VI

SOFTWARE
MANUAL
SILOGIC: UTILITIES
V230-21-G23 Rev: 3:00
RE
AL
IES
Rev: 3:00
The information in this document reflects products at the date of printing.
Unitronics reserves the right, subject to all applicable laws, at any time, at its
sole discretion, and without notice, to discontinue or change the features,
designs, materials and other specifications of its products, and to either
permanently or temporarily withdraw any of the forgoing from the market.
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infringement. Unitronics assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in
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SD Cards
1
Table of Contents

About Utilities ........................................................................................ 2
VisiLogic: Internal Utilities ....................................................................... 2
SD Cards ................................................................................................... 2
Data Tables .............................................................................................. 48
String Library ........................................................................................... 65
Web Server .............................................................................................. 72
Trends ..................................................................................................... 78
Alarms ..................................................................................................... 85
Information Mode ..................................................................................... 87
Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC ....................................................... 92
Creating Project files (Clone files) ............................................................... 98
PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control ........................................................... 1
Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities ................................................... 8
SD Card Suite ............................................................................................. 8
Remote Operator ...................................................................................... 16
Remote Access ......................................................................................... 20
UniVision Licensing .................................................................................... 41
VisiLogic Version Swapper ............................................................................ 1
DataXport .................................................................................................. 1
UniOPC Server .......................................................................................... 14
UniDDE .................................................................................................... 37
Implementing DDE .................................................................................... 42
Creating the Excel file ................................................................................ 43
PID Server ............................................................................................... 47
SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities
About Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
About Utilities
Vision controllers offer a broad range of utilities.
VisiLogic offers internal, built
Standalone Software Utilities are
downloaded from http://www.unitronics.com/Content.aspx?page=Downloads
VisiLogic: Internal
SD Cards
Enhanced Vision controllers support
sized SD cards; V130, V350 and V1070 support micro SD cards. In the V570
series, the slot is located at the top of the controller; in V130, V350 and V1070
the slot is located on the right side.
What can I do with an SD card?
"Clone" a complete PLC,
elements.
SD Ladder Functions
and PLC memory operands, including
Trend data.
Store Alarms History on SD.
Use Information Mode or
OS firmware and compressed VisiLogic
operand values to/from an SD card, and to backup and even completely
'clone' a PLC.
Use Unitronics' SD Card Explorer, included in the SD Card Suite, to
transfer SD files from PLC to PC
card, send files via email attachment.
View and execute files on the PLC display via the HMI element
Browser.
Host complex Web pages using the program in the .zip file located at:
http://www.unitronics.com/data/uploads/communication/WebServer.zip.
Use the tools in SD Card Suite to:
- Format the SD Card.
- Convert, view, and read/write the data to/from PC.
- Export that data to Excel or as an .csv file.
- Remotely view, open, copy, or delete SD c
Ethernet.
This standalone software is available from:
http://www.unitronics.com/Content.aspx?page=Downloads
a broad range of utilities.
built-in utilities.
ilities are developed by Unitronics. They
/www.unitronics.com/Content.aspx?page=Downloads
al Utilities
lers support SD cards. The V570 supports standard
V350 and V1070 support micro SD cards. In the V570
d at the top of the controller; in V130, V350 and V1070
e right side.
ard?
PLC, via Information mode or via SD Clone Ladder
ns enable you to read/write data between an SD Card
perands, including blocks of file data, D
ry on SD.
ode or SD Clone Ladder elements to upload/download
ompressed VisiLogic Applications, Data Tables, and
from an SD card, and to backup and even completely
Card Explorer, included in the SD Card Suite, to
om PLC to PC--or, if the PLC comprises an Ethernet
email attachment.
iles on the PLC display via the HMI element
pages using the program in the .zip file located at:
ics.com/data/uploads/communication/WebServer.zip.
Card Suite to:
rd.
d read/write the data to/from PC.
o Excel or as an .csv file.
pen, copy, or delete SD card files via serial, CANbus, or
tware is available from:
ics.com/Content.aspx?page=Downloads
SD Cards
2
y may be freely
ge=Downloads
orts standard-
s. In the V570
V350 and V1070
Clone Ladder
en an SD Card
Data Tables, and
load/download
Tables, and
ven completely
Suite, to
an Ethernet
ment SD
e located at:
WebServer.zip.
erial, CANbus, or
ds.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 3
Note
Previous to the year 2008, controller models V570, V130, and V350
were produced with stickers covering the SD slots. In order to use the
SD slot, peel off the sticker.
VisiLogic V7.00 and OS versions OS 1.3.00 and up support SD Cards.
OS versions 2.23 and higher support SDHC (SD High Capacity) cards.

Use fast SD cards from a reputable manufacturer with a capacity of at

least 1G.

The PLC supports SD cards with a single partition, which may be

equal to the capacity of the card.
Before you begin: SD Card Suite
First, you must download and install the SD Card Suite from the Downloads
page at http://www.unitronics.com. The Suite contains the SD Card Manager
and utilities you must have to work with an SD card.
Before you insert the SD card into the PLC, you must connect the card to your
PC and format it according to the instructions in the SD Card Manager.
This formatter embeds the necessary framework, creating a folder structure on
the SD card; when the application writes data to the SD, it will write it to the
appropriate folder.
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
4 VisiLogic: Utilities
The SD Card Manager also contains a calculator which reports how long your
application will take to fill the card to capacity. Run this before you insert the
card.
To insert the card, slide it into the slot and lightly press it until it clicks into
place. This click engages the spring that holds the card. To remove the card,
press it lightly and release; the spring pops the card up.

SD and Information Mode
When you enter
Information Mode and
select SD, you see buttons
representing all available
categories of data that can
be downloaded to the SD
and uploaded to the
controller. Press a button,
and then select upload or
download. You can use
these features to back up
applications and values,
transfer operand and Data

VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Tables between
controllers--even to clone
a complete PLC application
including data.

In all cases, you first select
the category of data, and
then the direction of the
action, Download to SD or
Upload to PLC. After this,
follow the on-screen
directions.

Note
You can only download data to an SD Card that is guarded with a
password. Information mode requests the password before carrying
out the operation. The only exception is Firmware.
Information Mode Actions
Note
These actions have parallel Ladder functions: SD Clone functions.
Firmware You can download an OS to the SD card; the extension of the
resulting file will be:
V130: .O13
V350: .O35
V570: .O57
You can download either Application or Application + .vlp from the PLC to the
SD card; the extension of the resulting files will be:
V130: .V13
V350: .V35
V570: .V57
You can upload these applications from the SD card to the
Mode.
You can also create V13, .V35, and .V57 files via VisiLogic, by selecting Project>
Create Project flies. You can then store them in this folder, and install them via
Information Mode>Application> Upload to PLC, or via the SD
Application If you select this category, and download the application to
SD, the application will not include an editable upload image
-even if the application in the controller was downloaded
including the Burn Upload option.
Application
+ .vlp
Note that you can only select this category if the application
in the controller was downloaded including the Burn Upload
option.
If you select this category, and download the application to
SD,the application includes an editable upload
if you use Information Mode to upload the application to a
PLC, you can upload the application to VisiLogic for editing.
Data Table If you use Information Mode to download a Data Table from the
PLC to an SD Card, it creates a single .fdt f
n
ct
r
ownload data to an SD Card that is guarded with a
rmation mode requests the password before carrying
on. The only exception is Firmware.
have parallel Ladder functions: SD Clone functions.
download an OS to the SD card; the extension of the
g file will be:
30: .O13
50: .O35
70: .O57
r Application or Application + .vlp from the PLC to the
of the resulting files will be:
pplications from the SD card to the PLC via Information
.V35, and .V57 files via VisiLogic, by selecting Project>
an then store them in this folder, and install them via
ation> Upload to PLC, or via the SD Clone functions.
select this category, and download the application to
he application will not include an editable upload image
if the application in the controller was downloaded
ing the Burn Upload option.
that you can only select this category if the application
controller was downloaded including the Burn Upload
n.
select this category, and download the application to
e application includes an editable upload
use Information Mode to upload the application to a
you can upload the application to VisiLogic for editing.
Information Mode to download a Data Table from the
SD Card, it creates a single .fdt file in this folder. This
SD Cards
5
arded with a
before carrying
ne functions.
xtension of the
the PLC to the
via Information
electing Project>
nstall them via
one functions.
e application to
le upload image-
downloaded
f the application
he Burn Upload
e application to
d image. Then,
pplication to a
gic for editing.
Table from the
this folder. This
SD Cards
6
file copies the entire Data Table section from the PLC's RAM
memory--
When you upload the .fdt to the PLC, it overwrites the entire
Data Table section
Operand If you download operand data from the PLC to an SD Card, it
takes all of the current operand values and creates a single file;
the extension of the resulting file will be:
V130: .D13
V350: .D35
V570: .D57
If you upload this to the PLC it overwrites all PLC operand data.
Cloning The process described below
PLC, if both support SD cards. The process takes all of the
data: the Ladder control program (including an upload file if
this option was selected at download) the HMI application
including fonts and images, the OS, com
including data, webserver definitions, String Library, and all
operand values.
Note
must be identical.
1. Insert a
clone.
2. Enter Information mode.
3. Select the SD option.
4. Select Clone, then Download to SD. The PLC will create a
Clone file containing the OS, the HMI and Ladder
applications, all operand values, Data Tables and their
values, web s
V130: .C13
V350: .C35
V570: .C57
Note that you can also open these files with VisiLogic, and
edit the application.
5. Remove the SD card, and insert it into another PLC of the
same model.
6. Select Clone, then Upload to P
installs the clone application
You can also create .Cxx files via SD Clone Functions, or in
VisiLogic, by selecting Project> Create Project files. You can
then store them in this folder, and install them via Information
Mode, or via th
the entire Data Table section from the PLC's RAM
all 120k.
upload the .fdt to the PLC, it overwrites the entire
e section
wnload operand data from the PLC to an SD Card, it
f the current operand values and creates a single file;
sion of the resulting file will be:
30: .D13
50: .D35
70: .D57
oad this to the PLC it overwrites all PLC operand data.
cess described below enables you to effectively 'clone' a
oth support SD cards. The process takes all of the
e Ladder control program (including an upload file if
on was selected at download) the HMI application
g fonts and images, the OS, complete Data Tables
g data, webserver definitions, String Library, and all
values.
The SD Card password and the Clone File password
identical.
ert a formatted SD card into the PLC you want to
ne.
er Information mode.
ect the SD option.
ect Clone, then Download to SD. The PLC will create a
ne file containing the OS, the HMI and Ladder
lications, all operand values, Data Tables and their
ues, web server settings, fonts, HMI images.
30: .C13
50: .C35
70: .C57
e that you can also open these files with VisiLogic, and
the application.
move the SD card, and insert it into another PLC of the
me model.
ect Clone, then Upload to PLC; Information Mode
alls the clone application
also create .Cxx files via SD Clone Functions, or in
c, by selecting Project> Create Project files. You can
re them in this folder, and install them via Information
r via the SD Clone functions.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
PLC's RAM
es the entire
n SD Card, it
es a single file;
operand data.
fectively 'clone' a
es all of the
upload file if
application
Data Tables
brary, and all
File password
you want to
LC will create a
Ladder
es and their
ages.
th VisiLogic, and
other PLC of the
tion Mode
ctions, or in
files. You can
via Information
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
SD Card: Folders and File Types
The following figure shows the folders that are created by SD Tools. These
folders may contain the files described below.
Folder
Alarms
DT
EXCEL
Log
SdBLocks
System
Types
ws the folders that are created by SD Tools. These
files described below.
r Purpose
ms If a PLC contains an SD card, the PLC
application comprises Alarms, and Log to
History is selected in the Alarms
Configuration, the PLC stores Alarms in a
.ual file in this folder.
Note that SB 352 SD: Write Alarm History to
SD (OFF by default) must be turned ON.
This can contain two kinds of files:
.fdt - When a user uses Information
Mode to download a Data Table from
the PLC to an SD Card, it creates a
single .fdt file in he main DT folder.
.udt - The Ladder function DT to SD
creates .udt files and saves them in this
folder, or in one of four sub
Note that the main DT folder and
subfolders DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 can
each contain 64 files, for a total of 320
.udt files.

EL The Ladder function Create Delimited Line
pulls PLC data, including text strings and
saves it to a vector of operands.
The function Write Delimited Line
data to build either a .csv or .txt line, and
can write it to (or create) an Ex
folder, or in one of four sub
Note that the main EXCEL folder and
subfolders EXCEL0, EXCEL1, EXCEL2,
EXCEL3 can each contain 64 files, for a total
of 320 .csv files.
When the Ladder function W
SD runs, it logs lines from the specified
table to a single file called UNILOG.ulg in
this folder.
Locks Your Ladder application can create up to 4
SD Data Block .udb files in this folder:
Block0.udb, Block1.udb, Block2.udb, and
Block3.udb. SD Block functions read/write
blocks of raw data between operands and
these .udb files.
tem When you upload/download an OS from
the PLC using Information Mode, it
via this folder. These may be .O13,
.O35, or .O57 files.
When you create a Clone file via
SD Cards
7
Tools. These
rd, the PLC
ms, and Log to
larms
res Alarms in a
e Alarm History to
be turned ON.
of files:
es Information
Data Table from
d, it creates a
ain DT folder.
ction DT to SD
saves them in this
ur sub-folders.
T folder and
DT3, DT4 can
for a total of 320
e Delimited Line
ext strings and
rands.
ed Line uses this
or .txt line, and
an Excel file in this
b-folders.
folder and
1, EXCEL2,
64 files, for a total
Write Log Line to
the specified
UNILOG.ulg in
n create up to 4
this folder:
ock2.udb, and
ctions read/write
n operands and
wnload an OS from
ation Mode, it is
may be .O13,
one file via
SD Cards
8
Trends
User_App
Web
SD System Operands
# Description
SB 217 SD Card Present
SB 218 SD Card Write
Enabled
SB 219 SD FIFO Empty (SD
Card may be
Ejected)

SBs 324-29 are linked to the SD File utilities.

SB 324 SD: Open File (Read
to SD)
(Status messages in
SI 67)
SB 325 SD File: Read Chunk
in Progress (a Chunk
is 512 bytes long)
SB 326 SD Read File: End Of
File (EOF, entire file
has been read)
Information Mode, the file is stored in
this folder. When you install Clone file
from an SD card to a PLC, Information
Mode looks in this folder for the
appropriate file: .C13, .C35, or C57
nds When the Ladder function W
runs, it creates .utr files in this folder. Note
that you can use this function to create up
to 4 subfolders in your Ladder
These are named Trends1, Trends2,
Trends3, Trends4.
Note that the main Trends folder and
subfolders can each contain 64 files, for a
total of 320 .utr files.
r_App Via either Ladder function or Via
Information Mode, you can create a
compressed application from the PLC
into this folder; these files will use
extensions as follows: V130: .V13,
V350: .V35, V570: .V57
You can backup all current operand
values;these files will use extensions as
follows: V130: .D13, V350: .D35,
V570: .D57
You can use Windows Explorer to store any
type of file into this folder, such as .html or
.jpg. Your Ladder application can read these
files in 'chunks' of 512 bytes via the
functions.
Turns ON when: Turns OFF when:
An SD Card is in the slot,
and is formatted to
FAT32
SD Card is not found, or is
incorrectly formatted
Write is enabled: the
card's write-protect lock
is off
Write is disabled: the card's
write-protect lock is on
Power-up
No SD Card is in Slot
No SD requests exist
There are no SD requests
pending, such as Data Table
Copy/Log, Alarms, or from
Info Mode
the SD File utilities.
When Ladder function SD
File: Open successfully
activates a file for Read
When Ladder function SD
File: Close finishes closing
an open file and SB 327
(EOF) turns ON
When the Ladder function
SD: Get Next File Chunk
is reading a chunk into a
vector
When the Ladder function
SD: Get Next File Chunk has
finished reading the chunk
When the When the
Ladder function SD: Get
Next File Chunk reads the
When the last chunk ha
been read, and when Ladder
function SD File: Close start
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
e file is stored in
install Clone file
PLC, Information
der for the
.C35, or C57
Write Trend SD
this folder. Note
ion to create up
der application.
Trends2,
folder and
n 64 files, for a
tion or Via
u can create a
n from the PLC
files will use
V130: .V13,
57
rrent operand
use extensions as
V350: .D35,
orer to store any
such as .html or
on can read these
es via the SD File
Reset by:
, or is
d
OS
e card's
on
OS
uests
ta Table
r from
OS
n SD
osing
327
OS. At
Power-up
and at SD
File: Close
ction
unk has
chunk
OS. At
Power-up
has
n Ladder
se start
OS. At
Power-up
and at SD
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 9
final Chunk File: Close
SB 327 SD: Open File (Write
to SD)
(Status messages in
SI 67)
When Ladder function SD
File: Open successfully
activates a file for Write
on a SD card

SB 328 SD File: Write Chunk
in Progress (a Chunk
is 512 bytes long)
When the Ladder function
SD: Get Next File Chunk
is writing a chunk into a
vector

SB329 SD Write File: End Of
File (EOF, entire file
has been read)
When the When the
Ladder function SD: Get
Next File Chunk writes
the final Chunk

SB 340 Log to SD in Progress Row is being copied from
DT to SD Card
When copy is complete OS
SB 341 Write Data Table
from PLC to SD in
Progress
Entire Data Table is being
copied from DT to SD
Card
When the Write process is
complete
OS
SB 342 Read Data Table
from SD to PLC in
Progress
Entire Data Table is being
copied from SD Card to
DT
When the Write process is
complete
OS
SB 343 File Report in
Progress
While Report process is in
progress
When the Report is
complete
OS
SB 345 Email Send in
Progress
ON when function is busy
SB 344 Write delimited line
to SD in Progress
While line is being written When the Write process is
complete
OS
SB 346 SD Data Block 0
Busy
When a Write or Read
utility is being run on a
Data Block
When no utility is running OS
SB 347 SD Data Block 1
Busy
SB 348 SD Data Block 2
Busy
SB 349 SD Data Block 3
Busy
SB 352 SD: Enable writing
Alarm History to SD
Turned ON by user to
write Alarm History to SD
Card
Off by default.
Causes the PLC to write
Alarm History to the PLC
At Power-
up, or by
user
SB 358 SD: Delete File in
Progress
ON when function is busy OFF when function is not
busy
OS
SB 359 Folder Report
Function in Progress
ON when function is busy OFF when function is not
busy
OS
SB 366 Clone in Progress
(Process can take
from several seconds
to several minutes)
ON when function is busy OFF when function is not
busy
OS
# Description Value Comments
SI 63 Maximum number of
Trend files that can be
saved (read-only)
0-64
The maximum amount of Trend
files (*.utt files) in a single folder
is 64. The value in SI 634shows
the number of remaining *.utr
files; if 5 *.utr files exist, SI 64
= 59
Initialized at Power-up
Updated when:SB 217 is
ON and SB 341 turns ON

SI 64

Maximum number of DT
files that can be saved
(read-only)
0-64
The maximum amount of Data
Table files (*.udt files) in a single
folder is 64. The value in SI
634shows the number of
remaining *.udt files; if 5 *udt
Initialized at Power-up
Updated when:SB 217 is
ON and SB 341 turns ON

SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
10 VisiLogic: Utilities
files exist, SI 64 = 59
SI 66 SD Card Status
Messages
This SI is a bitmap; a bit turns
ON to indicate status.
All bits OFF No errors
Bit 1 Read: End Of File
indication
Bit 2 Can't open file
Bit 3 Error while writing to a
file
Bit 4 Error while reading
from a file
Bit 5 Failed to close a file
Bit 6 SD is full
Bit 7 Path not found
Bit 14 - Turns ON when SD is
inserted into slot and PLC
runs checks, turns OFF when
SB 217 turns ON
Initialized at Power-up.
While the application is
running, the user
application must reset the
bits.
SI 67 SD Card, Read Files:
Status
Value
0= No error
1= No SD card in Slot
2= Vector is not long enough to
contain data (may be at upper
address limit of that data type)
3= Path to SD file not found
4=Another file is currently open
5 = File is closed
6 = Busy: previous request in
progress
7 = File Open Error
8 = Read Error
9 = File Close error
SI 67 reports status for the
following SD File utilities:
Read SD File: Open
Read Next File Chunk
Read SD File: Close

SI 68 SD Card, Write Files:
Status
Value
0 = No error
1 = No SD card in Slot
2 = Vector is not long enough to
contain data (may be at upper
address limit of that data type)
3 = Path to SD file not found
4 = Another file is currently open
5 = File is closed
6 = File Open error
7 = Write Error
14 = File Close error
SI 68 reports status for the
following SD File utilities:
Write SD File: Open
Write Next File Chunk
Write SD File: Close
SI 69 SD Card: File Open Time
(may signal file
fragmentation)
Time required to open SD files,
in units of 10mSec.
Each time a file is opened, the
OS updates this value.
A typical first write (open +
write) = approx. 500mSec,
typical first read (open +
read)= approx. 60mSec

Over time, this may increase
due to file fragmentation.

