AB-Plot V. 1.x Software Manual
USER MANUAL
(Catalog Number 1492-PLOTSOFT B)
2
Table of Contents
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
INSTALLING PLOTTER SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
INSTALLING GENERIC PRINTER DRIVER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
AN INTRODUCTION TO PLOTTER SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . 17
STARTING THE PLOTTER PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CALIBRATING THE PLOTTER PLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
THE MENU BAR OF THE INPUT SCREEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
THE AUTOFILL FUNCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
EDITING MARKER CARD CONFIGURATIONS . . . . . . . . . 30
The Import and Export of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
TEXT ORIENTATION AND PLOTTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The Output Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
PLOTTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
EDITING BLOCKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SUPPORT AND UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SYMBOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
LIST OF SHORTCUTS AND FUNCTION KEYS . . . . . . . . . . 40
DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
THE GRAPHAB.GDM CONFIGURATION FILE . . . . . . . . . 42
THE ABPRINT.INI INITIALIZATION FILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
List of Figures
Download AB-Plot Software Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
File Download Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Save As Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The “User Information” Source Directory Dialogue Window . . . . . . 7
The “Choose Destination Location” Directory Dialogue Window . . 8
The “Select Program Folder” Target Directory Dialogue Window . . . 8
Selecting “Add a Printer” in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Add Printer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Selecting a Local Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Selecting a Printer Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Assigning the Generic/Text Only Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Naming the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Not Sharing the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Not Printing a Test Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Completing Add Printer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Found New Hardware Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Found New hardware Wizard-Installing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Browse for Folder Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Found New Hardware Wizard-Installation Process Options . . . . . . 17
Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Starting the AB-Plot Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Plate Location Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Marker Card Format Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Plate Location Window with Marker Style Assigned . . . . . . . . . 19
The Input Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Plot Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Plotter Settings Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Plotter Plate Calibration Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The Input Screen After Selecting a Marker Card Type . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Direction of Labelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Autofill Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
The Marker Card Configuration Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
The Import Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Importing Tables Created in Microsoft Excel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The CTRL + V Fill Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The CTRL + SHIFT + V Fill Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The Export Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Different Ways of Labelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Configuring the Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Configuring the Default Plotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
The Plot Preview Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
INSTALLATION 5
INSTALLATION
Before installing the Plotter Software, make sure that your system complies
with the following requirements.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• Personal computer with at least an 80486 processor
• Minimum RAM 8 MB
• Microsoft™ Windows 95 or later
• CD Drive
• Hard drive with at least 50 MB space available
• Windows-compatible mouse
• Screen resolution 640 x 480, 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768
• Open parallel communications port or USB port
INSTALLING PLOTTER SOFTWARE
The following procedure assumes that you have already installed the Windows operating system and are familiar with the basic principles of it. If this
is not the case, you should refer to the Windows User's Handbook.
Note: The screenshots correspond to Windows XP.
Installation/Update procedure (Online):
Use the following instructions to download the application.
1. Go to: http://www.ab.com/industrialcontrols/products/
terminal_blocks_and_wiring/marking_systems_access/abplot.html
INSTALLATION 6
2. Click the Download ABPlot
Software (Version 1.00 - 8.13
MB) link.
3. When the “File Download”
window pops up, click Save.
Figure 1 Download AB-Plot Software Link
Figure 2 File Download Window
4. When the “Save As” window
appears, choose the location
that the download will be saved.
Keep the location simple, as
you will need to find the file
later.
Figure 3 Save As Window
INSTALLATION 7
5. Once the file has saved to the specified location, find the file and
double-click on it. This will start the installation. If any pop-up window
appear asking if you would like to run the application or questioning
security, click “OK” or “Yes.”
Installation/Update procedure (from CD):
Use the following instructions to install the application from CD.
1. Start Windows.
2. Insert CD in the disk drive.
3. Close all other applications and click on "My Computer". Activate the
CD drive.
4. The installation procedure
begins and in the AB-Print
dialogue window prompts you
to enter your name and your
company.
Figure 4 The “User Information” Source Directory Dialogue Window
INSTALLATION 8
5. You are prompted to enter the
drive or path to store the
source files. After doing so,
select Next.
6. Finally, the Setup Program
displays the message that the
installation has been
successfully completed. Should
you have any questions or
encounter any problems, please
refer to Support and Updates
for further advice.
Figure 5 The “Choose Destination Location” Directory Dialogue Window
Figure 6 The “Select Program Folder” Target Directory Dialogue Window
INSTALLING GENERIC PRINTER DRIVER
The plotter software requires that a generic printer drive be installed on a
parallel or USB printer port for your computer.
The following procedure assumes that you have already installed the Windows operating system and are familiar with the basic principles of it. If this
is not the case, you should refer to the Windows User's Handbook.
This procedure shows screens from Windows XP. Earlier versions of windows will have a similar procedure, but the screens may look different.
INSTALLATION 9
Installation/Update Procedure Using a Parallel Port:
Use the following instructions if you intend to connect with a parallel port. For
USB port instructions, please refer to USB Port Instructions on page 14.
For Windows XP:
1. Click on Start, then select
Settings, then Printers and
Faxes. A similar window is
visible:
2. This brings up the “Add Printer
Wizard”:
Select Next.
Figure 7 Selecting “Add a Printer” in Windows XP
Figure 8 Add Printer Wizard
INSTALLATION 10
3. Select Local, then Next. Figure 9 Selecting a Local Printer
4. Select the parallel port for the
plotter (typically LPT1) then
Next.
Figure 10 Selecting a Printer Port
INSTALLATION 11
5. Select Generic/Text Only
driver, then Next.
