Omron Sysmac WS02-CXPC1-EV3 Operation Manual

Cat. No. W414-E1-01

SYSMAC

SYSMAC
WS02-CXPC1-EV3
CX-Programmer Ver.3.1

Operation Manual

Revised November 2002

OMRON CX-Programmer – Operation Manual

CX-Programmer

About this Manual (W414):

This manual describes the operation of the CX-Programmer and consists of the following three parts.

• Part 1: CX-Programmer

This part describes the CX-Programmer software that is a PLC
Programming Device, and also provides the overall precautions and the
version upgrad e s info rmation.

• Part 2: CX-Server PLC Tools

This part describes the CX-Server PLC Tools software, which is a
collection of the following components:
PLC Memory, IO Table, PLC Setup, Data Trace/Time Chart Monitor, PLC
Error, Me mory Card, PLC-Clock, and CX-Net Ne twork Configuration.
(including Data Link Editor and Routing Table)

• Part 3: CX-Server Run time

This part describes the CX-Server software that is a communications
middleware.

Note: References within each par t are r eferenc es to the p ages or chapters within t hat p art.

PART1:

CX-Programmer

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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 in them. Failure to heed precautions can result in injury to people or damage to the
product.

DANGER! Indicates information that, if not heeded, is likely to result in loss of life or

serious injury.

WARNING Indicates information that, if not heeded, could possibly result in loss of life or

serious injury.

Caution Indicates information that, if not heeded, could result in relatively serious or

minor injury, damage to the product, or faulty operation.

OMRON Product References

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

The abbreviation “PLC” means Programmable Logic Controller and is not used as an abbreviation for
anything else.

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Visual Aids

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

Indicates information of particular interest for efficient and convenient operation of the product.

1, 2, 3…

Indicates lists of one sort or another, such as procedures, checklists etc.
Represents a shortcut on the Toolbar to one of the options available on the menu of the same

window.

ã 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, photoco pying, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of OMRON.

All copyright and trademarks acknowledged.
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.

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About this Part

This part describes the CX-Programmer application and its ability to create and maintain programs for use
with OMRON SYSMAC CS, CV and C P LCs. It does not provide detailed information co ncerning the
PLCs themselves, for this information the commercial manual for the device must be consulted.

This part contains the following chapters:

• Precautions. This portion describes general precautions for using the CX-Programmer (including

CX-Server PLC Tools).

• Version Upgrade Information. This portion describes the changes that have been made from

version 3.0 to version 3.1 of the CX-Programmer.

• Chapter 1 Introduction. This chapter describes the CX-Programmer software in general terms and

also provides details of the operating environment and minimum configuration necessary for the
satisfactory operation of CX-Programmer.

• Chapter 2 Quick Start Guide. This chapter describes the basic features of CX-Programmer together

with a simple tutorial for fimiliarisation purposes.

• Chapter 3 Project Referernce. This describes the features common to two or more parts of CX-

Programmer.

• Chapter 4 Reference. This chapter introduces the features contained in the Project workspace and

discusses their associated commands and features.

• Chapter 5 Advanced Topics. This chapter discusses the more advanced topics in relation to CX-

Programmer.

• Appendix A Toolbars and Keyboard Shortcuts. This appendix summerises the toolbar and keyboard

shortcuts available from CX-Programmer.

A Glossary of Terms and Index are also provided.

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Precautions

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 installing FA systems.

• Personnel in charge of designing FA systems.

• Personnel in charge of managing FA systems and facilities.

General Precautions

The user must operate the product according to the performance
specifications described in the operation manuals.
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 programming and operating the Unit.
Be sure to read this manual before attempting to use the Unit and keep this
manual close at hand for reference during operation.

WARNING

It is extremely important that a PLC and all PLC Units be used for the
specified purpose and under the specified conditions, especially in
applications that can directly or indirectly affect human life. You must
consult with your OMRON representative before applying a PLC System to
the above-mentioned applications.

Safety Precautions

WARNING

Confirm safety sufficiently before transferring I/O memory area status from
the CX-Programmer to the PLC. The devices connected to Output Units
may malfunction, egardless of the operating mode of the CPU Unit.
Caution is required in respect to the following functions.

• Transferring from the CX-Programmer to real I/O (CIO Area) in the CPU
Unit using the PLC Memory window.

• Transferring from file memory to real I/O (CIO Area) in the CPU Unit
using the Memory Card window.

Caution

Confirm safety at the destination node before transferring a program to
another node or changing contents of the I/O memory area. Doing either of
these without confirming safety may result in injury.

Caution

Execute online edit only after confirming that no adverse effects will be
caused by extending the cycle time. Otherwise, the input signals may not
be readable.

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Caution

Confirm safety sufficiently before monitoring power flow and present value
status in the Ladder Secti o n window or when monitoring present values in
the Watch window. If force-set/reset or set/reset operations are
inadvertently performed by pressing short-cut keys, the devices connected
to Output Units may malfunction, regardless of the operating mode of the
CPU Unit.

Application Precaution

Observe the following precautions when using the CX-Programmer.

• Observe the following precautions before starting the CX-Programmer.

• Exit all applications not directly related to the CX-Programmer.

Particularly exit any software such as screen savers, virus checkers,
email or other communications software, and schedulers or other
applications that start up periodically or automatically.

• Disable sharing hard disks, printers, or other dev ices with other
computers on any network.

• With some notebook computers, the RS-232C port is allocated to a
modem or a infrared line by default. Following the instructions in
documentation for your computer and enable using the RS-232C port
as a normal serial port.

• With some notebook computers, the default settings for saving
energy do not supply the rated power to the RS-232C port. There
may be both Windows settings for saving energy, as well as setting
for specific computer utilities and BIOS. Following the instructions in
documentation for your computer, disable all energy saving settings.

• Do not turn OFF the power supply to the PLC or disconnect the
connecting cable while the CX-Programmer is online with the PLC. The
computer may malfunction.s

• With the CS/CJ-series PLCs, when creating an AUTOEXEC.IOM file
from the CX-Programmer to automatically transfer data at startup, set the
first write address to D20000 and be sure that the size of data written
does not exceed the size of the DM Area. When the data file is read from
the Memory Card at startup, data will be written in the CPU Unit starting
at D20000 even if another address was set when the AUTOEXEC.IOM
file was created. Also, if the DM Area is exceeded (which is possible
when the CX-Programmer is used), the remaining data will be written to
the EM Area. Refer to information on file operations in the CS/CJ-series
Programming Manual for details.

• Confirm that no adverse effect will occur in the system before attempting
any of the following. Not doing so may result in an unexpected operation.

Changing the operating mode of the PLC.

• Force-setting/force-resetting any bit in memory.

• Changing the present value of any word or any set value in memory.

• Check the user program for proper execution before actually running it

on the Unit. Not checking the program may result in an unexpected
operation.

• Precaution on Using Indirect DM and EM Addresses in Comparison
Instructions:
When indirect DM or EM addresses are used as operands in comparison
instructions, the top portion of the comparison instruction will be
displayed in yellow when it is being monitored. At that time the power
flow will not be monitored to the right of such comparison instructions.
The contact and coil status, and present values of operands in special
instructions will be displayed normally.

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• The user program and parameter area data in CS1-H CPU Units is
backed up in the built-in flash memory. The BKUP indicator will light on
the front of the CPU Unit when the backup operation is in progress. Do
not turn OFF the power supply to the CPU Unit when the BKUP indicator
is lit. The data will not be backed up if power is turned OFF.
To display the status of writing to flash memory on the CX-Programmer,
place a checkmark by Display dialog to show PLC Memory Backup

Status on the PLC properties and then select Windows | PLC Memory
Backup Status from the Windows menu.

• Precaution in Changing the PLC Type
On the CX-Programmer, you can change the PLC (device) type or CPU
type. When these are changed, however, only the data for the ladder
program and the symbol tables are changed. The following data will be
initialized and must be reset.

• PLC Setup

• Expansion instruct ions

• I/O tables

• PLC memory

Particularly the PLC Setup has a large impact on PLC system operation.
Be careful to reset all require settings after changing the PLC type.
If expansion instruction allocations are not reset, program errors could
occur, preventing the PLC from running. Always restore the expansion
instruction allocates to the previous settings after changing the PLC
type.

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Observe the following precautions when using the CX-Net.

• Do not change the operating mode of the CPU Unit without first
confirming that operation of the controlled system will not be affect.

• Do not run the user program on the PLC until its operation has been
checked sufficiently.

• The data link mode (manual setting or automatic setting) and data link
method are determined according to the data link setting in the startup
node. In the startup node, set a data link table in the case of manual
setting and data link automatic setting parameters in the case of
automatic setting. If the settings are incorrect, the data link will not start.

• Check the following items before starting data links. If incorrect data link
tables or parameters are set, injury may result due to unexpected
operation of the system. Even if the correct data link tables and
parameters have been set, do not start or stop data links before verifying
that there will be no adverse influence on the system.

(1) Manually Set Data Links
Check the data link tables in each node participating in the data link to

see that they are correct.
Be sure that data link tables are deleted from nodes that are not

participating in the data links .
(2) Automatically Set Data Links

Be sure that the correct DM parameters have been set in the data link
startup node.

• CPU Bus Units will be automatically restarted when routing tables are
transferred from a Programming Device to the CPU Unit. Resetting is
required to use the new tables. Confirm that restarting the CPU Bus
Units will not adversely affect system operation before transferring
routing tables.

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Version Upgrade Information

The following tables outline the changes that have been made from version 3.0 to version 3.1 of the CX­Programmer.

n

Program Editing Functions

Improvements to Global Reparacement Operation

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Changes between normally open
contacts and normally closed contacts
could be performed onl y with the / key.
They could not be perf ormed globally.

If Change All is selected from the Edit menu and a checkmark is placed in the
checkbox for Invert open/close bit befor e performing a global repl acement for the
PLC, all specified oper ands that are normally op en contacts will be changed t o
normally closed c ontacts and all normally closed contacts will be c hanged to

normally open contacts. Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 1 for details (page 41).
Global replacements f or addresses
applied to both the ladder programs and
symbol data.

If the check box for symbols (including I/O comments) is cleared before an

address is replac ed globally, the symbols t able and I/O comments will not be

changed and only addresses in the ladder progr am w ill be changed.

If the check box for symbols (including I/O comments) is selected before an

address is replac ed globally, the replacement operation will be the same as the

previous version.

Drawing or Deleting a Connecting Line by Dragging from the Start Point t o t he End Point

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Connecting lines could be input from the
keyboard, icons, or menus. (They could
not be input by dragging with the
mouse.)

Connecting lines can be drawn by clicking the Li ne Connect Mode icon and

then clicking the starting point and dragging t o the end point. Connecti ng lines

can also be deleted by dr agging after clicking the Line Delete Mode icon.

Note: A line can also be drawn by dragging on a line that i s not connected on

one end. Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 1 for details (page 21).

Operand at the Cursor Position Appears as Default for Find or Replace Operations

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

When performing a Find or Replace
operation, the previous contents of the
previous Find and Replace fields are
displayed regardless of the position of
the cursor.

When a Find or Replace operation is performed, the Bit Addresses, Addresses,

Values, Symbol Names, or Mnemonics (i.e., in the Look at field for each) at the

position of the c ursor is displayed in the Fi nd what field. Refer to Chapter 3 of

PART 1 for details (page 38-39).

Note: If the Look at field is a Symbol comments or Program comments, the Find

what field will be blank.

History of Previous Find or Replace Settings

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

No history of previous settings was
displayed for Find or Repl ace operations.

Histories of previous find and replace settings are displayed in pull -down menus

for the Find what field and Replace with field. Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 1 for

details (page 38-39).

Size Changes for Go to Commented Rung Window

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)
The size of the Go to Commented
Rung window was fixed when ju mping to

rung comments. (This window was
previously a dialog box.)

The size of the Go to Commented Rung window displayed when Edit | Go to |

Commented Rung is selec ted can be changed. Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 1

for details (page 48).

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Guidance Displays for SYSMAC Support Software or SYSWIN Shortcut Keys

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Shortcut keys coul d be allocated for CX­Programmer functions for SYSMAC
Support Software oper ations and
SYSWIN operations, but guidance could
not be displayed.

Guidance can be displayed f or CX-Programmer functions for SYSMAC Support

Software operations and SYSWIN operations by selecting Function Key

Guidance from the View menu. The CX-Programmer shortcut key allocations for

all keys can be displ ayed by selecting Information Window from the View

menu. Refer to Chapter 1 of PART 1 for details (page 5).

n

Online Functions

n Monitor Functions
Display Form Setting for Operands for Special Instructions when Monitoring in Ladder

Section Windows

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

When monitoring on t he Ladder Section
window, the symbol data t ype was given
priority as the display format for
operands for special instructions.
For example, the data type for the MOV
instruction is CHANNEL, so the display
was always 4-digit hexadecimal.
The data type for MOVL is also
CHANNEL so the display was always 8­digit hexadecimal .
Also, for an unnamed symbol the data
type is CHANNEL so the display was
always 4-digit hexadecimal.

The display format f or the present values of operands of special inst ructions

when monitoring on the Ladder Section Window can be selected from the

following data types . The same display format must be used globally.

To select the dis play format, click the desired button or select Monitoring Data

Type from the View menu.

• Decimal

• Signed Decimal

• Monitor in Hex

The default display formats will be as follows if none of the above display

formats is selected.

• Named symbol will be monitored in the symbol data type.

• Unnamed symbol will be monitored in the operand data type.

• Two-word operations, such as for the MOVL instruction, will be monitored in

2-word hexadecimal.

• For present values displayed in formats other than hexadecimal, “D” is
attached for 2-word data and “L” is attached for 4-word data. Refer to
Chapter 3 of PART 1 for details (page 74).

Improvement in Operation to Change PVs for Special Instruction s

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Present values were c hanged from the
menus.

Present values can be changed by pressing the Enter key on an operand that is
being monitored, or by double-clicking it .

Start Address Setting when Monitoring Present Values in I/O Memory
(Continuous Address Monitoring)

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)
The address to monitor in the PLC
Memory Window could not be s pecified

(either the screen had to be scrolled or
individual addresses had to be monitored
in Watch windows).
Also, with floating-point or double­precision floating-point binary, monitoring
was possible only from addresses
divisible by 2 or 4.

The start address to be monitored can be specified to monitor consecutive
addresses in the PLC Memor y Window. Refer to Chapter 2 of PART 2 for
details (page 10-11).

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Monitoring Bit Status and Word Contents when Monitoring Present Values in I/O Memory

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Bit status displays in the PLC Memory
Window had to be performed in word
units.

When the binary word dis play format is selected for the PLC Memory Window,
bit status is displayed both for individual bi ts and as hexadecimal word values.
Refer to Chapter 2 of PART 2 for details (page 10- 11).

Simple Transfer of Data to the PLC when Monitoring Present Values in I/O Memory

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

To transfer data changed in I/O memory
while monitoring, the monitor status had
to be cleared and then PLC | Transfer |
To PLC had to be selected, the range
specified, and the transfer specified in
the PLC Memory Window.

Individual cells being monitoring in the PLC Memory Window can be selected
and the Set | Value command or the Set Value button can be used to display
the Set Present Value dialog box. Data can be input into this dialog box for
individual I/O memory address and then the OK butt on can be clicked to
directly change the value in the PLC.
When binary values are being displayed, the menus and buttons can be used to
Set, Reset, Force On, Force Off, or Force Cancel i ndividual bits. Refer to
Chapter 2 of PART 2 for details (page 10).

n Clear All Memory A reas Functi on
All Clear Operation for CPU Unit Memory (User Program, Parameter Area, and I/O Memory)

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Unless a memory error act ually occurred in the PLC
the CPU Unit memory clear oper ation (see note) could
not be performed from the Error Log. Also there was no
function (all clear) to initialize the CPU Unit memory.
Note: The CX-Programmer had to be placed online,
PLC | Edit Error Log had to be selected to di splay the
Errors window, and then the Clear All button had to be
clicked.

The user program, Parameter Area, and I/O Memory in the CPU
Unit can be cleared to initialize the CPU Unit by selecting Clear
All Memory Areas from the CX-Programmer's PLC menu or
selecting Clear All Memory Areas from the Options menu of
the PLC Errors dialog box.
These operations ar e possible even if a memory error has not
occurred in the PLC (the same as they are for a Programming
Console). Refer to Chapter 4 of PART 1 (page 78) and Refer to
Chapter 6 of PART 2 (page 10-1 1) for details.

n On-line Editing
Power Flow Moni t or ing during Online E diting

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

The power flow could not be monitored
during online editing.

The power flow is dis played during online editi ng in monitoring status.

I/O Comment Changes during Online Editing

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Changes to I/O comments made during
online editing could not be saved in the
CPU Unit (see note).
If changes were made, the symbol table
file had to be transf erred to file memory
in a CS-, CJ-, CVM1, or CV-ser ies PLC
or to the I/O comment area in UM (user
memory) in a C-series PLC.
Note: New I/O comments could be
added to the symbol table i n CX­Programmer.

I/O comments can be changed during online editing in Ladder diagram view,
in the Symbol Table, or in I/O Comment View.
If I/O comments have been changed when online editing is ended, a
confirmation message will appear asking if the symbol table file should be
transferred to file memory in a CS-, CJ-, CVM1, or CV-series PLC or to the I/O
comment area in the allocated UM (user memory) in a C-series PLC.
Refer to Chapter 2 of PART 1 for details (page 24) .
Note 1: Symbol table names and addresses cannot be changed during online
editing.
Note 2: I/O comments with symbol names cannot be trans ferred to the I/O
comment area in UM (User Memory) in C-series PLCs.

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n Verification
Program Verification Offline or Online

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Program verification was possible only
between the current project and the PLC.

Program verification is possible offline between the current project and a
closed project file. (Select Compare Program from the File menu and select
the file to be compared. ) The results of verification can be saved to a file in

CSV format. Refer to Chapter 2 of PART 1 for details (page 23).
Added or omitted instructions were not
displayed in veri fication results ( if added
or omitted instructions were
encountered, the ver ification results for
the rest of the program woul d show that
the programs were complet ely different).

Verification r esults are displayed by section and mnemonic, including added

or omitted instructions. Jumping is also possible from mnemonic verification

results to the corresponding locations in ladder view. Refer to Chapter 2 of

PART 1 for details (page 23).

Displaying Dialog B ox for Verification or Transfer when Going Online

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Nothing was displayed before going
online.

If a checkmark is placed in the Prohibit the online operations until the PC and

PLC data matches checkbox on the PLCs tab page that app ears when Tools

| Options is selected, an Online Action dialog box to select either verifying or

transferring data will be displayed. Depending on the select ion, before going

online, the program will be verified between the CX-Programmer and the PLC,

the program will be transferred to the PLC, or the program will be transferred

from the PLC. Refer to Chapter 4 of PART 1 for details (page 71).

n

Unit Online Replacement

Unit Online Re placement for CS1D or CVM1D PLCs

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

With a CS1D or CVM1D CPU Unit, hot swapping (i.e., online replacement) is

possible during operation for Basic I/O Unit s and, for the CS1D, Special I/ O

Units and CPU Bus Units as well. Open the I/O tables f or the project, select the

Unit to be replaced, and select Hot Swap from the Options menu. Click the

Start Hot Swap button, remove the old Unit, mount the new Unit and click the

End Hot Swap button. Perform this operation for eac h Unit to be replaced.

Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 2 for details (page 24) .

Note: Online replacement is possible for a CS1D or CVM1D CPU Unit in any

operating mode. Use the following settings in t he Change PLC di al og box.

CPU Unit being used PLC type selection list CPU Unit model

CS1D CS1H-H CPU65 or CPU67

Unit online replacement for CS1D or
CVM1D CPU Units was possibl e only
from a Programming Console a nd was
not possible from t he CX-Programmer.
(C2000H I/O Unit online replacement
was possible.)

CVM1D CVM1-V2 CPU21

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n

I/O Table Editing Functions

Specifying Slot Start Address when Editing I/O Tables for Slots Other than First Rack Slots

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

For CS- and CJ-series PLCs, the start
address for each Rack could be set (but
the start addres s could not be set for
each slot).

For CS1-H, CJ1-H, CJ1M, and CS1D CPU Units in the CS- and CJ-seri es PLCs,

Options | Rack/Slot Start Address can be selected during I/O tabl e editing to

set the start address for a specific Rack and slot (in addition to the start address

for each Rack).

This can be used, for exam ple, to allocate fixed addr esses to Input Units and

Output Units. Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 2 for details ( page 25).

Note: The start address information set f or Racks and slots can be downloaded

and uploaded for the CPU Unit .

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

When editing I/O t ables, unit number,
number of allocated uni t numbers,
number of input words, number of output
words had to be set for Special I/O Units
and CPU Bus Units, and the unit
numbers and number of allocated unit
numbers were displayed in the I/O Table
window, but the number of input words
and the number of output words were not
displayed in the I/O Tabl e window.

When editing I/O t ables, the number of input words and number of output words

are displayed in the I/O Table window for Special I/O Units and CPU Bus Units

that have been set (Out: , In: ). Refer to Chapter 3 of PART 2 for details

(page 25).

n

Other Changes

Data Transfer and Verification for a ROM Writer

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

With the C-series PLCs, any of the following methods can be used for data transfer and
verification with a ROM Writer.

• Using the CX-Programmer, transfer the program from the computer to the ROM
Writer.

• Transfer program from the ROM Writer to a CX-Programmer project.

• Verify programs between CX- Programmer and ROM Writer.

• Create Intel Hex format files from CX-Programmer programs .

• Input from an Intel Hex form at file to the CX-Programmer project.

Refer to Chapter 4 of PART 1 for details (page 79) .
Note: The data transferred for each PLC is listed bel ow.
PLC Data
C1000H/2000H Program, I/O tables , SYSMAC NET data link tables, batter y

error detection method
C200H Program, I/O tables, Fixed DM, battery error detection method
C200HS Program, I/O tables, PLC Setup, Expansion DM, expansion

instructions
CQM1, CQM1H Program, PLC Setup, expans ion instructions

Transfer and verification were
not possible for a ROM W ri ter.

C200HX/HG/HE (-Z) Program, I/O tables , PLC Setup , Expansion DM, expansion

instructions

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CX-Net (Network Configuration) Functions

n CX-Net
Menus Changed

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Unit Status and
Communications Unit Setup

were on the PLC menu.

Operations for Communication units were separ ated from those for the PLCs and
Unit Status/Error Log and Communications Unit Setup were moved to the
Network menu.

Both Setup and Edit appeared
on the Routing Tables and Data
Link menus.

Setup and Edit were placed together on a Setup menu on the Routing Tables
and Data Link menus.
When Setup is sel ected online, the Routing T able or Data Link Component
window is displayed.
When Setup is sel ected offline, a dialog box with the following selections is
displayed before the Routing Table or Data Link Component wi ndow is
displayed.
Routing tables: FINS Local, FINS Network, or SYSMAC NET
Data links tables: Cont roller Link, SYSMAC LINK, SYSMAC NET

Exporting Communications Unit Status and Error Log in CSV Format

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Unit status and the error log can
be monitored in a window but
cannot be saved as files. (The
error log data must be read and
then manipulated manual ly.)

Unit status and error log data for Communications Units (Controller Link Units and
SYSMAC LINK Units) can be written to files in CSV format.
This allows network errors to be analyzed from CSV fil es.
Refer to Chapter 8 of PART 2 for details (page 57) .

Displaying Comm unications Unit Error Logs for C-seri es PLCs

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

For C-series PLCs, the error log
displayed when PLC | Unit
Status was selected was the
CPU Unit error log. (A
Communications Unit error log
could not be read or cleared.)

