Omron NS-NSDC1V6 OPERATION MANUAL
OPERATION MANUAL
NS-Designer
NS-Series
NS-NSDC1-V6
Cat. No. V074-E1-07
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.
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.
OMRON, 2002
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or
by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
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.
Note Indicates information of particular interest for efficient and convenient operation
of the product.
P-1
Preliminary Material Introduction
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the NS-Designer.
The NS-Designer is a software package that enables creating and maintaining screen data for
OMRON NS-series Programmable Terminals.
To take full advantage of the NS-series Programmable Terminals, please be sure that you understand
the functions and performance of the NS-Designer before attempting to use it. When using an
NS-series PT, please also refer to the NS Series Setup Manual and the NS Series Programming
Manual.
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for the following personnel, who must also have knowledge of electrical systems (an electrical engineer or the equivalent).
Personnel in charge of introducing FA systems into production facilities. •
•
Personnel in charge of designing FA systems.
•
Personnel in charge of installing and connecting FA systems.
•
Personnel in charge of managing FA systems and facilities.
Precaution
•
The user must operate the product according to the performance specifications described in the operation manuals.
•
Do not use the PT touch switch input functions for applications where danger to human life or serious
property damage is possible, or for emergency switch applications.
•
Before using the product under conditions which are not described in the manual or applying the
product to nuclear control systems, railroad systems, aviation systems, vehicles, combustion systems, medical equipment, amusement machines, safety equipment, and other systems, machines
and equipment that may have a serious influence on lives and property if used improperly, consult
your OMRON representative.
•
Make sure that the ratings and performance characteristics of the product are sufficient for the systems, machines, and equipment, and be sure to provide the systems, machines, and equipment with
double safety mechanisms.
•
This manual provides information for using the NS-Designer. Be sure to read this manual before attempting to use the NS-Designer and keep this manual close at hand for reference during installation
and operation.
P-2
Preliminary Material Notation and Terminology
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Notation and Terminology
The following notation and terminology are used in this manual.
Notation
The following notation is used in this manual.
Note
Indicates additional information on operation, descriptions, or settings.
NNoottee
Note
♦
Terminology
PT In this manual, indicates an NS-series Programmable Terminal.
PLC Indicates OMRON Programmable Controllers.
Host Indicates the PLC, FA computer, or personal computer functioning as the control
device and interfaced with the NS-series PT.
P-3
Preliminary Material Related Manuals
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Related Manuals
This manual
The following manuals are used for NS-series PTs. (The boxes at the end of the catalog numbers indicate the revision code.)
NS-Designer Operating Procedures:
• NS-Designer Operation Manual.......................................................................V074-E1-@
Describes operating procedures for the NS-Designer, which is used to create the screens displayed on
the PT and transfer them to the PT. It includes screen creation and transfer procedures. Refer to this
manual for information on operating methods and detailed operating procedures.
This manual deals with details of NS-Designer operation. Refer to the following manuals for information
on NS-series PT operation.
Detailed Setting Methods for Functional Objects and Other Objects:
• NS Series Programming Manual......................................................................V073-E1-@
Describes the screen configurations, object functions, and host communications for the PT.
Basic NS-series PT Functions, Operations, and Limitations:
• NS series -V1/-V2 Setup Manual ......................................................................V083-E1-@
Provides information on NS Series -V1 models (i.e., NS12-V1, NS10-V1, NS8-V1, and NS5-V1), and
NS Series -V2 models (i.e., NS5-V2).
Describes how to connect the PT to the host and peripheral devices, methods to setup communications and operation, and procedures for maintenance.
Refer to the NS Series Programming Manual (V073-E1-@) for information on PT functions and specific
operating procedures.
First-time Users of NS-series Programmable Terminals:
• Tutorial (Installed from NS-Designer CD-ROM.)
This tutorial is designed for first-time users of NS-series PTs. It provides examples of operations from
creating a simple screen through starting actual operation. When the NS-Designer is installed, the tutorial is installed on the hard disk as PDF files.
NS-series Macro Function:
• Macro Reference (Installed from NS-Designer CD-ROM.)
The online help for the NS-Designer contains detailed information on the NS-series macro functions.
The Macro Reference contains essentially the same information, and it is installed on the hard disk as
PDF Files when the NS-Designer is installed. Use either the online help or the Macro Reference,
whichever is more convenient.
Confirming PLC Functions and Operation:
• PLC Operation Manuals
Refer to the operation manuals for individual PLC Units (e.g., the CPU Unit, Special I/O Units, CPU
Bus Units, Communications Units, etc) to obtain information on PLC functions and operation.
P-4
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
NON-INFRINGEMENT, 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.
