Omron CX-DESIGNER V2.1 - 07-2007, CX-Designer 2.1, NS, NS-CXDC1-V2 User Manual

CX-Designer

Ver. 2.1
NS-CXDC1-V2

Cat. No. V088-E1-03

NS-Series

USER’S MANUAL

CX-Designer
Ver. 2.1
NS-CXDC1-V2

User’s Manual

Revised July 2007

iv

v

Notice:

OMRON products are manufactured for use according to proper procedures by a qualified operator
and only for the purposes described in this manual.

The following conventions are used to indicate and classify precautions in this manual. Always heed
the information provided with them. Failure to heed precautions can result in injury to people or dam­age to property.

!DANGER Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or

serious injury. Additionally, there may be severe property damage.

!WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or

serious injury. Additionally, there may be severe property damage.

!Caution Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or

moderate injury, or property damage.

OMRON Product References

All OMRON products are capitalized in this manual. The word “Unit” is also capitalized when it refers to
an OMRON product, regardless of whether or not it appears in the proper name of the product.

The abbreviation “Ch,” which appears in some displays and on some OMRON products, often means
“word” and is abbreviated “Wd” in documentation in this sense.

The abbreviation “PLC” means Programmable Controller. “PC” is used, however, in some Program­ming Device displays to mean Programmable Controller.

Visual Aids

The following headings appear in the left column of the manual to help you locate different types of
information.

Note Indicates information of particular interest for efficient and convenient opera-

tion of the product.

1,2,3... 1. Indicates lists of one sort or another, such as procedures, checklists, etc.

Terminology

NS-series PT A Programmable Terminal in the NS Series manufactured by OMRON.
PLC A Programmable Logic Controller manufactured by OMRON.
Host A PLC, factory computer, personal computer or other controller controlling an NS-

series PT.

NS-Designer The NS-NSDC1-V@ NS-Designer produced by OMRON. The NS-Designer is an

applications software package that enables creating screen data for NS-series PTs.

CX-One The CXONE-AL@@C-E CX-One FA Integrated Tool Package produced by OMRON.

This applications software package provides all of the software packages for OMRON

PLCs and components.
CX-Designer The NS-CXDC1-V2 CX-Designer produced by OMRON.
NS-Runtime The NS-Runtime software runs on Windows XP and provides the same functionality

as an NS-series PT.

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 OMRON, 2005

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, o

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by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission o

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OMRON.

No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Moreover, because OMRON is con­stantly striving to improve its high-quality products, the information contained in this manual is subject to change without
notice. Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual. Nevertheless, OMRON assumes no responsibility
for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained in
this publication.

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1-1 Features of the CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1-2 Basic Operation Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

SECTION 2

Setting Up the CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2-1 Preparations for Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2-2 Installing the CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

2-3 Uninstalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2-4 Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SECTION 3

Basic Operations of the CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3-1 Starting and Exiting CX-Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3-2 Menu Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3-3 User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

SECTION 4

Useful Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

4-1 Creating Screens Using Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

4-2 Using Screens from Other Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

4-3 Classifying Screens by Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

4-4 Checking and Changing Functional Object Properties without Opening Property Setting

Dialog Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4-5 Listing and Editing Functional Object Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4-6 Editing Overlapping Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

4-7 Creating Multi-language Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4-8 Checking Address Usage Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

4-9 Searching for Embedded Macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

4-10 Transferring Only Edited Data to PT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

4-11 Creating Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

4-12 How to Use Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

4-13 Integrated Simulation for the Entire System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

4-14 Setting Security for Data Transfers with the PT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

4-15 Setting Symbol Names and I/O Comments for Use as Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

4-16 Executing Multiple Functions with a Single Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

4-17 Replacing a Lamp with a Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

4-18 Creating Polygonal Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

4-19 Registering Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

4-20 Using Machine Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Appendices

A Comparison of Functions with NS-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

B Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

C Exchanging Data between NS-series Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

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About this Manual:

The CX-Designer is a software package that enables creating screens for OMRON Programmable Ter­minals. Please be sure you understand the functions and performance of the CX-Designer to ensure
correct application of the Programmable Terminals.

Please read this manual and related manuals carefully and be sure you understand the information
provided before attempting to use the CX-Designer.

Section 1 provides an overview of the CX-Designer and its features and explains basic operating
methods.

Section 2 describes how to install and uninstall the CX-Designer.

Section 3 describes the CX-Designer menus and basic procedures.

Section 4 describes convenient functions of the CX-Designer.

The Appendices provide a comparison between the CX-Designer and NS-Designer, tables of short­cut keys, and data transfer procedures between different versions of NS-series PT.

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Guide to Version Upgrade

From CX-Designer Version 1.0 to Version 2.0

Item Previous versions New version

CX-Designer Version 1.0 (NS-CXDC1-V1) Version 2.0 (NS-CXDC1-V2)
NS system software Version 6.2 or 6.5 Version 6.6
Integrated simulation The only function available was simulated

testing of PT screen operations on a per­sonal computer.

Using a personal computer, a virtual PT
can be connected to a virtual PLC (CX­Simulator) or to an actual PLC, and the
operation of the entire PT-PLC system can
be simulated. This makes it possible to
reduce the total time involved in debugging.

Symbol programming without
addresses

Symbol names, addresses, and comments
were entered in symbol tables. Then the
required symbols were selected from the
symbol tables when creating screens.

Symbol names and comments can be input
for symbol tables with no addresses. This
allows screens to be created using symbol
names without inputting addresses. Enter­ing symbols in screen designs without
addresses makes it possible to reduce the
total time involved in design.

Multi-vendor connectivity Not supported. It is now possible to connect OMRON NS-

series PTs to Mitsubishi FX-series PLCs,
A-series PLCs, and Siemens S7-series
PLCs.

Data security The following two types of data transfers

are possible between CX-Designer (run­ning on a personal computer) and a PT:

•Data transfers with the PT.

•With data transfers using a Memory Card,

data can be uploaded and downloaded by
any user.

A password can now be set for creating
data. When data with a set password is
transferred to a PT, the password is then
required in order to upload the data. This
prevents users who do not know the pass­word from obtaining that data from the PT.
In addition, a password can be required to
transfer data to the PT. This prevents data
from being accidentally overwritten.

User security Any of five levels of passwords could be set

for each functional object. A dialog box ask­ing for the password was displayed each
time an attempt was made to use a func­tional object for which a password had
been set, and the object could not be used
unless the password was input.

Once a user inputs the password to use a
functional object for which a password has
been set, the password does not have to be
input again as long as the user continues
using only functional objects for which
lower level passwords have been set. Func­tional objects with a higher-level password
cannot be manipulated. (A warning mes­sage will be displayed if an attempt is
made.) This makes it possible to create
applications that permit only the necessary
operations by users who have entered
passwords, and thus helps prevent faulty
operations.

Consecutive line drawing Not available. Data in memory is treated as X and Y coor-

dinates, and straight lines are drawn
between the applicable coordinates to cre­ate consecutive line drawing. This makes it
possible to handle applications involving
the drawing of various graphics in two­dimensional space that could not be drawn
using the existing graph components.

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Improvements in broken-line
graph

Number of monitor points: 256 max. •Number of monitor points: 1,000 max.

•Batch reading

•Graph overwriting

•Indirect specification of starting display

position

•Indirect specification of displaying/hiding

graph lines

•Indirect specification of displaying/hiding

scale lines

Ladder Monitor To use the Ladder Monitor it was necessary

to copy the Ladder Monitor software from a
CD-ROM to a Memory Card and to install
the Memory Card in an NS-series PT. In
addition, the PT was reset when starting or
exiting the Ladder Monitor.

With version-2 NS-series PTs (except for
the NS5-V2 and NSJ5), ladder monitoring
is built into the PT as a standard feature, so
no separate Memory Card is required. (A
Memory Card is required for version-1 PTs,
however, just as before.) In addition, neither
version-1 nor version-2 PTs are reset when
starting or ending the Ladder Monitor when
Ladder Monitor version 2.8 is used. These
improvements make the Ladder Monitor
easier to use and reduce operating time.

Symbol table transfers when
transferring screen data

Symbol tables set using the CX-Designer
could be managed only by the CX­Designer, and symbol data was lost when
data was uploaded from an NS-series PT.

When screen data is downloaded from the
CX-Designer, the symbol tables are down­loaded together with it. Likewise, when
screen data is uploaded, the symbol tables
are uploaded too.

Holding log and alarm informa­tion when transferring screen
data

All of the log and alarm information in the
PT was initialized when screen data was
downloaded.

It is now possible to select whether log and
alarm information is to be initialized when
screen data is downloaded.

PLC data trace reading Not supported. (This was a function of the

CX-Programmer.)

Trace results from data traces (which is a
CPU Unit function) can now be read by the
PT and displayed in time chart format.
(CSV files cannot be saved.) This makes it
possible, using just the PT without CX-Pro­grammer, to isolate the causes of errors
that occur on-site.

Addition of European fonts With the built-in raster fonts in NS-series

PTs, Russian and Greek characters were
full-width and not all characters were avail­able.

All Russian and Greek characters are now
available, and all characters are half-width.

Japanese file names Two-byte characters could not be used for

project file names.

Two-byte characters can now be used for
project file names.

Video display mode setting Image quality could not be adjusted when

an NS-CA002 RGB/Video Input Unit was
used.

It is now possible to select from three pat­terns for image quality adjustment. When a
visual sensor is connected, even small dis­play characters can be read. It is now also
possible to adjust the display position for
RGB display.

SAP (Smart Active Parts) --- SAP has been added for the EJ1 Modular

Temperature Controller, G3ZA Multi-chan­nel Power Controller, and Troubleshooters.

Automatic using symbol names
and I/O comments as labels
and alarm messages

--- Symbol names and I/O comments of the
communications addresses can be auto­matically used as functional object labels
and alarm messages.

NS-Runtime --- Projects can be created for NS-Runtime.

Item Previous versions New version

xii

From CX-Designer Version 2.0 to Version 2.1

Item Previous versions New version

CX-Designer Version 2.0 Version 2.1
NS system software Version 6.6 Version 7.0
Multi-vendor connectivity --- It is now possible to connect NS-series PTs

to the following devices.

• OMRON Trajexia Motion Controllers

• Yaskawa MP-series Machine Controllers

• Yaskawa F7-series Varispeed and VS
Mini V7-series Machine Controllers

• Mitsubishi Q-series PLCs

• Yaskawa Eshed Technology XtraDrive
Motion Controllers

NT compatibility --- System memory can now be allocated to

PLC memory areas in the same way as for
the NT Series, enabling PLC ladder pro­grams to be easily transferred when migrat­ing from the NT Series to the NS Series.

Holding previous system mem­ory values

When an NS-series PT was started, the ini­tial screen set in the System Setup was
always opened.

It is now possible to display at the next star­tup the screen that was being displayed
when the program was closed.

Multilingual system capability The system supported two languages:

English and Japanese.

In addition to English and Japanese, the
system now also supports German,
French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese (both
traditional and simplified).

Multifunction Objects Macros were required in order to executed

multiple processes for a single functional
object.

Multifunction Objects have been added to
functional objects.

With Multifunction Object, multiple pro­cesses can be registered and can then be
executed with the press of a button.

Processes that previously required the cre­ation of macros can now be executed by
simply setting properties.

Machine Navigator function Multiple objects, such as frames, labels,

and bitmaps, were used to change displays
such as on-screen characters and BMP
files. Contents of displays were set individ­ually, which was time-consuming and made
maintenance troublesome.

A Machine Navigator function and a func­tional object contents display function have
been added. Machine Navigator provides
unified control of text and image files (i.e.,
“contents”) to be displayed, and the new
display function displays those contents.

Contents requiring association can be
managed in ID units, and the display can
be easily changed by simply changing the
ID specification.

Flicker function The only flicker method for objects was dis-

play color inversion.

The following flicker methods have been
added.

• Display/hide (entire object or label)

• Flicker color specification (fill color, char­acter, and line colors)

Improved alarm/event sum­mary and history display

When the history was displayed using the
Alarm/event Summary & History command,
the same alarm/event was displayed in
multiple places for each date of occurrence.
This made it difficult to check the frequency
of occurrence.

In addition, in some cases there were many
items to be displayed and not all of them
could fit on the screen.

A function has been added to provide a
summary of a particular alarm/event on a
single line, making it possible to quickly
check conditions without unnecessary dis­plays.

A horizontal scrolling function has also
been added to allow all items to be
checked.

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Fonts Raster fonts could be set for objects with

changing display character strings, such as
numeric displays and inputs. Rounded
areas became rough, however, when the
font size was increased.

Scalable fonts have been added to enable
smooth displays. Gothic numeral and 7­segment displays have also been added to
allow more attractive and up-to-date
screens to be created.

Improved screen switching
function

--- Speed and bitmap performance have been
improved for switching screens.

Improved connection opera­tions

When serial ports A and B were both set for
use for NT Links, “Connecting” was dis­played if either of the hosts was not con­nected.

Even if one host is not connected, the mon­itoring results of the connected host can be
displayed on the screen without “Connect­ing” being displayed.

SAP Library allocated unit
number and communications
setting information display

SAP Library settings could not be checked
even by displaying addresses using screen
data checking from the System Menu.

The following information can now be dis­played.

• Command destination port names

• Destination network addresses

• Destination node addresses

• Destination unit numbers

• DeviceNet Slave Unit address and

Inverter node addresses

Programming Console function To use the Programming Console function

with the NS5-V2, it was necessary to copy
the program onto a Memory Card and to
insert the Memory Card into the NS5-V2.

The Programming Console function is built­in to the NS5-V2, so there is no need for a
Memory Card.

Bar codes The maximum length of data that could be

processed by an NS-series PT was 40
bytes.

The maximum data length has been
increased to 254 bytes, allowing the data to
be processed by two-dimensional bar code
readers.

