[New Load Screen Trigger Action - "Clicked"?]

I'm certain that UniLogic will improve dramatically over time, just as VisiLogic did. I'm also certain they are listening to their user base, otherwise I wouldn't bother being here.

[New Load Screen Trigger Action - "Clicked"?]

True, Ofer, but here is the problem:

 

UniLogic is supposed to be easier than VisiLogic, but if I want to make a simple momentary contact pushbutton in UniLogic, that would only require linking the bit to the touch property in VisiLogic. In UniLogic it can take more than 20 steps! Here they are:

 

1) Click on object

2) Click on Actions (Collection)

3) Click Add New Action

4) Click Action "Set Bit" (may already be there)

5) Click Tag

6) Click Tag Name Box

7) Start typing Tag Name

8) Click Tag Name

---8a) If Tag is an Array, click again to drop down array (more clicks or scrolling depending on the size of the array, etc)

---8b) Click on correct array member

9) Click Trigger

10) Click Pressed

11) Click Add New Action

12) Click Action "Reset Bit"

13) Click Tag

14) Click Tag Name Box

15) Start typing Tag Name

16) Click Tag Name

---16a) If Tag is an Array, click again to drop down array (more clicks or scrolling depending on the size of the array, etc)

---16b) Click on correct array member

17) Click Trigger

18) Click Released

19) Click Close

 

When I have a project with numerous buttons of this type - something that is very common - I have to waste my time with hundreds upon hundreds of these ridiculous steps, each of which can be prone to a mistake. Further, there is no easy way to do a quick check of the actions to make sure they're correct, since they are hidden behind the "(Collection") box. A simple "While Pressed" selection, in addition to the "Clicked", "Pressed", & "Released" selections would at least cut this unnecessary burden in half.

 

Perhaps I should post this in the We're Listening Forum Topic, but I really think this is a problem. If there's something simple I'm missing, I sure would like to know it. -Thanks.

[ASCII String to MI?]

Assuming I need to convert String To Numeric, what the heck is the 3rd entry ("C") labeled "Factor"?

 

By the way, there is absolutely nothing I can find in the Help file about any of this.

[ASCII String to MI?]

I have a UniStream 7 that will be a MODBUS TCP/IP slave to a V1210. There are a few ASCII strings that are entered on the UniStream that need to be sent to the V1210. In the MODBUS slave setup on the UniStream, ASCII is not allowed. So, what do I need to do with this? Convert the String to numeric first? If so, what's the best way to go about this so that all the data arrives at the V1210 intact and in the correct order? I am sending 8 ten character strings over to the V1210.

[Question about VisiLogic Install]

Thanks, Ausman. That's pretty close to the procedure I've stumbled upon that seems to work okay. The problem arises when I go long periods without an upgrade and forget all the steps.

[detecting actual and previous screen]

Use a TON timer to trigger setting a bit. Then use that bit as an Action to load the screen you want.

[New Load Screen Trigger Action - "Clicked"?]

That's interesting. I had hoped that it was a momentary contact switch (i.e. bit is ON while the button is pressed and OFF when not pressed, eliminating the necessity of having to assign SET on Pressed and RESET on Released).

[New Load Screen Trigger Action - "Clicked"?]

There is a feature in the latest version of UniLogic that I hadn't noticed before. Within Actions / Load Screen, you can select "Pressed", "Released", or "Clicked". The first two are self-explanatory, but what is "Clicked"? I can find nothing on this in the Help file.

[Two levels in one Tank]

Well, that's a distinctly more challenging problem and will require some ladder logic to work. You'll need to understand the maximum and minimum levels that are possible with the water and oil. Then, I would place two bar graphs immediately one above the other with the water & oil colors on the bottom graph and the oil and empty space colors on the top graph. This will not work if both water and oil can independently range from 0% to 100% of the tank volume.

 

If the above won't work and you can illustrate with, say, 20% steps, then you can generate 25 bitmaps with all the possible combinations and select them with "List of Images by Pointer".

 

Maybe there's a better way, but that's what I have to offer off the top of my head.

[Jazz PLC]

I'm in the Dallas, TX area, but I can probably help you with something like this remotely if you can't find anyone local. I am certified with Unitronics, have written a program almost exactly like this for a Samba PLC, and have a lot of experience with Jazz. If you want to discuss specifics, PM me or reply to this message and I'll provide my contact info.

[Latching Buttons]

I use arnie's method. Just be sure that if you also need to toggle the bit within the ladder that you use Set and Reset, not a regular direct coil.

[Jazz PLC]

What would you like it to do?

[Two levels in one Tank]

Just place two different bar graphs on top of the tank graphic, side-by-side, or whatever configuration pleases you.

[looking for someone to write a small "starter" program for me]

What would you like it to do?

[Struct members and Data Table columns reordering]

Yes, but if you copy a DT function block from another project with an identical (appearing) DT, but the columns were inserted differently, then the FB will not refer to the correct columns.

 

The problem is that the Data Tables use addressing that is not visible to the programmer. VisiLogic seems to indicate that the name of the column is the address pointer, but it is not.

[Struct members and Data Table columns reordering]

Unfortunately, this same type of problem also exists in VisiLogic.

[VisiLogic Timers]

Thank you, cantcliff.

[VisiLogic Timers]

I actually like the way Unitronics has distilled down all the possible timer types to 3 basic ones for simplicity. I haven't yet run across something I couldn't do with the 3 basic timers provided, however I have a simple question. What I need is a Delay timer that has an accumulated functionality (i.e. I want the timer to accumulate instead resetting each time it is activated). The issue I have is that when the timer finally does expire, I want it to reset at that point (a TA doesn't do that). A positive transition of the timer bit activating the timer reset function works fine (see below), but the compile always gives me this warning: "To improve performance, use Normally Open/Closed contacts instead of positive/negative transition contacts." I guess I can use a normally open contact since it will only be on for one PLC cycle, but why do I get this warning?

 

  TA1       TA1

--| P |-----( R )

[Question about VisiLogic Install]

I have a number of versions of VisiLogic installed on my computer and switch between them with Version Swapper. It works well, but if I have a problem with one of them, it is difficult to re-install that version. The install utility does not give the user any opportunity to select a specific folder to install into. It will overwrite a specific folder that only it knows. How can I know which folder it will install to or how can I direct the installer to install to a specific folder?

[seperate excel folders from same plc?]

What communication protocol are you using between the server and the 3 remote V280s?

[seperate excel folders from same plc?]

By the way, I don't think changing the IP address requires a power cycle either. You can one-shot the TCP/IP Card Init block with the new address at any time.

[seperate excel folders from same plc?]

Nice!

[looking for someone to write a small "starter" program for me]

What would you like it to do?

[VNC Closing Randomly]

Also try checking the "256 colors (less traffic)" box.

[Edit Data Table from HMI screen]

There are many ways to access and modify data table elements. The best way will depend on your particular application. There is a lot of detail in the help file and there are examples provided under the Help drop-down menu. If you are still having difficulty after going through the help files, you are welcome to PM me with specific questions and I will try and help.