P-5
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.
P-6
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.
P-7
Contents
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Contents
Notice .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Notation and Terminology ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Related Manuals ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Read and Understand This Manual ......................................................................................................................... 5
Application Considerations ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Disclaimers .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Section 1 Overview
1-1 The NS-Designer........................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1-2 System Requirements .................................................................................................................................1-3
1-2-1 Hardware.......................................................................................................................................... 1-3
1-2-2 Equipment Required to Transfer Screen Data..................................................................................1-3
1-3 Basic Configuration and Functions............................................................................................................1-4
1-3-1 Project Overview..............................................................................................................................1-4
1-3-2 Manipulating Data on the PLC ........................................................................................................1-5
1-3-3 PT Memory ...................................................................................................................................... 1-6
1-3-4 Host Registration and Address......................................................................................................... 1-7
1-3-5 Screen Types and Applications........................................................................................................1-7
1-3-6 Object Types .................................................................................................................................... 1-8
1-3-7 Functions Used to Create Screens.................................................................................................. 1-10
1-3-8 Data Log.........................................................................................................................................1-13
1-3-9 Alarms/Events................................................................................................................................ 1-13
1-3-10 Data Blocks....................................................................................................................................1-14
1-3-11 Video Display ................................................................................................................................1-15
1-3-12 Importing and Exporting CSV Files...............................................................................................1-16
1-3-13 Validating.......................................................................................................................................1-16
1-4 Outline of Operational Flow ....................................................................................................................1-17
1-5 Menu Commands .....................................................................................................................................1-18
1-6 Functions Added in Version 3.0...............................................................................................................1-21
1-7 Functions Added in Version 4.0...............................................................................................................1-22
1-8 Functions Added in Version 5.0...............................................................................................................1-22
1-9 Functions Added in Version 6.0...............................................................................................................1-22
1-10 Functions Added in Version 6.2............................................................................................................... 1-23
Section 2 Setup, Starting, and Exiting
2-1 Before Installing the NS-Designer ............................................................................................................. 2-1
2-2 Installing the NS-Designer.........................................................................................................................2-2
2-2-1 Basic Installation Operations ...........................................................................................................2-2
2-2-2 Installation Procedure ......................................................................................................................2-3
2-2-3 Uninstalling...................................................................................................................................... 2-7
2-2-4 Installing USB Drivers for NS-Series PTs.......................................................................................2-9
2-3 Starting the NS-Designer .........................................................................................................................2-14
2-4 Exiting the NS-Designer ..........................................................................................................................2-15
2-5 User Interface ........................................................................................................................................... 2-16
2-5-1 Basic Screen Functions .................................................................................................................. 2-16
2-5-2 Dialog Box Main Functions...........................................................................................................2-21
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Contents
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Section 3 Manipulating Project Files
3-1 Projects.......................................................................................................................................................3-1
3-2 Creating New Projects................................................................................................................................3-2
3-3 Opening Existing Projects..........................................................................................................................3-3
3-4 Saving Projects ...........................................................................................................................................3-5
3-5 Saving a Project Under a Different Name..................................................................................................3-7
3-6 Opening Recent Projects ............................................................................................................................3-8
3-7 Opening Template Projects ........................................................................................................................ 3-9
3-7-1 Specifying Template Projects (Flowchart Step 1)..........................................................................3-10
3-7-2 Reusing Screens (Flowchart Steps 2 to 4)......................................................................................3-10
3-7-3 Canceling Template Projects..........................................................................................................3-11
3-8 Project Maintenance .................................................................................................................................3-12
3-8-1 Procedures...................................................................................................................................... 3-12
3-9 Project Properties .....................................................................................................................................3-17
3-9-1 Procedure ....................................................................................................................................... 3-17
3-10 Changing the PT Model ...........................................................................................................................3-21
Section 4 Screen Types and Operations
4-1 Basic Operations ........................................................................................................................................4-1
4-1-1 Setting Screen Properties .................................................................................................................4-1
4-1-2 Grid Setting......................................................................................................................................4-4
4-1-3 Switching Items Displayed for Objects............................................................................................4-5
4-1-4 Changing the Display..................................................................................................................... 4-14
4-1-5 Switch Label ..................................................................................................................................4-15
4-1-6 Show Touch Points ........................................................................................................................4-16
4-1-7 Zoom..............................................................................................................................................4-16
4-1-8 Refreshing......................................................................................................................................4-17
4-2 Creating and Saving Screens.................................................................................................................... 4-18
4-2-1 Creating New Screens....................................................................................................................4-18
4-1-2 Screen Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 4-22
4-1-3 Procedure ....................................................................................................................................... 4-23