Figure 11 Assigning the Generic/Text Only Printer Driver
INSTALLATION 12
6. Name the printer. It has been
named “Generic/Text Only” in
this example. Select the
printeras a default. Select Next.
7. Do not share the printer. Select
Next.
Figure 12 Naming the Printer
Figure 13 Not Sharing the Printer
INSTALLATION 13
8. Do not print a test page. Select
Next.
Figure 14 Not Printing a Test Page
9. Select Finish. Figure 15 Completing Add Printer Wizard
Now the printer driver has been assigned to the parallel port.
INSTALLATION 14
USB Port Instructions
Use the following instructions if you will use a USB port to connect the
printer.
1. Connect the printer to the computer via the USB port. A similar
window will appear.
2. Select “No, not this time.” and
click Next.
Figure 16 Found New Hardware Wizard
INSTALLATION 15
3. Select “Install from a list or
specific location (Advanced).”
Click Next.
4. A new pop-up will appear. Go
to the location of the AB-Plot
software and select the
“USBDRV” folder. Click OK.
Figure 17 Found New hardware Wizard-Installing Software
Figure 18 Browse for Folder Window
INSTALLATION 16
5. In the “Found New Hardware
Window,” the wizard will
automatically put in the
location of your software as a
search option. Click Next.
6. Once the wizard has finished
installing the driver, click
Finish.
Figure 19 Found New Hardware Wizard-Installation Process Options
Figure 20 Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard
AN INTRODUCTION TO PLOTTER SOFTWARE
These instructions guide you step by step to start PLOTTER SOFTWARE
and calibrate the plotter.
To do this you must have:
• Installed the AB-Plot software correctly
• Connected the Plotter to the computer correctly.
INSTALLATION 17
STARTING THE PLOTTER PROGRAM
Start the program by opening the START menu, and navigating to:
Programs/ABPLOT/AB-PLOT
Note: The first time you open the
software, you may be asked “Would
you like to install the sub program for
long file names support?” Select Yes.
Installing this program allows the user
to assign file names longer than 8
digits.
1. Double-click on the plate
location for the first marker
card and select the type of
marker you require from the
list.
Figure 21 Starting the AB-Plot Software
CALIBRATING THE PLOTTER PLATE
Figure 22 The Plate Location Window
INSTALLATION 18
2. Select OK in order to call up
the Input Screen.
3. Double click on the highlighted
plate location to display the
Input screen.
Figure 23 The Marker Card Format Window
Figure 24 The Plate Location Window with Marker Style Assigned
4. The screen now contains a
representation of the Marker
Card you have selected. The
current marker, bottom left, is
shown highlighted. Type an X
on the 4 markers in the corners
of the marker card.
Figure 25 The Input Screen
INSTALLATION 19
5. Install a pen in the lower left penholder of the plotter. Install the
appropriate marker card in the respective plate location.
Hint: You can avoid wasting marker cards during this calibration by
taping a clear transparency over the entire marker card.
6. Next, select the "File" menu,
then "Plot..." or press the
button on the toolbar ; the
Plot window then appears
(make sure that the Plotter is
switched on and loaded with
the appropriate Marker Card).
7. Click on the "Settings..."
button; the settings for the
default plotter window will
open, at which point you may
set various plotter settings.
Note: Refer to Figure 27 The
Plotter Settings Window
(Parallel Port Connection) if
you connected using a parallel
port.
Refer to Figure 28 The Plotter
Settings Window for Default
Plotter (USB Connection) if
you connected using a USB
port.
Figure 26 The Plot Window
Figure 27 The Plotter Settings Window (Parallel Port Connection)
INSTALLATION 20
Figure 28The Plotter Settings Window for Default Plotter (USB Connection)
8. Select the appropriate device type.
9. In order to calibrate the plotter, select the Adjust ref. point . . . button.
This will bring up the Reference Point Adjustment window.
INSTALLATION 21
10. To move the plotter arm to the
calibration cross at the upper
left corner of the plotter plate
fixture, do either of the
following:
a. Click on the arrow buttons
on the computer screen.
b. Click on either of the
numbered boxes, then press
Enter on your keyboard. To
make adjustments, either use
the arrow buttons on the
computer screen or type in a
different number.
TIP
Use transparent
tape to avoid
marking the plate.
Figure 29 The Plotter Plate Calibration Window
The pen should make a mark at the center of the cross of the plotter plate
fixture. If this mark is not exactly on center, adjust the Horizontal and Vertical
values until the mark is centered on the crosshairs. (Note: 1 plotter unit = 25
µm = 0.001 inches)
11. Press “Plot Reference Point” to verify calibration
12. Select “Accept” to close the plotter plate calibration window after
calibration
13. Press “Accept” to accept the plotter settings. Verify that all settings are
accurate.
14. Select OK from the Output Window (Figure 26), then select continue
from the Plot Preview Window. The plotter will now plot an X on the 4
corner markers. If the X is not centered on the markers, repeat steps 6 through 9,
but adjust the calibration point such that it is off-center of the crosshairs to an extent
to compensate for the off-center dimension.
15. Once the X plot at the center of the 4 corner markers, the system is
calibrated and you are ready to plot on markers.
16. Exit the Input Screen by selecting "File", then "Close...". Exit the Plate
Location Window by selecting "File", then "Close...".
THE INPUT SCREEN 22
THE INPUT SCREEN
Double-click on a marker card location in the Plate Location Window
(see Figure 22), then select a Marker Card Type. This brings up the Input
Screen.