For C-series PLCs, the error log for a Communications Uni t (Controller Link Units
and SYSMAC LINK Units) c an be displayed and cleared using PLC | Unit
Status/Error Log. Refer to Chapter 8 of PART 2 for details (page 57).

Save As Operation for CX-Net Projects

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

An open project coul d not be
saved under a new file name.
(The file name could be set only
when a new project was c reated.

Select Save As from the Proj ect menu to save a project open in CX-Net under any
desired name. Refer to Chapter 8 of PART 2 for details (page 53).

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n Data Links
Changes in Edit Node Window for Manually Set Data Link Tables

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

In the Edit Node window for
manually set data li nk tables, the
start and end address for
refreshing (s end and receive)
with other nodes were displayed
only for the local node.

In the Edit Node window for manually set data links tables, the st art address, end
address, and data si ze for refreshing (send and receive) with other nodes are
displayed for both the l ocal node and the remote (par tner) nodes. Refer to Chapter
10 of PART 2 for details (page 70).

Area 1 and area 2 could not b e
accessed simult aneously for
manually set data li nk tables in
the Edit Node window.

Area 1 and area 2 can be accessed side-by-side f or manually set data link t ables in
the Edit Node window. Refer to Chapter 10 of PART 2 for details (page 70).

With manually set data link
tables in the Edit Node window,
an Area Specify dialog box
must be displayed to input
values.

With manually set data link tables in the Edit Node window, values can be keyed
directly int o the tables.
Also, a function bar that can be used to input values is displayed below with
window. Refer to Chapter 10 of PART 2 for details (page 70).

Reading and Writi ng Manually Set Data Li nk Tables in CSV For m a t

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Data link tables could be read
and written only as data l ink
table files (binar y files).

Manually set data li nk table can be read and written as CSV-format files. Refer t o
Chapter 10 of PART 2 for details (page 87).
Note: CSV-format fi les are created using the Excel t emplate stored in the CD.

n Routing Tables
Registering CPU Unit Serial Ports (Peripheral an d RS-232C) in a Local Network Table (S eri al

Expansion Routing Tables)

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Only the unit number and
network address wer e set in the
local network table in the routing
tables for Communicat ions Units.

A CS/CJ-series CPU Uni t serial port (peripheral or RS-232C) can be set in the local
network table in the routing tables instead of the Communications Unit's unit
number. (Unit 252 (COMM) and Unit 253 (PRPHL))
This enables scr een data to be sent from the NS-Designer (ver. 3) via a network t o
an NS-series PT connected to a serial port.
Refer to the PT user's manual for details.

No Network Ty pe Set t ing or Display for Routing Tables

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

When the local networ k table in
the routing tables were set, the
local network type and the
network type were displayed on
the main view.

The local network type is not set in the local network table in the routing t ables for
CS-, CJ-, and CV-series PLCs and the network type is not displayed on the main
view.

Changes in Routing Table Operation
(Transferring Routing Tables from the Table View Tab P a ge)

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Routing table transfers and
similar operations could not be
performed from the T able View
tab page. (The OK button h ad to
be clicked to return to the Main
View tab page first.)

Node changes, routi ng table transfers, and ot her operations are possible from the
Table View tab page.

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Detailed Information Displays when Verifyi ng Routing Tables

Previous version (Ver. 3.0) New version (Ver. 3.1)

Details were not dis played when
verifying routing t ables, making it
difficult to find errors.

Detailed results are displayed after verifying routing tables.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Precautions.........................................................................................................iv

CHAPTER 1 Technical Specifications............................................................. 1

CX-Programmer Software.....................................................................................................................................1

About this Manual .................................................................................................................................................1

CX-Programmer Features......................................................................................................................................1

System Requirements ............................................................................................................................................3

Installation ...........................................................................................................................................................3

Help and How to Access it ....................................................................................................................................4

Technical Support..................................................................................................................................................6

CHAPTER 2 Quick Start Guide ...................................................................... 9

Starting CX-Programmer.......................................................................................................................................9

Licensing ...........................................................................................................................................................9

Introducing CX-Programmer Projects.................................................................................................................10

The CX-Programmer Environment......................................................................................................................10

Using CX-Programmer........................................................................................................................................16

Summary .........................................................................................................................................................24

CHAPTER 3 Project Reference ..................................................................... 25

Project Workspace...............................................................................................................................................25

Program Sections.................................................................................................................................................25

Cross-Reference Report.......................................................................................................................................28

Address Reference Tool.......................................................................................................................................28

Output Window ...................................................................................................................................................29

Watch Window....................................................................................................................................................30

Options and Preferences ......................................................................................................................................31

Finding and Replacing.........................................................................................................................................37

Properties .........................................................................................................................................................41

Using Microsoft Windows Features in CX-Programmer.....................................................................................43

CHAPTER 4 Reference...................................................................................51

PLCs and Projects................................................................................................................................................51

Symbols .........................................................................................................................................................52

Program Editing...................................................................................................................................................60

Memory View......................................................................................................................................................67

Mnemonic Program Editing.................................................................................................................................68

Working On-line..................................................................................................................................................68

Flash ROM Backup .............................................................................................................................................77

Data Trace/Time Chart Monitoring.....................................................................................................................79

CX-Net Network Configuration Tool ..................................................................................................................79

IO Table .........................................................................................................................................................79

CHAPTER 5 Advanced Topics....................................................................... 81

Writing More Maintainable Programs.................................................................................................................81

Copying Information between Projects................................................................................................................81

Using CX-Programmer with Other Applications.................................................................................................82

Converting Programs between PLC Types..........................................................................................................84

Applying a Password to the PLC Programs.........................................................................................................85

APPENDIX A Toolbars and Keyboard Shortcuts ....................................... 87

Standard Toolbar .................................................................................................................................................87

Diagram Toolbar..................................................................................................................................................88

Insert Toolbar.......................................................................................................................................................88

Symbol Table Toolbar.........................................................................................................................................88

PLC Toolbar ........................................................................................................................................................89

Program Toolbar..................................................................................................................................................89

Views Toolbar .....................................................................................................................................................90

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Keyboard Shortcuts......................................................................................... 91

Default CX-Programmer Keyboard mapping......................................................................................................91

Default SYSMAC Support Soft Keyboard mapping...........................................................................................93

GLOSSARY OF TERMS................................................................................ 95

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CHAPTER 1
Technical Specifications

This chapter describes the CX-Programmer software in general terms and provides details of the operating
environment and minimum configuration necessary for the satisfactory operation of CX-Programmer.

CX-Programmer Software

CX-Programmer is a PLC programming tool for the creation, testing and maintenance of programs associated
with Omron CS/CJ-series PLCs, CV-series PLCs and C-series PLCs. It provides facilities for the support of
PLC device and address information and for communications with OMRON PLCs and their supported network
types.

CX-Programmer operates on IBM compatible personal computers with Pentium or better central processors,
including Pentium II. It runs in a Microsoft Windows environment (Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Millennium,
2000 or XP and NT4.0 with Service Pack 5 or later).

About this Manual

This User Manual acts as a reference for CX-Programmer by describing its various concepts and abilities, and
by leading the user through the basics of CX-Programmer programming. It also provides a detailed reference
for all of the CX-Programmer functions.

Separate OMRON manuals describe the PLC programming structure and instruction set in detail. A separate
OMRON manual describes the common features to PLC programming used by software other than CX­Programmer.

CX-Programmer comes with a context sensitive on-line help system which is designed to
complement this manual and to provide a quick reference at any point while using CX­Programmer when the manua l is not t o hand. This gener al help s ystem uses a fa st ‘hyper text
system’ which allows progressively more information about any topic to be obtained by
selecting keywords within the descriptive text.

Throughout this manual it is assumed that the reader has a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, and
knows how to:

♦ Use the keyboard and mouse.
♦ Select options from Microsoft Windows menus.
♦ Operate dialogue boxes.
♦ Locate, open and save data files.
♦ Edit, cut and paste text.
♦ Use the Microsoft Windows desktop environment.

If Microsoft Windows has not been used before, it is recommended that the reader spends some time working
with it using the Microsoft documentation before using CX-Programmer.

This manual also assumes that a working knowledge of OMRON PLC devices has been obtained.

CX-Programmer Features

CX-Programmer is a support tool for the programming of OMRON PLCs and for maintenance of their device
settings. It supersedes the OMRON applications SYSWIN and SYSMAC-CPT.

The following list describes important features that were present in CX-Programmer 2.1.
♦ Support for new PLCs – Full support has been added for the, CS1G-H, CS1H-H and CJ1G, CJ1G-H, CJ1H-

H series PLCs and the D/S Gateway PLC (CPM2*-S*).

♦ Flash ROM backup – Flash ROM backup is supported for the PLCs incorporating this feature.
♦ Find and Replace – Enhanced and extended Find and Replace functionality. The GUI has been enhanced to

include the scope of the search i.e. whether the Section, Global symbol and/or the Local symbol will be
affected by the search.

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♦ Upload/Download – The Upload/Download functionality has been updated to include the CV/CVM1,

CS1/CJ1, CJ1H/H-H and CS1G/H-H PLCs to avoid searching section markers on the initial dialog Upload.

♦ The range of t he Send/Rec. instr uction has been exte nded to include the PLCs CS1/CJ1, CS1G/H-H and

CJ1G/H-H

♦ Operation – The level s of opera tion have be en extende d to incl ude Junior , Demo and Trial versi ons of th e

product.

♦ Symbol Sorting – The symbol sort for number data types has been enhanced and is now sorted separately

from other data types in the symbol table view.

♦ Direct import file range extended to include CPT, SP1 and COD files.

Version 3.0 of CX-Programmer offers the following enhancements.

♦ Support for new PLCs – Full support has been added for the, CJ1M, and CS1D series PLCs.
♦ Changed the sizes and positions of dialogs for editing Contact/Coil/Instruction, Find and Replace, and

Commented Rung.

♦ Auto Online, Work Online Simulator - Enhanced the onli ne functionality making it easier to connect to

PLCs and debug programs.

♦ Combine and Split rungs - The co mbine and split functions have been added making it easy to add and

divide rungs.

♦ Watch Windo w - The watch wind ow has been enha nced to enable addresses to be entered directly on the

watch sheet.

♦ Key Mapping - The data of Keyboard Mapping can be saved to a file (*.mac) and loaded into a CX-

Programmer.

♦ Section/Rung Manager - A function to edit a structure of Program is supported. Sections, Rungs and

comments can be edited on this dialog.

♦ I/O Comment view - A View to edit comments of addresses is now supported.

CX-Programmer supports the following PLCs.

Series Model CPU Types

CJ-Series CJ1G CPU 44, CPU 45
CJ-Series CJ1G-H CPU 42, CPU 43, CPU 44, CPU 45
CJ-Series CJ1H-H CPU 65, CPU 66
CJ-Series CJ1M CPU 12, CP U 13, CP U 22, CPU 23

CS-Series

CS1G

CS1G-H

CPU 42, CPU 43, CPU 44, CPU 45

CS-Series

CS1H

CS1H-H

CPU 63, CPU 64, CPU 65, CPU 66, CPU 67

CV-Series CV1000 CPU 01

CV-Series CV2000 CPU 01
CV- Series CV500 CPU 01
CV- Series CVM1 CPU 01, CPU 11
CV- Series CVM1-V2 CP U 01, CPU 11, CPU 21

C- Series C1000H CPU 01
C- Series C2000H CPU 01
C- Series C200H

CPU 01, CPU 02, CPU 03, CPU 11, CPU 21,

CPU 22, CPU 23, CPU 31
C- Series C200HE CPU 11, CPU 32, CPU 42
C- Series C200HE-Z CPU 11, CPU 32, CPU 42
C- Series C200HG CPU 33, CPU 43, CPU 53, CPU 63
C- Series C200HG-Z CPU 33, CP U 43, CP U 53, CPU 63
C- Series C200HS

CPU 01, CPU 03, CPU 21, CPU 23, CPU 31,

CPU 33

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Series Model CPU Types

C- Series C200HX CPU 34, CPU 44, CPU 54, CPU 64
C- Series C200HX-Z

CPU 34, CPU 44, CPU 54, CPU 64, CPU 65,

CPU 85
C- Series

CPM1

(CPM1A)

CPU 10, CPU 20, CPU 30, CPU 40

C-Series

CPM2*

CPM2*-S*

–

C- Series CQM1

CPU 11, CPU 21, CPU 41, CPU 42, CPU 43,

CPU 44, CPU 45
C- Series CQM1H CPU 11, CPU 21, CPU 51, CPU 61

IDSC – –
SRM1 SRM1 C01, C02
SRM1 SRM1-V2 C01, C02

Note: The CVM1-V1 PLC for types CPU01 and CPU11 cannot be specifically selected. Use the

non V2 types.

Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for information regarding available communication types.

System Requirements

CX-Programmer operates IBM PC-AT compatible or NEC PC-98 compatible computers with Pentium II class
or better. central processor. It runs in a Microsoft Windows environment (Microsoft Windows 95, 98,
Millennium, 2000 or XP and NT4.0 with Service Pack 5 or later).

Note: CX-Programmer is not guaranteed to be compatible with computers running Windows

emulation (for example, Apple Macintosh).

The following configurations are the minimum system requirements for running CX-Programmer in Microsoft
Windows 95, 98, Millennium, 2000 or XP and NT4.0 with Service Pack 5 or later).

Minimum System Requirements

Minimum Specification Recommended Minimum Specification

Operating

System

CPU
Type

Memory

(RAM)

HDD

Space

Display

CPU

Type

Memory

(RAM)

HDD

Space

Display

Windows 95
Windows 98

Windows NT

(with SP 5)

Pentium

Class

133MHz

32Mb 100Mb 800x600

SVGA

Pentium

Class II

200MHz

64Mb 150Mb 1024x768

SVGA

Windows

2000

Windows ME

Pentium

Class

150MHz

64Mb 100Mb 800x600

SVGA

Pentium

Class

200MHz

64Mb 150Mb 1024x768

SVGA

Windows XP

Home

Windows XP
Professional

Pentium

Class II

300MHz

128Mb 100Mb 800x600

SVGA

Pentium

Class II

600MHz

256Mb 150Mb 1024x768

SVGA

Use of a mouse is highly recommended, although all operations can be performed using the keyboard. Refer to
Appendix C for a list of keyboard shortcut commands.

The amount of RAM and hard disk space used depends upon the size of the PLC programs written –
approximately 1K per step.

Installation

This chapter describes the procedures involved in the installation of CX-Programmer on a standard workstation
running Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Millennium, 2000 or XP and NT4.0 with Service Pack 5 or later.

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The software is supplied on CD-ROM and is installed easily fro m within Microsoft Windo ws. The installation
can be terminated at any point during the installation process.

During the installation process, the Software Licence Agreement will be displayed. This informs you of
Omron’s terms and conditions concerning the software licensing of CX-Programmer. These must be read and
agreed with before continuing.

1, 2, 3…

1. Insert the CD in the appropriate CD-ROM drive. If autorun is set, you will automatically

be taken to the Install screen. If not, select Start then the Run option from the Start
pushbutton on the Microsoft Windows taskbar.

2. Click the Browse pushbutton to select the setup file from the CD-ROM drive.

3. Click the OK pushbutton to initiate the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Entering a Licence Number

During the installation, a licence number must be entered. The licence number is supplied with the purchase of
CX-Programmer. There are eight different licence number types representing eight different modes of
installation. Upgrade licence numbers are available on request.

The eight installation modes are:

Full (1 User)

Installation providing full functionality support for all PLCs.
The licence is restricted to a single user installation.

Full (3 User)

Installation providing full functionality support for all PLCs.
The licence is restricted to a three user installation.

Full (10 User)

Installation providing full functionality support for all PLCs.
The licence is restricted to a ten user installation.

Multiple User

Installation providing full functionality support for all PLCs.
The licence is restricted to a multiple user installation.

Junior

Installation providing full functionality support for the junior range PLCs only
CPM1 (CPM1A), CPM2*, SRM1, SRM1-V2.
The licence is restricted to a single user installation.

Multiple User
(Junior)

Installation providing full functionality support for the junior range PLCs only
CPM1 (CPM1A), CPM2*, SRM1, SRM1-V2.
The licence is restricted to a multiple user installation.

Trial

Installation providing full functionality support for all PLCs. Its use is limited to 30 days
from time of installation.
The licence is restricted to a single user installation.

Demonstration

Installation providing limited functionality support for all PLCs. Full system operation is
provided but projects can not be saved or printed.

If no licence number is entered then CX-Programmer is automatically installed in demonstration mode.
If CX-Server was included in the installation then on completion of the CX-Programmer installation a number

of dialogs will prompt for information concerning the installation of CX-Server and its components.

Help and How to Access it

CX-Programmer comes with a detailed context-sensitive help syste m. At any time while using the software, it
is possible to get help on the particular point that is currently being worked on, or on general aspects of CX­Programmer. This system is intended to co mplement the manual, by providing an on-line reference to specific
functions of the software. The manual is designed to provide tutorial information and discuss the various
facilities offered by CX-Programmer.

♦ Help topics (available from the Help menu);
♦ Instruction Reference (available from the Help menu and from the instruction entry dialogue);
♦ Context sensitive help;
♦ About (available from the Help menu);
♦ Status Bar.

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Help Topics

Select the Help Topics option on the Help menu. The Help system provides a standard look-up dialogue under
the Contents tab s howing the contents of the CX-Programmer Help file. Double-click on an item to read the
associated information.

Index

Use the following procedure to retrieve on-line help from the Index tab of the Help Topics dialogue.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Help Topics option from the Help menu.

2. Select the Index tab.

3. Enter a text query into the first step field. The second step field is refreshed according to
the query entered in the first step field.

4. Select an entry in the second step field and select the Display pushbutton, or double-click
on the index entry.

5. If an entry is linked to two or more topics, the names of the topics are displayed in the
Topics Found dialogue. Select a topic and choose the Display pushbutton or double-click
on the topic.

Find

Use the following procedure to retrieve on-line help from the Find tab of the Help Topics dialogue.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Help Topics option from the Help menu.

2. Select the Find tab.

3. Enter a text query into the first step field. The second step field is refreshed according to
the query entered in the first step field. Previous text q ueries can be retrieved b y selectin g
from the drop-down list in the first step field.

4. Select a word that matches the query – some words may be automatically selected. More
than one word can be selected by pressing Shift and selecting another word to extend the
selection or by pressing Ctrl and selecting another word to add to the selection. The third
step field is refreshed according to the word or words selected. The number of topics
found is shown at the bottom of the dialogue.

5. Select a topic from the third step field and select the Display pushbutton, or double-click
on the topic from the third step field. Select the Clear pushbutton to restart the Find
operation.

The Find operation can be enhanced by the use of the Options pushbutton and Rebuild push-button. Refer to
Microsoft Windows documentation for further information.

Instruction Reference

CX-Programmer supports additional help for CS/CJ-series PLCs, CV-series PLCs and C-series PLCs. All valid
instructions relating to PLC programming can be retrieved by selecting Instruction Reference from the Help
menu, followed by either CS/CJ-Series, CV-Series or C-Series. Individual help topics are displayed.

Keyboard Mapping Reference

CX-Programmer supports a function to customise the keyboard mapping, and provides default keyboard
mapping files for CX-Programmer, SYSWIN and SYSMAC Support Software. A list of each keyboard
mapping file is displayed.

Note: Guidance can be displayed for CX-Programmer functions for SYSMAC Support Software

operations and SYSWIN operations by selecting Function Key Guidance from the View
menu. The CX-Programmer shortcut key allocations for all keys can be displayed by selecting
Information Windo w from the View menu.

Context Sensitive Help

CX-Programmer supports the use of context sensitive help. The relevant on-line help topic is provided
automatically by selecting the current area of the display responsible for carrying out those actions. Select the
F1 function key to retrieve context sensitive help. So me dialogs include a Help pu shbutt on whe n F1 ca nnot be
accessed.

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It is also possible to retrieve context sensitive help by selecting the Help button from the
toolbar and selecting an area of the display to retrieve help.

About CX-Programmer

CX-Programmer includes an About button accessible from the toolbar. The About CX­Programmer dialogue supplies technical reference information about the application such as
version and copyright information. It also contains essential version number information that
is required for obtaining technical support.

Status Bar

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of many of the CX-Programmer display and tool windows. It provides
several helpful pieces of information while programming:

♦ Instant Help. A brief message appears in the status bar as menu commands and buttons are selected.
♦ On-line Status. This shows the on-line or off-line status of the PLC. If co nnection to a PLC is lost, the

status bar will indicate this by flashing.

♦ Network and Node number. This shows the network number and the node number of the current PLC,

which the cursor is pointing at. When connected to a simulator, Simulator will be displayed instead.

♦ PLC Operating Mode. When connected to a PLC, this shows the current PLC mode. Connection errors are

also displayed here.

♦ Connected PLC and CPU Type. The currently connected PLC and associated CPU can always be

referenced in the status bar.

♦ PLC Cycle Time. This shows the current cycle time of the PLC when connected.
♦ Cursor Position . T his sho ws the position of the cursor within the program.
♦ On-line Edit Buffer Size. This shows the size remaining in the on-line edit buffer when connected to a PLC

and editing on-line.
♦ PLC memory backup. This shows the status of the PLC memory backup.
The CX-Programmer status bar can be enabled and disabled by selecting the Status Bar option from the View

menu.

Technical Support

If the installation instructions for this application have been followed (refer to Chapter 1 - Installation), no
difficulties should be encountered. However, if there is a problem, contact Customer Services.

If a problem occurs, check that it does not relate to a fault outside CX-Programmer, for instance, with CX­Server components. Check the following:

♦ The computer is working correctly.
♦ The PLC is working correctly.
♦ The communications system is set up correctly.
♦ The errors are cleared in the PLC.

When Customer Services need to be contacted, keep the following details to hand. A clear and concise
description of the problem is required, together with the exact text of any error messages.

Note: Use the About dialogue to obtain the version number of the application (the four-fielded

version listed against the ‘CX-P.exe’ entry in the bottom list).

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Customer Services Request Form

Version number of CX­Programmer:

Serial number of the software:
Operating system and version

number:
Language of operating system:
PLC type, model and CPU details:
Type of communications in use:
Serial
SYSMAC LINK
SYSMAC NET
Controller Link
Ethernet
Toolbus

Nature of the problem:

Steps taken to reproduce problem:

Other comments:

Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for support details regarding CX-Server components.

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CHAPTER 2
Quick Start Guide

This chapter describes the basic features of CX-Programmer together with a si mple tutorial for familiarisation
purposes; detail is to be found in Chapter 3 - Project Reference and Chapter 4 - Reference.

As this chapter proceeds, important concepts about CX-Programmer are introduced by this
symbol.

Starting CX-Programmer

CX-Programmer is activated from the Start button in the Microsoft Windows taskbar. Once
activated, CX-Programmer is displayed.

CX-Programmer provides the facility to create a project file in which as many PLCs a s required can be inc luded .
For each PLC, ladder program(s), addressing and network details, pre-set PLC memory, IO table, expansion
instructions (if applicable) and programming symbols can be defined.

Licensing

CX-Programmer uses a licence number system in order to activate the programme in one of four modes of
operation. The licence number for the mode of operation purchased is shown on the CD case.

Junior Mode

To use CX-Programmer in Junior mode, a licence number is required. Using this mode provides full
functionality but restricts programming to the CPM1(CPM1A), CPM2*, SRM1 and SRM1-V2 PLCs only.