4-3 Sheets .....................................................................................................................................................4-24
4-3-1 Creating New Sheets......................................................................................................................4-24
4-3-2 Opening Existing Sheets ................................................................................................................ 4-25
4-3-3 Closing Sheets................................................................................................................................ 4-25
4-3-4 Saving Sheets ................................................................................................................................. 4-26
4-3-5 Applying Sheets ............................................................................................................................. 4-26
4-3-6 Sheet Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 4-27
4-4 Frames .....................................................................................................................................................4-28
4-4-1 Creating Frame Tab Names ...........................................................................................................4-30
4-4-2 Switching Frame Pages..................................................................................................................4-31
Section 5 Object Operations
5-1 Creating Functional Objects....................................................................................................................... 5-1
5-1-1 Creating One Object at a Time.........................................................................................................5-1
5-1-2 Property Settings..............................................................................................................................5-2
5-1-3 Creating Functional Objects Using Tables.......................................................................................5-3
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Contents
NS-Designer Operation Manual
5-2 Creating Fixed Objects............................................................................................................................... 5-8
5-2-1 Drawing New Fixed Objects............................................................................................................5-8
5-3 Pop-up Menus ..........................................................................................................................................5-12
5-4 Editing .....................................................................................................................................................5-13
5-4-1 Undo...............................................................................................................................................5-13
5-4-2 Redo ...............................................................................................................................................5-13
5-4-3 Cut..................................................................................................................................................5-14
5-4-4 Copy............................................................................................................................................... 5-15
5-4-5 Paste...............................................................................................................................................5-16
5-4-6 Delete ............................................................................................................................................. 5-17
5-4-7 Find ................................................................................................................................................ 5-17
5-4-8 Replace...........................................................................................................................................5-20
5-4-9 Select All........................................................................................................................................ 5-22
5-4-10 Repeat ............................................................................................................................................5-24
5-5 Layout Functions...................................................................................................................................... 5-25
5-5-1 Changing Size ................................................................................................................................ 5-25
5-5-2 Moving Objects..............................................................................................................................5-25
5-5-3 Aligning and Distributing Objects .................................................................................................5-26
5-5-4 Make Same Size............................................................................................................................. 5-27
5-5-5 Ordering Objects............................................................................................................................5-29
5-5-6 Nudging Objects ............................................................................................................................5-29
5-5-7 Rotating and Flipping Objects .......................................................................................................5-30
5-5-8 Modifying Objects .........................................................................................................................5-31
5-5-9 Grouping and Ungrouping Objects ................................................................................................5-33
5-6 Colors ..................................................................................................................................................... 5-35
5-7 Address Settings....................................................................................................................................... 5-36
5-7-1 Setting Addresses...........................................................................................................................5-37
5-7-2 Registering Hosts ........................................................................................................................... 5-38
5-8 Displaying and Searching Functional Object Lists .................................................................................. 5-42
5-8-1 Redisplaying Lists.......................................................................................................................... 5-45
5-9 Listing Functional Objects Used .............................................................................................................. 5-46
5-9-1 Displaying Lists of Used Functional Objects.................................................................................5-46
5-9-2 Jumping to Screens, Tables, and Frames .......................................................................................5-48
5-10 Batch Settings........................................................................................................................................... 5-49
5-11 Listing Addresses Used ............................................................................................................................ 5-55
5-12 Cross-referencing Addresses.................................................................................................................... 5-59
5-13 Library Registration and Sharing Objects ................................................................................................ 5-63
5-13-1 Registering Library Objects ........................................................................................................... 5-63
5-14 Object Defaults......................................................................................................................................... 5-68
5-14-1 Registering Defaults....................................................................................................................... 5-68
5-14-2 Resetting Defined Defaults ............................................................................................................ 5-68
5-15 Editing Background Bitmaps ...................................................................................................................5-70
5-16 Options.....................................................................................................................................................5-71
5-16-1 Color Dialog...................................................................................................................................5-71
5-16-2 Edit/Disp. ....................................................................................................................................... 5-71
5-16-3 Editor..............................................................................................................................................5-72
5-16-4 Labels............................................................................................................................................. 5-72
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Contents
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Section 6 Programming Macros
6-1 Registering Macros ....................................................................................................................................6-1
6-1-1 Registering Macros to Projects ........................................................................................................6-2
6-1-2 Registering Macros to Functional Objects.......................................................................................6-5
6-2 List of Error Messages ............................................................................................................................... 6-8
Section 7 System Settings
7-1 Settings....................................................................................................................................................... 7-1