If the time becomes to great,
the card should be reformatted
Reset at Power-up and when
SD card is removed.
SI 76 SI 76 Number of Alarms
currently in History
Buffer
Shows the number of Alarms in
the history buffer.
If SB 352 SD: Write Alarm
History to SD is ON, the
Alarms in the buffer are
automatically written to the SD
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 11
card.
Initialized by the user, or when
the PLC is initialized.
SI 160 SD Trend 1 status This SI is a bitmap; a bit turns
ON to indicate status when the
function Start Saving Trend to
SD runs.
All bits OFF No errors
Bit 4 Start Saving Trend is
in progress for another Trend
Bit 7 This Trend does not
exist (may result when an MI
is used to provide the Trend
number, and the value points
to a non-existent Trend)
Bit 8 Start Saving Trend is
in progress for this Trend
Bit 9 Start Saving Trend
failed
SI 161 SD Trend 2 status
SI 162 SD Trend 3 status
SI 163 SD Trend 4 status
SI 164 SD Trend 5 status
SI 165 SD Trend 6 status
SI 166 SD Trend 7 status
SI 167 SD Trend 8 status
SI 330 SD: Write DT from PLC
to SD - Total Amount of
Data to be Copied
(blocks of 512 bytes)
When the application runs the
function Copy Data Table to SD,
SI 330 shows the total number
of blocks of data to be copied
from the PLC.
Initialized at Power-up
SI 331 SD: Write DT from PLC
to SD - Remaining
Amount (blocks not yet
copied)
Shows how many blocks of data
remain to be copied.
The value increases by 1 each
time a block is copied.
Initialized:
When the PLC begins to
copy a new block of data to
the SD card
At Power-up.
SI 332 SD: Read DT SD to PLC -
Total Amount of Data to
be Copied (blocks of 512
bytes)
When the application runs the
function Copy Data Table to PLC,
SI 332 shows the total number
of blocks of data to be copied
from the SD.
Initialized at Power-up
SI 333 SD: Read DT from SD to
PLC - Remaining Amount
(blocks not yet copied)
Shows how many blocks of data
remain to be copied.
The value increases by 1 each
time a block is copied.
Initialized:
When the PLC begins to
copy a new block of data
from the SD card
At Power-up.
# Description Value Comments
SDW
59
SD Card: Free space
(bytes)
Capacity given in 512-byte
chunks.
The value is written when SB
217 turns ON, and is updated at
each write operation. The
operand is reset when SB 217
turns OFF.
Initialized at Power-up.
SD Ladder Functions
Use the SD ladder functions to read and write data to and from an SD card.
The functions are located on the SD menu on the Ladder toolbar.
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
12 VisiLogic: Utilities
If you include SD functions in your
application, build a net that uses SB
217 to check that the SD card is in
the PLC and correctly formatted,
and SB 218 to check that the card is
write-enabled, if it contains a write-
protection tab

VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 13
SD card Functions
Category Purpose Functions
SD
Password
Use this to guard SD data. Set SD Card Password
Folder
Report
Reports the number of files
currently in an SD folder, and
the number of files can still be
created in that folder.
Folder Report Function
SD Data
Table
Use these to read and write
data between Data Tables
and SD card.
Log Data Table Row to SD
Card
Copy PLC Data Table to SD
Copy SD to PLC Data Table
Find Index or Tag in .udt
SD Trend Record an entire or partial
trend to a .utr file in the SD
card Trends folder
Save Trend to SD Card
Stop Saving Trend to SD
SD Excel Use Create Excel Line to pull
numeric data or text strings
from the PLC and use
delimiters to structure a line;
then use the function Write
Delimited Line to create an
Excel file on an SD Card.
The functions can create .csv
and .txt lines
Create Excel Delimited
Line
Write Excel Delimited Line
to SD
Data
Blocks
Use these to create data
storage areas in the SdBLocks
folder on a SD card.
SD Data Blocks may reach a
total of 4G, or a single Block
may be up to 4G. A Data
Block comprises Sub-Blocks of
512 Bytes
Create SD Block
Read from SD Block to
Vector
Write from Vector to SD
Block
Data Files Use Windows Explorer to store
any type of file onto an SD
card, such as .html or .jpg.
The SD File Functions enable
your Ladder application to
read and write these files in
'chunks' of 512 bytes.
You can also use these
functions to pull data from the
PLC and create files on the SD
card.
SD File: Open
Read/Write next Chunk
SD File: Close
Delete SD File
SD File Info
Rename SD File
Safely
Remove
SD
Use this to ascertain when an
SD card may be safely
removed from the PLC
Remove SD
Clone
to/from
Use this to clone a complete
PLC and application, Data
Clone to/from SD
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
14 VisiLogic: Utilities
SD Tables, or operand values
from a PLC or install such
clone files to a PLC of the
same model
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
PLC Name
If you apply a PLC name, the PLC writes this name to the files it creates on the
SD Card.
HMI Progress Bar
You can use SI 330 and SI 331 to create a progress bar on an HMI display that
shows when the PLC is writing data to the SD; and SI 332 and SI333 to sho
data being written from the SD to the PLC.
elements shown in the following image. Note that the PLC copies data at a rate
of .5k per second. This means that a PLC requires approximately 24 seconds to
transfer a Data Table comprising 120k to an SD card.
Removing the SD Card
To indicate that the SD card may be safely removed, you can link an HMI
element to SB 219 SD FIFO Empty (SD Card may be Ejected).
Set SD Card Password
You can guard the SD card with a password.
Note that when the PLC is in Information Mode, a user can only download data
to an SD card:
If the SD is guarded with a password.
If the user can supply the password. The only exception is Firmware,
which may be downloaded without password.
Note
The SD Password is case
The maximum Password length is 8 bytes. Each register byte contains one
character.
1. Place a Set SD Password function in the Ladder; you can either directly
assign a text password, or provide it via MI.
e, the PLC writes this name to the files it creates on the
SI 331 to create a progress bar on an HMI display that
writing data to the SD; and SI 332 and SI333 to sho
the SD to the PLC. To create a progress bar, use the
ollowing image. Note that the PLC copies data at a rate
means that a PLC requires approximately 24 seconds to
mprising 120k to an SD card.
card may be safely removed, you can link an HMI
FIFO Empty (SD Card may be Ejected).
ard with a password.
is in Information Mode, a user can only download data
d with a password.
ply the password. The only exception is Firmware,
nloaded without password.
ord is case-sensitive
d length is 8 bytes. Each register byte contains one
sword function in the Ladder; you can either directly
word, or provide it via MI.
SD Cards
15
it creates on the
HMI display that
SI333 to show
ss bar, use the
es data at a rate
ely 24 seconds to
ink an HMI
y download data
s Firmware,
contains one
either directly
SD Cards
16
SD Card: Folder Report Function
Use this Function to see:
The number of files are currently in an SD folder
The number of files can still be created in that folder
Notes
The function reports only on the types of files that
particular folder. For example, each Data Table folder (DT) may
contain a maximum of 64 .udt files. If Folder Report is set to DT
folders, it only reports the number of .udt file. If there are other file
types present in the folder, they a

If there are fewer files than the maximum allowed, but the SD card
capacity is exceeded, SI 66 will indicate SD Card Full.

Use SB 343,SD: File Report in Progress, as a condition to running

the function
Parameter Name
Input SD Folder: Select
SD Folder
nction
:
are currently in an SD folder
can still be created in that folder
reports only on the types of files that a
der. For example, each Data Table folder (DT) may
ximum of 64 .udt files. If Folder Report is set to DT
y reports the number of .udt file. If there are other file
t in the folder, they are ignored.
ewer files than the maximum allowed, but the SD card
xceeded, SI 66 will indicate SD Card Full.
SD: File Report in Progress, as a condition to running
Purpose
ct Either select a folder, or link an operand. To use an operand
value to access folders, use the numbers shown in Select
SD Folder; where '1' will access the main DT folder, and
'101 will access folder DT2.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
re linked to a
er (DT) may
t is set to DT
ere are other file
but the SD card
ll.
on to running
d. To use an operand
s shown in Select
n DT folder, and
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Output

Number of files
currently in Folder
Number of Files that
may still be created
Folder Report:
Status Operand
Folder Report:
Success Bit
Note SB 359: Folder Report
SD Card and Data Table Functions (Ladder)
These functions enable you to:
Log a single row of data from a Data Table into a .ulg file located on the
SD card
Write all or part of a Data Table into a .udt file located on the SD card
Read all or part of an SD card .udt file to a Data Table
Search for tagged sections in a .udt file
If a Data Table is marked as Part of Project, you
log lines from it to an SD card.
# Description
SI 64 Maximum number of DT
files that can be saved
(read-only)
der
The number of files currently in Folder (max = 64 per
folder)
that
ated
The number of files that may still be created (max = 64 per
folder)
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 - SD Card internal error
Bit 2 - SD file is incorrect type
Bit 3 - There is no SD card in the slot
Bit 4 - The SD card has failed (Check SI 66)
Bit 5 - Path not found
Turns ON when the Report is complete. It remains ON until
it is reset by the application, or until the application calls
the function.
port Function in Progress (ON when function is busy)
nctions (Ladder)
you to:
data from a Data Table into a .ulg file located on the
a Data Table into a .udt file located on the SD card
an SD card .udt file to a Data Table
sections in a .udt file
e is marked as Part of Project, you cannot
it to an SD card.
Value Comments
0-64
The maximum amount of
Trend files (*.udt files) in a
single folder is 64. The
value in SI 634shows the
number of remaining *.udt
files; if 5 *udt files exist, SI
64 = 59
Initialized at Power
Updated when:SB 217 is ON and
SB 341 turns ON
SD Cards
17
max = 64 per
eated (max = 64 per
dicate status.
tarts.
e SD card is idle
e slot
Check SI 66)
It remains ON until
e application calls
nction is busy)
located on the
the SD card
nnot copy it or
Power-up
n:SB 217 is ON and
ON
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
18 VisiLogic: Utilities
Log Data Table Row to SD Card
1. To log a row from a Data Table, build a net that includes the function SD>
Write Log Line to SD.
Use SB 340 to ensure that the PLC is not currently logging a row to the
SD card.

When the application writes this type of data to the SD card, it creates a
single file called UNILOG.ulg in the LOG folder, and then appends each
new line from the selected Data Table to this log file.

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Source Selects the Data Table you want to log from.
Row index Determines which row in the table will be logged.
Status
messages
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.

All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 The SD card was formatted in an SD Tools version that is not
compatible with the VisiLogic application in the PLC. or VisiLogic version
is not compatible with the PLC OS. Check to see if you need to update
versions.
Bit 2 The data in the SD is not compatible with the data in the Data
Table
Bit 3 Data checksum error
Bit 4 Failed to open file
Bit 5 - Failed to write to the SD file
Bit 6 - Failed to close file
Bit 7 - In progress
Bit 8 - No SD card found
Bit 9 - SD error, check SI 66 for error message
Bit 10 Requested Data Table does not exist
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the SD card. It remains ON until
it is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 19
Data Table To / From SD Card
The Ladder function DT to SD creates .udt files and saves them in the main DT
folder or in one of four sub-folders. DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4.
Each folder can contain 64 files, for a total of 320 .udt files.
Write Data Table to SD (Copy DT to SD)
1. To copy an entire or partial Data Table, build a net that includes the
function SD> Write DataTable to SD.
Use an inverted contact of SB 341 to ensure that the PLC is not currently
writing to the SD card.
2. Set the options to copy all or part of a Data Table.

When the application writes this type of data to the SD card, it creates a
file with the extension .udt in the selected DT folder.

SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
20 VisiLogic: Utilities
Parameter
Name
Purpose
Source:
Data Table to
copy
Selects the Data Table you want to write from.
Copy options Select to copy all or part of a Data Table.
Selecting Copy enables the Start Row and Number of Rows parameters.
Target: SD Folder This is where the .udt file will be stored on the SD card. You can select the
folder, or provide the Folder number via register. Values point to folders as
follows: 1=the main DT folder, 100=DT1, 101=DT2, 102=DT3, and
103=DT4.
.udt File Name Can be up to 8 characters long, and may be provided by constant text or
register. Note that if the name comes from an MI, the function copies a
vector 8 bytes long, or until it finds a 'null' character.
Overwrite/Append If the function finds a .udt file in that folder of the same name,
Selecting Overwrite replaces the file.
Selecting Append adds the new data to the existing .udt file. You can
assign a unique name (DT Tag) to each appended section, marking
the sections for later use in your program.
The Tag may contain up to 16 characters.
Status messages This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.

All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 The SD card was formatted in an SD Tools version that is not
compatible with the VisiLogic application in the PLC. or VisiLogic
version is not compatible with the PLC OS. Check to see if you need
to update versions.
Bit 2 The structure of the .udt file and the Data Table are not
identical
Bit 3 Data checksum error. Please send application and any related
information to [email protected].
Bit 4 Failed to open file
Bit 5 - Failed to read from file
Bit 6 - Failed to close file
Bit 7 - In progress
Bit 8 - No SD card found
Bit 9 - SD error, check SI 66 for error message
Bit 10 Requested Data Table does not exist
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the SD Card. It remains ON
until it is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
Note
The maximum number of Data Table files that can be created in a
folder SD card is 64, including the main DT folder.
Read .udt file from SD to PLC Data Table (Copy SD >DT)
1. To copy .udt data from an SD card into a Data Table, build a net that
includes the function SD> Copy Data to PLC Data Table.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 21
Use an inverted contact of SB 342 to ensure that the PLC is not reading
writing from the SD card.
Note that in order to copy data, the Data Table structure in both PLC and
SD card must be identical: equal number of rows, equal numbers of
columns, and column data types.

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Select SD
Folder
This is where the source .udt file is on the SD Card. You can select the folder, or
provide the Folder number via register. Values point to folders as follows: 1=the
main DT folder, 100=DT1, 101=DT2, 102=DT3, and 103=DT4.
File Name The Table Name can be up to 8 characters long, and may be provided by constant
text or register.
Read Options If the .udt file contains appended sections, you can search for a Numeric or Text
Tag.
Target: Data
Table

Click on the drop-down arrow to select a Data Table in the project.
The Table Name can be up to 8 characters long, and may be provided by constant
text or register. Note that if the name comes from an MI, the function copies a
vector 8 bytes long, or until it finds a 'null' character.
Status
Operand
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
Bit 1 The SD card was formatted in an SD Tools version that is not
compatible with the VisiLogic application in the PLC. or VisiLogic version is
not compatible with the PLC OS. Check to see if you need to update
versions.
Bit 2 The data in the SD is not compatible with the data in the Data
Table
Bit 3 Data checksum error
Bit 4 Failed to open file
Bit 5 - Failed to read from file
Bit 6 - Failed to close file
Bit 7 - In progress (SB 342 ON)
Bit 8 - No SD card found (SB217 (ON)
Bit 9 - SD error, check SI 66 for error message
Bit 10 Requested Data Table does not exist
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
22 VisiLogic: Utilities
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully read. It remains ON until it is reset by the
application, or until the application calls the function.
Search .udt for Tag or Index#
If a .udt file was created using appended sections, you can search it for the
index number or tag name.
Use an inverted contact of SB 342 to ensure that the PLC is not reading writing
from the SD card.

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Select SD
Folder
This is where the source .udt file is on the SD Card. You can select the folder, or
provide the Folder number via register. Values point to folders as follows: 1=the
main DT folder, 100=DT1, 101=DT2, 102=DT3, and 103=DT4.
File Name The Table Name can be up to 8 characters long, and may be provided by constant
text or register.
Tag Type Search for a Numeric or Text Tag.
Table

Click on the drop-down arrow to select a Data Table in the project.
The Table Name can be up to 8 characters long, and may be provided by constant
text or register. Note that if the name comes from an MI, the function copies a
vector 8 bytes long, or until it finds a 'null' character.
Status
Operand
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
Bit 1 The SD card was formatted in an SD Tools version that is not
compatible with the VisiLogic application in the PLC. or VisiLogic version is
not compatible with the PLC OS. Check to see if you need to update
versions.
Bit 2 The data in the SD is not compatible with the data in the Data
Table
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 23
Bit 3 Data checksum error
Bit 4 Failed to open file
Bit 5 - Failed to read from file
Bit 6 - Failed to close file
Bit 7 - In progress (SB 342 ON)
Bit 8 - No SD card found (SB217 (ON)
Bit 9 - SD error, check SI 66 for error message
Bit 10 Requested Data Table does not exist
Success Bit Turns ON when the tag is found. It remains ON until it is reset by the application,
or until the application calls the function.
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
24 VisiLogic: Utilities
Import data from an SD card into a PLC Data Table
This imports data from a Data Table on the SD card into a Data Table in the
PLC.
The Data Tables must be identical. In order to ensure this, follow the recipe
below.
1. Open the Data Table,
and click Export the Data
Table Structure to
convert the table to an
.xml file.
2. From the VisiLogic Tools
menu, open SD Tools.
3. From the SD Tools Tools
menu, open DB Tools.
4. Navigate to and select
the .xml file.
5. SD Tools opens the file
for editing.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 25
6. Click on table cell to edit
the values.
7. From the File menu,
select Build DT for PLC.
8. Copy the resulting .udt
file to the SD card, and
then place it in the PLC.

SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
26 VisiLogic: Utilities
9. Build a net including the
SD utility DT to PLC.
When the Program runs, it will copy the values from the Data Table on the SD
card into the PLC Data Table cells.

SD Card and Trends
Use the Start Saving Trend to SD to record an entire or partial trend; and Stop
Saving Trend to halt the recording process.

When the application writes this type of data to the SD card, it creates a file
with the extension .utr in the Trends folder. Each time you start and stop
saving the Trend, the application adds a new segment to the file.

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Source Trend
Number
Click on the drop-down arrow to select a Trend in the project.
Target SD .utr file Link an operand to provide a file name. Note that you MUST provide a file
name. If the linked register is empty, the Trend will not be recorded to the
SD. This is where the .udt file will be stored on the SD card. You can select
the folder, or provide the Folder number via register. Values point to folders
as follows: 1=the main DT folder, 100=DT1, 101=DT2, 102=DT3, and
103=DT4.
Status Operand This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
Bit 1 The SD card was formatted in an SD Tools version that is not
compatible with the VisiLogic application in the PLC. or VisiLogic
version is not compatible with the PLC OS. Check to see if you need
to update versions.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 27
Bit 2 The data in the SD is not compatible with the data in the
Data Table
Bit 3 .-.Data checksum error
Bit 4 Failed to open file
Bit 5 - Failed to read from file
Bit 6 - Failed to close file
Bit 7 - In progress
Bit 8 - No SD card found
Bit 9 - SD error, check SI 66 for error message
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the PLC Data Table. It
remains ON until it is reset by the application, or until the application calls
the function.
Displaying the saved Trend
You can display Trend curves directly from a .utr file by using the HMI element
Trend from SD.
Link SBs 117 and 118 with HMI buttons to enable users to jump between
segments. Use the inverted contact of SB119 as a condition as shown below.

When you save a Trend to an SD card, each time you start and stop the save, another segment is
added to the .utr file.
# Description Turns ON : Turns OFF : Reset by:
SB 116
SD Trends to SD: Set
to Overwrite .utr
User application
User
application
User
Use these to control the display of Trend segments on the HMI screen. Use the inverted contact of
SB119 as a condition.
SB 117
SD Trends: Jump to
next segment
User application
User
application
User
SB 118
SD Trends: Jump to
previous segment
User application
User
application
User
SB 119
SD Trends: System
busy - Draw Trend is
gathering data
User application
User
application
User
SD Card: Data to Excel
You can write PLC data to Excel files an the SD card using the functions Create
Delimited Line to structure a line, and Write Delimited Line to send it to a
specified Excel file on an SD Card.
Note
Note that the main EXCEL folder and subfolders EXCEL0, EXCEL1,
EXCEL2, EXCEL3 can each contain 64 files, for a total of 320 .csv files.

The .csv file name cannot exceed 8 characters. It may include only
English characters and numbers: 0 - 9, A - Z, a - z, and the
underscore character "_".
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
28 VisiLogic: Utilities
Create Delimited Line
Use this function to select PLC data, including numeric data and text strings,
structure it, and save the resulting line to a vector of operands.

Defining a Line
Each row in the table displayed under Input will be a cell in the Excel line.
1. Click the Add Row icon to open the Excel Field dialog box.
2. Click a tab to select the type of data.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 29
3. Click the Delimiter cells to select a Delimiter character that is different
from the default.

4. Add and delete row by using the icons at the top of the function

SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
30 VisiLogic: Utilities
Type Parameter Purpose
Source:
Define
Data
Field Use this to specify data for a cell in the Excel line.
Delimiters Control characters that delimit the data for that cell
Target:
Data Buffer
SD: Start of
Vector,
Create .csv
Line
Select the operand that will be start of the vector the function uses
to store the data selected for the line, plus its delimiters.
Use this operand for the function Write Delimited Line
SD: Max
Vector
Length,
Create .csv
Line (bytes)
Sets the maximum length of the vector in bytes.
SD: Final #
of bytes,
Create .csv
Line
Reports the actual number of bytes sent to the vector
Status SD: Create
.csv Line
Status
Messages
This is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
It is initialized when the function starts.
Bit 1 - The line is truncated
Bit 2 - Fail to open the file.
Bit 3 - Fail to write the file
Bit 4 - SD full
Bit 5 - No SD card (SB [217])
Bit 6 - Path not found
Bit 7 - Unknown error - please check SI 66

Write Delimited Line
Use Write Delimited Line to pull the data from the vector used by Create
Delimited, and use it to write to (or create) an Excel file in this folder, or in one
of four sub-folders.
Notes
Write Delimited Line pulls data from the vector in chunks of
512 bytes, and writes this entire 512 bytes to the SD card.
Write Delimited line is not linked in any way to Create Delimited
Line. In Create Delimited Line, the parameters SD: Max Vector
Length and SD: Final # of bytes, do not influence Write Delimited
line.

Use SB 344,Write delimited line to SD in Progress, as a condition to

running the function.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Type Parameter Purpose
Source Start of
Vector
Use the operand that is the Start of Vector for the Create Delimited
Line function.
Target Select SD
folder
This is where the line will be stored on the SD card.
You
Values point to folders as follows: 10=the main Excel folder, 1000=
Excel1, 1001= Excel2, 1002= Excel3, and 1003= Excel4.
File Name Either enter a name, or link an operand to provide a fi
that you MUST provide a file name. If the linked register is empty, the
file will not be created to the SD.
If the folder does not contain a file of that name, the function will
create one.
File
Extension
Select .txt or csv
Status SD: Write
.csv Line
Status
Messages
This is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
It
Success Bit Turns ON when line is successfully written
SD Block Functions
SD Data Blocks are data storage files in the SdBLocks folder on a SD card.
SD Data Blocks may reach a total of 4G, or a single Block may be up to 4G. A
Data Block comprises Sub
you to read/write blocks of raw data between operands and these files.
SD Data Block Functions
Create SD Block
Creates an SD Data Block in the SdBLocks folder.
urpose
e the operand that is the Start of Vector for the Create Delimited
ne function.
is is where the line will be stored on the SD card.
u can select the folder, or provide the Folder number via register.
lues point to folders as follows: 10=the main Excel folder, 1000=
cel1, 1001= Excel2, 1002= Excel3, and 1003= Excel4.
her enter a name, or link an operand to provide a fi
at you MUST provide a file name. If the linked register is empty, the
e will not be created to the SD.
the folder does not contain a file of that name, the function will
eate one.
lect .txt or csv
is is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
is initialized when the function starts.
Bit 1 - Wrong data
Bit 2 - Fail to open the file.
Bit 3 - Fail to write the file
Bit 4 - SD full
Bit 5 - No SD card (SB [217])
Bit 6 - Path not found
Bit 7 - Unknown error - please check SI 66
rns ON when line is successfully written
a storage files in the SdBLocks folder on a SD card.
ach a total of 4G, or a single Block may be up to 4G. A
ub-Blocks of 512 Bytes. The SD Block functions enable
s of raw data between operands and these files.
a Block in the SdBLocks folder.
SD Cards
31
Create Delimited
d.
mber via register.
xcel folder, 1000=
Excel4.
e a file name. Note
egister is empty, the
the function will
6
n a SD card.
be up to 4G. A
unctions enable
ese files.
SD Cards
32
Read from SD Block to Vector
Reads a specified Sub
vector that is 512 bytes long.
Write from Vector to SD Block
Writes 512 bytes from an operand vector to a specified Sub
Data Block
Create SD Block
Use this function to:
Create an SD Data Block. You can cre
Block0.udb, Block1.udb, Block2.udb, and Block3.udb
Specify the number of Sub
Enlarge an existing block.
You can also specify the number of Sub
be used to enlarge the B
Parameter Purpose
SD Block number Select the Block number, 0
time.
Sub-Blocks Use this to specify the number of Sub
Overwrite/Append If this function finds an existing SD Block of this number, you can overwrite it
or append these Sub
adding Sub
Status Operand This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized
All bits OFF
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 6
Success Bit Turns ON when the Block is created. It remains
application, or until the application calls the function.
k to Vector
ub-Block from a specified Data Block to an operand
bytes long.
o SD Block
om an operand vector to a specified Sub
Block. You can create up to 4 SD Data Block:
.udb, Block2.udb, and Block3.udb
r of Sub-Blocks it contains.
block.
number of Sub-Blocks the block will contain. This may
Block by appending Sub-Blocks.
Block number, 0-3, or use an operand to assign a number at run
o specify the number of Sub-blocks in the Data Block.
ction finds an existing SD Block of this number, you can overwrite it
these Sub-Blocks. Selecting Append enlarges the SD Block by
b-blocks.
a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
nitialized when the function starts.
bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
t 1 The SD card is busy.
t 2 No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write
t 6 - Internal error
when the Block is created. It remains ON until it is reset by the
n, or until the application calls the function.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
o an operand
ub-Block in a
Block:
ontain. This may
n a number at run
Block.
you can overwrite it
he SD Block by
Write-enable OFF)
t is reset by the
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 33
Read from Vector to SD Block
Parameter Purpose
SD Block
number
Select the Block number, 0-3, or use an operand to assign a number at run time.
Target Sub-
Block
(location in
Block): Vec-
>SD.udb
The data will be written to this sub block. The number is the sequential number of
the sub-block in the .udb file.
Source: Start
of Vector
(512 bytes):
Vec->SD
Select the operand that is the start of the 512-byte long vector that provides the
data that is written to the .udb file.
Status
Messages
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 The SD card is busy.
Bit 2 No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write-enable OFF)
Bit 3 .-.There are less than 512 bytes in this vector (can happen if the
start of the vector is too close to the end of the operand address range)
Bit 4 The SD Data Block number is invalid (valid numbers are 0-3. This
error may result when using indirect addressing)
Bit 5 - SD card function was called while the SD is busy
Bit 6 - Internal error
Bit 7 - Data Block size exceeds 4G
Bit 8 - SD card is full

Bits 10-13 can occur because the SD card does not have an SD_Blocks folder, or
because a file of that name has not been created in the SD_Blocks folder.
Bit 10 - Can't open file/path not found
Bit 11 - Error while writing to a file/path not found
Bit 13 - Failed to close a file/path not found
Bit 14 - Create SD Block: Do not overwrite is selected, but the number of
Sub-blocks is less than the number of sub-blocks already in the Data
Block
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the Block. It remains ON until it
is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
34 VisiLogic: Utilities
Write from SD Block to Vector
Parameter Purpose
SD Block
number
Select the Block number, 0-3, or use an operand to assign a number at run
time.
Source Sub-
Block (location
in Block):
SD.udb-> Vec
This is the sequential number of the sub-block in the .udb file.
Target: Start of
Vector: SD.udb-
> Vec
The function will write 512 bytes of data to the PLC, starting with this operand.
Status
Messages
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.

