 bit, binary

KY 8 bit, 8 bit (2 x 8 bit, comma separated)

KC – (ASCII character)

KT – (S5 timer)

KZ – (S5 counter)

BCD4: 16 bit, BCD

DF 32 bit, fixed-point

DH 32 bit, hexadecimal

KG Floating point

Online tags for S7

data type Bit System

CHAR 8 bit

BYTE 8 bit

INT 16 bit, fixed-point

WORD 16 bit

DINT 32 bit, fixed-point

DWORD 16 bit

REAL 32 bits floating point

BOOL 1 bit

STRING ASCII character

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data type Bit System

TIMER Timer (S5#Time)

COUNTER Counter

Note

The details "fixed-point", "hexadecimal", etc., refer to the representation of the

CPU. They have no bearing on the display options on the OP.

Tooltip

If the mouse moves above a tag name in the project window, a tooltip is displayed.

It shows you the following information about the tag:

• Type

• PLC

• Address

• Symbolic link (if integrated)

• Full tag name

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5.3.1 Properties of tags

Tag definition (Section A)

To define a tag, set the properties of the tag in the "Tag" dialog box.

The figure shows an example of the "Tag" dialog box for SIMATIC S7 integrated in

SIMATIC STEP 7.

"Tag" dialog box for the SIMATIC S7

The available data types and data formats depend on the PLC you selected. You

select it at "Type" or "Format" in the"Tag" dialog box.

Updating tags (Section A)

The acquisition cycle determines the time interval in which the value of a tag is

updated on the operating unit.

• If 0 is entered for the acquisition cycle, the tag is updated only when a screen

is opened and then not updated any more until the screen is opened again.

• If a value > 0 is entered for the acquisition cycle of a tag, the tag is updated

periodically in the specified time and also when the screen is opened.

The acquisition cycle is a multiple of the "standard clock pulse", which you

configure for every PLC in the "PLC" dialog box. You globally modify the

acquisition cycles for all the tags of a project by setting the standard clock pulse.

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Array tags

An array tag represents a number of tags of the same type with consecutive

memory addresses. If you wish to define an array tag, enter the number of

elements in the array in the "Tag" dialog box at "Number of elements".

The system default setting is 1, in other words, the tag is not defined as an array.

Application example:

You can use array tags for history trends, for instance.

Address (Section B)

The address determines the memory location of a global tag on the PLC. The

address therefore depends on the PLC you are using.

The display of the address depends on the PLC you selected. This section of the

"Tag" dialog box adjusts dynamically to the programmable address areas.

ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7 (Section C)

If you have installed ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7, you can access the

"STEP 7" symbol table directly in the "Tag" dialog box. The symbol table is

displayed in the "Symbols" dialog box when you select the "With symbol" check

box.

Accessing tags by means of OPC, OLE or simulator

If tags are accessed by means of OPC, Visual Basic (OLE Automation) or the

simulator, which can also be used in functions as parameters or in scripts, it might

occur in isolated cases that changes of screen no longer work or some screen

elements can no longer be displayed.

In such a case, set the tags concerned to "Read continuously", or configure an

additional tag with the same address.

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5.3.2 Array tags

Definition

Array tags consist of a definable number of elements, in which tag values of the

same type can be stored. The number of elements specifies the memory

addresses that are sequentially assigned in the memory.

Usage in ProTool

You can explicitly address the contents of an element using an Index tag. The use

of array tags in ProTool makes sense if you read in values sequentially or if you

have to configure several tags of the same type:

• History trends

To specifically access the values of the history trend, configure an array tag.

You can have all acquired values of the history trend read out by gradual

incrementing of the index tag.

• Recipes

If you have a large number of tags of the same type, you can configure an

array tag with the corresponding number of elements. In this way you can cut

your configuration time because you only have to configure one tag.

Furthermore, performance is improved in Runtime when process data are

being transferred.

Special features and constraints

Even if you only have the value of an array element displayed - ProTool treats an

array tag as one tag and therefore always reads all the contents of the array

element. If an array tag is connected to the PLC, all contents will be consequently

transferred upon a change as a general rule. You therefore cannot write to the

same array tag simultaneously from the operating unit and the PLC.

Note

To avoid unnecessary system loading, you should use array tags only where

values are not subject to frequent change.

Note

If you have configured large arrays (such as more than 50 word elements) that are

read cyclically, trend plots and tag archives are influenced unfavorably.

The following constraints apply to array tags:

• They can consist only of one-dimensional array elements.

• They cannot be String type tags.

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Configuring array tags

Configure array tags by entering the number of elements (at least two) in the "Tag"

dialog box:

Array element

An array element in ProTool consists of an array tag with an associated index. The

individual elements can be specifically addressed by means of the index. The index

can be either a constant or a tag. An array element is always attached to an object

(for example, an input field).

Configuring an array element

Configure an array element by opening the Properties dialog box for the desired

object. In the dialog box, select "Array element" and then "New". In the "Array

Element" dialog box, select the array tag and the associated index and assign a

name to the array element:

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5.3.3 Tag settings

Setting a start value

You can set a "start value" for the tag at "Options". When the project is

downloaded, the tag is assigned the start value. The start value is displayed only

on the operating unit and is not stored on the PLC.

Example

If tags are used for scaling trends and bar graphs, the initial value may be the start

value of the scaling.

Note

It is not always possible to specify a start value for STRING type tags.

Setting limit values

An upper and a lower limit value can be configured at "Limit values" for tags.

If the tag value is outside the defined range, in other words, it is higher or lower

than the limit value concerned - this has the following effect on the input fields, for

example. If the operator enters a value outside the configured limit values, the

input is rejected and the original value is retained.

Configuring tags with functions

You can assign functions to tags in input/output fields - for example, the "Select

Screen Permanent" function. The function is triggered as soon as the value of the

tag changes thus in our example the screen is selected.

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5.3.4 Updating tags

Principle

You ca update the tags in your project in different cycles. So as not to place an

unnecessary burden on system performance, the update time must be set in an

optimum manner.

The following applies to calculation of the update time:

Update time = acquisition cycle plus transfer time plus processing time.

You achieve optimum update times by taking the following points into account

while you are configuring:

• Create the different data areas as small as possible and as large as necessary.

• Define contiguous data areas where they belong. The actual update time

improves if you create one large area instead of several small ones.

• If you select too small an acquisition cycle, it has an adverse degrades overall

performance. Set the acquisition cycle in line with the update rate of the

process values. Example: The temperature variation of a furnace, for example,

is considerably less dynamic than the variation in speed of an electric drive.

• If necessary, dispense with the cyclic download of user data areas (data entry

cycle 0) to improve update times. Instead, use PLC jobs to download user data

areas spontaneously.

• Place all message or screen tags in a data area.

• For the operating unit to be able reliably to detect changes on the PLC, the

changes must be queued during the actual acquisition cycle.

Options: Read continuously

On the "General" tab, you can choose at "Acquisition cycle" how often the value of

a tag is transferred between the operating unit and the PLC and updated.

If you select the option "Read Continuously",

Note

Use the "Read Continuously" option only for tags that you want to have updated

continuously. Otherwise you will unnecessarily degrade the performance of your

system.

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Acquisition cycle

The acquisition cycle determines the time interval in which the value of a tag is

updated on the operating unit.

• If 0 is entered for the acquisition cycle, the tag is updated only when a screen

is opened and then not updated any more until the screen is opened again.

• If a value > 0 is entered for the acquisition cycle of a tag, the tag is updated

periodically in the specified time and also when the screen is opened.

The acquisition cycle is a multiple of the "standard clock pulse", which you

configure for every PLC in the "PLC" dialog box. You globally modify the

acquisition cycles for all the tags of a project by setting the standard clock pulse.

System default setting: Acquisition cycle 1 s

Standard clock pulse

Set the standard clock pulse in the "PLC" dialog box. The standard clock pulse of

the operating unit is the basic factor for the update rate, which you can set by

means of the acquisition cycle of the tag. You globally modify the acquisition cycle

for all the tags of a project by modifying the standard clock pulse.

System default setting: Standard clock pulse 500 ms

Example

If you increase the standard clock pulse to 1000 ms, the acquisition cycle for all

tags is increased to 2 s.

In order not to overtax communication between the PLC and the operating unit, the

times you set for the standard clock pulse should not be too short. This would

mean that other processes, such as the updating of trends or the execution of PLC

jobs, would take considerably longer.

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5.3.5 Address multiplexing

Requirements

Address multiplexing is possible only when a SIMATIC WinAC, SIMATIC S7-300,

SIMATIC S7-400 or SIMOTION is being used as a PLC.

Definition

With address multiplexing, the address parameters of a tag are modified as a

function of the value of the multiplex tag.

Purpose of address multiplexing

With address multiplexing, you can reference a number of memory addresses in

the address area of the PLC with a single tag. You can read or write to the

addresses without having to define a tag for every single address, that is, it is a

very efficient method of processing data.

Configuring a multiplex tag

You define the multiplex tag by pressing the button shown in the "Tag" dialog

box next to the address.

Pay attention to the following when configuring multiplex tags:

• The multiplex tag must not be multiplexed.

• The "type" of multiplex tag must match the type of address parameter which

the multiplex tag is defining.

The following figure shows the result of the address multiplexing for tags:

Address multiplexing with tags

Note

Address multiplexing is not possible with ProTool tags that are used in scripts,

because the tag value is not read directly from the PLC after the address is

changed.

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5.3.6 Multiplexing tags

Definition

With tag multiplexing, tags are modified as a function of the value of an index tag.

Purpose of tag multiplexing

With tag multiplexing, you can access a number of tags, which you saved in a

multiplex tag, by means of an index tag. To visualize machines of identical types,

you only have to configure one screen, thus saving memory on the destination

device and also configuration time. You can implement switching between the

different views by means of a selection list, for example, for which you configure an

index tag.

Configuring a multiplex tag

You define a multiplex tag by selecting the "Multiplex tag" entry in the Properties

dialog box of the screen object you want to configure:

All configured multiplex tags are displayed in the selection list. You can select an

existing multiplex tag or create a new one by clicking "New" on the menu.

In the "Multiplex tag" dialog box, create a list of tags and select the associated

index tag.

Note

You can also create a multiplex tag by double-clicking "Multiplex tag" in the project

window. All configured multiplex tags are displayed in the project window.

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5.3.7 Archiving tags

Principle

Windows-based systems offer you the opportunity to archive process data (in other

words, store them permanently and analyze them). You set the trigger condition

and the range of values for archiving a tag in the "Tag" dialog box on the "Archive"

tab.

You will find more information at "Archiving process data" and in the example

called "Establishing an archive for tags".

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5.3.8 Functions to change tags

Converting tags linearly

In the "Tag" dialog box on the "Scaling" tab, you can configure the value of a tag to

be converted linearly between the PLC and the operating unit.

The tag values are converted in accordance with the following equation: y=a*x

+ b.

The scaling is applied logically between the PLC value and the tag in other words,

the scaled value is already contained in the tag.

If you do not configure scaling, the tag value on the PLC corresponds to the tag

value displayed on the operating unit.

Functions to change tags

Here you are given an overview of the various functions available to you in ProTool

for editing tag values.

Basically, the contents of tags can be modified as follows:

• By setting individual tag bits

Functions for bit operations are set if you want to switch between two states,

for example, to turn a switch on or off, or to open or close a valve.

• By modifying the value of the complete tag

Value changes of the entire tag are used if you have to switch between more

than two states (for example, between several languages) or process freely

selectable values (for example, to enter a volume).

• By linearly converting the value of a tag

Linear calculations are used to scale values or to render them relative to an

alternative quantity.

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5.3.9 Functions to set tags bit by bit

Usage

A typical requirement for an operating unit interface is to turn a switch on or off, or

to open or close a valve. When configuring the interface, this type of process can

be reduced to setting binary states: the switch can either be set to "ON" or "OFF",

the valve is either open or closed.

The classic approach is to control such tasks using BOOL tags, where the single

bit either has the value FALSE (0) or TRUE (1).

With PLCs which do not use BOOL tags (for example, SIMATIC S5) or where only

limited memory is available, you can also edit tags bit by bit to control binary states

(switch ON/OFF, valve OPEN/CLOSED).

When using functions for editing tags bit by bit, you must take the following points

into consideration:

• As, after the change is made, ProTool writes the entire tag to the PLC and

does not check whether the value in the PLC has changed in the meantime,

the PLC only has read access to the tag.

• Depending on the PLC, the bits of a tag will either be counted from right to left

or from left to right. As you usually know to which PLC the tag is linked,

ProTool automatically scales your information to the requirements of the PLC.

However, if you use functions to edit tags bit by bit in VBScripts, the PLC to which

the tag is connected is not known from the outset. So in VBScripts, the bits are

always counted from right to left, starting with 0.

Functions

You can use the following functions to set the individual bits of a tag:

Call Function Application examples

Set Bit

Reset Bit

Set/Reset Bit

Changes the value of a

tag to TRUE or FALSE

can only be used for BOOL

tags

Set Bit in Tag

Reset Bit in Tag

Set/Reset Bit in Tag

Changes a bit from 0 to

1 or vice versa; the

entire tag is always

written to the PLC

Usage for PLCs, where there

are no tags of the BOOL

type, or to save memory in

the PLC; used, for example,

to operate switches

Set Bit on Pressing

Key The bit remains set until

the key is released

Operating the traversing

keys

You will find an example of using these functions at the topic called "Using bit

operations for operator control".

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5.3.10 Functions to change the value of a tag

Usage

Value changes of the entire tag are used for the configuration if you have to switch

between more than two settings (for example, between several languages) or

process freely selectable values (for example, to enter a volume).

Functions

You can use the following functions to change the entire value of a tag:

Call Function Application examples

Set Value A specific value is

assigned to a tag

Set the start value for a

process

Decrease Value

Increase Value The value of a tag is

reduced or increased

by a specific amount

Gradual up and down

adjustment

You will find an example of using these functions in the topic called "Configuring

stepping switches".

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5.3.11 Functions for the linear scaling of tags

Usage

With many projects, it is simpler for the operator to enter the values of a tag in a

different unit to that used by the PLC. In this case, you can scale the entered tag

values automatically, before they are transferred to the PLC. Set this automatic

scaling as a tag "property" on the "Scaling" tab.

If you want to access the scaled value in your project (for example, to output it),you

need a second tag, to access the scaled value in the PLC.

Functions

With the following functions, you can perform linear scaling for the value of a tag

and store it in a second tag or forward it to the PLC:

Call Function

"Tag" dialog box, "Scale" tab For a tag with the PLC connection: "Variable_1",

linear scaling is automatic before it is transferred

to the PLC. A corresponding reverse

transformation is performed on values from the

PLC, before the value in "Variable_1" is changed

on the operating unit.

Scale Linearly 1

Scale Linearly 2

"Variable_"1 without a PLC connection undergoes

linear scaling to "Variable_2".

You will find an example of using the "Scaling" tab in the topic called "Automatically

converting entered values for the PLC".

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5.3.12 Examples of configuring tags

Using examples, we will show you here how you configure a multiplex tag and how

a tag archive is structured.

5.3.12.1 How to configure a multiplex tag (address multiplexing)

Procedure:

To multiplex an address, create the following tag, for example:

Procedure:

1 Select "Insert" > "Object" to configure a new tag for any object.

2 In the "Tag"dialog box, enter Variable_1 as the name of the new tag.

3 On the "Address tab", select INT at Type and enter the address as:

DB 50

DBB 0

Click this button to open the "Address Multiplexing" dialog box.

5 Activate address multiplexing.

6 Enter Multiplex_1 as the name of the new multiplex tag.

7 Click this button to define the multiplex tag.

8 On the address tab, select BYTE at Type and enter the address:

FW20

9 The multiplex tag can assume values between 0 and 255, in other words you

can reference 256 different addresses with the tag Variable_1.

Apply the settings by clicking OK.

Note

If you want to make use of the maximum range of values of the multiplex tag, DB

50 in the STEP 7 program has to be created with at least 128 data words.

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Result

The name of the multiplex tag is displayed as the address of the tag Variable_1:

DB 50

DBB [MULTIPLEX_1]

Example: configuring a multiplex tag

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5.3.12.2 Structure of an archive for tags

Structure

Here is an example of a file for tags:

"VarName";"TimeString";"VarValue";"Validity";"Time_ms"

"Var_107";"01.04.98 11:02:52";66,00;1;35886460322,81

"Var_108";"01.04.98 11:02:55";60,00;1;35886460358,73

"Var_109";"01.04.98 11:02:57";59,00;1;35886460381,22

The following is entered in the various columns:

VarName Name of the ProTool tag

TimeString Time stamp as a string, that is, in a readable date format

VarValue Value of the tag

Validity Validity: 1 = value is valid

0 = error has occurred

Time_ms Time stamp as decimal value*) Converted: required only for

displaying the tag values as a trend.

*) Note on converting values in the Time_ms column:

If you wish to process a value in another program, it must be divided by 1 000 000.

Example: 36343476928: 1 000 000 = 36343.476928

A date from 31.12.1899 onward is derived by calculation from the value before the

decimal point.

The time is derived from the value following the decimal point: 0.476928. Multiply

by 24 to give the hours; multiply any remainder by 60 to give the minutes; again

multiply any remainder by 60 to give the seconds; any further remainder multiplied

by 1000 gives milliseconds.

Result: 07. 02.1999 11:26:46

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5.3.13 Details on configuring tags

At "Details" you will find more information on the subject of tags.

5.3.13.1 Saving STRING tags

ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7

The STRING data type contains a length identifier in the first few bytes in addition

to the test information. This data type is compatible with STEP 7 and is used when

you are working with ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7.

If you have integrated ProTool into SIMATIC STEP 7 and have used STRING type

tags, these tags are saved and updated by ProTool in a similar manner to SIMATIC

STEP 7.

The following example shows the order of the bytes when specifying the

STRING[4] data type with the initial value of 'AB'.

Example: STRING[4] type tag in ProTool

ProTool/Pro interprets the hexadecimal value 00H in strings as an ID for the end of

the string. The following characters in the string are not displayed.

The StringChar data type is featured in addition to the STRING data type. It was

included specifically for the migration of graphics-oriented projects. In contrast to

the STRING data type, the StringChar data type contains only text information. It is

an array of n characters, where n denotes the length of the string.

Note

Use the STRING data type in new projects.

Note

The maximum sensible length is determined by the width of the display. It differs

from device to device.

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5.3.13.2 Decimal places with tags

Decimal places with floating point tags

With Windows-based systems, the possible number of decimal places with the

decimal notation is always "0 to 16".

If you wish to display tags with decimal places in an input/output field, the tags

must have a suitable format. The format differs as a function of the PLC you

selected, for example:

PLC driver Format

SIMATIC S5 KG

SIMATIC S7

SIMATIC WinAC

SIMATIC 500/505

REAL

No PLC FLOAT

Decimal places with integer tags

If you configure decimal places for integer tags, you can also enter values with

decimal places in input/output fields, for example, and display them. If the actual

number of places exceeds the configured number of places, the places that follow

are truncated without being rounded up or down.

The table shows the interrelationship between the configured number of places,

the value displayed or entered on the operating unit and the actual value on the

PLC:

Configured

decimal places

Value entered or displayed

on the operating unit

Value on the PLC

0 2275 2275

1 227,5 2275

2 22,75 2275

3 2,275 2275

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Special features when entering limit values for integer tags

Limit values for tags are entered without a point. The constant for the limit value is

interpreted differently, depending on whether or not you specify decimal places for

the tag.

The number of specified decimal places determines how many places of the limit

value are interpreted as decimal places.

The table shows an example.

Configured

decimal places

Specified limit value Actual limit value in ProTool

0 3871 3871

1 3871 387,1

2 3871 38,71

3 3871 3,871

Note

Limit values for tags are allowed only in DECIMAL.

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5.3.13.3 Address and type of a tag

Dependence of tags on the PLC

The address and the data type (the data format) of a tag depends on the PLC.

Note

You will find information about the various PLCs at "Start" > "SIMATIC" > "ProTool"

> "ProTool Information System" in the topic "Process communication".

Available PLCs

SIMATIC S5 - AS511

SIMATIC S5 - DP

SIMATIC S7-300 or 400

SIMATIC WinAC

SIMATIC S7-200

SIMATIC 500/505

SIMATIC 500/505-DP

SIMOTION

OPC (Client/Server)

Allen-Bradley DF1

Allen-Bradley DH485

LG GLOFA-GM

MITSUBISHI FX

MITSUBISHI Protocol 4

Modicon Modbus

Telemecanique Uni-Telway

GE Fanuc SNP/SNPX

Omron Host-Link

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5.4 Creating text or graphic lists

Purpose

Text or graphics are often more meaningful than abstract values. For example, the

pieces of text full and empty or two graphic symbols present the state of a tank

more lucidly than the corresponding numerical values. Which is why ProTool gives

you the opportunity to configure text or graphic lists.

These text or graphic lists are lists in which you assign an element from the list to

each tag value.

Usage

With text or graphic lists, for example, you can label buttons dynamically, display

text or graphics in output fields and select texts for input in input fields. To a large

extent, this eliminates misinterpretations in the display and operator errors during

input.

You will find further information on using text or graphic lists on a screen in the

topics dealing with input fields, output fields and buttons.

Text list

A text list assigns text to every value of a tag. At run time, the tag value determines

which text is selected from the list and displayed, for example, in an input/output

field on the operating unit.

To create a new text list, select the button illustrated on the toolbar.

Note

The configurable range of values in a text list ranges from 0 to 32767 for a

maximum of 3500 different blocks of text.