Test screens --- The following functions have been added to

test screens.

• Zoom

• Always displaying on top

• Starting test screens in the previous dis-

play position and zoom status

DXF files DXF files could not be accessed. It is now possible to convert DXF files to

graphics and position them with the CX­Designer.

Initialization options for alarm/
event history data

When the alarm/event history data was
cleared by using $SB32, all history data
was cleared including current alarms or
events.

System Memory $SW40 has been added
so that it is now possible to specify initializ­ing cleared or confirmed history data.

Changing host settings with
the System Menu

The settings of a host connected by Ether­net or Controller Link could not be checked
with the System Menu.

A list of hosts can now be displayed by
selecting Communications Settings from
the System Menu. It is now also possible to
change the host network address, node
address, and host type.

Item Previous versions New version

xiv

Related Manuals:

The manuals related to using the CX-Designer are listed below. Manual suffixes have been omitted.
Please be sure you have the most recent version for your area.

Installing the CX-Designer

CX-Designer User’s Manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -V088

This manual describes how to install the CX-Designer and the user interface. It also describes
characteristic functions and application methods.

Confirming Functional/Fixed Object Setting Procedures when Using
the CX-Designer

CX-Designer Help

The online help feature explains CX-Designer operating methods and settings (including
detailed settings for functional and fixed objects).

It also explains how to transfer screen data to the NS-series PT.

Using NS-series PT Functions and Troubleshooting Errors

NS-Series PT Programming Manual - - - - - - - - - -V073

This manual describes using NS-series PT functions and application methods. It also provides
troubleshooting methods in the event that problems occur with the PT.

Checking NS-series PT Functions, Operations, and Restrictions

NS-V1/V2-series PT Setup Manual - - - - - - - - - -V083

This manual describes installation and connection procedures, general specifications, and
other hardware information for NS-V1/V2-series PTs (NS12-V1/V2, NS10-V1/V2, NS8-V1/V2,
and NS5-V1/V2).

NS-series PT Setup Manual- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -V072

This manual describes installation and connection procedures, general specifications, and
other hardware information for NS-series PTs (NS12, NS10, and NS7).

Installing the CX-Designer from the CX-One

CXONE-AL@@C-EV2/AL@@D-EV2 CX-One Ver. 2.1 Setup Manual

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -W463

This manual provides an overview of the CX-One FA Integrated Tool Package and describes
installation methods.

Using an NS-series PT for the First Time

CX-Designer Introduction Guide - - - - - - - - - - - - -V089

This tutorial describes using a NS-series PT for first-time users, from simple screen creation to
system operation.

Using NS-series PT Macros

Macro Reference (Installed from CX-Designer CD-ROM.)

The online help for the CX-Designer provides detailed descriptions of the NS-series PT macro
function. The same level of detail is also provided in this reference manual, which is installed

xv

on the hard disk as a PDF file when the CX-Designer is installed. Use either the online help or
this reference as required.

Checking PLC Functions and Operation

Operation Manuals for the PLC Being Used

For information on PLC operation and functions, refer to the operation manuals for the CPU
Unit, Special I/O Units, CPU Bus Units, Communications Units, or other Units that you are
using.

Checking NS-Runtime Functions, Operations, and Restrictions

NS-Runtime User's Manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - V093

This manual describes the special functions of NS-Runtime.

xvi

xvii

Read and Understand this Manual

Please read and understand this manual before using the product. Please consult your OMRON
representative if you have any questions or comments.

Warranty and Limitations of Liability

WARRANTY

OMRON's exclusive warranty is that the products are free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one year (or other period if specified) from date of sale by OMRON.

OMRON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING NON­INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE
PRODUCTS. ANY BUYER OR USER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE BUYER OR USER ALONE HAS
DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCTS WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR
INTENDED USE. OMRON DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

OMRON SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
LOSS OF PROFITS OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCTS,
WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED ON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT
LIABILITY.

In no event shall the responsibility of OMRON for any act exceed the individual price of the product on which
liability is asserted.

IN NO EVENT SHALL OMRON BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WARRANTY, REPAIR, OR OTHER CLAIMS
REGARDING THE PRODUCTS UNLESS OMRON'S ANALYSIS CONFIRMS THAT THE PRODUCTS
WERE PROPERLY HANDLED, STORED, INSTALLED, AND MAINTAINED AND NOT SUBJECT TO
CONTAMINATION, ABUSE, MISUSE, OR INAPPROPRIATE MODIFICATION OR REPAIR.

xviii

Application Considerations

SUITABILITY FOR USE

OMRON shall not be responsible for conformity with any standards, codes, or regulations that apply to the
combination of products in the customer's application or use of the products.

At the customer's request, OMRON will provide applicable third party certification documents identifying
ratings and limitations of use that apply to the products. This information by itself is not sufficient for a
complete determination of the suitability of the products in combination with the end product, machine,
system, or other application or use.

The following are some examples of applications for which particular attention must be given. This is not
intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible uses of the products, nor is it intended to imply that the uses
listed may be suitable for the products:

• Outdoor use, uses involving potential chemical contamination or electrical interference, or conditions or
uses not described in this manual.

• Nuclear energy control systems, combustion systems, railroad systems, aviation systems, medical
equipment, amusement machines, vehicles, safety equipment, and installations subject to separate
industry or government regulations.

• Systems, machines, and equipment that could present a risk to life or property.

Please know and observe all prohibitions of use applicable to the products.

NEVER USE THE PRODUCTS FOR AN APPLICATION INVOLVING SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE OR
PROPERTY WITHOUT ENSURING THAT THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO
ADDRESS THE RISKS, AND THAT THE OMRON PRODUCTS ARE PROPERLY RATED AND INSTALLED
FOR THE INTENDED USE WITHIN THE OVERALL EQUIPMENT OR SYSTEM.

PROGRAMMABLE PRODUCTS

OMRON shall not be responsible for the user's programming of a programmable product, or any
consequence thereof.

xix

Disclaimers

CHANGE IN SPECIFICATIONS

Product specifications and accessories may be changed at any time based on improvements and other
reasons.

It is our practice to change model numbers when published ratings or features are changed, or when
significant construction changes are made. However, some specifications of the products may be changed
without any notice. When in doubt, special model numbers may be assigned to fix or establish key
specifications for your application on your request. Please consult with your OMRON representative at any
time to confirm actual specifications of purchased products.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

Dimensions and weights are nominal and are not to be used for manufacturing purposes, even when
tolerances are shown.

PERFORMANCE DATA

Performance data given in this manual is provided as a guide for the user in determining suitability and does
not constitute a warranty. It may represent the result of OMRON's test conditions, and the users must
correlate it to actual application requirements. Actual performance is subject to the OMRON Warranty and
Limitations of Liability.

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no
responsibility is assumed for clerical, typographical, or proofreading errors, or omissions.

xx

1

SECTION 1

Overview

This section describes the features of the CX-Designer and the startup procedures for NS-series PTs for first-time users.

1-1 Features of the CX-Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1-1-1 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1-2 Basic Operation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2

Features of the CX-Designer Section 1-1

1-1 Features of the CX-Designer

The CX-Designer is software that can be run on Windows 98 SE, NT, Me,
2000, XP, or Vista to create screen data for NS-series Programmable Termi­nals (PTs).

The CX-Designer has a variety of functions to enable efficient screen creation
and debugging.

1-1-1 Features

Screens Can Be Created
Using Symbols

Symbols can be used with the CX-Designer. Symbols are addresses to which
names have been assigned. In addition to the existing method of directly
inputting addresses to be browsed by functional objects, the addresses can
also be set by using symbols (names). When the address allocated for a sym­bol is changed, the address is changed for all objects that access that symbol.
This makes it easy to change address allocations and reuse screens. Sym­bols can also be shared by the CX-Designer and CX-Programmer by copying
the symbols from CX-Programmer symbol tables to the CX-Designer.

Refer to 4-1 Creating Screens Using Symbols for details.

Project Management
Using Project Workspace

Screens, alarms, and other common settings can be displayed in a directory
tree in the CX-Designer project workspace. Projects are easy to manage
because the entire project structure can be checked at a glance.

Screens and settings can be copied between multiple CX-Designer project
workspaces. Screens can also be copied within the same project workspace.
Refer to 4-2 Using Screens from Other Projects for details.

Easy Reuse of Screens Screens and settings can be copied between multiple CX-Designer project

workspaces. Screens can also be copied within the same project workspace.
The common settings accessed by screens are also copied automatically.

If symbols are used, it also becomes easy to change addresses after screens
have been copied. Refer to 4-2 Using Screens from Other Projects for details.

Screen Classification by
Application for Easy
Management

Screens can be classified into any category, e.g., by application, and dis­played in a directory tree. When screens are created, consecutive screen
numbers are automatically applied to screens in the same category. These
numbers can also be changed. This makes screen management even easier.

Refer to 4-3 Classifying Screens by Application for details.

Project Workspace

The entire project structure can
be displayed in a directory tree.

Property List

Functional object property
settings can be changed and
checked without having to open
a properties dialog box.

Output Window

Displays data such as search
results and error details.

Edit Screens

Screen data displayed on the PTs
can be created for a group of objects.

3

Features of the CX-Designer Section 1-1

Functional Object
Property Settings Using
Property Lists

Functional object settings can be changed and checked without having to
open a dialog box.

When more than one object is selected, common settings for those objects
can be changed in one operation from the property list.

Refer to 4-4 Checking and Changing Functional Object Properties without

Opening Property Setting Dialog Boxes.

Edit Properties from Lists Properties of objects on the screen can be displayed in table format and the

settings changed.
Settings for more than one object can be changed at the same time and con-

secutive addresses can be automatically set.
Refer to 4-5 Listing and Editing Functional Object Properties for details.

Select and Display
Specified Objects

Objects on the screen can be listed and specified objects selected. The
screen display can also be limited to specified objects.

This makes it easy to check and change the property settings for overlapping
objects.

Refer to 4-6 Editing Overlapping Objects for details.

Find Macros Embedded macros can be listed.

This improves debugging efficiency by no longer requiring individual object
property settings to be opened to find objects that use macros.

Refer to 4-9 Searching for Embedded Macros for details.

Automatic Transfer of
Edited Data Only

Once screens have been transferred to the PT, quick transfers of only the
changed data can be made automatically. Screens are edited and data trans­ferred many times during debugging, so the quick transfer function greatly
reduces transfer time and increases efficiency.

Refer to 4-10 Transferring Only Edited Data to PT for details.

Easy Document Creation Common settings and property settings for objects in screens can be output in

rich text format (.rtf). The output settings are displayed in a list for easier view­ing.

Screen images can also be output to bmp and jpg files.
Refer to 4-11 Creating Documents for details.

Integrated Simulation for
Entire PT-PLC System
(CX-Designer Version 2.0
and Higher)

The CX-Designer test function can be connected to the CX-Simulator (a vir­tual PLC). When the CX-Simulator is started, the PLC user program created
using the CX-Programmer can be debugged on a personal computer together
with screen data.

4

Features of the CX-Designer Section 1-1

In addition, the test function can be connected directly to an actual PLC. This
enables debugging (including monitoring and settings) using actual I/O, Spe­cial I/O Units, and CPU Bus Units connected to the PLCs, as well as data
from external devices and PLC data on the network.

Prevent Unauthorized
Uploading of Data from
the PT (CX-Designer
Version 2.0 and Higher)

To prevent data theft from the PT, a password can be required to upload
project data. Data cannot be uploaded from the PT unless the correct pass­word is input. A password can also be required for downloading data to pre­vent data from being accidentally overwritten.

Note Project data created using the NS-Designer can be used with the CX-

Designer. Project data created using the CX-Designer can also be used with
the NS-Designer. (Only project data versions supported by NS-Designer,
however, can be used.)

1. Integrated operations with
screens and user programs
can be tested on a personal
computer

2. Screen operations can be tested
while connected to the actual PLC
System (including external devices).

Personal computer

Virtual PT

Virtual PLC
CX-Simulator

Personal computer

Virtual PT

Actual PLC

Basic I/O Units,
Special I/O Unit,
CPU Bus Units

External
devices

Actual PLC

Settings and monitoring are enabled
for CPU Bus Units, Special I/O Units,
external devices, and PLCs on the network.

5

Basic Operation Procedures Section 1-2

1-2 Basic Operation Procedures

This section describes the basic procedures for creating screens using CX­Designer, transferring data to the PT, and displaying screens. Refer to the CX­Designer online help and the NS Series Setup Manual and NS Series Pro-
gramming Manual for details.

Creating Projects and
Screens on the CX­Designer

Start CX-Designer.
Select Programs - OMRON - CX-One - CX-Designer - CX-Designer Ver. @.

Make Project Communications Settings and Register Host.
Decide the settings for the PT and PLC and register the PLC host for
communications.
Select Communication Setting on the project workspace System Tab
Page.
Alternatively, select PT - Communication Setting.

Create New Project.
Select File - New Project.

Set the PT model, PT system version, and file
name in the New Project Dialog Box.

Specify the screen number for the new screen in the
New Screen Dialog Box.

Set whether or not to use Serial Port A, Serial Port B,
Ethernet, and Controller Link networks and set the
communications conditions.

Click the Add Host Button in the Communication
Setting Dialog Box to set the host name, host type,
network address, and node address.
Note: Up to 98 hosts can be registered in addition to
SERIAL A and SERIAL B.

Refer to 3-1 Starting and Exiting CX-Designer
in this manual.

6

Basic Operation Procedures Section 1-2

Copy symbols from the CX-Programmer Symbol
Table as required.

Make Project System Settings.
Select System Setting on the project workspace System Tab Page.
Alternatively, select PT - System Setting.