All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 The SD card is busy.
Bit 2 No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write-enable OFF)
Bit 3 .-.There are less than 512 bytes in this vector (can happen if the
start of the vector is too close to the end of the operand address range)
Bit 4 The SD Data Block number is invalid (valid numbers are 0-3.
This error may result when using indirect addressing)
Bit 5 - SD card function was called while the SD is busy
Bit 6 - Internal error
Bit 8 - SD card is full
Bit 9 - Read: End Of File indication
Bits 10-13 can occur because the SD card does not have an SD_Blocks folder,
or because a file of that name has not been created in the SD_Blocks folder.
Bit 10 - Can't open file/path not found
Bit 12 - Error while reading from a file/path not found
Bit 13 - Failed to close a file/path not found
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the Block. It remains ON until
it is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
SD File Functions
You can use Windows Explorer to store any type of file onto an SD card, such
as .html or .jpg. The SD File Functions enable your Ladder application to read
and write these files in 'chunks' of 512 bytes.
Note
These functions can only run on files that observe the 8.3 naming
convention; the file name cannot exceed 8 characters, and the file
extension cannot exceed three.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Using SD File Functions
Each read or write operation requires
Write, and Close File. The functions are located on SD>SD File Utilities.
Open SD File
Note that there are separate Open File functions for both Read and Write.
Open File must be used to activate the correct file in th
before running a read or write function.
Read Next Chunk
Reads a specified file from a specified folder to an operand vector in
'chunks' that are 512 bytes long.
Write Next Chunk
Writes data chunks 512 bytes from an operand vector to a
the SD card.
Close File.
There are separate Close File functions for both Read and Write.
The examples below show the functions and the System operands required to
run read and write operations.
Read File: Example
Note the use of SBs 324, 325, and 326. These enable the Read Next Chunk
function to continue reading data chunks until it has completed reading the
entire file.
ation requires three functions: Open File, Read or
he functions are located on SD>SD File Utilities.
separate Open File functions for both Read and Write.
used to activate the correct file in the c
ad or write function.
le from a specified folder to an operand vector in
12 bytes long.
512 bytes from an operand vector to a
Close File functions for both Read and Write.
ow the functions and the System operands required to
ations.
4, 325, and 326. These enable the Read Next Chunk
ding data chunks until it has completed reading the
SD Cards
35
e, Read or
Utilities.
Read and Write.
orrect folder
d vector in
a specified file on
Write.
nds required to
d Next Chunk
d reading the
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
36 VisiLogic: Utilities
Write File: Example
Read From SD File: Open
Parameter Purpose
Select Folder Select the folder, or use an operand to assign a number at run time using the
following values:
Alarms: 0 DT main folder: 1 DT14: 101 to 103 Log: 3 System: 4
User_app: 5 Trends main folder - 600 Trends1-4: 600 to 603 SdBLocks: 9
Excel main folder: 100 Excel1-4: 1000 to 1003 Web: 11
File name Either enter the file name, or provide it via operand.
File size When the function runs, this reports the size of the file, in bytes.
Read File: Get Next Chunk
Parameter Purpose
Read: File
Chunk Buffer
This the start of the vector that holds the data read from the file. This vector is
512 bytes long.
Read: File
Chunk Length
This shows the length of the chunk that is currently read. Note that the final
chunk, containing the last of the file data, will generally be LESS than 512 bytes.
Read File: Close
Run this when entire files has been read.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 37
Write From SD File: Open
Parameter Purpose
Select Folder Select the folder, or use an operand to assign a number at run time using the
following values:
Alarms: 0 DT main folder: 1 DT14: 101 to 103 Log: 3 System: 4
User_app: 5 Trends main folder - 600 Trends1-4: 600 to 603 SdBLocks: 9
Excel main folder: 100 Excel1-4: 1000 to 1003 Web: 11
File name Either enter the file name, or provide it via operand.
Note that:
-If the file does not exist on the SD
-and the SD card is Write-enabled
the function will create the file.
File size When the function runs, this reports the size of the file, in bytes.
Write File: Get Next Chunk
Parameter Purpose
Write: File
Chunk Buffer
This the start of the vector that holds the data that will be written to the file. The
function takes 512 bytes of data.
Write: File
Chunk Length
Enter the number of bytes to be written to the SD file.
SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
38 VisiLogic: Utilities
Write File: Close
Run this when entire files has been written.

Delete File
Use this to delete any file on the SD card
Note
These functions can only run on files that observe the 8.3 naming
convention; the file name cannot exceed 8 characters, and the file
extension cannot exceed three.

Use SB 358, Delete File in Progress, as a condition to running the

function
Parameter Purpose
Select Folder Select the folder, or use an operand to assign a number at run time using the
following values:
Alarms: 0 DT main folder: 1 DT14: 101 to 103 Log: 3 System: 4
User_app: 5 Trends main folder - 600 Trends1-4: 600 to 603 SdBLocks: 9
Excel main folder: 100 Excel1-4: 1000 to 1003 Web: 11
File name Either enter the file name, or provide it via operand.
Note that:
-If the file does not exist on the SD
-and the SD card is Write-enabled
the function will create the file.
Status
Messages
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.

All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 SD Card internal error.
Bit 2 Delete Failed
Bit 3 - No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write-enable OFF)
Bit 5 Path not found
Bit 7 - The SD card has failed (Check SI 66)
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 39
Success Bit

Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the Block. It remains ON until it
is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
SD File Information
Use this function to check if a specific file is located in a specific SD folder, and
get specific file details.
Note
Use SB 359, File Info function in Progress, as a condition to running
the function
Parameter Purpose
Select Folder Select the folder, or use an operand to assign a number at run time using the
following values:
Alarms: 0 DT main folder: 1 DT14: 101 to 103 Log: 3 System: 4
User_app: 5 Trends main folder - 600 Trends1-4: 600 to 603 SdBLocks: 9
Excel main folder: 100 Excel1-4: 1000 to 1003 Web: 11
File name Either enter the file name, or provide it via operand.
Status
Messages
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.

All bits OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
Bit 1 SD Card internal error.
Bit 2 Cannot read file
Bit 3 - No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write-enable OFF)
Bit 4 The SD card has failed (Check SI 66)
Bit 5 - Path not found
Success Bit

Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the Block. It remains ON until it
is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
SD Cards
40
Rename SD File
Use this to rename any file on the SD card.
Parameter Purpose
Select Folder Select the folder, or use an operand to assign a number at
following values:
Alarms: 0 DT main folder: 1
User_app: 5
Excel main folder: 100
Old/New File
name
Either enter the file name, or provide it via operand.
Status
Messages
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
All bits OFF
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3 -
Bit 5 -
Bit 7 -
Success Bit

Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the Block.
is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
SD: Cloning via Ladder
SD Clone functions can:
Create compressed
Upload compressed files from an SD card to a PLC.
You can 'clone' a complete PLC or data using the SD Ladder functions
These Ladder functions are parallel to the actions you can carry out via
Information Mode.
e on the SD card.
er, or use an operand to assign a number at run time using the
es:
T main folder: 1 DT14: 101 to 103 Log: 3
Trends main folder - 600 Trends1-4: 600 to 603
older: 100 Excel1-4: 1000 to 1003 Web: 11
e file name, or provide it via operand.
map; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
lized when the function starts.
OFF No errors, and the SD card is idle
SD Card internal error.
Rename Failed
No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write-
Path not found
The SD card has failed (Check SI 66)
n the data is successfully written to the Block. It remains ON until it
application, or until the application calls the function.
data files and store them on an SD card.
files from an SD card to a PLC.
ete PLC or data using the SD Ladder functions
are parallel to the actions you can carry out via
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
n time using the
System: 4
603 SdBLocks: 9
enable OFF)
t remains ON until it
nction.
rd.
nctions
y out via
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 41
Note
The SD Card password and the Clone File password must be
identical.

You can use Unitronics' SD Card Explorer, included in the SD Card

Suite, to access SD card files and either upload them to a PC for
viewing and editing, or transfer them into another PLC's SD card.
This function must be used with a negative transition element.

SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
42 VisiLogic: Utilities
Parameter Purpose
Direction Clone To SD: Creates a compressed data file in the correct SD card folder
Clone From SD: Installs a compressed data file from an SD card folder into the
PLC
File Type Select Direct or Constant.
If you select Direct, the value in the register determines the data file that the
function creates/installs according to the following legend:
2 = Full Data Table (*.fdt files)
4 = Firmware (*.Oxx files: .O13, .O35, or .O57)
5 = User Application (+VLP if exists) (*.vxx files: .V13, .V35, .V57)
7 - Full cloning (DT, Firmware, UA, Operands)(*.Cxx) .C13, .C35, or C57)
8 = Operands (*.Dxx files: .D13, .D35, .D57)
Note that the file extension numbers relate to the Vision model: .x13 =V130, .x35
=V350, .x57 =V570
File Name This is limited to 8 characters. The file extension is automatically assigned by the
PLC according to the file type.
If you are cloning an OS or a Full Clone, the file name MUST be exactly 8
characters long.
Status This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.

All bits OFF No errors, and the process is idle
Bit 1 No SD card found, or the card is locked (Write-enable OFF)
Bit 2 Clone utility busy
Bit 3 -File type not found (*.FDT,*.Oxx,*.Vxx,*.Dxx,*.Cxx)
Bit 4 Incompatible Boot Version/Firmware/Clone file
Bit 5 - Internal use
Bit 6- Timeout exceeded
Bit 7 - - Safe to Remove Bit is ON
Bit 8 - Path not found (Install Clone)
Bit 9 - Password error
Success Bit

Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the SD. It remains ON until it is
reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
SB 366: Clone in Progress. Note that the process can take from several
seconds to several minutes.
The following nets show the conditions required to run the function.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
SD: Safely Remove
Use SD: Safely Remove to prevent the card from being physically removed
while an SD function is in progress.
When SD: Safely Remove is called, it:
Checks to see if any SD functions are running.
If so, Safe to Remove indicates
It allows a current task to be completed, but prevents new ones from
starting.
When the SD card is completely free, the Safe to Remove bit turns ON. This
must be reset by the user.
The Status DW is a bitmap
Bits and their indications are shown in the following table. When a bit is ON,
the related function is active.
to prevent the card from being physically removed
n progress.
ve is called, it:
y SD functions are running.
ve indicates which function is active via the Status DW.
task to be completed, but prevents new ones from
mpletely free, the Safe to Remove bit turns ON. This
er.
map.
s are shown in the following table. When a bit is ON,
ctive.
SD Cards
43
ally removed
a the Status DW.
w ones from
urns ON. This
en a bit is ON,
SD Cards
44
Bit Function
0-5
(reserved)

6 Start Saving to SD is running: SD Trend 8
7 Start Saving to SD is running: SD Trend 7
8 Start Saving to SD
9 Start Saving to SD is running: SD Trend 5
10 Start Saving to SD is running: SD Trend 4
11 Start Saving to SD is running: SD Trend 3
12 Start Saving to SD is running: SD Trend 2
13 Start Saving to SD is running:SD Trend 1
14 HMI function Trend from SD
15 SD File Info
16 Delete SD File
17 Folder Report: Number of Files
18 Create Excel Delimited Line
19 SD File Utilities: SD File Write
20 SD File Utilities: SD File Read
21 SD Block Utilities: Read/Write to Block 3
22 SD Block Utilities: Read/Write to Block 2
23 SD Block Utilities: Read/Write to Block 1
24 SD Block Utilities: Read/Write to Block 0
25 HMI Variable SD Browser
26 PC Utility is communicating with SD
27 Information Mode is accessing SD
28 SD Data Table Utilities: Log DT Row
29 SD Data Table Utilities: Read from DT /Search DT for Tag or Index
30 SD Data Table Utilities: Write to DT
31 Alarm History is being logged to SD
SD Card Browser
Placing this variable on screen enables a user to press a button to display all of
the files in the specified folder.
Touch Screens (V570/V350): The user presses the Browse SD on
button. If file selection is enabled, the user touches files
them.
Non-Touch Screens (V130): The user presses the Enter button, and
navigates between files using the arrow keys.
SD Ladder Functions enable you to read/write data between an SD Ca
PLC memory operands, including
data.
You can also enable the user to delete files, or to copy the file name to an
operand vector. You can control whether to display the Delete button by using
the Hide Delete File MB.
Note
The SD Card Browser only displays file types that are relevant for
the requested folder. For example, when you view DT files, you will
only be able to see .udt and .fdt files; if there are other files in the
folder they will not be displayed.
In the Web folder, all file types are displayed
Note that in VisiLogic versions ear
cannot display .txt
D is running: SD Trend 8
D is running: SD Trend 7
D is running: SD Trend 6
D is running: SD Trend 5
D is running: SD Trend 4
D is running: SD Trend 3
D is running: SD Trend 2
D is running:SD Trend 1
d from SD
mber of Files
mited Line
D File Write
D File Read
Read/Write to Block 3
Read/Write to Block 2
Read/Write to Block 1
Read/Write to Block 0
rowser
unicating with SD
is accessing SD
ities: Log DT Row
ities: Read from DT /Search DT for Tag or Index
ities: Write to DT
eing logged to SD
screen enables a user to press a button to display all of
folder.
70/V350): The user presses the Browse SD on
tion is enabled, the user touches files n
s (V130): The user presses the Enter button, and
files using the arrow keys.
able you to read/write data between an SD Ca
including blocks of file data, Data Tables
user to delete files, or to copy the file name to an
n control whether to display the Delete button by using
Browser only displays file types that are relevant for
d folder. For example, when you view DT files, you will
to see .udt and .fdt files; if there are other files in the
ill not be displayed.
older, all file types are displayed
VisiLogic versions earlier than 8.0.46, EXCEL folders
y .txt
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
x
n to display all of
e SD on-screen
ames to select
utton, and
n SD Card and
es, and Trend
name to an
button by using
re relevant for
DT files, you will
ther files in the
XCEL folders
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 45
files. In addition, PLCs running an OS earlier than 3.0.59 do not
support .txt display.
SD Card and Trends
Use the Start Saving Trend to SD to record an entire or partial trend; and Stop
Saving Trend to halt the recording process.

When the application writes this type of data to the SD card, it creates a file
with the extension .utr in the Trends folder. Each time you start and stop
saving the Trend, the application adds a new segment to the file.

SD Cards VisiLogic: Utilities
46 VisiLogic: Utilities
Parameter
Name
Purpose
Source Trend
Number
Click on the drop-down arrow to select a Trend in the project.
Target SD
.utr file
Link an operand to provide a file name. Note that you MUST provide a file name.
If the linked register is empty, the Trend will not be recorded to the SD. This is
where the .udt file will be stored on the SD card. You can select the folder, or
provide the Folder number via register. Values point to folders as follows: 1=the
main DT folder, 100=DT1, 101=DT2, 102=DT3, and 103=DT4.
Status
Operand
This MI is a bitmap; a bit turns ON to indicate status.
The MI is initialized when the function starts.
Bit 1 The SD card was formatted in an SD Tools version that is not
compatible with the VisiLogic application in the PLC. or VisiLogic version is
not compatible with the PLC OS. Check to see if you need to update
versions.
Bit 2 The data in the SD is not compatible with the data in the Data
Table
Bit 3 .-.Data checksum error
Bit 4 Failed to open file
Bit 5 - Failed to read from file
Bit 6 - Failed to close file
Bit 7 - In progress
Bit 8 - No SD card found
Bit 9 - SD error, check SI 66 for error message
Success Bit Turns ON when the data is successfully written to the PLC Data Table. It remains
ON until it is reset by the application, or until the application calls the function.
Displaying the saved Trend
You can display Trend curves directly from a .utr file by using the HMI element
Trend from SD.
Link SBs 117 and 118 with HMI buttons to enable users to jump between
segments. Use the inverted contact of SB119 as a condition as shown below.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Cards
VisiLogic: Utilities 47
When you save a Trend to an SD card, each time you start and stop the save, another segment is
added to the .utr file.
# Description Turns ON : Turns OFF : Reset by:
SB 116
SD Trends to SD: Set
to Overwrite .utr
User application
User
application
User
Use these to control the display of Trend segments on the HMI screen. Use the inverted contact of
SB119 as a condition.
SB 117
SD Trends: Jump to
next segment
User application
User
application
User
SB 118
SD Trends: Jump to
previous segment
User application
User
application
User
SB 119
SD Trends: System
busy - Draw Trend is
gathering data
User application
User
application
User
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
48 VisiLogic: Utilities
Data Tables
About Data Tables
You can store data into the Data Table memory section of your controller, then
access the data in accordance with program requirements. They are useful in
implementing Program Recipes, a collection of ingredients or values that are
used to prepare a batch of product or to perform a specific task.
Data Tables can be used to contain parameters for pre-programmed
recipes.Vision controllers can contain up to 120K of Data Tables (RAM); Data
Tables (that are marked Part of Project) can take up to 192K (Flash) in
V230/260/280/290.
You create tables in VisiLogic, define their structure, then download them to
the controller. Data within the tables can be copied and pasted to and from
third-party tools such as Excel.
You can also store Data Tables or log lines from them onto SD Cards.
Note
Data Tables are based on bytes, not on registers.

Data Table sections that are marked Part of Project: the data are
downloaded with the project, and burned into the Flash memory. You
can use this feature to preserve certain, unchanging data, such as lists
of names or recipe data.

A Data Table marked as Part of Project cannot be copied to an SD

card.
Data tables consist of columns and rows.

Creating a Data Table
1. Open the Data Tables editor by clicking the PLC Data Tables on the
toolbar, or by selecting it from the Data Tables menu.
VisiLogic: Utilities Data Tables
VisiLogic: Utilities 49
2. Create a table by clicking the Add Table icon, then name the table and
define the number of columns and rows.

Note
The grid that appears represents only the table's column and row
structure. Each column in the table can contain up to 100 elements,
such as MIs.
3. Define a table's columns by selecting the column, then clicking the Edit
button , or by right-clicking and selecting Edit from the Column menu.

Data Table Options
Menu
Name
Option
File
Import/Export
Data Tables can be exported from an application as . upd files, then imported into
any VisiLogic program.
When you import the file, you can select to:
Add individual tables to the structure. If tables of the same name already exist, the
tables are automatically renamed.
Delete existing tables and import the new structure.
Memory Requirements
Displays pie charts that show the amount of memory that will be required by the
data tables when the project is downloaded.
Connection
All of the Connection commands require that the PLC be connected to the PC.
Read Structure from PLC
Imports the structure of the data tables within the PLC into the project.
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
50 VisiLogic: Utilities
Verify: Tables Structure
Compares the table structure in the project to the structure of tables within the PLC.
The commands below also require that the table structure in the PLC be identical
with the table structure in the current project.
Read Range
Reads the values of the selected cells from within the PLC data table into the
project.
Write Range
Writes the values of the selected cells from the project data table into the PLC.
Read Write Table
Reads or write the values of an entire Data Table.
Verify Cell Value: by Range
Compares the values of the cells in the project to the values within the PLC.
Table
Table options have short-cut buttons on the left side of the Tables pane. Right-
clicking the pane also opens the Table menu.
Add Table
Adds a new data table.
Edit Table
Enables you to change the name of the data table and the number of rows and
columns.
Delete Table
Deletes the entire table, both values and structure.
Duplicate Table
Creates a new table, including both the values and the structure of the table being
duplicated.
Select All
Selects the entire table.
Row Edit Number of Rows
Enables you to change the name of the data table and the number of rows and
columns.
Insert Row
Enables you to insert a row at any point in the table.
Delete Row
Enables you to delete a row from any point in the table.
Note Inserting or deleting a row changes the index number of all successive rows;
impacting your data operations.
Column Set Cell Value
Enables you to enter values for a cell or range of cells within a column.
Insert Column
Inserts a column.
Edit Column
Enables you to name the column, set a data type for the entire column, define the
number of elements held by each cell in the column and make other selections
based on the data type that has been assigned to the column.
Delete Column
Deletes a column.
Column Parameters (Part of Project)
The column structure options change according to the data type selected.
VisiLogic: Utilities Data Tables
VisiLogic: Utilities 51
Parameter Function
Description Assign a unique name.
Type A column is assigned to the data type selected.
Data types may be directly assigned, or linked via address.
Part of Project,
Read-only
Select this to burn the data into the PLC's Flash memory at program download.
You can use Part of Project to preserve unchanging data, such as lists of names or
recipe data.
Recommended column order
Select this to burn the data into the PLC's Flash memory:
At program download. You can use this to preserve unchanging data, such as
lists of names or recipe data.
During run-time, to preserve real-time data. In Project Properties, under the
General tab, select Enable Write to Flash via Data Table elements. This enables
you to use Data Table Ladder elements to store real-time data as explained in
the topic Data Table, PLC Operands-Read/Write.
Min/Max Enables you to set limits for the value of an element in the column.
Format View Choose between decimal and hexadecimal.
Number of
elements
A column can contain a maximum of 100 elements.
Data Tables, Read/Write
For information regarding Data Tables, refer to the manual VisiLogic Utilities.
Read enables you to copy values from a Data Table to PLC operands.
Write functions enables you to copy operand values from a PLC to Data Tables.