7-1-1 Common Procedure..........................................................................................................................7-1
7-1-2 PT Operations ..................................................................................................................................7-1
7-1-3 Initial................................................................................................................................................7-2
7-1-4 History..............................................................................................................................................7-4
7-1-5 Comm-All ........................................................................................................................................ 7-5
7-1-6 Detailed..........................................................................................................................................7-10
7-1-7 Printer.............................................................................................................................................7-16
7-1-8 Video.............................................................................................................................................. 7-17
Section 8 Testing
8-1 Test Function.............................................................................................................................................. 8-1
8-2 Test Tool ....................................................................................................................................................8-6
8-2-1 Display Formats ............................................................................................................................... 8-6
8-2-2 Setting Values .................................................................................................................................. 8-7
Section 9 Validation
9-1 Validation Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 9-1
9-2 Validation Results ......................................................................................................................................9-2
9-2-1 No Error Detected ............................................................................................................................ 9-2
9-2-2 Error Detected..................................................................................................................................9-2
9-3 List of Validation Items..............................................................................................................................9-4
Section 10 Transferring Data
10-1 Transferring Data to the PT...................................................................................................................... 10-1
10-1-1 Preparations and Procedures before Connecting............................................................................10-2
10-1-2 Communications Settings for NS-Designer ................................................................................. 10-14
10-1-3 Transferring Project Data.............................................................................................................10-20
10-1-4 Transferring Screen Data .............................................................................................................10-23
10-1-5 Transferring the System Program ................................................................................................10-25
10-2 Transferring Data to and from a Memory Card......................................................................................10-29
10-2-1 Preparations for Transferring to a Memory Card in PT ...............................................................10-29
10-2-2 Procedure for Transferring Data to a Memory Card in the PT..................................................... 10-31
10-3 Data Transfer Using SPMA ...................................................................................................................10-33
10-3-1 Overview of SPMA...................................................................................................................... 10-33
10-3-2 SPMA Features ............................................................................................................................ 10-33
10-3-3 System Configuration ..................................................................................................................10-34
10-3-4 Procedural Example .....................................................................................................................10-36
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Contents
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Section 11 Printing
11-1 Printing Project Information..................................................................................................................... 11-1
11-1-1 Printing Samples ............................................................................................................................11-2
11-2 Printing Page Information ........................................................................................................................11-4
11-2-1 Printing Samples ............................................................................................................................11-6
11-3 Previews...................................................................................................................................................11-8
11-4 Outputting to an RTF File ........................................................................................................................11-9
11-5 Headers and Footers ............................................................................................................................... 11-10
11-6 Margins ..................................................................................................................................................11-12
Section 12 Importing/Exporting CSV Files
12-1 Exporting CSV Files ................................................................................................................................12-1
12-2 Editing CSV Files ....................................................................................................................................12-2
12-3 Importing CSV Files ................................................................................................................................12-3
Section 13 Multi-language Display
13-1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................13-1
13-2 Creating Multi-language Display Screens................................................................................................13-2
13-2-1 Inputting Multi-language Characters in NS-Designer Property Settings .......................................13-2
13-2-2 Displaying Multi-language Characters Using Indirect Object Specification .................................13-9
13-2-3 Creating Multi-language Display Screens Using the CSV Import/Export Function.................... 13-11
Appendices
Appendix 1 Quick Reference ........................................................................................................................... A-1
Appendix 2 Objects........................................................................................................................................ A-12
Appendix 3 Shortcut Keys.............................................................................................................................. A-16
Appendix 4 Version Information.................................................................................................................... A-17
Appendix 5 Resource Report.......................................................................................................................... A-18
Appendix 6 Error Messages ........................................................................................................................... A-19
Appendix 7 Connecting Cable Specifications ................................................................................................A-26
Appendix 8 Details of CLK Status................................................................................................................. A-28
Appendix 9 Converting Data between Different Versions of NS-series Products .........................................A-31
v
Section 1 Overview
NS-Designer Operation Manual
Section 1 Overview
This section describes the specifications and functions of the NS-Designer to provide a basic understanding of the
capabilities of the NS-Designer for first-time users.
1-1 The NS-Designer ......................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1-2 System Requirements ..................................................................................................................................1-3
1-3 Basic Configuration and Functions.............................................................................................................. 1-4
1-4 Outline of Operational Flow ...................................................................................................................... 1-17
1-5 Menu Commands....................................................................................................................................... 1-18
1-6 Functions Added in Version 3.0 ................................................................................................................1-21
1-7 Functions Added in Version 4.0 ................................................................................................................1-22
1-8 Functions Added in Version 5.0 ................................................................................................................1-22
1-9 Functions Added in Version 6.0 ................................................................................................................1-22
1-10 Functions Added in Version 6.2 ................................................................................................................1-23
Section 1 Overview 1-1 The NS-Designer
NS-Designer Operation Manual
1-1 The NS-Designer
The NS-Designer is an application software package that can be run on Windows 95, 98, NT, Me, 2000,
or XP to create screen data for NS-series Programmable Terminals (referred to as "PTs").
