5
Commissioning with the FCT
Festo – EXCM-10/-30-...-E-EN – 1612b – English
35
5.3
The Festo Configuration Tool (FCT)
5.3.1
General information
The Festo Configuration Tool (FCT) is the software platform for configuring and commissioning different
components and devices from Festo.
The FCT consists of a framework and a device-specific plug-in.
FCT framework
The FCT framework serves as a program start and entry point with uniform project and data manage
ment for all supported types of equipment.
Detailed information on working with projects and adding a device to a project can be found in the Help
on the FCT framework.
Select it in the Menu [Help] [General contents of FCT].
FCT plug-in
An FCT plug-in supports the device-specific performance of all necessary steps for commissioning of a
device. The plug-ins are managed and started from the framework. The necessary parameterisations
can be executed offline, i.e. without connecting the device to a PC/laptop. This makes it possible to
prepare commissioning in the office, for example.
Further information can be found in the relevant plug-in help:
Select it in the Menu [Help] [Contents of installed plug-ins] [Festo] [EXCM].
In order to use the entire Help or parts of it independently of a PC, you can also print
these out.
1. Click in the Help window on the “Print” button.
2. Select the desired topics in the “Print topics” dialogue.
5.3.2
Installation of the FCT
For commissioning, both the FCT framework and the FCT plug-in of the controller must be installed.
The FCT is installed on your PC/laptop with an installation program.
You will find the files needed for installation on the accompanying data storage medium.
First install the FCT framework and then the FCT plug-in EXCM.
Note
The FCT plug-in EXCM V 1.0.0 supports controllers with firmware version V1.0.0.x
Check whether an updated FCT plug-in is present (
è
www.festo.com).
Attention: A newer FCT plug-in might no longer support the firmware version of the con
troller.
5.3.3
Starting the FCT
After installation of the FCT software on your PC/laptop, you can start it in two ways.
Double click on the FCT icon on your desktop.
Select the entry [Festo Software] [Festo Configuration Tool] in the start menu from the list of pro
grams.