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.
!DANGERIndicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. Additionally, there may be severe property damage.
!WARNINGIndicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury. Additionally, there may be severe property damage.
!CautionIndicates 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.
1,2,3...1. Indicates lists of one sort or another, such as procedures, checklists, etc.
Terminology
NS-series PTA Programmable Terminal in the NS Series manufactured by OMRON.
PLCA Programmable Logic Controller manufactured by OMRON.
HostA PLC, factory computer, personal computer or other controller controlling an NS-
NS-DesignerThe NS-NSDC1-V@ NS-Designer produced by OMRON. The NS-Designer is an
CX-OneThe CXONE-AL@@C-V3/AL@@D-V3 CX-One FA Integrated Tool Package produced
CX-DesignerThe NS-CXDC1-V3 CX-Designer produced by OMRON.
NS-RuntimeThe NS-Runtime software runs on Windows XP and provides the same functionality
Note Indicates information of particular interest for efficient and convenient opera-
tion of the product.
series PT.
applications software package that enables creating screen data for NS-series PTs.
by OMRON. This applications software package provides all of the software packages
for OMRON PLCs and components.
as an NS-series PT.
v
OMRON, 2008
r
f
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, o
by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission o
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.
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.
!WARNING Failure to read and understand the information provided in this manual may result in per-
sonal injury or death, damage to the product, or product failure. Please read each section
in its entirety and be sure you understand the information provided in the section and
related sections before attempting any of the procedures or operations given.
ix
Guide to Version Upgrade
From CX-Designer Version 1.0 to Version 2.0
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
CX-Designer Version 1.0 (NS-CXDC1-V1)Version 2.0 (NS-CXDC1-V2)
NS system softwareVersion 6.2 or 6.5Version 6.6
Integrated simulationThe only function available was simulated
testing of PT screen operations on a personal computer.
Symbol programming without
addresses
Multi-vendor connectivityNot supported.It is now possible to connect OMRON NS-
Data securityThe following two types of data transfers
User securityAny of five levels of passwords could be set
Consecutive line drawingNot available.Data in memory is treated as X and Y coor-
Symbol names, addresses, and comments
were entered in symbol tables. Then the
required symbols were selected from the
symbol tables when creating screens.
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.
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.
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 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.
series PTs to Mitsubishi FX-series PLCs,
A-series PLCs, and Siemens S7-series
PLCs.
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.
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.
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.
x
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
Improvements in broken-line
graph
Ladder MonitorTo use the Ladder Monitor it was necessary
Symbol table transfers when
transferring screen data
Holding log and alarm information when transferring screen
data
PLC data trace readingNot supported. (This was a function of the
Addition of European fontsWith the built-in raster fonts in NS-series
Japanese file names Two-byte characters could not be used for
Video display mode settingImage quality could not be adjusted when
SAP (Smart Active Parts)---SAP has been added for the EJ1 Modular
Automatic using symbol names
and I/O comments as labels
and alarm messages
NS-Runtime---Projects can be created for NS-Runtime.
Temperature Controllers
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
With version-2 NS-series PTs (except for
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.
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.
All of the log and alarm information in the
PT was initialized when screen data was
downloaded.
CX-Programmer.)
PTs, Russian and Greek characters were
full-width and not all characters were available.
project file names.
an NS-CA002 RGB/Video Input Unit was
used.
---Symbol names and I/O comments of the
Only the E5
Controllers can be set as hosts.
@N and E5@R Temperature
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.
When screen data is downloaded from the
CX-Designer, the symbol tables are down-
loaded together with it. Likewise, when
screen data is uploaded, the symbol tables
are uploaded too.
It is now possible to select whether log and
alarm information is to be initialized when
screen data is downloaded.
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-Pro-
grammer, to isolate the causes of errors
that occur on-site.
All Russian and Greek characters are now
available, and all characters are half-width.
Two-byte characters can now be used for
project file names.
It is now possible to select from three pat-
terns for image quality adjustment. When a
visual sensor is connected, even small dis-
play characters can be read. It is now also
possible to adjust the display position for
RGB display.
Temperature Controller, G3ZA Multi-chan-
nel Power Controller, and Troubleshooters.
communications addresses can be auto-
matically used as functional object labels
and alarm messages.