The address allocation settings for system memory
and the screen number to be displayed at startup are
set on the Initial Tab Page in the System Setting
Dialog Box.

Set the project properties as required. Make settings
such as language selection and label settings for
when using the switch label function.
Select Project Properties on the project workspace
System Tab Page.
Alternatively, select PT - Project properties.

Set the screen properties as required. Set the screen
title, size, pop-up screen setting, background and
other settings.
Select PT - Screen/sheet properties.

Create New Screen.
Select File - New Screen.

Create Functional Objects.

Select the functional object from the toolbar. Move
the cursor to the screen and drag the cursor from
the start point to the end point of the functional object.

Select the functional object just placed on the screen
and make address and other settings from the
property list. (Select the host name and set the
address. The address can also be set by selecting a
symbol from the symbol table.)

Refer to 4-1 Creating Screens Using Symbols
for details.

7

Basic Operation Procedures Section 1-2

Debugging Newly Created
Screen Data while
Integrated with a Virtual or
Actual PLC (CX-Designer
Version 2.0 or Later)

Also set the properties for that functional object.

Save Screen.
Select File - Save Screen/Sheet.

Save Project.
Select File - Save All.

Print data as required. Select File - Print.

Check operation using the screen data on the
CX-Designer if required.
Select Tools - Test.

When using integration simulation with an actual PLC:
Connect the personal computer to the actual PLC.

Start the Test Tool.
Select Tool - Test.

Connect to the virtual PLC (CX-Simulator) or to the actual PLC.
Select Connect to CX-Simulator or Connect to PLC, and then click the
Start Button.

Run the user program and execute the integrated simulation with the
PLC. Run the virtual PLC (CX-Simulator) or the actual PLC user program
to debug the PT and the entire PLC System.

In personal
computer

Virtual PT

Virtual PLC

or

In personal
computer

Virtual PT

Actual PLC

External devices

8

Basic Operation Procedures Section 1-2

Transferring Projects and
Screens to the PT

Connect the CX-Designer (Computer) and the PT.

Transfer Screen Data to PT.

Select the communications method.
Select PT - Transfer - Transfer Setting.

Transfer the screen data.
Select PT - Transfer - Transfer [Computer → PT].

Refer to 3-3 Connecting the CX-Designe

r

in the NS Series Setup Manual.

9

Basic Operation Procedures Section 1-2

Communications between
the PT and PLC

Connect the PT and PLC.

Use a Serial, Ethernet, or Controller Link network to connect the PT and PLC.

2. Use the automatic NT Link connection setting function in CX-Integrator.

• Serial connection
(Toolbus or Host Link)

• Network connection

Automatic serial connection using
NT Link (using RS-232C port)

Start Operation.

(If the System Menu is displayed on the PT, press the Exit Button.)

CX-Integrator

Confirm Communications Settings.

Match the PT communications settings to the PLC system settings on the PLC.
Use either of the methods outlined below.

1. Check the PT communications settings under the PT System Menu. If
required, change the settings on the PT or change the PLC system settings
on the PLC.

• Select System Menu - Comm. Tab Page and check the settings. (The default

baud rate under the CX-Designer communications settings is High-Speed and
the default NT link unit number is 0.

• Match these settings to the serial communications mode settings under the

PLC system settings on the CX-Programmer. Check that the RS-232C port
serial communications mode is set to NT Link and that the maximum unit
number for NT Link mode is higher than the number of units used. (The default
baud rate in the PLC system settings is Standard and the default maximum
unit number for NT Link mode is 0.)
If the unit number for NT Link mode is set to 0, set the maximum NT Link unit
number to 1 or higher in the PLC Setup.

Refer to 6-10 Starting Operation in the

NS Series Setup Manual.

Automatically changes the serial port settings
on the PLC to match the serial port settings
on the NS-series PT.

• Start CX-Integrator and click the right mouse button on the CPU Unit

in the Online Connection Information Window. Select NT Link Tool -

NT Link Automatic Connection.

The NT Link automatic connection function automatically detects the
communications settings on the PT connected to the PLC by a serial
network and automatically changes the serial port settings under the PLC
system settings on the PLC.

10

Basic Operation Procedures Section 1-2

11

SECTION 2

Setting Up the CX-Designer

The CX-Designer must be installed on the computer before it can be used for the first time. The CX-Designer is application
software that runs on a Windows 98 SE, NT, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista operating system. This section describes how to install
the CX-Designer assuming that the Windows 98 SE, NT, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista operating system has already been installed
on the computer.

2-1 Preparations for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2-2 Installing the CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2-3 Uninstalling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2-4 Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

12

Preparations for Installation Section 2-1

2-1 Preparations for Installation

Check to be sure that the following system requirements have been met
before installing the CX-Designer.

System Requirements The system requirements for the CX-Designer are given in the following table.

(1) CX-Designer Operating System Precaution

The CX-Designer will not run on Microsoft Windows 95 or any other OS
not listed above. If such an OS is being used on the client computer, the
OS must be upgraded before installing the CX-Designer. System require­ments and hard disk space may vary with the system environment.

(2) An RS-232C or USB port is required for connecting to the NS-series PT.

When Windows NT4.0 is used, however, data cannot be transferred via
the USB port.

(3) The following restrictions apply when using CX-Designer version 2.1 with

Microsoft Windows Vista.
Some help files cannot be referenced.

Help files can be referenced if the help program (WinHlp32.exe) for Win­dows Vista (distributed by Microsoft Corporation) is imported. For details,
either refer to the Microsoft home page below or contact Microsoft Cor­poration. (When connected online, the download page is displayed auto­matically by opening the help file.)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607/en

Item Requirement

Operating system
(OS) (See note 1.)
Japanese or
English system

Microsoft Win­dows 98SE or
Me

Microsoft Win­dows NT (Ser­vice Pack 6a)

Microsoft Win­dows 2000 (Ser­vice Pack 3 or
higher)

Microsoft Win­dows XP

Microsoft Windows Vista
(except for 64-bit edition)
(See note 3.)

Computer IBM PC/AT or compatible with a Pentium II 333 MHz or faster proces-

sor
(Pentium III 1 GHz or faster recommended.)

IBM AT-compatible per­sonal computer with the
processor recommended
by Microsoft.

A minimum of 1 GHz is rec­ommended.

Memory 256 MB minimum A minimum of 1 GB of

memory is required, and a
minimum of 1.5 GB is rec­ommended.

Hard disk Approx. 700 MB or more available space is required to install.
Display SVGA (800 × 600) or better high-resolution display with 256 colors min.
Disk drive CD-ROM drive
Communications

ports

1 port minimum, either RS-232C or USB (See note 2.)

Other Internet access is required for online user registration, including a modem or other hardware con-

nection method.

13

Installing the CX-Designer Section 2-2

Using CX-Designer with
Windows Vista

The following restrictions apply when using CX-Designer with Windows Vista.

2-2 Installing the CX-Designer

Install the CX-Designer in the hard disk.
To install the CX-Designer, execute the installation program provided.
For details on procedures for installing the CX-Designer from CX-One FA Inte-

grated Tool Package, refer to the CX-One Ver. 2.1 Setup Manual provided with
CX-One.

Note If the CX-Designer was previously installed from the CX-One and it's neces-

sary to install it from the individual CX-Designer CD-ROM, always uninstall
the CX-Designer using the following procedure before installing it from its indi­vidual CD-ROM. The CX-Designer will not operate properly if it is installed
without first uninstalling it.

1,2,3... 1. Insert the CX-One installation disk 1 into the CD-ROM drive.

2. Select the Modify Option to enable modifying the Support Software that is
installed.

3. In the Select Features Dialog Box, clear the selection of only the CX-De­signer. Do not change any other selections.

4. Continue by following the instructions in the dialog boxes to modify the in­stallation and uninstall CX-Designer.

5. Once the CX-Designer uninstallation process has been completed, place
the individual CD-ROM disk for the CX-Designer into the CD-ROM drive
and install the CX-Designer. (See note.)

Note If the version of the CX-Server bundled on the individual CX-De-

signer CD-ROM is lower than the version of the CX-Server bundled
with the CX-One, install only the CX-Designer and NOT the CX­Server. If a version of CX-Server that is lower than the version with
the CX-One is installed, the CX-One will not operate properly.

The main buttons that are displayed during installation are as follows:

Item Contents

Fonts When project data created outside of Windows Vista is

saved in Windows Vista, characters using fonts that are
different in Windows Vista will be changed.

Similarly, characters in project data using fonts added or
changed in Windows Vista will be changed when saved
outside of Windows Vista.

Memory Card Transfer
Support Software

Two-bytes characters used in file names and folder
names on the Memory Card will not be displayed nor­mally.

Cat. No. Model Manual name Contents

W463 CXONE-AL@@C-

EV2/AL@@D-EV2

CX-One Ver. 2.1
Setup Manual

Installation and overview of CX­One FA Integrated Tool Package.

Confirms the settings in the window displayed and moves to the next
window.

Cancels the settings in the window displayed and returns to the previ­ous window.

14

Installing the CX-Designer Section 2-2

Installation Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Start up Windows 98SE, NT, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista.

2. Close all applications before executing installation. Place the CX-Designer
CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. The setup program is started automatical­ly. If the setup program does not start automatically, such as after execut­ing uninstall, locate Setup.exe in the CD-ROM using Windows Explorer,
and then double-click the file to execute the setup program.

Note If CX-Designer is already installed, a dialog box to confirm deletion of this ver-

sion will be displayed. Click the OK Button to start deleting this version. To exit
the setup program, click the Cancel Button and then click the Exit Button. Fin­sGateway and CX-Server will not be uninstalled by this operation.

3. The CX-Designer Setup Wizard will be displayed.
Install the CX-Designer by following the instructions in the Setup Wizard.

4. During installation, the installation progress is displayed as a percentage.

Closes the window currently being displayed. The settings in the win­dow are cancelled.

Installation can be cancelled by pressing this button in the installation
window. A confirmation message will be displayed.

The actual folder configuration is displayed in a tree format, from
which the folders where installation files are to be installed can be
selected.

15

Installing the CX-Designer Section 2-2

5. When CX-Designer installation has been completed, a message to confirm
installation of Smart Active Parts will be displayed. Click the Yes Button to
start the installation. If Smart Active Parts installation is not required, click
the No Button and proceed to step 10.

Smart Active Parts are libraries containing setting/monitoring screens
(e.g., Position Control Unit setting screens and Temperature Controller
monitoring screens).

6. The following dialog box will be displayed. Install the software according
the instructions given in window messages.

7. During installation, the installation progress is displayed as a percentage.
When installation has been completed, the following dialog box will be dis­played. Click the Finish Button.

16

Installing the CX-Designer Section 2-2

8. A message will be displayed to confirm installation of the CX-Server. Click
the Yes Button.

9. When installation has been completed, the following dialog box will be dis­played. Select whether or not to restart the computer immediately, and
click the Finish Button to complete the installation.
Always restart the computer before using CX-Designer.

Note (1) When installing CX-Designer in Windows NT, 2000, XP, or Vista, log onto

the computer as the administrator to ensure that system DLL files can be
overwritten. If overwriting system DLL files fails, CX-Designer may not op­erate properly.

(2) When adding Smart Active Parts after installation of CX-Designer, dou-

ble-click the CD-ROM directory \SmartActiveParts\Setup.exe from Win­dows Explorer to execute the setup program. Select all the Smart Active
Parts to be used in the dialog box for selecting components.

(3) Refer to the How to manage after conversion file in the Programs Folder

under the Windows Start Menu for details after NT31C/NT631C Conver­sion Support Tool conversion.

(4) Internet Explorer Ver 5.5 or higher is required to transfer data.

17

Installing the CX-Designer Section 2-2

The folder structure after installation is as follows:

Note The System Backup folder is created only when the CX-Designer is installed

from its individual CD-ROM.

SmartActiveParts

CX-Designer

bldparts
intaparts

BMPfiles

Manual

Macro

Setup
Programming

HostConnection

RGB_Video (NS-CA002)

SAP

SmartActiveParts_E

SAPmini_E

runparts

System Backup (See note.)

NS12_V1_V2

NSJ12

NS10_V1_V2

NSJ10

NS8_V1_V2

NSJ8

NS5_V1_V2

V7_0

V7_0

V7_0

V7_0

V7_0

V7_0

V7_0

RecoverUpdate_7_0
NT631C_Cnv

Readme_E.txt

Parts Collection (bitmaps)

Directory containing manuals

Macro reference

Setup manual
Programming manual

How to use Smart Active Parts
Host Connection Manuals (Temp. Controller and Memory Links/Host Links/Multivendor)

Smart Active Parts for NS8/NS10/NS12

NS-CA002 RGB/Video Input Unit Manual

Smart Active Parts for NS5

NS12-V1/-V2 system folder (Version

7.0

)

Ver. 7.0 recovery/update program
Directory containing NT31C/NT613C Conversion Support Tool

Please read. (Contains precautionary information.)

Guide
Users

Introductory Guide
User's Manual/NSH Operation Manual

library

Thermo

NSJ5

NSH5

V7_0

V7_0

NSJ12 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NS10-V1/-V2 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NSJ10 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NS8-V1/-V2 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NSJ8 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NS5-V1/-V2 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NSJ5 system folder (Version

7.0

)

NSH5 system folder (Version

7.0

)

Sample Collection of sample screen data

18

Uninstalling Section 2-3

2-3 Uninstalling

Operation Procedure

1,2,3... 1. To uninstall the CX-Designer, click the Windows Start Button and select

Settings - Control Panel.

2. Double-click Add/Remove Applications.

3. Select CX-Designer_V2.1 from the list and click the Edit/Delete Button.
Follow the instructions displayed in window messages to uninstall the CX­Designer.

4. When uninstalling the CX-Designer has been finished, a message will be
displayed indicating that the uninstall operation has been completed.
Check the message and then click the Finish Button.