Trial Mode

A licence number is required to run CX-Programmer in Tr ial mode. Full functio nality is provided is t his mode
but operation is restricted to 30 days from the time installation.

Demo Mode

A licence number is not required to run CX-Programmer in Demo mode. Full system operation is provided but
projects can not be saved or printed.

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Full Version

To access the Full Version of CX-Programmer, the appropriate licence number must be entered.
The licence number may be input at the time of installation or later. To enter an upgrade licence number or re-

enter the existing number after installation, follow these steps:

1, 2, 3…

1. Start CX-Programmer, as described above.

2. Click the help button in the toolbar or from the Help menu select the About CX-
Programmer option.

3. In the ‘About CX-Programmer’ dialog click the Licence button.

4. A dialogue is displayed that allows a new licence number to be entered. Read the warning
message, enter the appropriate licence number and click OK.

5. When a correct licence number is entered, CX-Programmer must be restarted to gain full
functionality.

Introducing CX-Programmer Projects

The information within a CX-Programmer project consists of ladder program(s), operands,
required PLC memory contents, IO tables, expansion instructions (if applicable) and symbols.
Each CX-Programmer project file is separate and is a single document.

CX-Programmer can only open a single project at a time. However, it is possible to deal with
many project files by using CX-Programmer at once.

A CX- Programmer project has a .CXP or .CXT file extension. (Normally the .CXP file is
used, and is a compressed version of the .CXT file).

Once the project itself is created the desired PLC and symbol information can be defined. For a full discussion
of PLCs, refer to the CX-Server - PLC Tools User Manual.

The CX-Programmer Environment

This chapter describes how to manipulate the different views of the main window. Use this
chapter to develop an understanding with the layout of CX-Programmer and to customise it
according to specific requirements.

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The views available are controlled via the options supplied by the View menu.

The project workspace. Select the Toggle Project Workspace button from the toolbar to

activate this view. Deselect the Toggle Project Workspace button from the toolbar to
deactivate this view.

The Output window. Select the Toggle Output Window button from the toolbar to activate
this view. Deselect the Toggle Output Window button from the toolbar to deactivate this
view.

The Watch window. Select the Toggle Watch Window button from the toolbar to activate this
view. Deselect the Toggle Watch Window button from the toolbar to deactivate this view.

The Cross Reference Re port. Select the Cross Reference Report button from the toolbar to
activate this view.

The local symbol table. Select the View Local Symbols button from the toolbar to activate
this view.

The Diagram Workspace. Select the View Diagram button from the toolbar to activate this
view.

The Mnemonics view. Select the View Mnemonics button from the toolbar to activate this
view.

The Address Reference tool. Select the Show Address Reference Tool button from the
toolbar to activate this view.

The I/O Comment view. Select the I/O Comment view button from the toolbar to activate this
view.

The Properties dialogue. Select the Show Properties button from the toolbar to activate this
view.

The Monitor in HEX. Select the Monitor in HEX button from the toolbar to activate this
function.

All windows in the CX-Programmer main window can be minimised, maximised or closed.
Refer to standard Microsoft Windows documentation for further information.

Each window has an associated context menu obtained by clicking the ri ght -mo use b utto n. The se op tio ns sho w
the functions relevant to the point where the right-mouse button was pressed.

The status bar displays instant help, Network and Node numbers of current PLC, PLC on-line status, PLC mode,
connected PLC and PLC type, PLC cycle time, on-line edit buffer size and current cursor position depending on
which view is displayed.

To exit CX-Programmer, select Exit from the File menu.
Refer to Chapter 3 - Project Reference for further information.

Project Workspace

The project workspace displays the project as a hierarchical tree structure showing related
PLC and program details. Select the Toggle Project Workspace button from the toolbar to
activate this view. Deselect the Toggle Project Workspace button from the toolbar to
deactivate this view.

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A description of each object in the hierarchy and their associated context menus is provided as follows:

PLC. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for details.

Global Symbol Table. Refer to Chapter –2 Introducing Symbols and the Symbol Table for

details.

IO Table. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for details.

PLC Settings. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for details.

Memory Card. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for details. The Memory

Card object can only be selected when the PLC is on-line.
Error Log. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for details. The Error Log object

can only be selected when the PLC is on-line.

PLC Memory. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for details.
Program. Refer to Chapter –2 Using CX-Programme for details.

Local Symbol Table. Refer to Chapter –2 Introducing Symbols and the Symbol Table for

details.

Sections. Refer to Chapter – 2 Program Sections.

Collapse/Expand. The hierarchy can be collapsed or expanded to show either a partial view or

full view of the project workspace tree.

Diagram Workspace

The Diagram Workspace can display a Ladder program, the symbol table of that program, the Mnemonics view
and the I/O Comment view. The details displayed depend upon the selection made in the project workspace.

When a new project is created or a new PLC added to a project, an empty Ladder program is automatically
displayed on the right-hand side to the project workspace. The symbol table, the Mnemonics view and the I/O
Comment view must be explicitly selected to be displayed. All views can be opened at the same time and can
be selected via options associated with the Window menu .

The Ladder program graphically represents the PLC power flow from left to right and the program sequence
from top to bottom.

PLC program instructions can be entered as a graphical representation in Ladder form. Programs can be created,
edited and monitored in this view.

Follow the examples provided to develop an understanding of the Diagram Workspace.

Select the View Diagram button from the toolbar. The Ladder program window is displayed
in the Diagram Workspace.

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The following items are standard features of the Ladder program area:
♦ Cursor. A rectangular block showing the current positio n within the rung. The location of the cursor is

displayed in the status bar.

♦ Rung. A logical unit of a ladder program. A rung can encompass one or more rows and columns. All

rungs are numbered.

♦ Bus-bars. The left bus-bar provides a graphical representation of the power supply bus-bar. The right bus-

bar contains the output region: to align objects to the right bus-bar. The right bus-bar is selectable for
display. If shown, the ladder rungs are justified so that the outputs of the rungs are organised along it.

♦ Grid Dots. Dots that display at the connection points of each cell. To display the grid, select the Grid

button from the toolbar.

♦ Rung Margin Area. The area to the left of the Left bus-bar. The rung number and step number for each

rung are shown here (rung number on the left).

♦ Automatic Error Detection. A bar is displayed to the left of the currently selected rung area. As elements

and instructions are added to the rung, the additions are automatically checked to see if they are valid. The
colour of the bar indicates the validity of the program: red highlights an error, whilst green indicates a
correct entry. In addition, elements of the text on the ladder are d rawn in this error colour if a problem
exists.

The colour and display preferences of the above features can be amended by selecting Options from the Tools
menu.

More than one el e ment i n a r ung ca n be sel ec ted b y pre ssi ng the mouse b utt o n d o wn on an el eme nt and , ke ep i n g
the left-mouse button depressed, dragging a highlight over other elements in the rung. Selected elements can
then be moved as a block.

Mnemonics View

The Mnemonics view is a formatted editor for programming in mnemonic instructions. T his view is made up of
a table of six columns containing the rung number, step number, instruction, operands, value and comment.

Mnemonic instructions are a ‘low-level’ view of a PLC program, whilst ladder is higher. Since the ladder
program is just a higher level representation of the mnemonic instructions, it is possible to type in mnemonics
and see the ladder program update.

Select the View Mnemonics button from the toolbar. The Mnemonics view is displayed in the
Diagram Workspace.

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1, 2, 3…

1. To program in mnemonics, open the mnemonic view and place the cursor on the desired
instruction.

2. Press ENTER – this will enter the editing mode.

3. Edit or type the new instruction lines. A mnemonic instr uction consists of an in struction
name followed by a set of operands separated by spaces (e.g. ‘MOV #1 A2’).

4. Either press ENTER to move to the next line, or press ‘down’ or ‘up’ on the keyboard to
move to another line – the updated line is still kept.
The newly entered information is separated out over the columns in the table.

5. When finished with editing, press ‘Esc’ to come out of editing mode.

Whilst entering a program in the mnemonics view, the ladder view shows the instructions in the new rung as
statement list. Once enough instructions have been entered to enable its drawing in ladder format it is redrawn.

Instructions can be transferred to and from the Mnemonics view using the standard Microsoft Windows Cut or
Copy and paste functions. For example, it is possible to paste a large amount of program from a text editor.
Refer to Chapter 3 - Project Reference for further information.

Introducing Symbols and the Symbol Table

PLC addresses, which are used as operands in a PLC program, can be assigned a symbolic name and/or a
comment for the purpose of reference during programming. An address with a name or comment is known as a
Symbol.

A symbol table is an editable list of symbol definitions – the names, addresses and comments. This list also
provides information on the following:

♦ Rack location. If the address is contained within the PLC IO table, this shows the address’ rack location.
♦ Usage. If the address is contained within the PLC IO table, this shows the physical hardware type (i.e.

‘Input’ or ‘Output’) which is mapped to the address. If no hardware is mapped, ‘Work’ is sho wn, meaning
that the symbol is for general use.

It is possible to indicate the physical format of the data that is stored at an address. This additional data typing
facility enables CX-Programmer to check whether the address is used consistently within programs. In the
symbol tables, an icon is shown next to a symbol that indicates its data type. The Data Type set is as follows:

Data Type Data Type Description Icon

BOOL

Address of a binary bit - a logical Boolean on or off state. This type is
typically used for contacts or coils.

CHANNEL

This is a special data type, for backward compatibility. It is an address (non­bit) to data of any type (unsigned or signed, one or more words), so can be
used in place of any of the above data-types except NUMBER and BOOL.
The data type is weak, and so checking is limited (e.g. CX-Programmer
cannot check if the address is being used for BCD or binary values).

DINT Address of a signed, double binary word.
INT Address of a signed, single binary word.

LINT Address of a signed, quad binary word.
NUMBER

A literal numeric value - not an address. The value can be signed, or floating
point. NUMBERs are used for any literal value or for timer/counter identifiers
(for TIM/CNT, only unsigned integer values are allowed).

Floating point values are only suitable within IEEE REAL type operands.

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Note: When used as BCD number operands, the value is treated as if it
were entered in decimal with a ‘#’ on the front. E.g. using a NUMBER ‘1234’
is equivalent to typing ‘#1234’ as the operand, so that the decimal
interpretation is made of the value.

The value of a NUMBER data type is assumed to be decimal, unless it is
prefixed with '#' for a hexadecimal value.

Note: NUMBERs entered in hexadecimal are converted to decimal for BCD
operands (e.g. a NUMBER defined as ‘#10’ will appear as ‘#16’ for a BCD
operand).

REAL

Address of a double word floating point value (IEEE format - use the UDINT
type for the BCD, FDIV format).

LREAL

Address of a long word floating point value (IEEE format - use the ULINT

type for the BCD format).
UDINT Address of an unsigned, double binary word.
UDINT_BCD Address of an unsigned, double BCD word.
UINT Address of an unsigned, single binary word.
UINT_BCD Address of an unsigned, single BCD word
ULINT Address of an unsigned, quad binary word.

ULINT_BCD Address of an unsigned, quad BCD word.

Each program within a PLC has a ‘local’ symbol table that consists of symbols that are for use specifically in
that program. Each PLC within a project has a ‘global’ symbol table that consists of symbols that can be used in
any of its programs. When a PLC is added to a project, its global symbol table is filled with a pre-set list of
symbols, dependant upon PLC type.

Each symbol name must be unique within its table. Ho wever, it is possible to use the same name in a local and
a global table – in this case, the local symbol takes precedence over the global symbol of the same name.

The symbol table allows these names to be entered and edited directly. Each symbol name
must be unique. Use the following procedure to activate the symbol tables.

1, 2, 3…

1. Double-click on the symbol table object beneath the PLC in the project workspace. The
global (i.e. PLC’s) symbol table is displayed containing global symbols.

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Double-click on the symbol table object beneath a program in the project. The program’s
local symbol table is displayed.

Using CX-Programmer

This chapter contains an example tutorial and also describes basic proced ures whic h shoul d be
considered before performing any programming task on the computer and preparing ladder
programs with CX-Programmer, and how to use the various tools to improve productivity.
CX-Programmer offers many methods of working with its tools: in general, instructions are
given for using the toolbar icon in the fir s t instance.

The following tutorial has been based on a CS1H PLC. The choice of PLC made here affects a number of other
parameters that may need to be set up. For example, the CV -series requires setting up the IO table, and using
the Settings object in the Project hierarchy to establish specific PLC characteristics.

When planning a PLC programming project, various items need to be considered and set up within CX­Programmer before beginning to lay down program instructions. For example, it is important for CX­Programmer to know the model and configuration of the PLC to be programmed, so that it can establish the
correct program checking and communications for that PLC. Programming should be targeted at the PLC that is
to be used. It is possible to change the PLC type at any time - the program(s) are then converted. However,
since the conversion may not be perfect, it is best to set the correct PLC type at the beginning.

Before programming, it is recommended that a checklist of the important program aspects be
constructed, including its structure and PLC parameters. To start a new project in CX­Programmer, follow these steps in addition to the basic procedure outlined in your PLC
programming manual:

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Step Include

Determine PLC essential parameters

PLC series, PLC type, CPU (where applicable),
communications interface, choice of editor and project type.

Determine allocation of PLC memory

Where applicable. For example, C-series PLCs require
working out the balance required between program memory

and expansion data memory.
Determine PLC setup parameters PLC configuration data.
Create appropriate IO Table

List all related IO devices and addresses. Some C-series

PLCs do not support this function.
Decide how to input and edit the program

CX-Programmer offers two languages: ladder and mnemonic.

A mixture may be used.

Starting a New Project

Once the project requirements have been wo rked out on paper, the first step is to create a project and define the
device entries for that project. A project can have multiple PLCs. CS/CJ-series PLCs are multi-tasking and can
therefore have more than one program associated with them in the project; CV-series PLCs and C-series PLCs
can only have one program associated with the device.

Use the following procedure to create a new project.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the New button from the toolbar.

2. Define the device entries for the project. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual
for further information. For this tutorial, set the PLC type as CS1H with CPU type
CPU67.

3. Save the project. Select the Save Project button from the toolbar. The Save CX­Programmer File dialogue is displayed.

4. Type a valid file name in the File Name field. Select the Save pushbutton to save the new
project. Select the Cancel pushbutton to abort the operation.

When a new PLC is added to a project, the following empty tables are created:

♦ Empty local symbol table;
♦ Global symbol table containing pre-set symbols;
♦ IO Table;
♦ PLC Memory data;
♦ PLC Settings data.

The project workspace is populated with the contents of the newly created project and a Ladder program is
displayed in the Diagram Workspace ready for programming to begin.

A description of each object in the project hierarchy is provided in Chapter 4 - Reference.
Within the Ladder program, the current position is indicated by a highlighted rectangular block, known as the

cursor. Using the mouse or the arrow keys, the cursor can be positioned at any point within the diagram. An
element can be placed at the current cursor position by either selecting it from the Insert menu, selecting it from
the toolbar or by pressing its assigned shortcut key. An ele ment can be placed in any empty grid position, or
may overwrite a horizontal element.

Task and program types depend on the PLC type, defined in the program properties.
Use the following procedure to change properties for a program at any time.

1, 2, 3…

1. Click on the Program object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Show P roperties button from the toolbar. The Program Properties dialogue is

displayed.

3. Select a Task type setting from the Task Type field. Since this program is written for a
cyclic task, set this to ‘Cyclic Task 00’. The icon to the left of the program name changes
to reflect the task type, and the task number is shown on the right of the program name.

4. Set the Operation Start setting so the program starts on PLC start-up.

Note: Programs that have their tasks assignment set to “unassigned” are effective ly excluded from

the project. This means that the program will not be compiled or downloaded to the P LC.

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Writing a Ladder Program

The following program sequences a set of traffic lights. T he sequence is a standard British
sequence of the following order:

• Red light only;

• Red and Amber lights together;

• Green light only;

• Amber light only.

Writing a ladder program consists of:

• Creating symbols;

• Creating the ladder program;

• Compiling (automatically checking) the program;

• Transferring the program to and from a PLC;

• Comparing the program with the PLC program;

• Monitoring the program during execution;

• Performing an on-line edit (if necessary).

Creating Symbols

An important step in creating a Ladder Program is the definition of those PLC data areas that are to be
referenced by the program. It is possible to skip this step, and use addresses directly within the program. It is
better, however, to create symbolic names for the addresses so that the programs become more readable and
maintainable.

Use the following procedure to create symbols.

1, 2, 3…

1. Click in the Diagram Window and select the View Local Symbols button from the
toolbar.

2. Select the New Symbol button from the toolbar. The Insert Symbol dialogue is
displayed.

3. Enter ‘AmberLight’ in the Name field.

4. Set the Address or value field to ’10.01’.

5. Leave the Data type field set to ‘BOOL’ to indicate a bit (binary) value.

6. Type ‘Prepare to go / stop’ in the Comment field.

7. Select the OK pushbutton to proceed.

Repeat this procedure for each of the other entries in the following table:

Name Address Data Type Comment

RedLight 10.00 BOOL Stop.
GreenLight 10.02 BOOL Go.
RedLightTimer 1 NUMBER Timer for the red light period.
AmberLightTimer 2 NUMBER Timer for the amber light period.
GreenLightTimer 3 NUMBER Timer for the green light period.
AmberOnlyTimer 4 NUMBER Timer for the amber only period.
RedTimerDone T0001 BOOL
AmberTimerDone T0002 BOOL
GreenTimerDone T0003 BOOL
AmberOnlyTimerDone T0004 BOOL
TimeInterval 48 NUMBER Speed at which the sequence works (ticks).

Note: It is important to use the standard form of addresses in CX-Programmer. Depending upon

their defined type, addresses may have two components – a channel and a bit number. In the
above example, the symbol ‘RedLight’ is defined as type ‘BOOL’. Entering the address ‘10’

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is interpreted by CX-Programmer as ‘0.10’. If it had been intended as bit zero at address 50, it
would have been necessary to enter it as ‘5000’ or (more easily) ‘50.00’.

Note: Symbols of NUMBER type have been used to indicate the timer numbers used in the PLC.

Whilst it is possible to type numbers directly into the pr ogram ‘TIM’ instruction operands, it is
more readable to define symbols which can have a name and comment. CX-Programmer
allows numbers to be defined as symbols, as well as addresses.

Note: It is possible to create symbols whilst creating the PLC programs – when entering ladder

contact/coil and instruction information. It is not necessary to use the symbol table to create
symbols.

Creating a Ladder Program

A PLC can be programmed using either the Ladder or Mnemonic programming languages. The Ladder program
is created in the Diagram View of the Diagram Window.

Use the following procedure to create a ladder program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Ensure the Ladder program is displayed in the Diagram Workspace.

2. Give the rung a comment by using the Properties box (move the cursor to the rung
margin and access the properties box from the context menu.

Note: A rung comment placeholder can be inserted into the compiled code (if the

Include Comment Instructions property of the PLC is set), and the comment itself can
then be saved to a file or file-card. All comments are saved in the project file.

3. Place a New Closed Contact at the start of the rung – select the New Closed Contact
button from the toolbar and click in the top left cell. The New Closed Contact dialogue is
displayed.

4. Enter or select ‘AmberOnlyTimerDone’ from the combo and select the OK pushbutton.
When a comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.
Note that the rung margin now shows a red mark down its side. This is to indicate that the
rung is incomplete – the marker bar shows whenever the rung ha s an error.

5. Place an Instruction by selecting the New PLC Instruction button from the toolbar and

clicking next to the Contact. The New Instruction dialogue is displayed.

6. Enter the instruction ‘TIM’ and the two operands, ‘RedLightTimer’ and ‘TimeInterval’, in
the edit box with a space between each word.

Note: The value of the symbol ‘RedLightTimer’ is used for the operand – the number ‘1’.

In CX-Programmer, it is necessary to use a NUMBER for the first operand of a TIM/CNT
instruction. It is not allowed to use a timer/counter address (i.e. T001 is not allowed).

7. Select the OK pushbutton to accept the settings in the New Instruction dialogue. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.
Note that the rung margin no longer shows a red mark down its side. There is no error
within the rung.

8. Give the instruction a comment by using the Properties box (place the cursor over the

instruction title and bring up the properties). Enter the text ‘Red light on only’ and press
return.

9. Place a New Contact at the start of the next rung. (Either like before, or by moving the
cursor to the start of the rung and using the Insert/Contact/Normally Open menu
command, or by pressing the shortcut key displayed for that menu command – usually
‘C’). The New Contact dialogue is displayed.

10. Enter or select ‘RedTimerDone’ from the combo and select the OK pushbutton. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

11. Place an instruction next to the Contact and display the New Instruction dialogue. (Either
like before, or by using the Insert/Instruction menu command, or by pressing the shortcut
key for that command – usually ‘I’). Enter the instruction ‘TIM’ and the two operands,
‘AmberLightTimer’ and ‘TimeInterval’, in the Instruction edit box.

12. Select the OK pushbutton to accept the settings in the New Instruction dialogue. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

13. Give the instruction a comment of ‘Red and amber lights on together’.

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14. Place a New Contact at the start of the next rung to display the New Contact dialogue.

15. Select ‘AmberTimerDone’ from the combo and select the OK pushbutton. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

16. Place an instruction next to the Contact and display the New Instruction dialogue. Enter
the instruction ‘TIM’ and the two operands ‘GreenLightTimer’ and ‘TimeInterval’ in the
edit box. When a comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

17. Select the OK pushbutton to accept the settings in the New Instruction dialogue. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

18. Give the instruction the comment ‘Green light on only’.

19. Place a New Contact at the start of the next rung to display the New Contact dialogue.

20. Select ‘GreenTimerDone’ from the combo and select the OK pushbutton. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

21. Place an instruction next to the Contact and display the New Instruction dialogue. Enter
the instruction ’TIM’ and the two operands ‘AmberOnlyTi mer’ and ‘TimeInterval’ in the
edit box.

22. Select the OK pushbutton to accept the settings in the New Instruction dialogue. When a
comment dialog is displayed, select the OK pushbutton again.

23. Give the instruction a comment of ‘Amber light on only’.

The Ladder Program should resemble that illustrated (depending upon the display options chosen).

Use the following procedure to place an output for each of the traffic lights into the program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Ensure the Ladder program is displayed in the Diagram Workspace.

2. Place a New Contact at the start of the next rung and assign it to symbol ‘RedTimerDone’
(select the symbol name from the combo on the New Contact dialogue.

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3. Place a New Closed Contact to the right of the Red and Amber Timer and assign it to
symbol ‘GreenTimerDone’.

4. Place a Coil by selecting the New Coil button from the toolbar next to the Green Light
Timer. Select ‘RedLight’ from the combo and select the OK pushbutton.

5. On the next rung below, place a contact to the left. Assign it to use ‘AmberTimerDone’.

6. To the right of the contact, place a closed contact, and assign it to ‘GreenTimerDone’.

7. To the right of the second contact, place a coil and assign it to ‘RedLight’.

8. On the next rung, place a contact on the left, and assign it to ‘AmberTimerDone’.

9. To the right of the contact, place a closed contact and assign it to ‘GreenTimerDone’.

10. To the right of the second contact, place a coil and assign it to ‘AmberLight’.

11. Press return when the selected cell is on the right of the rung. This will create a new line.

12. Below the left ‘AmberTimerDone’ contact (but on the same rung), place a Ne w Closed
Contact and assign it to the symbol ‘RedTimerDone’

13. Place a new Vertical by selecting the New Vertical button from the toolbar between the

‘GreenTimerDone’ Contact and the ‘AmberLight’ Coil. Connect this to the
‘RedTimerDone’ by placing New Horizontal connections to join to the Vertical by
selecting the New Horizontal button from the toolbar.