The EJ1 Modular Temperature Controller
can now also be set as a host.
xi
From CX-Designer Version 2.0 to Version 2.1
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
CX-Designer Version 2.0Version 2.1
NS system softwareVersion 6.6Version 7.0
Multi-vendor connectivity---It is now possible to connect NS-series PTs
NT compatibility---System memory can now be allocated to
Holding previous system memory values
Multilingual system capabilityThe system supported two languages:
Multifunction ObjectsMacros were required in order to executed
Machine Navigator functionMultiple objects, such as frames, labels,
Flicker functionThe only flicker method for objects was dis-
Improved alarm/event summary and history display
FontsRaster fonts could be set for objects with
When an NS-series PT was started, the initial screen set in the System Setup was
always opened.
English and Japanese.
multiple processes for a single functional
object.
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.
play color inversion.
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.
changing display character strings, such as
numeric displays and inputs. Rounded
areas became rough, however, when the
font size was increased.
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
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.
It is now possible to display at the next startup the screen that was being displayed
when the program was closed.
In addition to English and Japanese, the
system now also supports German,
French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese (both
traditional and simplified).
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.
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.
The following flicker methods have been
added.
• Display/hide (entire object or label)
• Flicker color specification (fill color, character, and line colors)
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.
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.
xii
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
Improved screen switching
function
Improved connection operations
SAP Library allocated unit
number and communications
setting information display
Bar codesThe maximum length of data that could be
Test screens---The following functions have been added to
DXF filesDXF files could not be accessed.It is now possible to convert DXF files to
Initialization options for alarm/
event history data
Changing host settings with
the System Menu
---Speed and bitmap performance have been
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.
SAP Library settings could not be checked
even by displaying addresses using screen
data checking from the System Menu.
processed by an NS-series PT was 40
bytes.
When the alarm/event history data was
cleared by using $SB32, all history data
was cleared including current alarms or
events.
The settings of a host connected by Ethernet or Controller Link could not be checked
with the System Menu.
improved for switching screens.
Even if one host is not connected, the mon-
itoring results of the connected host can be
displayed on the screen without “Connecting” being displayed.
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
The maximum data length has been
increased to 254 bytes, allowing the data to
be processed by two-dimensional bar code
readers.
test screens.
• Zoom
• Always displaying on top
• Starting test screens in the previous display position and zoom status
graphics and position them with the CXDesigner.
System Memory $SW40 has been added
so that it is now possible to specify initializing cleared or confirmed history data.
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.
xiii
From CX-Designer Version 2.1 to Version 3.0
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
CX-Designer Version 2.1Version 3.0
NS system softwareVersion 7.0Version 8.0
CJ2 compatible---Connections to CJ2-series PLCs are now
EtherNet/IP compatible---Tag message communications are now
Ladder Monitor---Ladder Monitor functionality and operability
Operation logPreviously, operations other than those on
the PT, such as the switches on the front of
the control board, could not be logged.
PLC data tracePrevious versions supported only bit data
tracing.
supported.
supported.
have been greatly improved. The main
functionality improvements are as follows.
• The Ladder Monitor can be started from
the alarm/event summary and history.
Communications addresses set as alarms
or events can be searched for automatically.
• The display color and size was updated.
• I/O comments can be read from the PLC.
• The number of rows of I/O comments displayed can be changed.
• Search functionality, such as address
searches and return searches, have been
added, making searching much more
powerful.
• The number of points that can be registered for I/O monitoring was increased.
• It is possible to search for or change the
present value of the address the cursor is
on.
• The input format of the display of present
values for words can be changed between
hexadecimal, decimal, and signed decimal format.
• The display can be captured and saved as
a bitmap file.
The following functions have been added to
the operation log.
• It is possible to log ON/OFF changes for a
specified communications address. For
example, by assigning a communications
address to the switch on the front of the
control panel, operations other than those
on the PT display can also be logged.
• Messages can be set in the operation log.
• It is possible to save history files (csv files)
and display the operation log screen from
the System Menu using a Multifunction
Object.
• Multiple history files can be saved.
The following functions have been added to
the PLC data trace.
• Data traces for words are now supported.
• Data trace results can now be saved as
CSV files.
• The PLC data trace display can be captured and saved as a bitmap file.
• The PLC symbol table can be read, and
the I/O comments for the communications
addresses being traced can be displayed.
xiv
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
Screen transfersPreviously, when uploading project data
from the PT, the user display on the PT
would change to the transfer screen. Also,
after transfer finished, it was necessary to
reset the PT.
When uploading project data, it is no longer
necessary to change to the transfer screen
while uploading, nor is it necessary to reset
the PT when the transfer has finished. Now,
the user can continue operating the PT
screens even while uploading.
Multivendor support---The PT can now be connected to the fol-
Screen saver---The time until the screen saver starts can
be indirectly specified.