The NS-Designer enables using a graphic Windows interface and Windows operating environment so
that screens can be created simply and easily by practically anyone.
The data created on the NS-Designer consists of the following objects.
Data created on
NS-Designer
(project)
User screens
Sheets
Numeric units and scale settings
Alarm/event settings
Data log settings
Data block settings
Library
Fixed objects
Functional objects
Ta bl e s
Frames
Backgrounds
Fixed objects
Functional objects
Ta bl e s
Frames
Rectangles
Circles/ovals
Lines
Polylines
Polygons
Sectors
Arcs
Buttons
Lamps
Display and input
Display
System clock
Alarms/events
Data block tables
Functional objects
Fixed objects
Functional objects
Ta bl e s
ON/OFF buttons
Word buttons
Command buttons
Bit lamps
Word lamps
Numeral display & input
String display & input
Thumbwheel switches
Temporary input
Text
List selections
Level meters
Bitmaps
Analogue meters
Broken-line graphs
Data log graphs
Video display
Dates
Times
Alarm/event displays
Alarm/event summaries
and histories
1-1
Section 1 Overview 1-1 The NS-Designer
i
NS-Designer Operation Manual
User Screen
Fixed graphic
Frame
Functional
object
Functional
object
Sheet
Functional
object
Ta bl e
Overlaid
W
ndows
Sheet objects
Product Components
The following software and data are included with the NS-NSDC1-V@.
NS-Designer Software •
•
Transfer Program
Tool for transferring systems, projects, screens, and settings files.
•
Memory Card Transfer Tool
Tool for exchanging data with the Memory Card mounted to the PT.
•
NT631C Conversion Support Tool
•
CX-Server
•
PT System Program (replacement program)
•
Operation Manuals
The operation manuals include an NS-series Macro Reference, an NS-Series Tutorial Manual, and a
Host Connection Manual.
•
Sample Data
Sample data of the screens created in the NS-series tutorial is included.
•
Switch Box Utility
Tool for helping to debug the operation of PLCs.
•
SAP (Smart Active Parts) Data
Libraries containing setting/monitor screens (e.g., for Position Control Units and Temperature Controllers).
1-2
Section 1 Overview 1-2 System Requirements
NS-Designer Operation Manual
1-2 System Requirements
The following are required to use the NS-Designer.
1-2-1 Hardware
Recommended Processor
Intel Celeron 400 MHz or better required.
Computer
IBM PC/AT or compatible capable of running the required OS.
Recommended Memory
64 Mbytes or more required. (Be sure to provide sufficient capacity, observing the recommend values
for the OS.)
Available Disk Space
200 Mbytes or more recommended.
CD-ROM Drive
Required to install the NS-Designer.
Monitor
VGA monitor required for DOS computers. A resolution of 800 x 600 pixels or higher is recommended.
If the display resolution in the Windows screen properties is set to a lower setting, such as 640 x 480
pixels, portions of the NS-Designer windows may not be displayed. If this happens, increase the resolution. If large display fonts are used, not all of the text may fit in dialog boxes, preventing correct display. If this happens, use the small display fonts.
Mouse
A mouse supported by the OS must be used.
Operating System
Any of the following operating systems can be used: Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98,
Microsoft Windows Me, or Microsoft Windows NT (version 4.0, service pack 6a or higher), Microsoft
Windows 2000 (service pack 3 or higher), or Microsoft XP.
Microsoft Windows 3.1 is not supported.
Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher is required.
1-2-2 Equipment Required to Transfer Screen Data
RS-232C connection cable
Ethernet cable
Memory Cards
Refer to Appendix 7 Connecting Cable Specifications for cable specifications.
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1-3 Basic Configuration and Functions
1-3-1 Project Overview
A project contains all of the objects and settings required for a group of user screens.
The project name is specified to access data when editing on the NS-Designer or transferring data to
PT.
System setting for
PT operation
Password setting
User screens
Unit and scale
setting
Data log setting
Library objects
Alarm/event
setting
A wide variety of objects can be used as required to create screens.
Some of the objects that can be used are described below.
Fixed Objects
Fixed objects, which do not provide any input functions, can be created on a screen.
Although fixed objects can be set to flicker, they are otherwise displayed on the screen in a constant
state.
Functional Objects
Functional objects can be used to communicate with internal memory in the PT or with a PLC. Functional objects have both graphic and operational properties. The display of functional objects can be
changed according to the status of the PT or PLC, and they can be used to input data through operations from the PT.
