Omron CX-Programmer 9, Operation Manual

Page: 201 / 542

PART 1: CX-Programmer
OMRON CHAPTER 5 – Advanced Topics
CX-Programmer _Page 121
Note: The linkage between CX-Programmer and another application operates both ways. It is
possible for the other application to change the definitions of linked symbols, and to create
them. When CX-Programmer opens its project again, the ‘.CDM’ file is checked for any
changes made to the linked symbols within CX-Programmer. Optionally (depending upon the
PLC
Confirm Changes in Linked Global Symbols setting), each change is indicated and
confirmed. Any new symbols present in the linked file are also read into the PLC’s global
symbol table.
CX-Programmer stores the necessary PLC definitions inside the CX-Server file as well as the linked symbols.
Therefore, the other application also has a PLC object of the same name in order to share the information.
Note: When the name of a linked symbol is changed, the link to it in the other application is lost.
The name is used as the link between the definitions. The other application actually treats it as
a new symbol. Similarly, if the PLC name is changed, the linkage to its symbols is lost.
Importing and Exporting Symbols
CX-Programmer has the ability to import and export symbol definitions to or from another package, such as a
spreadsheet. The information is transferred in a text format, so it is also possible to use a word processor to
define a set of symbols and use them within CX-Programmer.
Exporting
Use the following procedure to export a set of symbol definitions to a spreadsheet or word-processor:
1, 2, 3…
1. Select a set of symbols in a symbol table, or select a complete symbol table from the
project workspace.
2. Perform a copy operation.
3. Activate the other application.
4. Perform a paste operation (this may be done differently according to the application, but is
generally done using the Paste command under the Edit menu).
Note: For the paste to work successfully, it may be necessary to indicate to the other application
what the format of the data is. See below for the format information.
Importing
Use the following procedure to import a set of symbol definitions from a spreadsheet or word-processor:
1, 2, 3… 1. Select the information in the source application - ensure that it is of the correct format (see
Information Format below).
2. Perform a copy operation.
3. Activate CX-Programmer.
4. Paste the information into the correct symbol table by either opening the table or pasting
when a symbol table is selected in the project workspace.
Note:
If errors are encountered in the information when pasting symbols, a dialog is shown which
allows the information to be modified. This dialog lists all symbols in the information that
contain errors (i.e. Symbol with invalid names or invalid addresses). Each symbol may be
modified or removed from the list before retrying the operation.
Importing Network Symbols
CSV files can be used to import network symbols created on the Network Configurator. The Network
Configurator is the software application used to set data links in EtherNet/IP networks.
Procedure:
1. Select the symbol table and then select Insert – Import Network Variable from the menus.
2. Select a network tag file that was saved from the Network Configurator.
Information Format
The information is in a tabbed format of text.