Note: Co nnecting lines can be dr awn by clicking the Line Connect Mode button

and

then clicking the starting point and dragging to the end point. Connecting lines can also be
deleted by dragging after clicking the Line Delete Mode button

. A line can also be drawn

by dragging on a line that is not connected on one end.

14. Place a New Contact at the start of the next rung and assign it to symbol

‘GreenTimerDone’ via the New Contact dialogue.

15. Place a Coil next to the contact and assign it to symbol ‘GreenLight’.

The output rungs of the Ladder program should resemble those shown below.

Use the following procedure to examine the ladder program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Ensure the Ladder program is displayed in the Diagram Workspace.

2. Switch to symbol table by selecting the View Local Symbols button from the toolbar.

Open the Address Reference Tool by selecting the Show Address Reference Tool button
from the toolbar.

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3. Examine each symbol’s usage in the program by selecting a symbol whilst displaying the
Address Reference Tool, or moving around the diagram with the cursor.

The Ladder Program can also be viewed and edited in Mnemonics view. Block Programs can be entered in
either Mnemonics view or by showing a rung in statement list within the ladder editor..

Select the View Mnemonics button from the toolbar to display the Mnemonics view. To enter
mnemonics directly into the ladder editor, select Show as Statement List for the relevant
rung.

Compiling the Program

The progr am undergoes cont inual verification during its creation and any subsequent editing; this applies to both
on-line and o ffline p rogra mming. Er rors ap pear in r ed in the lad der dia gram. If a r ung contain s an erro r, a red
line appear s down the lef t-hand sid e of the Lad der rung. T his can happ en, for exa mple, when has elemen t has
been placed on the diagram window but has not been assigned a symbol or address.

Use the following procedure to compile the program.

1, 2, 3…

1. To list any errors in the p rogram, select the Compile Program button from the toolbar.

The output (for example, compilation progress or error details) is displayed in the Compile
tab of the Output Window.

Downloading the Program to a PLC

The project contains details of the type and model of the PLC for which the program is intended. Before a
program can be downloaded, this information should be rev iewed to ensure that it is correct and that it matches
the PLC actually being used. The appropriate communications interface type should also be selected for the
connected PLC. Other parameters, for example PLC Setup may need to be specified before connecting to the
PLC and running a program. Refer to Chapter 4 - Reference and to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual
concerning the definition of the project’s IO Table, PLC Settings, Memory Card and Error Log.

Use the following procedure to transfer the program to the PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Save the current project by selecting the Save Project button from the toolbar. If the

project has not been saved before, the Save CX-Programmer File dialogue is displayed.
Enter a file name in the File name field and select the Save pushbutton to complete the
save operation.

2. Connect to the PLC by selecting the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A
confirmation dialogue is displayed: select the Yes pushbutton to connect. Since ordinary
editing is not allowed when on-line, the program becomes greyed.

3. Select the program object in the project workspace.

4. Set the PLC operating mode to Program by selecting the Progra m Mode button from the
toolbar. If this step is ignored, CX-Programmer automatically places the PLC in this
mode.

5. Select the Download button from the toolbar. The Download Options dialogue is
displayed.

6. Set the Programs field and select the OK pushbutton.

Uploading the Program from a PLC

Use the following procedure to transfer the program from the PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Upload button from the toolbar. The Upload Options dialogue is displayed.

3. Set the Programs field and select the OK pushbutton.

Comparing the Project Program/s with the PLC Program/s

A project program can be compared with the program in the PLC. Use the following procedure to compare the
project program and the program on the PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

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2. Select the Compare with PLC button from the toolbar. The Compare Options dialogue
is displayed.

3. Set the Programs field and select the OK pushbutton. The Compare dialogue is
displayed.

Details regarding comparisons between computer and PLC programs are displayed in the Compile tab of the
Output Window.

Offline Program Verification

Program verification is possible offline betwee n the current project and a closed project file. (Select Compare
Program from the File menu and select the file to be compared.) The results of verification can be saved to a

file in CSV format.
Two methods can be used to display the comparison results.

• Overview display: Program lists are displayed of the compare programs.

• Mnemonic display: The specified progra m is displayed in mnemonic form with differences displayed in colour.

The comparison results are displayed by section and mnemonic, incl uding added or omi tted instructions. You
can also jump from the mnemonic comparison results to the corresponding position in ladder view. The
comparison results can be saved in a file by selecting Save As fr om the File menu in the Compare Result
dialog box. If the file is saved from the overview displa y, the comparison results for all pro grams will be saved
in CSV format. If the file is saved from the mnemonic display, the comparison results for the currently displayed
program will be saved in CSV format.

The following abbreviations will be displayed between program addresses and mnemonics and will be saved in
the CSV file.
*: Mismatch, D: Difference, M: Moved, N: Missing

Monitoring a Program During Execution

Once the program has been downloaded, it can be monitored in the Diagram Workspace (which acts a mimic
display) during execution. When CX-Programmer goes on-line to a P LC, the Toggle PLC Monitoring button
also toggles on and starts to monitor the program. If the program is not monitored, use the following procedure
to monitor the program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Toggle PLC Monitoring button from the toolbar.

3. As the program executes, data and power-flow can be followed in the Ladder program;

for example, connections are selected and values are incremented.

Note: Individual PLC data elements can be monitored via the Watch Window. This window allows

monitoring of addresses from multiple PLCs at the same time.

Note: The values are monitored in a format according to the data-type of the symbol which is being

used for the operand, or the data-type of the instruction operand itself. To always monitor in a
single, hexadecimal format, turn on the Monitor In Hex option from the toolbar.

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On-line Edit

Although the downloaded program has been greyed to prevent direct editing, the Ladder program can be
amended by explicitly selecting the On-line Edit feature.

It is usual to have the PLC operating in Moni tor mode while using on -line editing functions. On -line editing is
not possible in Run mode.

Use the following procedure to edit the program on-line.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the rungs to be edited by dragging the mouse and selecting the required rungs.

2. Select the Compare with PLC button from the toolbar to ensure that the edited area is
the same as in the PLC.

3. Select the On-line Edit Rungs button from the toolbar. The background to the rung
changes to show that it is now an editable area. The rungs outside this area cannot be
altered but elements can be copied from these rungs into the editable rungs.

4. Edit the rungs as appropriate.

5. Select the Go to online-edit rung to go back to the top of the on-line editing rung.

6. When satisfied with the results, select the Send On-line edit Changes button from the

toolbar. The editing is checked and transferred to the PLC.

7. Once these changes have been ‘sent’ to the PLC, the editable area becomes read-only

once more. The on-line edit can be cancelled at any point prior to committing the
changes by selecting the Cancel On-line Edit button from the toolbar.

Note 1: A symbol address or type cannot be edited on-line.
Note 2: I/O comments can be changed during online editing in Ladder diagram view, in the Symbol

Table, or in I/O Comment View. If I/O comments have been c hanged when online editing is
ended, a confirmation message will appear asking if the symbol table file should be transferred
to file memory in a CS-, CJ-, CVM1, or CV-series PLC or to the I/O comment area in the
allocated UM (user memory) in a C-series PLC.

Symbol table names and addresses cannot be changed during online editing.
I/O comments with symbol names cannot be transferred to the I/O comment area in UM (User

Memory) in C-series PLCs.

Attaching Comments

An attached comment is a comment associated with an element of a program (i.e. contact, coil or instruction).
The comment is entered through the Properties dialogue box of the element by selecting the Properties option
from the context menu of the item.

When a comment has been entered against an element, a circle will appear at the top-right corner of the element.
This circle contains a number that uniquely identi fies the comment within the rung. The comment itself will
appear to the right of the circle for output instructions (subject to the chosen ladder-information options), or it
will appear in the Rung’s Annotation List.

Summary

In this chapter, the programmer has been introduced to the following concepts:

• Starting the CX-Programmer application.

• CX-Programmer and projects. The CX-Programmer environment, including the project

workspace, Diagram Workspace, Mnemonics view and symbol tables.

• Getting started with CX-Programmer.

• Setting up a Ladder program.

• Writing a Ladder program.

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CHAPTER 3
Project Reference

This chapter describes the different views available; the features common to the objects displayed in the Project
Window and standard Microsoft Windows procedures that are also common to these components.

Project Workspace

The project workspace displays the project as a hierarchical tree structure showing related
PLC and program details. Select the Toggle Project Workspace button from the toolbar to
display the project workspace and remove the project workspace from the display.

A description of each object in the Project Tree Workspace and their associated context sensitive menus is
provided in Chapter 4 - Reference.

Double clicking on an object opens it either in the Diagram Workspace or in a new window. Selecting an object
and clicking the right-mouse button displays the associated context sensitive menu.

The hierarchy can be collapsed or expanded to show either a partial view or full view of the
project tree.

More than one Ladder Diagram symbol table or Mnemonics View can be displayed. Select the appropriate
window from the list of open windows from the Window menu.

Program Sections

For the easier management of large programs, a program can be divided into a number of definable, named
sections. A section is like a chapter in a book – the PLC scans the sections in order.

A list of the sections in a program is displayed in the project workspace under the program name. There is also
a section list view showing the Start and End steps, which can be opened in the workspace window by clicking
on a program name.

It is possible to reorder and/or rename the sections from this list or from the project workspace. It is important
to remember however that when reordering or deleting sections, keep the ’END’ section at the end of the
program.

Program sections can be reordered using the mouse to drag and drop sections up or down in the section list.
When using the keyboard, the 'Move Up' or 'Move Down' commands from the context menu of a section on the
project workspace are used.

Sections in a specific program can also be used to store frequently used algorithms which can then be copied to
other programs, using a section as a kind of library.

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Use the following procedures to insert, rename, move or delete a section in a program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Inserting a new program section

(a) Select the program name in the Project tree.
(b) Click the Insert pushbutton in the toolbar or from the Insert menu select Section.

The new section will be added to the bottom of the section list before the ‘END’
section.

Note that if previous sections have been renamed the new section will be named

Section1, if not, it will be given the next section number.

2. Renaming a program section

(a) Select the section to be renamed and click the right mouse button. From the context

menu select Properties.

(b) In the Properties dialogue enter the new name for the section and then close the

dialogue. The new section name will be displayed in the se ction list.

3. Moving a program section

(a) Select the program section to be moved, and from the Edit menu select Cut. Move

to the location of the program (the program item on the project workspace) for the
section to be placed, and select Paste from the Edit menu. Then using the mouse
drag and drop the section in the appropriate position in the section list.

(b) Instead of using the Edit commands, it is possible to drag and drop the section. Drag

the section to the program item where it is required.

Note that when the section is dropped, it will reposition its self immediately below the
cursor. To drag a section to the top of the list, it must be dropped on the program item
itself.

A section may be moved to another program, or just within the same program, in which
case it changes the execution sequence of the sections.

(b) When using the keyboard the 'Move Up' or 'Move Down' commands from the

context menu of a section in the project workspace are used. Each command will
move the selected section up or down one position at a time.

4. Copying a program section

(a) Select t he section to be copied, and from the Edit menu select Copy. Move to the

location of the program (the program item on the project workspace) for the copy to
be placed, and select Paste from the edit menu.

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(b) Instead of using the Edit commands, it is possible to drag and drop the section in a

similar way to moving it. However, if the ‘Ctrl’ key is held down before dropping
the section (on the program item), then a copy operation will take place.

5. Replacing a program section

(a) To replace a section, copy or move the required section on top of the one to be

replaced. A confirmation is then requested.

6. Deleting a program section

(a) Select the sectio n to be deleted, and from the Edit menu select Delete.

Section/Rung Manager

CX-Programmer allows all six functions described above to be done from the Section/Rung M anager dialogue
for sections and commented rungs of the programs.

Use the following procedure to edit the section and rung comments on the Section/Rung Manager dialogue.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Section/Rung Manager button from the toolbar.

2. From the Program field select the program to be edited

3. All sections in the selected program are displayed on the Section field. The rung
numbers and the rung comments of the selected section are displayed on the Rung
Comment field.

4. Use the buttons o n the right t o edit rung/ s (i.e. Inse rt, Cut, Co py, Paste , and Delet e). To
edit the rung comment, select the rung and press the Edit Comment button.

5. Change the rung comment using the Edit Rung Comment dialogue. Press the Enter ke y
to close the dialog and to reflect the changes. To create a new paragraph, use the key
combination Ctrl+Enter.

6. Select the section/s and use the buttons on the right of the dialogue to edit them (i.e.
Insert, Cut, Copy, Paste, and Delete). To edit the section name and/or comments, press
the Rename button.

7. Change the sec tion name a nd/ or the comme nt us ing t he Rename Section dialogue. Press
the Enter key to close the dialog and to reflect the changes. To create a new paragraph,
use the key combination Ctrl+Enter.

Downloading / Uploading

CX-Programmer can also use a PLC instruction to store the section markers in the PLC when the program is
downloaded. This will allow CX-Progra mmer to upload a single section for online-editin g. It will also allow
CX-Programmer to upload the program complete with section breaks.

A single program section may be uploaded for online-editing (reducing the transfer time to a minimum).
However, it may not be downloaded since it is only a program segment. To download a program section, it is
necessary to copy it into a complete program.

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Cross-Reference Report

The Cross-Reference Report allows the symbol usa ge within different memory areas to be examined. It can be
used for checking the values being set by instructions when the program is not behaving as expected. It can also
allow the programmer to make efficient use of memory resources.

Use the following procedure to generate a cross-reference report.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Cross-Reference Report button from the toolbar to open the Cross-Reference

Report.

2. Select a usage from the Report type field, either Detailed Usage, Usage Overview or
Usage Overview Including Unused.

3. Select an area from the Memory Area field. When changi ng options, reselect from the
Memory Area field to refresh the report.

4. Select the Generate pushbutton to activate the report. In addition to the address report
information, the amount of free program memory in the PLC is displayed in the Free UM
field. The total program memory size of the PLC is displayed in the Total UM field.

The Deta iled Usage option within the Report type field displays information about the usage of any address
used within the PLC program(s). The program name, step number, instruction type, the start address of the
operand and symbol details relating to each usage are shown.

The Usage Overview option within the Report type field displays an overall summary of the usage for the
selected memory area, showing only the addresses that are in use. For each used address, a usage count is
displayed. The ‘D’ symbol de notes that the address has a symbol assigned to it.

The Usage Overview Including Unused option within the Report type field displays the usage overview of the
memory area, including addresses that are not used.

A cross-reference report can be printed. Use the following procedure to print a cross-reference report.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Cross-Reference Report button from the toolbar to open the Cross-Reference

Report.

2. Generate an appropriate cross-reference report.

3. Select the Print pushbutton. A standard Microsoft Windows Print dialogue defines

printer settings and allows print parameters to be entered.

Address Reference Tool

The Address Reference Tool shows how and where a PLC address is used within the program set of a PLC.

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Use the following procedure to use the Address Reference Tool.

1, 2, 3…

1. Open a Ladder program by double-clicking the program object in the project workspace.

2. Select a cell in the Ladder program.

3. Select the Address Reference Tool button from the toolbar. The Address Reference

Tool window is displayed in the Diagram Workspace. The Address Reference Tool
displays a list of references made to the address selected in the Ladder program.

4. With the Address Reference Tool still open, another selection can be made in the Ladder
program; the Address Reference Tool is refreshed accordingly.

The Address Reference Tool is displayed i n front of other windows. Only one Address Reference Tool can be
opened at a time. The window can be ‘docked’ within the main CX-Programmer window.

Note: It may be necessary to show the address reference tool in order to use the commands Go to

Next Output, Go to Next Input and Go to Next Address Reference, depending upon the

diagram options chosen (see page 32).

Output Window

The Output window is usually displayed at the foot of the main window. Select the Toggle
Output Window button from the toolbar to display the Output window. Select the Toggle
Output Window button from the toolbar or press an ESC key to remove the Output window

from the disp lay.
The Output Window has three different views:
♦ Compile. The Compile tab displays the output produced from program compilation. Selecting a n error

highlights the source of the problem in the Ladder Diagram. The Compile tab also displays other
information, for example, warnings and connection messages.

♦ Find Report. The Find Report tab displays the output produced from a search of project files for a

particular entry. Refer to Chapter – 3 Finding and Replacing

♦ Transfer. The Transfer tab view displays the results of file or program loading.

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To clear the view, select Clear from the context sensitive menu.
To go to the source of errors indicated in the Compile or Find Report tabs, double-click the message in the

output windo w. It is also possib le to use the Next Reference command from the Edit menu – this jumps to the
location of the next message on the output window, whichever tab is on show. The location jumped to is
highlighted in the Diagram Workspace. Note that is possible to quickly move through the location of the
messages by continually using the Next Reference command.

Note: Whenever compilations, PLC conversions, find reports, or file loading is displayed on the

Output window, it automatically opens to show the results even if the window is closed. To
close the Output window, simply press the ESC key.

Watch Window

The Watch window allows the contents of specified PLC addresses in more than one PLC to be mo nitored at the
same time. The Watch window is usually di sp la yed at the foo t of the main windo w. It disp la ys the value of the
contents of PLC memory during progra m execution. The watch window also supports drag and drop enabling
elements from the ladder view or the symbol table to be dropped on to the watch window. Watched items can
also be added directly on the sheets or via a dialog box, and can be grouped into different sheets.

Use the following procedure to use the Watch window.

1, 2, 3…

1. Open the Watch window by selecting the Toggle Watch Window button from the
toolbar View – Windows option.

2. Enter an address directly in the Address column on the watch sheet. Press the Enter key
to set the address. Press Esc to cancel the address.

3. The PLC name, the symbol name, and/or the data type/format ma y be selected on the
Edit Dialog. To display this dialogue, double-click on the cell of the Watch window, or
select Edit from the context sensitive menu. Select the Browse pushbutton to locate a
symbol, if required.

Note that a local symbol may be entered by typing in the program and symbol name,
separated by a '.' character (this symbol 'path' is also shown in the watch window for
local symbols).

4. Select the OK pushbutton to complete the operation. Select the Cancel p ushbutton to
abort the operation.

The PLC name is added to the Watch window. During program execution, the changing value of this address is
displayed. Values can be set in this window to a specific value to test program execution. Watch items can be
monitored either on the Watch window (for any number of watch items) or on the Set New Value dialogue (for
one watch item). On the Set New Value dialogue, the value can be monitored in Binary number (except for data
type: BOOL/ASCII and area type DM/EM/TIM/CNT). Each bit can be Force Set/Reset/Cancel and Set/Reset.

When pause monitoring is taking place, items in the watch window are monitored as normal until the trigger
point is reached or the user triggers manually. At this time, the monitoring is stopped and the value field of all

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items within the watch window is cleared. When either monitoring or pause monitoring is re-started, the value
field of all the items within the watch window is refreshed with the current value.

Dragging and Dropping Items

Symbols, ladder elements and symbol tables (from the project tree view) may be dragged and dropped into the
watch window. These items may be dragged individual ly or in block form. It is not possible to drag elements
into the watch window from the mnemonic editor, or entire sections from the project tree view. Items may not
be dragged from the watch window i.e. it is only a drag and drop target and not a source.

It is not possible to view items that are of a Number type. Items that are of a Number type and are dropped into
the watch window will not be displayed and an error message for each item is displayed in the transfer output
window.

Pasting Items

Pasting items into the watch window is similar to the drag and drop mechanism. The items that may be pasted
are symbols, ladder elements and symbol tables (from the project tree view).

It is not possible to view items that are of a Number type. Items that are of a Number type and are pasted into
the watch window will not be displayed and an error message for each item in the transfer output window.

Items can be cut or copied within the watch window (i.e. cut or copy items to another sheet).

Differential Monitoring

It is possible to initiate differential monitoring from the PLC | Monitor option or from the watch window via a
pop-up menu item,. This will display a dialog where the user may select the type of transition trigger required
for the currently selected item in the watch window. The dialo g will then show a count o f how many ti mes this
transition has occurred until the user closes the dialog.

This facility is only available when the PLC for the currently selected item is in run or monitor mode.

Options and Preferences

A number of options and preferences can be set by selecting Options from the Tools menu.

Diagrams

The Diagrams tab allows settings to be applied to the Diagram Workspace upon entry to CX-Programmer.
Use the following procedure to change the settings applied to the Diagram Workspace.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Diagrams tab within the Options dialogue.

2. Set the Show rung and step numbers to view t he rung and step numbers at the left of the

ladder display, in the rung margin. Deselecting gives a small er rung margin.

3. Setting the Show rung dividers will draw a line at the bottom of each rung, showing its

boundary.

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4. Setting the Show grid by default will place a dot pattern around each cell on the ladder

diagram. This pattern can aid element placement, but may be removed for a clearer
display.

5. If the Show rung annotation lists is set then the list of comments which are within the

rung (both attached comments associated with particular elements within the rung, and
unattached comments) will be listed below the rung comment. Note that this option ca n
be quickly changed via the View Rung Annotations button on the toolbar.

6. If the Monitor in hex is set then the online monitoring format of values within PLC

addresses will always be shown in hexadecimal. This may be toggled from the toolbar.

7. Setting the Allow Address Referencing without Window option allows use of the Go to

Input, Go to Output, Go to Next Address Reference and Go to Previous Jump Point

commands when the address reference tool is not on show. If this option is not set, then
the tool must be visible to use these commands. Note that when address referencing is
active, a small delay may be experienced when moving around a diagram, depending
upon the size of the PLC program/s.

8. Setting the Show actual I/O bit in XY will change the prefix of addresses ‘I:’ and ‘Q:’,

which are mapped to either an input unit or an output unit, to ‘X:’ and ‘Y:’.

9. Setting Check duplicated output and TIM/CNT No. executes a check for an output and

timer/counter, whether the address is already used in the program or not. The result may
be displayed on the Output window.

Note that addresses used as SET and RESET instructions will not be checked, since these
are frequently used in pair.

10. Setting Synchronise ladder and mnemonic cursors allows the position of the cursor in the

mnemonic view to move to the same step number as the cursor in the ladder view moves.

11. View to show when split – enables two different views to be shown within the editing

window. It is possible to choose to see a part of the editing in mnemonic mode and the
other in ladder, or to see the local symbol table of the program in one view.

12. Setting the Show right bus-bar will show the right bus-bar with the ladder rungs justified

to fill the space between the left and right bus-bars. The output instructions will appear
aligned along the right bus-bar, as long as the rung can be drawn within the number of
cells to the right bus-bar. If the Expands to Widest Rung option is chose n, then the right
bus-bar position for a section is automatically set to the widest rung in the program
section. Note that this may result in slower performance on a large section when editing
or adding rungs, since if a rung is expanded beyond the current width, the section will be
reformatted.

If no right bus-bar is shown, the rungs are justified to the left, minimising space.

13. Setting Show in simple dialog mode allows Contact, Coil or Instruction dialogues to open

in small sizes. The Show with comment dialog option allows dialogues to display for
entering comments in simple dialogue mode.

14. Select the OK pushbutton to apply the settings and close the dialogue. Select the Apply

pushbutton to change the settings but remain in the dialogue. Select the Cancel
pushbutton to abort the operation.

PLCs

The PLC tab provides a default PLC and CPU which appears when adding a new PLC to a project.
Use the following procedure to change PLC preferences.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC tab within the Options dialogue.

2. Set the Confirm all operations affecting the PLC setting to receive a confirmation
message for computer to PLC communications.

3. Select the default PLC from the PLC Type field. When set CX-Programmer will show a
confirmatio n dialogue whe n an operatio n being carried out may affect t he running of a
PLC.