Graphic list

A graphic list assigns a graphic to every value of a tag. At run time, the tag value

determines which graphic is selected from the list and displayed, for example, in an

output field on the operating unit.

To create a new graphics list, select the button illustrated on the toolbar.

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5.5 Creating graphics and text

Using graphics

You can configure static and dynamic graphics in ProTool:

• Static graphics

Static graphics are static display elements that are not connected to the PLC.

They cannot be modified at run time on the operating unit. Use static graphics,

for example, for displaying your system or as explanatory symbols for dynamic

display elements and controls.

• Dynamic graphics

Dynamic graphics are display elements that are connected to the PLC. The

position of the graphic on the operating unit can change at run time. Use

dynamic graphics to display the fill level of a tank, for example.

Creating graphics

ProTool features an option of embedding external graphic editors via the OLE

interface. In this way you can create graphics with your usual applications without

having to become familiar with a new graphics program.

Once created, a graphic is embedded in ProTool either as a bitmap or as a vector

graphic, depending on the graphics program you are using.

You configure a static graphic on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the button shown.

You configure a dynamic graphic on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the button shown.

Note

To make a graphic "operable", configure an invisible button which you can place

over the graphic.

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Possible graphics programs

You can use the following program versions to create vector or pixel graphics.

• MS Paint, all versions

• MS EXCEL, 2000 and XP

• MS PowerPoint, 2000 and XP

• Paint Shop Pro 7.0

• Micrografx Designer 9.0

• Corel Draw 10

• Corel Photo Paint 9.0

We recommend you not to create graphics in Corel Photo Paint, since Corel

Photo Paint uses a disproportionately high amount of configuration memory.

• AutoSketch 7.0 Build 54

Some problems have become known with earlier versions in the meantime.

If you insert an Excel spreadsheet as an OLE object in your configuration and have

enabled the "Gridlines" option in Excel, the gridlines will not appear correctly on the

operating unit so that you have to disable the "Gridlines" option. This effect does

not occur in Excel 2000.

Using Excel and Word objects

If you use Excel or Word objects in a ProTool screen, you should perform

subsequent modifications in the original file and then insert the modified object

back into your configuration.

Using AutoSketch

If you wish to create a new AutoSketch object, create a graphics field in your

ProTool configuration. In the "Graphic Object" dialog box, click "New" and select

the "New Object" check box. After you have twice confirmed the message that the

drawing does not contain any objects that might be copied to the Clipboard,

AutoSketch is started as an OLE server.

If you wish to integrate an existing AutoSketch object, start AutoSketch and open

an existing graphic. Select the Graphic and copy it to the Clipboard. Insert the

material on the Clipboard in your ProTool configuration by choosing "Edit > Paste"

from the menu.

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Optimum color presentation on the operating unit

This setting is only available when you create projects for devices with Windows

CE, because these operating units only support 256 colors.

If the depth of color of the configuration computer is set to a value greater than 256

colors, you can choose between the following settings when inserting graphics in

your project, in order to achieve optimum color presentation on the operating unit:

• "Pattern with error scatter" (system default setting): The colors of the screen

are mixed to create different types of shading in this manner.

• "Similar color": The individual screen colors are replaced by a new color from

the system colors, which comes closest to the original color of the destination

device.

To obtain optimum results, use the "Similar color" setting in vector graphics and the

system default setting "Pattern with error scatter" for color photographs".

Smooth display

If the "Smooth" setting is enabled, an anti-alias filter for replacing missing pixels

due to interpolation is used when increasing or decreasing the size of a graphic.

This setting results in softer transitions in photo-realistic displays. In the case of

drawings, the display quality is enhanced when zooming out of graphics in

particular, since the complete screen information is retained.

Color presentation on the operating unit

With pixel graphics, if you notice differences between the colors displayed on the

operating unit and those configured in ProTool, proceed as follows:

On the configuration computer, choose on the Start menu "Settings" > "Control

Panel" > "Display" and on the "Settings" tab, select at "Colors" the setting "True

Color".

Retain this setting for configuring and compiling the project.

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5.5.1 Making optimum use of graphics

Optimizing graphic applications

It may take a relatively long time to load and save projects, especially if you use a

large number of Designer, Corel Photo Paint or Corel Draw graphics.

• Save As

Save at "Save As ..." from time to time. This optimizes data storage and makes

the *.pdb file smaller.

• Graphics editor

Avoid large numbers of Designer, Corel Photo Paint and Corel Draw graphics.

Program sections of these editors are used when graphics are processed.

Some of these editors are very slow. The best times are achieved with Paint.

• Reduce the color depth

The memory requirements for graphics increases in proportion to the number

of colors you use. Therefore use only the absolutely essential color availability

in your graphics.

Efficient creation of graphics

To create graphics as efficiently as possible, take the following recommendations

into consideration:

• Use pixel graphics primarily in those cases where the size of the window is

fixed, as with icons for soft keys or buttons, for example.

• You should use vector graphics for graphics whose size has to be

subsequently modified.

• Always create your graphics with the same aspect ratio as the clicked and

dragged field in ProTool. In doing so, it should be borne in mind that a graphic

having a size of, say, 10 cm × 20 cm cannot be displayed faithfully from a pixel

point of view in a field of 1 cm × 2 cm. Information is lost in such a case.

Saving large graphics

If a large number of graphic elements are used in a configuration (for example, as

a background image or in graphics lists), there may be storage problems in the

ollowing cases. The reason is that the working memory is too small. The following

cases can occur:

• While you are configuring, you reach the limit of the working memory. The

following message appears: "Could not find the server application program, the

source file or the element..."

• When you are compiling, you reach the limit of the working memory. The

following message appears: "Insufficient memory."

• You open a sizable configuration on a computer that does not have sufficient

memory. The following message appears: "Could not open document."

If one of these cases occurs, check, and if necessary, modify the size of the virtual

memory. Increase the size of the physical random access memory (RAM).

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5.5.2 Static text

Using static text

Static text is text that is not linked to the PLC. It cannot be modified at run time on

the operating unit. Use static text, for example, to label controls and output fields.

The relative importance of different text strings on a screen can be illustrated by

means of different fonts and properties (size, color, flashing etc.).

Note on operating units with Windows CE

Avoid tabulators in static text, since they are replaced by other characters.

You must configure static text separately for any language available on the

operating unit.

Configure static text by selecting the symbol illustrated.

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5.5.3 Vector graphic elements

Purpose

Vector graphic elements are vector graphics of simple geometrical basic shapes -

for example, lines, circles and rectangles. By using graphic elements, you can draw

simple vector graphics directly in ProTool without having to use an external graphic

editor. Use vector graphics, for example, for displaying your system or as

explanatory graphics for dynamic display and controls.

Vector graphic elements can be dynamically modified - in other words, their

position can be dynamically changed at run time.

Selecting vector graphic elements

You can select the following drawing tools for creating simple vector graphics from

the "Screen Elements" toolbar:

Line

You use this tool to draw different types of line. You can set the color, width,

type and ends of a line. This means, for example, that you can draw

continuous or dashed lines with squared, rounded or arrow-shaped ends.

Polyline

You use this tool to draw open polylines and polygons. You can set the color,

width and type of a line. With polygons, you can also specify the fill-in color.

Ellipse/circle

You use this tool to draw ellipses and circles. You can set the color, width

and type of a line and the fill-in color.

Rectangle/square

You use this tool to draw rectangles and squares. You can set the color,

width and type of a line and the fill-in color.

Rounded-edge rectangle and square

You use this tool to draw rectangles and squares having rounded edges. You

can set the color, width and type of a line, the fill-in color and radius of the

rounded edges.

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5.6 Creating trends

Usage

• Real-time trend With a realtime trend, only one trend value at a time is read

from the PLC for each time unit (clock pulse) and added to the trend displayed

on the operating unit. Real-time trends are suitable for displaying slow,

continuous patterns.

• Pattern trend With a pattern trend, all trend values are read simultaneously

from the PLC and displayed as a trend on the operating unit by setting a trigger

bit. Pattern trends are suitable for displaying rapid changes if the trend

variation, seen in its entirety, (profile) is more interesting than individual values.

Trigger:

The trigger type defines how trend data is read in:

• Clock trigger (time triggered)

In the case of a clock trigger, the data that has to be acquired in the trend is

read from the PLC in a fixed, adjustable time slot. To do this, select "Read

Continuously" on the "Options" tab when configuring the tag. If the configured

number of samples has been reached, the oldest value is overwritten by every

new one.

By means of the specified time slot and the number of samples you want to

have displayed, you set the period of time that has to be covered by the trend

data. This type of trigger is suitable for "real-time trends".

• Bit trigger (event triggered)

In the case of a bit trigger, data to be acquired on a trend is read in on an

event-triggered basis. The event is triggered by the PLC as a result of setting a

defined bit. There are two possibilities of reading in trend data:

Single-value acquisition:

Only one value is read from the PLC every time a bit is set. Single-value

acquisition is suitable for displaying "real-time trends".

Buffered data acquisition:

Buffered data are read out from the PLC as an entire block every time a bit is

set. Buffered data acquisition is suitable for displaying "history trends".

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Communication areas for bit-triggered trends

For you to be able to configure bit-triggered trends, you have to set communication

areas at "Area Pointers" in the project window and create them on the PLC. The

operating unit and the PLC communicate with each other via these areas:

• "Trend request area": This area can be used by the PLC to evaluate which

trend is currently being displayed on the operating unit.

• "Trend transfer area 1": This area is used to trigger the trends.

• "Trend transfer area 2": This area is required only for trends that you configure

with a switch buffer.

A specific trigger bit is assigned to every trend in all bit areas. If, for example, you

have assigned trigger bit 4 to a trend, that trend will be identified by bit 4 in all bit

areas.

Switch buffer

A switch buffer is a second buffer which you can create for a pattern trend. While

the operating unit is reading the trend values from buffer 1, the PLC can already

write the new values to buffer 2. When the operating unit is reading buffer 2, the

PLC is writing to buffer 1. The switch buffer prevents the PLC from overwriting

values while the operating unit is reading the trend.

Switch buffer: reading and writing trend values simultaneously

Display archive data as a trend

Data from an archive are displayed as a "history trend".

An application for trends of this kind are, for example, a turn-on operation or a

temperature pattern upon heating a furnace.

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5.7 Configuring schedulers

Purpose

A scheduler defines a periodically recurring or unique time at which a particular

function is to be executed.

When a scheduler has run its course, the configured function is triggered. Typical

applications are, for example, print and archive functions that have to be executed

regularly at a particular time slot.

The following table shows the available scheduler types:

Scheduler type Required time entries

at x minute intervals

hourly Minute

daily Hour, minute

weekly Day of the week, hour, minute

monthly Day, hour, minute

annually Month, day, hour, minute

once only Year, month, day, hour, minute

Changing schedulers at run time

You can change the scheduler intervals on the operating unit for the following

scheduler types at run time:

• daily

• annually

• once only

For this, configure the scheduler to a time tag and the time tag to a date/time field.

By making an entry in the date/time field, the operator can reset the time tag and

thus set the scheduler.

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5.8 Creating reports

Usage

On visualization systems, reports are used to document process data and

executed production cycles. A report, therefore, documents the operations carried

out during a working shift.

With ProTool, you can perform the following, for example:

• Configure a report that is output at the end of a shift and in which, for example,

downtimes are documented.

• Configure a report that can be used in product or quality testing (ISO 9000) as

documentation.

Examples of reports in the project window

For a report, define the contents, layout and the event at which you want printing of

the report to be triggered. You can configure up to 10 different reports. Every report

can be up to 10 pages long.

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Report contents

Set the contents of the report in the report editor. You can include the following

objects in your report:

Object Name Description

Graphics With the graphic field, you can use graphics from

external graphics programs in your report.

Text You can use the text field to include static text in

the report. Various formats are possible:

You can present text in various fonts, for

example, enter text on more than one line, and

align it vertically or horizontally.

Output field Using the output field you can display process

values. Different display formats - for example,

decimal and binary - are possible. Output fields

can be formatted (such as 3D effects, colors,

etc.).

Symbolic output field A symbolic output field shows text or a graphic,

instead of a numerical value.

Example:

Instead of the values 0 and 1, you can output the

texts Motor OFF and Motor ON in the report.

Page number The corresponding number of pages is output at

the point you paste this symbol in a report.

If you have put a cover sheet at the front of the

report, a page number will not appear on it.

Date/Time You can incorporate the system time in your

report using Date/Time.

Viewing a graphic With the graphic view, you can dynamically

position graphics from other graphics programs

in your project. The current status of the graphic

is then mapped to the report.

Graphic list The graphics list displays a graphic from a list to

make the current process status more

comprehensible.

Example:

Instead of the values 0 and 1, you can display a

graphic for a closed valve and a graphic for an

open valve.

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Object Name Description

Message Printout You use the illustrated symbol to read out the

contents of the message buffer or a message

archive to a report.

Message Printout is always the last object on a

page – you cannot insert any more objects after

it on the page. The messages are always read

out in full - if the page, on which the message

printout was configured, is not sufficient, follow-

on pages are printed automatically.

Print Recipe You use the illustrated symbol to output the

contents of data records for selected recipes in a

report.

Vector graphics A vector graphics elements is, for example, a

line, a circle or a rectangle.

You will find an overview of objects for vector

graphics in "Vector graphic elements".

Layout

To define the layout of your report, select the report in the project window and

choose "Edit" > "Properties" from the menu. You can configure cover sheets,

headers and footers, as well as page numbers.

Trigger event

The printed version of the report can be initiated automatically or manually at run

time.

To print a report automatically at the end of a shift, for example, the

Print_Report function is configured for the scheduler.

To initiate manual printing of the report, configure the Print_Report function

for a function key, for example.

Output language

By controlling the language, you can create reports in different languages. The

procedure is the same as for screens in the screen editor. At run time, the report is

then printed in the language set on the operating unit.

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Special situations when printing

For the report to be printed correctly, the printer that is connected at run time must

support the paper format and report layout. Reports are printed in Graphics mode.

Owing to the volumes of data involved, a network or USB printer should be used.

Note

When used on Windows CE devices, make sure which printers the operating unit is

able to support.

Printing tag values in reports

The value of a tag included in a report is read and issued only at the precise

moment the report is printed. In the case of multipage reports there may be a

considerable time difference between the first and last page. It is therefore possible

for one and the same tag to appear with a different value on, say, the first and last

pages.

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5.8.1 Printing messages in a report

Purpose

The contents of the message buffer or a message archive will be printed in a

report.

Note

Message Printout is always the last object to appear on a page you cannot insert

any more objects after it on the page. Messages are always printed in their entirety

- if the page, on which the message printout was configured, is not sufficient,

follow-on pages are printed automatically.

To output the contents of the message buffer or of a message archive in a

report, paste the illustrated "Message Printout" symbol in the report editor.

Properties of Message Printout

You set the contents and appearance of a report on the tabs of the "Message

Printout" dialog box.

• "Messages" Here you set whether you want to log current messages or

messages from an archive, select the type of message that you want to print

and set the number of lines per message.

• "Filter" Here you configure the tags for the time stamp that set the range of

messages (from and to) you want to include in the report.

• "Columns" Here you set the columns you want to have output. The default

value is the output of all columns apart from the diagnostic capability of a

message and the of the PLC from which the message originates. Further, you

set the sort order and display of the columns.

• "Font", "Color", "Position" Here you define the appearance of the message

printout .

• "Name" You can use this name to identify the message printout.

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5.8.2 Printing recipes in a report

Purpose

The data records of one or more recipes are read out to a report.

Note

A Recipe Printout is always the last object to appear on a page you cannot insert

any more objects after it on the page. The Recipe Printout is always read out in its

entirety if the page, on which the Recipe Printout was configured, is not sufficient,

follow-on pages are printed automatically.

Note

There are no PLC-specific formats in a Recipe Printout, just standardized tags

types such as REAL, INT, etc.

To read out recipes to a report, paste the illustrated "Recipe Printout"

symbol to the report editor.

Properties of Recipe Printout

You set the contents and appearance of a report on the tabs of the "Recipe

Printout" dialog box.

• "Recipes" Here you set whether you want data records to be read out from a

recipe or a range of recipes, or whether you want all recipes to read out.

• "Data records" Here you set whether you want just one data record or a range

of data records to be read out, or whether you want all data records of the

selected recipe(s) to be read out.

• "Columns" Here you set the appearance of the printout. For this purpose you

can select data, whether you want to have explanatory titles and borders to be

displayed and whether selected data should be read out by rows or by

columns.

• "Font", "Color", "Position" Here you define the appearance of the recipe

printout .

• "Name" You can use this name to identify the recipe printout.

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5.8.3 Page numbers in reports

Purpose

This object is used to output page numbers in a report for example, in the header

or footer. During printing, the number of the report page concerned is inserted at

the position where you pasted "Page Number". If you have put a cover sheet at the

front of the report, a page number will not appear on it.

To configure page numbers for a report, select the illustrated symbol in the

report editor.

Set how the page number is formatted on the tabs of the "Properties" dialog box.

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5.8.4 Example of creating reports

The example shows you how to create a report with a custom layout, automatic

insertion of the date and contents of the message buffer and to have it printed

automatically at certain times of the day.

5.8.4.1 How to create a report

Objective

Suppose you want to create a report containing a title underscored with a bar, the

date and time of output, and the contents of the System Messages buffer. You

want the report to be issued at 6 a.m. each day and every 8 hours thereafter.

Procedure:

1 Double-click "Reports" in the project window.

A new report opens. You can leave the default settings for the paper format

and layout as they are.

Click on this symbol and use the mouse to open a "text field" on the current

page.

3 Type the title "Message buffer from" in the box.

Click on this symbol and open up next to the text box a further box in which to

display "date and time".

5 Confirm the "Date/Time" dialog box by clicking OK.

Click on this symbol in order to put a line in the title and draw the line to the

required length below the title.

The "Line" dialog box opens.

7 Go to the "Colors" tab, and set "black" as the foreground color and confirm by

clicking OK.

Click this symbol to insert the "message view" for the message buffer and

drag the space required for outputting the message buffer below the line you

inserted.

The "Message Printout" dialog box opens. At first, all the check boxes on the

"Messages" tabs are selected.

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9 On the "Messages" tab, deselect all messages except the "system

messages" type; on the "Columns" tab, deselect the elements not required for

the output line (for example, "Diagnostic capability") and confirm by clicking

"OK".

You cannot paste anything else in a report page once you have pasted a

message view to it. If you want other objects to follow, you must insert a new

page.

When you exit the report editor, the report is saved as REPORT_1. You can

change this setting by choosing "Tools" > "Default Settings" or assign a name

each time, with a maximum of 12 alphanumeric characters.

10 To output the report three times a day to a printer, configure a scheduler for

each time you want to have the report printed: for example, at 6 a.m., 2 p.m.

and 10 p.m.

11 Configure the Print_Report function for each scheduler and enter the

name of the report as a parameter.

As a result, every eight hours the operating unit will automatically send the

printer a report with the contents you have selected.

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5.9 Messages

To display process and operating states or to acquire and log process data on the

operating unit that you obtain on the process from the PLC, configure "messages".

Messages are normally initiated by the PLC and can be displayed on the operating

unit.

5.9.1 Displaying operating and process states

Displaying operating and process states in messages

Configure messages to display process and operating states or to acquire and log

process data on the operating unit that you obtain on the process from the PLC.

Messages are initiated by the operating unit or PLC and can be displayed on the

operating unit.

Message classes in ProTool

Event messages

Display routine operating and process states and processes.

Alarm messages

Display critical or hazardous operating and process states and require operating

personnel to react by issuing an acknowledgement or by processing.

System messages

Display states and faults of the operating unit, the PLC or the communication

between them. They are issued by the operating unit (HMI system messages) or by

the PLC (system messages).

Configuring SIMATIC S7-300/400 messages

S7 system messages

Display error states on the PLC or during communication with the PLC. They are

initiated by the PLC and can be displayed on the operating unit.

ALARM_S messages

Are configured in SIMATIC STEP 7 Should an error occur, the operating unit

receives a message containing the message number, and from this number the

corresponding message text is determined and read out.

Diagnostic events

Are entered in the S7 CPU diagnostic buffer and can be displayed on the operating

unit. Their purpose is to provide above all information on quicker and easier

retrieval and troubleshooting.

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Displaying messages from SIMOTION CPUs

ALARM_S messages

Are configured in SIMOTION SCOUT. Should an error occur, the operating unit

receives a message containing the message number, and from this number the

corresponding message text is determined and read out.

Technological alarms

Display error states. They are initiated by the technological objects and can be

displayed on the operating unit.

Diagnostic events

Are entered in the S7 CPU diagnostic buffer and can be displayed on the operating

unit. Their purpose is to provide above all information on quicker and easier

retrieval and troubleshooting.

For what purpose do you use messages?

The messaging system is responsible for the following tasks:

• Signaling events or states that can occur on the system or in the process:

A state is reported immediately following its occurrence.

The messages are displayed for the operator as a function of their significance

(priority).

• Support in eliminating the cause of error conditions:

Messages provide in-depth information on the causes of errors (diagnostics).

The operator can then influence the process on the basis of the message. To

make this easier for the operator, you can include the "Edit" button in a

message view and configure a function for this button (for example, selecting a

specific screen).

• Reporting: The message events are output to a printer.

• Archiving: The message events are stored for further processing and

evaluation.