Table
A table object provides multiple functional objects in a single table format.
Frame
A frame object enables the creation of areas on a screen so that only part of the screen can be
switched to another page. Frames consist of more than one page, and the displayed contents of the
functional objects configuring each page can be switched based on PT or PLC status. Frames can
contain fixed objects, functional objects, and tables.
Background
A background is a graphic screen that is displayed as the background of other screens.
Bitmap files and JPEG files can be displayed as backgrounds.
Registering Created Objects
Created objects can be registered in a library so that they can be easily reused at many different locations or on different screens.
The following objects can be registered in the library.
Fixed objects, functional objects, tables, and frames
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NS-Designer Operation Manual
1-3-2 Manipulating Data on the PLC
Data can be input to and output from a PLC using the following objects, enabling values in memory to
be set or the screen data to be updated according to changes in memory.
Input
PT
ON/OFF Button OK OK
Word Button OK OK
Command Button
Switch Screen OK
Key Button OK
Bit Lamp OK
Word Lamp OK
Numeral Display & Input OK OK
String Display & Input OK OK
Thumbwheel Switch OK OK
Text OK
List Selection OK
Level Meter OK
Bitmap OK
Analogue Meter OK
Video Display
Broken-line Graph OK
Data Log Graph OK
Date/Time
Alarm/Event Display OK
Alarm/Event Summary & History
Data Block Table
Frames
Temporary input
Out
ut
Object Input Output
PLC
Indirect Specification of Screens
Indirect Specification of Character
Strings to Send
(Indirect Reference of Display
Strings)
(Address for specifying the File
Lines)
(Indirect Specification of Display
Data)
(Specifying Display Update Bits)
(Specifying Number of Display Re-
freshes)
(Broken-line Monitor Address)
(Monitor Address)
(Log Timing)
(Scale for Time Axis)
(Address for updating Display)
OK
OK
OK
OK
(Writing Screen Page Numbers)
OK
(Writing Selected Line Number)
(Writing Selected Character Strings)
OK
(Writing Alarm Ids)
OK
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1-3-3 PT Memory
PT memory is made up of internal memory and system memory.
Internal Memory
The internal memory contained in the PT can be read and written by the user. Internal memory can be
allocated as required for settings, such as the communications addresses of functional objects.
The internal memory is divided into two sections.
Memory Contents
$B Bit Memory
Bit memory is used for I/O flags and signal information.
Up to 32 Kbits (32,768 bits) can be used.
$W Word Memory
Word memory is used to store numeral and character string data.
Each word contains 16 bits, but consecutive words can be used as required for
character strings and 32-bit data.
Up to 32 Kwords (32,768 words) can be used.
$HB Holding Bit Memory
Holding bit memory is used for I/O flags and signal information.
Up to 8 Kbits (8,192 bits) of data can be held in this area even if the PT power is
turned OFF.
$HW Holding Word Memory
Holding word memory is used to save numerical values and character-string data.
Each word consists of 16 bits, but consecutive words can be used as required for
character strings with a user-defined length and 32-bit data.
Up to 8 Kwords (8,192 words) of data can be held in this area even if the PT power
is turned OFF.
System Memory
System memory is used to change information between the host and the PT, such as controlling the
PT and notifying the host of PT status.
The system memory is divided into two sections.
Memory Contents
$SB System Bit Memory
The system bit memory contains 52 bits with predefined functions.
$SW System Word Memory
The system word memory contains 38 words with predefined functions.
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1-3-4 Host Registration and Address
PLC words and bits can be allocated as communications addresses for functional objects and other
objects. To enable this, a name is registered for each PLC. This setting is called the host registration.
Refer to 1-3 Communicating with the Host in the NS series Programming Manual for details on the
host.
Communicates with
address 10000 in host A
Communicates
with address
10000 in host B
Communicates
with address
10000 in host C
HOST A
HOST B
HOST C
1-3-5 Screen Types and Applications
The following screens can be displayed on the PT: User screens with objects configured as required by
the user, sheets, and system screens with predefined functions.
Screen type Contents
User Screen Used to create normal screens.
Base Screen Basic screens displayed during PT operation.
Pop-up Screen Pop-up screens can be displayed overlapping other screens.
Up to 3 pop-up screens can be displayed at the same time.
Sheet Sheets are screens used when the same images are to be displayed on more than one
screen. They are used together with other screens, such as base screens and pop-up
screens.
Up to 10 sheets can be created in each project.
System Menu The System Menu Screen is predefined and cannot be changed by the user. It is used to
set or confirm various special functions of the PT, such as to initialize data or to access
various histories.