String table support for alarms
and events
Disable function for screen
inputs
---Alarm and event message text strings can
now be viewed from string tables.
---It is now possible to enabled or disable
inputs and outputs to the entire screen
when a specified communications address
is turned ON or OFF.
From CX-Designer Version 3.0 to Version 3.007
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
CX-Designer Version 3.0Version 3.007
NS system softwareVersion 8.0Version 8.1
Printer---PictBridge-compatible printers are now
supported (except they are not supported
by the NS5-@@0@, NSJ5-@@0@, and
NSH5).
Multivendor support---The following PLCs can now be connected
Ladder Monitor---• CJ2-series PLCs are now supported.
Data log graphsA line appeared on the data log graph while
data was being logged and then blank
spaces occurred at times when no data
was logged.
B
to an NS-series PT.
• Yokogawa Electric FA-M3-series and FA-
M3R-series PLCs.
• The host connected to an NS-series PT
over an EtherNet/IP network can now be
monitored.
It is now possible to display a dialog box
asking for a password if data will be modified, such as when changing present values.
A setting has been added to provide an
option to compress the times when data
was not logged so those times will not be
displayed. This way only logged data will be
displayed as one continuous line.
B
A
Logging was stopped.
A
Periods when logging
was stopped are displayed on a reduced
time scale.
No data logged.Display showing compressed time when no
data was logged.
xv
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
Initialization of alarm/event history data
Number of objects per screenThe maximum number of objects, including
Improved screen switching performance
Project data conversionWhen project data was converted, the posi-
Importing labels from CSV files When label text strings were imported from
Changing initial values of functional objects
When the alarm/event history data was
cleared by using $SB32 or $SW40, the
number of times alarm/events occurred
was held in memory even though the other
data was cleared.
graphs and functional objects (i.e., frames
and tables), was 1,024 per screen.
---The speed for switching screens when the
tion and size of the screen objects were left
unchanged by the conversion. Also NSRuntime projects could not be converted to
NS projects.
a CSV file, the original font that was set for
an object was subsequently applied to the
object after importing the file.
---The initial values of the following functional
A setting has been added to provide an
option to clear the number of times alarm/
events occurred along with the other alarm/
event history data that was cleared.
The number of objects per screen has been
increased to a maximum of 1,024 functional objects (i.e., frames and tables) and
up to 2,048 graphs.
drawing method is set to Display frames and fixed objects first has now been
improved. (This capability requires project
version 8.1 or higher.)
It is now possible to change the position
and size of all objects proportional to the
size of the screen, such as when converting data for a low-resolution PT to data for a
high-resolution PT.
In addition, NS-Runtime projects can now
be converted to NS projects.
Now the font for groups of labels can be
changed all at once when label text strings
are imported from a CSV file.
objects can be changed to make them easier to use.
• Numeral Display & Input
• String Display & Input
• Alarm/Event Summary & History
•Frame
From CX-Designer Version 3.007 to Version 3.008
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
CX-Designer Version 3.007Version 3.008
NS system softwareVersion 8.1Version 8.1
NS15 compatibility---Connection to an NS15 PT is now sup-
ported.
From CX-Designer Version 3.008 to Version 3.1
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
CX-Designer Version 3.008Version 3.1
NS-series PT software version Version 8.1Version 8.2
Device data transfer---Conditions can be set to transfer data from
SPMA transfers---Screen data transfers can be performed
Batch format settings---The format for all labels can be set at the
Batch label settings---A specified character string can be set for
a source to a destination.
through USB to access other devices. For
details, refer to CX-Designer Online Help.
same time.
all of the labels for objects at the same
time.
xvi
ItemPrevious versionsNew version
String Display and Input
objects
Analogue Meter improvements ---The shape of the needle can be set to a
Password input keyboards---The user can specify the keyboards to use
Macros added---Trigonometric and floating-point functions
Screen switch settings---The default setting for the display sequence
Improvements in creation
methods for fixed objects
Data log graphs for 128 points The previous maximum was 50 points.The total number of addresses for constant
Data blocks with 512 KBThe previous size was 100 KB. The size of one data block was increased
---An input method setting was added to
move the input focus to in front of the character string when the focus is set.
straight line, arrow, or triangle arrow. The
line width can be changed to up to 3 dots.
to input passwords.
were added.
for screens now gives priority to displaying
fixed objects and frames first.
---The method to create sectors and arcs has
been improved.
logging was increased to 128 points max.
to 512 KB.
xvii
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.