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4. Select the default CPU from the CPU field. When a new PLC is created, these details
will be used to initialise it. A PLC type and CPU combination may be selected, or the
Use Current PLC button can be pressed, to set the details to that of the currently selected
PLC in the project.

5. Set the Use Section marker instruction option to selec t whether, by defaul t for a new
PLC, section divisions are to be downloaded or not. If set, an extra instruction is hidden
in the program for each section division. This allows upload options such as the upload
of a single section. It also allows the section structure to be retained upon upload. If the
option is turned off for a PLC, then the section structure will not be downloaded, and
upload will not retain the structure.

Note that this option can be enabled / disabled per PLC in the PLC properties dialogue.

6. The Use Comments instructio n option determines, b y default for a new PLC, whe ther
program comments (rung comments and annotations) are to include a CMT instruction in
the PLC. CMT instructions are used during upload so that comments in a comment file
can be linked back to the program properly. If this is not set for a PLC then it is not
possible to upload comments, but compiled programs will be smaller since CMT
instructions are not generated.

Note that certain PLC types do not have CMT instructions, and this op tion will have no
effect for those PLCs.

Note that this option can be enabled / disabled per PLC in the PLC properties dialogue.

7. Set the Automatically Transfer Program to Simulator option to allow program to be
transferred automatically after on-line to the Simulator.

8. Select the OK pushbutton to apply the settings and close the dialogue. Select the Apply
pushbutton to change the settings but remain in the dialogue. Select the Cancel
pushbutton to abort the operation.

Symbols

The Symbols tab allows settings to be applied to the symbol table during a work session. Use the following
procedure to change Symbol preferences.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Symbols tab within the Options dialogue.

2. Check the Confirm changes in linked global symbols setting to ensure a confirmation

dialogue is displayed before changes are applied to global symbols.

3. Check the Paste rungs to another PLC with unaddressed symbols option to allow rungs

to paste to another program with symbols unaddressed. The symbols will need to be
addressed after copying to another program.

4. Select the OK pushbutton to apply the settings and close the dialogue. Select the Apply

pushbutton to change the settings but remain in the dialogue. Select the Cancel
pushbutton to abort the operation.

Auto Generation

The Automatically generate symbol names option determines whether ‘unnamed’ symbols (i.e. symbols that are
created with an address and comment but no name) are automatically assigned symbol names using the
“AutoGen_” prefix, or whether the symbol name is just left blank.

When the option is checked on the following rules apply:

1. When an ‘unnamed’ symbol is created it will automatically be assigned a name, based o n the address (e.g.
an ‘unnamed’ symbol with address 7.15 will be called “AutoGen_7_15”).

2. When the option is chec ked on it will be possible to reference “AutoGen_” symbols like any other symbols
(Hence, using Find/Replace, Watch Window etc).

Appearance

The Appearance tab allows the colours and font displayed within the CX-Programmer environment to be
customised.

Use the following procedure to change preferences associated with the CX-Programmer appearance.

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1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Appearance tab within the Options dialogue.

2. Select the item to be changed from the Item field, or select the item to change in the
sample diagram.

3. Select the colour to be applied to the item. T he Fo regr ound a nd Ba ckgro und Co lour ma y
be changed b y clicking on the exa mple colo ur box, or using the 'Cu stom...' button. A
sample of the result is displayed in the Sample field. Note that many items do not have
both a foreground and background colo ur.

4. Check the default option in order to use a suitable system colour. These colours will
change according to the ‘Appearance’ display settings of Windows.

Click the Reset All button to reset all the colours back to the system defaults.
Click the Ladder Font button to set the font used for the entire display of ladder programming windows,

including rungs which are being shown in statement list in the ladde r window. When a font is selected, the
ladder display re-scales to use the new font.

Click the Mnemonic Font button to set the font used for the entire display of mnemonic programming windows.
The Cell Width slider allows the width of the cells to be changed on the ladder window, giving more or less

space for text to be displayed. Depending upon the typical size of symbol names, it may be necessary to change
the horizontal size of the ladder cells to show them better. At its minimum setting, only a few characters are
shown in a line, but a large number of cells can shown.

Click the OK pushbutton to apply the settings and close the dialogue. Select the Apply pushbutton to change
the settings but remain in the dialogue. Select the Cancel pushbutton to abort the operation.

Ladder Information

The elements of a ladder display - contacts, coils, instructions and instruction operands - can display a
configurable set of information. The more information is displayed, the larger each cell of a ladder diagram
becomes. Ideally, only the necessary information should be shown so that the maximum number of cells can be
seen on the screen.

The name and comment parts of the operand information can be individually sho wn or hidden using the Show
checkboxes.

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Name

When this option is selected it is possible to set the number of lines to be shown for a symbol name, and whether
they are shown above or below the element (i.e. above or below a contact or coil).

Address

The If name empty option will only show the address of an operand if there is no symbol attached to the
address, or if the symbol is unnamed. The After name option shows the address after the name, separated by a
comma. The Above and Below options show the address on a separate line, above or below the element
respectively.

Comment

When this option is selected it is possible to set the number of lines to be shown for a comment, and whether
they are shown above or below the element (i.e. above or below a contact or coil).

Instructions

A range of options are given to determine the information and format of data within instructions.
The Show data with option allows a choice of where monitoring data will be shown within the operand box of

an instruction. It can be shown below the name, address or comment of the symbol. It can also share t he line of
the name, address or comment, so that the monitoring data is shown before the infor mation on the same line.
This allows the size of the instruction box to be minimised.

Show on right for output instructions

A range of information can be shown on the right of output instructio ns (i.e. coils and right-hand instructions
such as 'MOV').

The Symbol Comment of the symbol used within the operand can be shown. If this option is set, the comment
is no longer shown inside an output instruction or coil cell.

The Attached Comment (comment property of the instruction element on the diagram) can be shown.
The Instruction Description (shorthand description of the instruction, the same as that shown in the Instruction

dialogue) can be shown.
The Operand Description (shorthand description of the operand purpose, the same as that shown in the

Instruction dialogue) can be shown.
Note that it may not be possible to fit all of the requested information on the right of the instruction - the height

of a cell is not determined by these choices. The 'Attached comment' is always shown first (i.e. highest priority),
followed by the 'Symbol Comment' and then the descriptions.

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Show Program / Section Comments

When the Show option is checked, every first rung in a section will show the Program Comments and Sectio n
Comments at the top of the ladder program. Double-click the comments to edit them.

General

The General tab provides settings that allow the CX-Programmer environment to be customised.

Use the following procedure to change the environment of CX-Programmer.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the General tab within the Options dialogue.

2. Select the IME auto start option to use 2byte coded characters, if installed.

3. The Window Environment options to set the window style when project is created or
opened.

(a) When the Previous window environment option is selected, CX-Programmer will

either create a new project using the window settings selected when CX­Programmer was last closed, or open a project using the settings of last saved.

(b) When the Show ladder only option is selected, the project will be opened with only

the ladder view, all the other windows will be hidden.

(c) When the Show Window option is selected, a window to show when a project is

opened can be set. The selections of windows are Workspace, Output, Watch, and
Address Reference Tool.

4. Select Compatible with SYSMAC Support Software, SYSWIN, SYSMAC-CPT to keep the
program compatible with the other support software when compiling it.

5. Set the Max.No.of Windows option to limit the number of windows to open.

6. Select the OK pushbutton to apply the settings and close the dialogue. Select the Apply
pushbutton to change the settings but remain in the dialogue. Select the Cancel
pushbutton to abort the operation.

Magnification

The magnification level (i.e. zoom) of the Diagram view can be ad justed to displa y more or less information as
required. If the diagram is zoomed out then the font becomes smaller and more diagram elements can be seen.

Use the following procedure to set magnification levels.

1, 2, 3…

1. Open the Diagram Workspace.

2. Select the Zoom In button or the Zoo m Out button from the toolbar to change the

Diagram Workspace.

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3. Select the Zoo m to Fit button to change the size of the progra m width to the length of

the Diagram view.

Finding and Replacing

CX-Programmer provides facilities for finding references to particular text, and replacing text with other text.
There are also powerful replacement options, such as moving a range of addresses to another starting point. The
Search and Replace functionality consists of two dialogs, depending on which operation is being executed. The
Find dialog is opened from the EDIT | Find menu option or the key combination Ctrl+F. The Replace dialog is
opened from the EDIT | Replace menu option or by pressing Ctrl+H.

It is possible to find and replace text fro m various places: the project workspace, diagram workspace (ladder or
mnemonic views), a symbol table, and an I/O Comment view.

When using the Find and Replace feature from the project workspace, the operation searches the chosen object,
including any objects within it. For example, when finding text from a program within the project workspace,
the local symbol table for that program is also searched. When beginning a search from the project object itself,
everything within the project is searched.

It is also possible to limit the search to a single program window, symbol table, or I/O Comment view by
beginning the search when the relevant ladder, symbol table, or I/O comment window is active.

When Change All is selected from the Edit menu option, the Change All dialogue to replace Addresses within
the PLC will be opened. Enter the Find what and Replace with text as described in Using Find and Replace in
this chapter , the replacement of the text will be applied throughout the entire PLC.

Rules for Finding

Symbols may only have their details replaced when in the symbol table. An attempt to replace a symbol name
or address whilst in the Ladder View will result in the generation of a new contact which will appear in error.
Symbol comments may only be replaced whilst in the Symbol Table, and so the option to replace comments are
not allowed by disabling the replace buttons.

When doing a text search information will only be found in a step, regardless of whether it is being filtered from
the view or not. For example in the Symbol Name is not being displayed but the symbol is found to have a
match, the symbol will still be highlighted.

Tree searching is the same as a normal search, in so much as the same rules are applied to Address, Value and
Text searching as if carried out in a single view. For each branch of the tree the following search criteria is
applied.

♦ Find in Project: finds occurrences in all PLC’s, Symbol Tables and Programs.
♦ Find in PLC: finds occurrences in all Symbol Tables and Programs.
♦ Find in Global Symbol Table: finds occurrences in this Global Symbol Table only.
♦ Find in Program: finds occurrences in Local Symbol Table and all Sections.
♦ Find in Local Symbol Table: finds occurrences in this Local Symbol Table.
♦ Find in Sect ion: finds occurrences in this Section.
♦ Find in a rea: finds occurrences in I/O Comment view.

Other find features supported include: Multi-byte character sets (MBCS), Multiple instances in a rung,
Statement List (SL) – as standard Ladder View and while online to a PLC.

Find

The Find dialogue allows various type s of search to be carried out inside a window, from the project workspace
and while online to a PLC. Select How to Input pushbutton to show examples.

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Use the following procedure to execute a find.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select an object in the project workspace to begin the search.

2. Select the Find button from the toolb ar or select the Find optio n from the Edit menu.

3. Select the required Look At entry from the drop down menu. This allows a choice to be
made of the type of item being searched/replaced. The choices are as follows:

Bit Addresse s – searches for addresses within program operands and symbols in the Bit

unit. No period is needed to enter an address. This will not find CHANNEL addresses
and values set into operands (such as ‘&’ or ‘#’ operands), but will find TIM/CNT
numbers (by set ting a T/C address).

Addresses - searches for addresses within program operands and symbols. This will not

find values set into operands (such as ‘&’ or ‘#’ operands), but will find TIM/CNT
numbers (by set ting a T/C address).

Values - searches for numeric values within program operands and

NUMBER data-type

symbols. This also finds timer/counter numbers in

TIM/CNT instructions.

Mnemonics - searches through a program by examining the entire statement list line of

each step. Using this, it is possible to search for a combination of a particular instruction
and operand together. It is possible to change the instruction.

Symbol Names - searches for names of program symbols (local and global).
Symbol Comments - searches for comments of program symbols (local and global).

Program Comments - searches for comments within a program. This includes the

comment made against a rung, or its set of annotations (comments made against a
particular element in the program, or comments from comment boxes in project files
from previous versions of CX-Programmer).

4. Enter the text or item to be found in the Find What field.
The pull-down list on the Find What field can be used to enter the contents used for
previous find op er at io ns.

5. Select the search criteria from the available options.

6. Select either the PLC or Current view to set the scope of the search. Clic k Find Next
to begin the search. The result of the search is displayed in the box below Scope. This
displays the match found, and where in the string the it was found. The view also
changes to where the result is located. Select Cancel to abort the operation.

7. Click Report instead to produce a report of all occurrences of the search. Once this
report is generated, shown on the ‘Find Report’ tab of the output window, it is possible to
move to a particular occurrence by double-clicking the report line.

Note: During a search matches are described by a context descriptor string above the

lower scope box. The information contained in this string will include Step, Operand,
and Step Mnemonic information.

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Using Find and Replace

Type of search

The search takes place within programs and symbol tables, depending upon the currently selected item on the
Project Workspace or the currently selected window. If for example the focus is on the Project Workspace
when the search is started then all searchable items within the workspace will be searched in tree order. When
the search is started from a section, or from t he tree set at either section or symbol table level then onl y that item
will be searched. If the search is started at program level then only the local symbol table and the sections
relating to that program level then only the local symbol table and the sections relating to that program are
searched. When the search is started at PLC level then global, local and all sections will be searched. If the
search is started at the project level than all PLCs and their global and local symbol tables and sections will be
searched.

Note that if search is started when the focus is on the I/O Comment view, the search will occur only on this view.

Finding and Replacing Text

This applies to the 'Look At:' choices of 'Mnemonics', 'Symbol Names', 'Symbol Comments' and 'Program
Comments'. Sel ect How to Input pushbutton to show examples.

1. Select the Replace button from the toolbar or press Ctrl+H to open the Replace dialogue.

2. In the Look At: field select the area to be searched. Select either 'Mnemonics', 'Symbol

Names', 'Symbol Comments' or 'Program Comments'.

3. In the Find what field, enter the text to be searched for.

4. In the Replacement field, enter the replacement text.

The pull-down list on the Find What field can be used to enter the contents used for
previous find operations, and the pull-down list on the Replace with field can be used to
enter the contents used for previous replace operations.

5. Select either PLC or Current view to set the scope of the find and replace. Click Find

Next to find and display the next assurance of the match, click Replace to replace the
match or Replace All to replace all matches. The result of the find and replace is
displayed in the box belo w Scope. The box displays the match found, and where in the
string the match was found.

Note: The first click of the Replace button can also be used to find the next occurrence.

Two clicks will find the next occurrence and perform the replace.

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Normally, a match will only be found if text within the item matches exactl y what is being searched for. Note,
however, a 'wildcard' can be used of '*' to search for partial matches. The '*' wildcard indicates that any
following characters are to be ignored in a single word when searching for a matc h. Note that the wildcard
operates on each word separately. e.g. to search for mnemonic lines for the ‘MOV(0221)’ instruction where the
second operand is D1, the following search can be made – “MOV* * D1”.

In addition, it is possible to search for 'Whole Word Only' - a match will only be found if an entire word matches
the text typed. If this option is not selected, then a match will be found if a word contains the text typed, and
any text may be in front or behind the 'Find What' text in the same word. For this search a match will normally
be found regardless of case. If an exact match is required, select the 'Match case' option.

Wild Card Searching

A wildcard can be used in the search and replacement text. This will have the effect of using the text which the
corresponding wildcard in the find string became. e.g. Using a ‘Find what’ of ‘ab*’ and a replace of ‘tr*’ will
change ‘about’ into ‘trout’ and ‘abort’ into ‘trort’.

Mnemonics Searching

The Mnemonic search is the same as the normal text search, except it can be used to retrieve almost any
information about the symbol or step it may be contained in (except rung comments). A Mnemonic search is
able to retrieve all the information of Address, Value and Symbol Name searches. Matches found using a
Mnemonic search though will only display information in the Mnemonic line of an Instruction Step, and will not
track to the exact operand that the match may belong in.

The entire line of mnemonic is search so it is possible to specify a ny string that may occur in a mnemonic, e.g.
an instruction followed by an operand.

Rung Comment Searching

Rung Comments are treated the same as any other text based search, but can not be accessed in the symbol table.

Finding and Replacing Addresses

This search and replace operates the same as for the Text but applies only to the 'Look At' choice of 'Bit
Addresses' and 'Addresses'.

The choice of 'Bit Addresses' is only available when searching and replacing for only addresses of BOOL type.
No period is needed when entering the addresses in the 'Find What' field in this case. e.g. ‘1000’ will search for
address '10.00’ only.

For the choice of 'Addresses', type in the address or addresses which are to be found in the 'Find What' field. A
range of addresses may be input by using a dash ('-' or minus) between two addresses. e.g. 'A100-A200' will
find addresses 'A100' 'A110' and 'A200'.

When a CHANNEL address has been entered, a choice of 'Include BOOLs' is available. If this is checked, then
bit addresses within the channel will also be matched. e.g. If a 'find' of A100 is input, and 'Include BOOLs' is
selected, then addresses 'A100', 'A100.00' and 'A100.15' will be matched.

Moving Addresses: It is possible to move a range of addresses. To do this, enter a range in the 'Find What'
field, and enter a new start address for the start of the range in the 'Replace' field. Note that a dash must be
included at the end of the 'Replace' field, indicating that a new range is given. e.g. 'Find What' of 'A100-A200'
and 'Replace With' of 'B100-' will move the range of addresses 'A100-A200' inclusive to a new start address of
'B100'. 'A100' will move to 'B100', and 'A101' will move to 'B101' etc. If the 'Include BOOLs' option is
selected, then bit addresses will be moved along with channel addresses (e.g. 'A100.0' will move to 'B100.0'
etc), otherwise bit addresses will not be affected.

Finding and Replacing Values

This search and replace operates the same as for Text but applies only to t he 'Look At' choice of 'Values'.
When operating on values, it is necessary to choose whether floating point or integer numbers are to be

manipulated. Numbers used in program operands are either floating point or integer type. e.g. Numbers used
in TIM/CNT instructions to indicate the timer/counter are integers. Any operand value starting '+', '-' or
containing a decimal point is a floating point value. A value beginning in ‘#’ is a hexadecimal integer value.

Note: BCD operands are shown in the programming windows with a ‘#’ on the front, but are

decimal values. When searching for a value in the find dialogue, a ‘#’ prefix means
hexadecimal. Therefore, a find of ‘#10’ will actually match a BCD operand of ‘#16’. A

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replacement of ‘#10’ will actually show as ‘#16’ back in the program display for a BCD
operand.

It is possible to move a range of integers to a new starting point, using the same method as 'Moving Addresses'.

Changing TIM/CNT Operands

It is possible to change the first operand of a T IM/CNT instruction easily, at the same time as changing the
address used for its status bit. To do this, use the ‘Address’ look-at type, and type in the address of the status
bit/s to operate on (e.g. T0001). This will also find the first operand of a timer/counter instruction (e.g. If
T0001 is looked for, then ‘1’ will also be found in the TIM instructions).

Therefore, it is possible to change a range of TIM numbers to another offset.

Finding and Replacing Symbols

It is possible to perform a replace on 'S ymbol Names' within a program, but this only updates the program, so
that the new name is inserted as the operand. The replacement within the program does not affect the
underlying symbol definition.

When a symbol name is updated in the symbol table, the progra ms using the symbol will also b e updated to use
the new name.

Note: It is not possible to change the definition of a symbol from within a program. i.e. A symbol's

comment or name cannot be changed unless the replace is happening within the symbol table.

Imorovements to Global Replacement Operation

Changes between normally open contacts and normally closed contacts can be performed for specified addresses
using the Change All operation.

If Change All is selected from the Edit menu and a checkmark is placed in the checkbox for Invert open/close
bit before performing a global replacement for the PLC, all specified operands that are normally open contacts
will be changed to normally closed contacts and all normally c losed contacts will be changed to normally open
contacts.

Note: If the check box for symbols (including I/O comments) is cleared before an address is replaced

globally, the symbols table and I/O comments will not be changed and onl y addresses in the
ladder program will be changed. If the check box for symbols (including I/O comments) is
selected before an address is replaced globally, the replacement operation will be the same as
the previous version of the software (version 3.0).

Finding and Replacing Symbols in the I/O Comment View

Symbol comments can be searched and replaced on the I/O Comment view. Use the I/O Comment view to
replace comments of TIM/CNT instructions (for both BOOL and CHANNEL types) and to update those
changes to all symbol tables and programs.

F3 Searching

When the search dialog is closed search is possible using the F3 key. The same search criteria is used except
that the search will never progress beyond the scope of the focus. Hence, a single view focus will never open
another view whereas if the scope is a program level then the search will continue for the scope covered by that
of a normal search.

Properties

Each window or object in CX-Programmer has associated Properties that can be displayed. The method of
displaying the tool is the same.

The following Properties are available:

♦ Project;
♦ PLC;
♦ Program;
♦ Section.

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A Pin feature is available for all Properties. Select the Pin button from the Properties dialogue
to keep the dialogue on top of other windows.

Use the following procedure to view properties.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the required object from the project workspace.

2. Select the Show Properties button from the toolbar. The Properties dialogue is

displayed.

If another object or window is selected whilst a Properties dialogue is open, the dialogue changes appearance to
reflect the properties for the newly selected item or area.

Project Properties

The Project Properties dialogue allows the name of the project to be altered and a link to an external CX-Server
file to be created.

Use the following procedure to view project properties.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Project object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Show Properties button from the toolbar. The Project Properties dialogue is

displayed.

3. Enter a name for the project in the Name field.

4. Select the New File pushbutton. The Create New CX-Server File dialogue is displayed.
Enter the file name in the File name field and select the OK pushbutton. The dialogue
closes and the CX-Server file name is now displayed in the Path field of the General tab
in the Project Properties dialogue.

5. To remove the link, select the Unlink pushbutton.

6. Apply a project comment in the Comments tab.

7. Select the Close button from the title bar to close the Project Properties dialogue.

CX-Programmer supports a mechanism for sharing symbol definitions with other, compliant applications. This
could allow, for example, the symbols declared within CX-Programmer to be linked to a SCADA package so
that the definitions and changes of addresses are synchronised.

Note: The sharing is not active – changes in the shared symbols are not instantly broadcast to the

other applications.

A CX-Server file is used as the medium for transferring symbol definitions between applications. Refer to
Chapter 5 - Advanced Topics for details regarding linking symbols to CX-Server components.

PLC Properties

The PLC Properties dialogue allows a PLC’s settings to be configured and connected. Its connections can also
be verified.

Use the following procedure to view PLC properties.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar to connect to the PLC.

3. Select the Show Properties button from the toolbar. The PLC Properties dialogue is

displayed.

4. Select the Verify pushbutton to test the connection between PLC and computer against

the information supplied in the Name and Type field. Select the OK pushbutton in the
displayed confirmation dialogue.

5. The PLC operating mode can be changed from within the PLC Properties dialogue.

Select the appropriate Mode setting and select the Yes pushbutton to confirm the
operation. Select the No pushbutton to abort the operation.

6. Select the Close button from the title bar to close the PLC Properties dialogue.

Password protection, displayed from the Protection tab of the PLC Properties dialogue, is described in Chapter
5 - Advanced Topics.

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Program Properties

The Progra m Properties dia logue allows a PLC name to be entere d or amended and for tasking PLCs, allows
their tasking type to be defined (CS/CJ-series PLCs only). The icon to the left of the project workspace changes
according to the task type selected. Cyclic tasks represent the main program. The task can also be set to start on
start-up of the PLC.

Use the following procedure to change properties for a program at any time.

1, 2, 3…

1. Click on the Program object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Show Properties button from the toolbar. The Program Properties dialogue is

displayed.

3. Select a Task type setting from the Task Type field. The icon to the left of the program

name changes to reflect the task type.