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1-3-6 Object Types
Some details on the types of object that can be positioned on a screen are described below.
Fixed Objects
The following fixed objects can be used.
Rectangle
Circle/Oval
Straight Line or Arrow
Polyline
Polygon
Sector
Arc
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Functional Objects
The following functional objects can be used.
Icon Name Contents
ON/OFF Button Control the ON/OFF status of the specified write address. Any of four
Word Button Set numeric data at the specified address. Values can also be in-
Command Button Perform special processing, such as switching screens, controlling
Bit Lamp Turn ON and OFF according to the ON/OFF status of the specified
Word Lamp Light in 10 steps according to the value in the specified address (0 to
Text Display the registered character string.
Numeral Display & Input Numerically display the word data from the specified address and
String Display & Input Display the character string from the word data from the specified
List Selection Display the registered characters string in a list for selection.
Thumbwheel Switch Numerically display the word data from the specified address and
①
Analogue Meter Display graphs in three colors in circles, semi-circles or quarter cir-
Level Meter Display levels in three colors for the word data at the specified ad-
Broken-line Graph Display a broken-line graph for the word data at the specified ad-
Bitmap Display bitmaps.
Video Display Display images from video cameras and Vision Sensors.
Alarm/Event Display Display alarms or events that have occurred in order of priority.
Alarm/Event Summary
and History
Date Display and set date.
Time Display and set time.
Data Log Graph Display trend graphs for the word data at specified addresses.
Data Block Table Writes to and reads from PLC preset recipe data, such as instruc-
Temporary Input Display numerical values and character strings that have been input
action types can be selected.
creased and decreased.
pop-up screens, controlling video, etc.
address.
9).
input data from a tenkey pad.
address and input data from a keyboard.
increment and decrement the data when increment/decrement buttons are pressed.
cles for the word data at the specified address.
dress.
dress.
Display summaries or histories of alarms or events that have occurred.
tions for manufacturing process.
during creation of a tenkey or keyboard for Numeral Display & Input
and String Display & Input objects using command buttons.
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1-3-7 Functions Used to Create Screens
The following functions can be conveniently used to make screens more effective.
Creating Tables
Functional objects of the same type can be created as a group in a table.
Functional objects can be easily created and organized in a table simply by specifying the type of functional object, the number of rows, and the number of columns. Item names (text) can also be added to
the cells of the table.
The properties of the functional objects can be set as a group, and addresses can be automatically allocated by setting offsets.
Refer to Creating Tables under 5-1 Creating Functional Objects for more information.
Item names are created with Text objects
Functional objects: Numeral Display & Input objects
Number of horizontal items: 4
Number of vertical items: 3
Address, such as $W100,
$W101, $W102, etc., are
allocated.
Common properties for all the
Numeral Display & Input objects
are set at the same time.
Creating Frames
A frame object enables the creation of areas on a screen so that only part of the screen can be
switched to another page. Frames consist of more than one page, and the displayed contents of the
functional objects configuring each page can be switched using the page switching function of the
frame. A frame can contain up to 256 frame pages, and objects can be pasted as required within each
frame page.
Refer to 4-4 Frames for details.
Groups
More than one functional object or fixed object can be defined as a group.
The group, which contains more than one functional or fixed object, can be rotated, flipped, or sized as
if it were just one object.
Grouped objects can also be created with other functional or fixed objects or placed in other groups.
Refer to Grouping and Ungrouping Objects under 5-5 Layout Functions for more information.
Object Library
An object and all of its property settings can be registered as one object. Created objects registered in
a library can be easily reused at many different locations or on different screens. Refer to 5-13 Library
Registration and Sharing Objects for details.
Smart Active Parts
Setting and monitor screens (such as setting screens for Position Control Units and Temperature Controllers) are pre-installed as standard library objects for the NS-Designer. For details, refer to How to
use Smart Active Parts (PDF) included with the NS-Designer.
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Selecting Fixed Objects for Buttons and Lamps
Specified fixed objects can be displayed for ON/OFF buttons, word buttons, bit lamps, and word lamps
to create more graphic displays.
Object
selected.
Object
selected.
Drawing Fixed Objects
Fixed objects, which do not provide any functions themselves, can be drawn on a screen. The following
fixed objects can be drawn. Rectangles, circles, ovals, straight lines, polylines, polygons, sectors, and
arcs
Creating Backgrounds
General-purpose image data can be used as backgrounds for user screens. The following file types
can be used.
•
Bitmap files (.BMP)
•
JPEG files (.JPG)
Switching Displays
Displays can be switched to check the operation of screens created offline.
The following switching functions can be used.