Read/Write functions are located on the Data Tables menu.
Note
The maximum number of operands of any type for a Read/Write
operation is 128.
Rows
Read Row
Use the Read function to select Data Table rows and read their data into PLC
memory operands. Values are read from the Data Table into the operands that
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
52 VisiLogic: Utilities
are linked to it in the Read function. Note that the number of rows read cannot
exceed the number of rows that are in the Data Table.

Write Row
Use the Write function to select PLC memory operands and read their data into
Data Table rows.
Values are read from the PLC into the Data Table cells that are linked to it in
the Write function.
Note that you provide a Start Address for the PLC memory operands; the Write
function will take a vector of operands that will fit the number of rows in the
Data Table.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Writing to flash via ladder
Columns
Note
'Part of Project' Data

Not all Data Types are supported:

Unsupported types: Boolean, Byte, String, all 'Address of'
Supported Data Types: Integer (16
bit)

When longer data types are copied to shorter data types, the longer
values are truncated.

When shorter data types are copied to longer types, each source value
is copied to the lower bytes of the destination.
Supported Read Write
Data
Table
PLC
Operand
Byte Integer
Data cannot be included in Write Column
es are supported:
ted types: Boolean, Byte, String, all 'Address of'
Data Types: Integer (16-bit), Long, Float, Timer (32
a types are copied to shorter data types, the longer
ated.
ta types are copied to longer types, each source value
ower bytes of the destination.
Read Write Result
1 Byte is read into the The first 8 bits of the Integer are
Data Tables
53
umn functions.
ddress of' types.
oat, Timer (32
s, the longer
ch source value
t
of the Integer are
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
54 VisiLogic: Utilities
Byte Long Integer first 8 bits of Integer
(LSB).
written into a Byte. The last 8 bits
of the Integer (MSB) are discarded.
Integer Integer
Integer Long Integer 1 Integer is read into the
first 16 bits of a Long.
The first 16 bits of the Long are
written into an Integer. The last 16
bits of the Long are discarded.
Long
Integer
Integer First 16 bits of Long are
read into an integer. The
last 16 bits of the Long
are discarded.
An Integer is written into the first
16 bits of a Long.
Long
Integer
Long Integer
Timer Timer
Float Float
Read Column
A column in a Data Table is the source for the Read function. Values are read
from the Data Table into the operands that are linked to it in the Read
function, according to FIFO.

Write Column
PLC operands are the source for the Write function. Values are read into the
Data Table cells that are linked to it in the Write function. Values are read from
the operands into the Data Table according to FIFO.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Read/Write Direct
These operations access the values in the database
structure
Database: Read Direct
The Read Direct operation copies data from the data tables into a vector of
registers within the controller.
1. Select Direct: Read from the Data Tables menu.
2. Place the function in the desired net.
3. Link the desired Operands and
Operands A & B determine the
from the data table will be copied.
Operand A: sets the register type for the target vector and the start
register.
Operand B: determines the offset, in regis
Operands C, D, & E determine the
data table the data will be copied.
Operand C: contains the start byte of the source vector within the data
table.
Operand D: determines the offset, in bytes, from the start
Operand E: determines the length of the source vector.
s the values in the database without reference to table
on copies data from the data tables into a vector of
troller.
from the Data Tables menu.
n the desired net.
erands and Addresses.
termine the data's destination --to where
will be copied.
e register type for the target vector and the start
ines the offset, in registers, from the st
determine the data's source --from where
will be copied.
s the start byte of the source vector within the data
ines the offset, in bytes, from the start
ines the length of the source vector.
Data Tables
55
eference to table
o a vector of
where the data
d the start
tart register.
where in the
ithin the data
t register.
Data Tables
56
Note that the length is relative to the
A. For example, if Operand A is linked to an MI and Operand E contains 5,
10 bytes of data will be copied from th
into each MI.
If Operand A is linked to a double register; ML or DW; and Operand E
contains 2, 8 bytes of data will be copied into 2 double register.
Read Example
Below, database bytes 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are read a
MIs 15, 16, and 17.
Database: Write Direct
The Write operation copies data a vector of registers into the database.
1. Select Data Block Read from the Data Tables menu.
2. Place the function in the desired net.
3. Link the desired Operands and
Operands A & B determine the
data will be copied.
Operand A: sets the register type for the target vector and the start
register.
h is relative to the type of register linked to Operand
Operand A is linked to an MI and Operand E contains 5,
ll be copied from the data table into 5 MIs,
ed to a double register; ML or DW; and Operand E
of data will be copied into 2 double register.
28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are read and written into
ies data a vector of registers into the database.
Read from the Data Tables menu.
n the desired net.
erands and Addresses.
termine the data's source --from which
e register type for the target vector and the start
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
ed to Operand
and E contains 5,
MIs, 2 bytes
d Operand E
gister.
d written into
atabase.
ich registers the
d the start
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Operand B: determines the offset, in registers, from the start register.
Operands C, D, & E determine the
database the data will be written.
Operand C: contains the start byte of the source vector within the
database.
Operand D: determines the offset, in bytes, from the start register.
Operand E: determines the length of the source vector.
Note that the length is relative to the
A. For example, if Operand A is linked to an MI and Operand E contains 5,
the data from 5 registers will be copied into 10 da
per MI.
If Operand A is linked to a double register; ML or DW; and Operand E
contains 2, the data from 2 double registers will be copied into 8 database
bytes, 4 bytes per ML or DW.
Write Example
Below, MIs 26, 27, 28, 29 are written
register is copied into 2 bytes within the database.
ines the offset, in registers, from the start register.
determine the data's destination--to where
will be written.
s the start byte of the source vector within the
ines the offset, in bytes, from the start register.
ines the length of the source vector.
h is relative to the type of register linked to Operand
Operand A is linked to an MI and Operand E contains 5,
gisters will be copied into 10 database bytes,
ed to a double register; ML or DW; and Operand E
a from 2 double registers will be copied into 8 database
ML or DW.
29 are written into database bytes 28 through 33; each
bytes within the database.
Data Tables
57
tart register.
o where in the
ithin the
t register.
ed to Operand
and E contains 5,
bytes, 2 bytes
d Operand E
into 8 database
hrough 33; each
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
58 VisiLogic: Utilities
Program Recipes
A recipe is a collection of ingredients or values that are used to prepare a
batch of product or to perform a specific task.
Data Tables can be used to contain parameters for pre-programmed recipes.
For example, assume that a laundry machine performs different tasks such as
'Fill', 'Wash' and 'Rinse'. A Data Table is created that contains 1 row for each
task. Each row contains cells; each cell holds a specific parameter required for
the task assigned to that row. The parameter values are transferred into the
cells via a Write to Data Tables function. Within the Write function, the
operands containing the parameter values are linked directly to the
appropriate cells.

Data Tables, Excel, and .csv
Data can be imported to and exported from Excel and .csv files.
Export
Note that you can include the current values by establishing a communication
connection with the PLC and reading or writing values from specific cells, or
from an entire Data Table within the PLC into the Data Table in VisiLogic
VisiLogic: Utilities Data Tables
VisiLogic: Utilities 59
To export data
1. Highlight the cells containing the desired data.
Click the Export to Excel or Export to .csv button.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions; data is exported into the desired file
type.

Import
To import data
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
60 VisiLogic: Utilities
1. Click the Import to Excel or Import to .csv button.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions; data is exported into the desired file
type.
The data is copied as shown below.

Copy & paste data
To copy/paste data to and from Data Tables and Excel.
1. Select data. You can select individual cells, rows, columns, or contiguous
groups of cells.
2. Copy the values to the Clipboard either by pressing <Ctrl>+ <C> or by
clicking the Copy button.
3. Click the cursor in the Paste location, then paste the either press <Ctrl>
+ <V> or click the Paste button.
Note
The selection is pasted towards the right and down. When you paste
from Excel to Data Tables, the Data Table must have enough rows and
columns to contain the Paste selection.
VisiLogic: Utilities Data Tables
VisiLogic: Utilities 61
Data Table to Data Table: Copy
These functions enable you to transfer values within the same or between
different Data Tables. They are located on the Data Tables menu.
Copy Rows
Select the source table and target table, and make the appropriate selections.

Copy Column
Note that the columns you select must have the same structure.

Data Tables: Clear, Row, Column, Table
These functions are located in the Data Tables menu. Clear enables you to use
a Ladder condition to delete values in a particular table.
Clear Row
Select the desired Data Table. You can determine which row will be cleared
either by entering the row number, or linking to an MI address containing the
row number.
Data Tables
62
Clear Column
Select the desired Data Table to display its col
column will be cleared by clicking it.
Clear Table
Select the desired Data Table. When the function is activated, all of the tables
values will be cleared.
Data Tables: Find Row, Find Row Extended
Find Row and Find Row Extended are located on the Data Tables menu. These
functions search through a data table, comparing the input value with the
values in the data table.
Find Row:
If a matching value is found, the
value.

Find Row Extended:
This function enables you to search for more than one value. The number
of the row containing all of the values is stored in the output value.
Table to display its columns. You determine which
y clicking it.
Table. When the function is activated, all of the tables
d Row Extended
Extended are located on the Data Tables menu. These
h a data table, comparing the input value with the
is found, the number of the row is stored in the output
:
es you to search for more than one value. The number
ng all of the values is stored in the output value.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
rmine which
all of the tables
es menu. These
ue with the
red in the output
ue. The number
put value.
VisiLogic: Utilities Data Tables
VisiLogic: Utilities 63
Parameter
Name
Purpose
Table Click on the drop-down arrow to select a table from the project, then click the
desired column.
The number of bytes in the column of the linked data table define the length
of the input vector.
Limit Rows Check this option to limit the number of rows the function will search.
Start Address The length of the input vector is determined by the number of bytes in the
selected data table column. If, for example, the column contains 6 bytes, the
vector will be 3 MIs long.
Note that a string must end with a null (0) character.
Found Row If a matching value is found, the number of the row is stored in the output
value.
Data Tables VisiLogic: Utilities
64 VisiLogic: Utilities
Note that:
- if the value is not found, -1 will be the value returned by the function.
- if the row is not found, if, for example, the number given for the first row is
higher than the number given for the last row, the value will be -2.

VisiLogic: Internal Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
String Library
Use String Library to store text strings within the controller's
and then display them on the controller's LCD. You can, for example, organize
text into different String Libraries
English and Italianpull strings into HMI objects, and then switch libraries to
change the display language.
These strings can be displayed in the following HMI elements:
Frame
Button
Fixed Text
String Libraries also provide the text for Alarms, and can be used in Trend
Curve Properties.
Note that
The number of libraries change
strings in each library are grey'; these strings are reserved for system
use, as for example to provide the text for Alarm screen buttons.
Each string can contain up to 128 characters.
V570/V1040/1240
Number of
Libraries
8 or 16
Number of Strings 4096
Total Library
Memory
64K
* *Switching from 4 to 8 libraries downsizes the library memory
32K to 16K. If your library exceeds 16K you will not be able to download the
project.
**Switching to 16 libraries downsizes the library memory capacity to 8K. If
your library exceed 8Ks you will not be able to download the project. Note tha
in each library the System Strings (grey background) are preserved, and
Strings 0-511 will be copied to the new, smaller libraries. Strings 512 and
higher will be deleted.

This feature is not available in Standard Vision controllers.
How String Library works
Only one library is active at a time. This means that at any given time, all
elements that pull text from a library are using the
However, each HMI element may be linked to a
String Library.
In the following figure, the buttons are linked to different text lines. Each time
a different String Library is called, the button text changes.
ore text strings within the controller's F
on the controller's LCD. You can, for example, organize
g Librariesfor example, separate libraries for Spanish,
strings into HMI objects, and then switch libraries to
uage.
played in the following HMI elements:
vide the text for Alarms, and can be used in Trend
aries changes according to controller type. The final 512
ary are grey'; these strings are reserved for system
e to provide the text for Alarm screen buttons.
tain up to 128 characters.
040/1240 V350 V130
4, 8, or 16 4, 8, or 16
2048 4 =2048, 8= 2048, 16 =1024*
32K 32K for 4 libraries, 16K for 8, 8k for
16
8 libraries downsizes the library memory
ary exceeds 16K you will not be able to download the
ies downsizes the library memory capacity to 8K. If
you will not be able to download the project. Note tha
em Strings (grey background) are preserved, and
pied to the new, smaller libraries. Strings 512 and
ot available in Standard Vision controllers.
e at a time. This means that at any given time, all
from a library are using the same library.
ment may be linked to a different line ID # within that
the buttons are linked to different text lines. Each time
y is called, the button text changes.
String Library
65
LASH memory,
ample, organize
ries for Spanish,
tch libraries to
sed in Trend
pe. The final 512
ed for system
uttons.
6 =1024*
16K for 8, 8k for
ry capacity from
o download the
city to 8K. If
roject. Note that
erved, and
gs 512 and
ers.
en time, all
ry.
ID # within that
lines. Each time
String Library VisiLogic: Utilities
66 VisiLogic: Utilities
Configuring Strings
1. Click the String icon on the navigation tree or toolbar to open the Strings
editor.

2. Click on File> Rename Library to assign a unique name to the Library

3. Click Number of Libraries to edit the number.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
4. Double-click on a row to open the String Editor.
Note that the String Editor opens strings according to the ID #. In the
following figure, the first three messages are displayed for String Libraries
Letters_1, Numbers_2, and Symbols_3.
5. Place your cursor in the desired String Library row, and type in text. You
can also include indirect text from an MI vector.
The text is displayed
ow to open the String Editor.
g Editor opens strings according to the ID #. In the
e first three messages are displayed for String Libraries
s_2, and Symbols_3.
n the desired String Library row, and type in text. You
direct text from an MI vector.
d in the PLC Preview window.
String Library
67
ID #. In the
r String Libraries
pe in text. You
String Library VisiLogic: Utilities
68 VisiLogic: Utilities
You can also break text lines by including Carriage Return + Line Feed
characters.

Note that you can find Unreferenced Strings via the binoculars icon on the
String Library toolbar.
Importing/Exporting Strings to/from Excel or .csv
VisiLogic: Utilities String Library
VisiLogic: Utilities 69
These tools are located on the String Library File menu.

Excel: you cannot create an Excel file and import it. You must export
a String Library from a String Library, delete any undesired
information, and then enter your own strings.
.csv: you must use a delimiter that does not appear within the
string's data, or the values will not be separated according to
expectations.
Import/Export from Excel
1. Select all of the Strings in a Library. and then select Export

2. From the File menu, select Export to Excel.

3. Open and edit the Library, and then import it into any Library.
Linking HMI Elements to Text in a String Library
1. Place a Frame, Button, or Fixed Text HMI element. Within the element
properties, click the String from String Library option.
You can either link a Text ID line directly, or use an MI to indirectly
provide the Text line ID.
Note that the size of the HMI element must be large enough for the longest
text line it may hold.
String Library VisiLogic: Utilities
70 VisiLogic: Utilities
Switching Libraries
To switch Libraries, use one of these methods:
Use the Ladder function Strings>Set String Library
Write a value to SI 491 Switch current Text Library

Set String Library
Use this function to switch String Libraries.

String from String Library to ASCII
This function, located on the Strings menu, enables you to save text from the
String Library as ASCII.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
Parameter Purpose
A The ID number of the
B
The length of the destination vector. This must be equal or greater than the
number of character in the string
C
The start of the destination vector
D Status Message
0 Action completed successfully
1 The Library does
2 - The String does not exist
6 The length of the string exceeds the length of the destination vector,
or exceeds 128.
r of the String in the Current Library
he destination vector. This must be equal or greater than the
racter in the string
e destination vector
e
ction completed successfully
he Library does not exist (Library is not defined)
e String does not exist
he length of the string exceeds the length of the destination vector,
ceeds 128.
String Library
71
eater than the
)
e destination vector,
VisiLogic: Internal Utilities Web Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 72
Web Server
Enhanced Vision controllers can host web pages. The controller must comprise
a TCP/IP port, and must be connected to an Ethernet network. If the controller
contains web pages, a remote user can enter the IP address of the controller
into a web browser and view the pages.
You can also host complex Web pages using the program in the .zip file located
at:http://www.unitronics.com/data/uploads/communication/WebServer.zip

Ladder Application
1. Configure Ethernet in your application by building a net that comprises the
following elements:
a. Com>TCP/IP> Card Init function.
b. Com>TCP/IP>Socket Init function, set to HTTP.

Selecting HTTP sets the local port to 80 and the controller to slave.

Configuring Web Pages
1. Click the Web Server Configuration icon on the VisiLogic toolbar to open
the utility.
2. Click in the Web Page Name field and type in a page name.
3. You can also edit the Marquee text, which scrolls across the web page.
The default causes the words 'Unitronics PLCs' to scroll across the page;
clicking those words opens the Unitronics web site. You can replace the
default text, change the website to another, or delete all of the text to
remove the Marquee.

VisiLogic: Utilities Web Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 73
3. Select Editable if you want to enable users to edit register, counter, timer,
and even text messages values online via the web page. Click on the
different fields in the line to assign a Description and Operand.
Note that the Operand type you select determines other options such as:
Value, Timer/Counter Format, Base Format, Decimal, and Alarms and
Warnings.

Note
When data is being edited, the page will not refresh.
You can also configure Alarm colors for register values by clicking in the
Alarms & Warnings column.

Web Server VisiLogic: Utilities
74 VisiLogic: Utilities
4. Use the toolbar to add and delete line and pages. You can use the slider to
adjust the refresh time; this controls the frequency at which values are
updated when the page is viewed via PC. Note that you cannot display an
ASCII string longer than 32 characters.

5. Click Page>Preview Pages to check your work.

When the page in the PLC is viewed via PC, the page will look as it did in
preview mode, with the real-time values displayed.
VisiLogic: Utilities Web Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 75
Web Server VisiLogic: Utilities
76 VisiLogic: Utilities
Logos
You can customize the logo via the Advanced menu. You can either import a
logo, or link to a .url.

Import/Export
You can export and import the configuration by selecting option on the Web
Server menu.

Web Page Capacity
The capacity for controllers from the V570 and V350 series is 128k. The
capacity of the V130 series is 64K. You can check the requirements of your
pages by clicking the Compile button and then checking Pages>Calculate
Memory Allocation.
VisiLogic: Utilities Web Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 77
Flickering
By default, the controller displays the web page using AJAX technologies to
automatically refresh variable data on the page. Note that AJAX may not be
compatible with certain older browsers. If this applies to your application, you
can disable AJAX by clicking it on the Web Server> Use AJAX option.

Trends VisiLogic: Utilities
78 VisiLogic: Utilities
Trends
A Trend graph displays a dynamically changing value graph that tracks a
single, dynamic value such as a temperature value, as a curve on the Vision
screen.
Note
Trends (Legacy) Function Block
If your project is configured to Standard Vision controllers that do
not support HMI object Trend graphs, the Trend objects will not be
displayed in the Project Navigation Window. In these models, use the
Trends (Legacy) Function Block.
Trends are displayed in the Project Navigation Window. The number of Trends
and Curves that can be displayed depends on controller model:
V570/V350
Up to 8 Trends, each displaying up to 8 Curves
V130
Up to 4 Trends, each displaying up to 2 Curves
Each Curve may be linked to a different register, and can be configured to a
different color.
Trends have a default touch property that causes a touched Curve to be
brought forward. In the following figure, the Temperature curve is in front.
Touch the Mode button to toggle between:
Run Mode:
Shows the Trend being drawn in real-time
History Mode:
Stops the Trend, displays History Scroll buttons; touch these to scroll back
and forth between different Trend graph sections
VisiLogic: Utilities Trends
VisiLogic: Utilities 79
Trends VisiLogic: Utilities
80 VisiLogic: Utilities
V130
Since the V130 does not offer a touch screen, you use the Keypad arrow
buttons to enter and navigate through History Mode
Enter History Mode Up arrow
Exit to Online Mode Down arrow
Scroll through History Left and right arrows
Creating a Trend graph
1. Define a Trend:
Right-click the desired Trend to open and set Trend Properties.

Property Function
Name Assign a unique name to the Trend.
Sampling Interval Defines how often the Trend draws Curves,
resolution = deciseconds (0.1.)
History Samples Total number of samples that may be
stored in History for ALL Trends is 32000.
The minimum number that may be
allocated to a Trend is 50.
To view the total History Allocation,
right-click Trends in the Project
Navigation Window
Run / Stop MB 0= Stop
1=Run
Status rises from 0 to 1:
The PLC begins to draw the Trend Curves
VisiLogic: Utilities Trends
VisiLogic: Utilities 81
The History is initialized
'Run' is displayed at the bottom of the
graph
Falls 1 to 0
Trend freezes
Under can press Mode button to enter History and scroll through Trend
'Stop' is displayed at the bottom of the graph
2. Define Curves
Right-click the desired Curve to open and set Curve Properties.

Property Function
Name Assign a unique name to the Curve for
display on the HMI screen.
You can also use the String Library. The
string you select will be displayed as the
Curve name on the HMI screen; however,
note that the string you select will not
appear on the Project Navigation tree.
Data Operand This is the value represented by the Curve
Y Min, Y Max These define the axis range for that Curve.
Note that you can also set a decimal value.
Once you configure a Trend and at least a single Curve, you can place the
graph in different HMI displays and set specific properties for the Trend in that
display, such as the Trend background color and Curve colors.
3. Place a Trend Graph in an HMI Display
a. Click the Trend icon on the HMI toolbar, and then drag the cursor
across the screen to draw the Trend.
Trends VisiLogic: Utilities
82 VisiLogic: Utilities
b. Release the mouse button, and define the Trend Variable properties.