2-4 Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs.

Install the NS-series USB driver in the personal computer. After installation,
data can be transferred between the personal computer and NS-series PT via
USB.

Note (1) With NS-V1 Series models, make sure that the PT has a lot number that

supports USB transmission. The system program version of the NS-se­ries PT must also support USB transmission. For details, refer to 3-3-2
Connecting via USB in the NS series Setup Manual (Cat. No. V083).

(2) If an NS-series USB driver has already been installed for use with the NS-

Designer, the NS-series USB driver must be installed again to use the
CX-Designer.

(3) Do not install the NS-series USB driver for the NS-Designer while the CX-

Designer is being used.

Applicable Operating
Systems

Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows
Vista

Operation Procedure Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista:

1,2,3... 1. Start Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista.

19

Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. Section 2-4

2. Connect the personal computer to the NS-series PT USB slave connector
using the USB cable. The following Found New Hardware Wizard will be
displayed.

3. For Windows 2000, select Display a list of the known drivers for this device
so that I can choose a specific driver and click the Next Button. For Win-
dows XP, select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click
the Next Button.

4. The dialog box shown below will be displayed. Confirm that Search for the

best driver for my device (Recommended) is selected. Select the In­clude this location in the search option, click the Browse Button and

specify the following CX-Server installation directory folder:
\USB
Then click the Next Button.

20

Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. Section 2-4

5. The dialog box shown below will be displayed. Click the Continue Anyway
Button.

6. When installation is completed, the following dialog box will be displayed.
Click the Finish Button.

21

Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. Section 2-4

Windows 98SE and Windows Me:

1,2,3... 1. Start Windows 98SE or Windows Me.

2. Connect the personal computer to the NS-series PT USB slave connector
using the USB cable. The following Add New Hardware Wizard will be dis­played. Click the Next Button.

3. The following dialog box will be displayed. Select Search for the best driv-
er for your device (Recommended). Click the Next Button.

22

Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. Section 2-4

4. Select Specify a location only and then click the Browse Button and
specify the following directory.
CX-Server installation directory
\USB

5. Click the Next Button.

6. Click the Next Button to start installation.
When installation is completed, the following dialog box will be displayed.
Click the Finish Button.

23

Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. Section 2-4

7. The Add New Hardware Wizard will be displayed again. Click the Next But­ton.

8. The following dialog box will be displayed. Check that Search for the best
driver for your device (Recommended) is selected, and then click the
Next Button.

9. Select Specify a location only and then click the Browse Button and
specify the following directory.
CX-Server installation directory
\USB

24

Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs. Section 2-4

10. Click the Next Button.

11. Click the Next Button to start installation.
When installation is completed, the following dialog box will be displayed.
Click the Finish Button.

25

SECTION 3

Basic Operations of the CX-Designer

This section describes basic functions and operation methods, such as starting and exiting CX-Designer and the user
interface.

3-1 Starting and Exiting CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3-1-1 Startup Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3-1-2 Exiting CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3-2 Menu Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3-3 User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3-3-1 Names of Basic Screen Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3-3-2 CX-Designer Functions and Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

26

Starting and Exiting CX-Designer Section 3-1

3-1 Starting and Exiting CX-Designer

This section describes how to start and exit the CX-Designer.

3-1-1 Startup Method

To start the CX-Designer, click the Windows Start Button, and then select

Programs - OMRON - CX-One - CX-Designer - CX-Designer Ver. @ (The
items displayed may vary according to the program folder specified during
installation). Alternatively, right-click the NS-series PT in the Network Configu­ration Window of CX-Integrator, and select Start Special Application - Start

Only.

When the CX-Designer startup is completed, the Main Window will be dis­played, as follows:

Note (1) More than one copy of the CX-Designer application can be run at the

same time.

(2) To start CX-Designer, log in as the administrator when using a personal

computer running Windows NT, 2000, XP, or Vista.

3-1-2 Exiting CX-Designer

Use one of the following operations to exit the CX-Designer.

•Select Exit from the File Menu.

• Click the Close Button at the top right of the Main Window.

• Double-click the CX-Designer icon at the top left of the Main Window.

• Click the CX-Designer icon at the top left of the Main Window and select
Close from the Control Menu Box.

• Press the Alt + F4 Keys.

If the project data that is open has not been saved, a confirmation message
will be displayed.

When the CX-Designer is exited, the system will return to the Windows dis­play.

27

Menu Commands Section 3-2

3-2 Menu Commands

The commands that appear on the pull-down menus of the CX-Designer and
their functions are described in the following tables.

File Menu

Command Function Shortcut keys

New Project Creates a new project. --­Open Project Opens an existing project. --­Close Project Closes the project currently open without

exiting the CX-Designer.

---

Save Project As Saves the current project under a specified

name.

---

Save All Saves (overwrites) all of the data for the cur-

rent project.

Ctrl+S

New Screen Creates a new screen under the current

project.

Ctrl+N

Open Screen Opens the project workspace. Ctrl+O
Save Screen/Sheet Saves the current screen or sheet. Ctrl+Shift+S
New Sheet Creates a new sheet under the current

project.

Ctrl+Shift+N

Apply Sheet Sets a screen with overlapping sheets. Ctrl+J
Import CSV File Imports project or screen data saved in CSV

format to the current project or screen.

---

Export CSV File Exports the current project or screen data to

a file in CSV format.

---

Page Setup Makes the printer settings. --­Preview Shows a preview of the printed image. --­Print Outputs current project or screen information

to a printer or to a file. Select Print to display
a preview.

Ctrl+P

Data Transfer Security

New Data Trans­fer Security Set­ting

Sets a password to be input when transfer­ring data.

---

Change Data
Transfer Secu­rity Setting

Changes data transfer security setting. ---

Cancel Data
Transfer Secu­rity Setting

Deletes data transfer security setting. ---

Recent Projects Displays a list of currently edited projects.

(Up to ten projects are displayed.)

---

Exit Ends the CX-Designer. ---

28

Menu Commands Section 3-2

Edit Menu

Command Function Shortcut keys

Undo Discards changes and restores the previous

status.

Ctrl+Z

Redo Restores the changes discarded with Undo.Ctrl+Y
Cut Deletes the selected objects and places them

in the internal buffer.

Ctrl+X,
Shift+DEL

Copy Copies the selected objects and places them

in the internal buffer.

Ctrl+C

Paste Pastes objects that have been cut or copied. Ctrl+V,

Shift+Ins

Paste (Style Only) Pastes objects that have been cut or copied

using the default address settings.

---

Delete Deletes the selected objects. DEL
Group

Group Groups more than one functional or fixed

object to create a single object.

Ctrl+G

Ungroup Ungroups grouped objects. Ctrl+U

Order

Front Brings the currently selected object to the

front.

---

Back Sends the currently selected object to the

back.

---

Bring Forward Brings the currently selected object forward. --­Send Backward Sends the currently selected object back. ---

Align/Distribute

Align Left Aligns the currently selected objects to the

left.

---

Center in a
Column

Aligns the vertical centers of the currently
selected objects.

---

Align Right Aligns the currently selected objects to the

right.

---

Align Top Aligns the currently selected objects to the

top.

---

Center in a Row Aligns the horizontal centers of the currently

selected objects.

---

Align Bottom Aligns the currently selected objects to the

bottom.

---

Distribute
Horizontally

Distributes the currently selected objects equi­distant (between mid-points) horizontally.

---

Distribute
Vertically

Distributes the currently selected objects equi­distant (between mid-points) vertically.

---

Make Same Size

Smallest Width Aligns the currently selected objects to the

smallest width.

---

Largest Width Aligns the currently selected objects to the

largest width.

---

Smallest Height Aligns the currently selected objects to the

smallest height.

---

Largest Height Aligns the currently selected objects to the

largest height.

---

Tab l e Co l u mn
Width

Aligns table columns to equal widths. ---

Table Row
Height

Aligns table rows to equal heights. ---

29

Menu Commands Section 3-2

Find Menu

Nudge

Up Moves the selected object one dot or one grid

unit up.

↑

Down Moves the selected object one dot or one grid

unit down.

↓

Left Moves the selected object one dot or one grid

unit to the left.

←

Right Moves the selected object one dot or one grid

unit to the right.

→

Rotate/Flip

Rotate Right 90
Degrees

Rotates the currently selected object 90
degrees to the right.

---

Rotate Left 90
Degrees

Rotates the currently selected object 90
degrees to the left.

---

Rotate Right 90
Degrees
Around Center
of Screen/
Frame

Rotates the currently selected object 90
degrees to the right around the center of the
screen or frame.

---

Rotate Left 90
Degrees
Around Center
of Screen/
Frame

Rotates the currently selected object 90
degrees to the left around the center of the
screen or frame.

---

Flip Horizontal Flips the currently selected object horizontally. --­Flip Vertical Flips the currently selected object vertically. --­Flip Horizontal

Around Center
of Screen/
Frame

Flips the currently selected object horizontally
around the center of the screen or frame.

---

Flip Vertical
Around Center
of Screen/
Frame

Flips the currently selected object vertically
around the center of the screen or frame.

---

Edit Node Changes the positions of the vertices to

change the shape of a fixed object node.

---

Select All

All Objects Selects all objects on the screen. Ctrl+A
Same Type

Objects

Selects all objects of the same type as the
currently selected object.

Ctrl+D

Repeat Makes multiple copies of the selected objects. Ctrl+W
Edit Properties Displays a list of functional objects on screen

to enable changing property settings.

Ctrl+L

Command Function Shortcut keys

Command Function Shortcut keys

Find Searches for address or character string key-

words.

Ctrl+F

Replace Replaces the specified addresses. Ctrl+H
Address Cross Ref-

erence

Finds locations where an address is used and
lists the results.

Ctrl+R

Macro Cross Refer­ence

Lists macro locations. ---

Replace Host Replaces the host for all addresses in the

project.

---

30

Menu Commands Section 3-2

View Menu

Command Function Shortcut keys

Toolbar Displays and hides the toolbar. --­Window

Project
Workspace

Displays and hides the project workspace. Alt+1

Symbol Table Displays and hides the symbol table. Alt+2
Property List Displays and hides the property list. Alt+3
Library Displays and hides the Library Window. Alt+4
Select Object Displays and hides the object selection. Alt+5
Address in Use

List

Displays and hides the List Up Addresses
Used Window.

Alt+6

Output Window Displays and hides the Output Window. Alt+7
Status Bar Displays and hides the Status Bar. --­Previous Label Displays the previous label. Ctrl+PgUp
Next Label Displays the next label. Ctrl+PgDn
Previous Screen Displays the previous screen. Shift+PgUp
Next Screen Displays the next screen. Shift+PgDn
Previous Frame

Page

Displays the previous frame page. PgUp

Next Frame Page Displays the next frame page. PgDn
Show Address

Show Symbol

Name

Switches to functional object display showing
symbol names.

---

Show Address Switches to functional object display showing

addresses.

---

Show I/O

Comment

Switches to functional object display showing
I/O comments.

---

Hide Switches to functional object display hiding

addresses.

---

Show ID Displays and hides ID numbers for objects. --­Simulate ON/OFF Switches ON and OFF display for functional

objects.

---

Show Sheet Object Displays and hides objects registered in

sheets.

---

Grid Sets the grid. --­Show Touch Points Displays and hides PT touch points. --­Zoom Zooms the display in and out. --­Refresh Redraws the screen. F9

31

Menu Commands Section 3-2

PT Menu

Command Function Shortcut keys

Tr an s fe r

Quick transfer

(Computer →

PT)

Compares project data with data in the PT and
transfers only refreshed data to the PT.

Ctrl+Q

Transfer (Com-

puter → PT)

Transfers all project data to the PT. Ctrl+B

Transfer (PT →

Computer)

Uploads the project data stored in the PT to
the computer.

Ctrl+Shift+B

Transfer Setting Sets the communications path to be used in

the transfer.

Ctrl+Alt+B

Transfer Pro-

gram

Starts the tool for transferring project data cre­ated on the CX-Designer to the PT or receive
project data from the PT to the CX-Designer.

Ctrl+I

System Setting Sets the PT operating parameters. (This is the

same as double-clicking System Setting on
the project workspace System Tab Page.)

---

Project Properties Sets the project properties. (This is the same

as double-clicking Project Properties on the
project workspace System Tab Page.)

---

Communication
Setting

Registers hosts and sets communications
conditions. (This is the same as double-click­ing Communication Setting on the project
workspace System Tab Page.)

---

Alarm/Event Setting Registers and corrects alarms and events.

(This is the same as double-clicking Alarm/
Event Setting on the project workspace Com­mon Setting Tab Page.)

---

Data Log Setting Registers and corrects the data log function.

(This is the same as double-clicking Data Log
Setting on the project workspace Common
Setting Tab Page.)

---

Broken-line Graph
Group Setting

Registers and corrects broken-line graph
groups. (This is the same as double-clicking
Broken-line Graph Group Setting on the
project workspace Common Setting Tab
Page.)

Data Block Setting Registers and corrects data blocks.

(This is the same as double-clicking Data
Block Setting on the project workspace Com­mon Setting Tab Page.)

---

Document Table
Setting

Used to register or correct document files dis­played for document display objects. Used
only with NS-Runtime.

---

String Table Setting Used to register or correct character strings in

character tables. (This is the same as double­clicking String Table Setting on the project
workspace Common Setting Tab Page.)

---

32

Menu Commands Section 3-2

Functional Objects Menu

Password Sets the password. (This is the same as dou-

ble-clicking Password Setting on the project
workspace Common Setting Tab Page.)

---

Unit/Scale Sets the units and scales used by numeral

objects. (This is the same as double-clicking
Unit/Scale Setting on the project workspace
Common Setting Tab Page.)