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5.9.2 The components of a message

Message structure

A message consists of:

• Message number

• Message text

• Message tag

• Help text

The following messages are displayed on the operating unit but cannot be edited in

ProTool:

• The message cannot be modified in system messages, standard diagnostic

results (S7 system messages) and technological alarms (SIMOTION).

• Message numbers of user defined diagnostic results can be freely defined in

SIMATIC STEP 7 within certain limits.

• The message number is assigned in SIMATIC STEP 7/SIMOTION SCOUT for

Alarm_S messages.

Message number

The message number is used to reference a message. In ProTool, you have a free

choice of message number (within the range 0 to 2000) and message text.

The message number is structured in a specific structure. It consists of a number,

which is a CPU-wide unique number, and specification of the message type. The

message type is not displayed on the device. You will only see the number on the

screen.

Note

It is possible for two identical numbers to be displayed for different messages. The

causes of this could be as follows:

- The displayed number was assigned for several message types.

- The message number was assigned on different CPUs for different messages.

On RMOS devices there is no CPU identification of messages.

Message text

Message text contains the description of a message. The length of the message

text depends on the operating unit. The number of characters per line is marked by

this character (A) at the top border of the window during configuration.

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By choosing "Edit" > "Style" from the menu, you can select the following styles, for

example, for the message text, depending on the operating unit: flashing,

underscore, italic.

Note

You can also configure operator instructions as a message.

Message tags

A message can contain output fields with tags. They are also referred to as

"message tags".

By choosing "Edit" > "Style" from the menu, you can select from the following

styles for output fields, depending on the operating unit: flashing, underscore, italic.

Insert an output field by selecting the symbol illustrated.

Note

The values of message tags in the message buffer are updated upon all events

(active, cleared, and acknowledged).

Help text

Help text containing further details on a message can be configured for every

message. Help text is displayed for the operator in a separate window on the

operating unit by pressing the "HELP" key.

Enter Help text by selecting the symbol illustrated or by using the menu

command "View " > "Help Text".

Other message components

When configuring message views for certain devices, other message components

can be displayed - for example, details of the error location (on the PLC).

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5.9.3 Message properties

Configurable properties

You can configure the following parameters for messages:

• Acknowledgement group

• Print

• Functions

The window for configuring the properties opens automatically when a message

class is opened from the project window.

Acknowledgement group

Alarm messages can be assigned to acknowledgement groups. Configure the

assignment to an acknowledgement group for every single message. If the

operator acknowledges an alarm message in an acknowledgement group, all the

alarm messages in that group are acknowledged simultaneously ("group

acknowledgement").

If you select "Print", the message event (active, cleared, acknowledged) is logged

automatically on the printer if you selected "Print ON", at "System" > "Messages" >

"Settings".

Configure printing in the "Attributes" dialog box for every single message.

If you archive messages, you can print the messages stored in an archive.

Functions

You can configure one or more functions for the events Active, Cleared,

Acknowledged and Edit Message.

• The "Edit Message" event can only be triggered by the operator (by pressing

the "Process" button).

• The "message acknowledged" event can be triggered by the system or by the

operator (by pressing the ACK button or the ACK key).

Note

To enable the operator to trigger the functions configured for acknowledgement or

process, the ACK and "Edit" buttons must be configured in the message view, or

the ACK key must be available on the operating unit.

Alternatively, you can select the functions

Message_View_Acknowledge_Message and

Message_View_Process_Message for buttons or keys in your project.

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5.9.4 Acknowledging messages

Principle

An alarm message can be acknowledged either by the operator on the operating

unit or by the PLC program. By acknowledging an alarm message, the operator

confirms that he has taken note of the message.

Single acknowledgment and group acknowledgment

When you configure messages, you can set whether the operator as to

acknowledge each message singly or whether the acknowledgement will apply to a

group of messages. The use of acknowledgement groups is practical in particular

for messages having the same cause for example, the message of the initial error

and consequential errors.

Assigning acknowledgement groups

In the Attributes dialog box of the message editor, you can combine messages to

form acknowledgement groups by assigning them the same number at

"Acknowledgement".

You can allocate the messages to one of up to 16 acknowledgement groups.

The value 0 or a blank "Acknowledgement" field signifies that an acknowledgement

applies only to that alarm message (single acknowledgment).

Acknowledgement hierarchy of message views

If several message views are displayed simultaneously on the operating unit and

the operator acknowledges queued alarm messages, the acknowledgement affects

the different message views in the hierarchical order:

1. Message view with focus (dotted rectangle)

2. Alarm message window

3. Message line

4. Message view in the fixed screen

5. Message view in the main screen

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5.9.5 Settings for message classes

Configurable properties

You can configure the following parameters for message classes:

• Acknowledgement

• Printout

• Archiving

• Filter

Acknowledgement

Messages classified as "alarm messages" have to be acknowledged. Alarm

messages are displayed until they are acknowledged.

• Individual acknowledgement: When you acknowledge a message, only that

particular message is acknowledged.

• "Group acknowledgement": When you acknowledge one message belonging to

an acknowledgement group, all the queued messages of that group are

acknowledged as well.

Printout

Printout is enabled for all messages if you have selected the "Print" attribute in the

"Message Settings" dialog box ("System " > "Messages" > "Settings"). The

messages are printed on a printer attached to the operating unit.

Archiving

To archive message events, create archives. Message events are then written to

the message buffer and also to an archive. The message buffer is volatile; an

archive containing messages is permanent. Archiving is configured separately for

each message class.

You configure archiving in the "Archives" dialog box. Open the dialog box from the

"Message Settings" window.

Filter

You can set filter criteria for displaying messages:

• In the "Message Settings" dialog box ("System" > "Messages" > "Settings")

Select at "Alarm messages" whether the first or the last Active event should be

displayed first.

• In the "Message View" Properties Dialog Box Set on the "General" tab what

you want to have displayed:

- Messages

- Message events

- Diagnostic buffer

- Message archive

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5.9.6 System messages

What are system messages?

System messages advise you of operating unit and PLC operating modes. System

messages can range from information to serious errors.

A distinction is made between system messages and HMI system messages.

• System messages Are issued by the PLC and cannot be configured in

ProTool.

• HMI system messages Are issued by the HMI device (such as "Data record

deleted" or "Disk full").

A system message consists of a "message number" and "message text". The

message text may contain internal system tags that provide further details on the

cause of an error message.

Note

The operator will find a numerical list of HMI system messages, their causes and

remedial action in an appendix to the equipment manuals and the "Communication

Manual for Windows-Based Systems.

Displaying system messages on the operating unit

System messages have to be transferred by the system to the operating unit.

Choose "System" > "Messages" > "System Messages" from the menu to set which

• SIMATIC OP HMI system messages from SIMATIC operating units (cannot be

deselected)

• SIMATIC S7 (minimal): S7 PLC system messages in abbreviated form. The

message numbers of the S7 system messages (with time stamp) are read out.

The operator can refer to the cause of the error in his S7 manual by referring to

the number.

• SIMATIC S7 (default): S7 PLC system messages in long form. In addition to

the minimal display, the message text of the S7 system message is output.

• SIMOTION Messages from SIMOTION PLCs. These messages are displayed

in a message view for diagnostics events, that is, not in a message window.

You determine which system messages you want to have output to the message

window and how long they will be displayed on the operating unit.

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S7 components and DP standard slaves can provide diagnostic information when a

system error occurs. With its "Report System Error" function, SIMATIC STEP 7

features a user-friendly option to display this information in the form of messages.

These system error messages can also be displayed on an operating unit by

means of the ALARM_S message procedure.

Note

The 0 setting means the display is static. The message window is not closed until

the operator presses ESC.

Displaying HMI system messages with message view

You can output HMI system messages and SIMATIC/SIMOTION diagnostic

messages to the operating unit using the "Message View" screen object.

Displaying HMI system messages on the TP 170A

Bear the following in mind for displaying HMI system messages on the TP 170A:

• If necessary, increase the default setting for the duration of display with regard

to system messages at "System" > "Messages" > "System Messages".

• On screens in which HMI system messages are important, configure a "single

message view".

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5.9.7 Logging messages

Enabling and disabling message logging

To log message events on the printer, select the "Print" check box in the "Attributes

Message" dialog box in the message editor. With the check box selected, every

message is logged on every change of state (active, cleared, and acknowledged).

By choosing "System" > "Messages"> "Settings" from the menu, you can select the

corresponding check box to activate message logging for the project.

Report

You also have the option of collectively reading out the messages from the

message buffer or a message archive at certain times (by configuring a scheduler)

or linked to certain events (such as key operation). To do this, you configure a

report and include the "Message Printout" object in the report.

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5.9.8 Displaying messages on the operating unit

Types of message view

You can view messages in global message windows on the operating unit and

configure a message view in a screen, for example.

Message indicator

Set display of the message indicator on the operating unit by choosing "System"

>"Screen/Keys" from the menu. The message indicator indicates that alarm

messages are waiting or have to be acknowledged. The message indicator can be

used with touch devices.

As soon as an alarm message is waiting, an alarm message window and the

message indicator are displayed.

The message indicator may assume two states:

• "Flashing": as soon as at least one unacknowledged alarm message is

queued.

• "Static": when all queued alarm messages have been acknowledged but at

least one of them has not yet been cleared.

Not until all acknowledged messages have departed is the message indicator

hidden. In this way it is not possible for queued alarm messages to be forgotten.

Message window and message line

Messages are displayed in message windows or on the message line. You can still

operate the operating unit when messages are queued and displayed.

• The "message line" permanently resides on the operating unit and only ever

contains one message, the current one. If a separate message window has

been configured for alarm messages, the message line only contains the

current event message.

• Alarm messages and event messages are displayed in separate "message

windows". A message window always contains all the queued messages of the

particular message class. The alarm message window opens automatically

whenever an alarm message arrives. For the event message window, you

have to configure a control element to help you open or close the window.

You can configure the display of messages on the operating unit by choosing

"System" > "Screen/Keys" from the menu.

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Window/window

Event messages and alarm messages are

displayed in separate message windows. The

alarm message window opens automatically

whenever an alarm message arrives; enable

and disable the event message window by

choosing the function

Display_Event_Message_Window .

Window/line

An alarm message is displayed in the

message window, whereas an event message

is displayed on the message line. The

message line is visible at all times. The alarm

message window opens automatically

whenever an alarm message arrives.

Window/OFF

An alarm message is displayed in the

message window. Event messages are not

displayed.

Line/line

The message line is visible at all times. Any

alarm messages or event messages that are

issued are displayed on the message line

according to their priority.

Message view

Choose "Insert" > "Display Message" from the menu to configure a message view

on a screen: You can set what you want to have displayed in the message view:

- Messages

- Message events

- S7 diagnostic buffer

- Contents of a message archive

You can customize the appearance and behavior of the message display to suit

your project.

Colored messages

You can assign different colors to different types of messages in order immediately

to make the message type clear to the operator. This means, for example, that you

can configure alarm messages and event messages in different colors by choosing

"System" > "Messages" > "Colors" from the menu.

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Sort criterion for alarm messages

Should several unacknowledged alarm messages having the same priority be

queued on the operating unit, you can select, by choosing "System" > "Messages"

> "Settings" from the menu, whether the oldest (first) or the most recent (last) alarm

message will be displayed first.

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5.9.9 Message view

Purpose

In ProTool, the default is for event messages, alarm messages and the operating

unit HMI system messages to be displayed in special process windows.

As an alternative, the "message view" provides a display in tabular form of

• Messages

Queued messages:

Messages are queued messages until the "cleared" message event occurs,

even if the message has previously been acknowledged

Messages To Be Acknowledged:

Messages are messages awaiting acknowledgement queued messages until

the "acknowledged" message event occurs, even if the message has

previously been cleared Since system and event messages are not

acknowledged, they are not displayed among the "messages to be

acknowledged".

• Message events

• Contents of the diagnostic buffer of a SIMATIC 300, SIMATIC 400 or

SIMOTION-CPU: (not possible with WinAC and OPC)Since there is no

"cleared" message event for diagnostic events and system messages, they are

treated as queued messages as long as they are set at "System" >

"Messages" > "System Messages".

• The contents of a selected message archive

You can combine the display of "messages" and "message events" from the

following message classes:

• Alarm messages

• Event messages

• HMI system messages

• Diagnostic events

Configure the message view by selecting the symbol illustrated.

Note

You can enable the message view while you are configuring by using SHIFT and

double-click or from the "Edit" option of the shortcut menu.

In active mode you can drag and drop a column to the required position and set the

column width during the configuration phase.

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Operating a message view

You can display the following buttons for operating a message view on the

operating unit:

• ACK: to acknowledge alarm messages

• Help: to display Help text

• Edit: to trigger functions

The different columns can be hidden or shown, whatever you want, and edited like

a table on the operating unit - for example:

• Arrange column order

• Set column width

• Sorting columns in ascending and descending order (possible only with the

columns "Date" and "Time").

Note

When you change the system language to "English", modify the time output

simultaneously to the 24 hour format, since the standard width of the time field in

the message view is geared to the 24 hour format.

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5.9.10 Configuring message processing

Usage

You can configure messages to give the operator the opportunity to process the

active message. To do this, configure a suitable function for the "edit message"

message event, for example, “Select Screen Permanent”.

When the message has arrived, the operator can then press the "Process" button,

perform the necessary steps on the screen he has opened and exit the screen.

Note

The screen in which the message arrived, is not automatically redisplayed to the

operator. After changing screens with the "Process" button, he can only operate

the current screen.

Note that a message which you get rid off by clicking is acknowledged

automatically.

Steps to take to configure message processing

To make it possible to edit messages, take the following steps:

1. Open the screen in question. In the "Message View" dialog box, on the

"Display" tab, configure the "Process" button by selecting the "Button for

processing" check box.

2. Open "Alarm messages", for example, in the project window. Highlight the

message in question and in the "Attributes" dialog box, click the "Functions"

button.

3. In the "Messages" dialog box, for the "Edit Message" event, configure the

required function - for example, selecting a screen in which the operator can

make a meaningful response to the message.

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5.9.11 Contents of message buffers

Definition

A message buffer is a memory area in the main memory of the operating unit in

which message events are stored in chronological order. The message buffer is a

FIFO buffer of a given size and is not configured.

The size of the message buffer depends on the device.

Note

When the operating unit is powered down, the contents of the message buffer are

deleted. To keep your messages available for a longer period of time, you have to

archive them.

Displaying the message buffer

The message buffer contains all the message events of alarm messages or event

messages. You must configure a control in order to display the alarm message

buffer and the event message buffer.

To structure the message buffer more clearly and at the same time reduce the load

on the system, you can configure controls which allow the user to delete all or part

of the message buffer.

Data storage in message buffer

Every message event is stored with the following information:

• Message number

• Time stamp consisting of time and date

• Identification of the event ("K" for Active, "G" for Cleared, "Q" for

Acknowledged)

• Message text

• Value of the message tag at the time of arrival or departure

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Example

Below is an example of output from the message buffer to the operating unit:

No Time Date Status Text

0010 11:34:26 27.03.98 K Boiler pressure

too high: 12.7 bar

0029 11:35:18 27.03.98 K Oil supply shut

off.

0010 11:38:09 27.03.98 (K)Q Boiler pressure

too high: 12.7 bar

0029 11:40:47 27.03.98 (K)Q Oil supply shut

off.

0010 11:58:08 27.03.98 (KQ)G Boiler pressure

too high: 7.9 bar

Note

If the new status of a message in the message buffer is not known (for example,

when the CPU is overloaded or being updated after connection malfunctions), only

the message status prior to the update is shown in the message buffer, such as

(GKQ).

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5.9.12 Communication areas for messages

Communication area required for operating unit/PLC communication

For communication between the operating unit and the PLC to function properly,

establish an assignment to the following communication areas in the project

window of your ProTool project at "Area Pointers": "Event messages" and/or

"Alarm messages".

These areas are imperative if you configure event messages and alarm messages.

They must be chosen at least large enough for a bit to be available for every

configured message. If the communication area is not made large enough, a

warning will be issued during compilation of the project.

If you wish, you can create the following communication areas:

• PLC Acknowledgement

• OP Acknowledgement

Optional communication areas: Acknowledgement areas for messages

If the PLC is required to send an acknowledgement automatically, create the

following acknowledgement areas in the project window at "Area Pointers".

• "PLC Acknowledgement"

The acknowledgement bit is set by the PLC program and thus causes

acknowledgement of the corresponding alarm message to be displayed on the

operating unit.

The acknowledgement area "PLC acknowledgement"

- must be contiguous with the associated alarm message area,

- must have the same acquisition cycle as the alarm message area,

- must not be longer than the associated alarm message area.

For SIMOTION and OPC PLCs, this acknowledgement area is set in the

associated alarm message area.

• "OP Acknowledgement"

The operator acknowledges an alarm message on the operating unit and thus

sets the acknowledgement bit of this alarm message on the PLC. When he

does so, the entire acknowledgement area is transferred to the PLC. The "OP

Acknowledgement" acknowledgement area must not be longer than the

associated alarm message area.

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5.9.13 Message procedure

Message procedures in ProTool

The message procedure identified the transfer path of messages and thus also the

parameters of the messages.

ProTool supports two message procedures:

• The message bit procedure This is the default message procedure in ProTool.

The operating unit detects the messages by setting a corresponding bit on the

PLC.

• The ALARM_S message number procedure This is the procedure by which

"system fault message" (SFM) type messages are transferred from the PLC to

the operating unit.

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5.9.13.1 Message bit procedure

Principle

With the message bit procedure, the operating unit detects the arrival, departure or

acknowledgement of a message by setting a bit in the address area, the bit being

assigned by choosing "System" > "Area Pointers" from the menu to the

event/alarm message area.

The setting, resetting and acknowledging of the bit is known as a "message event".

Active (K) The message bit has been set and the message is waiting to

be displayed.

Cleared (G) The message bit has been reset because the cause that gave

rise to the message no longer exists.

Acknowledge (Q) With alarm messages only:

The operator (or the PLC) acknowledges the message to

confirm that note has been taken of the message.

The message events have been acquired by the operating unit and time stamped.

The operating unit automatically enters all message events in the message buffer.

In this way the message events can be viewed at a later time again.

Communication areas for messages

The display of messages on the operating unit is initiated by the PLC by a bit being

set on it in a defined communication area.

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You can see which communication areas for messages have to be created on the

PLC in the following figure:

Displaying messages

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5.9.13.2 Message number procedure ALARM_S

Overview

In this section you will learn how ALARM_S differs from the message bit procedure

and how the system behaves in the event of critical bottlenecks.

Requirements

The display of ALARM_S messages on the operating unit can be configured only if

you have integrated ProTool in SIMATIC STEP 7 and the PLC you are using is a

SIMATIC S7-300 or a SIMATIC S7-400 or a SIMOTION.

Note

For a SIMATIC PLC, it is far simpler to configure ALARM_S messages for process

diagnostics if you have installed S7-PDIAG.

What is ALARM_S?

ALARM_S is a message number procedure. The message numbers are assigned

by the system when you are configuring in SIMATIC STEP 7 or SIMOTION

SCOUT. The numbers are used as the basis for the specific assignment of the

correct message text.

When a fault arises, the operating unit receives a message containing the message

number. On the basis of the number, the corresponding message text is identified

and displayed.

The PLC stores not only the status of the message (arrived, departed,

acknowledged) but also the time. This information is retained after the messages

have been sent, too, so individual network components (for example, operating

units) can log on later and update.

Types of ALARM_S messages

The messages you can select at Alarm_S differ as follows:

• alarm messages

• event messages

• messages of "Report System Error" (SFM) type

You can configure in SIMATIC STEP 7 or SIMOTION SCOUT whether an

ALARM_S message needs to be acknowledged or not.

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Configuring ALARM_S messages

When configuring messages, you can either enter simple unformatted text or make

use of the facility for device-specific message configuration. Depending on the

display unit in question, you can then specify such effects as flashing text and

define additional information.

ALARM_S messages are not configured in ProTool, but:

• For SIMATIC S7-300/400-CPUs in SIMATIC STEP 7:

Configuration using S7-PDIAG

Configuration in S7-GRAPH or S7-HiGraph

Call these using SFC17, SFC18

Note

Diagnostic events generated in the S7 CPU by SFC52 are not supported by

ProTool/Pro RT and are not displayed on the operating unit.

• For SIMOTION-CPUs with SIMOTION SCOUT

The advantage of this is that the messages are configured just once and are then

available throughout the project for all operating units and can be displayed.

You can find detailed reference information about the procedure in the online Help

in SIMATIC STEP 7, SIMOTION SCOUT and in the relevant option packages.

Advantages of ALARM_S

As compared with the message bit procedure, ALARM_S has the following

advantages:

• ALARM_S is an active message procedure. When a message is issued, the

CPU actively notifies all networked units. The operating unit is relieved of the

task of continually polling the message area.

• The process data always precisely reflect the situation at the time of the

message. This cannot be guaranteed with the message bit procedure.

• The time stamp precisely indicates when an event occurred even if the

operating unit is not connected until a later time.

Messages of "Report System Error" (SFM) type

S7 components and DP standard slaves can provide diagnostic information when a

system error occurs. With its "Report System Error" function, SIMATIC STEP 7

features a user-friendly option to display this information in the form of messages.

These system error messages can also be displayed on an operating unit by

means of the ALARM_S message procedure.

If the operating units you are using only have a small amount of application

memory, you can inhibit the transfer of "Report System Error" messages.

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Display classes

You can assign different display classes to individual messages in SIMATIC STEP

7. When configuring in ProTool, you then can then choose a specific selection of

display classes for an operating unit. In that way you can distribute the messages

selectively between different display units.