Switching Screens
•
Switching Frame Pages
Edited frame pages can be switched forward and backward.
Refer to Switching Frame Pages under 4-4 Frames for details.
•
Switching Screens
Edited screens can be switched forward and backward.
Refer to Switching Screens under 4-1 Basic Operations for details.
•
Zooming
Screens can be zoomed in and out.
Refer to Zoom under 4-1 Basic Operations for details.
Switching Object Displays
•
ID Displays
Object ID numbers can be displayed.
Refer to Switching Items Displayed for Objects under 4-1 Basic Operations for details.
Error Object Displays
•
Objects for which errors were detected in validating are displayed with red borders.
Refer to Show ID under 4-1 Basic Operations for details.
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NS-Designer Operation Manual
Displaying Sheet Objects
•
The sheet objects overlapped on base screens can be displayed.
Refer to Show Sheet Object under Switching Items Displayed for Objects under 4-1 Basic Operations
for details.
Sheet Objects Hidden Sheet Objects Displayed
Displaying Switch Labels
•
The specified switch labels can be displayed.
Refer to Switch Label under 4-1 Basic Operations for details.
Simulating ON/OFF Status •
The functional objects can be displayed in their ON status.
Refer to Displaying ON Status under Switching Items Displayed for Objects under 4-1 Basic Opera-
tions for details.
ON Status OFF Status
Displaying Addresses
•
The communications addresses set for each functional object can be displayed. Refer to Show Address under Switching Items Displayed for Objects under 4-1 Basic Operations for details.
Normal Displa
Address Display
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1-3-8 Data Log
The stored data for specified addresses is displayed as a graph.
Up to 100 groups can be registered for each project. Up to 16 addresses can be registered for each
group.
Up to 50 addresses can be registered for constant logging.
1-3-9 Alarms/Events
Addresses can be registered for alarm monitoring to provide notification for alarms from the specified
addresses. Registration can also be used to display events, such as operation startup.
Alarm-related functional objects can be used to display alarms and events that have occurred or to
display alarm/event histories.
Alarm 1
Alarm 2
•
•
•
•
•
Alarm 500
Up to 5,000 alarms can be registered.
Simple Display
List
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1-3-10 Data Blocks
Data blocks (recipes) enable reading/writing numeric values and character strings from/to memory areas, such as those in a PLC. Data blocks can be used to easily change the arrangement of the system.
Create the data in CSV files and store them in the PT beforehand. The created data can be used to
make changes while operating the PT.
Examples: Setting the width (numeric value), height (numeric values), and color (character string) in
the PLC (Refer to the figure shown below.)
Set width: 150, height: 54, and color: blue for product B.
Just by selecting product B, these three items can be set for the PLC. If product A is selected, a width
of 100, height setting of 52, and a color setting of red will be set for the PLC.
Data block
Product A
B
Product B
Product
Produ
Produ
Width
Conditions for product B are
selected and set in PLC.
Using data block, the user does not need to save the data in the PLC beforehand, so that memory of
the PLC can be saved and ladder program can be reduced. Data blocks also have the following features.
Data in CSV format can be edited and managed on a personal computer. •
•
Data can be edited on the PT.
•
Data can be written to a Memory Card.
•
Data can be read from a Memory Card.
•
Processes values and character strings can be handled.
•
Maximum number of rows: 1,000. Maximum number of columns: 500. Data blocks with both 1,000
rows and 500 columns, however, cannot be set.
Refer to 2-16 Data Blocks - Restrictions for Data Blocks in the Programming Manual for details.
Processing conditions for product B
(150, 54, blue) set in PLC
Height
Color
Red
Blue
Yellow
Red
Blue
To controlled devices
Product
B
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1-3-11 Video Display
Install a Video Input Unit (NS-CA001) on the PT to display the picture output from video devices such
as a video camera or Vision Sensor on the PT. Up to four video devices can be connected to the PT.
There are two input methods: NTSC and PAL.
12
34
1
2
3
4
NTSC/PAL
4 ch
3 ch
2 ch
1 ch
Video camera or
Vision Sensor
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1-3-12 Importing and Exporting CSV Files
The property settings of functional objects can be edited as CSV files.
Export property settings to CSV files, edit them with a standard spreadsheet program or other editing
tool, and then import them back into the NS-Designer to set the properties of functional objects.
Refer to Section 12 Importing/Exporting CSV Files for details.
Editing in spreadsheet software
Importing
1-3-13 Validating
Functional object settings are checked according to validation items to see if any mistakes have been
made.
Any errors that are detected are displayed in a list. The functional or fixed objects where errors exist
can also be displayed.
Refer to Section 9 Validation for details.
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