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
This manual describes installation and connection procedures, general specifications, and
other hardware information for NS-V1/V2-series PTs (NS15-V2, NS12-V1/V2, NS10-V1/V2,
NS8-V1/V2, and NS5-V1/V2).
This manual describes installation and connection procedures, general specifications, and
other hardware information for NS-series PTs (NS12, NS10, and NS7).
This tutorial describes using a NS-series PT for first-time users, from simple screen creation to
system operation.
xviii
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
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
This manual describes the special functions of NS-Runtime.
xix
xx
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
(1) The warranty period for the Software is one year from either the date of purchase or the date on which
the Software is delivered to the specified location.
(2) If the User discovers a defect in the Software (i.e., substantial non-conformity with the manual), and
returns it to OMRON within the above warranty period, OMRON will replace the Software without charge
by offering media or downloading services from the Internet. And if the User discovers a defect in the
media which is attributable to OMRON and returns the Software to OMRON within the above warranty
period, OMRON will replace the defective media without charge. If OMRON is unable to replace the
defective media or correct the Software, the liability of OMRON and the User's remedy shall be limited to
a refund of the license fee paid to OMRON for the Software.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
(1) THE ABOVE WARRANTY SHALL CONSTITUTE THE USER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
AGAINST OMRON AND THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL OMRON BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR
OTHER INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF
USE OF THE SOFTWARE.
(2) OMRON SHALL ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR DEFECTS IN THE SOFTWARE BASED ON
MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION OF THE SOFTWARE BY THE USER OR ANY THIRD PARTY.
(3) OMRON SHALL ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BY THE USER OR ANY
THIRD PARTY BASED ON THE SOFTWARE OR ANY CONSEQUENCE THEREOF.
Application Considerations
SUITABILITY FOR USE
THE USER SHALL NOT USE THE SOFTWARE FOR A PURPOSE THAT IS NOT DESCRIBED IN THE
ATTACHED USER MANUAL.
xxi
Disclaimers
CHANGE IN SPECIFICATIONS
The software specifications and accessories may be changed at any time based on improvements or for
other reasons.
EXTENT OF SERVICE
The license fee of the Software does not include service costs, such as dispatching technical staff.
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.
xxii
SECTION 1
Overview
This section describes the features of the CX-Designer and the startup procedures for NS-series PTs for first-time users.
The CX-Designer is software that can be run on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or
7 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.
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.
1-1-1Features
Screens Can Be Created
Using Symbols
Project Management
Using Project Workspace
Easy Reuse of ScreensScreens and settings can be copied between multiple CX-Designer project
Screen Classification by
Application for Easy
Management
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.
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.
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.
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.
2
Features of the CX-DesignerSection 1-1
Functional Object
Property Settings Using
Property Lists
Edit Properties from ListsProperties of objects on the screen can be displayed in table format and the
Select and Display
Specified Objects
Find MacrosEmbedded macros can be listed.
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.
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.
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.
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
Easy Document CreationCommon settings and property settings for objects in screens can be output in
Integrated Simulation for
Entire PT-PLC System
(CX-Designer Version 2.0
and Higher)
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.
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.
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.
3
Features of the CX-DesignerSection 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.
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).
Prevent Unauthorized
Uploading of Data from
the PT (CX-Designer
Version 2.0 and Higher)
NoteProject data created using the NS-Designer can be used with the CX-
Personal computer
Virtual PT
Virtual PLC
CX-Simulator
Personal computer
Virtual PT
Actual PLC
Actual PLC
Basic I/O Units,
Special I/O Unit,
CPU Bus Units
External
devices
Settings and monitoring are enabled
for CPU Bus Units, Special I/O Units,
external devices, and PLCs on the network.
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.
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.)
4
Basic Operation ProceduresSection 1-2
1-2Basic 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.
Refer to 3-1 Starting and Exiting CX-Designer
in this manual.
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.
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.
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.
5
Basic Operation ProceduresSection 1-2
Copy symbols from the CX-Programmer Symbol
Table as required.
Refer to 4-1 Creating Screens Using Symbols
for details.
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.)
6
Basic Operation ProceduresSection 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
7
Basic Operation ProceduresSection 1-2
Transferring Projects and
Screens to the PT
Connect the CX-Designer (Computer) and the PT.
Refer to 3-3 Connecting the CX-Designer
in the NS Series Setup Manual.
Transfer Screen Data to PT.
Refer to Transferring Data to the PT in the
online help for the CX-Designer.
Select the communications method.
Select PT - Transfer - Transfer Setting.
Transfer the screen data.
Select PT - Transfer - Transfer [Computer → PT].
8
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