TwinCAT outputs aren't working

[lindagn1]

I am trying to load a new Beckhoff PLC with existing code that was written by a coworker. I would ask the coworker how to do it but he's no longer with the company. Anyway, I have loaded the configuration file and the code. I am using TwinCAT software and using Beckhoff PLC CX1100.

I can see the inputs fine but I can't toggle the output bits. Do I need to map the output bits to the hardware? I thought that the existing congifuration file has that information saved? If I go into the System Manager, I can see the list of outputs if I collapse CX1100-KB.

I'm still new to PLCs and I'm learning as I go. Is there a procedure out there with steps on how to load PLC software onto the PLC? Perhaps I am missing a step in loading existing software? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KineticaRT]

I think the problem may be that you need to have the PLC in run or free run mode (not configuration mode) to get the outputs to change state.

There are a few getting started tricks that, once you know them make things abit easier. I have recently completed a very large Beckhoff TwinCAT system (7 x CX1020s, motion control, safety terminals). Things do get easier once you're over the first hurdles.

Also there are some videos on utube (search google for twincat videos).

You might be interested to join the TwinCAT Developers Group on Linkedin:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1860933&trk=hb_side_g

Simon Hedges, KineticaRT

 

[KineticaRT]

Here are some usefull guides provided by our UK Beckhoff agent Hayes Control Systems. These documents helped me when I was starting out.

http://www.kineticart/downloads/Getting_Started_with_TwinCAT_System_Manager.pdf

http://www.kineticart/downloads/Getting_Started_with_CX1000.pdf

http://www.kineticart/downloads/Mapping_TwinCAT_PLC_Variables_to_IO.pdf

http://www.kineticart/downloads/Configure_the_TwinCAT_IO_System.pdf

http://www.kineticart/downloads/Creating_Boot_Projects_in_TwinCAT.pdf

Simon Hedges, KineticaRT

 

[lindagn1]

Thanks, for all the helpful links. I ended up copying the compact flash of another already loaded PLC and everything worked fine. I noticed that the MAC ID had also copied over, but I don't believe that will cause any hiccups.

The strange thing is, the same files (.tsm and .pro) were used to load both PLCs. I wasn't sure if I had to change something in the OS?

I'll read over the PDFs and hopefully get more information on loading a new PLC.

Thanks again for all the helpful documents.

 

[KineticaRT]

Cloning a PLC OS/confgiguration is an area that I'm not that familiar with.

We had to have a spare PLC in our 7 PLC sysetm but it had to be useable with different code sets. I asked our Beckhoff Technical Support whetehr we could just copy and keep 7 spare Compact Flashes and the said no - but maybe this was a Microsoft/TwinCAT licensing issue.

If you do clone the CF you may wish to change the IP address if the two PLCs are to be used in the same domain. The IP address is stored in the CF I'm sure.

I'm surprised that the MAC ID was copied across as I thought that would be in the ethernet firmware - but I've never confirmed this. MAC ID is printed on the PLC I think so I thought it was fixed. EthernetRT connection might be worth checking if you're using it.

Please do consider joining us at the TwinCAT Developers Group on Linkedin. There are currently 47 members specifically interested in TwinCAT (and I'd lke to make it 50 soon!!):

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1860933&trk=hb_side_g

Regards
Simon Hedges, KineticaRT

 

[lindagn1]

The links above appear to be broken. Can you verify the links?

 

[lindagn1]

Never mind...I figured it out. It was missing ".co.uk" in the links above. Thanks again for your reply.

 

[KineticaRT]

Sorry, it works from my PC but maybe only because I'm automatically signed in to Linkedin.

If you contact me via the email address at

http://www.kineticart.co.uk/Contact.asp

I'll send you an invitation to join the group.

You could alternatively go to

http://www.linkedin.com

and Search Groups (drop down list at top of page) for twincat.

Thanks
Simon

 

[KineticaRT]

I am so sorry to have wasted your time - I hacked the URLs rather than pasting them.

I guess that the Linkedin link probably does work?

Regards
Simon

 

[lindagn1]

No worries. I was able to download the PDFs and I'm planning on reading them over in the next few days.

The LinkedIn link worked great - I just joined your group. I hope to have more time in the next several weeks to participate.

Thanks again,
Linda