Figure 30 The Input Screen After Selecting a Marker Card Type
The scroll buttons (located in the lower left corner of the screen) will bring
the marker card from another plotter plate location (locations 1-5) to view.
In particular, each scroll button will bring about another marker card as follows:
1 2 3 4
1. Marker Card configured in first location (location 1) of the Plotter Plate.
2. Marker Card configured in previous location of Plotter Plate.
3. Marker Card configured in next location of Plotter Plate.
4. Marker Card configured in last location (location 5) of the Plotter Plate.
T
HE INPUT FIELD
Enter data into the first marker by typing the desired information on the
keyboard. The text appears on the marker and in the text field of the formatting bar (next to the font size).
After loading the Input Screen (Figure 25), the marker on the bottom left of
the Marker Card is highlighted. This is the first marker. (Example: marker 1
in project 1 is the start marker in the figure below.)
The sequence of labelling is illustrated by means of the numbers 1-20
shown next.
THE INPUT SCREEN 23
Figure 31 Direction of Labelling
There are three ways in which you can index to another marker in the
marker card:
1. By means of the ENTER key, the user moves to the next marker within
a row. At the end of a row, the user moves to the first marker in the next
row.
2. By means of the cursor keys, the user moves one marker up, down, left
or right each time.
3. By clicking with the mouse, every individual marker can be directly
selected.
Note: As described above, the cursor keys move to another marker. However, after pressing the function key F2, these keys can be used to move
within a text field in order to revise a text at the appropriate position. Pressing F2 again or ENTER, restores the original functions of the keys.
A second line of text may be entered on a marker by pressing "Ctrl +
ENTER ".
The text entered in the text field may sometimes exceed the maximum number of characters possible on a marker. If the text shown on the marker is
beyond the marker edges, it will not plot properly. Take care not to enter
text which is too large, too long, or has too many lines of text.
Choosing a smaller font size will permit more characters to be written on a
marker (see EDITING BLOCKS for further details).
THE INPUT SCREEN 24
T
HE MENU BAR OF THE INPUT SCREEN
File
New Opens the
Marker Card format window for choosing a new Marker Card.
Open Opens an existing document.
Save (Shortcut: Ctrl + S) Saves the current document under its file name. In the case of a document
which has not yet been saved, the standard dialogue field "Save as..." appears automatically.
Save as Loads the standard dialogue field "Save as..." for saving the current document with path
details.
Close Closes the Input Screen and returns the user to the Plate Location Window.
Import (Shortcut: Ctrl + I) Opens a window for importing various data formats from CAD/CAE pro-
grams. The following formats can be read at present:
Eplan 4.1 terminal file *.wek
Eplan 4.1 cable file *.wec
Eplan 4.1 connection file *.wea
Eplan 4.1 ancillary equipment file *.wes
Ansi *.ans
UNIVERS/UNIPRINT *.mak
CAE33 *.els
MP data *.mpd
Ver. data *.ver
Text *.txt
Comma Separated File *.csv
For Microsoft Excel import see Importing data and working with Microsoft Excel
Other formats can be added upon request. Please contact our ServiceLine for further information.
Step 1: Select the desired start marker.
Step 2: Open the Import dialogue window and select the appropriate filter from the "File for-
mat" list.
Step 3: After confirming the selection with "OK", the data is imported into the document
starting at the current marker position.
Step 4: If the imported marker data exceeds the labelling area of the Marker Card, then the
next Marker Card is automatically written. If this has not yet been configured, then AB-Plot
uses the last Marker Card type specified.
Export (Shortcut: Ctrl + E) Opens a window for exporting AB-Plot data in other data formats
(.TXT).
Plot (Shortcut: Ctrl + P) Opens the "Plot" dialogue window.
Exit Closes AB-Plot
Note: The following menu, "Edit", can also be called up within the Input
Screen as a pop-up menu. It appears at the position of the mouse pointer after
pressing the right mouse button.
THE INPUT SCREEN 25
Edit
Undo (Shortcut: Ctrl + Z) Reverses the last action
Reverse data of marked rows (Shortcut: F9) First, highlight a row of markers (e.g. 1,2,3,4). Next, select this
function. This reverses the markers to read (4,3,2,1)
Increase Current Value (Shortcut: Ctrl + N) If the value of a marker is a number n, this command will
label the next marker with a value equal to n + 1
Duplicate Value (Shortcut: Ctrl + D) This function copies the value of the current marker into
the next marker
Cut (Shortcut: Ctrl + X) Copies the data of the highlighted marker to the clipboard
and deletes the marked area
Copy (Shortcut: Ctrl + C) Copies the data of the highlighted marker or area to the
clipboard
Paste (Shortcut: Ctrl + V) Inserts the data from the clipboard onto the Marker Card
starting at the position of the current marker. In doing so, texts on markers
already used are overwritten
Paste with project fields (Shortcut: Ctrl + B) Inserts the data from the clipboard with project field onto
the Marker Card starting at the position of the current marker. In doing so,
texts on markers already used are overwritten
Multiple paste (Shortcut: Ctrl + M) Opens an input window in which the user can enter the
number of repetitions required of the data in the buffer. In this case too, the
data is inserted starting at the current marker of the Marker Card. In doing so,
texts on markers already used are overwritten
Insert copied markers (Shortcut: F5) Inserts the markers from the clipboard at the current position of
the Marker Card, but in contrast to the normal paste command does not overwrite existing data but instead displaces it further down the Marker Card
Search & replace (Shortcut: Ctrl + F) Opens the dialogue box "Search & replace". This function
locates a given text and replaces it with another. The procedure can be performed automatically ("Replace all") or manually ("Replace..."). The area of
the search can be selected by means of the options buttons
The “Searc-h and Replace” Dialogue Box
Current Marker Card: searches through the Marker Card currently shown
Complete document: searches through all the frames of the document opened
Clear: Opens a cascade menu with the following entries
All: Deletes both the text and the formatting information of the marked area
Text: Deletes the text of the marked area
THE INPUT SCREEN 26
Format Deletes the formatting information of the marked area
Clear Marker Card (Shortcut: Shift + Del) Deletes the text and formatting information of the
whole Marker Card. The user is prompted to confirm the delete command
before it is carried out
Clear marked project field(s) Deletes the project fields marked
Note: This is the only way to do this!