4. Set the Operation Start setting so the program starts on PLC start-up.

5. Select the Close button from the title bar to close the PLC Properties dialogue.

Using Microsoft Windows Features in CX-Programmer

Standard Microsoft Windows procedures can be used within the CX-Programmer environment.

Opening and Saving Projects

Maintaining project files on disk is achieved in the same way as in other Microsoft Windows applications.
Various types of file are used for CX-Programmer projects:

♦ ‘.CXP’. The project file itself;
♦ ‘.OPT’. A file containing the preferences for the project;
♦ ‘.BAK’. A backup copy of the project file;
♦ ‘.CXT’. A text-based format supported by CX-Programmer for both opening and saving. The .CXT file

format is used for file conversions.

♦ ‘.MAC’. A file containing the keyboard mapping made on the Keyboard Mapping (Shortcut Keys) dialogue.
♦ ‘.CXO’. A file containing the settings made on the Options dialogue and the Watch window.

Opening and saving operations are similar to other Micro soft Windows applications; however, each time an
existing project is opened it is recompiled (a progress marker is displayed during this loading a nd compilation
process).

Note: LSS, project files require conversion to the correct format and must be imported via the File

Conversion tool; refer to Chapter 5 - Advanced Topics for further information.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Open button from the toolbar. The Open CX-Programmer File dialogue is
displayed.

2. Choose the file type that is to be imported in the Files of type field.

3. Select the file that is to be opened from the File name field, or type in the name. Note that
the file type is determined by the suffix (i.e. the part of the name following the ‘.’).

4. Select the Open pushbutton to open the file. A progress indicator is displayed as the
program(s) associated with the project are compiled.

5. Recently opened files can be opened directly from the File menu.

6. Select the Close command from the file menu to close an existing open project.

Select the Save Project button from the toolbar to save the project. This should be performed
on a regular basis. Select the Save As option from the File menu to save an existing project
with another name.

SYSWIN/CVSS/SSS/CPT File Loading

SYSWIN, CVSS, SSS, CPT project and library files can be directly opened from within CX-Programmer, by
choosing the file types of ‘.SWP’ or ‘.SWL’, ‘.COD’, ‘.SP1’ and ‘.CPT’ respectively in the ‘File Open’
dialogue. In each case, a ‘.CXT’ file is created in the same location as the original file, and CX-Programmer
opens this.

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It is not possible to save a CX-Programmer project as a SYSWIN, CVSS, SSS or CPT file.

Printing Project Details

Periodic hard copy printing may be necessary during project development. CX-Programmer provides printouts
of the following items:

♦ Ladder program;
♦ Global symbol table;
♦ Local symbol table;
♦ Cross Reference Table;
♦ Cross Reference Report;
♦ I/O Comment view.

Use the following procedure to print project details.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select Page Setup from the File menu.

2. Select the Margins tab and enter the desired top, bottom and edge margins in the Top
field, Bottom field, Left field, Right field, Header field and Footer field.

3. Select the Header or Footer tab. Enter text in the Left, Centre and Right fields.
Predefined text can be entered by selecting the Insert Field pushbutton – Date, Time,
Title, Filename, Page Number, etc.

4. Select the Pen and Paper tab and select the Set Font pushbutton to select the desired
font in which the header and footer are to be printed.

5. Select the Print Setup pushbutton to correctly set up printer settings. Refer to the
associated Printers Operating Manual for further information.

6. Select the Print Utility Settings tab and select the Print Utility Settings pushbutton to
set the layout for printing ladder programs and Cross Reference Table. Press Help
pushbutton on the Print Layout Settings dialogue for more information.

7. Select the OK pushbutton and close the Print Layout Settings dialogue.

8. Select the OK pushbutton of the Page Setup dialogue to continue.

9. Select the Print Preview button from the toolbar, if required. The Preview dialogue is

displayed. The Target Print Rung dialogue is displayed when ladder programs are print
previewed or printed. Select the number of rungs to print/print preview.

The following functions can be accessed.
Select the Next Page pushbutton or Prev Page pushbutton to navigate through the

pages of the printout.
Select the Two Page pushbutton to view two pages of the printout at once. T his

pushbutton then changes to the One Page pushbutton to revert.
Select the Zoo m In or Zo om Out pushbuttons to magnify or expand the view of

the printout.
Select the Close pushbutton to close the dialogue.

10. Select the Print button from the toolbar. A standard Microsoft Windows Print dialogue

defines printer settings and allows print parameters to be entered.

Manipulating Views

Each view in the main window (including the windows displayed when an object in the Project tree has been
opened) has an associated context sensitive menu, displayed by clicking the right-mouse button. Certain
common options on these menus control the positioning and display of the associated view. There are
restrictions on the positioning of some windows.

♦ Float. The selected window expands to full screen width. Select the Float option to expand the window.
♦ Dock. Moves the window left, right, to the top, or to the bottom. Select the Dock option to return the view

to its previous size.

♦ Hide. All views can be hidden except the Diagram window (although all can be closed). Select the

associated icon from the Toolbars option from the View menu to redisplay the view.

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♦ Expand All. Expands the project hierarchy to show all components. This option is only available fro m the

project workspace context sensitive menu (i.e. ensure that a component has not been selected).

Windows that have not been maximised display the following bar at the top or side of t he window. Selecting
these buttons allow the window to be moved or closed respectively.

Cut, Copy and Paste

A variety of items can be copied and pasted to different locations in a project, between projects or even
applications:

Individual items can be copied , cut and pasted within, or between a Ladder program(s), Mnemonics view(s) and
symbol tables: for example, text, contacts and coils.

♦ Symbols. Individual symbol entries can be copied/moved between symbols tables (both global and local) or

a whole table can be copied/moved to another program by selecting the table and then selecting the program
to be copied. Symbol entries can also be copied or moved as text to another application.

♦ Programs / Sections. A co mplete program or section can be copied to another PLC (or within the same

PLC if multi-tasking) by selecting the program in the project workspace and then pasting it into the PLC.
Individual aspects of a program can be copied by selecting an area from the Ladder Diagram and pasting
into the Ladder Diagram of another program. When copying a program, t he symbols used within it are also
copied to the new location. If symbols of the same name are found in the local symbol table of the
destination PLC / program, then they are left alone. Otherwise, the required symbols are added.

♦ PLCs. A complete PLC definition can be cop ied in the project tree by selecting a PLC, selecting the project

name and performing a paste operation (all associated components of the PLC, for example IO Table and
Memory are copied).

Standard Microsoft Windows drag and drop procedures can also be applied. CX-Programmer
automatically prevents invalid drag and drop operations by disp laying a ‘No Entry’ icon.

Use the following procedure to copy or move information within CX-Programmer.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select an item, or items, in a window. More than one item can often be selected by
pressing Shift and selecting another item to extend the selection, or by pressing Ctrl
and selecting another item to add to the selection.

2. Select the Copy button fro m the toolbar to copy the item, or the Cut button from the
toolbar to move the item.

3. Select an area to move the items to (e.g. another window, or another place on the
project workspace tree).

4. Select the Paste button from the toolbar to paste the item. A Paste operation can be

performed several times without copying again.

Drag and Drop

In places where it is possible to perform a cut/cop y/paste operation, it is usually possible to perform a drag/drop
operation. Using the mouse, click on an item and hold the mouse button down. Drag the mouse to another
location which is to receive the item, and release the mouse button. The item should be dropped.

The effect of the drop operation is shown by the mouse cursor. If a ‘+’ is shown at the bottom of the cursor,
then the drop will have the effect of duplicating the item being dragged. If not, then the item will be moved.

Symbol References Drag/Drop

It is possible to drag symbols from the symbol tables into the ladder window. This has the effect of setting an
operand of an instruction on the ladder window. When dragging into an empty cell, it is possible to create a new
contact or coil with the given symbol as the operand. To create a coil, hold down ‘Shift’ at the time of the drop,
otherwise a contact will be created.

It is possible to drag symbols into t he watch windo w which will add refere nces to them to the li st of monitored
addresses. A ladder element (contact/coil/instruction operand) may also be dropped into the watch window.

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Undoing and Redoing an Operation

An item in the Diagram Workspace can be restored to an earlier state. Select the Undo button
from the toolbar to undo the last action. Select the Redo button from the toolbar to re-apply an
action.

Note: The action of going on-line and offli ne to/from a PLC empties the memory of undo operations

for that PLC, so that it is not possible to undo operations which were made previousl y.

Deleting Items

Most items within a project can be deleted – although restrictions apply when the PLC is on-line. A proj ect
cannot be deleted. The following rules apply to deleting an object:

♦ If a PLC is deleted all associated items are deleted. Individual components (apart from the program(s)), for

example an IO Table cannot be deleted separately.

♦ A PLC cannot be deleted if it is currently opened for communications or if it is acting as a gateway PLC.
♦ If a program is deleted, its associated (local) symbol table is deleted.
♦ A global or local symbol table cannot be deleted except as part of a PLC deletion (both types of table) or

program deletion (local symbols).

♦ PLC pre-set symbols in the global symbol table cannot be deleted. Entries in the local symbol table can be

deleted.
♦ All entries in the Ladder program and Mnemonics view can be deleted (provided the PLC is offline).
Use the following procedure to delete an object.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the object in the project workspace or items in the Diagram Workspace.

2. Select Delete from the context sensitive menu. A confirmation dialogue is displayed
when deleting PLCs and programs.

3. Select the Yes pushbutton to confirm the deletion. Select the No pushbutton to abort the
operation.

Renaming an Object

A number of objects in the project file can be renamed (unless the PLC is on-line):
♦ Project, Program, and Section. These can be rename d b y si mpl y typ ing a ne w na me o ve r the e xis tin g one

in the project workspace tree. They can also be changed via their Properties dialogue available from their
context sensitive menu.

♦ PLC. The name of the PLC can be changed by entering a new name in the Change PLC dialogue supplied

by the CX-Server application, available from its context sensitive menu. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools
User Manual for further information.

♦ Individual objects including symbols. These names can be changed by displaying the appropriate Edit

dialogue.

Note: CX-Server components, for example the IO Table, cannot be renamed.

Field Descriptions

The global and local symbols tables display information in tabular form. The fields are identified by column
headers; these columns can be resized and information displayed according to preference.

To resize column width, select the required field division and drag to the desired width. The tabulated
information can also be sorted by selecting the appropriate field division. The manner in which the information
is displayed can be altered by selecting the appropriate icon.

Select the Large Icons button from the toolbar to display content as large icons.
Select the Small Icons button from the toolbar to display content as small icons.
Select the List button from the toolbar to display content as a list.

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Select the Details button from the toolbar to display content with associated details.

Next Reference

The Next Reference command works with the Output Window. It jumps the program display to the point
referred to on the next line of the output window.

The command works according to which tab the output window is showing (compile, find report or transfer).

Go To

The Go To options are available in Mnemonic and Ladder Diagram views and enable jumps to a required
location in the program.

Rung / Step Number

It is possible to jump the display to show a particular location in a program or section. A location can be
specified by either its rung or step number.

The Go To dialogue allows a choice of specifying the rung or step number. The range of valid rung or step
numbers is shown. Use the key combination Ctrl+G to display this dialogue.

Note: When the dialogue has been accessed from a program level (i.e. when viewing the program

section list, or from the program level on the project workspace), it is possible to jump to any
point within the whole program. However, since rung numbering is per section, only steps
may be used for referencing in this case. The step range will show the entire range within the
program.

The dialogue also has a rung browse function, accessed from the Browse button. The browser lists the sec tions
within the program and the commented rungs within each section. A rung may be chosen for viewing from this
list.

When the dialogue Go To button is pressed, the requested location is brought into view.

Commented Rung

The Commented Rung dialogue shows a list of rungs within sections that have been given comment properties.
Use the shortc ut ke y L to display this dialogue. The first line of a rung’s comment is shown in a numbered list
(the numbers start from 1 and do not indicate the rung numb er).

A list of sections is given above (when the function is accessed from the program scope).

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When a rung is chosen, the program section is immediately shown at the chosen position.

Note: The size of the Go to Commented Rung window displayed when Edit | Go to | Commented

Rung is selected can be changed.

Next Address Reference / Input / Output / Previous

The address reference tool allows easy navigation to the location of other places in the program where an
address has been used. These commands ma y be used when the address reference tool is on sho w, or even
without it if the diagram options ‘Allow Address-Referencing without W indow’ option is set.

When the diagram cursor is above a contact (or coil), it is possible to jump directly to a coil (or contact) that is
using the same address. Use the ‘Space’ key to jump to the next coil (or contact) and ‘Shift’ + ‘Space’ key to
jump backwards.

The Go to Next Address Reference command moves the selected line down one, so that the program shows the
next reference of the current address. Use the shortcut key N to jump to the next address reference.

The Go to Next Input command moves the selected line on the tool to the next line referring to an input
instruction (e.g. contact). If an input is not found on lines below the currently selected reference, then the
search will begin at the top of the list.

The Go to Next Output command moves the selected line on the tool to the next line referring to an output
instruction (e.g. coil, or 'MOV' instruction). If an output is not found on lines below the currently selected
reference, then the search will begin at the top of the list.

The navigation tool remembers a history of the places that have been jumped from - the Go to Previous Jump
Point command moves back to the last point from which a j ump was made from. Use the shortcut key B to
jump to the previous jump point.

Select All

Rather than selecting items in a window individually, it is possible to select the window and then Select All
from the Edit menu.

Toolbars – Viewing, Hiding and Customising Toolbars

The Customise dialogue allows a set of toolbars to be chosen for display. It also allows new toolbars to be
created. A full description of each toolbar is provided in Appendix A, Toolbars and Keystrokes.

Use the following procedure to add or remove a toolbar from the CX-Programmer environment.

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1, 2, 3…

1. Select Toolbars fr om the View menu. From the Toolbars dialogue select the Toolbars

tab.

2. Select the toolbars from the Toolbars: field to be viewed the toolbar in the CX-

Programmer environment. Deselect the setting to remove the toolbar from the display.

3. Check the Show Tooltips setting to ON to display the tooltip associated with the toolbar
buttons.

4. Check the Cool Look setting to ON to remove the box around each toolbar button.

5. Check the Large Buttons setting to ON to increase the size of the toolbar buttons.

6. Click the OK butto n to accept the settings or the Cancel button to abort the operation.

Customising a Toolbar

Toolbars can be customised by dragging and dropping buttons from a selected category or from toolbar to
toolbar.

Use the following procedure to add, remove or move toolbar buttons.

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1, 2, 3…

1. From the View menu select the Toolbars option, then from the Toolbars dialogue select
the Commands tab.

2. From the list of Categories select the type of buttons to be viewed. The buttons associated
with that category are then displayed.

3. Click on the selected button and drag and drop it in the appropriate po sition in the selected
toolbar.

4. To remove a button from a toolbar, select the category that contains the button to be
removed then select the toolbar button and drag and drop it back to the button box.

5. To move a button from one toolbar to another, select the button to be moved then drag
and drop it in position in the selected toolbar.

Creating a New Toolbar

New toolbars can be created and then customised by moving buttons from an existing toolbar or by adding
buttons using the customising feature. Toolbars created in this way can also be deleted. Note however that
although all the buttons can be removed from a default toolbar the toolbar it’s self can not be deleted.

Use the following procedure to create or delete a customised toolbar.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select Toolbar from the View menu. The Toolbars dialogue is displayed.

2. Click the New button. This displays the New Toolbar dialogue.

3. Enter a name for the new toolbar and click OK. The new toolbar will then be added

to the list of toolbars and displayed on the screen. It can then be repositioned if
necessary by dragging and dropping.

4. To move a button from an existing toolbar to the new one, select the button to be

moved and drag and drop it in position in the new toolbar.

5. If a particular button is not visible click the Commands tab and from the list of

Categories select the type of buttons to be viewed

6. Click on the selected button and drag and drop it in position in the new toolbar.

7. To delete a customised toolbar select it from the list of toolbars and click the Delete

button.

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CHAPTER 4
Reference

This chapter introduces the objects contained in the project workspace and discusses their associated commands
and features.

The following components, which are available either from the project hierarchy or from main menu, form part
of the CX-Server software.

♦ PLC Memory. Refer to the Chapter on PLC Memory Components of the CX-Server PLC Tools User

Manual;

♦ IO Table. Refer to the Chapter on IO Table Component of the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual;
♦ PLC Settings. Refer to the Chapter on PLC Setup Component of the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual;
♦ Data Trace/Time Chart Monitor. Refer to the Chapter on Data Trace/Time Chart Monitor Component of

the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual;

♦ Error Log. Refer to the Chapter on PLC Error Co mponent of the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual;
♦ Clock. Refer t o the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual.
♦ Memory Card. Refer to the Chapter on Memory Card Component of the CX-Server PLC Tools User

Manual.

PLCs and Projects

A project file contains one or more PLCs that are (potentially) connected to the computer. These PLCs do not
really have to be connected unless communications with them are to occur. A full description of the
communications possibilities for C-series PLCs, CV -series PLCs and CS/CJ -series PLCs is provided in the CX-
Server PLC Tools User Manual.

The PLCs selected also affect which setup procedures need to be performed. For example, the CV-series and
CS/CJ-series require setting up the IO Table via the IO Table object in the project workspace and using the PLC
settings object to establish specific PLC characteristics.

Connection to the PLC requires the specification of the typ e of communications interface to be used to connect
to the PLC. Two methods of co mmunication are available: serial communications and network communica tions.
Serial and network communications can be made using communication types although these are dependent upon
the type of communicating PLC.

Adding a PLC to the Project

CX-Programmer supports multiple PLC and multiple program support. When a project is initially configured, it
contains one PLC and one program. Additional PLCs and programs can be added.

Use the following procedure to add a PLC to a project.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Project object in the project workspace.

2. From the Insert menu select PLC or right click on the project folder and select Insert
PLC. The Change PLC dialogue is displayed, part of the CX-Server application.

3. Set up the PLC as required. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for furthe r
information.

The project workspace is updated with a new PLC entry plus its associated global symbol table, IO Table,
Settings, Memory data and Program where applicable. An empty Ladder program is also displayed in the
Diagram Workspace.

The initial project, program and PLC settings are made whilst the PLC is offline. In order to test the program,
examine memory or monitor PLC operations, communications must first be established with the P LC. Refer to
Chapter - 4 Working On-line.

Changing a PLC in a Project

To change a PLC, double-click on the PLC object in the project workspace. The Change PLC dialogue is
displayed. Refer to the CX-Server PLC Tools User Manual for further information.

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Programs written for one type of PLC may not be fully compatible with another type of PLC. In this event, CX­Programmer attempts to change addresses and mnemonic instructions from the source PLC type to equivalent
addresses and instructions on the new type of PLC. It is not possible to convert a program that contains errors.
Any addresses and instructions that cannot be directly replaced are listed in the Compile tab of the Output
window. Refer to Chapter 5 - Advanced Topics for further information.

Deleting a PLC from the Project

Use the following procedure to delete a PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select Delete from the context sensitive menu. A confirmation dialogue is displayed.

3. Select the Yes pushbutton to remove the PLC. Select the No pushbutton to abort the
operation.

When a PLC is deleted, all associated information including the Ladder program/s are deleted from the project.

Symbols

Traditionally, PLC programmers have used numbers and addresses for operands within their pro grams. Without
further documentation, the program becomes very difficult to read and maintain, since addresses have no
obvious meani ng.

Some packages have allowed the user to give comments to the addresses, so that the program has some readable
documentation. CX-Programmer supports this feature.

However, it is more powerful to use symbolic programming, where names are used instead of addresses. A
symbol is a named variable that can have an address or number. The name of the symbol is then used during
programming. This helps the readability and maintainabi lity of the program. For example, it is possible to
change the address of a symbol, which changes the program to use the new address automatically.

Furthermore, CX-Programmer allows symbols to be defined for either a PLC or a program. This allows a
programmer to keep the definitions of the symbols for a particular program private from other programs within
the PLC. The symbols that are to be used in more than one program (global symbols) are then defined for the
PLC. Program symbols (local symbols) are kept in a local symbol table. PLC symbols are kept in a global
symbol table for the PLC.

Data Types

In addition to an address or number, a symbol has a data type. This describes the physical format of the data
that is held within the symbol, including its size.

Since a symbol’s format is known, CX-Programmer is able to monitor the contents of the symbol in the correct
way. More importantly, CX-Programmer checks that the symbol is not used in an inappropriate manner.

For example, a symbol can be defined with a data type of ‘UINT_BCD’, which means that the data within the
address is unsigned, single word integer of BCD format. CX-Programmer checks that the symbol is used only
for BCD type instructions, and issues a warning if it is not.

The available data types are listed below An icon is associated with each type, which indicates the internal
format of the type. The icon is shown in the symbol tables.

Name Size Signed Format Notes

BOOL 1 bit – Binary

Address of a logical binary value (Bit).
Used for contacts and coils.

CHANNEL

1 or
more
words

- Any

Address of a non-bit value (i.e. a single
word or longer value, unsigned or signed).
This type is used for backward
compatibility. If a non-bit address is given a
comment, the resulting symbol is given a

‘CHANNEL’ type.
DINT 2 words Yes Binary Address of a double integer
INT 1 word Yes Binary Address of an integer

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Name Size Signed Format Notes

LINT 4 words Yes Binary Address of a long integer
NUMBER – Yes Decimal

A literal value - not an address. ‘NUMBER’

type symbols can be used for numeric

operands which are usually prefixed with

‘#’,‘&’, ‘+’ or ‘-‘. They can be used in BCD

or binary instructions. For BCD usage, the

value is treated as if entered in hex (e.g.

the number ‘1234’ has the same effect as

entering ‘#1234’ in the operand).

A floating-point value can be entered (e.g.

‘3.1416’). An engineering format number

can be entered (e.g. ‘-1.1e4’).

A decimal value is assumed. A

hexadecimal value can be entered using a

prefix of ‘#’.
REAL 2 words Yes IEEE

Address of a floating-point number. The

format is the 32-bit IEEE format. For the

special OMRON floating point format (FDIV

instruction) use the UDINT_BCD type.
LREAL 4 words Yes IEEE

Address of a floating-point number. The

format is the 64-bit IEEE format.
UDINT 2 words No Bi nary Addres s of an unsigned doubl e integer
UDINT_BCD 2 words No BCD

Address of an unsigned double BCD

integer
UINT 1 word No Binary Address of an unsigned integer
UINT_BCD 1 word No BCD Address of an unsigned BCD integer
ULINT 4 words No Binary Address of an unsigned long integer
ULINT_BCD 4 words No BCD Address of an unsigned long BCD integer

Data Types and Timer / Counters

Information for a timer/counter on a PLC consists of three parts – a status bit, a pre-set-value and the current
value. Different data-types are used to refer to these different parts. These three parts can set to different
comments, but to set the same comment for all three parts, use I/O Comment view to input a comment - Refer to
Chapter 3 – Project Reference I/O Comment View for further information. When there is no comment in the
symbol with a NUMBER or a UINT data-type, the comment of the symbol with a BOOL data-type will be
shown on the right of the right-busbar instead.

1. Define a symbol with a BOOL data-type to refer to the status value (e.g. a symbol with address/value
‘TIM1’ and data-type BOOL). This may be used for contacts.

2. Define a symbol with a NUMBER data-type to refer to the timer as a whole (e.g. a symbol with
address/value ‘1’ and data-type NUMBER). This can be used in timer/counter instructions (e.g. ‘TIM’).

3. Define a symbol with a UINT data-type to refer to the set-value part of the timer/counter (e.g. a symbol
with address ‘TIM1’ and data-type UINT). This can be used in i nstructions to read/write the set-value of
the timer.