---

Dialog Setting Sets the dialog displayed when functional

objects are pressed.

---

Flicker Sets flicker settings for each screen or sheet. --­Color Transparent Sets transparent colors for bitmap files set in

the project.

---

Screen/Sheet
Properties

Sets the screen properties. ---

Change Input Order Sets the order for shifting the focus for

numeral and text input objects on the screen.

---

Edit Contents Sets switching the contents of individual

screens and sheets.

---

Object Properties Sets the properties for the currently selected

functional object.

Enter

Edit Label Enables direct editing of functional object

labels on the screen without opening a prop­erty dialog box.

Space

Command Function Shortcut keys

Command Function Shortcut keys

ON/OFF Button Starts creation of an ON/OFF button. --­Word Button Starts creation of a word button. --­Command Button Starts creation of a command button. --­Bit Lamp Starts creation of a bit lamp. --­Word Lamp Starts creation of a word lamp. --­Multifunction Starts creation of a Multifunction Object. --­Label Starts creation of text. --­Numeral Display &

Input

Starts creation of a Numeral Display & Input
Object.

---

String Display &
Input

Starts creation of a String Display & Input
Object.

---

List Selection Starts creation of a List Selection object. --­Thumbwheel

Switch

Starts creation of a thumbwheel switch. ---

Analog Meter Starts creation of an analog meter. --­Level Meter Starts creation of a level meter. --­Broken-line Graph Starts creation of a broken-line graph. --­Bitmap Starts creation of a bit map. --­Alarm/event Display Starts creation of an alarm/event display

object.

---

Alarm/Event Sum­mary & History

Starts creation of an alarm/event summary &
history object.

---

Date Starts creation of a date object. --­Time Starts creation of a time object. --­Data Log Graph Starts creation of a data log graph. --­Data Block Table Starts creation of a data block table. --­Video Display Starts creation of a video display object. ---

33

Menu Commands Section 3-2

Fixed Objects Menu

Tools Menu

Temporary Input Starts creation of a temporary input. --­Consecutive Line

Drawing

Starts creation of a continuous line. ---

Document Display Selects document display and starts creation

of a screen. Document display is supported for
NS-Runtime only.

---

Contents Display Starts creation of a contents display.
Frame Starts creation of a frame region. --­Table Starts creation of a table on a table creation

screen.

---

Command Function Shortcut keys

Command Function Shortcut keys

Rectangle Starts creation of a rectangle. --­Circle•Oval Starts creation of a circle or oval. --­Straight Line Starts creation of a straight line. --­Polyline Starts creation of a continuous straight line. --­Polygon Starts creation of a polygon. --­Sector Starts creation of a pie-shaped sector. --­Arc Starts creation of an arc. ---

Command Function Shortcut keys

Test Performs an operating test on the computer.

The test can be performed while connected to
either the CX-Simulator (virtual PLC) or an
actual PLC. (CX-Designer version 2.0 or
higher.)

Ctrl+T

PLC Error Simulator Starts the PLC error simulator. For details on

the PLC error simulator, refer to the CX-Pro-
gramer Operation Manual (Cat. No. W446).

---

Resource Report Displays a report on the resources that have

been used.

---

Validation

Val idation

(Project)

Checks all screen data in the project accord­ing to validation settings to see if any mistakes
have been made.

Ctrl+E

Val idation

(Current

Screen)

Checks screen data displayed at the front
according to validation settings to see if any
mistakes have been made.

Ctrl+Shift+E

Val idation

Setting

Sets the project data check items. Ctrl+Alt+E

DXF Explorer Starts the tool for accessing DXF files using

the CX-Designer.

---

Library Displays the Library Window to enable pasting

objects registered in the library on the screen.
Also enables registering objects on the screen
in the library.

Alt+4

Import Old Library Converts a library created on CX-Designer for

use with CX-Designer.

---

Conversion

Version Changes the system version of the project

currently being edited.

---

Model Changes the model of the NS-series PT for

the project currently being edited.

---

34

User Interface Section 3-3

Window Menu

Help Menu

3-3 User Interface

3-3-1 Names of Basic Screen Components

The configuration and names and functions of the components in the CX­Designer operation screen are described here.

Title Bar The title bar displays the application name, project name, and screen number.

Reset Defined Default

Functional

Object

Resets functional object specified values to
default values.

---

Fixed Objects Resets fixed object specified values to default

values.

---

Option Sets optional functions for editing screens. ---

Command Function Shortcut keys

Command Function Shortcut keys

Next Window Moves to the next window of the windows dis-

played under View - Window.

Alt+0

Previous Window Moves to the previous window of the windows

displayed under View - Window.

Alt+Shift+0

Close All Closes all open screen editing windows. --­Cascade Cascades the screen editing windows. --­Tile Tiles the screen editing windows. --­Arrange Icons Arranges the minimized window icons. --­Window List Lists all open screen editing windows. The

front screen will have a check mark by it.

---

Command Function Shortcut keys

Contents Displays the contents for the online help. --­Search Topic Displays a search dialog box for help topics. --­Online Registration Registers the user online. --­About CX-Designer Displays information on the product. ---

Title Bar

Menu Bar

Toolbar

Status bar

Property List

Functional object
property settings
can be changed
and checked
without having to
open a properties
dialog box.

Project Workspace

The entire project
structure can be
displayed in a
directory tree.

Screen Creation
Window

Screen data
displayed on the PTs
can be created for a
group of objects.

35

User Interface Section 3-3

Menu Bar The menu bar provides groups of related functions.

Each group name is displayed in the menu bar and the functions are dis­played on pull-down menus under each group name.

Project Workspace The project screen data and settings are displayed in a tree hierarchy in the

project workspace.
Screens and sheets can be created, copied, and deleted in the project work-

space.
Screens from different projects can be copied between workspaces if more

than one copy of CX-Designer is running at the same time.
The project workspace can be displayed and hidden by selecting View - Win-

dow - Project workspace.

A list of the created screens and sheets will be displayed on the Screen/Sheet
Tab Page.

The Common Setting Tab Page displays the common settings browsed by all
functional objects.

The System Tab Page displays the project and communications settings.

Double-click on any screen
or sheet to open it.
Screens and sheets can be
created, copied, and
deleted.

Double-click any item to
open the settings dialog
box.

Double-click on any
item to open the
settings dialog box.

36

User Interface Section 3-3

Property List Property Lists display the property settings for the functional object selected

on the screen. Settings can be checked and changed without opening a Prop­erty Setting Dialog Box.

Changes to properties made on the Property List are immediately reflected on
the screen, which enables changes to be checked during screen creation.

Property Lists can be displayed and hidden by selecting View - Window -

Property List.

■ Global Replace

More than one object can be selected and the common settings for those
objects can be changed in one operation.

The following example shows a global change of the object color.

Screen Creation Window Screens displayed on the PTs can be created using functional and fixed

objects.

Status bar The Status Bar can be displayed and hidden by selecting View - Status Bar.

Enables display
and settings of
properties of
the selected
object without
opening a
property dialog
box.

The two objects on the
screen for which the color is
to be changed are selected
and Color 1 is changed.

The color for the two
selected objects is changed
in the one operation.

Describes the
function of the
toolbar icon or
menu item
selected.

Displays the
frame page
number currently
selected.

Displays the current
coordinates of the
cursor.

Displays the
upper left
coordinates of the
object currently
selected.

Displays the
switch label
name currently
selected.

Displays
the set PT
model.

Displays the
system
version of
the project.

Displays the
key status.

37

User Interface Section 3-3

Toolbar Each toolbar can be displayed and hidden according to the settings in the

Customize Dialog Box displayed under View - Toolbar.

■ File Toolbar

Displays functions relating to file operation, such as creating or saving
projects and screens and transferring project data, as icons.

■ Edit Toolbar

Displays functions relating to editing objects, such as copy, cut, and paste as
icons.

■ Find Toolbar

Displays functions relating to searching and replacing as icons.

■ Tool Toolbar

Displays frequently used functions from the Tools Menu as icons.

■ Help Toolbar

Displays help and version information functions as icons.

New
Project

Open
Project

New
Screen

New
Sheet

Transfer
Setting

Import
CSV File

Transfer
(PT → Computer)

Save All

Save
Screen/
Sheet

Apply Sheet

Export
CSV File

Transfer
(Computer → PT)

Preview

Page Setup

Print

Quick
transfer

Undo Cut Paste Repeat

Redo Co

py

Delete

Host selection

Find

Re

p

lac

e

Te st

Resource
Report

Validation
Setting

PLC-PT
Integrated
Simulation

Validation
(Project)

Validation
(Current Screen)

Option

PLC Error
Simulator

DXF Explorer

Contents

About CX-Desi

gner

38

User Interface Section 3-3

■ Functional Object Toolbar

Displays screen creation functions for functional objects as icons.
Select the icon button of the functional object to be used to start screen cre-

ation.

Note Document display is supported for NS-Runtime only.

■ Fixed Object Toolbar

Displays fixed object drawing functions as icons.
Select the icon button of the fixed object to be used to start drawing screens.

■ Grouping Order Toolbar

Displays object grouping and change distribution order functions as icons.

■ Edit Objects Toolbar

Displays functions relating to changing object layout and object alignment as
icons.

ON/OFF
Button

Word
Lamp

List
Selection

Broken-line
Graph

Date

Video
Display

Command

Button

Numeral
Display
& Input

Analog
Meter

Alarm/
event
Display

Data
Log
Graph

Fram e

Ta bl

e

Bit
Lamp

String
Display
& Input

Level
Meter

Alarm/
Event
Summary
& History

Data
Block
Ta bl e

Word
Button

Label

Thumbwheel
Switch

Bitmap

Time

Temporary
Input

Document
Display

Consecutive Line
Drawing

Contents
Display

Multifunction

Rectangle

Circle/
Oval

Polyline Sector

Straight
Line

Polygon

Arc

Group

Front Back

Send
Backward

Bring Forward

Ungroup

Align
Left

Align
Middle

Align
Right

Distribute
Horizontally

Smallest
Width

Smallest
Height

Rotate
Right

Flip
Horizontal

Edit Node

Align
To p

Align
Center

Align
Bottom

Distribute
Vertically

Largest
Height

Largest
Width

Rotate
Left

Flip
Vertical

Rotate Selected
Object 90° Around
Center of
Screen/Frame to
the Right

Rotate
Selected
Object 90°
Around Center
of
Screen/Frame
to the Left

Flip Selected
Object Vertically
Around Center
of Screen/Frame

Flip Selected
Object Horizontally
Around Center of
Screen/Frame

39

User Interface Section 3-3

■ Window Display Toolbar

Displays functions for displaying windows as icons.

■ Switch Toolbar

Displays functions for switching labels, screens, and frame pages as icons.

■ View Toolbar

Displays functions for switching the Screen Creation Window display as icons.

■ Font Toolbar

Displays the functions for setting text font properties in functional objects as
icons.

■ Color Toolbar

Displays the color settings for functional objects and fixed objects as icons.

Toolbar

Property
List

Symbol
Ta bl e

Select
Object

Status ba

r

Project
Workspace

Output
Window

Library

Address in
Use List

Label Switch

Previous
Label

Previous
Page

Next
Label

Previous
Frame Pa

g

e

Next
Page

Next Frame
Page

Address
Display Type

Show
ID
Comment

Show Sheet Object

Show Touch Points

Show
Address

Select ON/OFF

Grid

Zoom

Font

Font Size

Italic

Center

Align Bottom

Font Color Align Top

Bold

Align
Left

Align
Ri

g

ht

Center

Zoom

Color 1

Color 2

Color 4

Color 3

40

User Interface Section 3-3

■ Address Toolbar

Displays the setting functions for the addresses of the functional objects in a
toolbar. Select the functional object for which the address is to be set and set
the address.

■ Edit Contents Toolbar

Sets the basic contents change settings required for using the Machine Navi­gator. By changing the contents number, the display can be changed to the
contents set for that contents number.

Click the Edit Contents Button to display the Edit Contents Dialog Box.
Detailed settings can then be made for changing contents.

Output Window The Output Window displays various data such as CX-Designer search, data

check, and other processing results and error details.
The Output Window can be displayed and hidden by selecting View - Win-

dow - Output Window.

The Output Tab Page displays the CX-Designer operating status and error
information.

The Found Results Tab Page displays the search and replace results.
Click an item to display and select the corresponding object.

The Data Check Results Tab Page displays the data check results.
Click an item to display and select the corresponding object.

Address Selection

Address Edition

Address Settin

gs

Contents No.

Address for switching contents

Edit Contents Button

No. of contents

41

User Interface Section 3-3

3-3-2 CX-Designer Functions and Screens

Symbol Table A symbol table lists the symbols registered to the project.

The CX-Designer can specify symbols as the data to be accessed by func­tional objects, in addition to directly specifying PLC or other host addresses or
internal memory.

“Symbol” is a name to which an address is allocated. This symbol can be
used instead of the address in the CX-Designer. This allows addresses to be
changed simply by changing the address set for the symbol, instead of open­ing each screen and changing the property settings for the functional objects
on that screen. In addition, comments can be specified for symbols in the CX­Designer.

The Symbol Table Window can be displayed and hidden by selecting View -
Window - Symbol Table from the menu bar.

Note (1) Symbols can be added or deleted and functions that use a symbol can be

searched for in the symbol table.

(2) Symbols (communications addresses) to be set can be copied from the

symbol table to the Property List using the drag-and-drop function.

(3) Symbols can also be copied from the CX-Programmer's symbol table and

pasted to the CX-Designer's symbol table. This enables the same symbol
to be used by both the CX-Designer and CX-Programmer.

Library Window A library object is a group of registered functional and fixed objects together

with their property settings registered as one unit of data.
Objects can be registered as a library object and easily reused in multiple

locations or screens from the Library Window.
The Library Window can be displayed and hidden by selecting View - Win-

dow - Library.

