Book Image

Instant PLC Programming with RSLogix 5000

Book Image

Instant PLC Programming with RSLogix 5000

Overview of this book

RSLogix5000 is a user friendly IEC61131-3-compliant interface for programming the current generation of Rockwell Automation PLCs, which includes Ladder Diagrams (LD), Graphical Function Block Diagrams (FBD), Graphical Structured Text (ST), and Sequential Function Charts (SFC). Instant PLC Programming with RSLogix 5000 captures the core elements of PLC programming with RSLogix 5000 with a minimal investment of time. We will avoid getting into control theory and focus on condensing the information specific to RSLogix 5000. We have selected the key areas of RSLogix and provide a step-by-step approach to teaching them. This book start by follows the steps involved in creating a new RSLogix 5000 project and configuring racks, slots, and channels. Next, we will create routines using the various languages available in RSLogix 5000, troubleshooting and resolving issues we encounter along the way. Finally, we will dive into the advanced features, such as online changes, code generation, task management, and user-defined structures. You will also learn object-oriented PLC programming techniques using advanced features like user-defined types (UDTs) that improve the maintainability, uniformity, and readability of our routines. We also highlight the strengths and limitations of online changes and demonstrate techniques to maximize flexibility. You will learn everything you need to get up and running with RSLogix 5000 as well as best practices used by industry experts.
Table of Contents (7 chapters)

Exporting tags (Simple)


Exporting programs and tags is a handy way to generate reports on your RSLogix 5000 application and create a handle tag list for integration with an HMI.

Getting ready

In order to complete this recipe, you need an RSLogix 5000 project to export.

How to do it...

  1. Open your RSLogix 5000 project and navigate from the drop-down menu Tools | Export | Tags and Logic Comments.

  2. The Export window will allow you to choose a location on your computer to save the CSV file that is produced. Select a location on your computer and click on Save.

  3. The CSV file that was generated can be opened and viewed using MS Excel. Open the file using MS Excel and resize the columns to make the document easier to read.

How it works...

Exporting your project tags to a CSV file will allow you to share and manipulate the tags more easily.

There's more...

Often, when exporting tags from RSLogix 5000, your aim will be to modify them and re-import them into your program.

Importing programs

After exporting tags to a CSV file, you can also import them back into your project by navigating to the drop-down menu option Tools | Import | Tags and Logic Comments.

This makes it very easy to bulk-add tags using Excel or make changes to multiple tag descriptions.

Note

When importing tags, it is important to note that the import is "keyed" on the tag name. For example, if you make a change to a tag and do not change the tag name, the tag info will be updated. If you change a tag name and then import the tag list, that tag will be treated as if it were a newly added tag.