Priorities

You can assign the messages different priorities when configuring ALARM_S

messages as well.

Note

Make sure that you assign messages that can bring about consequential errors a

higher priority than the consequential errors themselves.

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5.9.13.3 Display classes for ALARM_S messages

What are display classes?

An S7 CPU always issues ALARM_S messages to all stations that are logged in.

However, it may be that you do not want to display all messages on a particular

operating unit in order to avoid a torrent of messages, for example. In that case,

specific messages could be displayed just on a control desk, for example.

In order to be able to control the display of messages so selectively, in SIMATIC

STEP 7/SIMOTION SCOUT each message can be assigned what is termed a

"display class". In all, there are 16 display classes (display classes 0 to 15).

Example

Messages that are to appear on the machine might be assigned display class 1,

those that are to appear on the control desk, display class 2.

The various operating units then only analyze those messages that belong to

specific display classes. Any other ALARM_S messages are immediately

discarded.

Display classes determine which groups of messages are to be displayed on the

operating unit

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Specifying display classes

The display class to which an ALARM_S message belongs is determined when the

message is configured in SIMATIC STEP 7/SIMOTION SCOUT. For a precise

description of the procedure, please consult the information on message

configuration in your SIMATIC STEP 7 or SIMOTION SCOUT documentation.

If you do not specify a display class in SIMATIC STEP 7, the message concerned

is automatically assigned to display class 0.

Selecting display classes

In ProTool you can specify which display classes are to be displayed on the

operating unit being configured.

You make your selection by choosing "System" > "Messages" > "Settings" from the

menu. You will find a detailed description in "Setting the message procedure and

selecting the display classes".

If you do not make a selection, all display classes (display classes 0 to 15) are

displayed as the default.

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5.9.13.4 Setting the message procedure and selecting the display classes

Principle

To specify the message procedure(s) you are intending to use, go to the "Message

Settings" dialog box. To access this dialog box, choose "System" > "Messages" >

"Settings" from the menu.

Select the required message procedures from the lower part of the dialog box.

Once you have selected "ALARM_S", you can use the "Alarm_S" button to set the

messages that will be displayed on the operating unit.

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If you want to do without "Report System Error" (SFM) type messages, deselect

the "SFM" check box. Messages of this type are not transferred and do not take up

memory on the operating unit.

Note

If ALARM_S is the only message system you selected in ProTool for a project, the

entries for event messages and alarm messages will no longer be offered in the

ProTool project window.

Selecting display classes

When you click the "Alarm_S" button, the "SIMATIC S7 ALARM_S" dialog box

opens.

"SIMATIC S7 ALARM_S" dialog box

In this dialog box you can set, individually for each PLC on your system, the

messages to be displayed on the operating unit. By default, all messages are sent.

Note

By carefully targeting your selection to specific display classes, you can restrict the

display on the configured operating unit to very specific messages. Other

messages can then be displayed on another device, such as a control desk.

The left-hand column of the dialog box shows you a list of all the PLCs on your

system. For each PLC you can cause the operating unit to display no messages, a

selection of messages or all messages.

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When you click the "Details" button, the "Display Classes" dialog box opens.

"Display Classes" dialog box

Display classes will have been defined when the PLC was being programmed in

SIMATIC STEP 7. At the same time each message will have been assigned to one

or other of these display classes.

You can now select individual display classes and define which messages will be

displayed on the operating unit.

Note

Messages of the "Report System Error" type are always displayed on the operating

unit irrespective of the number of selected display classes when the "SFM" check

box is enabled in the "Message Settings" dialog box.

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5.9.13.5 Incorporating ALARM_S messages

Configuring in SIMATIC STEP 7

With message configuration in SIMATIC STEP 7, the stored blocks of text and

attributes are placed in a database shared by ProTool. During the process of

compiling the project, ProTool automatically imports the necessary data and

subsequently downloads it to the operating unit.

Configuring and downloading ALARM_S messages

It is therefore important that the shared database is always up to date during the

compilation process and that data synchronization is active.

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5.9.13.6 Updating the operating unit

Principle

The S7 CPU only stores information about pending messages, which means that

once all events (arrival, departure, acknowledgement) have occurred, the message

is deleted from the S7 CPU.

A network operating unit which lost its connection to the S7 CPU can log on to the

S7 CPU again and get an update on currently pending messages.

When obtaining an update, therefore, the operating unit processes any missing

events automatically if a message is not known to the S7 CPU but the arrival and

acknowledgement events are not entered on the operating unit.

The events are entered and labeled in the message buffer on the operating unit.

Example 1: Standard situation

Entries for a message in the message buffer:

No Time Date Status Text

3029 14:28:08 27.03.99 K Boiler 13:

Temperature 190

degrees Notify

shift supervisor.

3029 14:31:12 27.03.99 (K)Q Boiler 13:

Temperature ###

degrees Notify

shift supervisor.

3029 14:40:37 27.03.99 (KQ)G Boiler 13:

Temperature 120

degrees Notify

shift supervisor.

If a message contains process values, then those values that were available when

the message event arrived or departed are stored in the message buffer. In the

case of the "acknowledged" message status, the operating unit does not acquire

any current process values. The characters ### stand for the value.

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Example 2: Lost connection situation

The operating unit logs back onto the S7 CPU following a lost connection. By that

time the message is no longer stored in the S7 CPU. The following is displayed on

the operating unit.

No Time Date Status Text

3029 14:28:08 27.03.99 K Boiler 13: Temperature

190

degrees Notify shift

supervisor.

3029 14:52:11 27.03.99 (KQG) Boiler 13: Temperature

###

degrees Notify shift

supervisor.

As the message is no longer stored in the S7 CPU, the operating unit will not be

able to read its process values. These are replaced by ### characters.

Note

After an interrupt, the new status of a message in the message buffer is not known.

Only the message status before the update is shown in the message buffer in this

instance, for example (KQG). These message states cannot be displayed in the

archive and are displayed as ().

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5.9.13.7 Resource consumption of messages

ALARM_S messages

ALARM_S messages are configured in SIMATIC STEP 7/SIMOTION SCOUT. The

data is then stored in a shared database, imported during the process of compiling

the ProTool project and finally downloaded to the operating unit. That means that

ALARM_S messages use up resources on the operating unit.

Economizing on storage space

There are basically two ways in which you can economize on storage space on the

operating unit:

• The following applies to all message procedures: the shorter the message text,

the less storage space will be required.

• To economize on storage space on the operating unit of Windows-based

systems, you can also deselect the SFM" check box in the "Message Settings"

dialog box (choose "System" > "Messages" > "Settings" from the menu).

Messages of this type will then not be transferred to the operating unit.

You will find more information in the topic called "System limits". This section

contains information about the memory requirement of projects, on the basis of

which you can assess whether or not the memory of your operating unit is large

enough for the intended project.

Note

In SIMATIC STEP 7 there are restrictions regarding the number and size of tags

that can be used within a message. For more precise details, please consult your

SIMATIC STEP 7 documentation.

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5.9.13.8 Communication sequence in the event of ALARM_S messages

Logging On For ALARM_S

More than one station (for example, more than one OP, PU, etc.) on a network can

log on for ALARM_S messages. Each station that wants to display ALARM_S

messages logs on to the CPU for ALARM_S.

MPI network

The number of nodes that can log on to a CPU for ALARM_S depends on the

CPU. You will find further information on this in the equipment manual for the S7

CPU.

When a message event occurs

When a message-triggering event occurs, the CPU actively sends telegrams to that

effect to all stations that have logged on. The message number identifies the

corresponding message text that has previously been downloaded to the operating

unit.

This means that the CPU does not have to be actively scanned for messages by

regular polling as was the case with the message bit procedure. The operating unit

and network are completely relieved of that burden on the system.

Time stamp

With the ALARM_S procedure, the time stamp is not issued by the operating unit

but by the CPU. The messages are stored in chronological order on the basis of

their time stamp in the message buffer on the operating unit – even if they originate

from different CPUs.

Information stored

The CPU stores not only the time of the message but also the status (active,

cleared, acknowledged) and any process parameters. That information is retained

until a message has been completely processed - in other words, until it has

arrived, departed and been acknowledged. On the operating unit, the information in

the message buffer is kept even longer.

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Restarting the S7 CPU

When S7 CPUs are restarted, it is possible - though dependent on the hardware

configuration of the CPUs - that the CPU will delete all queued ALARM_S

messages.

Note

Earlier versions of S7-300 CPUs cannot report this restart to the operating units

concerned. As a consequence, messages are shown as being queued on the

operating unit even though the CPU has deleted them already.

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5.9.13.9 Acknowledging ALARM_S messages

ALARM_S messages requiring acknowledgement

When a message is acknowledged by a station on the network, the CPU is

immediately notified. The CPU then distributes the acknowledgement to all

connected stations. It is only to this message that the operating unit responds - in

other words, only at this point does it enter the acknowledgement in the message

buffer.

Note

The CPU issues a time stamp for the acknowledgement event but does not store it.

Later, it is no longer possible to determine if and when a message has been

acknowledged.

ALARM_S messages not requiring acknowledgement

Certain ALARM_S messages are configured as alarm messages but do not require

explicit acknowledgement by the user; the CPU acknowledges such a message

automatically when it arrives.

Message overload on the operating unit

In the event of a communication bottleneck in the CPU (multiple arrival and

departure of an ALARM_S message could not be acquired), a message might be

displayed as not acknowledged on the operating unit even though it has been

acknowledged in the CPU already.

The problem occurs only if simultaneously with a message

• A communication bottleneck occurs in the CPU

• The message in the CPU arrives

• The message is acknowledged by the operating unit

The operator must then acknowledge the messages several times on the operating

unit.

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5.9.13.10 Printing ALARM_S messages

Principle

You specify which messages are to be output to a printer in the usual way in

ProTool by choosing "System" >"Messages" > "Settings" from the menu.

Message Logging

If you do not perform device-specific message settings in SIMATIC STEP 7, all

message events will always be logged directly on the attached printer.

If you configure device-specific messages, you can specify separately for each

message whether it is to be logged or not.

Messages are always printed in the order in which they are sent by the CPUs. This

is also the case with every synchronization.

Note

If there are several CPUs in a network, this means that messages need not always

be received in chronological order by the operating unit.

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5.9.14 Examples of configuring messages

These examples show you:

• How to configure an alarm message.

• How to create message areas for different devices.

• How system messages might appear, depending on the operating unit.

Note

The examples essentially describe how to configure bit messages. The

configuration of ALARM_S messages is described in the SIMATIC STEP 7 and

SIMOTION SCOUT documentation.

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5.9.14.1 How to configure alarm messages

Objective

You want to set the alarm message area and configure an alarm message with a

SIMATIC 300 or SIMATIC 400 PLC.

In this example, you will configure the alarm message area first and then an alarm

message.

Procedure:

1 Left double-click in the project window on "Area pointers" to create the alarm

message area. The "Area Pointers" dialog box is opened.

2 Here you select the "Alarm Messages" area pointer. Click OK.

3 The "Alarm Messages" dialog box is opened. Enter the following:

DB: 10

DW: 2

Length: 2

PLC: PLC_1

This means you have created an alarm message area for 32 alarm

messages.

4 Confirm all settings by clicking OK.

5 Double-click the "Alarm Messages" window to open it. Position the cursor at

message No. 2.

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Procedure:

6 Enter the following message: Motor temperature too high.

7 Perform the following settings in the "Attributes" window:

Acknowledgement: 7

Print: !

The figure shows the configured alarm message:

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5.9.14.2 Message areas for SIMATIC S5

Memory on a SIMATIC S5

The message area is defined in memory words - for example:

FW 50

Length 2

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5.9.14.3 Message areas for SIMATIC S7

Data words on a SIMATIC S7

The message area is defined in a data block - for example:

DB 70

DBW 0

Length 4

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5.9.14.4 Examples of system messages

SIMATIC OP

The HMI system messages of the operating unit are read out, for example:

13001 Not enough memory available on hard disk

SIMATIC S7 (Minimal)

The message numbers of the S7 system messages are output. The operator can

refer to the cause of

MESSAGE S4303 07.03.98 15:16:34

SIMATIC S7 (Standard)

In addition to the minimal display, the message text of the S7 system message is

output. For this, the operator can select the corresponding message with the help

of the arrow key.

MESSAGE S4303 07.03.98 15:16:34

If the RIGHT arrow key is operated:

PLC_1:

STOP by operating Stop switch

SIMATIC diagnostic buffer

Message text of diagnostic events are read out with the appropriately configured

message view.

No Time Date To ... Text

12354 09:33:47 12.06.98 K Module

12484 09:34:18 12.06.98 K Distributed I/O: Station

16387 09:36:24 12.06.98 K STOP by operating Stop switch

20493 09:36:25 12.06.98 K New startup information in

operating state STOP

4225 09:36:28 12.06.98 K Manual restart request

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5.9.14.5 Event messages export file

Structure

Below you can see how the export file of the illustrated event messages is

structured:

SIMATIC ProTool/Pro B5.0.0.20 d 16.06.98 11:31:20

Legend:

:N: = Number

:T: = Text

:I: = Help information

:A: = Attributes

:V: = Tag

:L: = Text lists

Pieces of text may be distributed over several ':T:' lines,

Help information may be distributed over several ':I:' lines.

In message text (:T:), the following control characters are possible:

'\n' = New line

'\b' = Flash (Start/End)

'\u' = Underscore (Start/End)

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'#' or '&' = Placeholders for message tags

The following identifications are used in the attribute line:

Px = Priority x

Ax = Output (port number) x

R+- = Relay ON (+) or OFF(-)

D+- = Print (+) or do not print (-)

:N: 0001

:T: "Tank1 empty:####"

:A: P1 A0 D+ R-

:V: "Z_BAUDR" Dd TO

. . .

:N: 0005

:T: "Mixer full, \n"

:T: "Valves of Tanks 1 to 3 closed"

:A: P1 A0 D- R-

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5.10 Using functions

Basic principle

In ProTool you can link "events" (such as "Key pressed") with predefined functions.

If the event occurs during operation, the function executes a specific action on the

operating unit or the PLC.

For example, the "Select Screen Permanent" function on the operating unit opens

a particular project screen.

Triggering a function

Areas of application

In general, you can use functions to:

• Set up the project for specific processes (for example, to switch from one

screen to another)

• Control the process (for example, to set a bit in order to switch on a motor with

it)

• Use features of the operating unit (for example, to display or print out the

message buffer)

• Perform system settings online on the operating unit (for example, change

modes)

In most cases you can configure the behavior of the functions precisely by means

of parameters. If you wish to initiate several actions, you can also combine different

functions.

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Configuration

You configure functions on the "Functions" tab in the "Properties" dialog box of the

object in question.

In addition, you can define global entry points (for example, for change of screens,

buffer overflow and change of password) for many operating units by choosing

"System" > "Functions" from the menu.

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5.10.1 Events for triggering functions

Necessity

The execution of a function is always linked to a specific event. The function is only

triggered when this event occurs.

The events that can be linked to a function depend on the type of the function.

Many functions are only effective with certain specific events.

Examples of events

Examples of events that can trigger functions are the events "press key" and

"release key". In the case of the former, the function is executed the moment a

particular function key is pressed; in the latter case, it is executed the moment the

function key is released again.

Object-linked functions

Functions and events are generally linked to a specific object. The following objects

can be linked to functions, for example:

• Function keys, soft keys and buttons

• Screen objects

• Screens

• Tags

Functions with tags are triggered only if the tag is displayed on the screen (default)

or "Read Continuously" is selected on the "Options" tab in the Properties dialog

box for the tag.

A function which you have configured for an internal tag (without PLC connection)

whose value is modified by another function is not executed.Functions are

executed only as a result of changes of values triggered by the PLC.

Note

Depending on the operating unit, it might not be possible to configure functions for

all these objects.

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Global functions

You can also link some functions to global, object-independent events - for

example:

• Changing screen

• Buffer overflow

• Change of password

The configurable global events depend on the operating unit:

You will find a detailed description of all the permissible events in online Help under

the keyword"Configurable events".

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5.10.2 Function parameters

Necessity

Many functions can only execute one particular action. These functions are unique

on account of their names alone. The Events - Delete_Buffer function

empties the buffer for event messages, for example.

Function without input parameters

However, the situation is not always this clear. Many functions can work in several

ways.

Input parameters

Imagine that you want to open another screen using a key on the operating unit. To

do this, you configure the Select Screen Permanent function. However, your

project will generally have several screens. Which of these screens should ProTool

open?

You therefore have to give the function more information. This is done using

parameters. For the Select Screen Permanent function, you specify as a

parameter the name of the screen to be opened, for example.

Another example is the function. Switch Language. In this case, the parameter

you specify is the language to be set.

Function with input parameters

Some functions require a single parameter; others require several.

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General principle

The following figure illustrates the principle of how a function works:

How a function works

An input parameter is specified for the function. This can be either constant or read

from a tag. The tag may be local or it may have a connection to the PLC. If there is

a connection to the PLC, the value is set by the process. The result of the function

is written to a tag, which itself can either be local or have a connection to the PLC.

Since an input parameter can contain letters in addition to figures (for example, in

recipe names), this has to be reported to the function. This is done by selecting a

"string constant":

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5.10.3 Combining multiple functions

Multiple functions with one object

You can also assign an event several functions. The functions are then initiated

one after the other. You set the order in which this occurs in the "Functions" dialog

box during configuration.

Multiple functions with one object

Sequence

You can change the order of the functions by using the "Up" and "Down" buttons.

The list of functions is processed from the top down.

Note

On account of the differing runtimes of the functions, the start of the next function

in the list is not linked to the completion of the function preceding it in the list. Thus,

it can happen that several functions are being executed concurrently and the result

of a previous function is not yet available.

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5.10.4 User-defined functions

Special tasks

If you want to execute an action or calculation for which there is no predefined

function in ProTool, you can use VisualBasic Script to define your own functions

and then integrate them and use them just like ProTool functions.

You will find additional information on VisualBasic Script in "Creating VBScripts".

Function blocks

You can also use scripts to create readily reusable function blocks that you can call

several times in your project without having to reconfigure all the functions each

time.

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5.10.5 Special features with conversion functions

Conversion possibilities

In Windows systems you have two alternatives for converting values between the

PLC and the operating unit:

• For one tag, you can configure a simple linear conversion between different

scale ranges in the "Tag" dialog box on the "Conversion" tab.

• An example of this would be conversion between two units of measurement,

such as degrees centigrade and degrees Fahrenheit.

• For all other kinds of linear conversion with several tags, use the

Scaling_Linear_1 and Scaling_Linear 2 functions or scripts.

Peculiarities with functions and scripts

Conversions that are performed automatically are configured for the "Value

Change" event of a tag. Since, in a reciprocal conversion, a distinction must be

drawn depending on whether the value of the tag changes when it originates from

the PLC or from the operating unit, an auxiliary tag has to be used. The figure

below outlines what happens:

Reciprocal conversion

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When an entry is made in the input/output field, the following takes place:

1. The value of the VAR_1 tag changes.

2. The function or script for converting from VAR_1 to VAR_2 is triggered by the

"value change" event.

3. Since VAR_2 has a connection to the PLC, the changed value is available on

the PLC.

When a value changes on the PLC, the calculation of the reverse function takes

place:

1. Since VAR_2 has a connection to the PLC, the value of VAR_2 changes.

2. The function or script for converting from VAR_2 to VAR_1 is triggered by the

"value change" event.

3. The changed value of VAR_1 appears in the input/output field on the operating

unit.

Note

In order to avoid any recursions, functions are not executed at the "value change"

event when the value of the tag changes as a result of another function. The

change to the VAR_2 tag thus does not cause an immediate change to VAR_1,

which would result in an endless loop.

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5.10.6 Example of configuring a function

This example shows you how to configure the "Change Mode" function with

parameters so that "Online" and "Offline" modes can be set with function keys. In

addition, the result of the operation will appear on the operating unit.

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5.10.6.1 How to change the operating mode with a current display

Objective

The following example using the Change Mode function illustrates how you

configure functions with parameters. You also see how the result appears on the

operating unit.

You want to set the Online and Offline operating modes by means of two

function keys. You want the text Online Mode and Offline Modes to appear

on the operating unit.

Configure the functions

Procedure:

1 Create and open the screen in which the switchover and display take place.

2 Click the function key that you want to use to enable the Online operating

mode.

The "Function Key" dialog box appears.

3 Select the "Functions" tab.

4 At "Selected Functions", select the event "Press Key"

5 Select the "Display Selectable Functions" check box to open the "Select

Object" window.

6 Select the Change Mode function in the "Toggle" function group.

7 Click the "Add" button.

The "Parameters" dialog box appears.

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Procedure:

8 Select the Operating Mode parameter from the list, and enter the value 0

in the input field under the list.

This parameter value controls the behavior of the "Change Mode" function,

so that the mode changes to Online mode.

9 Click OK to close the "Parameters" dialog box.

The function then appears in the "Selected Functions" list.

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Procedure:

10 Configure Set_Bit as the second function. Specify a local tag of the Bool

type as the parameter. You can create the tag during value assignment by

clicking the arrow pointing to the right under the parameter list in the

"Parameters" dialog box. Configure the tag with the following data:

Name: Operating mode

PLC: <No PLC>

Type: BOOL

Both functions, including the configured parameters, appear in the list in the

"Function Key" dialog box.

Close the dialog box by clicking OK.

11 Right-click the function key and select "Copy".

This copies the properties of the function key you have just configured.