Note
Under Links, note that the Link MI shows which Curve is currently
forward
V570 1= Curve 1, 2=Curve 2, etc. Therefore when the MI
contains 3, Curve number 3 will be forward
V130:2=Curve 2. 1, or any other value causes Curve 1 to be
forward
Tab Property Function
Appearance Points to Display Sets the number of actual points that will be shown on the
screen at any one time
Number of X ticks,
Y ticks
Set the number of gradations on the axes
VisiLogic: Utilities Trends
VisiLogic: Utilities 83
History scroll mode Sets the paging size for History view
Draw lines between
points
If this is not selected, the Curves will be drawn as a series of
points
X Axis Color Note that the Y Axis color always changes to match the
Curve than is in front
Buttons Color Sets the color for the Mode, Grid, and History Scroll buttons
Grid Color Set the color for the background Grid
Change current
Curve on Touch
Checked by default. Curves have a built-in touch property
that causes the touched Curve to be brought forward.
Curves Color Click to set a color
Hide Curve if you assign a Hide Curve MB, turn it ON to hide the Curve.
Note that the Link MI determines which curve is forward. In the case of the
V570, touching the curve writes the curve value to the MI, bringing the
touched curve forward.

Trends VisiLogic: Utilities
84 VisiLogic: Utilities
Trend from SD
Note that you can also display a Trend Curve from the Trend History that is
stored on an SD Card. The parameters are the same as in Variable: Trend,
given above.

4. Control the Trend by toggling on the Run/ Stop MB.
Start and stop the Trend as shown below.

To learn more about Trends, check Trends - Color Vision.vlp in the Help>
Examples.
# Description Value Comments
SI 63 Maximum number of
Trend files that can be
saved (read-only)
0-64
The maximum amount of
Trend files (*.utr files) in a
single folder is 64. The
value in SI 63 shows the
number of remaining *.utr
files; if 5 *utr files exist, SI
63 = 59
Initialized at Power-up.
Updated when:
- when SB 217 is ON
- when Trend file is created.

VisiLogic: Internal Utilities Alarms
VisiLogic: Utilities 85
Alarms
An Alarm is an event that is
reported to the machine
operator via a set of built-in
displays.
The event is a change in the
Alarms Trigger condition,
which may be linked to either
a Boolean or a numeric value.
An Alarm can:
Show Alarm status
Report the event to the
machine operator
Provide instructions
Require operator action
Play an active role in the
conditions enabling the
running of the process

In VisiLogic, you use the Alarm Configuration utility to create Alarms and set
their features. The Ladder application determines when the Alarms are
displayed on the controllers screen.
Vision controllers support Alarms according to the following table:
Vision Type Number of Alarms Number of Alarms in History
V570 128 254
V350 64 62
V130 16 14
Alarms may be divided into up to 16 groups, per application.
While the Alarms displays are on the screen, the PLC application
continues to run. This includes both the Ladder, including
subroutines, and the HMI application. This means that the current
HMI display, the one on the screen when the PLC enters Alarms,
may not be the same one displayed when the PLC exits Alarms.
Note This feature is not available in Standard Vision controllers.
Alarms: Ladder Application
The Alarms displays are shown according to the Ladder application. When the
Ladder application calls the Alarms, the displays will only appear if the Alarms
are Active.
The functions are located on the Alarms menu in the Ladder toolbar.
Show Groups
This function shows the Alarms in Group display, according to the number in
the MI Group ID to Start From.
Note that the status MI will read 0 if no such group exists.
Alarms VisiLogic: Utilities
86 VisiLogic: Utilities
Show Alarm
This function can show a specific display for a specific Alarm. You can show the
Alarm in the Alarms in Group display, or go directly to the Alarm Details or
History.

Clear History Buffer
Use this function to erase the Alarm History.

VisiLogic: Utilities Information Mode
VisiLogic: Utilities 87
Information Mode
Information Mode is a utility that is embedded in the operating system of the
controller. Via Information Mode, you can view data on the LCD screen, use
the controllers keyboard to directly edit data, and perform certain actions such
as resetting the controller. You can enter Information Mode at any time
without regard to what is currently displayed on the LCD screen.

Viewing data does not affect the
controllers program. Performing
actions, such as initializing the
controller, can influence the
program.

Note that when you use Information
Mode, the keyboard is dedicated to
that purpose. The keys return to
normal application functions when
you exit Information Mode.
Entering Information Mode
1. To enter Information mode:
-Non-touchscreen models: press the <i> key on the Visions keyboard.

-Touchscreen models: touch the screen in an area that is not occupied
by a Keypad Entry variable or other screen object that has been assigned
a Touch Property. Maintain contact for several seconds
2. The controller enters Information Mode and requests a password.
3. Enter your password. The default password is 1111. Note that at every
power-up, this password is restored. To maintain a different password
after power-up, use SB 2-Power-up as a condition to store the desired
password value into SI 253.
To change the password, access the controller via VisiLogic, then run On-
line Test mode and changing the value. This value will be erased at
power-up.
4. The controller enters Information Mode, showing the first category, Data
Types. Use the <Enter> key to enter a category.
5. Press the <ESC> key to exit a category, and to exit Information mode.
Information Mode
88
Notes

When you reenter Information Mode, the controller will return to the
last Category viewed.
Info System Operands
# Description Turned ON
SB 36 INFO mode Turns ON when
Info Mode is
entered by OS,
Remote
or program
# Description Value
SI 50 INFO Mode:
Entry Delay
Time
Default by O/S
(every power up)
= 4 seconds
SI
253
Password:
Info Mode
Note that at every power
1111, is restored. To maintain a different password after power
use SB 2
value into SI 253.
The password may also be modified by
VisiLogic, then running On
This value will be erased at power
The categories of available information depend on the controller model. The
table below shows the basic categories o
Category Subject
The controller will block
entry into Information mode
until the correct password
has been entered.
why you must record any
password you set for your
controller.
The data in Information
Mode is arranged in
Categories.
contains several Subjects.
You navigate Information
Mode by using the keyboard
buttons.
To exit Information mode,
press the <ESC>button on
the Visions keyboard.
press returns one level up.
Press the number of times
necessary to exit.
er Information Mode, the controller will return to the
wed.
ed ON Turned Off Comments
ON when
ode is
d by OS,
e Access,
gram
Turns OFF when
user exits Info
Mode
Delay time to enter Info Mode is 4
seconds, may be modified via SI 50
Comments
by O/S
ower up)
onds
Units: seconds.
Legal values: 0, 3 to 20.
If you force or store '0' into equal Zero
disabled.
For V290 Touching the <i\>
screen starts Info Mode Touching a legal Ladder
application variable clears the INFO time.
at at every power-up, the default password to Info Mode,
s restored. To maintain a different password after power
2-Power-up as a condition to store the desired password
nto SI 253.
ssword may also be modified by accessing the controller via
ic, then running On-line Test mode and changing the value.
lue will be erased at power-up.
e information depend on the controller model. The
sic categories of information.
Possible Actions
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
er will block
formation mode
rect password
tered. This is
st record any
u set for your
nformation
nged in
Each Category
eral Subjects.
e Information
ng the keyboard
mation mode,
SC>button on
keyboard. Each
s one level up.
mber of times
exit.
return to the
Info Mode is 4
odified via SI 50
qual Zero INFO is
> key on the touch
uching a legal Ladder
e INFO time.
d to Info Mode,
rd after power-up,
sired password
the controller via
anging the value.
model. The
VisiLogic: Utilities Information Mode
VisiLogic: Utilities 89
Data Types Memory Bits View bit status
System Bits Change bit status (Set/Reset)
Memory Integers
System Integers
Memory Longs
System Longs
Memory Double
Words
System Double
Words
View integer/long integer/double word value.
Change values
Toggle Base: view the value in decimal or
hexadecimal form.
Inputs View input status. [
Force input status to 1 (FR1) or 0 (FR0). Forced
values stay in effect until Normal mode (NRM) is
selected, or until the controller is initialized or
reset.
Note Forced values do influence your program.
This can be useful in testing the effect of an input
condition on an output status.
Outputs View output status. [
Force output status to 1 (FR1) or 0 (FR0). Note
that forced output values do not affect your
program.
Set/Reset output status.
Timers Enter a Preset Timer value.
View the current timer value and status by
selecting the R.T. option.
TCP/IP (Standard
Vision, Visible when
Ethernet card is
installed)
Enables you to view and edit IP address and socket
settings.
System Model & O/S Ver Check the controllers model number and operating
system version.
Check whether the controller is in Run or Stop
mode.
Working Mode Check whether the controller is in Run or Stop
mode.
Reset the controller. This restarts your program;
restoring power-up values to all data types except
for those protected by the battery backup. The
battery protects Real Time Clock (RTC), all
operand, and Data Table values.
Initialize the controller. This restarts your program
and initializes all values, restoring 0 values to all
data types.
Information Mode VisiLogic: Utilities
90 VisiLogic: Utilities
Time & Date View the Real Time Clock (RTC) settings. Note
that the RTC settings control all time-based
functions.
Change the RTC settings via the controllers
keyboard.
Unit ID The Unit ID number identifies a networked controller. You
can:
Change the ID number. The new ID number will
remain in effect until the controller is reset.
Burn the ID number into the controllers FLASH
memory. This is a permanent change.
Serial Port 1
Serial Port 2
View and edit communication settings.
Select to Change or Burn the new settings.
Ethernet (Enhanced
Vision, if an
Ethernet card is
installed)
Enables you to view and edit IP address, Socket settings,
and other TCP/IP settings.
Monitor
Communications
(Enhanced only)
This is a built-in communications 'sniffer'
Touch screen models: select Serial or Ethernet,
then press Monitor. Note the button that allows
you to toggle between Hex and ASCII
Non-touch screen models: Select Communication,
then select Serial or Ethernet> COM Buffer. Use F2
to toggle between Hex and ASCII. In addition,
press Enter, and then the Down key to toggle
between. Tx and Rx.
CANbus Built-in CANbus communications 'sniffer'
Change the CANbus baud rate.
Touchscreen
(Touchscreen
models only)
Enables you to calibrate the touchscreen, if it is not
responding accurately to screen taps.
SD Card
(Enhanced
Division)
Removable
memory storage
Enables you to upload and download VisiLogic applications,
OS firmware, and Data Table data from/to an SD card.
You can use these features to 'clone' a PLC application.
Function
Block
Reserved for future
use
Hardware
Configuration
Check if I/O Expansion Modules are installed. Note
that I/O Expansion Modules are represented by
letters. Identical module types are represented by
identical letters as shown below.
Shows if an I/O module is short-circuited.
VisiLogic: Utilities Information Mode
VisiLogic: Utilities 91
VisiLogic: Internal Utilities Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via
PC
VisiLogic: Utilities 92
Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC
Use VisiLogic to activate access a remote Vision controller and:
Download and upload projects
Remotely operate the controller's HMI through your PC
Run On-Line Test mode on the remote controller
Run Information Mode.
You can access:
Stand-alone controllers that are directly connected to the PC via a cable.
Controllers within a CANbus or TCP/IP network
Either stand-alone or networked controllers via GSM or landline modem.

Note
In addition to using VisiLogic to access a remote Vision, Unitronics
provides a stand-alone utility called Remote Access. This utility can
also access Unitronics M90/91 and Jazz controllers. It may be freely
downloaded from http://www.unitronics.com.
Accessing a PLC via VisiLogic
Before you can access a controller, you must establish a communication link:
Direct Connection: PC-Controller
1. Connect your PC to any controller using the programming cable supplied
with the controller kit.
In the case of the V1040, the USB cable may be used; note that COM port
1 function is suspended when this port is physically connected to a PC
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC
VisiLogic: Utilities 93
Accessing a Networked Controller
2. Connect your PC to any controller in the network using the programming
cable supplied with the controller kit.

Note
Different PCs can access a network at the same time, using different
controller units as bridges. However, 2 different PCs cannot
simultaneously access the same controller unit.
3. Select a networked controller by opening Communication & OS from the
Connection menu, and then entering the Unit ID number.
Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC VisiLogic: Utilities
94 VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC
VisiLogic: Utilities 95
Accessing a Controller via Modem
1. Prepare and connect your PLC-side modem as described in the topic PLC-
side Modems, in the section 'How to enable a controller to communicate
via landline, GSM/GPRS modem'.
2. Prepare the PC-side modem as described in the topic PC-Side Modems
(Modem Services), in the section 'How to Configure a PC-side Modem'.
3. Via Connection>Modem Services, dial the remote PLC's controller to
establish the data link.
4. Select a connection type using the drop-down selection box on the
toolbar.

5. Click the On-line Test mode button or press <F9> to enter On-Line Test
mode; the left Ladder rail turns red and real-time values are displayed in
the Output window.
6. Click the Remote Access button on the On-line Test toolbar to display the
remote controller on your PC screen. You can toggle the controller image
on and off using <Shift>+<F9>.

7. Remotely operate the controller's HMI by using:
- Your PC keyboard, pressing arrow, alphanumeric, and function keys
<F1> to <F8>). Note that the Vision <ESC> key is the <E> key on the
PC keyboard
- Your mouse to click keypad keys on the Remote Access image on the PC
screen. In the case of touch-screen models, you can also click on-screen
objects.
Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC VisiLogic: Utilities
96 VisiLogic: Utilities
To enter Information Mode, press the <i> key on your PC keyboard, or by
clicking it on-screen with your cursor.

Remote Access options
Use the options to set display options and refresh rate.

Note
The Zoom option can be activated only if you select Hide Keys. Zoom
cannot be used with or V280 controllers.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access: Accessing a PLC via PC
VisiLogic: Utilities 97
Improving Remote Access run times:
Cache files enable Displays to load more quickly. These files enable Remote
access to refer to HMI elements stored in the PC, instead of taking them from
the PLC. If you have been provided with a static HMI file, select it to improve
Remote Access run times.
Monochrome Vision only
To use a temporary memory cache during a session, select Project>
Cache from the Build menu.
The HMI cache files are in .ura format. To create a .ura file containing
static displays, select Export Displays to

Color Vision only
The static HMI files are in .urc format. Such files can be created in Remote
Access by selecting the option Create Fonts and Images (*.urc) from PLC
shown in the following figure. The .urc file may include either fonts, images, or
both. However, note that if the .urc file does not include graphics, Remote
Access will not display images.

Note
When Remote Access creates a .urc file, the Vision enters 'System
Mode'; the PLC continues running while displaying a system image.
The HMI application is not visible.
In addition, note that an interruption in communications may leave
the PLC inaccessible. In this case, the PLC may require reset, which
requires an operator to be physically present near the PLC.
Creating Project files (Clone files) VisiLogic: Utilities
98 VisiLogic: Utilities
Creating Project files (Clone files)
Project files contain application data in compressed format *.dvi, *.vdf *.urc,
and *.ura. There are several kinds of files.
Clone Files:
These can contain complete applications in compressed format, including
Ladder and HMI applications and OS. Clone files are very convenient for
OEMs, or for those wanting to 'Clone' a PLC and its application. These files
can be created in VisiLogic as well as via SD Clone Ladder functions or in
Information mode.
Project Files: UniDownloader Designer
These files include both the Ladder and HMI applications, Data Tables, and
an Upload file.
-Standard Vision: .dvi files
-Enhanced Vision: .vdf
Note that the DownLoader files you create here are compatible with
UniDownloader 4.0.0 and later; provide your users with the correct
UniDownloader version.
Cache files: Remote Access and Remote Operator
These are compressed HMI Displays. They improve Remote Access
reaction times, and must be used to display graphic images when using
Remote Operator.
- Monochrome Vision (.ura files)
A .ura cache file enables Remote Operator to load Displays more quickly.
Note that V130, which loads displays quickly, does not use .ura files.)
- Color Vision (.urc files).
If a .urc is not used, images are not displayed and fonts may be
distorted.
A cache file includes fonts, and can include images.
If the file does not include images, a red 'X' displays in place of
graphics.
To create Project files:
1. Click on the Project menu and select Create Project files.
2. Select the appropriate tab and follow the on-screen directions.
VisiLogic: Utilities Creating Project files (Clone files)
VisiLogic: Utilities 99
Notes
.cxx Files
PLC Unique ID
Each PLC has a unique ID number, which is shown in SDW9.
Use this number to restrict a program to a particular PLC.
Password:
This is assigned to the SD Card via the Set SD Card Password
function.

Both the controller you use to make the download file (source), and
the controller that is installed with the file (target) should be installed
with the same OS Version.

To avoid errors in the file, the creation process must run smoothly,
without being aborted or affected by PC faults.
Checking the integrity of the .dvi file
Although you do not need to have Remote Access installed on your PC in order
to create .dvi files, you need to install it in order to check .dvi files.
1. After you have created the .dvi file, save the project from which it
was downloaded.
2. Open a new, empty project and download it to the controller.
3. Start Remote Access and select the appropriate Vision model.
4. Click on the Project Downloader which is located on the Remote
Access Tools menu.
5. Navigate to the .dvi file and download it into the controller.
Creating Project files (Clone files) VisiLogic: Utilities
100 VisiLogic: Utilities
6. Reopen the original Ladder project used to create the .dvi file.
7. Select Verify from the Controller menu; the Verify process will
compare the project in your PC with the .dvi application installed in
the controller.
If the Verify process is successful, the .dvi file is valid.
UniDownloader Designer
The UniDownloader package enables you to build a complete, compressed
project and send it anywhere to be installed in a PLC using a standalone
downloader. Your end user will be able to download the application, but will not
be able to view or modify it. The tool can download applications and OS.
The package comprises the UniDownload Designer, located on the Tools menu,
and the UniDownloader, available as a separate download from
www.unitronics.com.
To learn about UniDownloader, click on the Tools menu in VisiLogic, U90
Ladder, or Remote Access, select UniDownloader Designer, and then access
the UniDownloader Designer Help.

VisiLogic: Internal Utilities PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control
VisiLogic: Utilities 1
PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control
You can implement motor control by controlling the high-speed outputs of
certain Vision controllers using PTO functions, controlling up to three
independent axes.
In this way you can, for example, build speed profiles that are appropriate for
stepper motors. Note that the PTO control functions are open-loop, and do not
rely on positional feedback.
Supported Modes:
Pulse
Uses a single high-speed output
Pulse + Direction
Uses 2 high-speed outputs, one for the pulse, and the second to control
direction
Clockwise/Counter Clockwise
Uses 2 high-speed outputs, one for clockwise, the other for counter-
clockwise

Channels and Outputs
A Channel comprises the outputs that are required to implement a Mode.
The number of channels, the possible modes, and the outputs used to
implement them vary from model to model. The following tables show the
possible combinations, according to Vision model.
Notes
When an Output is not being used in a channel, it may be used as
a general-purpose output (not high-speed)
Caution These functions are based on programming logic, and therefore
do not have the safeguards generally provided by electro-
mechanical controls. It is the user's responsibility to implement
those safeguards required by his system, such as override and/or
emergency stop mechanism.
V130/V350-TR34
Channel Possible Mode Combinations
Channel 0 Pulse Pulse +
Direction
Pulse +
Direction
Pulse Clockwise/Counter
Clockwise
Channel 1 Pulse Pulse +
Direction
Pulse Pulse +
Direction
Disabled
Channel 2 Pulse Disabled Disabled Pulse Pulse
Channel Output used per Channel
Channel 0 Pulse (O0) Pulse (O0)
+
Direction (O2)
Pulse (O0)
+
Direction (O2)
Pulse (O0) Clockwise (O0)
/
Counter Clockwise (O1)
Channel 1 Pulse (O1) Pulse (O1)
+
Pulse (O1) Pulse (O1)
+
Disabled
PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control VisiLogic: Utilities
2 VisiLogic: Utilities
Direction (O3) Direction (O3)
Channel 2 Pulse (O2) Disabled Disabled Pulse (O2) Pulse (O2)
V130/V350-TRA22
The following table shows all of the possible PTO mode combinations for this
model.
Channel Possible Mode Combinations
Channel 0 Pulse Pulse +
Direction
Pulse +
Direction
Pulse Clockwise/Counter
Clockwise
Channel 1 Pulse Pulse +
Direction
Pulse Pulse +
Direction
Disabled
Channel Output used per Channel
Channel 0 Pulse (O0) Pulse (O0)
+
Direction (O2)
Pulse (O0)
+
Direction (O2)
Pulse (O0) Clockwise (O0)
/
Counter Clockwise (O1)
Channel 1 Pulse (O1) Pulse (O1)
+
Direction (O3)
Pulse (O1) Pulse (O1)
+
Direction (O3)
Disabled
V130/V350-TR20, TR6
Channel Possible Mode Combinations
Channel 0 Pulse Pulse + Direction Clockwise/Counter Clockwise
Channel 1 Pulse Disabled Disabled
Channel Output used per Channel
Channel 0 Pulse (O0) Pulse (O0)
+
Direction (O1)
Clockwise (O0)
/
Counter Clockwise (O1)
Channel 1 Pulse (O1) Disabled Disabled
PTO Configuration
In this function you select a Vision model, which determines the available
Channels and Modes. Those not available are disabled.
VisiLogic: Utilities PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control
VisiLogic: Utilities 3
Parameter
Name
Purpose
Vision Model Select the appropriate model
Channel A Channel comprises the inputs used to carry out the PTO function, and
determines their function
Mode The possible modes are:
Pulse
Pulse + Direction
Clockwise/Counter Clockwise
The tables in the previous section give all possible combinations and output
assignments, based on model.
Switch Switch reverses the tasks of the PTO outputs that are assigned to the channel in
modes Pulse + Direction or CW/CCW. This can be helpful to fix cases where the
output wiring is reversed.
Unit PTO functions rely on Units. This is where you determine the number of pulses per
Unit.
Note that neither values for Unit nor Pulses per Unit may exceed 1000
Note - To control your output using straight frequency, set 1 pulse = 1 unit.
Calculate Frequency to Units according to the following

Status
Messages
0 - No error
1 - Invalid configuration data
2 - VisiLogic/OS mismatch; this OS version
3 - Vision outputs do not support function
4 - Invalid structure
5 - Invalid configuration channel
6 - Unit or Pulse per Unit exceed limits (1-1000)
PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control VisiLogic: Utilities
4 VisiLogic: Utilities
7 - Channel already initialized
8 - Currently in motion ( function cannot be performed during acceleration or
deceleration)
Success Bit Turns ON when the Status MI =0
Set Profile
Use Set Profile to define the motion profile for a particular Channel in the
configuration.

Ranges
Note the minimum and maximum ranges for your motion profile.
Minimum Maximum
5 Hz 15 kHz
10 Hz 20 kHz
305 Hz 133 kHz
610 Hz 200 kHz
Parameter
Name
Purpose
Channel Select the relevant channel
Start/ Stop
Velocity
These parameters determine the limits of the motion profile for the channel.
Note that the resolution of velocity is according to the units set in the PTO
Configuration.

Maximum
Velocity
Acceleration
Time
(mS)
Deceleration
Time
(mS)
VisiLogic: Utilities PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control
VisiLogic: Utilities 5
Jerk Factor Controlling for jerk influences the shape of your motion curve.
Legal values are from 1 to 16, where 1=trapezoidal curve and 16 =perfect S.
Status
Messages
0 - OK
1 - Invalid configuration data
2 - Currently in motion ( function cannot be performed during acceleration or
deceleration)
3 - Invalid channel
4 - PTO Configuration block does not exist
5 - Out of range
6 - Maximum value is out of range
Success Bit Turns ON when the Status MI =0
PTO Move
In this function you determine the parameters of movement.