Mark all (Shortcut: Ctrl + A) Marks the whole Marker Card
Markers Insert: Empty markers are inserted into a Marker Card which is already writ-
ten. The markers already written are not deleted but displaced to allow insertion of the new ones.
Delete: This command deletes not only the labelling but the markers themselves as well. Unwritten markers automatically close up the gap left by the
deleted markers
Autofill (Shortcut: F8) Opens the Autofill window for quick and easy writing
Project fields (Shortcut: F4) This menu point is used to write or delete the information field
in each row
View
Horizontal Displays the Marker Card horizontally.
Ve rt ica l Displays the Marker Card vertically.
3D-look Displays the Marker Card with a perspective presentation.
Zoom Opens a cascade menu with the entries 200%, 150%, 100%, 75% and 50%. This function can be
used to enlarge or reduce the view of the Marker Card depending on the entry selected.
Font
Bold Sets the text attribute bold for the highlighted area of the Marker Card
Italic Sets the text attribute italic for the highlighted area of the Marker Card
Alignment Opens a cascade menu with the entries left, center, right and top, vertical center, bottom. These
commands allow the user to stipulate the position of the text in the highlighted area of the Marker
Card. The same functions are also available in the icon bar.
Orientation This allows the orientation of the text on a marker to be specified (see Text orientation and Plot-
ter for further details). The orientation applies to a highlighted marker or area. Text can be posi-
tioned at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°. The menu point "0°" corresponds to the "normal" orientation.
The 90°, 180° and 270° rotations are all counterclockwise. The same functions are also available
in the icon bar.
Window
Document No. # Allows selection of open documents.
THE INPUT SCREEN 27
Options (available in Card Edit view only)
Multiple lines Switches the highlighted area to the multiple line mode.
Single line Switches the Highlighted area to the single line mode.?
Help (Shortcut: F1) Calls up the AB-Plot help routine.
About Shows a dialogue box with information about the program
T
HE AUTOFILL FUNCTION
THE AUTOFILL WINDOW
Figure 32 The Autofill Window
The Autofill window is opened when in the Input Screen the entry "Autofill..." is selected from the "Edit" menu or function key F8 is pressed.
This makes a number of marking functions available to the user which can
be used to generate the consecutive numbering systems often employed
when labelling electrical equipment (e.g. terminal blocks: X1.1, X1.2,
X1.3,...; contactors: K1, K2, K3,...; PLC labels: E 0.1, E 0.2, E
0.3,... or A 0.1, A 0.2, A 0.3,...).
T
HE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTOFILL WINDOW
The Autofill window is divided into several sections which contain various
functions, options and input fields.
THE INPUT SCREEN 28
Input The extent of the labelling is specified here. The given values refer to the
marked area.
Start value Any numerical value with which the labelling is to begin.
End value Any numerical value with which the labelling is to finish
Prefix One or more alphanumeric characters added before the number
Suffix One or more alphanumeric characters added after the number
Block Another numeral which allows a block-type allocation of the labelling text. This figure defines the
start value for the block-type allocation.
System
Decimal 0-9 The start value must lie between 0 and 9. The decimal system is used for counting.
Examples: step=1
step=1
? start value=2, end value=8 ? sequence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
? start value=8, end value=2 ? sequence 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
Octal 0-7 The start value must lie between 0 and 7, i.e. octal notation.
Hex 0-F The start value must lie between 0-9 and A-F, i.e. hexadecimal notation.
Alphanumeric An alphanumeric character can be entered in the base section. Alphanumeric characters are, for
example, 1, 2, 3,...7, 8, 9 or a, b, c,...x, y, z or A, B, C,...X, Y, Z, whereas, for example, 11, 123
or aa, abc or AA, ABC are not (these are character strings). Entering an upper- or lower-case
letter means that the following values are also upper- or lower-case letters.
Example 1: step=1
value=B, end value=X
Example 2: step=1
value=b, end value=x
Character
string
PLC This mode is used when the markers are to be provided with PLC-type labelling. When activat-
Several alphanumeric characters may be entered in the Source section. Only an entry in the
"Start value" field is possible; all the other fields in the Source section are inactive. Every highlighted marker is provided with the same text. Examples of character strings: 1234 or abcd or
ABCD or 1a2Bd3.
ing this option, the program provides an example of how PLC (Programmable Logic Control)
labelling is arranged.
? start value=X, end value=B ? sequence X, W, V,...D, C, B step=1 ? start
? sequence B, C, D,...V, W, X
? start value=x, end value=b ? sequence x, w, v,...d, c, b step=1 ? start
? sequence b, c, d,...v, w, x
THE INPUT SCREEN 29
Options (This section provides the additional functions described below.)
Step Determines the mode of counting, i.e. the increment between successive values.
Example: step=1
Block step Determines the mode of counting for blocks.