Click Name to
change the
display order
between
descending and
ascending (the
sort function).

Click to display a
pull-down list and
display only the
desired type (the
filter function).

42

User Interface Section 3-3

Object List Window The Object List Window lists the functional objects located in Screen Creation

Window.
Any object can be selected and the display on the Screen Creation Window

can be restricted to a specified type of functional object from the Select Object
Window.

Selecting and displaying objects by type enables easy editing of objects hid­den under other objects. Normal screen editing is also possible in this mode.

The Select Object Window can be displayed and hidden by selecting View -

Window - Object List.

Objects can be easily registered and reused, using the drag-and-drop function.

Register

Reuse

Library Window

Screen Creation Window

Select Object Screen
Lists objects on the screen.

Label objects that were
hidden underneath

Select only Label to display
labels that were hidden under
other objects. Labels can also
be edited in this mode.

43

User Interface Section 3-3

Address in Use List Displays a list of the number of times each address is used in functional

objects.
A list of the functional objects using the addresses is also displayed in the

Output Window and specified functional objects can be selected on the
screen.

The Address in Use Window can be displayed and hidden by selecting View -

Window - Address in Use List.

Displays the addresses.

Sets the search range.

Displays the number of
times each address is used.
(Unused addresses are
displayed in gray.)

Sets the start address
for the search range.

44

User Interface Section 3-3

45

SECTION 4

Useful Functions

This section describes useful CX-Designer functions for creating project data and debugging and how to use these
functions.

4-1 Creating Screens Using Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

4-1-1 Changing Allocated Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

4-1-2 Reusing Existing Projects in Another System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

4-1-3 Copying and Pasting Symbols Between the CX-Programmer and

the CX-Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

4-1-4 Using I/O Allocation Table in Symbol Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

4-1-5 Creating Screens Using Symbol Names and Then Setting Addresses 49

4-2 Using Screens from Other Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

4-3 Classifying Screens by Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

4-3-1 Creating Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

4-3-2 Moving Screens between Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4-3-3 Creating New Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4-4 Checking and Changing Functional Object Properties without Opening

Property Setting Dialog Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

4-4-1 Globally Replacing Settings for More Than One Object . . . . . . . . . 55

4-5 Listing and Editing Functional Object Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4-5-1 Setting Consecutive Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

4-5-2 Copying the Same Setting to More Than One Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

4-6 Editing Overlapping Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

4-6-1 Method for Selecting Specified Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

4-6-2 Displaying Only Specified Objects on a Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4-7 Creating Multi-language Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

4-8 Checking Address Usage Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

4-9 Searching for Embedded Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

4-10 Transferring Only Edited Data to PT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

4-11 Creating Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

4-12 How to Use Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

4-13 Integrated Simulation for the Entire System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

4-13-1 Debugging Screens and the User Program with a Virtual PLC . . . . 64

4-13-2 Debugging Screens and the User Program with the Actual PLC . . . 66

4-14 Setting Security for Data Transfers with the PT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

4-15 Setting Symbol Names and I/O Comments for Use as Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

4-16 Executing Multiple Functions with a Single Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

4-17 Replacing a Lamp with a Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

4-18 Creating Polygonal Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

4-19 Registering Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

4-20 Using Machine Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

46

Creating Screens Using Symbols Section 4-1

4-1 Creating Screens Using Symbols

The CX-Designer can enter addresses as symbols when setting functional
object addresses. (Addresses can also be directly input, the same as for the
NS-Designer. Symbols are automatically allocated in these cases.)

This means that all addresses used in a project can be managed from the
symbol table.

The following operations can be performed easily using the symbol table.

• Changing allocated addresses when the address allocation changes sud­denly.

• Reusing existing projects in another system.

Symbols can also be copied and pasted between the CX-Programmer and
CX-Designer symbol tables.

Also, any I/O allocation table created using Excel or other software can be
used as is in symbol tables.

4-1-1 Changing Allocated Addresses

If an address allocated for a symbol is changed on a symbol table, the change
is automatically reflected in all screens.

This allows allocated addresses to be changed simply by changing the sym­bol table, instead of opening each screen and changing the property settings
for the functional objects on that screen.

There is flexibility with symbol changes to meet any requirement. The replace
function can be used to globally replace the host and addresses. Symbols can
also be changed individually.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select Symbol Table on the project workspace Common Setting Tab

Page. The symbol table will be displayed.

2. Double-click the symbol for which the allocated address is to be changed
in the symbol table.

3. Change the allocated address in the displayed Address Settings Dialog
Box.

PLC

A

Symbol Table
Example: A

I/O memory
CIO0.00

Copy/paste directly.

Copy/paste via Excel.

PT

Symbol Table
Example: A

SERIAL A:
CIO0.00

Example: A

Register symbol
names for ladder
program and other
PLC addresses using
CX-Programmer.

Register symbol names
for PLC addresses using
CX-Designer and use
symbol names to specify
object addresses.

I/O allocation
table created
using Excel or
other software.

47

Creating Screens Using Symbols Section 4-1

4. When the changes have been completed, they will be reflected in all func­tional objects that use that symbol.

4-1-2 Reusing Existing Projects in Another System

When using existing projects in another system, the addresses allocated for
objects can be easily changed simply by changing the addresses in the sym­bol table.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Change the allocated address for each symbol in the symbol table.

2. To replace addresses in the symbol table, right-click the mouse and select
Replace from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

4-1-3 Copying and Pasting Symbols Between the CX-Programmer and

the CX-Designer

Both CX-Designer and CX-Programmer have symbol tables and can share
their symbol data.

This means that CX-Programmer symbols can be copied to the CX-Designer.
And symbols added using the CX-designer can be copied to the CX-Program­mer.

HOST1: 0.0

HOST1: 0.0

HOST1: 0.0

HOST1: 10.0

HOST1: 10.0

HOST1: 10.0

Screen 1

Screen 2 Screen 3

Screen 3

Screen 2

Screen 1

Change the
address
in the symbol
table to 10.0.

48

Creating Screens Using Symbols Section 4-1

Procedure

Copying CX-Programmer Symbols to the CX-Designer

1,2,3... 1. Start CX-Programmer and open the project with the symbol to be shared.

2. Select the symbol from the CX-Programmer symbol table.

3. Open the CX-Designer symbol table and paste the symbol.

4. If a host address is set for the symbol, select the applicable host for the
destination.

Copying CX-Designer Symbols to the CX-Programmer

1,2,3... 1. Select the symbol from the CX-Designer symbol table and copy it to the

CX-Programmer.

2. Paste to Excel. Select and copy the cells in Excel other than those in the
Host column.

The same symbol as the CX-Programmer
symbol is added.

CX-Programmer symbols are copied and
pasted to the CX-Designer symbol table.

Copy the symbol for which a PLC address
is allocated and paste it to Excel.

This section is copied.

49

Creating Screens Using Symbols Section 4-1

3. Open the CX-Programmer symbol table and paste the symbol.

4-1-4 Using I/O Allocation Table in Symbol Table

The user can create the required I/O allocation table when creating projects. If
the I/O allocation table is created in the same format as the symbol table, the
I/O allocation table data can be copied as is to the symbol table. This enables
symbols to be created easily from the I/O allocation table.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Create an I/O allocation table using Excel. Use the following order in the

I/O allocation table: Host, symbol name, type, address, and I/O comment

2. Copy the I/O allocation table.

3. Open the CX-Designer symbol table and paste the symbols.

4-1-5 Creating Screens Using Symbol Names and Then Setting Addresses

Screens can be created using only symbol names even if addresses are not
set. When the addresses are later determined, they can be input collectively
in the symbol table. In addition, if an address allocated as a symbol in the
symbol table is changed, that change is reflected in all functional objects
where that symbol is set.

The same symbol as the CX-Designer symbol is added.

Copy the I/O
allocation table
created using Excel
and past to the CX­Designer symbol
table.

The I/O
allocations in
the table are
registered as
symbols.

50

Using Screens from Other Projects Section 4-2

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Input the symbol names for the communications address setting locations

for the functional object.

2. Set or change the addresses for the symbols input from the symbol table
in step 1.

3. After the addresses have been set, they will be reflected in all the function­al objects that reference the symbols.

4-2 Using Screens from Other Projects

Screens from different projects can be copied between project workspaces if
more than one copy of CX-Designer is running at the same time.

If there is an alarm/event display object, data log graph, or other functional
object on the copied screen that accesses common settings, the common set­tings are automatically copied as well. This means that settings do not need to
be adjusted to use the same common settings in both the source and destina­tion project.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Start two copies of CX-Designer and open the source project on one copy

and the destination project on the other copy. Open the project workspace
Screen/Sheet Tab Page.

HOST1: Flag 1 HOST1: Flag 2 HOST1: Flag 1 HOST1: Flag 3 HOST1: Flag 2 HOST1: Flag 3

Screen 1

Screen 2

Screen 3

Afterwards set
the addresses in
the symbol table.

HOST1: 0.00 HOST1: 0.01 HOST1: 0.00 HOST1: 0.02 HOST1: 0.01 HOST1: 0.02

Screen 1

Screen 2

Screen 3

51

Using Screens from Other Projects Section 4-2

2. Select the screen to be copied on the source CX-Designer and drag-and­drop the screen to the destination category. The dialog box for setting the
destination screen number and host will be opened.

3. Specify the destination screen number and the address host in the dialog
box. The screen will be copied.

4. The addresses used in the source screen will be automatically copied to
the symbol table in the destination project. The common settings accessed
by screens are also added automatically.

Select the screen and
drag-and-drop to the
destination.

The screen will be copied.

52

Classifying Screens by Application Section 4-3

■ Copying Screens with Alarm/Event Displays

5. Address allocations can be changed from the symbol table to an address
suitable for the destination project. (Refer to 4-1 Creating Screens Using
Symbols.)

Note (1) All screens in a category can be copied by selecting the category and

dragging-and-dropping it to another project workspace.
(2) Sheets can also be copied using the same method.
(3) Common settings can be copied by selecting them on the project work-

space Common Settings Tab Page and dragging-and-dropping them to

another CX-Designer's project workspace Common Settings Tab Page.

4-3 Classifying Screens by Application

Screens can be classified by application in the CX-Designer. These classifica­tions are called “screen categories.”

To display screens by screen categories, right-click in the Project Workspace
and select Display Screen Category from the pop-up menu.

Source settings

Destination settings

Addresses registered as
alarm/events in the source project
are automatically added to both
the symbol table and the
Alarm/Event Dialog Box.

53

Classifying Screens by Application Section 4-3

Consecutive screen numbers are automatically allocated in the same cate­gory when a new screen is created. The screen numbers can be changed.

4-3-1 Creating Categories

1,2,3... 1. Open the project workspace Screen/Sheet Tab Page.

2. Select Screen Category or an existing category.

3. Right-click and select New Category from the pop-up menu.

Screens are classified
by application.

Up to 3 levels of categories
can be created.

When a screen is created in this category,

the next screen number is allocated to the screen.

54

Checking and Changing Functional Object Properties without Opening Property Setting Dialog Boxes

Section 4-4

4. A new category will be created. Enter the category name.

4-3-2 Moving Screens between Categories

Existing screens can be moved to different categories.

1,2,3... 1. Select the screen to be moved to a different category from the project

workspace Screen/Sheet Tab Page. (More than one screen can be select­ed.)

2. Drag the screen or screens to the destination category.

Note Categories can also be moved by selecting and dragging them to the desired

location. Screens in that category are also moved.

4-3-3 Creating New Screens

Screens can be created in a category.

1,2,3... 1. Select the category for the new screen on the project workspace Screen/

Sheet Tab Page.

2. Right-click the screen category and select New Screen from the pop-up
menu.

4-4 Checking and Changing Functional Object Properties

without Opening Property Setting Dialog Boxes

Click a functional object on the screen to display the properties of that object
in the Property List. Settings can be checked and changed on the Property
List without opening a Property Setting Dialog Box.

Settings for more than one object can be changed in the Property List by
using the global replace function.

Drag

The screen moves
to the new category.

55

Listing and Editing Functional Object Properties Section 4-5

Note The Property Settings Dialog Box for an object can still be displayed by dou-

ble-clicking the object.

4-4-1 Globally Replacing Settings for More Than One Object

More than one item can be selected and settings common to all items can be
changed. The changed settings will be reflected in all selected objects.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select all the objects for which settings are to be changed.

2. Change the setting items common to all selected objects on the Property
List.

3. The change will be reflected in all objects.

Note Items not common to all selected objects cannot be changed.

4-5 Listing and Editing Functional Object Properties

Properties of objects on the screen can be displayed in table format and the
settings changed.

Settings for more than one object can be changed at the same time and con­secutive addresses can be automatically set, making editing more efficient.

The Property List is used
to display and set the
properties for the
selected object.
Changes to properties
are immediately reflected
on the screen, which
enables changes to be
checked during screen
creation.

The setting common
to the selected
objects,

Color 1, will

be changed.

All selected
objects change
to the same
color.

56

Listing and Editing Functional Object Properties Section 4-5

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select Edit - Edit Properties.

2. The functional objects on the screen and their properties will be displayed.
Entries made to each item will be reflected as changes in the functional ob­ject.

4-5-1 Setting Consecutive Addresses

Addresses can be changed to make the address consecutive.

1,2,3... 1. Select the cell for the set address and move the mouse to the bottom-right

of the cell. When the cursor changes to a + cursor, drag the cursor down
or up.

2. The addresses will change to descending order when the cursor is
dragged down, and to ascending order when dragged up.

4-5-2 Copying the Same Setting to More Than One Cell

Each setting can be copied to other cells for items of the same type.

1,2,3... 1. Select and copy the desired cell.

The display can be
limited to functional
objects selected from
the list.