12 Using the shortcut menu, paste the copied function key properties to the

second function key.

13 Click the second function key and change the value to 1 in the Parameters

dialog box of the "Operating mode" parameter.

Replace the function Set_Bit with the function Reset_Bit with the tag

Operating Mode.

In the next step you create an output field whose contents change dynamically

depending on the Operating mode tag. The user can thus read on the operating

unit at any time which operating mode is currently set.

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Configure the display

Procedure:

1 Insert a symbolic output field in the screen.

The "Symbolic Output Field" dialog box appears.

2 On the "General" tab at "Display", choose at "Index tag" the previously

created Operating mode tag.

3 Click the arrow pointing to the right next to "Text or Graphic List", and choose

the "New" menu command from the shortcut menu that appears.

The "Text or Graphic List" dialog box appears.

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Procedure:

4 Call the Text or graphic list status and create the list with the data:

Type: Bit 0

Value: 0 Text: Online mode

Value: 1 Text: Offline mode

5 Click OK to accept all the dialog box entries.

Result

At run time, the operator can use the two configured function keys to set the

operating mode and read the current operating mode on the display.

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5.11 Create archives

Windows-based systems offer you the opportunity to archive process data (in other

words, store them permanently and analyze them).

The following types of process data can be archived:

• TagsIn the "Tags" dialog box you define a trigger condition and the range of

values for archiving the tag.

• Messages By choosing "System" > "Messages" > "Settings" you can define

which messages will be archived.

• TrendsUse the "Data Source" tab in the "Trend" dialog box to set the archive

from which the tags for displaying the trend will be read.

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5.11.1 Archiving process data

Archive properties

The properties of an archive, such as its storage location, etc., are defined in the

"Archive" dialog box. The "Archive" dialog box appears when a new archive is

created in the project window or an existing archive is opened.

Archiving model

The following diagram shows the archiving model:

Archiving model

Storage media

The data can be archived on different storage media:

• File

• Database (not for Multi Panel)

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Storage locations for archives

Depending on the hardware configuration of the operating unit, you can configure

the following storage locations in ProTool CS:

• \Storage Card\... (PC-Card)

• \Storage Card2\... (CF-Card)

• Network path (when a network is created on an operating unit)

Note

When creating archives on the CF card, make sure it is inserted. If not, the data will

be stored in the RAM file system of Windows CE and are lost on power down.

Storing data to file

Each archive is stored as a separate file. You must specify a path at "Storage

location".

If you are creating an archive but you either enter nothing at "Path Name" on the

"Settings" tab or you specify only a drive, such as C:\, an archive will not be

created.

Note

To the extent possible, avoid using spaces in the path name. If you cannot avoid

them, place path names containing spaces in quotation marks.

When you archive process data to a floppy disk, archiving is terminated without

checkback when the floppy disk is full.

The data are stored in the file in compliance with the Microsoft CSV standard, that

is in a text file that has entries containing freely definable separators. You will find

the "list separator" set on your system on the "Start" menu at "Settings" > "Control

Panel" > "Regional Settings" on the tab labeled "Numbers".

All data are stored as ANSI characters. CSV files can be read in and processed by

other programs for the purpose of evaluating the data.

Note

In the case of Windows CE devices, the internal FLASH memory cannot be

specified as a storage location.

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Note

The following applies to Windows CE devices:

In ProTool 5.2 and higher, the regional options such as format of the date and time

and decimal and list separators are "German" by default.

Modify this setting or replace the separators in the file, as necessary, if you are

using archives or exported recipe data records in ProTool 5.2 or higher that you

created in ProTool 5.1. The reason for this is that the operating unit can read

archives and exported recipe data records correctly only if the set decimal and list

separators are identical at the time of reading and writing.

When you change the system language to "English", modify the time output

simultaneously to the 24 hour format, since the standard width of the time field in

the message view is geared to the 24 hour format.

Data storage in database (except Windows CE devices)

The database is addressed by its "data source name". Select the database you

want to use in ProTool from the "Start" menu at "Settings" > "Control Panel" >

"ODBC Data Sources".

This means that you then have the entire functionality of the database at your

disposal for further processing and evaluating your archive data. Basically, any

database featuring ODBC interface can be used.

The following databases have been approved:

• MS Data Engine 97 and 2000

• MS Access 97 and 2000

• MS SQL Server 7.0 and 2000

To enable archive data to be saved to a database, a feature known as a data

source name (DSN) must be specified during configuring instead of a directory

name. The DSN is used to provide a precise reference to the database and its

location.

The data source that establishes the connection to the database must be created

on the same computer as the Runtime software is stored. The DSN configured

there is then specified in ProTool during creation of the archive.

Archive response in Runtime

If the archives are activated after a cold restart (power OFF/ON) of the Panel

before the network connection has been established, an initialization error is

reported.

Therefore, configure in your ProTool project an operating option whereby you can

manually open the archives in Runtime, such as a button for the function

"Open_Archives".

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5.11.2 Settings for an archive

Settings

When creating an archive, you can choose the response for a full archive in the

Properties dialog box on the "Settings" tab:

• FIFO buffer

• Creating sequence archives

Short-term archive

A "short-term archive" is a FIFO buffer, which means that if the buffer has a

capacity of 100, for example, only the last 100 values are archived. Older values

are overwritten.

Note

On performance grounds it will always be possible to read at least 80% of the

values from the buffer. Therefore if you want to have a certain number of values

available (say 100 values), you should be sure to create a FIFO archive which is

larger (say 125 values).

Sequence archive

A "sequence archive" is filled to the defined size. The data medium or archive then

has to be changed in order to continue archiving.

You can select one of the following options for sequence archives:

• "Automatically Create Sequence Archive" A new archive is created

automatically. The archives receive the specified archive name with an

additional number (1 ... n). You can configure the number of archives. Once

the last archive has been filled, the first archive is filled again.

• "Output System Message When" If the archive (a floppy disk, for example) is

full, a system message is issued. You can specify the level at which the

message is to be output as a percentage.

• "Trigger Function" If the archive is full, functions are triggered which allow

special sequential archive handling.

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5.11.3 Displaying archive data in a specified time window

Principle

You can display archive data (in other words, tags and messages) on the operating

unit, in the form of trends (for tags) or a message display (for messages).

If you want to quickly and easily display archive data within a particular time slot,

you can enter the required date and time in an input field.

• In the "message view", the selected messages are displayed over a range

before and after the set point of time.

• In a "trend display", create a time slot by means of a trend display on the

screen and display the archived trend data up to the set point of time.

The following figure shows an example of a trend display:

Example of a trend display and input field

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5.11.4 Options for configuring archives

What can an archive contain?

Windows-based systems offer you the opportunity to archive process data (in other

words, store them permanently and analyze them).

Depending on the process data saved, there are different types of archive:

• Message archivesA message archive is used to store the message events of

one or more message classes (event messages/alarm messages/system

messages). You are only able, however, to assign one specific archive to each

message class. Since login and logout operations are automatically output as

system messages, you can also archive all logins and logouts with the

message archive.

• Tag archivesA tag archive contains the values of one or more tags at specific

points in time. You are only able, however, to assign one specific archive to

each tag.

The properties of an archive, such as its storage location, etc., are defined in the

"Archives" dialog box. You will find an archiving model for a project in "Archiving

process data".

How do you archive process data?

Usually, messages and tags are archived over the entire duration of the process. If

an archive is full, either the sequence archives configured for it are filled or the

archive is written again ("FIFO Buffer" option).

With the aid of the ProTool functions, you are able to customize the way in which

your project is archived. Application examples for this include:

• The operator can perform unscheduled archiving of messages and tags.

• The operator can change the archive at any time he wants.

• Additional functions are executed when a sequence archive starts.

• A message archive or a tag archive is displayed on the operating unit.

• The archive data are stored in a database and processed further.

• The archive file is copied and processed further in another program.

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5.11.5 Examples of using archives

These examples illustrate how to:

• Create and structure an archive for messages.

• Structure an archive for tags.

• Display archive data with a time window.

5.11.5.1 How to create an archive for messages

Objective

You want to create archives for messages each having a size of 300 entries.

Procedure:

1 Double-click the "Archives" object type in the project window to open the

"Archive" dialog box.

2 On the "General" tab, select "Messages".

3 At "Behavior at Restart", select "Reset Archive". This means that in the event

of a restart, the archive will be written from the beginning again.

4 Select "file" as the "storage location" and specify the path on the "Settings"

tab.

5 For "Size", enter 300 entries.

6 At "Behavior When Archive Full", select "Automatically Create Sequence

Archive" and enter 7 as the number (in other words, 8 archives will be

created). When these have all been filled, the first one is then overwritten.

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5.11.5.2 Structure of an archive for messages

Structure

Here is an example of a file for messages:

"Time_ms";"MsgProc";"StateAfter";"MsgClass";"MsgNumber";"Var1";...;"Var8";"Tim

eString";"MsgText";"PLC"

36341550590,27;1;1;3;110001;"";...;"";" 06.30.99 13:12:51";"Change to

'Online' mode";

36341550682,87;1;1;3;140010;"";...;"";"06.30.99

13:12:59";"Connection established: PLC_1, Station 2, Rack 0, Slot 2";

36341550682,87;1;1;3;140001;"2";...;"";"06.30.99 13:12:59";"User

administrator logged in with level 9";

36341550682,87;1;1;3;170003;"PLC_1:";...;"";"06.30.99 13:12:59";"Change to

'Online' mode";

36341601759,25;1;1;3;190011;"";...;"06.30.99

14:26:32";"Connection established: PLC_1, Station 2, Rack 0, Slot 2";

The following is entered in the various columns:

Time_ms Time stamp as decimal value*) Converted

Msg_Proc Message procedure:

0 = unknown message procedure

1 = system message

2 = message bit procedure (event messages)

3 = ALARM_S message number procedure

4 = diagnostic event

100 = message bit procedure (alarm messages)

StateAfter Message event:

0 = active/cleared

1 = active

2 = active/acknowledged/cleared

3 = active/acknowledged

4 = active/cleared/acknowledged

Msg_Class Message class:

0 = no message class

1 = alarm message

2 = event message

3 = system message

4 = diagnostic event

MsgNumber Message number

Var1 ... Var8 Value of the message tag as a string

TimeString Time stamp as a string, that is, in a readable date format

MsgText Message as readable STRING

PLC Message localization (PLC affected)

*) Note on converting values in the Time_ms column:

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If you wish to process a value in another program, it must be divided by 1 000 000.

Example: 36343476928: 1 000 000 = 36343.476928

A date from 31.12.1899 onward is derived by calculation from the value before the

decimal point.

The time is derived from the value following the decimal point: 0.476928. Multiply

by 24 to give the hours; multiply any remainder by 60 to give the minutes; again

multiply any remainder by 60 to give the seconds; any further remainder multiplied

by 1000 gives milliseconds.

Result: 07. 02.1999 11:26:46

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5.11.5.3 Structure of an archive for tags

Structure

Here is an example of a file for tags:

"VarName";"TimeString";"VarValue";"Validity";"Time_ms"

"Var_107";"01.04.98 11:02:52";66,00;1;35886460322,81

"Var_108";"01.04.98 11:02:55";60,00;1;35886460358,73

"Var_109";"01.04.98 11:02:57";59,00;1;35886460381,22

The following is entered in the various columns:

VarName Name of the ProTool tag

TimeString Time stamp as a string, that is, in a readable date format

VarValue Value of the tag

Validity Validity: 1 = value is valid

0 = error has occurred

Time_ms Time stamp as decimal value*) Converted: required only for

displaying the tag values as a trend.

*) Note on converting values in the Time_ms column:

If you wish to process a value in another program, it must be divided by 1 000 000.

Example: 36343476928: 1 000 000 = 36343.476928

A date from 31.12.1899 onward is derived by calculation from the value before the

decimal point.

The time is derived from the value following the decimal point: 0.476928. Multiply

by 24 to give the hours; multiply any remainder by 60 to give the minutes; again

multiply any remainder by 60 to give the seconds; any further remainder multiplied

by 1000 gives milliseconds.

Result: 07. 02.1999 11:26:46

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5.11.5.4 How to display archive data with a time window

Objective

On the operating unit you wish to display a trend showing the archive data from a

certain point in time onward. This means that the operator will be able to access

the particular time slot quickly and easily, and without having to spend a great deal

of time scrolling on the screen.

Configuring an input field for an archive trend

Procedure:

1 Configure a Date/Time field for entering the start time for displaying the

archive data:

2 Select a tag without PLC connection as the "data source" in Date/Time

format:

Name: VAR_15

PLC: <No PLC>

Type: DATETIME

3 In the trend display, go to the "Axis Scaling" tab and select the tag VAR_15 .

Result

When the operator enters a date and a time on the operating unit in this input field,

the archive data for the specified moment in time onward will be displayed.

Note

For a message display, go to the "General" tab and select a tag with the starting

time.

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5.12 Creating recipes

Purpose

The purpose of recipes is to be able to transfer collectively and synchronously

multiple items of data that belong together from the operating unit to the PLC and

vice versa.

Principle

The terms "recipe" and "data record" should be defined using the example of a

filing cabinet, as they are important for later understanding:

Recipe and data record illustrated by analogy with a filing cabinet

• Recipe

Recipes correspond to the drawers of the filing cabinet shown (for example,

Orange or Lemon). The reference value fields (tags) belonging to the particular

recipe are defined in each drawer. You use the recipe to define the data

structure in your ProTool project.

You cannot change this structure subsequently on the operating unit.

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• Data record

Data records correspond to the filing cards in the drawers of the cabinet (Drink,

Juice and Nectar). A data record contains the values for a recipe.

The operator edits data records on the operating unit, for example, creating,

saving and deleting data records.

The Import/Export function gives the operator the additional option of using

external applications to edit exported data records and then importing them

back on the operating unit.

Example of a recipe

An example of a recipe is the filling station of a fruit juice system. The filling station

is used to produce orange drink, orange juice and orange nectar. The mixing

proportions for each of these are different. The ingredients are always the same.

Let us assume that a recipe called "Mixture" is created, containing the following

data structure:

Tag Designation

Var_2 l orange

Var_3 l water

Var_4 kg sugar

Var_5 g flavor

The designations l orange, g flavor, etc. of the tags are what are referred to

as the "entry names". The entry names are displayed as well on the operating unit.

Thus the tag Var_2, for example, is identifiable as the tag which defines the

proportion of orange in the mixture.

The data records contain the values for the different drink types. The data records

could be as follows, for example:

Mixture Orange juice Orange nectar Orange drink

l orange 95 90 70

l water 5 10 30

kg sugar 3 10 45

g flavor 100 300 600

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5.12.1 Using and configuring recipes

Using recipes

With regard to using recipes, you will find three scenarios, among other things, at

"Examples", which demonstrate the use of recipes with brief practical examples.

They are intended to provide you with a top level overview of the possibilities open

to you as a result of using recipes:

• The first scenario shows a recipe configuration with which entered data are not

transferred immediately to the PLC. You set this configuration when, for

example, you want to enter data on the operating unit without interrupting an

active process.

• In the second scenario, data are immediately transferred to the PLC. This

configuration can be used, for example, to run in a machine and correct

positioning data online when doing so.

• The third scenario uses data record functions for automatically controlling

production by means of a job list.

Data flow with recipes

The manner in and the route used for transferring data records between the

different components (A, B, and C) will depend on the recipe and the functions

used. The figure shows the data flow that might occur when recipes are used:

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The operating unit (A) stores recipe data records on a memory medium, such as a

FLASH memory or hard disk. You can then edit a recipe data record in a recipe

view or a recipe screen on the operating unit display:

• You can enter a new data record, save it on the memory medium (2), for

example, and transfer (3) it to the PLC (B).

• You can export the data record to an external data medium (C), to a PC, for

example. The data record is stored on it independently of the recipe in *.CSV

format. You can load this file in MS Excel, for example, and continue editing it.

• Similarly, you can load an existing data record from the memory medium of the

operating unit (2) or import it as a *.CSV file from an external data medium (1).

You ca also directly transfer a recipe data record from the memory medium to the

PLC (4) or load it from the PLC to the storage medium. In the same way, you can

transfer a recipe data record being shown on the display, to the PLC (3) or read out

from it.

Configuration options with recipes

In recipe properties, you can control the recipe tag properties on the "Options" tab.

The figure shows the basic differences when working with data records and the

effect of the options "Synchronize" and "Offline".

The "Synchronize" and "Offline" options when editing data records

1. Recipe without "Synchronize Tags"

The data of a data record which has been read is only displayed in the recipe view

table and can also only be edited in the recipe view. If you use the same tags

outside the recipe view, this does not affect their values.

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2. Recipe with "Synchronize Tag" and with "Offline"

With the "Synchronize Tags" option, you specify that the data of a data record

which has been read from the PLC or storage medium has been written to the tags

or has been read from the tags you configured for the recipe.

The "Offline" option ensures that the entered data are only saved in the tags, but

not transferred directly to the PLC on being input.

3. Recipe with "Synchronize Tag" and without "Offline"

As 2. above). However, entered or read in data are immediately transferred to the

PLC.

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5.12.2 Recipe view

Purpose

You want to be able to work straightforwardly and quickly with recipes and data

records, with minimal configuration.

Usage

The recipe view is a compact screen object which enables you to handle recipes

and data records quickly and straightforwardly, with minimal configuration.

This method is particularly recommended for data records with relatively few

entries, which are suitable for editing in tabular form.

You configure a recipe view on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the button shown.

Note

You can enable the recipe view by using SHIFT and double-click or from the "Edit"

option of the shortcut menu. This means that you can move a column to the

required position and set the column width during the configuration phase.

Using a recipe view

ProTool provides the following buttons for using the recipe view at run time. You

can set individually, for each of these buttons, whether it will be displayed on the

operating unit.

Button Purpose

New

"Create New Data Record"

The operator uses this button to create a new data record on the

operating unit. The specified values are assigned the default

values specified as initial values for the tags concerned in ProTool.

Save

"Save Data Record"

The operator uses this button to save the current values of the

data record located in the tags on the data medium. The storage

location is defined when you configure the recipe in the recipe

editor ("Properties" button, "Data Medium" tab).

Save As

"Save Data Record As"

As "Save Data Record". However, the operator has the option of

changing the current data record name or selecting an existing

data record name.

Delete

"Delete Data Record "

The operator uses this button to delete from the data medium the

data record displayed on the operating unit for the currently set

recipe.

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Button Purpose

Synchronize

"Synchronize Data Record"

The operator uses this button to establish consistency between the

recipe view and the tags. The modified values of the tags are

written from the table to the appropriate tags. Following that, all

values are read from the tags and updated in the table.

To PLC

"Write Data Record to PLC"

The operator uses this button to write the current data record from

the tags to the PLC.

From PLC

"Read Data Record from PLC"

The operator uses this button to read the data record for the

currently set recipe from the PLC and display the values on the

operating unit.

Note

In ProTool 5.2, the data in the recipe view were used for the actions "Save " and

"Download to PLC". These data are not always up-to-date, however. In ProTool

6.0, the data in the tags are used.

Changing screens in recipe views

On changing screens, the recipe view retains its present contents. If the recipe

view contains unsaved values at the time the screen is changed, you are prompted

to save them. The recipe concerned and the data record are displayed for

guidance. If you return to the recipe view, its contents are updated automatically.

Tips on operation without a mouse and without a touch screen

You can also use all the recipe view controls without a mouse and without a touch

screen. You will find the relevant key combinations in the "ProTool/Pro Runtime"

user manual and in the equipment manual of your operating unit.

Take the following steps to optimize recipe view operation for your operating unit:

• Function keys instead of buttons: In ProTool, deselect the button display.

Instead, assign the corresponding functions to function keys or soft keys.

Select the "Functions" tab for the function key. In the "Select Object" window,

ProTool provides all the data record editing functions under the heading

"Keyboard operation of screen objects".

• Scrolling through recipe entries: For the "recipe view", configure two function

keys or soft keys, to which you assign the functions Page_Up and Page_Down.

If you have selected the table, you will then be able to use the keys at tun time

to scroll forward or backward through the recipe entries, a page at a time.

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Specifying the recipe name

If you select a specific recipe at "Recipe name fixed" (in the "Recipe View dialog

box, on the "General" tab), you will only be able to display and edit data records of

the recipe you specify in the selection field.

Possible applications:

• You only wish a specific recipe to be edited or displayed on a particular screen.

• For example, only the data records of one specific recipe are to be transferred

for a user group.

Displaying and/or editing data records

You set the "Display table" setting to specify whether the configured entries of the

current data record are to be displayed on the operating unit. If you suppress the

display, you simultaneously rule out the possibility of using the recipe view to

create or edit data records.

You use the "Edit" setting to specify whether you can edit the table at run time and

directly enter or modify the data record name. If you inhibit editing, the recipe view

is used only as an output field.

If you have selected both the "Display table" and "Allow Edit" check boxes, the

configured entries of the data records will be displayed on the operating unit. At the

same time, you have write access to the values.

Writing recipe and data record numbers/names to tags

You can configure separate tags for the recipe and data record numbers/names.

The numbers selected on the operating unit are written to them at run time. You

can use the recipe and data record numbers/names stored in the tags as a

parameter for functions and scripts to save the current data record, for example.

Note

Select "String tag" when you use recipe and data record names, and "tag" when

you use recipe and data record numbers.

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5.12.3 Recipe screen

Purpose

You want to configure custom screen forms for entering data records, for example,

by visually simulating your system.