Duplicate each value Specifies how many copies of one marker are produced (with the same text)
Duplicate sequence Specifies how many times a block is repeated.
Skip markers Specifies the number of markers to be skipped over before the next marker is labelled.
Example: step=1
Skip markers=0
Skip markers=1
? 1 2 3 4; step=2 ? 1 3 5 7
? start value=1, end value=4
? 1 2 3 4
? 1 2 3 4
Text
Add text Choosing this option adds the data (in the "Source" section) to existing texts. When
switched off, data entered in the "Source" section overwrites existing texts. This option
can be selected in any labelling mode.
Before existing text Characters are added to existing texts in the form of a prefix.
After existing text Characters are added to existing texts in the form of a suffix.
Project Fields
Prefix One or more alphanumeric characters added to the start value in the form of a prefix.
Row counter This number determines the value of the first field. Only numerical characters are possible.
Suffix One or more alphanumeric characters added to the start value in the form of a suffix.
Formatted Sequence
Left field The left-hand section of the formatting field applies to the block information. A number of
control characters are available for formatting.
Right field The right-hand section of the formatting field applies to the start to end value characters. A
number of control characters are available for formatting.
Clicking on the "OK" button executes the labelling functions which have
been selected. In addition, the values entered in the Autofill window are
checked for their validity. If the labelling area specified is invalid (e.g. the
end of a block lies before the start or the start/end value is missing), then an
error message appears. After acknowledging the error message, the user has
the chance to check the entries and make changes if necessary.
The "Cancel" button closes the Autofill window. No marking functions are
carried out.
THE INPUT SCREEN 30
Control Characters for Autofill Functions The following special characters may be used to execute user-defined num-
bering formats:
0 (zero) Results in a digit on the marker instead of a zero. If the resulting value at this position does
not contain a digit, then AB-Plot produces a zero.
If the start value is 1 and the end value 3, then entering 0#.00 in the formatting field results
in 01.00
# Results in a digit on the marker instead of "#". If the resulting value at this position does
not contain a digit, then AB-Plot produces a blank space.
If the start value is 1 and the end value 3, then entering # $ in the formatting field results in
1 $
, (1000s separator) Divides large numbers into blocks of three digits.If the start value is 1000000 and the end
value 1000003, then entering #,###,### $ in the formatting field results in 1,000,000 $
1,000,001 $ ? 1,000,002 $ ? 1,000,003 $ on the marker.
- (minus sign) Adds a minus sign to the number.
If the start value is 1 and the end value 3, then entering -# in the formatting field results in
-1
? 02.00 ? 03.00 on the marker.
? 2 $ ? 3 $ on the marker.
?
? -2 ? -3 on the marker.
+ (plus sign) Adds a plus sign to the number.
If the start value is 1 and the end value 3, then entering +# in the formatting field results in
+1
? +2 ? +3 on the marker.
%, $, etc. Adds the given sign to the number as a prefix or a suffix.
If the start value is 1 and the end value 3, then entering # % in the formatting field results
in 1%
? 2 % ? 3 % on the marker.
E
DITING MARKER CARD CONFIGURATIONS
THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE IF THE PLOTTER SYSTEM CANNOT BE CENTERED ON A GIVEN MARKER BY ADJUSTING THE
CALIBRATION POINT. THIS ACTIVITY WILL CHANGE THE .GDM
FILES IN THE COMPUTER PROGRAM. This may be necessary when
there are large fluctuations in humidity, which can affect the dimensions of
a marker card. Typically, only dimension 4 requires modification.
Figure 33The Marker Card Configuration Window
THE INPUT SCREEN 31
Close all marker cards before modifying the configurations.
The Marker Card Configuration window is called up from the Program
Screen via the "Edit Marker Card configurations..." command in the
"Options" menu. This window is used for configuring existing or new
Marker Card types and for a fast check of existing configurations.
Information The list (bottom left) contains all the Marker Card types contained in the GRAPHAB.GDM
configuration file. If you wish to edit an existing Marker Card type, then click on the
appropriate type and alter the details given in the various fields. To do this, click on the
respective field and use the spin buttons or enter the value directly via the keyboard.
Dimension 1-5 The dimensions 1-5 are to be specified in millimeters. The corresponding dimension is
shown in red in the diagram while being edited. A sketch of the dimensions is shown in the
configuration window.
Underlay This field shows the color of the spacer to be used for a given marker card.
Part number This field shows the catalog number of a given product.
Offset Value for a reference point compensation depending on the type of Marker Card
Marker Type This field provides information whether a marker is suitable for terminal blocks, wires,
devices or competitor products as well as additional information for the applicable products
for the selected marker.
Save The "Save" button enables you to overwrite the configuration file with the new values.
THE INPUT SCREEN 32
Close The "Close" button exits the Marker Card Configuration window. Any values which have
been altered are retained as long as the application remains in operation and are then saved.
Cancel The "Cancel" button closes the Marker Card Configuration window and ignores any
changes.
Important The values of the first list entry cannot be stored. This type of Marker Card assumes that a
Marker Card has already been selected.