Global Symbols

The PLC global symbol table is i nitially filled with some pre-set symbols, which dep end upon the PLC type.
For example, the symbol ‘P_1s’ (1 second pulse) is created for many PLC types. All pre-set symbols have the
prefix ‘P_’ and they may not be removed or edited.

A global symbol table contains the PLC’s symbols – these symbols can be referenced by any program in the
PLC. Any unnamed symbols (IO comment - just addresses given a comment) are contained within the global
table - they may not be placed in a local symbol table.

Note: Global symbols are only global for a particular PLC. It is not possible to share symbol

definitions between PLCs on the project workspace.

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Local Symbols

These symbols are specific to a particular program, and cannot be referenced by any other. It is recommended
that symbols are defined locally to a program unless the address is being used in multiple programs. This makes
the project more manageable and maintainable.

A program’s local symbol table is created empty. T he local symbol table can be viewed by
selecting the View Local Symbol button from the toolbar.

It is possible to define a symbol at a local level with the same name as a symbol at global level. This is
considered an override of the symbol definition. The program uses the symbol definition from its local level.
This is a powerful feature, but can be achieved by mistake, so CX-Programmer issues a warning when
validating symbols if this is done.

Copying and Pasting Symbols

It is possible to cut, copy and paste symbols from one symbol table to another. It is also possible to move
symbols between tables by using drag/drop. Note that pre-set symbols can not be removed, but they may be
overridden.

For advanced users, it is possible to paste symbols from another application into a symbol table. This can be
done from any application that supports a text format – for example a spreadsheet. Refer to Chapter 5 -
Advanced Topics for further information.

Use the following procedure to copy or move symbols.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select a symbol, or symbols in the symbol table. More than one symbol can be selected
by pressing Shift and selecting another item to extend the selection or by pressing Ctrl a nd
selecting another item to add to the selection.

2. Select the Copy button from the toolbar to copy the item, or the Cut button from the
toolbar to move the item.

3. Select a symbol table to move the items.

4. Select the Paste button from the toolbar to paste the symbol or symbols. A Paste
operation can be performed several times without copying again.

Note: If a program or part of a program (i.e. selected rungs or sections) are copied between

programs, then the symbols used within the program are copied to the new program.

Validating Symbols

The Validate Symbols can be selected from the context sensitive menu. When Validate Symbol (Selected Item)
is selected, the symbol table, where the cursor is, will be checked. Validate Symbol (ALL) will check all the
symbol tables in the PLC, where the cursor is.

The option performs the following validation checks.

1, 2, 3…

1. The data of each symbol in the selected symbol table outputs a warning message in the
output window if any invalid symbols are found.

2. Each symbol for duplicate addresses, in the selected symbol table, and outputs a warning
message (including the symbol names) in the output window if any are found.

3. T o see if any symbols, in the selected local symbol table, are overriding symbols defined
in the global symbol table and outputs a warning message in the output window if any are
found.

4. To see if any duplicated symbol names are defined in the symbol tables, and if any are
found they are output into the output window.

5. To see if any Auto-Allocated addresses have been created that do not have addresses
assigned to them and if any are found they are output into the output window as an error.

Delete Unused Symbols

Any defined symbols in the symbol tables (both Global and Local) that are not used in the program, can be
deleted by selecting Delete Unused Symbo ls from the menu. Select areas to delete symbols in the Select area to
delete dialog. For symbols used in the Watch window, PLC Memory component, or Datatrace/Timechart
Monitor component, will no t be counted as used symbols. Therefore, these symbols will be deleted from the
symbol tables.

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Sharing Symbols with Other Applications

Some OMRON applications may be able to share symbol definitions with other packages. CX-Programmer
supports this feature.

In order to allow sharing of symbols, it is necessary to link a CX-Server file with t he project, which holds a copy
of the desired symbols. This is set up using the Project Properties dialogue. Once this is done, it is necessary to
indicate which symbols are to be shared. Only global symbols may be linked with other applications. Refer to
Chapter 5 - Advanced Topics for further information.

Adding Symbols

It is possible to add a symbol from several places – from the project workspace, within a symbol table or a
program window. In each case, the Insert Symbol dialogue is used.

Use the following procedure to add a symbol.

1, 2, 3…

1. From the Insert menu select Symbol or right click on the symbols folder and select
Insert Symbol. The New Symbol dialogue is displayed.

2. Enter a symbol name.

3. Enter an address or value in t he Address or Value field. For a value (NUMBER data type
symbol), type in a decimal value, or prefix the value with a ‘#’ for hexadecimal. A
positive or negative floating point value may also be entered. Leave the field bla nk if the
address is to be automatically allocated.

4. Select a data t ype in the Data Type field. For a numeric value rather than address, select
the data type ‘Number’.

5. Enter a comment, if required, in the Comment field.

6. For global symbols, indicate whether to share the symbol definition with the project’s
linked CX-Server file by setting the Link the Definition to a CX-Server file field.

7. Select the OK p ushbutton to accept the settings. Select the Cancel pushbutton to abort
the operation.

Auto Generation of Symbols

It is possible to create symbols without giving them a name, but certain restrictions apply:

♦ This can only be done in the Global Symbol table.
♦ An address and comment must given.
♦ The data type must be BOOL or CHANNEL.

These are called unnamed symbols, and normally they would appear in the symbol table or ladder diagram with
no name.

However, an option is provided to automatically generate a symbol name for unnamed symbols. The
Tools|Options|Symbols dialog contains a checkbox marked ‘Automatically Generate Symbol Names’. If this
option is selected then names are automatically generated for unnamed symbols, and these names have a
standard format of AutoGen_[Address], where ‘Address’ is replaced with the symbol’s address. If two or more
symbols of this type have the same address, a (Copy Of #) is suffixed, where # is a unique number.

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Find and Replace

If the ‘Automatically Generate Symbol Name’ option is selected then the ‘unnamed’ symbols can be found in a
Find and Replace operation which searches for Symbol Names. If the checkbox i s left unchecked symbols will
not be found in the Find or Replace.

Copying and Pasting

When copying ladder objects and pasting to another ladder, the results depend upon the ‘Automatically Generate
Symbol Name’ checkbox. If it is checked, then the auto-generated symbol name is pasted (but without the
address). If it is unchecked, then the address only is pasted.

Unnamed Symbols

Unnamed symbols, like normal symbols, can be created in the Global Symbol Table, via the New Contact
dialogue (when a contact is entered on the Ladder) or via the Operand field of the Instruction dialogue (when an
Instruction is entered on the Ladder).

Editing Symbols

It is possible to edit symbols by double clicking symbol s from the symbol table, or from an operand within a
program. The dialogue works in the same way as the Insert Symbol dialogue.

When a symbol’s address or comment is altered, the program or programs using it automatically use the new
address and show the new comment.

When a symbol is renamed, the program will automatically use the new name. If an override symbol is deleted,
the program attaches to the global definition.

When a symbol is deleted from the symbol table any operands that are currently linked to that symbol will be re­linked to new symbols. The symbols are searched for using the order of precedence rule. If a new match is
found then the operand will be linked to the new symbol. If however no match is found then the operand reverts
to the physical address of the deleted symbol.

Pasting Symbols with Errors

In the following example only two of the Symbols are correct the others are not, attempting to insert all these
Symbols into a symbol table will generate errors.

AmberLight BOOL 10.01 - Correct Symbol
AmberLight BOOL 10.01 - Duplicate Name
AmberOnlyTimerDone BOOL T0004 - Correct Symbol
GreenLight BOOL 999999 - Incorrect Address
GreenTimerDone UNKNOWN - Incorrect Type

The following error dialog will be displayed if the above symbols are pasted into the symbol table

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It is now possible to edit the Symbol entries to correct the errors. The new corrections will appear in the
‘New ?’ column or to mark them for deletion.

Selecting OK will commit the Symbols, with changes, to the Symbol Table for checking and inserting.
Selecting Cancel will delete all the symbols in the error.

Removing Symbols

Symbols may be removed by deleting them from the symbo l table.
Generally, when a symbol is removed, the program and programs using it then use the address or value of the

removed symbol.
The exception is for symbols with automatically allocated addresses – in these cases, the program shows the

name of the removed symbol in the places where it was used. It is then easy to see where an address needs to be
assigned in the program.

If the removed symbol wa s an override of a global symbol, then the program uses the global symbol of the same
name, which may have a different address or value.

Automatic Allocation

Automatic Allocation is a facility that enables symbols to be automatically assigned an address. This is useful
for ‘work’ type symbols, where the actual address is not important, providing it is unique (i.e. it is not mapped to
input or output hardware). To use this feature, it is necessary to set the memory ranges from which to allocate
these addresses. Each PLC is set separately.

The main features of auto allocation are:

♦ Multiple address allocation areas
♦ Prioritising address allocation areas
♦ Address allocation of symbols according to type
♦ Consideration of addresses that have already been used
♦ Different Auto allocation areas for each PLC
♦ It is available to both global and local symbols

Setting Up Automatic Allocation

The PLC Automatic Memory Allocation dialog is opened from the toolbar by selecting PLC | Automatic
Allocation.

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Use the following procedure to apply automatic allocation.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select (tick) the Enable automatic allocation for this PLC option.

A list of memory ranges may be entered for the PLC. The list is ordered, so that the first

area in the list is allocated first.

2. Use the Add... button to add an area to the allocation list. A dialog is s hown to input the

details for the area:

3. Type in the Start address and Size (channels) to define the address range in the PLC for

CX-Programmer to allocate from.

4. Choose one or more data typ es which are to be allocated in this area. By default, all

applicable data types will be allocated from within this area. A restriction can be made,
so that for example, a separate memory area can be set to allocate BOOLs and
CHANNELs.

5. Use the Remove button to remove the selected allocation range from the list.

6. Use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to move a selected range up and down in the
priority order for the PLC.

Allocation of Symbols

Symbols can be defined to use automatic allocation simply by leaving their addresses blank. CX-Progra mmer
then allocates the symbol address during compilation. The actual address allocated is shown against the symbol,
but the address is marked as ‘Auto’ to show that the address has not been assigned by the user.

CX-Programmer allocates addresses within PLCs by trying to find space in the PLCs allocation areas (set as
above). The areas are searched in order, and addresses are only allocated within a particular range if its data type
is allowed within the range.

If automatic allocation is changed for a PLC (an allocatio n area is changed, or an area is removed), then all
automatically-allocated addresses for the PLC are reallocated.

If automatic allocation is removed for the PLC (i.e. the Enable automatic allocation for this PLC option is
removed), t hen any symbols which have been auto-allocated have their address removed.

Adding and editing Auto matic Allocation areas

Selecting the Edit or Add button on the Automatic Allocation dialog opens the Memory Range dialog. This
dialog is used to either edit an existing auto allocation area or add a new one.

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Enter the Start Address, the Size in channels (16 bit words) then select the Data types that can be allocated in
that area. On pressing the OK button, the address range is checked for validity and an appropriate error message
in a message box is displayed. On closing the message box the user is returned to this dialog and the first field
that is considered to be in error.

Note that it is not possible to select types until the restricted radio button has been selected otherwise the type
selection list box is greyed out. The type selection list box is a multiple selection list box.

Limitations

Timer/Counter memory areas are not available for address auto allocation.
It is not possible to have bit types in an area that is only word addressable.
The length of the address range must be less than or equal to the size of that memory area.
It is not possible to have auto allocation areas that overlap other areas.
The length of the address range must be greater than zero.

Copying Auto Allocated Symbols

When symbols are copied, any symbol with a fixed address is marked as being used if it occurs within an auto
allocated area. Auto allocated symbols that are copied across from one PLC to another will be assigned ne w
addresses within the auto allocation areas allowed on the PLC they are being transferred to. These symbols will
be assigned in alphabetical order rather than the order that they are copied across. If they have been assigned an
address by the PLC that they are being transferred from, they will not necessarily keep the same address.

Instructions

When contacts, coils, instructions and any symbols (auto allocated or not) are deleted, the address space they
occupied is freed for use by other elements as and when they are entered. Existing symbols that are auto
allocated but without an address are not updated and either needs to be re-entered or the auto allocation areas
need to be edited. Automatically allocated symbols are only allocated addresses when they are first entered or
when the auto allocation ranges are added/edited.

Rules for Auto Allocation

When the OK button is pressed and there are auto allocation areas to use, each of the programs is searched in the
order it appears in the tree. Each program is searched first for contacts, coils and instructions with fixed
addresses. If any of these fixed addresses are within an auto allocation area then those addresses are marked as
used and cannot be further auto allocated to other symbols. After this, non auto allocated symbols (symbols
with fixed addresses) within each program are checked. If any of these fixed symbols are within an auto
allocation area, then those symbol addresses are marked as used and cannot be further auto allocated to other
symbols. Finally, auto allocated symbols are allocated an address from the remaining addresses in an auto
allocation area, whether they already have an address or not. The symbols are allocated according to their
alphabetical order in the symbol table.

From then on, anytime that user enters a new contact, coil, instruction or symbol with a fixed address, then that
address is immediately marked as being used if it occurs within an auto allocation area. Any symbols that the
user enters that don’t have a fixed address are immediately auto allocated an address if available. The exception
to this is if symbols are entered directly as operands in the instruction dialog. These symbols cannot be auto
allocated. If these symbols are to be auto allocated they should entered either in the symbol table first, or by
using the browse button on the instruction dialog.

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Program Editing

A number of procedures can be performed from within the Ladder program but it depends upon whether an
instruction, contact, coil, or workspace has been selected.

To view the Ladder program, select the View Diagram button from the toolbar.
The following elements can be selected from the Diagram toolbar and placed directly into the

Ladder program.
New Open Contac t. Once the Contact has been entered, the name or address for that contact

needs to be entered. Refer to Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further information.
New Closed Contact. Once the Contact has been entered, the name or address for that contact

needs to be entered. Refer to Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further information.
New Open Contact OR. Once the Contact has been entered, the name or address for that

contact needs to be entered. Refer to Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further
information.

New Closed Contact OR . Once the Contact has been entered, the name or address for that
contact needs to be entered. Refer to Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further
information.

Vertical. The New Vertical button from the toolbar connects elements in the Ladder program
vertically.

Horizontal. The New Horizontal button from the toolbar connects elements in the Ladder
program horizontally.

New Open Coil. Once the Coil has been entered, the name or address for that contact needs to
be entered, refer to Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further i nformation.

New Closed Coil. Once the Coil has been entered, the name or address for that contact needs
to be entered, refer Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further i nformation.

Instruction. Once the graphical instruction has been placed on the diagram, the actual
instruction must be selected, refer to Chapter – 4 Contact and Coil Editing for further
information.

Note that both a rung and elements of a program can be given comments within the ladder

display, by using Properties.

Use the following procedure to create a Ladder program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. From the Insert menu select the Program option to start a new program. A

ladder editing window will open.

3. Select the Program object in the project workspace. Select the Program
object once more so it becomes an editable field. Enter a name for the
program.

4. Select one of the above objects from the Diagram toolbar and place on the
Ladder program. The icon image remains selected until another element is
clicked on the toolbar.

5. Items can be individually selected by selecting the Selection Mode button
from the toolbar.

6. Rungs can be selected by clicking the rung margin within the Ladder
program.

Some objects (excluding the rung and text comments, and the vertical and horizontals) have associated dialogs
allowing address or instruction information to be entered. Double-click on the object to redisplay the Edit
dialogue, this is dependent upon the selection.

The Auto Error Detection bar to the left of the rung indicates the validity of the entries.
It is possible to design a network and get the geometry right before entering specific symbol or address

information.

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A Grid can be toggled on or off using by selecting the Grid button from the toolbar. When the
Grid is on, dots are displayed at the connection points of each cell in the program.

Program steps (graphically represented) are entered in a row or ladder ‘rung’ between the left (power supply)
and right (output) bus-bars.

Additional rows and columns can be inserted into the Ladder program via the Insert R ow option and Insert

Column option from the context sensitive menu. Rows and columns can also be removed by selecting Delete
Row option and Delete Column option from the context sensitive menu.

By inserting Vertical Up or Vertical Down, rungs cannot be combined into one. To do this, select the rungs to
be combined and select Combine from the context se nsitive menu. When a rung ne eds to be divided, selec t
Split from the context sensitive menu to divide the rung into two.

Inserting a Program

A program is set up when the project is initially configured. For CS/CJ-series PLCs and CV-series P LCs, it is
possible to add multiple programs.

Use the following procedure to insert a program.

1, 2, 3…

1. To insert a new program, select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. From the Insert menu select the Program option. An empty Ladder program is placed in

the Diagram Workspace.

3. The task type associated with the program must be assigned (not for C-Series PLCs).

Select the program object in the project workspace and select the Show Properties button
from the toolbar. The Program Properties dialogue is displayed.

4. From the General tab, select an op tion from the Task Type field.

5. Select the Close button from the title bar to close the Program Properties dialogue.

The project is updated, showing a new program inserted at the bottom of the hierarchy together with an empty
local symbol table. Task types available are as follows (the icon is displa yed next to the Program object in the
project workspace, and the task number is shown in brackets to the right).

Task Type Icon

Task Type Icon

Unassigned

Scheduled Interrupt

Interrupt Task

IO Interrupt

Power Off

Cyclic Task

Power On

Contact and Coil Editing

The Edit Contact dialogue or Edit Coil dialogue allows the name or address of the contact or coil to be entered
or selected from a list of global and local symbols. The name or address can also be defined as a new symbol
from this dialogue and inserted into the local or global symbol table.

The dialog can be displayed in two forms, either: simple dialog mode or detailed dialog mode. The default
mode can be set in the Diagram tab in the Options dialogue. To change the simple dialog mode to a detailed
dialog mode, select Detail pushbutton.

Use the following procedure to edit contacts or coils in simple dialog mode.

1, 2, 3…

1. Double-click on the required contact in the Ladder program. The Edit Contact dialogue
or Edit Coil dialogue is displayed.

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2. Enter a name or address for the contact or coil. This can be typed in directly or selected
from the field.

Note: Check the Show with comment dialog option in the Diagram tab of the Options
dialogue to display a comment dialogue. The dialogue is displayed after the OK
pushbutton is selected on the Contact or Coil dialogue.

3. Select the OK pushbutton to complete the operation. Select the Cancel pushbutton to
abort the operation.

Use the following procedure to edit contacts or coils in detailed dialog mode.

1, 2, 3…

1. Double-click on the required contact in the Ladder program. The Edit Contact dialogue
or Edit Coil dialogue is displayed.

2. Enter a name or address for the contact or coil. This can be typed in directly or selected

from the field. Select the Edit Symbol pushbutton to amend an existing symbol if
required.

To enter a symbol with an automatically allocated address, enter the name and leave the

address empty. To enter an unnamed symbol, enter an address and a comment.

3. The Differentiation status of the operand bit can be set to prevent it from being turned

ON for more than one cycle after the execution condition goes from ON to OFF (Down)
or OFF to ON (Up). Select the Up option for OFF to ON or the Down option for ON to
OFF.

4. Select the Immediate Refresh option if the operand is to be updated as soon as the

instruction has been executed.

5. When adding a new symbol, select Global to add a symbol to the PLCs symbol table.
Select Link to the CX-Server file to share the symbol definitio n with other applications
(named, global symbols only)

6. Select the OK pushbutton to complete the operation. Select the Cancel pushbutton to
abort the operation.

Note: The Differentiation option and Immediate Refresh setting can also be set fro m the contact or

coil context sensitive menu by selecti ng the element in the Ladder program and clicking the
right-mouse button. A symbol is placed in the Ladder program to indicate that these options
have been se t: ‘!’ for Immediate refresh, ‘^’ for D ifferentiate up; ‘v’ for Differentia te down.

Invert (NOT)

The Invert (NOT) setting allows the normal state of a contact or coil (open or closed) to be reversed. Select
Invert (NOT) from the context sensitive menu, whilst the contact or coil is selected.

Forced Bits

The state of an address can be ‘forced’ regardless of its physical state. This is useful when testing certain
conditions or rungs in the Ladder program. A bit can be forced on (value changed to 1) or forced off (value
changed to 0), the value of the bit can also be cleared. The following rules apply:

♦ Bit references that are read-only cannot be forced;
♦ Word references may not be forced.

Forcing is only allowed when the PLC is in Debug or Monitor mode (not Run mode).

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Use the following procedure to force bits.

1, 2, 3…

1. Obtain the Ladder program and select the element to be forced.

2. Select Force from the context sensitive menu, followed by On, Off or Cancel.

Select Force from the context sensitive menu, followed by Cancel All to cancel all forced bits so that current
values are free to be changed by the PLC program.

Once an element has been forced, a symbol is placed in the Ladder program to indicate that its status has been
forced.

♦ Set. Set is available from the contact or coil context sensitive menu. The bit can be set to 1 or 0 by

selecting the Set option from the contact or coil context sensitive menu followed by Value, To 1 or To 0.

♦ Differentiate. Differentiate is available from the contact or coil context sensitive menu, performing the

same functions as that within the Edit Contact dialogue. Select Differentiate from the context sensitive
menu, follo wed b y Up or Down.

♦ Immediate. Immediate Refresh is available from the contact or coil context sensitive menu, perfor ming the

same functions as that within the Edit Contact dialogue. Select Immediate Refresh from the context
sensitive menu.

♦ Differential Monitor. Differential Monitor is for bits that are not accessible for conventional monitoring

(for instance, values changing too rapidly), but which can be monitored via the Differential Monitor
dialogue. The dialogue permits the selection of a partic ular bit to monitor, whether it is monitored against
its falling or rising edge, and whether sound should be used when the bit value changes.

Use the following procedure to apply the differential monitor.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Program object in the project workspace to display the Ladder program in the
Diagram Workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed:
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

3. Select the Run Mode button from the toolbar. Differential monitoring can only be
accomplished in this PLC operating modes and Monitor mode.

4. Select the contact or coil to monitor.

5. Select the Differential Monitor button from the toolbar. The Differential Monitor
dialogue is displayed.

6. The address associated with the contact or coil selection is displayed in the Address field.
Select an Edge option.

7. Select the Sound setting to retrieve audio whilst monito ring.

8. Select the Start pushbutton to start monitoring. The Start pushbutton becomes a Stop
pushbutton.

9. Select the Stop pushbutton to cancel monitoring. Select the Close pushbutton to e xit the
dialogue.

10. Select the Toggle PLC Monitoring button from the toolbar to stop monitoring.

Instruction Editing

The Edit Instruction dialogue allows an instruction to be selected and entered into the Ladder program.

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The dialog can be displayed in two forms, either: simple dialog mode or detailed dialog mode. The default
mode can be set in the Diagram tab in the Options dialogue. To change the simple dialog mode to a detailed
dialog mode, select Detail pushbutton.

Use the following procedure to edit instructions in simple dialog mode.

1, 2, 3…

1. Double-click on the instruction field in the Ladder program. The Edit Instruction
dialogue is displayed.

2. Enter an instruction, either by name or by number. When a correct number has been
entered (of the correct number of digits for the PLC type), the instruction name is
automatically substituted. To insert an instruction with immediate Refresh properties,
apply an exclamation mark (‘!’) to the beginning of the instruction. To insert a
differentiated instruction, apply a ‘@’ symbol to differentiate up or a ‘%’ symbol to
differentiate down at the beginning of the instruction. When the Show with comment
dialog option is selected in the Options dialog, a comment dialog will appear after
entering an address or a symbol name.

Note: Check the Show with comment dialog option in the Diagram tab of the Options
dialogue to display a comment dialogue. The dialogue is displayed after the OK
pushbutton is selected on the Contact or Coil dialogue.