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Channel Select the relevant channel
Movement
Type
This sets the type of movement:
Absolute Position
This causes movement to the exact position requested, without
considering the current position.
Relative Position
Here the movement is relative to the current position.
Velocity Note that the resolution of velocity is according to the units set in the PTO
Configuration
Target Position Sets the desired goal
Status
Messages
0 - Idle / OK
1 - Configuration data is invalid
2 - Invalid channel
3 - Channel not initialized, or Vision outputs do not support function
4 - Absolute Movement cannot be performed
PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control VisiLogic: Utilities
6 VisiLogic: Utilities
5 - Currently in motion ( function cannot be performed during acceleration or
deceleration)
Success Bit Turns ON when the Status MI =0
PTO Stop
Use this to stop movement

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Channel Select the relevant channel
PTO Stop Immediate
Intended to cause an immediate, emergency stop with no regard for
position or any other parameter (requires parameter reset)
Normal
Stops motion according to the rate of deceleration set in the PTO
Configuration.
Status
Messages
0 - Idle / OK
1 - Already stopped
2 - Invalid channel
3 - Channel isnt initialized
4 - unknown command
Success Bit Turns ON when the Status MI =0
Read Status
Use this to ascertain the current position.

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Channel Select the relevant channel
VisiLogic: Utilities PTO Functions: Simple Motion Control
VisiLogic: Utilities 7
Current
Position
Use these as a reference for Move functions
Note that the resolution of velocity is according to the units set in the PTO
Configuration Velocity
In Progress This turns Off after the values have been read.
Status
Messages
0 - Idle / OK
1 - Currently in motion ( function cannot be performed during acceleration or
deceleration)
2 - Channel is not configured
3 - Invalid channel
4 - Read Timeout
Success Bit Turns ON when the Status MI =0
PTO Set Home
Use this to set a Home position for Move operations set to Absolute Position

Parameter
Name
Purpose
Channel Select the relevant channel
Offset: PTO Set
Home
The channel uses this value to set the reference point for the next move
operation. If, for example, the Absolute target is set to 600, and the Offset to
200, the channel will move to 400.
Status
Messages
0 - OK
1 - invalid channel
2 - precondition error
3 - Channel is currently accelerating or decelerating ( Movement can only be
performed when system is Idle of in steady state)
Success Bit Turns ON when the Status MI =0
SD Card Suite VisiLogic: Utilities
8 VisiLogic: Utilities
Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities
These utilities can be freely downloaded from
http://unitronics.co.il/Content.aspx?page=Downloads.

SD Card Suite
The SD Card Suite contains several applications that you need to work with SD
cards:
Tools
Includes the Card Formatter (note that a card must be formatted
before use), the HTML Compiler for webpages served from the SD, and
the Fill Time Calculator which enables you to determine how long your
application will take to fill up the SD Card.
SD Card Explorer
Use a PC to access, read and write files on an SD Card that is installed in
a Vision controller
SD Card Manager
Import SD files: Trends, Logs, Alarms, and Data Tables, view them, and
export them to Excel or .csv files.
Data Tables Editor
View, export, and edit Data Table files.

VisiLogic: Utilities SD Card Suite
VisiLogic: Utilities 9
SD Tools (Card Formatter, HTML Complier, Fill Time Calculator)
Click a tab to access the desired tool.
SD Card Format
A Unitronics PLCs can only work with an SD Card that is correctly formatted.
To format the card:
1. Place the card in an SD
card reader and plug
the reader into a
computers USB port.
SD Card Suite VisiLogic: Utilities
10 VisiLogic: Utilities
2. Open SD Tools and
select SD Card Format.
3. Select the drive that
holds the SD card.
Enter a name for the
card, and then click
Start.

3. The SD Card Formatter displays a message, warning you that the process
erases all card data; click OK to begin the formatting process.
4. When it is complete, the application shows the File System as FAT 32,
and shows the total capacity and the amount of free space on the card.
6. View the card in
Windows Explorer. The
Formatter creates a
directory structure
which the PLC uses to
write files to the SC
card
The SD card is now ready to
insert into the PLC.

7. To insert the SD card into
the PLC, locate the SD
card slot on the controller.
The slot is located on the
side of models V130, V350,
V1040, and on the top of
the V560 and V570.
Press the card down lightly
until it clicks into place.

V130/350/V1040 V560/V570
Once you have formatted the card, you may want to calculate its capacity in
accordance with your application demands.
Calculator: Time to Fill SD
This enables you to determine how long your application will take to fill up the
SD Card.
To use the Calculator, check the relevant elements. This enables the text
boxes that allow you to enter parameters or select options.
Data Tables: Remember that using the Overwrite option causes the same
section of card to be reused; therefore the card will not fill up.
VisiLogic: Utilities SD Card Suite
VisiLogic: Utilities 11
HTML Compiler
The complex webserver application available from
http://www.unitronics.com/Content.aspx?page=Third-party_Utils streams data
in packets that are 512 bytes long. To prevent values from being chopped off,
run your pages through the HTML Compiler.
Click on the HTML Compiler tab, and follow the on-screen directions.

SD Card Explorer
SD Card Explorer enables you to use a PC to access an SD Card that is
installed in a Vision controller. The controller may be directly connected to the
PC, or remotely located.
Once you establish PC-PLC communications, you can:
Read files from the SD to the PLC
Write files from the PLC to the SD
Delete files from the SD

To begin using SD Explorer:
1. Open it from SD Card Suite, and then click Click Settings.
SD Card Suite VisiLogic: Utilities
12 VisiLogic: Utilities
2. Select the Connection type, and then set the communication parameters.

Parameter Purpose
Connection Type Select Ethernet or Serial. The communication parameter
options will change accordingly.
Fill in the parameters according to your requirements.
PLC Name This is required. If a name has not been assigned, you can
use the default name in Information Mode (Located in
Information Mode under Version> Software)
3. To access the SD Card, click Open; Explorer builds a list of SD Card
contents.

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VisiLogic: Utilities 13
4. Use the toolbar icons to read files from and write files to the SD Card.
Clicking the Backup button starts a wizard that enables you to copy the
entire card contents to a PC drive.

SD Card Suite VisiLogic: Utilities
14 VisiLogic: Utilities
Note that you can double-click on Data Table files to open them up in the Data
Table Editor.
SD Card Manager
SD Card data table, trend, and log files are in a format that can only be read
by a PLC and must be converted to a user-friendly format using the SD Card
Manager.
Before you can do this, you must copy the files to a PC.
If the files are on an SD Card that is installed in a Vision, you can copy them to
your PC using the SD Card Explorer.
If the SD Card is connected to your PC's USB port, open SD Card Manager,
select Import Folder and follow the wizard's directions. This process copies the
Alarms, DT, Log, and Trend folders onto your PC hard drive.

You can now click a file to view it within the SD Card Manager, or you can
export it to Excel/.csv.

VisiLogic: Utilities SD Card Suite
VisiLogic: Utilities 15
Data Table Editor
You can use the Data Table Editor to work with .fdt and .udt files.
1. Click Open, and navigate to the desired folder.
2. Select cells, and use the toolbar buttons to export and edit values.

Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities Remote Operator
VisiLogic: Utilities 16
Remote Operator
Remote Operator enables you to use a PC to view and work with a remote
controller's HMI panel.
You can define any number of controllers, then open multiple sessions to view
them simultaneously, while docking or cascading windows according to your
preferences.
During a session, the remote controller is displayed, on-line, on your PC
screen. You can press keypad keys and touch-screen objects of:
Stand-alone controllers that are directly connected to the PC via a cable.
Controllers within a network.
Devices with IP addresses, via Ethernet.
This utility can be used with Vision, M90/91, and Jazz controllers. Enhanced
Vision controllers require O/S versions 5.00 and higher; other series are
compatible regardless of OS version.
Using Remote Operator
Define the PLC
By default, Remote Operator opens with a single PLC named Remote PLC,
defined by default as directly connected to your PC using the programming
cable supplied with the controller kit.

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VisiLogic: Utilities 17
1. To define the PLC, click the Communication Settings icon.

2. Under Connection Type, use the drop-down arrow to select Ethernet or
Serial. The communication parameter options will change accordingly.
3. Fill in the parameters according to your requirements. If you are accessing
a PLC in a CANbus/RS485 network, enter the Unit ID number. Connect
your PC to any controller in the network using the programming cable
supplied with the controller kit.
Note
Different PCs can access a network at the same time, using
different controller units as bridges. However, 2 different PCs
cannot simultaneously access the same controller unit.
4. If you are accessing a Vision PLC, enter the PLC Name. This is required for
Vision PLCs only.
Note that you can save these definitions to Favorites, by clicking the
Favorites bar and selecting the first icon.
5. Test the connection by clicking the Check Connection button.
Note that you can change the default name by right-clicking it.

Remote Operator VisiLogic: Utilities
18 VisiLogic: Utilities
Cache Files (Vision only)

When you use Remote Operator to access monochrome Vision controllers,
you will always see both the images and the text that are in the HMI
application.
However, if you are accessing color Vision controllers, you will see only text.
In order to see the images, you must use a .urc file that contains images.
.ura and .urc: HMI cache files (Vision only)
HMI cache files enable Remote Operator to refer to HMI elements stored in the
PC, instead of taking them from the PLC.

Monochrome Vision
A cache file enables Remote Operator to load Displays more quickly.
The HMI cache files are in .ura format.
(note that V130, which loads displays quickly, does not use .ura files.)

Color Vision
If a cache file is not used, images will not be displayed and fonts may be
distorted.
A cache file includes fonts, and can include images. However, note that if
the file does not include images, Remote Operator will display a red 'X' in
place of graphics.
The HMI cache files are in .urc format.
Such files can be created in Remote Operator by selecting the option
Create Fonts and Images (*.urc) from PLC.

Note
When Remote Operator creates a .urc file, the Vision enters 'System
Mode'; the PLC continues running while displaying a system image.
The HMI application is not visible.
In addition, note that an interruption in communications may leave
the PLC inaccessible. In this case, the PLC may require reset, which
requires an operator to be physically present near the PLC.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Operator
VisiLogic: Utilities 19
Other options
Show Case:Select this to hide or display the PLC enclosure around the Display
screen.
Refresh: Select to assign a display refresh rate or opt for Manual refresh.
Background Color: This will provide the background color in the window
displaying this PLC
Interpolation Mode: Different modes may display differently on your PC
screen
Save Sessions
You can save a Remote Operator session as a file.
1. Open Remote Operator, and define PLCs together with their
communication settings.
2. Click Save on the toolbar. Enter a name for the Session, and then click
Save.

Once you have configured Remote Operator, enter Online mode by clicking
Run.

In this mode, you can:
Use your cursor to operate the controller keypad and activate touch-
screen objects (relevant models).
Use your PC keyboard to operate the controller keypad (numeric keys,
function keys <F1> to <F8>). Note that the Vision <ESC> key is <E> on
the PC keyboard.
Enter Information Mode by pressing the <i> key with your cursor.

Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
20 VisiLogic: Utilities
Remote Access
Remote Access enables you to use a PC to access a remote controller. During a
Remote Access session, the remote controller is displayed, on-line, on your PC
screen. You can press keypad keys and touch-screen objects, check system
status and run-time values, as well as test and troubleshoot problems in
remote controllers and applications. You can access:
Stand-alone controllers that are directly connected to the PC via a cable.
Controllers within a network.
Either stand-alone or networked controllers via GSM or landline modem.
Devices with IP addresses, via Ethernet.

The Remote Access package includes additional utilities:
UniDownloader Designer
Operand Access
Data Tables
Remote Access can be used with Vision, M90/91, and Jazz controllers. Vision controllers
require O/S versions 2.96 and higher; M90/91 require V3.00 and higher.

Using Remote Access
Selecting an OPLC model
Select the controller model from the Configuration menu.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 21
Note
Vision model controllers:
Select the model. If the controller is in a network, open
Communication-PC Settings from the options menu, and select the
controller's ID number.

M90/91model controllers within a network:

Select which type of network, and then select the controller's ID
number.

Located on the Configuration menu. Auto-reconnect causes Remote

Access to automatically attempt to renew a broken communication
link. When you select Auto-reconnect, messages signaling broken
communication links are suppressed.
After you select the model, access the controller according to the connection
type:
Communication-PC Settings for direct PC-PLC connection, networked
controllers via bridge, or TCP/IP
Modem Services for landline and cellular modems

Note
When you use Remote Access to access monochrome Vision
controllers, you will always see both the images and the text that
are in the HMI application.
However, if you are accessing color Vision controllers, you will see
only text. In order to see the images, you must use a .urc file that
contains images.
Once you have established a communication link according to the connection
type,, you can click the OnLine icon to enter Test (Debug) mode.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
22 VisiLogic: Utilities
Communication-PC Settings
This enables you to check communication parameters and perform certain
actions.
PC Communication Settings
Run, Reset, Initialize
Get Com Parameters and PLC status
Check Network Status

Direct Connection: PC-Controller
Connect your PC to any controller using the programming cable supplied with
the controller kit.

Accessing a Networked Controller
1. Connect your PC to any controller in the network using the programming
cable supplied with the controller kit.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 23
Note
Different PCs can access a network at the same time, using different
controller units as bridges. However, 2 different PCs cannot
simultaneously access the same controller unit.
2. Select a networked controller by opening Communication & OS from the
Tools menu, and then entering the Unit ID number.

Remote Access via Modem
To access either stand-alone or networked controllers via GSM or landline
modem:
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
24 VisiLogic: Utilities
Before integrating modems into your applications, check the topics Modems-
Tips & Cautions, and PLC to Modem Connections and Pin-outs.
Modems: Setting Up
PLC-side Modem
To enable a modem to work with a PLC, it must be properly initialized.
1. Connect the modem to a PC, using the cable supplied by the modem
manufacturer.
2. Open Connection>Modem Services, and select the modem type. If
required, you can edit other parameters:
Com Port, baud rate, Time Out, and Time-Out Reply: use the
drop down boxes
PIN code: click to enter the number.
3. Click the Prepare PLC-side Modem button to open the dialog box shown
below.
4. If required, edit initialization commands by clicking in the field and
entering text.
5. When all parameters are set, click the Init Modem button; the PC
establishes communication with the modem and initializes it.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 25
PC-side Modem
1. Connect the modem to a PC, using the cable supplied by the
modem manufacturer. Check the PLC to Modem Connections and
Pinouts for more information.
2. Open Modem Services from the Connection menu.
3. Select and enter the modem parameters:
1. At the top of Modem Services, select a tab; the Modem Type
selection box shows the options.
2. Select the PC modem type; the initialization strings change
accordingly.
3. If required, you can edit other parameters:
Initialization commands: click in the field and enter text.
Com Port, baud rate, Time Out, and Time-Out Reply: use the
drop down boxes
PIN code: click to enter the number.
4. When all parameters are set, click the Initialize PC Modem button;
the PC establishes communication with the modem and initializes it.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
26 VisiLogic: Utilities
How to use the PC modem to access a PLC
1. Prepare and connect the PLC-side modem as described above.
2. Dial the PLC to establish the communication link:
c. In Tools>Modem Services, click the button to the right of the Number
to Dial field to open Favorites and select a number.
d. Click a line to enter or select a number and description. To access
outside lines, enter the access number required, a comma, then the
phone number.
e. Click Dial.
Once Remote Access establishes the communication link, click the OnLine
icon to enter Test (Debug) mode.
To break the data link, click Hang-Up.

Wait for Incoming Call
Click the Wait for Incoming Call button in Modem Services to place the PC
modem in auto-answer mode.
Additional options
Sessions
Sessions enable you to save communication settings, and restore them at any
time.
1. Open Remote Access, and select the appropriate communication options
in Communication - PC settings and Modem Services.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 27
2. Select Session from the Tools menu. Enter a name for the Session, and
then click Save to add it to the Session list.

3. To select a Session, highlight it and click the Activate button.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
28 VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 29
.ura and .urc: HMI cache files (Vision only)
HMI cache files enable Remote Access to refer to HMI elements stored in the PC,
instead of taking them from the PLC.

Monochrome Vision
A cache file enables Remote Operator to load Displays more quickly.
The HMI cache files are in .ura format.
(note that V130, which loads displays quickly, does not use .ura files.)

Color Vision
If a cache file is not used, images will not be displayed and fonts may be
distorted.
A cache file includes fonts, and can include images. However, note that if
the file does not include images, Remote Access will display a red 'X' in
place of graphics.
The HMI cache files are in .urc format.
Such files can be created in Remote Access by selecting the option Create
Fonts and Images (*.urc) from PLC.

Note
When Remote Access creates a .urc file, the Vision enters 'System
Mode'; the PLC continues running while displaying a system image.
The HMI application is not visible.
In addition, note that an interruption in communications may leave
the PLC inaccessible. In this case, the PLC may require reset, which
requires an operator to be physically present near the PLC.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
30 VisiLogic: Utilities
Always on Top
Select this to keep Remote Access displayed on top of all other applications.

Online Mode
Once you have configured Remote Access, enter Online mode by clicking the
button .
In this mode, you can:
Use your cursor to operate the controller keypad and activate touch-
screen objects (relevant models).
Use your PC keyboard to operate the controller keypad (numeric keys,
function keys <F1> to <F8>). Note that the Vision <ESC> key is <E> on
the PC keyboard, and that <F9> is reserved for activating Online mode.
Enter Information Mode by pressing the <i> key with your cursor.
Select a View .
Note @ The Zoom option on the View menu can be activated only if you
select Hide Keys. Zoom cannot be used with M90/91 or V280 controllers.

PC Com Parameters (non-modem)
Display the current communication settings by selecting Communication - PC
Settings from the Options menu.
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VisiLogic: Utilities 31
Select
Connection
type
Use the drop-down arrow to select serial or Ethernet.
PC Com
Parameters
Port, Retries and Time-Out are the communication settings between Remote
Access and the controller. Note that if you are working with a network, the
TimeOut should be greater than 1 second.
Communicate
with OPLC
Use these options to communicate with networked controllers.
Direct Connection: select this to communicate with any controller that is
connected to your PC via the download cable, including a network bridge.
Within Network:select this to communicate with a controller that is
integrated into a network, then select the controller's ID number
OPLC
Information
Click Get OPLC Information to display information about the controller
you have selected in Communicate with OPLC.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
32 VisiLogic: Utilities
Run, Reset, Initialize

Note @ When you click a
button, your PC will access the
controller selected in PC
Communication Settings.
Set RTC These are the values of your PC's clock. Click Set RTC to import these
values into the RTC of the controller.
Get Vision
RTC Current
Values
Click to view the current PLC settings
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 33
Run Click to run the current program in the PLC.
Stop Click to stop the current PLC program.
Reset Click to reset the PLC, and reinstall any values preset in the program, such as
Timers.
Reset &
Initialize
Click to reset, reinstall any preset values, and initialize all memory operands
Get Com Parameters and PLC status

Select Get to view
communication parameters and
PLC status in the controller you
are currently communicating
with.
This is the controller selected in
PC Communication Settings.
Check Network Status
The network status is checked via the bridge.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
34 VisiLogic: Utilities
Operand Access
Operand Access is located on the Tools menu. This utility enables you to
access operands in a local or remote controller and perform the operations
listed below.

View remote operands in the Operand Access table, then define and name
regions.
To define regions:
1. Click and drag the cursor over regions to select them.
2. Click the Add New Region button.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 35
Save region definitions in .vxt files.
In order to open a .vxt file, you must select the controller series
(Configure>OPLC model, either Vision or M90/91) which was selected
when the .vxt file was saved.
View real-time operand values in Online mode.
1. Click the Online icon; real-time values appear in blue.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
36 VisiLogic: Utilities
Read operand values from the controller.
1. Click the Read icon; all values are read in all of the defined regions.

Write MB, MI, ML and DW values to the controller.
Note @ You can also write values to the M90 Database integers.
1. Enter values, then click write; all of the values in all of the defined
regions are written to the controller.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 37
Use the Windows Clipboard to Cut/Copy/Paste values to/from the
Operand Access table and third-party editors such as Excel.
Note @ The Paste destination within Operand Access must be large
enough to hold the Clipboard contents. Clipboard contents are pasted
to the right and down.

Export/Import Operand values to/from an Excel spreadsheet customized
to Unitronics' PLC Data Types.
Within Excel, values can be edited, imported to Operand Access, then
written to the controller

To export real-time values from the PLC to Excel:
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
38 VisiLogic: Utilities
1. Create a region containing the operand values you wish to export.
2. Select Read Regions in order to update those values,.
3. Select Export to Excel.
Note @ Not all operand values are updated with real-time values when
you run On Line mode. When you run On Line mode, only the values that
are displayed within the Operand Access window are updated. Operands
that are not displayed in the Operand Access window during On Line are
not updated.
Therefore, running On Line mode immediately before Export to Excel does
not guarantee the export of all updated operand values.

Backup PLC RAM
You can read all PLC RAM values into an Excel file, and to write these
Excel values into the PLC's RAM.

Data Tables
Vision controllers contain Data Tables that can be used to store data, such as
parameters for recipe files or data logs.
Data within the tables can be copied and pasted to and from third-party tools
such as Excel.
Note
Data Tables are based on bytes, not on registers.

Data Table sections that are marked Part of Project: the data are
downloaded with the project, and burned into the Flash memory.
These values can not be edited in Remote Access.
Data tables consist of columns and rows.
VisiLogic: Utilities Remote Access
VisiLogic: Utilities 39
Data Table Options
Menu
Name
Option
File Import/Export
Data tables can be imported and exported from Excel.
Data Tables can also be exported from an application as . upd files, then
imported.
When you import the file, you can select to:
Add individual tables to the structure. If tables of the same name already
exist, the tables are automatically renamed.
Delete existing tables and import the new structure.
Memory Requirements
Displays pie charts that show the amount of memory occupied by the data tables.
Edit Copy/Paste enable you to copy values and paste them into another location.
Connection All of the Connection commands require that the PLC be connected to the PC.
Read Structure from PLC
Imports the structure of the data tables within the PLC into the project.
Read Structure and Values from PLC
Select this to import the values in the data tables together with the table
structure.
Verify: Tables Structure
Compares the table structure in the project to the structure of tables within the
PLC.
The commands below also require that the table structure in the PLC be identical
with the table structure in Remote Access.
Read Range
Reads the values of the selected cells from within the PLC data table into the
project.
Write Range
Writes the values of the selected cells from the project data table into the PLC.
Verify Cell Value: by Range
Compares the values of the cells in the project to the values within the PLC.
Column Set Cell Value
Enables you to enter values for a cell or range of cells within a column.
Remote Access VisiLogic: Utilities
40 VisiLogic: Utilities
Data Tables, Excel, and .csv
Data can be imported to and exported from Excel and .csv files.
Export
Note that you can include the current values by establishing a communication
connection with the PLC and reading or writing values from specific cells, or
from an entire Data Table within the PLC into the Data Table.
To export data
1. Highlight the cells containing the desired data.
Click the Export to Excel or Export to .csv button.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions; data is exported into the desired file
type.

