Omron CX-Programmer 9, Operation Manual

Page: 200 / 542

PART 1: CX-Programmer
CHAPTER 5 – Advanced Topics OMRON
CX-Programmer _Page 120
Using CX-Programmer with Other Applications
CX-Programmer can be utilized effectively with other applications within the Microsoft Windows environment.
Converting Projects
It is possible to convert data from other applications to CX-Programmer. A file conversion utility is provided
with CX-Programmer that allows files from other packages to be converted to a CX-Programmer project.
SYSWIN, CVSS, SSS and SYSMAC-CPT projects can all be converted to CX-Programmer projects. The
simplest way to convert a project is to start CX-Programmer, select
Open from the ‘File’ menu, change the
‘Files of Type’ combo to point to the appropriate project type (e.g. ‘SYSWIN 3.x Project (*.SWP)’ for
SYSWIN 3.x projects) and then navigate to the appropriate (SYSWIN) project to be converted.
Alternatively, the following procedure can be followed to run the converter manually for other project types.
1, 2, 3… 1. Activate the File Conversion Utility from the Start pushbutton on the Microsoft Windows
taskbar.
2. Select Import from the File menu. The Select Import File dialog is displayed.
3. Choose the file type that is to be imported in the Files of type field.
4. Select the file that is to be converted from the File name field.
5. Select the Open pushbutton to open the file. Select the Cancel pushbutton to abort the
operation.
The conversion process begins. Depending upon the file type chosen, messages or choices may appear. Follow
the instructions on the screen.
A CX-Programmer project is created, usually with the same name as the original file, but with the file extension
of ‘CXT’ (the text version of the CXP file type). This can be opened from within CX-Programmer as normal,
ensuring that the
Files of type field within the Open CX-Programmer File dialog is set to ‘CX-Programmer Text
Files (*.cxt)’.
It is possible to show details of the available converters by showing the File Conversion Utility’s About dialog.
This lists the converters – details of a converter can be displayed by selecting the
Info pushbutton, after first
selecting a converter.
Sharing Symbols
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 synchronized.
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.
Use the following procedure as an example of how particular symbols are linked between CX-Programmer and
a fictional SCADA application
AppX .
1, 2, 3… 1. In CX-Programmer, create a new CX-Server file through the Project Properties dialog.
This ‘.CDM’ type file will hold the definitions of all linked symbols. Refer to Chapter 3
Project Reference for further information.
2. For each symbol required to be shared, set its Link the definition to the CX-Server file
setting. Only global, named symbols can be shared.
3. Save the project. At this time, the CX-Server file is created with a copy of the definitions
of the shared symbols.
4. In AppX , a similar process is followed, linking the CX-Server file to its CX-Server project
file. When the CX-Server project is then opened, the shared symbols are loaded into its
symbol definitions.
5. Whenever linked symbols are changed within CX-Programmer and the project is saved,
the CX-Server file is updated. When AppX opens its CX-Server project again, its
definition of the changed symbols is updated.