The Import and Export of Data
Importing Data and Working wth Microsoft Excel
Figure 34 The Import Window
The import function is started by selecting "Import..." from the "File"
menu of the Input Screen. The import window then appears. This function
can be used to read in data from other applications, e.g. CAD/CAE programs, and enter this on the markers. The number of data formats that can
be imported has been extended; the following file formats can now be
imported:
Allen Bradley *.abp
Ansi *.ans
Eplan 4.1 terminal *.wek
Eplan 4.1 cable *.wec
Eplan 4.1 connection *.wea
Eplan 4.1 ancillary equipment *.wes
UNIVERS/UNIPRINT *.mak
CAE33 *.els
MP data *.mpd
Ver. data *.ver
Text *.txt
Comma Separated File *.csv
After selecting the file which is to be imported, the program prompts the
user for the number of repetitions. If the data is to be inserted several times,
then the markers with the same labelling are inserted in direct succession,
i.e. in the case of insertion twice: 1, 1, 2, 2,...
THE INPUT SCREEN 33
The import of data from programs like Microsoft Excel is also possible via
the simple copy function. To do this, the data is marked and copied in the
other application (e.g. in Excel with Ctrl + C) and then pasted directly into
AB-Plot from the clipboard.
Various options can be selected here in order to recognize/generate project
fields.
For example, if a two-column table is created in Excel and the marked area
of the two columns A and B is copied to the clipboard, then one of the following paste variations may be chosen.
Figure 35 Importing Tables Created in Microsoft Excel
Ctrl + V The copied columns A and B are recognized as marker texts
and entered in the sequence: 1996, Jan, space, Feb, space, etc.
The data is read from left to right, with returns as well. This
corresponds to the normal "Paste" command in the "Edit"
menu (see Figure 35).
THE INPUT SCREEN 34
Figure 36 The CTRL + V Fill Algorithm
Ctrl + Shift + V The first column of the table is taken as the project
field and empty markers are filled.
Figure 37 The CTRL + SHIFT + V Fill Algorithm
EXPORTING DATA
Figure 38 The Export Window
The export function is started by selecting "Export..." from the "File" menu
of the Input Screen. The export window then appears. One file format has
been added to the export function; files can now be exported in the following formats:
THE INPUT SCREEN 35
Tex t *.txt
In this format, project fields and marker data are exported together. If the
data to be exported is stored the program automatically opens another window with the designation "Export".
Note: When exporting from one marker format to a different format the
input text is not adjusted to the size of the marker.
T
EXT ORIENTATION AND PLOTTER
SPECIAL FEATURES OF PLOTTING AND SCREEN PRESENTATION
Figure 39 Different Ways of Labelling
The definition of the 0° orientation relates to a Marker Card in the vertical view with the project field at the top. Successive 90° rotations are all
made counterclockwise.
P
LOTTERFONT TYPEFACE
The default typeface, Plotterfont, is used for the on-screen presentation.
This font is added to the table of Windows fonts upon installing the program.
PLOTTING 36
PLOTTING
The plotting of markers and project information is carried out in the following steps:
1. A plot file with the values of the Plotter installed is created and saved to
the hard drive.
2. The plot file (print job) is sent to an output device.
Ensure the plotter plate has been calibrated prior to plotting.
The Output Window
Figure 40 Configuring the Output
The Output window is called up from the Marker Card or Input Screen by
selecting the command "Plot..." from the "File" menu, or by actuating
button in the toolbar.
This window indicates the plotter and port in use. The Project field contains a list of all the documents currently open. The document to be printed
can be determined by clicking on the file name.
The number of copies of a document which will print is selected in the Cop-
ies field by actuating the spin buttons.
Area
Complete document All Marker Cards are plotted.
Current Marker Card Only the current Marker Card is plotted.
PLOTTING 37
Highlighted marker Only highlighted markers are plotted.
Selected Marker Card Only selected Marker Cards are plotted.
You can configure the parameters of the plotter/printer by actuating the
"Settings..." button.
Pressing "OK" starts the plot output; "Cancel" exits the Output window
without starting the plot.
P
LOTTING
PLOTTER CONNECTION
The plotter is connected to the computer by means of a parallel or USB
cable. It is not necessary to set the plotter dipswitches for parallel operation
with a 1492-PLTKIT Series E plotter. However, when using the
1492-ABPLOT software with a 1492-PLTKIT Series C or D plotter, the
dipswitches must be reset as follows:
DSW1: DSW2:
1. Off 1. On
2. Off 2. On
3. Off 3. Off
4. Off 4. On
5. Off 5. On
6. On 6. Off
7. On 7. Off
8. On 8. Off
Please refer to you plotter handbook for further information regarding the
plotter connection.
P
LOTTING
The plot job file is sent to the appropriate output device with the help of the
generic text driver.
The advantage of this is that plotting takes place in the background under
the Windows Print Manager.
PLOTTING 38
Figure 41 Configuring the Default Plotter
The settings to be used with this type of output can be defined by actuating
the "Settings..." button after selecting the Plot option in the plot window.
Alias The Alias field can be used to give the output device its own individual name.
Device type Select the plotter type that is being used:
•1492-PLTKIT Series C, D
•1492-PLTKIT Series E
Device driver The Generic/Text only printer driver. If this is not in the list of drivers available, then
it must be installed from the Windows installation disk/CD.
Communication port Select the port to which the output device is connected.
Reference point Select the plate which was used to set the reference point for the current output device
(default Plate 1).
Pen selection/speed Select the plotter pen to be used and a suitable printing speed. Selecting No requires
the pen to be manually installed in the plotter arm (select No when using the
1492-PLOTADPT with a Sharpie
™Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker).
Marker border This option enables the user to draw a border around each marker. The radius
specifies the corner radius. This is useful when calibrating the plotter with a
transparency is placed over the marker card. Do not use this function without a
transparency in place, as this may damage the pen tip.
You can work with the software after entering these parameters. The settings are saved and only need to be readjusted if the configuration of the
device is changed.