Usage

The recipe consists of screen objects, for which you configure recipe tags. You can

distribute large recipes over several topic-specific screens and display them with

graphic elements, for example.

This method is particularly recommended for data records with a relatively high

number of entries. In addition, you have the option of linking several recipes in

mutual dependence. You ca configure a recipe view on a recipe screen in order to

use it as a selection list for data records, for example.

Basic procedure for creating a recipe screen

1. Define the recipe structure:

Assign tags to the structure of the recipe.

Use these tags for the input/output fields in the recipe screens.

Define a name for the recipe.

You will use this name to select the recipe in your project and on the operating

unit.

Synchronize tags:

In recipe properties, you can control the recipe tag properties on the "Options"

tab. With the "Synchronize tags" option, you specify that the data of a data

record which has been read from the PLC or data medium has been written to

the tags or has been read from the tags you configured for the recipe.

Tags offline:

Also on the "Options" tab, use the "Tags offline" option to set (default case)

that entered values are only saved in the tags, but not downloaded directly to

the PLC on input. The requirement here is that the "Synchronize tags" option is

also selected. If the "Tags offline" option is not set, the values are downloaded

directly to the PLC on input.

2. Create the screen:

Create one or more screens if you want to be able to create, save and transfer

data records on the operating unit. Create input/output fields for the recipe

tags. They can be used to display and change the values on the operating unit.

3. Assign functions:

Assign the functions for editing data records (for example, saving or

transferring) to function keys, soft keys or buttons. To do this, select the

"Functions" tab. In the "Object Selection" window, ProTool provides all the data

record editing functions under the heading "data record".

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5.12.4 Configuring recipes

Basic procedure

The basic steps to configuring a recipe are listed below:

1. Define the recipe structure:

Assign tags to the structure of the recipe. Assign technological entry names to

these tags. Define a name for the recipe. You will use this name to select the

recipe in your project and on the operating unit.

Set recipe tag properties:

In the recipe properties, you can control the recipe tag properties on the

"Options" tab. With the "Synchronize tags" option selected, you specify that the

data of a data record which has been read from the PLC or data medium has

been written to the tags or has been read from the tags you configured for the

recipe. This establishes a connection between the tags configured in the recipe

and the tags in the screens. When a data record is loaded, the values are

written to the tags you are using on the screens.

If the "Tags offline" option is also set, values you enter are only saved in the

tags, but not downloaded to the PLC. If this option is not set, the values you

enter are transferred directly to the PLC.

2. Set data record storage to the operating unit:

You can configure the storage path for the data records. Check the set storage

location if you copy recipes between configurations with different destination

devices.

Note

In the Recipe dialog box at "Properties" > "Archive", avoid specifying a path name

that refers to a floppy disk drive, since the system is blocked during access to the

floppy disk drive. Furthermore, non-defined types of behavior occur when a floppy

disk is not inserted or when the floppy disk is removed during operation.

PC: Any path and drive except floppy disk drive

Windows CE devices (except OP 170B and TP 170B):

Depending on the hardware configuration of the operating unit, you can

configure the following storage locations in ProTool CS:

\Storage Card\... (PC-Card)

\Storage Card2\... (CF-Card)

\Flash\... (internal flash memory)

Network path (when a network is created on an operating unit)

Note

When creating data records on the CF card, make sure it is inserted. If not, the

data will be stored in the RAM file system of Windows CE and are lost on power

down.

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Note on the flash memory

Cyclic write access is not allowed for the internal flash memory, since it reduces

the life of the flash memory and thus the life of the operating unit.

3. Set transfer synchronization: You can set whether data records will be

transferred with or without synchronization using the PLC. You require the

"data mailbox" communication area for transfer with synchronization.

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4. Create the recipe view/recipe screens:

Configure one or more screens if you want to be able to create, save and

transfer data records on the operating unit. For this, depending on the case,

use either the recipe view or map your system to recipe screens with

input/output fields.

Recipe view:

The recipe view enables you to handle recipes and data records quickly and

straightforwardly, with minimal configuration. Typically, you will use it to edit

data records of smaller recipes in tabular form.

Recipe screens:

You can use recipe screens to customize the user interface for editing data

records and simulate the visual appearance of your system by using graphics

and individual masks for entering the data records. Recipe screens are

particularly recommended for data records with a relatively high number of

entries.

5. You decide whether to use recipe view or recipe screen editing options in

Recipe Properties, by setting the "Synchronize tags" option on the "Options"

tab.

"Synchronize tags":

The data of a data record which has been read is written to the tags or read

from the tags you configured for the recipe. If you want to be able to enter and

change data records via a recipe screen, position the tags defined in the recipe

in screens, by using input fields, for example.

"Do not synchronize tags:

The data of a data record which has been read are only displayed in the recipe

view table and can only be edited in the recipe view. If you use the same tags

in screens as well, this does not affect their values.

Note

Take note in this respect of "Editing data records".

Text or graphic list for recipes

When you create a project, a text or graphic list called Z_RECIPES is automatically

created. The sequence in which the recipes are entered in the text or graphic list is

determined by the parameter.

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Tags in recipes

The following configured properties of tags are not evaluated in recipes:

• Unevaluated properties with non-synchronized recipes: − Functions triggered

by set events − Data entry cycle and update (Read Continuously) − Tag limit

values − Archiving

• String tags: In string tags, the hexadecimal value 00h is interpreted as an

identifier for the end of the string. Subsequent characters in the string are

neither read nor displayed. When written to the PLC and when saved to the

data medium, subsequent characters are padded with 0.

• Timers/counters: The range of values is not checked on the operating unit

when data are entered in the recipe view in the case of "timer" and "counter"

type tags. Remedy: Configure fixed limit values for the tag if you want the

range of values to be checked when data are entered.

• Date/time: "Date", "Time of Day" and "Date and Time" tags are all displayed in

the same format in recipes, namely DD.MM.YYYY/HH.MM:SS. The invalid part

for the tag is assigned a default value when displayed.

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5.12.5 Synchronization with the PLC

Purpose

With synchronous transfer, both communication peers set status bits in the data

mailbox used by them both. In this way, you can prevent uncontrolled, mutual

overwriting of data in your PLC program.

Usage

Synchronous data record transfer is then always available, for example, if:

• DThe PLC is the "active peer" in the transfer of data records

• Information about the recipe number/name and data record number/name

have to be evaluated on the PLC.

• A transfer of data records is initiated by a function or a PLC job, for example

with the functions Data_Record_DAT_To_PLC and

Data_Record_PLC_To_DAT, or the PLC jobs

Write_Data_Record_To_PLC and Read_Data_Record_From_PLC

Note

Greater flexibility is achieved by using functions rather than PLC jobs.

Requirements

If you want data records to be transferred between the operating unit and the PLC

with synchronization, the following requirements must be met during configuration:

• The "Data Mailbox" area pointer is created in the project window at "Area

pointer".

• The PLC, with which the operating unit synchronizes the transfer of data

records is specified in the recipe properties.

You set the PLC in the recipe editor: "Properties" button, "Transfer" tab.

Note

Communication with the PLC is described in the "Communication for Windows-

based Systems" manuals, in the section called "Data mailbox for synchronized

transfer.

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5.12.6 Editing data records

Creating data records

The following options are open to you for creating data records:

• Data records are created by operator input on the operating unit.

• You use the functions Export_Data_Records and Import_Data_Records.

Procedure for external creation

1. Create a data record with a symbolic name.

2. Configure the function Export_Data_Records in order to export data

records on the operating unit to the storage medium as CSV files. In this way

you can easily edit data records using external tool, such as a spreadsheet

program or text editor. Information such as recipe name, recipe number, data

record name and data record number is stored in the first two lines. That is

followed by the values for the data record; this then provides a pattern for the

structure.

3. You then reimport the data records on the operating unit with the

Import_Data_Records function.

Detailed instructions on how to create data records and transfer them to the PLC

are given in the manual "Recipes for Windows-Based Systems".

Note

Only use Western European characters in data record names.

Transferring data records

If you want to transfer data records, you have the following options:

• Operating the recipe view buttons on the operating unit.

• PLC jobs 69 (read data record from the PLC) and 70 (write data record to

PLC).

• The configured functions: Data_Record_DAT_to_PLC and

Data_Record_PLC_to_DAT

Detailed information on the "data mailbox"communication area can be found in the

manual "Recipes for Windows-Based Systems".

Deleting data records without recipe view

Using the function Delete_Data_Record you can delete data records without

having to configure a recipe view. The function Delete_Data_Record allows you

to delete all or individual data records in a recipe.

When the function is triggered or terminated, a system message is issued ("Started

to delete data record" or "Stopped deleting data record").

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5.12.7 Structure of the "data mailbox" area pointer

Principle

The "data mailbox" communication area is required on the PLC for the transfer of

data records with synchronization.

The values of a data record tags are written directly to the addresses of the tags

configured for the PLC. Before transferring, the system checks whether this

transfer is allowed and issues a system message indicating whether or not errors

occurred during transfer.

Note

For further information about the direct transfer of data records refer to the

"Communication for Windows-based Systems" manual.

You create the data mailbox in your project at "Area pointer" in the project window.

The data mailbox is created with a length of 5 data words and has the following

structure:

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5.12.8 Compatibility of recipes

Special features with recipes

Please take into consideration the following notes on copying recipes via the

clipboard:

• Windows-based system > Windows-based system During copying, all fields

and their properties are assigned the values used in the source project.

• "Windows-based system" > "graphics display" It is not possible to copy the

recipes of Windows-based systems to projects for graphics displays.

• "Graphics display" > "Windows-based system" Properties not available in the

source project (for example, storage location) are given the default settings in

the destination project. Settings no longer available in the destination project

are discarded. The standard screens and data record functions of the devices

having a graphics display are not converted.

Please note that if you are using the same PLC, the tag addresses may be

discarded even when changing the connection type.

You can prevent this by taking an intermediate step, for example:

Source: OP 37 project using SIMATIC S5 L2-DP

Intermediate step 1: OP 37 project using SIMATIC S5 AS511

Intermediate step 2: PC project using SIMATIC S5 AS511

Destination project: PC project using SIMATIC S5 DP

Note

For further information refer to the brief instructions "Configuration information for

upgrading".

Note

The following applies to Windows CE devices:

In ProTool 2 and higher, the regional options such as format of the date and time

and decimal and list separators are "German" by default. Modify this setting or

replace the separators in the file, as necessary, if you are using archives or

exported recipe data records in ProTool 5.2 or higher that you created in ProTool

5.1. The reason for this is that the operating unit can read archives and exported

recipe data records correctly only if the set decimal and list separators are identical

at the time of reading and writing.

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5.12.9 Examples and scenarios for creating and configuring a recipe

The examples "How to create a recipe" and "How to configure a recipe view" show

you how to create a recipe for the mixing unit of a fruit juice system.

The three scenarios are typical applications in practice concerning the subject of

recipes.

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5.12.9.1 How to create a recipe

Task

In this example you create a recipe for the mixing station of a fruit juice system.

Different fruit juices are to be mixed using the same system. The ingredients are

the same; only the mixing proportions are different.

Example of a Screen: Mixing Station

You begin by creating a recipe called "mixture" and then a data record with the

name "juice". This data record contains the mixing proportions for orange juice.

The data record is transferred to the PLC using the synchronized transfer option,

i.e. a data mailbox is required. During transfer of the data record, the operating unit

sets bits in the status word of the data mailbox. You then have to set the status

word to zero in the PLC program in order to enable the data mailbox again.

The task involves the following steps:

• Creating a recipe

• Configuring the recipe view

• Transferring a project file to the operating unit

• Creating a data record on the operating unit

• Transferring a data record to the PLC

This example shows you how to create a recipe. The other subtasks are dealt with

in the example "How to configure a recipe view".

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Procedure:

The example recipe is to be created for a PC 670 connected to the SIMATIC S7-

300 and SIMATIC S7-400 PLC through an MPI.

Creating a recipe

Procedure:

1 Create a new project and save it under a name of your choice.

2 In the project window, double-click "Recipes" to create the recipe described

below.

3 Create four REAL tags, Var_2, Var_3, Var_4 and Var_5, for the

ingredients orange (in liters), water (in liters), sugar (in kilograms) and flavor

(in grams) and assign the following addresses:

Var_2 DB 120, DBD 0

Var_3 DB 120, DBD 4

Var_4 DB 120, DBD 8

Var_5 DB 120, DBD 12

Assign the tags the illustrated entry names in the "Recipe" dialog box and add

the entries for the recipe structure. You define the structure of the recipe by

means of the order of the tags.

4 Click the "Properties" button in the "Recipe" dialog box. On the "General" tab,

change the name of the recipe to mixture. Set the recipe number to 1.

5 Select your PLC on the "Transfer" tab.

6 On the "Options" tab, deselect the "Synchronize tags" check box. This will

mean that the data of a data record which has been read is only displayed in

the recipe view table and can only be edited in the recipe view. If you use the

same tags in screens as well, this does not affect their values.

7 Create the "data mail box" communication area at "Area pointer" in the project

window. Click the OK and set the address:

The length is fixed at 5.

Area: DB100, DBW 0

Make sure that you create data block 100 with a length of at least 5 data

words in your PLC program as well.

8 On the "Data Medium" tab, enter C:\TEMP\REC as the path name.

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5.12.9.2 How to configure a recipe view

Task

In this example you configure the recipe view for the mixing unit of a fruit juice

system. You transfer the project file to the PLC, create a data record and transfer it

to the PLC.

Configuring the recipe view

Procedure:

1 On a screen, configure the "recipe view" screen object with the following

buttons: "New", "Save", "Delete", "From PLC" and "To PLC".

2 At "Data record", select the settings "Display table" and "Allow edit".

Transferring a project file to the operating unit

Procedure:

1 Establish a physical connection with the operating unit.

2 Transfer the project to the operating unit.

Creating a data record on the operating unit

Procedure:

1 Select the screen with the "recipe view".

2 At "Recipe name", select the recipe called mixture.

3 Click the "New" button.

Position the cursor in the "Data record name" input field and enter Juice as

the name.

4 Move the cursor to the input field at "data record name".

Then enter the following values:

Orange 95

Water 5

Sugar 3

Flavor 250

5 Click the "Save" button. This saves the data record to the specified path.

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Transferring a data record to the PLC

Procedure:

1 Press the "To PLC" button to transfer the data record from the operating unit

to the PLC.

During transfer of the data record, the operating unit sets bits in the status

word of the data mailbox.

2 Confirm the transfer in the PLC program.

Result

The values for the "Juice" data record are now in the memory area of the PLC.

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5.12.9.3 Scenario 1: How to enter data records

Objective

You want to enter production data on the operating unit (A) without interrupting the

active process. The production data are not to be transferred to the PLC (B) for

that reason.

Process

Enter the production data in the recipe view or on the recipe screen, assign a data

record name and save the data record to the storage medium of the operating unit.

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Implementation options in ProTool

In ProTool, you configure the structure of the recipe with the associated tags:

1. Since we do not want the production data to be transferred to the PLC,

synchronization with the PLC is not necessary. We do not want to have the

tags transferred to the PLC. Click "Properties" and set the following

configuration:

2. Depending on the size of the recipe, configure either a recipe view or create a

recipe screen.

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5.12.9.4 Scenario 2: Manual production process

Objective

The production data have to be requested from the PLC (B) as a function of the

work piece we want to process and shown on the display of the operating unit (A)

for inspection. If necessary, you want to be able to correct the transferred

production data online.

Process

A reader connected, say, to the PLC reads out a barcode on the work piece we

want to process. The data record names correspond in this instance to the

respective barcode IDs. This means that the PLC can load the required data record

from the storage medium of the operating unit. The data record is shown on the

display for inspection purposes. Changes are transferred immediately to the PLC.

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Implementation options in ProTool

In ProTool, you configure the structure of the recipe with the associated tags:

1. Since the production data are required to be transferred to the PLC,

synchronization with the PLC is necessary to prevent uncontrolled mutual

overwriting. We want to have the tags transferred to the PLC. Click "Properties"

and set the following configuration:

2. Depending on the size of the recipe, configure either a recipe view or create a

recipe screen.

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5.12.9.5 Scenario 3: Automated production process (job list)

Objective

You want to run production that is automated by means of a job list. The production

data are required to be transferred either from the data medium of the operating

unit (A) or from an external data medium (C) directly to the PLC (B). There is no

need for data to be shown on the display.

Process

Production can be controlled by means of one or more VB scripts, which

automatically transfer the production data records to the PLC. The process can be

monitored by means of return values of the functions being used.

Implementation in ProTool

You can implement the automated production process with the available data

record functions: The function Import_Data_Record loads data records from a

*.csv file to the data medium. The function Data_Record_DAT_To_PLC transfers

a data record from the data medium to the PLC.

You will find more information about programming with VBScript at "Creating

VBScripts".

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5.13 Prompting the operator

Purpose

In addition to the option of customizing the user interface of the operating unit to

make it easier for you to use, ProTool features other options for supporting and

prompting you on your operating unit as a function of the situation. This means you

can implement mechanisms and decision-making aids that can effectively prevent

incorrect operations on the operating unit.

ProTool makes the following methods available for the implementation of operator

prompting:

• Providing Help text

• Displaying the on-screen keyboard

• Assigning icons to local function keys

• Displaying and hiding screen objects

• Assigning dynamic attributes

• Driving light-emitting diodes

• Configuring the tab order

• Dynamically positioning screen objects

• Assigning operator authorization

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5.13.1 Help information on the operating unit

Purpose

Help text provides additional information and operator instructions on screens,

input and output fields, and buttons and messages to the operator at run time. Help

text provides additional information that can be defined for screens, input/output

fields, buttons and messages when configuring with ProTool. For example, Help

text may be in the form of the permissible range of values for an input field or the

cause and elimination of a malfunction in the case of an alarm message. Help text

is displayed on the operating unit in the language you set.

You configure Help text on the "Help Text" tab in the "Properties" dialog box of the

object in question.

In addition to Help text, you can configure tooltips on some devices for certain

screen objects; the tooltips are displayed at run time for limit values in input fields,

for example.

Displaying Help text on the operating unit

• All devices except PC The availability of Help text is indicated on the operating

unit by the lit "HELP" LED. On touch panels, the "HELP" button is displayed.

The configured Help text can be output by pressing the "HELP" key.

Detailed information about activating Help texts is given in the equipment

manual for your operating unit.

• PCs Assign the function "Show Help Text" to function key "F1", for example. By

pressing that key, the operator can output the configured Help text at run time.

Note

The function Display_Help_Text normally only makes sense with the function keys.

When you operate a function key, you receive help on the screen object for which

the focus is currently activated. If you configure the Display_Help_Text function for

a button, you get either the configured Help for the button or for the current screen

when you operate the button by clicking the mouse or by touch operation.

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5.13.2 On-screen keyboard

Requirements

The on-screen keyboard can be enabled on all operating units (except the OP

170B).

Purpose

An on-screen keyboard can be displayed for entering values on the operating unit.

The operator can click the illustrated keys with the mouse or (with touch-operated

devices) or touch them to fill out the input field.

Depending on the selected input field, the on-screen keyboard features keys for

purely numerical input or for entering alphanumeric characters.

In the case of numeric input fields, the operator is shown the minimum and

maximum values allowed for input. The displayed values are determined from the

limit values configured in the tag dialog box for the input field.

The figure shows an example of a German on-screen keyboard for PCs and Panel

PCs for entering alphanumeric values.

On-screen keyboard for PCs and Panel PCs

Enabling the on-screen keyboard

The manner in which the on-screen keyboard is enabled depends on the operating

unit:

• On touch-operated devices, the on-screen keyboard is always displayed

automatically as soon as the operator selects an input field. After completing

the input by means of RETURN, the on-screen keyboard disappears again.

• For all other devices, you have to configure on-screen keyboard display.

In addition, you can configure a key with which the operator can enable or disable

automatic display of the on-screen keyboard as required. This is practical, for

example, when an external keyboard is connected to the operating unit and the on-

screen keyboard is therefore not required for input.

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Position of the on-screen keyboard on the screen

The default position of the on-screen keyboard is at the lower border of the screen.

• Panel PCs and standard PCs: The on-screen keyboard can be positioned,

minimized and maximized just like any other window on the screen.

• Windows CE devices: The position can be set on the operating unit on the

Control Panel in Windows CE.

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5.13.3 Icons for local function keys

Purpose

Icons are fixed-size pixel graphics that are placed in the immediate vicinity of

screen-specific function keys (soft keys). This means that you can illustrate the

function of a locally assigned function key. Icons can only be assigned to soft keys

that border on the screen of the operating unit.

You can prevent incorrect operation of a key to a large extent by means of an

informative icon.

Note

Not possible on a standard PC.

5.13.4 Showing and hiding objects

Purpose

ProTool features an option of displaying and hiding controls and display elements

at run time. For example, you can hide an output field on the operating unit when

the actual value is within the specified setpoint range.

Alternatively, display an input field only when an operator input is expected for the

control in a specific situation for example, during startup. The user interface of

your operating unit remains neat and tidy in this manner.

Index tag

You can either link display and hiding to a constant range of values or to the tag of

an input/output field, for instance. You can influence several input/output fields

simultaneously by using a separate tag.

If you use a tag with PLC connection to enable and disable, you can activate

certain project versions for different operating units from the PLC.

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5.13.5 Dynamic attributes

Purpose

To draw the operator's attention on the operating unit to specific situations for

example, specified limit values have been reached or exceeded you can configure

attributes for input and output elements. This means that you can dynamically

modify the foreground and background colors, for example, of an input/output field

at run time as a function of the value of a tag, or you can enable or disable flashing

for the text that is being displayed.

