TCWIN

Software Manual

405.1200.038.2 - Rel.: 1.00 of 04/05/1999

ABB reserves the right to change the information con-
tained in this document without notice. The informa-
tion represents no obligation on the part of the
company.

All products referred to are covered by the appro-

priate trademark and/or copywright legislation.
 i

Before you read

Each reader of this manual can tailor the way its contents are read to his or
her own preferred way of learning.

If you want to get to know first all the functions the TC offers you and then
experiment by creating a project, you need simply follow the order of the
chapters.

Alternatively, if you want to start creating a demonstration project immedi-

ately, analyzing the functions as they are met with, you need to proceed to
“Chapter 3 -> TCWIN menus“ and then jump directly to “Chapter 6 ->
Using TCWIN“.
 iii

Contents

Foreword The manual .............................................................. F-1

How can it help you?................................................ F-1
Conventions ............................................................. F-1

Introduction What is TCWIN? ...................................................... I-1

Requirements for displaying the Help on Line ......... I-1
File architecture ....................................................... I-1
What is a project? .................................................... I-2
Files generated by a project..................................... I-2

Installing TCWIN HW requirements: minimum specifications .............. 1-1

HW requirements: ideal specifications ..................... 1-1
Installation procedure............................................... 1-1

Programming functions Field and Variable .................................................... 2-1

Relationship between fields and variables ............... 2-1
List of functions ........................................................ 2-1

TCWIN menus List of menus............................................................ 3-1

The functions in detail Page......................................................................... 4-1

Multilanguage label .................................................. 4-1
Multilanguage text .................................................... 4-2
Numerical field ......................................................... 4-2
ASCII field ................................................................ 4-8
Dynamic Text Field .................................................. 4-10
Variables .................................................................. 4-13
Page sequences ...................................................... 4-16
Information Messages.............................................. 4-18
Direct Commands .................................................... 4-19
Text Lists.................................................................. 4-21

The menus in detail File ........................................................................... 5-1

Tools ........................................................................ 5-2
Object....................................................................... 5-2
Fields ....................................................................... 5-2
Edit........................................................................... 5-3
Page......................................................................... 5-3
Configure ................................................................. 5-4
Windows .................................................................. 5-14
TCWIN language ..................................................... 5-14
? ............................................................................... 5-14

Using TCWIN Terminology used .................................................... 6-1

Forms assumed by the mouse pointer..................... 6-1
Meaning of menu icons ............................................ 6-1
iv

Creating a project with Creating the project................................................. 7-2

TCWIN Project information .................................................. 7-4
Setting project languages........................................ 7-5
Project setup ........................................................... 7-7
Inserting variables ................................................... 7-8
Inserting pages........................................................ 7-10
Inserting sequences ................................................ 7-17
Inserting direct commands ...................................... 7-18
Data exchange area................................................ 7-22
Information messages............................................. 7-25

Compiling and Compiling a project ................................................. 8-1

transferring a project Trasferring the project ............................................. 8-2

Creating and printing Importance of documentation.................................. 9-1

documentation Print the project ....................................................... 9-1

Creating a back-up of Importance of a Back-up ......................................... 10-1

the project How to create a Back-up......................................... 10-1

Defining the fonts Meaning of the icons used in the menus................. 11-2
Personalizing a Font ............................................... 11-3

Appendix A Variables ............................................................... AA-1

List of pages............................................................ AA-1
Screen sequence .................................................... AA-1
Information messages............................................. AA-2
Direct commands .................................................. AA-2
Translations (Part 1 of 2)......................................... AA-2
 F-1

Foreword

The manual The programming manual is the tool that allows the user to create his or her
own application packages for the VIDEO TERMINALS (TC) by using the
TCWIN programming package.

How can it The manual contains all the functions, instructions, concepts and examples
help you? necessary for the user to learn quickly and easily.

Conventions Below is a list of representational devices used in this manual together with
their respective meanings:

File > Open This style is used to indicate a menu option. It represents the
complete path necessary for reaching the option required.

Label This style is used to indicate a data input field.

[] The contents are appear on the display.

✤ Indicates that this input field must be used.

Identifies a key.

Identifies an option within a window.

Identifies a folder.

Draws attention to essential points.

 I-1

Introduction

What is TCWIN is a program that allows the user to create the application package
TCWIN? required to work on the TC. It is easy to use and simple to understand.