Starting the output opens a further window, Plot preview. This shows the
marker card frame and all the colored spacers required. This window tells
you which marker card type is being processed.
Figure 42 The Plot Preview Window
PLOTTING 39
INFORMATION
T
HE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON
After highlighting a Marker Card area with the mouse (left button), pressing
the right button opens a pop-up menu containing the most important functions (Autofill, Cut, Copy, Paste, Multiple paste, Insert copied markers,
Delete, Insert cells, Delete cells, Import, Plot) used in the Input Screen.
Apart from the functions Import and Plot, all commands apply to the
marked area.
E
DITING BLOCKS
AB-Plot enables individual markers to be marked conveniently. This is
done by positioning the cursor on the first marker of an area to be highlighted, pressing and holding the left mouse button, pulling the cursor to the
last marker and then releasing the button. The grouping of markers is now
highlighted. Many commands from the "Edit" menu and most of the functions of the icon bars can be applied to the highlighted area. This allows the
user to quickly delete, copy, cut, shift or write (using the Autofill function)
on a group of markers.
PLOTTING 40
S
UPPORT AND UPDATES
Information service
You can access information about software and product updates by visiting
our website at:
http://www.ab.com/industrialcontrols/products
Our website contains information about products and allows you to download updates and other information.
Telephone hotline for users
If you have any questions regarding our products, then please contact:
Tel: 440-646-5800
E-mail: raictechsupport@ra.rockwell.com
S
YMBOLS
The software includes the ability to plot these special symbols:
Figure 43 Symbols
These special characters can be called up via the "Electrical symbols..."
function in the "Options" menu of the Input Screen. A dummy character
appears in the input field. Note that resolution of the symbols depends upon
font size.
L
IST OF SHORTCUTS AND FUNCTION KEYS
Function Shortcut, Function Key Availability
New
Ctrl + N Program Screen, Marker Card Screen
Open Ctrl + O Program Screen, Marker Card Screen
Save Ctrl + S Marker Card Screen, Input Screen
Import Ctrl + I Input Screen
Export Ctrl + E Input Screen
Function Shortcut, Function Key Availability
Plot Ctrl + P Marker Card Screen, Input Screen
Cut Ctrl + X Input Screen
Copy Ctrl + C Input Screen
Paste Ctrl + V Input Screen
Select all Ctrl + A Marker Card Screen
Mark all Ctrl + A Input Screen
Clear marker card Shift + Del Input Screen
Autofill functions F8 Input Screen
Multiple lines Ctrl + ENTER Input Screen
Help F1 During the whole application
D
EFINITIONS
PLOTTING 41
Block More than one highlighted marker.
Clipboard The clipboard can be used as an intermediate or temporary buffer for cutting, copying
or pasting marked Marker Card areas. It can also be used to transfer labelling data to or
from another program.
Configure This is the action of altering the Marker Card dimensions with the help of the Marker
Card Configuration window.
Configured
Marker Card field A single click switches this Marker Card back to the selection mode, provided that the
Marker Card does not yet contain any information. A double-click opens the Input
Screen for editing the Marker Card.
Default format Standard text format for a selected Marker Card.
Document This is a labelling project, consisting of up to 16 plates, which is stored in a file under a
document name.
Empty Marker Card A Marker Card field can be switched to the selection mode by a single field click.
Format The text attributes bold, italic, horizontal and vertical alignment.
Icon buttons The icon (symbol) buttons are located in the toolbar and the formatting bar.
Import The loading of files of a format different than that of AB-Plot.
Marker A marker is a single tag in a Marker Card.
Marker Card in A single click terminates the selection mode. A double click opens the selection mode
Marker Card Format window for configuring the Marker Card.
Multiple lines Please see "Single and multiple lines"
PLC Programmable Logic Controller
Pop-up menu A menu which appears within the application window by actuating the right mouse
button.
Project field This is the outside rim (sprue) of a Marker Card which the individual markers are
attached to. Additional information may be written here which helps to allocate the
markers in the field afterwards. Note that some markers (1492-MR5X12, MR6X12,
MR8X12, etc.) cannot have their project fields plotted upon. Verify that project field is
available on the marker card before attempting to print on it. In some cases, more
proejct fields are shown for the software than are on the marker card.
Rapid Clicking on this field switches all Marker Card fields to the Selection configuration
mode and opens the Marker Card Format window.
Scroll bars The scroll bars are used to move the Marker Card around the screen.
Scroll buttons The scroll buttons have different functions in the Marker Card and Input Screens.
Corresponding explanations can be found in The Input Screen.
Shortcut Shortcut designates a key combination, mainly consisting of "Ctrl" and a letter. These
enable the user to execute program commands quickly with the help of the keyboard
(see section 5.5 List of shortcuts and function keys).
Single and multiple
lines
Multiple line mode is set as default.If the single line mode has been selected, then the
text which appears on the marker includes no line returns. In the multiple line mode, a
line return is generated by pressing Ctrl + ENTER.
Note: A text in multiple line mode can be converted to single line mode but the returns
are lost in doing so.
Status bar The status bar is located at the bottom edge of the screen. It shows program informa-
tion during the application. For instance, you can have the functions of the icon buttons
displayed without having to execute the command. To do this, click on an icon button
and hold down the left mouse button. The function of that button is now displayed in
the status bar. Pulling the mouse pointer clear of the button before releasing the left
mouse button will ensure that the function is not executed.
Too lb ar Symbol (icon) bar: a collection of icon buttons located along the top of the screen.