Note

The background and foreground colors are automatically assigned by the system

to the graphic view, graphic list and graphic input fields. A background color or

foreground color configured in ProTool is therefore not displayed at run time.

Index tag

You can either link the specified attributed directly to the tag of an input/output

field, for instance, or you can define a separate index tag for it. You can influence

several input/output fields simultaneously with a separate index tag.

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5.13.6 Light-emitting diodes on the operating unit

Purpose

The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the function keys of the operator panel can be

driven on the PLC. By means of a light-emitting or flashing LED, you can indicate

to the operator that, for example, the device is expecting a certain function key to

be operated.

Requirements

For the PLC to be able to drive the LEDs, you have to create the "LED assignment"

data area on the PLC and specify it in your project, in your project window, at "Area

pointers". Set the assignment of the individual LEDs to the bits in the LED

assignment when you configure the function keys.

You will find a description of the LED assignment and the LED functions for the

different operating units in the "Communication User's Manual".

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5.13.7 Tab order

Tab order

To make it possible for a keyboard device without a mouse to access and operate

each operated screen object (such as a trend display or output field), the operated

screen objects can be accessed with the Tab key. You can see which screen

object has been made active, because it may be highlighted with a color or

surrounded by a border.

The expression "Tab order" means the order in which the operated screen objects

are made active when the Tab key is pressed.

Configured tab order

Usually the tab order is set automatically: in the order in which the screen objects

were created.

In ProTool you can also configure the tab order yourself. This can be useful if you

want to enable the operator to switch to a certain screen object quickly, or if a

particular sequence is dictated by the screen purpose itself.

To do this, go to the ProTool screen editor and switch to a different editing mode

by choosing "Edit" > "Tab Order" from the menu. In this mode you can edit only the

tab order of screen objects, not the screen objects themselves.

Screen in Tab Order mode

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In Tab Order mode a number is displayed upper left of each operated screen

object; this is the "tab order number". Using the mouse, you can then freely edit the

assignment of these numbers. You can also exclude screen objects from the Tab

order. With the Tab order number, you can now set which field will be active after a

change of screens, which might be triggered by Select_Screen_Permanent or

Select_Screen_Variable .

Press ESC or use the menu to exit Tab Order mode.

Tab order of imported screens

Screens from projects created with earlier versions are given a standard sequence:

top left to bottom right. Thereafter, newly added elements are numbered in the

order in which they are created.

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5.13.8 Width and order of columns (screen objects)

Purpose

So that the operator himself does not have to set the column width and order

This means that you can design screen objects such as message view, password

list, recipe view and Status/Force in a more comprehensible manner for the

operator. You can place important items on top and optimally adjust column width

to the contents.

For this, there is an editing mode in the screen editor which activates a screen

object (that is, makes it operable).

Procedure:

With SHIFT and double-click on the desired screen object or by choosing <Screen

Object Name>" > "Edit" on the shortcut menu, you can activate the screen object,

that is then surrounded by a hatched border. The zoom factor is set to 100% to

ensure that the screen object is displayed in its entirety. If you have set the width

and order of the columns, simply click on a vacant point in the screen editor. The

old zoom factor is reset automatically.

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5.13.9 Dynamic screen objects

What do we mean by dynamic positioning?

You can dynamically modify the position of objects that you use on a screen. This

means that the values set in your project for the horizontal and vertical positions

can be changed at run time. Dynamic positioning is possible with screen objects

such as bar graphs or input/output fields, text or graphics.

In this way, you can move a graphic on the screen, for example, in order to

visualize the current position of a conveying belt on the operating unit.

How dynamic positioning works

When you are configuring, you normally set the X and Y coordinates for the

different objects. You define these values either explicitly in the Properties dialog

box for the object concerned on the "Position" tab or indirectly by positioning with

the mouse. You can view the X and Y coordinates while you are configuring by

choosing "View" > "Size/Position" from the menu.

The X and Y values for the initial position and the size of the object are applied

automatically and displayed in the dialog box.

To position an object dynamically, specify tags for the X and/or Y coordinates at

"Offset". The current values of these tags determine the "step length", which is

added at run time to the X and Y values of the start position. In this way the

position of the object varies with time on the screen of the operating unit.

If the coordinate values exceed those permissible at run time, they are adapted

automatically so that the object remains visible on the screen.

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5.13.10 Assigning operator permissions

Purpose

ProTool allows you to use a password to prevent controls such as input fields and

function keys from being used by those unauthorized to do so. This means that

when you are creating your project you can restrict the use of functions that relate

to security to specific people or groups of operators. Important parameters and

settings can thus only be changed by authorized personnel.

The access protection that you configure allows you to guard against incorrect

usage and increase the security of the system or machine.

Password hierarchy

During the configuration phase you can assign operator authorization to specific

groups. At run time, individuals can be allocated to one of these groups, as

appropriate, and they thus automatically receive the access rights of that group.

ProTool provides hierarchically organized password levels from level 0 to 9. If a

user is assigned password level 4, for example, this user is authorized to execute

the functions of password levels 0 to 4.

• Password level 0

Password level 0 is the default in ProTool. Use this lowest level in the

hierarchy for functions that have little or no effect on the operational sequence.

These are generally functions that do not required any input, such as the

display of messages. There is no need to enter a password on the operating

unit in order to execute functions with password level 0.

• Password levels 1 to 8

Assign functions to password levels 1 to 8 according to their importance.

Before you execute these functions, the operating unit prompts the operator to

enter a password.

• Password level 9

The authorization to execute functions at password level 9 is granted only to

the system administrator or service engineer. He has access to all the

functions of the operating unit.

You define the password of the system administrator by choosing "System" >

"Settings" from the menu. The default setting is 100.

The administrator's password setting cannot be changed on the operating unit at

run time. All other passwords are entered at run time; you have to configure a

password list for this.

You can find more information on password administration in the equipment

manual for your operating unit.

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Logging into and out of the operating unit

• When a password-protected operation is executed, the operating unit

automatically prompts the operator to enter an appropriate password. In order

to eliminate the possibility of unauthorized persons gaining access, a password

level greater than 0 should not remain active on the operating unit for any

length of time.

• If you do not enter an input on the operating unit for a configured period of time

(logout time), the operating unit automatically resets the current password level

to 0. You set the logout time by choosing "System" > "Settings" from the

menu. The system default setting is 5 minutes.

Note

have configured a message archive, all login and logout operations on the

operating unit will be archived.

Setting the password level on the operating unit

The following PLC jobs are available for setting a defined password level on the

operating unit:

• You can use PLC job 23 to set a password level of your choice on the

operating unit from the PLC in order to allow access by a defined user group,

for example.

• You can use PLC job 24 to reset the password level back to 0 from the PLC.

In online Help, you will find a list of all possible PLC jobs with job numbers and

parameters in PLC jobs in alphabetical order and PLC jobs in numerical order.

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5.13.11 Password administration

Purpose

So that an operator can use the operating unit to enter and change passwords and

user names including their associated password levels for operators, you configure

a password list.

You configure a password list on the open screen in the "Screen Objects"

toolbar by selecting the illustrated button or by choosing "Insert" > "Password

List" from the menu.

Note

You can enable the password list while you are configuring by using SHIFT and

double-click or from the "Edit" option of the shortcut menu.

In active mode you can drag and drop a column to the required position and set the

column width during the configuration phase.

Operation at runtime

At run time, the operator has to confirm each input with "Enter" to ensure that it is

applied.

Since not every operator is entitled to manage users and their passwords at will,

display of the password list at run time depends on the password level of the

logged in operator. An operator logged in at password level 2 will only see entries

at this and a lower password level in the list and can only create the same.

Note

If you want to make the password list available only to the administrator as a

general rule for user management, configure it on a separate screen protected by

the administrator's password.

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Functions to manage passwords

You can use a password to protect control elements such as input fields or function

keys from unauthorized persons. This prevents operator error and improves the

security of the system or machine.

In addition, there is the option of the operator logging on and off the operating unit

irrespective of a control. For this there are the following globally configurable

functions:

• Write_Password_To_Tag The a user's password is written to a tag when a

user logs on, it can be announced to the PLC in this manner. This means that

certain permissions can be enabled on the PLC.

• Report_Password_Change Login and logout operations on the operating

unit can be traced in connection with an archiving function by means of this

function.

• Write_Password_Level_To_Tag The value of the current password level

on the operating unit is written to a tag and made available to the PLC. In this

way user-independent enabling of certain functions can be implemented.

• Write_User_Name_To_Tag This function writes the current user name to a

tag. If the tag is connected to the PLC, certain functions can be enabled on the

PLC as a function of the user.

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5.14 Creating VB scripts

Overview

ProTool features an interface for scripting with Microsoft Visual Basic Script

(VBScript). VBScript allows you to add your own functions to the ProTool

configuration software. All the data types, operators and functions offered by

VBScript are available. Scripts which you created yourself in Visual Basic can be

used in ProTool as functions.

Exhaustive Microsoft documentation on VBScript is supplied with ProTool and can

be accessed from ProTool Help

Only the essentials of script creation in ProTool are described here. These are:

• Creating scripts in ProTool

• Using scripts in ProTool

• ProTool objects that can be used in scripts

• Use of internal script tags and ProTool tags

• Debugging scripts in ProTool

• Constraints with VBScript

Note

You should read the Microsoft documentation before programming with VBScript

and be clear about the consequences in ProTool. VBScript not only enhances the

functionality of ProTool; it can also lead to unwanted errors in online operation.

Constructs of VBScript

VBScript is a simple script language in which the following constructs are used:

• Tags These can be either ProTool tags or internal VBScript tags

• VBScript operators such as +, -, *, or, and

• Conditional statements such as If...then...else, Select Case

• Looping through code such as Do...Loop, While...Wend, For ... Next, For each

... Next

• VBScript procedures such as Sub and Function

• Built-in VBScript procedures such as Date, Sin, Sqr

A VBScript recognizes two types of procedure. These are featured on the

"General" tab:

• Subroutine

• Function

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In contrast to a function, a subroutine does not have a return value. Parameters

can be passed with both types of procedure.

Brief overview of the use of scripts

ProTool objects can be used and edited when programming scripts. You can also

call ProTool functions and scripts you yourself have created in scripts. A script

could, for example, compare two values with each other and supply the greater of

the two as the return value.

In the left half of the project window you will find the "Scripts" object type. You save

the script with a symbolic name, which you see in the right half of the project

window.

ProTool supports you with color highlighting when you program scripts. Tags,

statements, objects and comments are colored appropriately.

VBScript instructions are blue

Comments are green

ProTool function and script names are gray

ProTool tags are red

Screens are yellow

Archives are violet

Before a script can be used, it must be compiled. ProTool checks the syntax and

tags.

In the case of all objects to which functions can be attached, you can also use your

programmed scripts. For scripts, just as with functions, events are also specified on

whose occurrence the script is to be executed (for example, "Value Change" or

"Key Pressed").

Limits

The number and scope of the scripts depends on the operating unit you are using

(refer to "System limits").

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5.14.1 Using ProTool objects in scripts

Overview of ProTool objects

The following ProTool objects can be used and edited when programming scripts

• Tags

• Functions

• Scripts

• Screens

Notes on using tags

• You can use a script, for example, to read a value from a tag, convert it and

assign it to the tag again.

• Query BOOL tags: The two logic states "TRUE" and "FALSE" are represented

in VBScript by the values -1 ("TRUE") and 0 ("FALSE").

Example: This is how you query the logic state "TRUE" of tag "Bool_Var":

IF Bool_Var <> 0 ...

Please note that the logical states in VBScript are not the same as the definitions

for BOOL tags in ProTool:

Status VBScript BOOL tag in ProTool

TRUE -1 1

FALSE 0 0

Tag types permitted for OLE applications

Only use Western European characters in data record names. If you wish to read

to or write from tags in the Runtime software with another application such as a

spreadsheet program, note that Visual Basic only supports the following programs:

• Unsigned char (8-bit, unsigned)

• Short int (16-bit, signed)

• Long int (32-bit, signed)

• Float (4-byte, floating point)

• Bstr (OLE Automation, string)

• Bool (-1: TRUE; 0: FALSE)

• Arrays with the above-named types

You will find an example of access to Runtime tags on the ProTool CS CD-ROM at

"Docs\FSpec\".

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Notes on using functions

• Do not program any scripts that already exist as ProTool functions.

• If you want to use a function of the Set_Bit_In_Tag type in a script, note

that the bit count direction always runs from right > left and starts at 0,

regardless of the PLC used.

5.14.2 Internal script tags and ProTool tags

Tags in scripts

Tags are placeholders that occupy storage space on the operating unit and to

which values can be written or from which they can be read during the processing

of a script. There are two types of tag:

• ProTool tags ProTool tags appear red in the script. When a ProTool tag is used

in a script, the tag must have already been created in ProTool. Otherwise, an

error message appears at compilation.

• Internal script tags Internal script tags have to be defined with the "DIM"

statement and apply only in the VBScript procedure.

ProTool supports the following data types for tags:

Format data type

8 bits with sign CHAR, CHAR_ARRAY

8 bits without sign BYTE, BYTE_ARRAY

16 bits with sign INT, INT_ARRAY

16 bits without sign UINT, UINT_ARRAY

32 bits with sign LONGINT, LONGINT_ARRAY

32 bits floating point FLOAT, FLOAT_ARRAY

64 bits floating point DOUBLE, DOUBLE_ARRAY

64 bit DATETIME

1 bit BOOL, BOOL_ARRAY

Character strings STRING

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5.14.3 Debugging scripts in ProTool

Syntax check

When you click the "Compile" button, the script is examined for syntax errors.

Since the VB debugging tool is not available in ProTool, we recommend that you

test complex scripts directly in Visual Basic or VBA. Bear in mind that VBScript

does not offer the full scope of Visual Basic as a language. In addition, ProTool

tags must be simulated by local VBScript tags.

As in any other program, however, programming errors may not appear until

runtime. These are displayed as system errors at script runtime, preceded by

VBScript Error:. The name of the script and the line number in which the error

occurs are displayed.

Check criteria

To avoid errors, you should check your scripts for the following:

• Are direct or indirect recursions used correctly?

• Are there any continuous loops?

• Are the function parameters correct?

• Are the tag types used for the parameters correct?

• Is the number of parameters in a script correct?

• Are you using time-consuming routines?

• Do you call the scripts very often?

To debug, you use the function Display_System_Message_Text . This function

allows you to check which program steps have been carried out. Call the function

in the script at the places where you would like to check the debugging session.

Transfer text or a value to the function. It will be read out as a system message

while the script is running. The script can thus be processed step by step.

Note

Only one script can be executed at any particular time.

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5.14.4 Constraints with VBScript

Assignment of symbolic names

The names of VBScript constructs, such as If, Then, Loop, Sub and Dim, cannot

be used by ProTool objects as symbolic names. In the symbolic names of VBScript

tags (local tags) and procedures, no special characters or language dependent

characters, such as ä or é, can be used. All names beginning with pt are reserved

for internal ProTool objects.

If you cannot avoid using the names of VBScript constructs for the symbolic

names, you must give the names object-specific prefixes. These are:

• In the case of ProTool tags (global tags), the prefix PtVar

• In the case of ProTool functions, the prefix PtFct

• In the case of ProTool screen names, the prefix PtScn

• In the case of ProTool archive names, the prefix PtArc

• In the case of ProTool script names, the prefix PtScp

Example of using tags: PtVar.Convert

Global tags

In ProTool tag names (global tags), all characters except quotation marks are

allowed. If you want to use ProTool tags in a script, you must always use the form

PtTag."Tag_Name". If you insert a ProTool tag from the "Select Object" dialog box

in the script editor, it will be formatted automatically.

Processing multiple scripts

Only one script can ever be executed at any one time in online operation. If there

are several scripts due to be executed, they are arranged in a queue. If another

script is called in a script, the parent script must wait until the script within it is

completed.

Note

Do not configure too many scripts that have to be processed simultaneously, since

this can result in too severe constraints at run time. If a maximum number of

simultaneous or nested scripts is exceeded, a corresponding error message is

issued by ProTool during compilation.

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No value assignment to script parameters

Value assignments cannot be made to script parameters in a script. If you pass a

parameter to a script, the value of the parameter is used in the script (call by

value). However, processing in the script does not change the input parameter.

The result of a script can be returned in two ways:

• The script is implemented as a function. The result is returned by means of the

value assignment to the function name of the script.

• The result of the script is assigned explicitly to a ProTool tag.

Unsuitable functions

The VBScript functions "MsgBox" and "InputBox" cannot be used within ProTool.

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5.14.5 Examples of creating VBScripts

These examples show a subroutine and a function of Visual Basic scripts.

5.14.5.1 Example of a subroutine

Objective

A value in Fahrenheit is read from the PLC using ProTool tag Var_1. The value is

converted to Celsius by means of the TempConvert script and written to the

internal ProTool tag Var_2. You can associate tag Var_2 with an output field and

display it on a screen.

Creating the script

Procedure:

1 First create in ProTool the tag Var_1 with connection to the PLC and select

"Read continuously" on the "Options" tab.

2 Configure tag Var_2 without a connection to the PLC (<"no PLC>").

3 Call "Scripts" from the process window.

4 Select the "General" tab and then the "Sub" option.

5 Enter the following script name at "Name": TempConvert.

6 At "Description", enter a short description of the function, such as

Conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius.

7 Select the Script Text tab.

8 Then edit the script.

Dim Fahrenheit

Fahrenheit = Var_1

Var_2 = (Fahrenheit -32)*5/9

9 Click the "Compile" button to compile the script.

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The figure below shows you the "Script Text" dialog box with the edited and

compiled script.

"Script Text" dialog box

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Using the script

Procedure:

1 In the project window, select the tag Var_1 and go to the "Functions" tab.

2 Assign the script TempConvert() to the "Value Change" event by clicking

the "Add" button.

The figure below shows the "Functions" tab together with the script mounted.

3 Configure an output field in a screen. Assign the output field the tag Var_2.

Every time tag Var_1 changes, the script is executed and the result written to

tag Var_2. The current value is displayed in the output field.

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5.14.5.2 Example of a function

Objective

A value in Fahrenheit is read from the PLC using ProTool tag Var_1. The value is

converted to Celsius by the script DegreesCelsius(Fahrenheit) and written

to the internal ProTool tag Var_2. You can associate tag Var_2 with an output

field and display it on a screen.

Creating the script

Procedure:

1 First create in ProTool the tag Var_1 with connection to the PLC and select

"Read continuously" on the "Options" tab.

2 Configure tag Var_2 without a connection to the PLC (<"no PLC>").

3 Call "Scripts" from the process window.

4 Select the "General" tab and then the "Function" option.

5 Enter the following script name at "Name": DegreesCelsius.

6 At "Description", enter a short description of the function, such as

Conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius.

7 Enter Fahrenheit in the parameter field, and click the "Add" button.

8 Select the Script Text tab.

9 Then edit the script.

DegreesCelsius = (Fahrenheit -32)*5/9

10 Click the "Compile" button to compile the script.

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The figure below shows you the "Script Text" dialog box with the edited and

compiled script.

"Script Text" dialog box

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Using the script

Procedure:

1 In the project window, select the tag Var_1 and go to the "Functions" tab.

2 Assign the script DegreesCelsius to the event "Value Change" by clicking

the "Add" button.

3 Specify tag Var_1 as the input parameter Fahrenheit (identified by [in]).

4 Specify the tag Var_2 for the return value (identified by [out]).

The figure below shows the parameter assignment.

5 Click OK to conclude parameter input.

The figure below shows the "Functions" tab together with the script mounted.

6 Configure an output field in a screen. Assign the output field the tag Var_2.

Every time tag Var_1 changes, the script is executed and the result written to

tag Var_2. The current value is displayed in the output field.

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5.15 Configuring in foreign languages

This chapter shows you what you need to know in order to create a project with a

user interface in a foreign language.

You can create a monolingual or a multilingual project. In a multilingual project you

can decide:

• Whether to make several languages available on an OP and provide the user

with a key for switching between them.

• Whether to download only one language to a specific OP.

5.15.1 System requirements for foreign languages

Introduction

Depending on your Windows language, you can configure nearly all foreign

languages without having to perform changes to you Windows configuration.

The exceptions are languages with special fonts such as Greek, Polish, Russian,

Slovenian, Czech and Hungarian. To be able to use these languages, you have to

enable language support under Windows 98 SE ("Control Panel "> "Software" >

"Windows Setup" >"Language Support" >"Details"). This is not necessary in

Windows NT.

Note

If the runtime software is running on a different computer from the configuration

software - in other words, if the computer used for operating is not the same one

that is used for configuring, you may have to reload the language support on both

computers. Alternatively, you can install Windows completely in one of these

languages.

Note

The ProTool installation CD-ROM contains support for other languages not

supplied as standard with Windows such as Albanian, Bulgarian, Romanian,

Turkish, etc. in the directory WINLANGS. More detailed information is provided in

the file MULLANGO.INF.

To create projects in Asian languages, you require an Asian Windows system. You

will find detailed information in "Requirements for configuring in Asian Languages".

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5.15.2 Languages in ProTool

User interface language and project languages

ProTool makes a distinction between two language levels:

• The "user interface language" in ProTool This is the language in which the

menu and dialog box text blocks are displayed when you configure in

ProTool/Pro CS. The user interface language is selected from ProTool's Setup.