Click the Display Item Setting
Button to change property
settings displayed in the Edit
Properties Window.

57

Editing Overlapping Objects Section 4-6

2. Select the destination cell and paste the copied setting. Copied settings
can be pasted to more than one cell, enabling global replacement of set­tings.

Note (1) If an object is selected on the screen, only the properties for the selected

functional object are listed.

(2) The properties of the following functional objects can be set using the list

edit function.

• ON/OFF Buttons

• Word Buttons

• Command Buttons

•Bit Lamps

• Word Lamps

•Text

• Numeral Display & Input

• String Display & Input

• Thumbwheel Switches

•Dates

•Time

• Temporary Inputs

• Consecutive Line Drawing

• Multifunction

4-6 Editing Overlapping Objects

The CX-Designer has an Object List Function, which lists objects on the
screen.

4-6-1 Method for Selecting Specified Objects

Specify objects in the Object List Window to have that object selected.
This enables objects hidden under other objects to be selected and for the

settings for these objects to be checked and changed on the Property List.

Select a bit lamp in the
Object List Window.

The bit lamp hidden
behind other objects
will be selected.

Bit lamp properties can be
checked and changed on
the Property List.

58

Creating Multi-language Labels Section 4-7

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select View - Window - Object List.

2. The Object List Window will be displayed and the objects on the screen list­ed.

3. Objects specified on the Object List Window will be selected on the screen.
Hold down the Shift or Ctrl Key to select more than one object.
The list of objects in the Object List Window can be restricted to a specific
type of object. Select the type of objects to be listed from the drop down
list at the top left of the Object List Window.

4-6-2 Displaying Only Specified Objects on a Screen

The screen display can also be limited to objects selected on the Object List
Window. These objects can be edited on screen.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select the object in the Object List Window and click the Range Selection

Button.

2. Click the Release All Button to display all objects on the screen.

4-7 Creating Multi-language Labels

CX-Designer multi-language displays use Unicode for the character informa­tion displayed in a screen. This enables switching the screen between differ­ent languages, such as Japanese, English, and Chinese, for display and
setting.

The CX-Designer also has functions to export functional object label strings to
CSV files and import label strings from CSV files, called the CSV import/
export functions.

These functions can be used to edit and set label strings in multiple lan­guages, such as Japanese, English, and Chinese, making it easy to create
multi-language screens.

Select ON/OFF Button.

Only ON/OFF Buttons
will be listed.

Select a bit lamp.

Only objects of the selected
type are displayed, i.e., bit
lamps.

59

Checking Address Usage Status Section 4-8

An operating system that supports Unicode (Windows 2000, XP, or Vista) is
required to use multi-language labels.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select File - Export to CSV File.

2. Follow the directions in the displayed dialog box and export the labels to a
CSV file. Select Unicode in the Output Code Area.

3. Edit the CSV file with a version of Excel that supports Unicode (Excel 2000
or higher).

4. Select File - Import CSV File.

5. Follow the directions in the displayed dialog box and import the edited CSV
file.
The strings in the CSV file will be reflected in each object.

Note (1) Set the number of labels to 2 or more under Project Property to set multi-

language strings for one object.

(2) In order to create screen data with CX-Designer using the multi-language

function, it is necessary to perform Windows settings beforehand. Refer
to the CX-Designer online help Reference - Multi-language Display for
details.

4-8 Checking Address Usage Status

The Address in Use Window displays a list of the number of times each
address is used in functional objects.

A list of the functional objects using the addresses is also displayed in the
Output Window and specified functional objects can be selected on the
screen.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select View - Window - Address in Use.

Japanese

English

Chinese

The language
display can be
switched during
PT operation.

Enter the label strings in
Japanese, English, Chinese, etc.

60

Searching for Embedded Macros Section 4-9

2. Set the addresses and search range and click the Go Button to display the
number of times the addresses are used.

3. Select an address and click the Find Reference Object Button to display
a list of functional objects using that address in the Output Window. Select
a functional object in the Output Window to automatically select that object
on the screen.

Note Searches can be made for the addresses used in a project or in a screen and

the results displayed in a list. Select Find - Address Cross Reference.

4-9 Searching for Embedded Macros

Embedded macros can be found and displayed in the Output Window.
Objects selected in the Output Window are automatically selected, so macro

details can be checked on the Property List.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select Find - Macro Cross Reference.

2. Specify the search range in the displayed Search Embedded Macro Dialog
Box and execute the search.

3. A list of macro locations will be displayed in the Output Window.

Displays the addresses.

Displays the
number of times
each address is
used. (Unused
addresses are
displayed in gray.)

Sets the start
address for the
search range.

Sets the search
range.

Objects selected in the Output Window are selected on the screen.

61

Transferring Only Edited Data to PT Section 4-10

4-10 Transferring Only Edited Data to PT

The data is edited and transferred to the PT many times when debugging
projects.

The CX-Designer has a Quick Transfer function. The Quick Transfer function
automatically compares project data with the data already transferred to the
PT and transfers only changed data.

This means that only the required data is transferred to the PT, which greatly
reduces the time and work required for transfers.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select PT - Transfer - Quick Transfer [Computer

→

PT].

2. A dialog box to confirm the transfer will be displayed. Press the Yes Button
to start transferring the data.

Note (1) Transfer routes and other settings need to be made before executing

Quick Transfer. Select PT - Transfer - Transfer Setting to make the set-
tings.

(2) Select PT - Transfer - Transfer [Computer

→

PT] to transfer data for the

whole project to the PT.

Macro details can be checked
on the Property List.

Select a functional
object in the Output
Window to select that
object on the screen.

A list of macro
locations will be
displayed.

Only changed screens 2
and 3 are automatically
selected and transferred.

Screen
Screen 1
Screen 2
Screen 3
Screen 4
:

Screen
Screen 1
Screen 2
Screen 3
Screen 4
:

Date updated

Date updated

2005/6/19 09:55
2005/6/19 10:00
2005/6/19 10:05
2005/6/19 09:55

2005/6/19 09:55
2005/6/19 09:55
2005/6/19 09:55
2005/6/19 09:55

62

Creating Documents Section 4-11

4-11 Creating Documents

Project and screen settings and functional object property settings can be out­put to RTF files by using the CX-Designer print function.

Screen images can also be output to bmp and jpg files.
The CX-Designer print function facilitates the production of a variety of docu-

ments, e.g., these files can be used as is for specifications, or the data can be
processed to create operation manuals, etc.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select File - Print.

2. When printing is executed, an RTF or bmp/jpg file is created.

Note (1) If Output to: is set to Printer, the settings will be output to the printer.

(2) If Output to: is set to File or Printer, header, footer, and margin settings

can be made.

Outputs settings data
to RTF files.

Outputs screen images
to bmp and jpg files.

Select File to output
settings to an RTF file.
Select Image File to
output screen images
to a bmp or jpg file.

63

How to Use Help Section 4-12

4-12 How to Use Help

Press the F1 Key or click the Help Button in dialog boxes to display help infor­mation relating to the selected menu or dialog box.

Procedure

Click on the diagram in Help Mode to display a description or switch to
another topic.

If the mouse is moved to locations that can be clicked in Help Mode, the cur­sor will change shape to .

If there is a tab page in the explanatory dialog box, the Help diagram display
can be switched by clicking that tab page.

Press the F1 Key or click the Help
Button on the History Tab Page of the
System Setting Dialog Box.

A description of the History Tab Page of
the System Setting Dialog Box will be
displayed.

Click an item in the
diagram to display a
description of that item.

Click the Initial Tab Page.

The display switches to a description
of the Initial Tab Page.

64

Integrated Simulation for the Entire System Section 4-13

4-13 Integrated Simulation for the Entire System

The CX-Designer can simulate PT operations on a personal computer, so
screens created on the computer can be debugged using the test function
even without transferring the screens to a PT.

4-13-1 Debugging Screens and the User Program with a Virtual PLC

The CX-Designer can connected to a virtual PLCs running on the CX-Simula­tor (i.e., on a user program execution engine). By using the CX-Simulator to
run programs created using the CX-Programmer, screen data and user pro­grams can be debugged together on a personal computer.

CX-Designer

Executing the user program

Connecting the CX-Programmer to the
CX-Simulator makes it possible to debug
programming while checking user program
operation.

The results of executing the user program
in the CX-Simulator are displayed on the screen.
Conversely, changes in values due to screen operations
are used as CX-Simulator user program inputs.

CX-Simulator

CX-Programmer

Using
actual
devices

Operations
on personal
computer

Integrated
simulation by
coordinating CX­Designer, CX­Simulator, and
CX-Programmer.

NS

PLC

CX-Programmer

Screen data

I/O memory

User program

CX-Programmer

CX-Simulator
(virtual PLC)

User program

User program
(CXP file)

Start

Start

Specify

Select Connect to CX-Simulator.

Specify the CXP file.

Specify the host name for
connecting to the CX-Simulator.
(Example: HOST1)

Previous test function

Screen operations can be
simulated in conjunction with
virtual PLC user program
execution.

Screen data

Test tool

Host name
(communications
addresses)

HOST1 (applicable host)

HOST2

HOSTn

CX-Designer test function
(virtual PT)

Test function when connected to the CX-Simulator

Virtual
operation

65

Integrated Simulation for the Entire System Section 4-13

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Click the PLC-PT Integrated Simulation Button ( ) in the Tool Bar.

2. Specify the host name to connect to the CX-Simulator, select the user pro­gram (CXP file) to be written, and click the Start Button.

3. The CX-Simulator and the CX-Programmer will start, and the user program
will be written to the CX-Simulator.

4. The CX-Designer test function will start, and the specified host will be con­nected to CX-Stimulator.

5. When the user program is executed or debugged (step, scan execution,
etc.), the applicable host communications addresses are changed accord­ing to the user program execution results, and this is reflected in the lamps
on the screen and in the numeric displays. Conversely, applicable host
communications address values are changed according to screen button
operations and numeric inputs, and these are used as inputs for user pro­gram execution. This enables the simulation of screen operations in con­junction with virtual PLC user program execution.

Note (1)

If a test is performed from the CX-Designer while the CX-Simulator is already run­ning, a connection will be made to the CX-Simulator.

(2) Only one host can be connected to the CX-Simulator. If multiple hosts are set in

a CX-Designer project, use the test tool to change the communications address
values for the hosts that are not connected to the CX-Simulator.

(3) Address values at the CX-Simulator can be changed using the Switch Box Utility.

The Switch Box Utility can be started from the test tool.

(4) The CX-Designer will be minimized when the test is started.
(5) If the Start test from the current screen Option is selected under Tool s

- Test, the screen currently being edited will be opened when the test is
started. If this option is not selected, the test will start with the initial
screen specified in the PT's System Settings.

(6) Integrated simulation can be executed by selecting Tools - Test and then

selecting Connect to CX-Simulator from the Test Dialog Box.

Specify the host name to
connect to the CX­Simulator, and specify the
user program
(i.e., specify the CXP file).

All of the communications address used by the
displayed screen are displayed in a list. For
example, if host SERIALA is connected to the
CX-Simulator, the SERIALA communications
addresses are used as values at the CX­Simulator. The values for other host
communications addresses can be changed
using the test tool.

66

Integrated Simulation for the Entire System Section 4-13

4-13-2 Debugging Screens and the User Program with the Actual PLC

With CX-Designer, simulation can be executed with the personal computer
connected to an actual PLC. This enables debugging (including monitoring
and settings) using actual I/O Units, Special I/O Units, and CPU Bus Units
connected to the PLC, as well as data from external devices and PLC data on
the network.

The results of executing the user program in
the actual PLC are displayed on the screen,
along with the status of external devices.
Conversely, changes in values due to screen
operations are used as the actual PLC user
program inputs and in the set values for
external devices.

Serial

Actual I/O

Actual PLC

Personal Computer Screen

Special I/O Units and CPU Bus Unit

s

Network

External devices

CX-Designer

HOST1

HOST2

HOST n

PT

PLC

Screen data

Virtual
operation

In personal computer

Previous test function

Test function when connected to actual PLC

Select Connect to PLC.
Specify the host name for
connecting to PLC.
(Example: HOST1)
Specify the method for
communicating with the PLC.

Host name
(communications
addresses)

Test tool

Screen data

CX-Designer test
function (virtual PT)

Screen operations
can be simulated in
conjunction with actual
PLC user program
execution.

Specify.

Integrated simulation by coordinating CX-Designer,
actual PLC, and CX-Programmer.

Actual PLC

I/O memory

User program

Externally connected device

CX-Programmer

User program

I/O memory

(Applicable host)

67

Setting Security for Data Transfers with the PT Section 4-14

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Connect the personal computer to the PLC by either a serial or network

connection.

2. Select Tool - Test.

3. Select Connect to PLC, specify the host name and host type for connect­ing to the PLC, specify the communications method, and click the Start
Button.

4. The CX-Designer test function will start and the actual PLC will be con­nected.

5. When the actual PLC user program is executed, the applicable host com­munications addresses are changed according to the user program execu­tion results, and this is reflected in the lamps on the screen and in the
numeric displays. Conversely, applicable host communications address
values are changed according to screen button operations and numeric in­puts, and these are used as inputs for execution of the actual PLC user
program. This enables the simulation of screen operations in conjunction
with actual PLC user program execution.

4-14 Setting Security for Data Transfers with the PT

Transfers between the
Computer and PT

When a project for which data transfer security has been set is stored in the
PT, a password is required to upload the project data from the PT. Data can­not be uploaded from the PT unless the correct password is input, preventing
theft of data from the PT. A password is also required in order to download
data. This prevents data from being accidentally overwritten.

Select Connect to PLC,
specify the host name
and host type for
connecting to the PLC,
and specify the
communications
method.

Download

Upload

NS-series PT

A password from the computer is required to
transfer data (either uploading or downloading).
The data cannot be transferred unless the correct
password is input.