Import
To import data
1. Click the Import to Excel or Import to .csv button.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions; data is exported into the desired file
type.
The data is copied as shown below.

Copy & paste data
To copy/paste data to and from Data Tables and Excel.
1. Select data. You can select individual cells, rows, columns, or contiguous
groups of cells.
2. Copy the values to the Clipboard either by pressing <Ctrl>+ <C> or by
clicking the Copy button.
3. Click the cursor in the Paste location, then paste the either press <Ctrl>
+ <V> or click the Paste button.
Note
The selection is pasted towards the right and down. When you paste
from Excel to Data Tables, the Data Table must have enough rows and
columns to contain the Paste selection.
VisiLogic: Utilities UniVision Licensing
VisiLogic: Utilities 41
UniVision Licensing
You can create a PLC license number and burn it into a secured, hidden sector
in the PLC.
You can then use this license in your Ladder to control how your program
functions.
To license the PLC, use the UniVision Licensing function on the Utils menu may
be used in conjunction with the UniVision Licensing stand-alone utility, which
may be freely downloaded from
http://unitronics.com/Content.aspx?page=Downloads

The result of the License operation can then be used to activate or deactivate
different sections of your application.
The UniVision Licensing utility enables you to create two kinds of licenses:
One that licenses the program, but that is not bound to a particular PLC
One that licenses the program, and incorporates a specific PLC ID
number. This type will only license the specific PLC it is generated for.
Note that you can use this type to license a remote end user's PLC.

Generate and burn a license, without PLC ID number
1. In the UniVision Licensing utility, click on the first tab, Programmer:
Create & Burn License.
2. Enter the key number.
This is the first part of the license (input A).
3. Enter the values for Data1, Data2, and Data3.
This is the second part of the license (input B).
4. You can use the Generate buttons to create these values.
The fact that there are 3 values enables you to create levels of access.
5. Establish a communication connection to the PLC, and press Burn License
to PLC.
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42 VisiLogic: Utilities
Generate and burn a license comprising a PLC Unique ID number
In this case, you must establish a communication link with the specific PLC
which is to be licensed, and generate a KeyGen number. The KeyGen number
encrypts the PLC's Unique ID Number. You use this number to generate the
license, which is specific to that PLC. This license number will not work in
any other PLC.

Providing a license to a remote customer
Note that you can send the UniVision Licensing utility to a customer.
The customer can email you the KeyGen number; you use this to
generate the license number and send it back to the customer,
who can then license the PLC.
First, get the KeyGen number:
1. In the UniVision Licensing utility, click the Customer:Get License tab.
2. Establish a communication connection to the PLC.
3. Click Generate, and then the Copy button.

VisiLogic: Utilities UniVision Licensing
VisiLogic: Utilities 43
Next, generate the license:
4. Paste the value into the KeyGen field, and fill in the Key and Data values
5. Click Generate License, and then the Copy button..

Now, license the PLC:
UniVision Licensing VisiLogic: Utilities
44 VisiLogic: Utilities
6. Paste the number into the Customer License field, and press Send License
to PLC to burn it to the PLC.

Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities VisiLogic Version Swapper
VisiLogic: Utilities 1
VisiLogic Version Swapper
You can roll back and forth between VisiLogic versions by using the VisiLogic
Version Swapper utility. Swapper is part of the VisiLogic installation version
4.70 and later.
To use Swapper:
1. Create folders containing different VisiLogic Versions.

2. To obtain VisiLogic versions either:

- Use the Unitronics Setup CD. The CD contains a folder
VisiLogic\Current\Installs\VisiLogic Old versions.
Copy these folders to the Unitronics directory, which is typically located in
C:\Program Files\Unitronics.

-or-

- From within the Swapper, click on the link Click here to open the
VisiLogic Download site. If you are connected to the Internet, this will
open a page in the Unitronics' website that contains different VisiLogic
versions. Click on the desired version to download it as a .zip file, and
then extract them to the Unitronics directory.
2. If VisiLogic is open, close it.
VisiLogic Version Swapper VisiLogic: Utilities
2 VisiLogic: Utilities
3. Open Swapper from Programs>Unitronics>VisiLogic> VisiLogic Version
Swapper.
4. Navigate to the Unitronics folder containing the desired version.
5. In the Vision Installation Directories window , select a version folder .
6. Click the Register button ; Windows will register the . dlls of the selected VisiLogic version .
When registration is complete , Swapper asks if you want a shortcut placed on your desktop .
Select Yes ; Swapper closes automatically . You can now start the registered version .
When you install a newly-released VisiLogic version, you may want to
keep the former version to use with the Swapper.
When VisiLogic installs into a PC with an existing VisiLogic installation, it
overwrites the Unitronics VisiLogic folder. This is one way to save the existing
installation:
1. In Windows Explorer, right-click the folder Unitronics VisiLogic.
2. Select Copy from the right-click menu.

VisiLogic: Utilities VisiLogic Version Swapper
VisiLogic: Utilities 3
3. Select Paste from the right-click menu. When you paste the folder into the
same directory, most versions of Windows will create a new 'Copy of'
folder.
When Windows finishes creating Copy of Unitronics VisiLogic, install your
new VisiLogic version.
4. After you complete the installation, rename the Copy of Unitronics
VisiLogic folder with the true version name, for example Unitronics
VisiLogic 4.70.

Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities DataXport
VisiLogic: Utilities 1
DataXport
DataXport creates logs of run-time or stored data from Data Tables and
operand regions within Unitronics PLCs. DataXport saves the data logs in .ulp
format. You can open these data logs using DataXport's companion application,
DataXls, and then export the data to Excel files.
Via DataXport, you can:
Log data according to a date/time-based schedule.
Simultaneously log data from one or more Unitronics PLCs.
Access PLCs and log data via a direct, network, Ethernet, or modem
connection.
Save the data that is logged during each session to an Excel file,
and automatically email it at the end of a session.

Building a DataXport Project
Start DataXport:
1. Go to Start > Programs > Unitronics> DataXport.
-or-
Open the Unitronics folder located on the Desktop, then double-click on the
DataXport icon. Note that DataXport is installed in the Unitronics program
group by default. It is stored elsewhere only if you specified another program
group during installation.
2. The DataXport design window opens.
The DataXport Design window displays the list of Site you include in the
project, together with the parameters of how the PLC within the Site is
accessed.
DataXport VisiLogic: Utilities
2 VisiLogic: Utilities
To build a
DataXport
project, you first
define the
project's modules
listed on the
right. These
modules
determine when
the data is
logged, which
data is logged,
and how the PLC
can be accessed.

Once their
parameters are
defined, all of
these modules
are global to the
entire DataXport
project and may
be linked to any
PLC in the Site
List.
The Site List
comprises all of
the PLCs in the
project together
with all of the
linked
parameters.

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VisiLogic: Utilities 3
Module 1: Schedules - When to Log
The Schedule determines the time intervals data between data log actions.
1. Select Schedules from the Design menu.
2. Click Add to create a new schedule, click Edit or double-click a line to
redefine an existing schedule; the Schedule opens.
3. Make the appropriate entries, then click OK to add the Schedule to the
list.

Module 2:Tables & Regions - What to Log
DataXport can log data either from Data Tables, an M90/91 PLC's Database, or
from Regions of operands.
Vision Data Tables
To log data from PLC Data Tables within Vision PLCs, DataXport must first
import Data Table structures from the PLC. To do this, DataXport can access
the PLC via direct connection, modem, Ethernet, or CANbus/ RS485.
Check the related topic, Linking to a PLC to Import Data Tables.
Table assigns a working name to the data that is harvested from a PLC Data
Table.
1. Select Tables from the Design menu.
2. Click on the Import Data Table Structure button, then click Add to append
it to the list.
3. Name the Data Table Structure, then either:
Read the structure from the PLC
-or-
DataXport VisiLogic: Utilities
4 VisiLogic: Utilities
Import a .upd file.

Notes
If the PC does not have a working communications link to the PLC as
described in the topic Linking to a PLC to Import Data Tables, you will
not be able to import Table structures..

If your project includes more than one PLC, and the Data Tables in
these PLCs are identical, you do not have to import them from each
PLC. Importing un-needed Data Tables will make the project very
'heavy'.
Once the Data Tables have been imported from the PLC, they are listed in the
Data Table Structure left-hand pane as shown below. Highlighting one displays
the Table names in the right hand pane.
4. Click a Structure, select a Table within the structure, and then enter Rows
to Read for that specific table. The Read From and Read To pointers are
linked to DWs in the PLC. The DW values determine the length of the
block of data that is collected from the PLC Data Table each time the site
is scanned.
You can also select the Read Entire The PLC can now read an entire table
VisiLogic: Utilities DataXport
VisiLogic: Utilities 5
during a session, without using FIFO pointers.

M90 Database
The M90 OPLC has a special memory area containing integers that are function
as a database. These integers are not related in any way to system or memory
integers. Within the database, you can access and use integers 0 through
1023 via SI 40 and SI 41.
Since, unlike Vision PLCs, the M90 database is not structured, there is no
structure to import.
Table assigns a working name to the data that is harvested from a PLC Data
Table.
1. Select Tables from the Design menu.
2. Click on the M90 tab.
3. Name the Data Table Structure, enter the Start Address and other
parameters; and then click OK; the Table is added to the list.
DataXport VisiLogic: Utilities
6 VisiLogic: Utilities
Notes

An Invalid FIFO pointers error results if a FIFO pointer is out of the

range of MI addresses used for the M90 Database.
Data Regions
Defining regions enables you to harvest data from the operands within a PLC.
1. Select Regions from the Design menu; the Regions window opens.
2. Enter parameters as shown below.

Reading values: FIFO Pointers
The FIFO pointers determine the size of the block of data read during a
DataXport call.
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VisiLogic: Utilities 7
Pointer: Read from / FIFO out (MI), incremented by DataXport.
This MI is incremented by DataXport after each reading. It should not
be used for any other purpose in your Ladder application.
Pointer: Read to / FIFO In (MI), incremented by PLC.
This is the MI you use in your Ladder application to indicate which data
is to be logged. It is generally the MI you use to fill the Data Table.
MB to set (optional): this MB is turned ON by DataXport after each
reading. You must reset this bit in your application after each reading.

Example
An application stores a temperature value into a PLC Data Table every minute.
Each time the temperature is stored into a Data Table register, MI 150 is
incremented by one. The incrementing value enables the temperature to be
stored into consecutive Data Table registers. Within the DataXport project, MI
150 is the Pointer: Read to / FIFO In, and MI 100 is the Pointer: Read from /
FIFO Out.
The DataXport application is set to call the PLC and log data every 20 minutes.
When the application starts running, both MI150 (PLC pointer) and MI100 (PC
pointer) hold 0. MI 150 is incremented by 1 every minute, when the
temperature is stored into the PLC. After 20 minutes, the value of MI 150 will
be 19.
DataXport then calls the PLC. During the call, DataXport logs Data Table values
from register 0 to 19, and then writes '19' into MI100. The PLC application
continues running; each minute the temperature is stored and MI 150 is
incremented by 1.
At the beginning of the next DataXport call, 20 minutes later, the value of MI
150 will be 39, while the value of MI100 will still be 19. During the call,
DataXport will log the new values--from 20 to 39--and will write '39' into MI
100.
Notes
An Invalid FIFO pointers error results if a FIFO pointer is:
Less than 0.
Greater than or equal to the number of rows in the Data
Table.
DataXport VisiLogic: Utilities
8 VisiLogic: Utilities
Module 3: Ports - How to Access the PLC
Ports determine the parameters of the communication link that is used by the
PC running DataXport in order to access a PLC and log data.
Note
The Connection menu options are not related to the way the PC
(DataXport) will access a PLC in order to log data. Connection menu
options are only used to access a PLC in order to import Data Table
structures from Vision PLCs.

The PLC name must be identical to the name assigned in the

controller's Ladder application via Set PLC Name.
1. Select Ports from the Design menu; the PC Ports window opens.
2. Double-click a line to open PC Port Settings, then make the desired
selections..
Note that the lower lines in the PC Ports windows can be configured for TAPI,
and the last 2 lines for Ethernet.

Ethernet Listen sets a particular PC port, via which PLCs can 'call' and connect
to the PC. Once the connection is established, the PC will export whatever data
is set for that PLC.
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VisiLogic: Utilities 9
Linking PLCs to Modules: the Site List
Once all of the modules have been defined, you can create the Site List.
1. Select Add Site from the Design menu; the PLC window opens.
2. In the left-hand pane, enter the PLC name, then select the module
parameters displayed on the right-hand side of the PLC window as shown
below.
The PLC name must be identical to the name assigned in the
controller's Ladder application via Set PLC Name.
3. Make the appropriate selections regarding PLC type.
4. Select a PC port, the COM ports that are offered are the ones defined in
the Ports Module. The required parameters in this section change
according to the port you select. For example, if you select a port
connected to a modem, you fill in a phone number; if you select an
Ethernet port, relevant parameters such as IP address are required.
5. Select MB to set if you want a specific MB to turn ON when this PLC is
accessed.
6. Select Enabled if the PC is to include this specific PLC site when the
DataXport project is run. If Enabled is not selected, data will not be
logged from this PLC even though it appears in the project.
7. If the PLC is in a network, select that option and the correct Network ID.
8. Select Excel files to cause DataXport to create an Excel file whenever a
data log is created. Note that DataXport creates a separate Excel file for
each data log.

Note
If you do not select the Use Excel Template option, DataXport will use a
default Excel template. To cause DataXport to use a customised Excel
template:
a. Select Use Excel Template.
b. Store the template in the folder :::\\DataXport\Excel Templates.

The name of the Excel template must be identical to the PLC Name
DataXport VisiLogic: Utilities
10 VisiLogic: Utilities
given in the Site.
9. In the right-hand pane, select the desired
Schedules,
Tables and/or Regions,
Emails
These are all of the parameters that have already been defined in the project.
Note
All modules; Schedules, Ports, Tables and/or Regions; are global to the
entire DataXport project. You can link any module to any number of
Sites.
10.When the PLC has been defined, click OK, the PLC is added to the list and
will be displayed in the DataXport Design window. When the list is
complete, save and name the project.

VisiLogic: Utilities DataXport
VisiLogic: Utilities 11
To edit the parameters of a PLC that is already in the list, double-click the line
to open it.

Checking the Project
When the project is complete, Select Check from the Actions menu to find any
errors.
After correcting any errors, you can run the project

Running the DataXport Project
Run, located on the Actions menu, activates the DataXport project.
1. Select Run from the Actions menu, DataXport begins exporting the
requested data from Data Tables and operands within the target PLCS, via
the defined ports and according to the defined schedules.
Note that you can also force a call.

You can also cause a DataXport project to enter Run Mode whenever the project
is opened by selecting that option from the Actions menu.

Force Call
You can force the PC to call a PLC and export the data tables/regions defined
for that PLC in one of two ways:
By sending an SMS message to the PC's GSM modem. Assuming
that the name of the site is Production 1, the SMS must read
DATAXPORT CALL TO: Production 1
Note the capital letters and semicolon.
By selecting Run Project, and then clicking the Force Call button
shown below.
DataXport VisiLogic: Utilities
12 VisiLogic: Utilities
Viewing Logs
View, located on the Project menu, shows the DataXport log calls. To view the
logged data, use DataXls.
1. Select View from the Project menu, Site status is displayed.

DataXls: Accessing Data Logs
DataXls enables you to open the logs in Excel format. You can then manipulate
the data in Excel.
Start DataXls:
1. Go to Start > Programs > Unitronics> DataXls.
-or-
Open the Unitronics folder located on the Desktop, then double-click on the
DataXls icon.
VisiLogic: Utilities DataXport
VisiLogic: Utilities 13
2. Click the Open icon, then navigate to the desired .ulp project and click Open.

DataXls opens the project as shown below.
3. To view files in Excel, drag the mouse over a log to highlight it, then either:
- Select the Excel icon from the toolbar,or,
-Right-click the highlighted area and select Send Selected to Excel.

UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
14 VisiLogic: Utilities
UniOPC Server
UniOPC Server (Unitronics OPC Server) enables you to read and write data
between Unitronics PLCs and applications that support OPC, such as SCADA
programs. UniOPC Server is compliant with the OPC Foundation's Data Access
Custom Interface Standards through to Version 3.00.
UniOPC Server runs independently of other Unitronics software.
Registering UniOPC Server
In order for UniOPC Server to be registered in your PC's list of OPC servers,
you must register UniOPC Server the first time you run the program, either by
clicking the Register button or selecting Register from the Registration menu.
Once it is registered, UniOPC will appear in your OPC client software's server
list. To remove UniOPC Server from the client's list, select UnRegister from the
Registration menu.

Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 15
UniOPC Server - DCOM
Installation Prerequisites
Operating System
Although it is possible to run OPC using Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows
NT, Windows 2000, this requires specific dlls. Therefore, we strongly
recommend using Windows XP.
Privileges
In order to be able to set all the required DCOM properties, the user must log
on with administrator privileges.
UniOPCServer installation
Although OPC servers can be installed by any user having administrator
privileges, we recommend that installation be done under local administrator
log-on. In compliance with the OPC DA v2.x specifications, it is recommended to use the OPCEnum
application, which enables OPC clients to browse the available OPC servers.
This application is installed together with UniOPC Server.
User groups
If several users have access rights to a given OPC server, we recommend you
create a user group. This group should be duplicated on all the PCs where the
OPC Server will be installed.
PC Server Settings
Since OPC security is based on DCOM security, default security settings
selected for the OPC server and OPC client machines will affect all executables
irrespective of their link to OPC.
The settings recommended in this document allow broad access to the
executables installed on the PC, while restricting access to the critical OPC
servers, meaning those that allow access to actual devices.
Setting Default Permission
1. Open Start>Settings>Control Panel> Administrative Tools> Component
Services.

UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
16 VisiLogic: Utilities
2. Click on Component Services, and then right-click My Computer.

3. Click on Properties, and then select the Default properties Tab.
4. Select the settings shown below, and then click Apply.

5. Select the COM Security tab.

VisiLogic: Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 17
6. In order to add users, open the Default Access Permission window by
clicking on the corresponding Edit Default button.
7. Set the appropriate user access rights, and then click OK.

8. Set Default Launch Permissions by clicking on the corresponding Edit
Default button and adding users.

UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
18 VisiLogic: Utilities
9. Set the appropriate user access rights, and then click OK.

10.Click on Apply in the COM Security window.

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VisiLogic: Utilities 19
11.Click the Default Protocols tab. The default protocols should appear as
shown in the figure below; if they do not, update them.

12.Click OK.
OPCEnum Settings
Once the settings have been applied, configure the settings of the OPCEnum
application. OPCEnum is the application used by any OPC DA2.0 client to
browse the available OPC servers on the local machine. The required settings
are the default ones. They are accessible from the Component Services
window:
1. Select Component Services>My Computer>DCOM Config.
UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
20 VisiLogic: Utilities
2. Click on OpcEnum.

3. Right-Click on OPCEnum and select Properties.
4. The default settings in the General tab are displayed in the next figure.

5. In the Location tab, enter the choices displayed in the next figure.

VisiLogic: Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 21
6. Click on the Security tab, and then enter the choices displayed in the next
figure.
7. In the Configuration Permission window, reduce the privileges of the
Power Users as shown in the next figure.

8. In the Identity tab window, enter the choices shown in the next figure

UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
22 VisiLogic: Utilities
9. In the Endpoints window, keep the default settings.
UniOPC Server Settings
Next, you need to configure UniOPC Servers settings
1. Right-click on UniOPC Server in the main dcomcnfg window, and then click
on Properties. A tabbed window opens, enabling you to edit UniOPC
Server settings.

VisiLogic: Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 23
2. Under General, Authentication Level should be set to Default.

3. Under Location, select Run application on the computer. This is because
the program is installed on the local machine.

4. Under Security, change the default settings as shown below. These
settings restrict remote access to the defined users group.
5. Under Access Permissions, press Edit.

UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
24 VisiLogic: Utilities
6. Set the same access rights for all groups as shown below.

7. Under Launch Permissions, press Edit. Set the same access rights for all
groups as shown below.

VisiLogic: Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 25
8. Under Configuration Permissions, press Edit. Set the same access rights
for all groups as shown below. Set special privileges to Power Users if
different than default.

9. For the Identity property, you must select a given user. If Launching is
selected, several OPC server instances may be created when different
users will try to connect. This is usually not possible if the OPC server
UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
26 VisiLogic: Utilities
instances require access to a given resource (e.g. PC Card). If
interactive is selected, the OPC server will not be able to start without
any active user session. The selected user must be member of the locally
created group.

10.To include this account in the local administrator group, right-click
Administrators, and then select Properties.

VisiLogic: Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 27
11.The Endpoint property must be set to default.
Configuring the Windows Firewall
The Windows Firewall allows traffic across the network interface when initiated
locally, but by default stops any incoming unsolicited traffic. However, this
firewall is exception based, meaning that the administrator can specify
applications and ports that are exceptions to the rule and can respond to
unsolicited requests.
The firewall exceptions can be specified at two main levels, the application
level and the port and protocol level. The application level is where you specify
which applications are able to respond to unsolicited requests and the port and
protocol level is where you can specify the firewall to allow or disallow traffic
on a specific port for either TCP or UDP traffic.
By default, Windows Firewall is set to On. This setting is recommended by
Microsoft and by OPC. However, you may need to temporarily turn off the
firewall in order to check if the firewall configuration is causing communication
failures.
1. Open Windows Firewall by clicking on the Firewall icon in the Windows
Control Panel.
2. Click on the Exceptions tab, and then add all OPC Clients and Servers to
the exception list. In addition, add the Microsoft Management Console
(mmc.exe found in the Windows\System32 directory) and the OPC utility
OPCEnum (opcenum.exe found in the Windows\System32
directory). Note that these two files may not appear in the Add a Program
list and will have to be found by using the Browse button. Lastly, you
UniOPC Server VisiLogic: Utilities
28 VisiLogic: Utilities
need to ensure that File and Printer Sharing is checked. This is not
typically enabled on new installations of the Operating System.

3. Add TCP port 135. This port is needed to initiate DCOM communications,
and allow for incoming echo requests. In the Exceptions tab of the
Windows Firewall, click on Add Port.
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VisiLogic: Utilities 29
4. In the Add a Port dialog, fill out the fields as shown below:

Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 30
Using UniOPC Server
To use UniOPC Server, you first define a communication channel list. Next, you
define the PLCs you want to access with UniOPC Server, and then click Run to
enable UniOPC Server.
Note that the data is gathered by a client application, such as a SCADA
program, according to client requests, without regard to how often UniOPC
Server harvests data from the PLCs. UniOPC does not initiate data calls to the
client.
Creating a Channel list
A Channel includes the port and other PC communication parameters. The PC
uses the channel to access a PLC and gather data.
1. Click the Channel icon, Channels Collection opens.