3. Enter operands in the same text box with a space between the instruction and each
operand (see below for more details about entering operands).

4. Select the OK pushbutton to complete the operation. Select the Cancel pushbutton to
abort the operation.

Use the following procedure to edit instructions in detailed dialog mode.

1, 2, 3…

1. Double-click on the instruction field in the Ladder program. The Edit Instruction
dialogue is displayed.

2. Enter an instruction, either by name or by number. When a correct number has been
entered (of the correct number of digits for the PLC type), the instruction name is
automatically substituted. To insert an instruction with Immediate Refresh properties,
apply an exclamation mark (‘!’) to the beginning of the instruction. To insert a
differentiated instruction, apply a ‘@’ symbol to differentiate up or a ‘%’ symbol to
differentiate down at the beginning of the instruction.

Alternatively, click the Find Instruction pushbutto n. The Find Instructio n dialogue is

displayed providing a list of possible instruc tions. T hose instructio ns not ava ilable for t he
selected PLC are displayed in brackets. Select an Instruction by using the Groups and
Instruction fields and select the OK pushbutton to return to the Edit Instruction dialogue.

The Availability pushbutton on the Find Instruction dialogue displays the PLC

Instruction Support dialogue that lists all PLCs for which the selected instruction in the
Find Instruction dialogue is available. Select the Close pushbutton to remove the PLC
Instruction Support dialogue.

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The Expansion Ta ble pushbutton on the Edit Instr uction di alogue displa ys the Expansio n

Instruction Mapping dialogue and is only available to certain PLCs. This dialogue allows
certain instructions to be assigned to an expansion slot.

Select an Expansion Slot, select an Instruction and select the Set pushbutton. To remove

an instruction, select the Expansion Slot and select the Remove pushbutton.
Alternatively, select the Set Defaults pushbutton to apply default instruction assign ments.
Select the OK pushbutton to return to the Edit Instruction dialogue.

3. If required, use the Instruction Help button, whic h shows a help topic for the chosen
instruction.

4. Enter the instruction operands (see below).

5. Select the OK pushbutton from the Edit Instruction dialo gue to complete the operation.
Select the Cancel pushbutton to abort the operation.

Modifiers can be set for contact instructions (LD, AND, OR and NOT) – either differentiate up or differentiate
down. Contact and coil instructions OUT and OUT NOT can be set to immediate update. T he availability of
modifiers depends upon the type of PLC being used.

Non-differentiated instructions execute each time they are scanned, but differentiated instructions execute only
once after their execution condition switches from OFF to ON or from ON to OFF.

Entering Operands

An instruction operand can either be entered as a symbol, address or literal value. When entering an operand in
the detailed dialog mode, the dialogue shows the valid address ranges and types of operands that are allowed.

When entering an operand, a prefix character may be used to add a meaning:

*

An indirect address (the contents of the given address are used as the address to find the data). Can be
used in front of a symbol name.

#

A hexadecima l value. Also used for operands which must take a BCD number.

&

A decimal or BCD-format number.

+ or -

A signed, decimal, floating point value.
Note that a symbol can hold a value – the NUMBER data type is used.
It is possible to search for a symbol from the operand box by pressing the ‘…’ button to its right (or by pressing

F2). This presents a dialogue which allows a symbol to be selected or created.

Symbol Information

Whenever CX-Programmer finds a symbol associated with the typed operand, (except number types) symbol
information is displayed in this bo x. The name, address/value and co mment are shown, together with t he data
type of the symbol and its scope, global or local.

Adding Comments to a Program

It is recommended that commenting be used as part of good programming practice. When Show
Program/Section Comments is selected on the Ladder Information tab of Options dialogue, the comme nt of the

program and section will be shown at the top of the ladder diagram view. Double-click the comments to edit.

Comments should be added to rungs as they are written, so that it is easier to understand their

functions when reviewing the program later. Select the Properties of the rung to apply a

comment to a ladder rung. Select the Properties of a program element

(contact/coil/instruction) to set a text comment to the element of the Ladder program.
Text can be added as comments to the Ladder program either as notes that are not compiled or as rung

comments that are compiled with the code (setting the Use Comment Instructions property of a PLC). Rung
comments are typically used for introducing and explaining chapters of code.

Comments can also be entered against symbol names and addresses via the elements associated edit or
properties dialogs. Symbol comments are downloaded to the Memory Card, if one is present or to allocated EM
memory.

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Note: Unlike the Ladder programs for most PLCs, the Ladder programs for CV-series PLCs show a

step offset number for the rung comment (this is because this series has a rung comment
instruction).

I/O Comment View

In the I/O Comment View, you can enter comments by addresses of selected area type. This view is for users
who prefer to use addresses and comments when creating a ladder program. Therefore, for users who use
symbols for ladder programming, Symbol Table will be preferable to enter comments. If there are any
comments already defined in the symbol table, these will also be displayed in the I/O Comment view. When
either I/O Comment or Symbol Table view, is edited, the changes will be reflected in the other view. This view
can only be edited whilst offline. The pre-defined symbols will be greyed out and cannot be edited.

Use the following procedure to edit the address comment s on I/O Comment window.

1, 2, 3…

1. Open the I/O Comment view by selecting the I/O Comment button from the toolbar Edit

option.

2. Select the appropriate memory area in which the comments are to be edited from the Area
Type.

3. Enter an address in the Start Address and press Enter key.

4. With the selected comment now highlighted click the right mouse button and select t he
appropriate function. i.e. Edit, Cut, Copy, Paste or Delete. To move to another comment
field, enter the appropriate Start Address and press Enter or use the scroll function.

Note that when comments are deleted, symbol(s) defined without a name will also be
deleted from the symbol table. For symbol(s) defined with a name on the symbol table,
only comment will be deleted.

Note that when editing comments of TIM/CNT Instructions, use I/O Comment view in
order to link comments for all BOOL, CHANNEL, and NUMBER type of TIM/CNT
instructions. When TIM/CNT comments are entered in this view, the comments for all
types of the TIM/CNT instruction will display the same comments.

Block Programs

CX-Programmer supports the ability to enter a rung in statement list format – useful for block programs.
The statement list view of a rung can be used instead of the Mnemonics editor but does not support program

monitoring.
Use the following proced ure to edit a rung in statement list format.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select a rung. Choose the Show as Rung Stat ement List option from the context menu
of the rung.

The rung is s hown in stateme nt list format.
Move the cursor to a line on the list, and press ‘Enter’. It is then possible to edit the

instructions. Move up and down with the cursor keys, and amend the text.
There is no restriction on the length of a statement list program apart fro m that which
Windows may app l y.

2. Entries in the statement list block are compiled continuousl y and the rung may be shown
in error (the error bar on the rung margin).

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3. To complete the editing, press ‘Escape’ which will exit from editing mode .

4. It may be possible to show the rung back in ladder for mat. Choose the Show as Rung
Ladder option to toggle back to ladder format. It may not be possible to show the
instructions in a ladder form.

Compile

When a program is completed, a full program check is performed and object code is produced.
In addition to allowing the inclusion of multiple programs in a PLC, CX-Programmer also allows all programs

to be compiled at the same time. Individual programs can also be selected and compiled separately. Use the
following procedure to compile programs.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Compile PLC Programs button from the toolbar. Alternatively, select the
Compile Program button from the toolbar to compile one program.

A dialogue is displayed showing the compilation status. The results are shown in the Compile tab of the Output
window.

Note: For a CS/CJ-series PLC, a check is made for duplicates of SBN, MCRO and BPRG numbers.

The checks that are performed during compilation can be set by selecting Program Check Options option from
the PLC menu. The Program Check Options dialogue is displayed.

It is possible to choose between three levels of checking (‘A’ is the most strict, ‘C’ is the least strict), or to
define a custom set of checks. Select the appropriate Check Level setting.

For the Custom setting, the Checks field is enabled, allowing each individual check to be set or cleared. The
scroll bar reveals further checks. Select the OK pushbutton to complete the operation. Select the Cancel
pushbutton to abort the operation.

Memory View

Use the Memory View to check the amount of Used and Free program memory in the PLC together with the
Total program memory size of the PLC. To show the correct amount of the program memory sizes of the

connected PLC, upload the program from the PLC in advance.
The program memory sizes of CS/CJ series PLCs will be shown in Steps and Words for other PLCs.

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Mnemonic Program Editing

The mnemonic view of a program allows mnemonic instructions to be typed directly. This feature is for
advanced users who wish to bypass the more str uctured programming available in the Ladder program.

Select the View Mnemonics button from the toolbar. The Mnemonics view is displayed in the
Diagram Workspace.

Whenever mnemonic instructions are entered, the Ladder program of the program is updated. When a complete
rung has been formed by the entered mnemonics, CX-Programmer normalises the new mnemonics and redraws
the rung.

It is possible that during the entry of the mnemonics, the rung can not be drawn in ladder form. In this case, it is
shown as a statement list box on the Ladder program.

In order to enter a comment for a rung into the Mnemoni cs view, enter the charact er ‘`’ followed by the text.
This type of comment must go at the start of a rung’s mnemonics.

In order to enter a comment against a ladder element, enter a comment statement following it - enter the
characters ‘//’ followed by the text.

In order to e nter a rung annotati on (unattached co mment), enter the instruction t ype ‘A’ follo wed by the text.
This type of comment must be at the end of a rung’s mnemonics.

Working On-line

CX-Programmer permits the connection of the PLC to the computer through the project, and
subsequent additional features once the PLC is ‘on-line. Select the Work On-line button from
the toolbar to connect to the PLC.

Auto Online to a PLC

When maintaining a PLC, CX-Programmer can start monitoring the program of the connected PLC with a
toolbar button, after CX-Programmer is started. A PC must be connected to a PLC.

Use the following procedure to go on-line to the PLC automatically.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Auto Online button from the toolbar. A dialogue is displayed showing the

PLC type and the network settings of the connected PLC, which CX-Programmer is
searching. When CX-Programmer successfully finds the PLC information, it
automatically goes on-line and transfers all the data from the PLC, for example,
programs, expansion function (if available), PLC settings, IO table (if available), symbol
tables and comments.

2. Select the Select Serial Port option from the PLC Auto Online menu to change the serial

port when Auto Online. The default serial port is set to COM1 .

Work Online to a Simulator

A program can be monitored or debugged by using a simulator rather than co nnecting to a PLC.
Use the following procedure to go on-line to a simulator.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Program object in the project workspace to display the Ladder program in the
Diagram Workspace.

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2. Select the Work Online Simulator button from the toolbar. The simulator starts and
CX-Programmer goes on-line. The Download Options dialogue is displayed allowing
individual components to be selected for transfer to the PLC, for example, programs, PLC
settings, IO table, symbol tables, and comments.

Note: When a program is on-line to a Simulator, the program will not be able to connect
to a PLC and other programs will not be able to go on-line to this Simulator.

Note: CX-Simulator must be installed to operate this function. CX-Simulator is
supported for CS/CJ-series PLCs.

3. Set the settings as required and select the OK pushbutton. The items that can be
downloaded vary according to PLC series.

Select the Work Online Simulator button again to go offline with the Simulator.
Select the Exit Simulator option from the PLC menu to close the simulator.

PLC Operating Mode

The PLC can be set to one of four operating modes: Progra m, Debug (for CV-series PLCs only), Monitor and
Run.

♦ Program Mode. In this mode, the PLC does not execute its program/s. It is used to download

programs/data.

♦ Debug Mode. This mode is available on CV-series PLCs and enables basic debugging of user programs.
♦ Monitor Mode. This mode allows a running program to be edited and monitored while connected during

development. On-line editing must be performed in this mode.

♦ Run Mode. This mode sets the PLC to execute the current program as a live operation. This mode is

generally use d fo r fi nal t est i n g, a ft er a p r ogr a m ha s b ee n thoroughly te st ed a nd d e bu gge d . CX -P r ogr a mmer
cannot write to the PLC while it is in this mode.

Some software operations are possible only in certain modes.
Use the following procedure to change the PLC operating mode.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object from the project workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed:
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

3. Select the Program Mode button, the Debug Mode button, the Monitor Mode button or
the Run Mode button from the toolbar.

Monitor in RungWrap

Monitor in RungWrap allows you to monitor long rungs, which exceeds the right bus-bar, in the length of the
initial position number of the right bus-bar.

This function is used when CX-Programmer is on-line. While online-editing rungs, the RungWrap will be
released and after online-edit is finished, the rungs will be shown as RungWrap again.

CX-Programmer should meet all the following conditions of monitoring rungs in RungWrap.

♦ M onitor in RungWrap menu is toggled ON.
♦ Sho w right bus-bar is checked ON (in Options dialog).
♦ The number of Initial position (cells) is set to more than three (do not set Expands to widest rung) in

Options dialog.

♦ The length of rungs in the diagram is exceeding the right bus-bar.
♦ CX-Programmer is online to a PLC.
♦ The program is shown as Ladder diagram (not in Mnemonics view or shown as Statement List).
♦ No error is found in the program. (Left bus-bar is not shown in red.)
♦ The program is not online-editing.

Note: When the right bus-bar is not displayed or the number of initial position of the right bus-bar is

less than two, programs cannot be monitored in RungWrap.

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Use the following procedure to show the rungs in RungWrap.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object from the project workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed:
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

3. Select the Mo nitor in RungWrap button from the toolbar. The rungs are cut into the size
of the right bus-bar and arranged to show long rungs in the view.

Programming On-line

Once a program has been created and the project and PLC settings are satis factor y, the PL C can be co nnected to
allow on-line operations to be performed.

It is usual to have the PLC running i n Monitor mode while using on-line editing functions. On-line editing is
not possible in Run mode.

Use the following procedure to program whilst on-line.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workplace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar (see note). A confirmation message is
displayed: select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC. The icon in the project
workspace changes. The background colour of t he Ladder program changes to show that
it is now an editable area.

3. Select the On-line Edit Rungs button from the toolbar. The selected area is compared
against the same area on the PLC to ensure that they are the same. On-line edit cannot
continue until the versions are identical. More t han one rung can be selected by keeping
the left-mouse button depressed and dragging the mouse over the required rungs.

4. T he background colour of the selected rungs changes to show that it is now an editable
area. Whilst surrounding rungs cannot be edited, they or indi vidual items within these
rungs, can be copied into the editable area.

Note: If a checkmark has been placed by Prohibit the onlin e operations until the PC and PLC data

matches, the following Online Action dialog box will appear so that you can select either

verifying or transferring data will be displayed.

• If Compare with PLC is selected, the program will be verified between the CX-
Programmer and the PLC before going online.

• If Transfer from PLC is selected, the program will be uploaded from the PLC

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before going online.

• If Transfer to PLC is selected, the program will be do wnloaded to the P LC before
going online .

On-line editing can now take place, as it would be accomplished offline. T he final END instruction cannot be
edited on-line.

Once normal editing is completed, select the Send On-line Edit Changes button from the
toolbar. The changes are committed to the PLC. If the changes are successful, the edited area
of the Ladder program returns to read-only mode.

The on-line edit can be cancelled at any point prior to committing the changes by selecting the
Cancel On-line Edit Changes button from the toolbar. The program is restored to prior to
starting on-line editing.

Select Go to on-line edit rung to go to the top of the on-line editing rung.

Working on rungs while the PLC is connected, and being able to easily change the program is one of the
quickest ways to complete and check a project. With the PLC running in Monitor mode it is possib le to make
changes as if the PLC were not connected. The difference is that once a rung has been completed, it can be
downloaded to the PLC while the program is running.

When performing on-line editing, all rungs must be complete and valid before they can be transferred, whereas
in offline editing, an invalid rung and program can be saved at any time.

Uploading Program/s from the PLC

A program can be uploaded from the currently connected PLC into the open project. All associated program
data (for example symbol details and IO table) are uploaded.

Use the following procedure to transfer a program from the PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed;
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

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3. Select the Transfer from PLC button from the toolbar. A warning dialogue is displayed
indicating that the current program in the project is overwritten.
The Upload Options dialogue is displayed allo wing individual components to be selected
for transfer from the PLC, for example, programs, expansion functions (if available),
memory allocation, settings, IO table and memory.

Note: It is possible to upload a single program or section for online-editing, if section

markers have been included in the program. When a single section has been uploaded, it
can only be online-edited, or copied to another, complete program.

Note: It is possible to load symbol definitions from the PLC, if it has a file-card

(CS/CJ/CV P LCs), file memor y or comment memor y. Loading symbo ls from comment
memory is for backward compatibility with the OMRON SSS package: the symbols
contained in the memory will be unnamed, global symbols.

Note: When Start Auto Decompiling is checked CX -Programmer automatically starts to

decompile after uploading the program from the PLC.

4. Set the settings as required and select the OK pushbutton.

5. The Uploading dialogue indic ates the success (or not) of the transfer operation. Any

errors are written to the Error Log. Select the OK pushbutton to complete the operation.

Downloading Program/s to the PLC

Programs can be downloaded to the PLC from the project when the PLC is in Program mode. If the PLC is not
already in this mode, CX-Programmer changes the mode automatically.

Use the following procedure to transfer a program to the PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Wor k On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed;
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

Select the Transfer To PLC button from the toolbar. T he Download Options dialo gue is
displayed allowing the download of programs, settings and IO table individually or
together.

Note: It is possible to save symbol definitions to the P LC, if it has a file-card (CS/CJ/CV

PLCs), file memory or comment me mory. Saving symbo ls to comment memor y is for
backward compatibility with the OMRON SSS package: only global symbols without
names are downloaded.

3. Set the settings as required and select the OK pushbutton. The items that can be

downloaded vary according to PLC series.

The program is compiled and then a confirmation dialogue is displayed. The Ladder program is greyed-out,
preventing any further editing. The operating mode and the cycle time of the task is displayed in the status bar.

It is not possible to download a single program or selection of programs to the PLC – all programs are
downloaded together. However, any programs which have ‘unassigned’ tasks (set in the progra m properties)
will not be included.

Cancelling the program Transfer

While transferring a program to or from a PLC it is possible to cancel the transfer by clicking the Transfer
button. However depending on when the button is pressed different functionality will occur.

If the Cancel button is pressed before or during the Memory Clear phase the memory clear will be completed
but the data transfer will not take place. If the button is pressed during the Transfer phase the transfer will be
stopped and the PLC memory will be cleared. The transfer will not be completed.

Comparing Programs

The project PLC program data can be compared with the data inside the PLC.
The following comparisons may be performed, depending on PLC type:

♦ Program step number and instructions;
♦ PLC data;
♦ Expansion Instruction Table (CQM1, C200HE, C200HG, C200HS and C200HX only);

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♦ UM allocation data (CQM1, C200HE, C200 HG, C200HS and C200HX only).
Use the following procedure to compare programs on the computer and on the PLC.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed;
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

3. Select the Compare with PLC button from the toolbar. The Compare Options dialogue
is displayed allowing comparisons of programs, settings and IO table individually or
together.

4. Set the settings as req uired and select the OK pushbutton. The items that can be

downloaded vary according to PLC series.

Details regarding comparisons between computer and PLC programs are displayed in the Compare Result dialog
box.

The results of verification can be saved to a file in CSV format.
Two methods can be used to display the comparison results.

• Overview display: Program lists are displayed of the compare programs.

• Mnemonic display: The specified progra m is displayed in mnemonic form with differences displayed in colour.

The comparison results are displayed by section and mnemonic, including added instructions. You can also
jump from the mnemonic comparison results to the corresponding position in ladder view. The comparison
results can be saved in a file by selecting Save As fro m t he File menu in the Compare Result dialog box. If the
file is saved from the overview display, the comparison results for all programs will be saved in CSV format. If
the file is saved from the mnemonic display, the comparison results for the currently displayed program will be
saved in CSV format.

The following abbreviations will be displayed between program addresses and mnemonics and will be in the
CSV file.
*: Mismatch, D: Difference, M: Moved, N: Missing

Transferring Programs, Symbols, Comments and Index
to and from File / File-card

It is possible to write a combination of program code, program comments and symbol definitions to a set of files.
It is possible to read these files back.

If a file-card can be attached directly to the computer (via a PCMCIA controller, for example), then it can be
used as a disk device like a floppy drive, and files may be directly transferred with it.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the PLC object in the project workspace.

2. Select the Transfer/To File or Transfer/From File options from the PLC menu. O r
select Load Comment/Program or Save Comment/Program options from the File
menu. A dialogue is presented which allows the filename/s to be set or browsed. Choose
whether to include Programs, Comments, Symbols or Index in the transfer on this
dialogue.
For programs, a short Comment may also be given for inclusion in the file.

Note: When loading comments, text within the program comments (for the project’s PLC) are

overwritten. When loading symbols, the local and global symbols for the PLC and programs
are first emptied.

If the file-card cannot be attached directly to the computer

When the file-card cannot be attached to the computer, it is possible to transfer comments and symbols to the
PLC file-card directly using the Transfer to PLC option above. To write the program to the file-card, use the
above steps to produce the program file on one of the computer’s disks. It is then possible to transfer the file
between the disk drive and the file-card on a PLC using the CX-Server memory-card compone nt – please refer
to the CX-Server PLC Tools user-manual.

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Program Monitoring

Program monitoring allows the power flow of a PLC program to be displayed whilst the PLC program is
running. Power flow is displayed by a thic k line across items in the Ladder program that currently have power
flowing thr ough them.

Note: The data from several PLCs can be monitored at the same time. Ensure t he program has been

downloaded and the PLC mode set to Monitor.

Use the following procedure to monitor a program.

1, 2, 3…

1. Select the Program object in the project workspace to display the Ladder program in the
Diagram Workspace.

2. Select the Work On-line button from the toolbar. A confirmation message is displayed;
select the Yes pushbutton to connect to the PLC.

3. Select the Monitor Mode button or Run Mode button from the toolbar. Monitoring can
only be accomplished in these PLC operating modes.

4. Select the Toggle PLC Monitoring button from the toolbar to start monitoring power
flow in the Ladder program.

5. Select the Toggle PLC Monitoring button from the toolbar to stop monitoring.

Note: The PLC Monitoring function can be activated whilst in Mnemonic s view.

The display format for the present values of operands of special instructions when monitoring
on the Ladder Section Window can be selected from the following data types. The same
display format must be used globally. To select the display format, click the desired button or
select Monitoring Data Type from the View menu. data.

• Decimal

• Signed Decimal

• Monitor in Hex

The default display formats will be as follows if none of the ab ove display formats is selected.

• Named symbol will be monitored in the symbol data type.

• Unnamed symbol will be monitored in the operand data type.

• Two-word operations, such as for the MOVL instruction, will be monitored in 2-word
hexadecimal.

• For present values displayed in formats other than hexadecimal, “D” is attached for 2-word
data and “L” is attached for 4-word.

Pause Monitoring

Pause Monitoring is an online function that allows the nor mal monitorin g displa y to be frozen at a po int in ti me,
so that the logic of a program can be examined. The pause can be triggered either manually or by a trigger
condition.

Note: Due to the speed at which a PLC operates and the slow speed of some network

communications, a trigger condition on a PLC may not always be found, especially if the
trigger condition is a transient and only occurs for brief moment in time.

Use the following procedure to Pause monitor a program.

1, 2, 3…

1. To enable pause monitoring, first select 'PLC Monitoring', so that monitoring is working
normally.

2. Select a range of rungs that are of interest to monitor. This is necessary to allow the
monitoring to be as fast as possible (the less values to monitor, the faster the data can be
obtained through communication with the PLC).

3. Select the 'Pause Upon Trigger' command. This will present a dialogue allowing the

choice of trigger. Select either Manually or Triggered.