When data transfer security is set

68

Setting Symbol Names and I/O Comments for Use as Labels Section 4-15

Transfers between the PT
and a Memory Card

When a project for which data transfer security has been set is stored in the
PT, a password must be input at the PT to upload the project data from the PT
to a Memory Card. Data cannot be uploaded from the PT unless the correct
password is input, preventing theft of data to a Memory Card. A password is
also required to download data from a Memory Card. This prevents data from
being accidentally overwritten.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select File - Data Transfer Security - New Data Transfer Security Set-

ting.

2. Set the security password.

3. Transfer to the PT the project for which data transfer security has been set.

4-15 Setting Symbol Names and I/O Comments for Use as

Labels

Symbol names or I/O comments of communications addresses can be auto­matically used as label text strings for the following functional objects.

• ON/OFF Buttons (when Write Address is set)

• Word Buttons (when Write Address is set)

• Bit Buttons (when Display Address is set)

• Word Lamps (when Display Address is set)

In the same way, when setting communications addresses in the Alarm/Event
Details Dialog Box, symbol names or I/O comments can be set as the alarm
messages.

NS-series PT

Memory Card

Upload

Download

Password input from the PT

When data transfer securit

y

is set

Set the communications
address.

The symbol name of the
communications address is
automatically used as the label.

69

Setting Symbol Names and I/O Comments for Use as Labels Section 4-15

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Select Options from the Tools Menu. The Option Dialog Box will be dis-

played.

2. Open the Edit/Display Tab Page in the Option Dialog Box.

3. Select Reflect to label when an address is set, and select either Symbol
Name or I/O Comment for the label text string.

4. Create the functional object.

5. Set the communications address for the functional object in one of the fol­lowing ways.

• Input the address in the field in the Property Setting Dialog Box for the
functional object.

• Input the address in the field in the Property List.

• Use the Address Tool Bar.

• Edit the properties in table format.

The symbol name or I/O comment that has been set will be automatically
set as the label text string.

6. To set an alarm message, select Alarm/Event Setting from the PT Menu.
The Alarm/Event Setting Dialog Box will be displayed.

7. Click the Add/Edit Button in the dialog box to open the Alarm/Event Details
Tab Page.

8. Set the communications address in the Address Field. The symbol name
or I/O comment for the communications address that was set for the mes­sage will be used automatically.

Note (1) If there are two or more labels, the symbol name or I/O comment will be

set for the text strings for all of the labels.

(2) Symbol names and I/O comments will not be set automatically in the fol-

lowing cases:

• When the communications address is replaced by another one.

• When a symbol name or I/O comment is changed in the symbol table
after the label text string has been set.

• When communications address settings other than those indicated
above are set.

• When the communications address is set by a method other than
those indicated in step 5.

Select the option, and
select either Symbol Name
or I/O Comment for the
label text string.

70

Executing Multiple Functions with a Single Operation Section 4-16

4-16 Executing Multiple Functions with a Single Operation

With Multifunction Objects, multiple processes can be set and can then be
executed with just the press of a button. Processes that could previously be
executed only by using macros can now be easily executed by making set­tings based on properties.

Procedure This procedure describes how to use a Multifunction Object to perform the fol-

lowing operations.

• Turn ON $B100.

• Set SERIALA:DM0 to 123.

• Switch to screen 100.

1,2,3... 1. Create a Multifunction Object and open the Property Setting Dialog Box.

2. In the General Tab Page, open the When pressing Tab Page and select the
first item in the action item list.

3. Click the Write Button and select Write Bit from the menu. The properties
for the bit setting will be displayed.

4. Set $B100 for the write address, and SET for the action.

5. Click the Add Button to add the new action item.

6. Click the Write Button and select Write Word from the displayed menu.

7. Set SERIALA: DM0 for the write address, Set Value for the action, and 123
for the set value.

Easy property settings

Multifunction Object

Executed by macro

Previous

Executed in order of settings.

3. Make the following settings:

●

Write Address: $B100

●

Action: SET

1. Click the first item.

2. Click the Write Button
and select Write Bit.

71

Executing Multiple Functions with a Single Operation Section 4-16

8. Click the Add Button to add the new action item.

9. Click the Switch Screen Button and select Switch Screen from the dis­played menu.

10. Set Specified Screen for the switch method, and 0100 Screen for the
screen selection.

When the Multifunction Object is pressed on the NS-series PT, the functions
that have been set will be executed in order.

1. Click the Add Button.

2. Click the Write Button and
select Write Word.

3. Make the following settings:

●

Write Address: SERIAL A:DM0

●

Action: Set Value

●

Set Value: 123

1. Click the Add Button.

3. Make the following settings:

●

Switch Method: Specified Screen

●

Select Screen: 0100 Screen

2. Click the Switch Screen
Button, and select Switch
Screen.

72

Replacing a Lamp with a Button Section 4-17

4-17 Replacing a Lamp with a Button

If a bit lamp is converted to a Multifunction Object, the functions of a button
and other functions can be added by simply changing property settings with­out creating new objects.

Similarly, converting to a Multifunction Object makes it easy to add new func­tions to buttons and lamps that have already been created.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Open the Bit Lamp Property Setting Dialog Box.

2. Click the Convert Button to convert the bit lamp to a Multifunction Object.

3. The property settings for the Multifunction Object will open automatically.
In the General Tab Page specify Perform an action when pressing the ob-
ject option to set the function for when the Multifunction Object is pressed.

Bit lamp Multifunction Object

Convert

Touch operations also enabled

Bit lamp settings can be left
unchanged and settings for
button operations can be added
to create a "Button + Lamp"
object.

Click the Convert Button.

73

Creating Polygonal Lamps Section 4-18

In the Color/Shape Tab Page, the same settings will be set as for the original
bit lamp.

Note The following functional objects can be converted to Multifunction Objects:

ON/OFF buttons, word buttons, command buttons, bit lamps, and word lamps.

4-18 Creating Polygonal Lamps

Polygonal lamps can be created by using Multifunction Objects. This example
procedure shows how to create a polygonal lamp that is turned ON and OFF
by turning ON and OFF HOST1:0.0.

Procedure

1,2,3... 1. Create a Multifunction Object and open the Property Setting Dialog Box.

The General Tab Page will be displayed.

Set the operation for when the
Multifunction Object is pressed.

The settings will be the same for
the Multifunction Object as for the
bit lamp before the conversion.

HOST1:0.0 : OFF

HOST1:0.0 : ON

74

Creating Polygonal Lamps Section 4-18

2. Open the When pressing Tab Page in the action item list.
Clear the selection of the Perform an action when pressing the object op­tion.

3. Open the Color/Shape Tab Page and select Polygon as the shape.
Set Bit Address as the display method, and HOST1:0.0 as Display Address

1.

4. Click the OK Button to close the Property Setting Dialog Box. The shape
of the Multifunction Object will change to a polygon. The object will be dis­played as a pentagon.

Clear the Perform

an action when
pressing the object

option.

Select

Polygon.

Select
Bit Address
and
HOST1:0.0.

The shape is changed to a pentagon.

75

Registering Contents Section 4-19

5. Change the shape of the Multifunction Object to a triangle by deleting the
two unnecessary nodes.

With the Multifunction Object selected, select Edit Node from the Edit
Menu. Hold down the Ctrl Key, move the cursor to the node that is to be
deleted, and click the mouse button when the shape of the cursor changes
to an X. The node will be deleted.

In the same way, delete the other node to change the shape to a triangle.

Note (1) When using Edit Node from the Edit Menu, nodes can be dragged to

change their positions. It is also possible to add nodes by clicking on the
outline while holding down the Ctrl Key.

(2) When a Multifunction Object set as a polygon is registered as the default

shape, then when subsequent Multifunction Objects are created it will be
possible to specify the positions of their nodes just as when creating a
polygon.

(3) Sector lamps can be created in the same way. For a sector lamp, just se-

lect Sector as the shape in the Property Setting Dialog Box for the Multi­function Object.

4-19 Registering Contents

Character strings and image files displayed using Machine Navigator are
called "contents." Machine Navigator changes values for specified communi­cations addresses and the displays of contents registered on the screen
according to alarms and events that occur. This section describes how to eas­ily register contents.

1,2,3... 1. Create the required number of contents displays on the screen.

Delete these two nodes.

76

Registering Contents Section 4-19

2. In the General Tab Page in the contents display Property Setting Dialog
Box, specify whether character strings or images are to be displayed.

3. Set the number of contents in the Edit Contents Toolbar. In the No. of con-
tents field, set the total number of character strings and images to be dis­played. In the Address for switching contents, set the communications
address for switching the contents.

4. In the Contents No. field in the Edit Contents Toolbar, input the number of
the contents to be edited.

5. Select the contents display and press the Space Key.
If it is a character string that is to be displayed, input the character string.
If it is an image that is to be displayed, the File Selection Dialog Box will be
displayed. Select the image file to be displayed.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as required for the number of contents being created.

Note Make detailed settings for the contents in the Edit Contents Dialog Box that is

displayed when the Edit Contents Button is pressed in the Edit Contents
Toolbar.

Specify whether
character
strings or
images are to
be displayed.

Set the communications
address to use to switch
contents.

Set the total number of
contents to be
displayed.

Set the number of
the contents to be
edited.

If displaying a character string
has been specified, input the
character string to be
displayed.

If displaying an image has
been specified, input the
image file to be displayed.

Press the
Space Key.

77

Using Machine Navigator Section 4-20

4-20 Using Machine Navigator

The countermeasures for when an alarm occurs can be automatically dis­played using the Machine Navigator function.

The Machine Navigator function changes the character-string and image dis­plays registered on the screen when the value of a specified communications
address changes or an alarm or event occurs.

This section describes how to create the following screen data.

• Registering HOST1:100.00, HOST1:100.01 as an alarm

• Displaying popup window 100 when an alarm occurs

• Displaying the countermeasure for the alarm on popup window 100, and
not displaying anything when no alarm occurs

Creating the Popup
Window

1. Create popup window 100.

2. Set up two contents displays in popup window 100: one for text and one for
images. In the General Tab Page in the Contents Display Property Setting
Dialog Box, set Display a string and Display an image.

3. Click the Edit Contents Button in the Edit Contents Toolbar.

4. The Edit Contents Dialog Box will be displayed. Make the settings for
switching contents. (If the settings shown in the figure on the next page are
not displayed, click the dialog box title displayed at the upper left of the di­alog box.)

NS-series PT

When an alarm occurs, a
popup window is automatically
displayed to show the
countermeasure. It includes
both text and graphics.

Select the
Display a string
option.

Select the

Display an imag

e

option.

78

Using Machine Navigator Section 4-20

•Set No. of contents to 3. (The 3 represents two states in which an alarm
occurs and one state in which no alarm occurs.)

•Select Switch contents linking with alarm. (Default: Selected)

•Set Contents No. when alarm does not occur to 0.

•Set Address for switching contents to $W100.

If the contents number is not displayed in the tree on the left of the dialog
box, click after inputting the set values.

5. Set the contents. (No setting needs to be made for 0 because for Contents
No. when alarm does not occur is set.)

a. Click contents No. 1 for CNT0000 to input the character string for the

countermeasure.

b. Set the background color to white.

Set to 3.

Set to $W100.

Select
Set to 0.

ID No. for character string
contents display

ID No. for ima

g

e contents displa

y

Click here.

1. Click here.

3. Set white.

2. Input the
countermeasure.

79

Using Machine Navigator Section 4-20

c. Click contents No. 1 for CNT0001 to set the image file for which the

countermeasure is shown.

d. Set the background color to white.

e. Make the settings in the same way for contents No. 2.

f. Click the OK Button to close the Edit Contents Dialog Box.

6. Make the alarm-related settings.
a. First select Alarm/Event Setting from the PT Menu. The Alarm/Event

Setting Dialog Box will be displayed.

b. Click the Add Button in the dialog box to open the Alarm/Event Details

Dialog Box.

1. Click here.

2. Set the image file.

3. Set white.

Set the
character-string
and image
displays for
contents No. 2.

80

Using Machine Navigator Section 4-20

c. Click the OK Button to close the Alarm/Event Details Dialog Box.
d. Make the settings related to HOST1:100.01 in the same way, but in this

case set Contents No. to 2.

e. Click the OK Button to close the Alarm/Event Details Dialog Box.
f. Click the OK Button to close the Alarm/Event Setting Dialog Box.

7. The settings are now complete. Transfer the project data to the NS-series
PT.

1. Set HOST1:100.00.

2. Set screen 100.

4. Set to 1.

3. Select this checkbox.

5. Select this checkbox.

1. Set HOST1:100.01.

3. Select this checkbox.

2. Set screen 100.

5. Select this checkbox.

4. Set to 2.

81

Using Machine Navigator Section 4-20

Using the Machine Navigator function, popup screen 100 will be displayed
when HOST1:100.00 turns ON at the PT, and the contents of contents No. 1
will be displayed.

Similarly, popup screen 100 will be displayed when HOST1:100.01 turns ON
at the PT, and the contents of contents No. 2 will be displayed.

Note Character strings and image files can be set by selecting the contents display

and pressing the Space Key.

In addition, specifying a contents number in the Edit Contents Toolbar will
cause the contents for that number to be displayed. This makes it possible to
set character strings and image files for individual contents numbers without
having to open the Edit Contents Dialog Box.
The Edit Contents Dialog Box can also be displayed by selecting PT - Edit
Contents.

NS-series PT

HOST1:100.00 or
HOST1:100.01 turns ON.

Popup screen 100 is automatically
displayed, and contents related to
the alarm are displayed in the
contents display.

Press the Space Key.

For a contents display showing a
character string, input the
character string to be displayed.

For a contents display showing
an image, select the image file.