2. Click Add; Channel opens.
3. Under Connection type, click the drop-down arrow to select Serial or
TCP/IP. The options change according to your selection, enabling you to
fill in the PC Communication Parameters.
The Update Rate is the frequency at which UniOPC Servers harvest data
from the PLCs linked to the channel. Note, however, that the rate at which
the client takes data from UniOPC Server is set within the client
application.

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VisiLogic: Utilities 31
4. Click OK to add the Channel to the Channel Collection

Creating a PLC list
1. Click Add PLC.
2. Enter a unique PLC name, then select the PLC type and Unit ID.
Note that the Enable option is selected by default; this enables a client
application to access the PLC.
3. Select a Channel; and then click OK.
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32 VisiLogic: Utilities
Parameters
PLC
Name: Enter a unique PLC description.
Type: Select Vision, M90/91 Stand-alone, or M90/91 via Vision.
Unit ID: Select either Direct, or the PLC's CANbus/RS485 Unit ID number.
Channel: Select this from the Channel list.
Enabled: This option must be checked in order for the OPC client application to access the PLC.
Note
A single channel can be linked to up to a number of PLCs.

The PLC list relates to the PLC name. This means that UNIOPC will
communicate with the correct PLC, without regard to Unit ID.

Note that, in Vision, the PLC name in the channel list must match the
one given in the Ladder program by the PLC Name function.

4. Click Run; a client application can now exchange data with all enabled
PLCs in the list.
Note that if UniOPC has not been registered, the Run button is disabled.
Multi-channel applications
Note that if you have a large project, containing a number of PLCs linked to
the same channel defined as TCP/IP listen, and the OPC client sends data to a
PLC that is off-line, UniOPC stores the data. As soon as the PLC comes on-line
and connects to the channel, UniOPC sends the data.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
OPC Client: Item Syntax
To enable the OPC client to access the data types in the PLC, the syntax used
to define the 'item' must be structured as
<Address>
Therefore, to access Memory Bit 3 in PLC Conveyor 1, the correct item syntax
is:
PLCConveyor1.MB3
Note that:
The name of the PLC is exact, including spaces and capital letters.
The name is followed by a period.
The Item Prefix is entered in capital letters.
To enable the client application to receive a string giving the status of a PLC,
create an item, 'string' data type, with the following syntax:
PLCConveyor1.STATUS
Item Syntax Table
Data Type Syntax N
Memory Bit MB
Memory Integer MI

R
Memory Long Integer ML
Memory Double Word DW
Input I
Output O
System Bit SB
System Integer SI
System Long Integer SL
System Double Word SDW
Timer Bit TB
Timer Value, Current TC I
Timer Value, Preset TP
Timer Value, Current Long TCL I
Timer Value, Preset Long TPL
Counter Bit CB
Counter Value, Current CC I
Counter Value, Preset CP
Memory Float MF
t to access the data types in the PLC, the syntax used
t be structured as follows:<PLCName> <ItemPrefix>
mory Bit 3 in PLC Conveyor 1, the correct item syntax
LC is exact, including spaces and capital letters.
ed by a period.
entered in capital letters.
lication to receive a string giving the status of a PLC,
data type, with the following syntax:
S
Notes
Read MI vector: include length in parentheses. For example,
PLCCONVERYOR1.MI3(5) reads MIs 3,4,5,6 and 7.

Read String: Include an upper case s in square brackets. For example,
PLCCONVERYOR1.MI3[S] causes UniOPC to scan 32 successive MIs. Scan
stops when it:
-reaches the 32
nd
element
-encounters a null character
-encounters a value outside of the range of 1-254
Requests that exceed legal length will be ignored.
In client applications item definition, use a string data type
In client applications item definition, use a numeric or native data type
In client applications item definition, use a 16-bit integer data type
UniOPC Server
33
he syntax used
<ItemPrefix>
ect item syntax
l letters.
tatus of a PLC,
ple,
For example,
uccessive MIs. Scan
data type
type
Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 34
UniOPC Server Options
Options are located on the File menu.
Start Up
Sets the start mode for UniOPC Server.

TimeOut
Use these to determine time-based client-server access parameters.

Max. Update Rate: determines the maximum time during which the client
application can access a server data item. The client will attempt to update
all of its group data items during this time period. If the client is
unsuccessful, the items that were not updated enter the Requests Queue
Count shown at the very bottom of the UniOPC Server Window.

If there are requests in the queue, you can adjust the Max. Update Rate.
PLCs TimeOut Retry: This is the time during which the client can attempt to
retry accessing a PLC.
Statistics Sample Period: the period of time in which Statistics are collected.
Log File
Select this to create a detailed log file that may be stored to a disk location as
a .txt file and limited to a maximum size. This file may be used for debugging
purposes.
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VisiLogic: Utilities 35
Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities UniOPC Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 36
Event Log and Statistics
The Event Log shows events as they occur. The log is limited to 1000 rows.

Statistics show the current UniOPC events during the Statistics Sample Time
period. The Events are reported in a cyclic fashion; each reading replaces all
previous Events. You can change the Sample Time period via File>Options.

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VisiLogic: Utilities 37
UniDDE
UniDDE (Unitronics Dynamic Data Exchange) enables you to read and write
data between Unitronics PLCs and applications that support DDE, such as
Excel. Although it is installed as part of the VisiLogic Setup, UniDDE runs
independently of other Unitronics software.
To exchange data between PC and PLC via DDE:
1. In UniDDE, define a PLC: name, operands to be accessed, and the
connection parameters. Enable PLC must be selected.
2. Copy the resulting Excel Command.
3. Open Excel, then paste the command into the worksheet.
4. Run UniDDE; the Excel worksheet will update with current values.
The figure below shows how to enable UniDDE read a vector of 5 outputs.

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38 VisiLogic: Utilities
Defining a PLC
1. Start UniDDE from Start>Programs>Unitronics>UniDDE.
2. Click Define PLC; then enter the appropriate parameters.

Parameters
PLC Name: Enter the PLC description. Once you have entered a PLC Name, you
can reselect it using the drop-down arrow. The PLC name is saved with the
project.
Type: Select Vision, M90/91 Stand-alone, or M90/91 via Vision.
Unit ID: Select either Direct, or a unit in a CANbus or RS485 network.
Operands Type: Select any type of operand.
Start Address: Enter the first address of the operand vector.
Length: Enter the number of operands.
Enable Select this to allow the PC to access the PLC when the DDE project is run. If
Enable is not selected, DDE excludes the PLC when the project is run.
Direction This determines the direction of the data exchange between the PLC and PC.
Select Read, Write, or Read/Write. Read/Write enables you to read a dynamic
value to an Excel cell, and use a Write macro to enter a value.
Connection
Type
This determines the connection that the PC uses to access the PLC. Serial
communications are supported; TCP/IP may be used with compatible controllers.
Once the PLC has been defined, you can implement Data Exchange.

Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities UniDDE
VisiLogic: Utilities 39
1. In UniDDE, select and right-click the desired operand, then copy the Excel
'Read' Command from the UniDDE project.
2. Open Excel, then paste the command into the worksheet.
When UniDDE; runs the project, the Excel worksheet will update with current
values.

In order to write to operands via Excel, you can create a macro to read Excel
cells and write the value to the operands.
One way to do this is to add a Command button and then paste the UniDDE
command into the button's VB code.
1. In Excel, open the Control Toolbox. (View> Toolbars> Control Toolbox).
This causes Excel to enter Design mode.
2. Place a Command button in the Excel worksheet by clicking on the
Command Button icon on the Control Toolbox as shown below.

2. In UniDDE, select and right-click the desired operand, then copy the Write
Macro command.

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40 VisiLogic: Utilities
3. In Excel, double-click the Command button to access the macro code,
then paste the UniDDE macro code.

3. Edit the Sheet name and cell location according to your requirements.

4. Exit Design Mode by closing the Control Toolbox.

5. According to the code in this example, when UniDDE runs, clicking the
Command button will write the value in cell A1 to MI 0 in PLC4.

Instead of a command button, you can use a Change Value event. This causes
the value you type into an Excel cell to be written to the PLC.
1. Enter Design Mode and open the Visual Basic editor by selecting View
Code from the Control Toolbox.
VisiLogic: Utilities UniDDE
VisiLogic: Utilities 41
2. Select Sheet1 and Worksheet as shown in the figure below.

Using Read\Write enables you to simultaneously view a running operand value
in Excel and update it.
To Read\Write to a PLC operand, you need to format 2 Excel cells, one to Read
the value, and another to contain the write value. In order to write to operands
via Excel, you can add a Command button and paste the UniDDE command
into the button's VB code.
1. In UniDDE, select and right-click the desired operand, then copy the Excel
'Read' Command from the UniDDE project.
2. Open Excel, then paste the command into the worksheet

In order to write to the operand, you can create a macro as explained in the
Write section above.
According to this example, when UniDDE runs, clicking the Command button
will write the value in cell A1 to T0 in PLC5.
Implementing DDE VisiLogic: Utilities
42 VisiLogic: Utilities
Implementing DDE
Once you have defined the PLC and the operands to be accessed by UniDDE,
you must create an Excel file to exchange data.

VisiLogic: Utilities Creating the Excel file
VisiLogic: Utilities 43
Creating the Excel file
Read
1. In UniDDE, select and right-click the desired operand, then copy the Excel
'Read' Command from the UniDDE project.
2. Open Excel, then paste the command into the worksheet.
When UniDDE; runs the project, the Excel worksheet will update with current
values.

Write
In order to write to operands via Excel, you can create a macro to read Excel
cells and write the value to the operands.
One way to do this is to add a Command button and then paste the UniDDE
command into the button's VB code.
1. In Excel, open the Control Toolbox. (View> Toolbars> Control Toolbox).
This causes Excel to enter Design mode.
2. Place a Command button in the Excel worksheet by clicking on the
Command Button icon on the Control Toolbox as shown below.

2. In UniDDE, select and right-click the desired operand, then copy the Write
Macro command.
Creating the Excel file VisiLogic: Utilities
44 VisiLogic: Utilities
3. In Excel, double-click the Command button to access the macro code,
then paste the UniDDE macro code.

3. Edit the Sheet name and cell location according to your requirements.

4. Exit Design Mode by closing the Control Toolbox.

4. According to the code in this example, when UniDDE runs, clicking the
Command button will write the value in cell A1 to MI 0 in PLC4.

Instead of a command button, you can use a Change Value event. This causes
the value you type into an Excel cell to be written to the PLC.
VisiLogic: Utilities Creating the Excel file
VisiLogic: Utilities 45
1. Enter Design Mode and open the Visual Basic editor by selecting View
Code from the Control Toolbox.

2. Select Sheet1 and Worksheet as shown in the figure below.

Read\Write
Using Read\Write enables you to simultaneously view a running operand value
in Excel and update it.
To Read\Write to a PLC operand, you need to format 2 Excel cells, one to Read
the value, and another to contain the write value. In order to write to operands
via Excel, you can add a Command button and paste the UniDDE command
into the button's VB code.
1. In UniDDE, select and right-click the desired operand, then copy the Excel
'Read' Command from the UniDDE project.
2. Open Excel, then paste the command into the worksheet

In order to write to the operand, you can create a macro as explained in the
Write section above.
According to this example, when UniDDE runs, clicking the Command button
will write the value in cell A1 to T0 in PLC5.
Creating the Excel file VisiLogic: Utilities
46 VisiLogic: Utilities
You will not be able to use Excel macros if, in Microsoft Excel, your macro
security is set to High (Tools>Macros>Security). Note that if you upgrade
Microsoft Office, macro security may be automatically reset to high; in this
case the following error may be displayed:

To solve this problem, reset Macro security to a lower level.

VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
PID Server
The PID Server PC utility enables you to auto
Vision and M90/91 controller se
VisiLogic/U90 Setup, PID Server runs independently of other Unitronics
software.
How Auto-tune works
The PID Server utility tunes a PID loop by temporarily disabling the PLC's PID
function, and tuning the loop
To enable a PID loop to be auto
The controller must be connected to the I/O module whose output feeds
energy into PID system.
The PC running PID Server must have an established communication link
to the controller.
The PID Server parameters must be linked to the same operands linked to
the PLC's PID function.
Note
PID Server will only work with Vision 3.73 and U90 3.70 and higher
projects saved with the most current version of VisiLogic. To update
older projects, open them with the current VisiLogic version and save
them.
Vision Auto-tune
Before a PID loop can be auto
The OPLC must be connected to the I/O module whose output feeds
energy into the PID
The OPLC must be installed with a Ladder application that
function; the function must be activated by an MB that is used
for that purpose.
uses this MB to disable the PLC's PID functio
The PC running PID Server must have an established communication link
to the controller.
The PID Server parameters must be linked to the same operands linked to
the OPLC's PID function.
y enables you to auto-tune PID loops for both the
roller series. Although it is installed as part of the
D Server runs independently of other Unitronics
es a PID loop by temporarily disabling the PLC's PID
oop while the PC controls the PID output.
e auto-tuned:
t be connected to the I/O module whose output feeds
stem.
D Server must have an established communication link
ameters must be linked to the same operands linked to
ion.
nly work with Vision 3.73 and U90 3.70 and higher
with the most current version of VisiLogic. To update
pen them with the current VisiLogic version and save
e auto-tuned:
connected to the I/O module whose output feeds
D-controlled system.
installed with a Ladder application that
ction must be activated by an MB that is used
When the loop is auto-tuned, the PID Server utility
able the PLC's PID function.
D Server must have an established communication link
ameters must be linked to the same operands linked to
ction.
PID Server
47
or both the
part of the
nitronics
the PLC's PID
ut.
e output feeds
munication link
perands linked to
0 and higher
ic. To update
rsion and save
tput feeds
contains a PID
hat is used only
Server utility
munication link
perands linked to
PID Server VisiLogic: Utilities
48 VisiLogic: Utilities
Auto-tuning with PID Server (Vision)
1. Start PID Server from:
- within VisiLogic via the menu bar, Tools> PID Server,
or
- within Windows via Start>Programs>Unitronics> PID Server.
2. Click on the New File icon to create a new PID loop Auto-tune file.
3. Locate Loop Properties in the lower right-hand part of the screen.
Link all of the parameters to the same operands used in the PID function
within the Ladder application. To link a parameter, click on the Address
field and select the desired address.
You can also import operand addresses.

Note that the Enable PID bit must be the same MB used to activate the
PID function within the Ladder application.
VisiLogic: Utilities PID Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 49
In addition, note that PID Server uses the 32-bit Auto-tune Parameter
vector to store values. Do not allow your application to overwrite the
vector.

4. From the Connection menu, click OPLC model, and then select your
controller type.
5. From the Connection menu, click Communication - PC Settings, and select
the appropriate settings.

6. Click the Auto-tune icon. The Stages box opens.
7. Click on the drop-down arrow to select the number of desired Stages,
which is the number of samples that Autotune will use in order to analyze
the system.

8. Click OK; the PID Server utility begins to run.
Note that by checking the Visible option in Loop Properties, you cause PID
Server to display a color-coded graphical representation of the Auto-tune
process.
PID Server
50
Older PID Server Applications
AutoTune Algorithm is a feature added with PID Server V4.00.
Type A
Previous to V 4.00, PID Server used Type A to tune all PID loops.
Type B (default)
When this algorithm runs, PID server uses a vector 32 MIs long to store
Auto-tune Parameters. Do not overwrite this vector in your application.
feature added with PID Server V4.00.
PID Server used Type A to tune all PID loops.
m runs, PID server uses a vector 32 MIs long to store
ers. Do not overwrite this vector in your application.
VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities
D loops.
s long to store
r application.
VisiLogic: Utilities PID Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 51
Note
If the system you are tuning has critical limits that are close to the
setpoint, you may need to avoid drastically overshooting the setpoint
during autotune.
To accomplish this in, for example, a heating system, run an initial
autotune procedure using a setpoint temperature lower than that the
desired, final temperature. You can then observe the system
temperature reaction, and repeat autotune, gradually increasing the
setpoint temperature until the system reaches the desired temperature.
Controlling the Physical Output
Before beginning auto-tune, you may want to control and initialize the actual
physical output that feeds energy into the PID-controlled system. If, for
example, you are using a V120-12-UN2, you can suspend the action of a high-
speed output by using Ladder Logic to turn off the Output's Run MB, and
initialize the output by storing 0 into the linked MI in the Ladder program.

Unitronics' Standalone Software Uti
VisiLogic: Utilities
M90/91 Auto-tune
Before a PID loop can be auto
The OPLC must be connected to the I/O module whose output feeds
energy into the PID
The OPLC's Ladder applicatio
activated by an MB that is used
loop is auto-tuned, the PID Server utility uses this MB to disable the PLC's
PID function.
The PC running PID Server must have an established
to the controller.
The PID Server parameters must be linked to the same operands linked to
the PLC's PID function.
Auto-tuning with PID Server (M90/91)
1. Start PID Server from:
- within VisiLogic via the menu bar, Tools> PID Server
or
- within Windows via Start>Programs>Unitronics> PID Server.
2. Click on the New File icon to create a new PID loop Auto
3. Locate Loop Properties in the lower right
Link all of the parameters to the same operands used in
within the U90Ladder application. To link a parameter, click on the
Address field and select the desired address.
ware Utilities
e auto-tuned:
connected to the I/O module whose output feeds
D-controlled system.
application must contain a PID function that is
MB that is used only for that purpose.
the PID Server utility uses this MB to disable the PLC's
D Server must have an established communication link
ameters must be linked to the same operands linked to
ion.
0/91)
om:
a the menu bar, Tools> PID Server,
ia Start>Programs>Unitronics> PID Server.
le icon to create a new PID loop Auto-t
ties in the lower right-hand part of the screen.
meters to the same operands used in the PID function
er application. To link a parameter, click on the
elect the desired address.
PID Server
52
tput feeds
ion that is
e. When the
disable the PLC's
munication link
perands linked to
erver.
une file.
screen.
he PID function
ck on the
VisiLogic: Utilities PID Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 53
The last parameter is the Enable PID bit, which must be the MB used to
activate the PID function within the U90Ladder application.

4. From the Connection menu, click OPLC model, and then select your
controller type.
5. From the Connection menu, click Communication - PC Settings, and select
the appropriate settings.

6. Click the Auto-tune icon. The PID Server utility begins to run.
Note that by checking the Visible option in Loop Properties, you cause PID
Server to display a color-coded graphical representation of the Auto-tune
PID Server VisiLogic: Utilities
54 VisiLogic: Utilities
process.

Note
If the system you are tuning has critical limits that are close to the
setpoint, you may need to avoid drastically overshooting the setpoint
during autotune.
To accomplish this in, for example, a heating system, run an initial
autotune procedure using a setpoint temperature lower than that the
desired, final temperature. You can then observe the system
temperature reaction, and repeat autotune, gradually increasing the
setpoint temperature until the system reaches the desired temperature.
Controlling the Physical Output
Before beginning auto-tune, you may want to control and initialize the actual
physical output that feeds energy into the PID-controlled system. If, for
example, you are using an M91-12-UN2, you can suspend the action of a high-
speed output by using Ladder Logic to turn off the Output's HSO Enable MB,
and initialize the output by storing 0 into the linked MI in the Ladder program.
VisiLogic: Utilities PID Server
VisiLogic: Utilities 55
PID Server VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities 56
PID Server Features
Import operand addresses
The PID function in VisiLogic enables you to export the PID operand addresses
in a text file. You can then use the Import operand Address feature to import
the text file; the PID operand addresses in the text file will be automatically
addresses entered into PID server.

Saving File Parameters
Whenever you click the Save icon, the file is saved as a .upl file. This file may be
opened by any PC running PID Server. .upl files include the Loop Properties
parameter links, comments, and PID auto-tune data up to the time that you click
Save. If you wish to save only the Loop Properties without the data, by creating
them, clicking Save, and storing the file.
Zoom
Click, then drag the cursor down, then release the mouse button to Zoom in on
a particular area.

Click and drag the cursor up to reverse the Zoom effect.
Unitronics' Standalone Software Utilities PID Server
57 VisiLogic: Utilities
Increase/Decrease Display View Size
Click the + icon on the toolbar to increase the graph sample size; click the -
icon to decrease it.
Export
Located on the Loop menu, Export enables you to either export the auto-tune
data to Excel, or to save a .bmp file of the auto-tune graph.
Comments
The Comment field is located in the lower left-hand corner of the PID server
window. Any text you enter here is saved together with the .upl file.
What's this ?
Our mission is to make automation simple and efficient. Unitronics' R&D has
developed and field-tested PID Server in order to provide you with fast, easy
loop tuning.
To enable us to fine-tune PID Server to suit a broad range of PID applications,
we would appreciate your using the 'Tell Us' feature. Clicking 'Tell us' will
create an email with an attached copy of your auto-tune and PID process.
If possible, before you send the email, please take a moment to put the details
of your application in the body of the email.
Note that in Windows XP, Windows will display the following dialog box; simply
click yes to send the message to Unitronics.

PID Server VisiLogic: Utilities
VisiLogic: Utilities 58
.
.dvi .......................................... 98
.ura .......................................... 98
.urc .......................................... 98
.vdf .......................................... 98
A
Alarms ...................................... 85
ASCII String ......................... 65, 70
C
clone ..................................... 2, 40
Com Parameters ........................ 30
Communications ........................ 72
D
Data .................................... 37, 39
Data Blocks .......................... 31, 34
Data Exchange .......... 14, 37, 38, 39
Data Table ................................ 15
Data Tables2, 17, 27, 34, 48, 51, 58,
61, 62, 38
Database, read/write . 17, 48, 51, 58,
61
DDE .............................. 37, 38, 39
Downloading ............................. 98
dvi ........................................... 98
E
Ethernet ................................... 72
Excel ............................. 27, 58, 38
F
files ..................................... 31, 34
Flash ........................................ 48
Function .............................. 40, 70
H
High Speed Output (HSO) ............. 1
HMI .......................................... 65
HTML ................................... 31, 34
I
Information Mode ...................... 87
Initialize ................................... 32
L
Ladder ...................................... 17
Ladder element .....................31, 34
Log ......................................17, 34
M
Memory ..................................... 48
N
Network ...............................30, 33
O
O/S .......................................... 30
OPC .......................................... 14
P
Password ................................... 87
PTO ............................................ 1
PWM-Pulse Width Modulation ......... 1
R
RAM .......................................... 48
Recipes ................................58, 62
Remote Access ................ 98, 34, 38
Remote Access, SD card data ....... 11
Remote PLC Programming ........... 92
Reset ........................................ 32
RTC settings .............................. 32
S
SD .. 2, 16, 17, 27, 31, 34, 40, 44, 11
SD Card .................................... 15
SD Card Explorer ........................ 11
Server ....................................... 14
String ....................................... 70
T
TCP/IP ...................................... 72
Text .......................................... 65
Text Variable ............................. 65
Touch-screen ............................. 87
U
Unidownloader ........................... 98
V
V290 ......................................... 87
Values ....................................... 58
Variable Types ........................... 44
W
Web server ................................ 72