T
HE
GRAPHAB.GDM
CONFIGURATION FILE
All the Marker Card dimensions and supplementary information relevant to the program are
stored in the configuration file GRAPHAB.GDM. This file is in ASCII form and can be edited
with any word processing program. As some dimensions cannot be adjusted with the Configuration Editor, you have the option of modifying the Marker Card configuration file
Publication 1492-UM007A-EN-P - October 2006 Copyright ©2006 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.
PLOTTING 43
GRAPHAB.GDM directly in the AB-Plot installation directory.
Warning! Always make a back-up copy of the GRAPHAB.GDM file first
before making any changes. Even the most insignificant of modifications
can render all existing configurations useless. All dimensions in the file
must be divisible by 25.
NONE;0;0;0;0;0;0;0;0;0;0;16777215;000 000;0;0;Reset
1492-M3X5;5000;15480;3300;200;76000;10;18700;5300;240000;10;1674
4192;175 527;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M3X12;5000;15100;3500;35;76000;10;14775;12000;249000;12;167
44192;177827;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M5X10;5000;2350;4900;200;76000;12;14800;9800;249000;12;1674
4192;163 500;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M5X12;5000;2300;4850;250;76000;12;14750;12000;249000;12;167
44192;160 986;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M5X5;5000;7375;5075;0;76000;10;6865;4900;240000;20;16744192;
160 980;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M5X8;5000;2100;4850;270;76000;12;14775;7775;249000;12;16744
192;164 074;500;3;J-series, L-series;150;50;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M5X15;5000;2250;4900;225;76000;12;24750;15000;249000;8;1674
4192;1768090;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M6X5;5000;2600;5895;150;76000;10;6875;5150;249000;20;167441
92;160 982;600;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M6X10;5000;2300;5850;275;76000;10;14800;10000;249000;12;167
44192;160 990;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M6X12;5000;2300;5850;275;76000;10;14800;12000;249000;12;167
44192;160 990;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-M7X12;5000;4100;6150;250;76000;9;14780;12200;249000;12;1674
4192;160 992;500;3;J-series, L-series;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
1492-MC5X8;5000;7175;4950;175;76000;10;15000;8200;249000;12;1677
7215;167 714;500;3;WAGO, Phoenix, Entrelec, Telemecanique,
Wieland, Sprecher+Schuh;70;80;10;0;0;0;0;0
Data structure:
The following table explains the individual columns of the file. These columns are separated by a semicolon (;). Every line must be terminated with a
semicolon.
Dim. Description Fig.
1492-M5X10 Article designation of Marker Card
5000 Width of project field and Marker Card frame (µm) dim. 1
2350 Distance between Marker Card frame and first marker (µm) dim. 2
4900 Width of marker (µm) dim. 3
200 Distance between two markers (µm) dim. 4
76000 Total width of Marker Card (µm) dim. 5
12 No. of markers per row
14800 Distance between two project fields (µm) dim. 6
PLOTTING 44
Dim. Description Fig.
9800 Length of marker (µm) dim. 7
249000 Total length of Marker Card (µm) dim. 8
12 No. of rows per Marker Card
16744192 Decimal value of a color. This is identical with the color of
the underlay which is to be used when plotting. This decimal
value is calculated from the color proportions of the primary
colours (red/green/blue).
163 500 Article code for marker type
500 Y-offset from reference point. Height difference to set
reference point. A negative value shifts the reference point
upwards, a positive value shifts it downwards.
3 Marker type:
1 = Wire marker
2 = Device marker
3 = Terminal marker
... Remarks (e.g. plug-in marker for transparent sleeve)
Align project fields in X-direction
Align project fields in Y-direction
Specify font size for project fields (in points)
Specify font size for markers (in points)
Specify text orientation for Marker Card labelling
(0 =0°, 900 = 90°, 1800 = 180°, 2700 = 270°)
T
HE
ABPRINT.INI
INITIALIZATION FILE
The initialization file contains information which is necessary for the correct running of the program. Most of the parameters are automatically
updated by the settings in AB-Print.
The following parameters can be only adjusted in the initialization file. To
do this, open the file with the help of a text editor (e.g. MS Notepad, notepad.exe).
When you open, save, print, etc., data from various directories is used. You
can adjust the path details by means of the following parameters:
[PATH]
Path details of files required
HELP=C:\ABPRINT\ Path of AB-Print help file
SPOOLER=C:\ABPRINT\ Path for temporary file store
SFT=C:\ABPRINT\ASCII.SFT Path of ANSI/ASCII allocation file
SYMBOLS=C:\ABPRINT\ETSIGN.SYM Path of electrical symbols file
GRAPHGDI=C:\ABPRINT\GRAPH.GDI Path of initialization file
PLOTTING 45
[PATH]
Path details of files required
GRAPHGDM=C:\ABPRINT\GRAPHAB.GDM Path of Marker Card configuration file
SAVEDIR=C:\ABPRINT\DATA\ Standard directory for Save as...
OPENDIR=C:\ABPRINT\DATA\ Standard directory for Open...
IMPORTDIR=C:\ABPRINT\DATA\ Standard directory for Import...
EXPORTDIR=C:\ABPRINT\DATA\ Standard directory for Export...
It is possible to modify the pre set separating character for file import from
text files under the Terminator heading.
[TERMINATOR] Separating character for file import
DATA=, Terminator for marker data
PROJECT=; Terminator for project fields
The Standard file type (e.g. *.txt) can be adjusted under the Import heading.
[IMPORT]. DEFAULTEXT=txt File type
Publication 1492-UM007A-EN-P - October 2006 Copyright ©2006 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.
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