• The "project languages" These are the languages in which the blocks of text in

your project appear on the operating unit. You can create the project in any

language available in Windows on the configuration computer.

The two language levels are completely independent of each other. For example,

you can create French projects with an English ProTool, or English projects with a

French ProTool.

Multi-lingual projects

If you want your project to run in different languages, store all language-dependent

objects in the desired languages in the project. This applies, for example, to:

• Event messages

• Alarm messages

• Screens

• Recipes

• Text lists

• Help texts

• Reports

You can store text for any project in 32 project languages. In doing so, you can

select any 32 languages from all the languages supported by the operating system

installed on the configuration computer. When creating your configuration,

however, note that the languages supported at run time depend on the operating

unit.

You cannot edit system messages in ProTool. They have been stored for every

operating unit for a number of languages already. If you are configuring a language

for which no system messages are available, all the system messages will appear

in English.

Editing language

The project language in which you edit text at any given time on the configuration

computer is the "editing language".

The toolbar and the status bar show the current editing language setting.

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Reference language

One of the project languages can be used as the "reference language". You can

first create all the blocks of text in the Reference language and then use them as a

basis for other translations when you enter your translated text directly into the

project.

When you are configuring, you can toggle between the reference language and the

editing language you have set.

Online languages on the operating unit

You can even download several of these project languages simultaneously to the

operating unit, depending on the operating unit. For the operator to be able to

toggle between these languages, you must provide him with a suitable control.

When creating your configuration, note that the languages supported at run time

depend on the operating unit.

Language levels in ProTool

Exchanging text with translators

If you wish to send the blocks of text in the reference language for translation, you

can export all blocks of text in a project from ProTool. The translator can edit the

blocks of text outside ProTool, either in Excel, for example, or a text editor. The

translated blocks of text are then imported into your ProTool project and

automatically inserted at the correct places.

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5.15.3 System message languages

System messages

You cannot edit system messages in ProTool. They have been stored for every

operating unit for a number of languages already. If you are configuring a language

for which no system messages are available, all the system messages will appear

in English.

Languages

System messages for your operating unit are available in the following languages:

• Chinese (PRC)

• Chinese (Taiwan)

• Danish

• German

• English

• Finnish

• Flemish

• French

• Greek

• Italian

• Korean

• Norwegian

• Polish

• Portuguese

• Russian

• Swedish

• Spanish

• Czech

• Turkish

• Hungarian

• Japanese

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5.15.4 Language dependent keyboard assignment

Language dependence

The characters on a PC keyboard are language dependent. For example, no

German or French special characters are available on an English keyboard.

Further, the letters are arranged somewhat differently.

As soon as you change the editing language when you are configuring, ProTool

modifies the assignment of your keyboard to the layout of the foreign language

concerned.

On-screen keyboard

In order to facilitate the assignment of the characters printed on your keyboard and

those actually entered, ProTool displays a language-dependent on-screen

keyboard. You can see on the on-screen keyboard where the deviating characters

are located.

There are two options to choose from for entering a language-specific character:

• Orientate yourself on the on-screen keyboard and enter the character on the

keyboard of the configuration computer.

• Click your mouse to enter the character directly via the on-screen keyboard.

Example of language-dependent on-screen keyboard with French as the editing

language

The on-screen keyboard is hidden automatically as soon as you reset the editing

language back to the current Windows language. You can also enable and disable

display of the on-screen keyboard by choosing "View" > "Keyboard".

You can also directly start the on-screen keyboard on the operating unit as a

stand-alone application. The following parameters are available for the executable

file "TouchInputPC.exe":

• "NumPadOff" starts the alphanumeric keyboard (default)

• "NumPadOn" starts the numeric keyboard

• "NoInfo" starts the keyboard without Copyright notice

• "Close" closes the open keyboard

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Sizing

You can size the on-screen keyboard displayed on PC systems:

1. Double-click on the keyboard icon on the taskbar. This displays the "ProTool

Input Panel Options" dialog box.

2. Select the "Start Resize" button.

3. Drag the on-screen keyboard by the Resize icon to the size you require.

4. Select the "Stop Resize" button.

5. To save the setting you have just performed, click the "Save" button.

Note

You can only use the on-screen keyboard if the corresponding keyboard layout has

been installed under Windows. Enable the keyboard at "Start" > "Settings" >

"Control Panel" > "Keyboard". If you have not done it, ProTool will resort to the

international (US) layout.

Note

Compound Korean characters can only be written by key combinations (such as a,

b, c) is only possible on the on-screen keyboard in the following operating systems:

- Windows 2000

- Windows NT

Note

If the operating system on a Panel PC is set in a European language, data record

names cannot be displayed with Asian characters.

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5.15.5 Reference text

Principle

When you create a project for several languages, you normally configure all the

pieces of text in your native tongue first.

If you then change the editing language to enter text in a foreign language, all the

text fields appear blank again.

ProTool features a user-friendly reference text function so that you have a basis for

your translations. In dialog boxes and in screen editors, you can display an

additional window with blocks of reference text in the original language.

Reference text

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In the editor you can insert the translation of the blocks of text in the reference

window text without having to switch from one language to another.

Note

Text can be exported by choosing "Edit" > "Language" > "Export" from the menu or

by using the shortcut menu in the project window. The blocks of text can be

translated independently of ProTool in this way, too, and then imported in your

project.

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5.15.6 Steps to creating a multilingual project

Scenarios

The basic approach is identical no matter whether:

• You configure a project in a language other than that of your ProTool

installation. (Example: you have ProTool in German and would like to create a

French project.)

• You want to sell a project to several countries, in the language of the countries

concerned. (Example: you are sending a machine to Germany, England and

France. You want all pieces of text to be displayed on the operating unit in the

language of the countries concerned.)

• You supply a project to a multilingual country. (Example: you are selling a

machine to Switzerland. You want the operator to be able to choose between

German, French and Italian on the operating unit.)

In any case, you should always attempt to create and test the project in one

language first. This language then acts as your reference language for the

translations.

Steps

Note

You can access the "Set Language" dialog box in two different ways: by choosing

"Edit" > "Languages" > "Select" or "System" > "Assign Language" from the menu.

The option used below is always "Edit" > "Languages" > "Select".

Configuring in foreign languages consists of the following specific work steps:

1. Satisfy the necessary system requirements.

2. Define the configured languages (choose "Edit" > "Language" > "Select" from

the menu).

3. Select a language as the first editing language (choose "Edit" > "Language" >

"Select" from the menu). Create and test the complete project in this language

first, before proceeding to translate all the pieces of text together later .

4. Set the font (choose "System" > "Fonts" from the menu).

5. Configure a language switch (only if you want to offer several languages

simultaneously on one operating unit).

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6. Translate the pieces of text.

If you want to enter blocks of text in a foreign language, switch the "editing

language" (choose "Edit" > "Language" > "Select" from the menu). You select

the language in which you have created the project to be your "reference

language" (likewise option "Edit" > "Language" > "Select"). You can now have

reference language text displayed and enter the text in the editing language. If

you want to send text for translation, you can export it in csv format (choose

"Edit" > "Language" > "Export" on the menu). After being translated external to

ProTool, you can accept them into your project (choose "Edit" > "Language" >

"Import" from the menu).

7. Select the languages to be downloaded to a specific operating unit (choose

"System" > "Language Assignment" from the menu). You can select up to five

languages simultaneously.

8. Compile the project.

9. Download the project to the operating unit.

Note

Avoid moving fields in event messages and alarm messages when you modify a

project that has been created in several languages. Since there is no permanent

assignment between the field and its position within the text, you should move the

pieces of text – if necessary – instead of the fields.

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5.15.7 Exchanging text with translators

Editing blocks of text external to ProTool

If you configure a project in several languages, the simplest approach is to create

and test the complete project in one language first.

You can then pass all the blocks of text to translation and, after that, include the

translated text in your project.

The advantages of this procedure are as follows:

• The workload of the configuration engineer is reduced, since he only has to

create the user interface in a language familiar to him.

• The translator can edit the blocks of text outside ProTool, either in Excel or a

text editor.

• The translated blocks of text will be complete and consistent.

Scope of text export/import

Using the ProTool's text export/import function, you can export and import blocks of

text for the whole project, text from specific editors or text of separate objects. The

scope of export/import depends on the command:

• Export/import blocks of text for the complete project. When you issue a

command to export/import text by choosing "Edit" > "Language" > "Export" or

"Import" on the menu, all blocks of text for the complete project are exported or

imported. The import operation cannot be undone. But you can remove all

blocks of text in a language from the project by deleting that language. You will

find detailed information by referring to "Deleting a project language".

• Export/import blocks of text of a certain editor or object. You can start

exporting/importing text in the project window by means of the shortcut menu

(right-click) of the editors and objects. Only those blocks of text can be

exported or imported that belong to the selected editor or object. A text import

operation started from the shortcut menu can be undone.

Exporting different text types

When exporting, you can select the types of text you would like to export:

• Text visible on the screen (such as labeling, names) It is stored in the file

called "Labeling.csv".

• Info text (such as Help text for screen objects and messages) It is stored in the

file called "InfoTexts.csv".

• Message text (event messages and alarm messages) It is stored in the file

called "MessageTexts.csv".

• Other text (message settings, text lists) It is stored in the file called

"OtherTexts.csv".

The default setting is export of all text types.

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The classification of the text types is done in accordance with the requirements that

have to be taken into account in translation. For example, the placeholders have to

be preserved in message text, and when text visible on the screen is translated it

might be necessary to take the limited

Importing text

You can insert translated blocks of text in your project by choosing "Edit" >

"Language" > "Import" or by using the shortcut menu of the editors and objects in

the project window. The individual blocks of text are automatically assigned to the

objects in the project.

Note

You can undo an import of alarm message text.

To view imported text in foreign languages, set the editing language to the

language concerned.

• If you did not specify a target language for the translation when you exported

the text, you must specify the language into which the text was translated when

you import it.

• If this language is not available as a "configured language" in your project, it is

created automatically.

Constraint with importing/importing text with Cyrillic, Greek or Asian characters

It will depend on the operating system of the configuration computer whether you

can export or import text containing characters not in the Western character set

(such as Greek, Cyrillic or Asian characters).

• Windows 2000 multilingual A requirement for export and import is that the

system standard and the system character set is set on the configuration

computer to the desired language (Windows Start menu > Settings > Control

Panel > Regional Options > input locale for the system, "Set default" button).

With this setting you can export and import text with non-Latin characters

without any difficulty.

• Windows98, Windows NT, Windows ME Non-problematic export and import is

possible only with a localized operating system, meaning that you can export

and import text in Cyrillic characters only with a Russian operating system. If

you do not have a localized operating system, you can configure text with non-

Latin characters in ProTool but you cannot export or import it. Non-Latin

characters are displayed a question marks when text is saved. If you import

text in a csv file ProTool with non-Latin characters in ProTool, these characters

are imported as question marks.

Note

Remember not to change or add text manually in the time between exporting and

importing the text but to have these changes translated in good time. Manually

changed or added text will be overwritten by the text in the import file on being

imported.

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5.15.8 Requirements for configuring in Asian languages

Asian Windows system

A requirement for creating a project with Asian blocks of text is an Asian Windows

system or Windows 2000 multilingual as the operating system. The necessary

character sets can only be accessed in these Windows systems.

Even the compilation must be carried out on an Asian Windows system, otherwise

the project language will be ignored during compilation.

Under certain conditions, it is possible to download projects in which an Asian

project language has been selected, on a non-Asian Windows system.

For this, the *.fud or *.fwd file created during compilation on an Asian Windows

system has to be available in the same directory as the *.pdb project file. The

*.pdb project file can only be opened before the download operation, but not

modified any more.

Note

Many projects are multilingual and use, for example, English in addition to an Asian

language. In such cases you can first create and test your project on a non-Asian

Windows system. Not until it is completed do you change to an Asian system, on

which you configure and compile the Asian text and perform the download

operation.

You can work most efficiently if you have both an Asian and a non-Asian Windows

system installed on your computer or if you work on a network with different

computers for the languages concerned.

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5.15.9 Constraints on projects in Asian languages

Supported languages

Chinese (PRC), Chinese (Taiwan), Korean and Japanese are the languages

currently supported.

Configuration memory

Use different character sets as sparingly as possible in a project. Every character

set you use reduces the amount of memory available for projects.

64 kB of configuration memory are available per character set, which approximates

to 1900 different Chinese characters, for example. If you configure more different

Chinese characters, you obtain an error message during compilation to the effect

that the maximum number of characters has been exceeded. At the same time, a

list of the most infrequently used characters in the project is output.

Special characters

Special characters are ASCII characters higher than 127 for example, ã, ±, ä, è, ó.

If you use a non-Chinese character set in text in an Asian Windows system, you

should not configure any special characters, because they are not displayed

correctly in a large number of cases.

Note

The following applies to Windows CE devices:

Only West European characters must be entered for Asian languages as titles for

message windows, lines and buffers. Other characters are not displayed on

Windows CE devices.

Note

If you enter Asian characters in English text in a multi-language project that

includes Asian languages, they will not be displayed on these Windows CE

devices.

Messages

All system messages are also available in Asian languages.

Message number, message status (active, cleared, acknowledged), date/time and

acknowledgement group remain in alphanumeric characters in Asian projects and

cannot be displayed in Asian characters.

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Switching between Asian languages under Windows 2000

With language support installed in Windows 2000, you can switch between the

Asian languages offered in order to display a project. You can only enter text in the

displayed language, however, when the operating system has also been switched

to the desired language.

Field length

Field lengths depend on the width of the characters used. With Asian character

sets, the number of configurable characters in fields can be reduced as a result of

the double character width.

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6 Testing projects

Principle

Once you have completed your entire project or self-contained parts within it, the

test phase starts.

The following steps must be taken:

1. Compile your project: Your project is transformed into a file that is capable of

running on the operating unit.

2. Testing a project without PLC connection: To test the project without a PLC,

you must install the simulation program. Start the simulator by choosing

"File" > "Test" > "Start Simulator" from the menu or click this icon:

Specify suitable values in the simulation table for testing the tags or area

pointers. The values in the simulation table are read by Runtime during the

simulation and thus a PLC connection is simulated. Testing a project with PLC

connection: If you have connected your configuration computer to a PLC and

have installed ProTool/Pro RT on the configuration computer, you can test your

project directly in ProTool/Pro RT. You then get an exact simulation of the

destination device.

3. Choose "File" > "Test" > "Start Runtime" from the menu or click this icon:

Download the project: The project is copied to the directory from which it will be

started. This directory might be on the configuration computer or on the operating

unit.

Should you find other errors in the project, troubleshoot them and start again at

step 1.

Note

If you are using a SIMATIC S5 or S7, configure "Status/Force" in order to test

specific tags in the PLC program.

Note

If you configure with ProTool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7, you can simulate a

PLC connection with PLCSIM. The S7-PLCSIM cannot be used in conjunction with

the PC station of STEP7, however. For further information, please consult your

SIMATIC STEP 7 documentation.

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6.1 The Windows CE Control Panel

Note

The functionality available for the Windows CE Control Panel depends on the

device. For detailed information about the Windows CE Control Panel please refer

to the equipment manual of the operating unit concerned.

Principle

The Windows CE Control Panel is only available on operating units running under

the Windows CE operating system.

Using the Windows CE Control Panels service personnel can perform tasks such

as the following:

• Perform backup/restore

• Perform communication settings

• Set date and time

• Configure the input panel (on-screen keyboard)

• Configure keyboard and mouse settings

• Configure network settings

• Set the printer

• Format the FLASH memory

• Perform device-specific settings (for example, brightness and calibration of

touch panels)

• Perform Download settings

• Set the screen saver

To make it easy to call the Windows CE Control Panel, you can provide a relevant

control in your ProTool project. In all other cases, the Control Panel can only be

opened from the Start menu while the device is starting up.

We recommend that you protect selection of this control by means of a password

so that it is only accessible to service personnel. In this way, you stop an operator

from changing the basic settings of the operating unit by mistake.

Note

You can also protect all the controls intended for service purposes, configure them

on a separate screen and protect selection of this screen by means of a password.

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Example application - Displaying S7 settings

The Windows CE Control Panel requires the service personnel when a new device,

for example, on an MPIbus is integrated into a system to which several devices

have already been connected. In this case it is probable that the default MPI

address on the new device is probably already being used by another bus node.

The MPI address can be displayed and modified, if necessary, by means of the "S7

Settings" applet on the Control Panel of the device.

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6.2 Downloading the executable project file

Download options

You can download the project file from the configuration computer to the operating

unit as follows:

Download CE devices PC systems

Serial X X

USB X X

Ethernet (TCP/IP) X X

Modem X X

MPI X X

DP X X

File transfer -- X

Note

Some USB cables with network function cannot be used for a direct connection.

• Direct connection (USB cable, serial cable)

• Network connection (Ethernet or modem) If the destination device (a PC, for

instance) and the configuration computer are located on the same network,

you can also download the executable project file over Ethernet by establishing

a network connection to the destination device.

• MPI/PROFIBUS DP

Floppy disk download (PC only) In your project, choose "File" > "Download" >

"Settings" from the menu and select drive A:\ as the destination directory. The

executable project file is then compressed and packed onto one or more disks,

which you unpack again on the destination device with the disk download.

Download mode with Windows CE systems

A requirement is that the operating unit is in "Download mode" or goes

automatically to Download mode when the download operation from the

configuration computer begins. For this, the corresponding download option must

have been selected from the configuration menu of the operating unit.

You will find more detailed information about setting Download mode on the

operating unit in you equipment manual.

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In the case of initial commissioning, the operating unit runs up automatically in

Download mode. For every further download, you can reboot the operating unit

and call the download applet on the Start menu, or configure the Change Mode

function, if the operating unit does not go automatically to Download mode.

Note

If the destination device is a PC which is still without a project, you must enable

Download mode manually in the PC loader before the first transfer.

Basic procedure

1. Set the operating unit to Download mode.

2. Select the memory location for the project file on the operating unit.

3. Perform the Download settings on the configuration computer in ProTool.

4. Download the project file from the configuration computer to the operating unit.

Note

In the case of Serial Download, you should always select the highest transfer rate

possible. This applies in particular to the Backup/Restore function to the transfer of

option packs, image files or large configurations (especially for initial

commissioning). At low transfer rates, it can easily take hours to transfer the

quantities of data.

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6.3 Simulation options

Requirements

For you to be able to simulate your project on the configuration computer,

ProTool/Pro RT or the simulator must be installed, or you transfer the project to a

PC on which Runtime is installed.

Principle

There are several ways in which you can simulate your finished project:

• Simulation with PLC connection You can simulate your project by letting it run

directly in your Runtime software. Tags and area pointers will only be able to

work if your configuration computer has a connection to a suitable PLC. If your

computer is connected to a PLC, you will achieve authentic simulation of your

configured operating unit with the Runtime software. To simulate with

ProTool/Pro RT, choose "File" > "Test" > "Start Runtime" from the menu.

• Simulation without PLC connection Using the simulation program installed with

ProTool/Pro RT, you can simulate your project including tags and area pointers

without a connection to a PLC. You enter the parameters of area pointers and

tags in a simulation table, which is read during simulation by ProTool/Pro RT.

To simulate with the simulator, choose "File" > "Test" > "Start Simulator" from

the menu.

• Simulation in integrated mode If you configure with ProTool integrated in

SIMATIC STEP 7, you can simulate a PLC connection with PLCSIM. For more

precise details, please consult your SIMATIC STEP 7 documentation.

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6.4 Simulation of the project with the simulator

Purpose

Using the simulation program, you can simulate your project on the configuration

computer without a PLC and without an operating unit. The simulation program is a

stand-alone program that is installed together with the runtime software. If you

have not installed the Runtime software, you must install the simulation program

separately from the ProTool installation CD-ROM.

You can simulate the following parts of the project with the simulator:

• Tags

• Area pointers, which are organized bit by bit: event messages and alarm

messages.

Basic procedure

The simulation program parameterizes the tags and/or area pointers that have to

be simulated and activates them.

Procedure:

1 Create a project first, in the way you want it to run later with a connected

PLC.

2 Save and compile your project.

Start the simulator directly from the running configuration software by clicking

the illustrated symbol or by choosing "File" > "Test" > "Start Simulator" from

the menu.

If you start the simulator without compiling the project beforehand,

compilation is initiated automatically.

When you simulate the project for the first time, the simulator starts with a

new, blank simulation table. If you have already created a simulation table for

this project, this is opened.

4 Enter your project-specific settings in the simulation tables and save them for

later simulation operations. Choose "File > "Save" on the simulator and

specify a file name for the simulation table (*.sim).

In this way you can open this file at a later point of time and simulate your

project once again.

5 Enter the parameters for tags and area pointers of your project in the

simulation table.

Start the Runtime software using the icon illustrated or by choosing "File" >

"Test" > "Start Runtime" from the menu.

Switch tasks from the simulator to the current project if you wish to observe

the variation in the value.

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Note

When simulating configurations for Windows CE devices, not all functions can be

simulated, such as contrast settings. Scripts can be simulated but their behavior

might be exactly the same as that on the real device.

It must similarly be remembered that the run-time behavior in the simulation is not

the same as the run-time behavior on the actual destination device.

Simulation table

Example of a simulation table

All settings that you perform in this table for the simulation of your project can be

saved in a file. For this, choose "File > "Save" on the simulator and specify a file

name (*.sim).

In this way you can simulate your project once again at a later point of time using

the saved settings. A condition is that you will not have changed the tags and area

pointers to be simulated in your project in the meantime.