TCWIN will only work in a Windows 95/98 or Windows NT environment.

Requirements TCWIN contains an exhaustive Help on Line (HoL) clarifying the vast
for displaying majority of doubts that a user might have. To have the HoL on screen a
the Help on Browser needs to have been installed on the Personal Computer (PC) to dis-
Line play pages in HTML format. (Typical Browsers: Internet Explorer, Net-
scape Communicator or equivalents.)
(This type of HoL will be available with the forthcoming versions).

Currently TCWIN contains a HoL that does not require any special pro-
grams for displaying it.

File TCWIN, after it has been installed, creates a structure which we show
architecture below together with the contents of the various files.

Main directory
Compiler files and PC <-> TC communication files. These directories
can be increased according to which products are supported.
Page images.
Files for converting programs related to versions of TCWIN.
Files needed to create fonts.
TC operating system and drive associating TC and device.
Contains the fonts supplied and those created by the user.
Contains HiL.
Contains the files needed for printing.
Contains the cover-page files for printing.
Contains the print configuration.
These are the files enabling TCWIN to function. The loss or removal
of one or more files makes it impossible to use the program.
 INTRODUCTION
I-2

What is a A PROJECT may be defined as a set of screens (defined later as PAGES)

project? having the same dimensions as the display of the TC being used. All pages
can be freely configured by the user, so as to be able to contain texts and/or
the display/setting of process variables. The various pages configured in
this way can be freely interconnected to create the best way for the user to
navigate between them. Finally, every project can enable the user to create
appropriate diagnostic comments in order to signal the occurrence of anom-
alous events in the process.

To sum up: a PROJECT can be considered as a more or less complex sys-

tem of pages whose aim is to enable the handling and/or display of a pro-
ductive process.

Files Table 0.1 lists the extensions of the files generated by the project.
generated by a
project Table 0.1: Significance of the files

Extension Location Significance

Project file -- all the files needed for the project are obtained from this
Project
.MDB file.
directory
Loss of this file will cause the project to be lost.
This file is obtained by compiling the project file (.mdb) containing the
Project text part of the project.
.OBJ
directory This file is generated every time the project is compiled. It does not
need to be kept in the archive.
This file is transferred to the TC. It is obtained after giving a com-
Main
mand to transfer the project from the PC to the TC. It groups together
.BIN directory
the information contained in the .obj and .obg files. It is not neces-
of TCWIN
sary to keep this file in the archive.
Temporary project file.
Main
A numerical file may be found with this extension if TCWIN has been
.PRJ directory
closed incorrectly. The file can be removed once TCWIN has been
of TCWIN
closed.
Temporary project file.
Main A numerical file may be found with this extension if TCWIN has been
.BMP directory closed incorrectly. The file can be removed once TCWIN has been
of TCWIN closed. (Before removing check that the file has not been cre-
ated on purpose by the user.)
Temporary information file on database record block.
Project A numerical file may be found with this extension if TCWIN has been
.LBD
directory closed incorrectly. The file can be removed once TCWIN has been
closed.

The removal of the .MDB fill will cause an irrevocable loss of the
project.
 1-1

Chapter 1 Installing TCWIN

HW For TCWIN to work properly the machine must be configured as follows:

requirements:
minimum • Processor: 486 DX/2
specifications • Operative system: Windows 95 / 98 / NT 3.51 or later
• RAM memory: 8 Mbytes

HW For TCWIN to work at its best the machine must be configured as follows
requirements: configured as follows:
ideal
specifications • Processor: PENTIUM 133Mhz or later
• Operative system: Windows 95 / 98 / NT 3.51 or later
• RAM memory: 16 Mbytes

Installation Insert the relevant medium in the appropriate drive and click on
procedure Avvio > Esegui…

Digit a:\setup.exe and confirm by pressing OK.

If the drive to be used is not “a:”, put in the appropriate letter.

Follow the instructions on screen.

 2-1

Chapter 2 Programming functions

Field and Before dealing with the programming functions available, it is essential that
Variable certain fundamental concepts be defined.
The programming packages often contain the terms FIELD and VARI-
ABLE.

We use the word FIELD to signify an area of the page that

can take on certain meanings. A field can be either STATIC
or DYNAMIC. By static field we mean a field that does not
change the display status in the page; by dynamic field we
mean a field that changes the display status in the page as a
function of the VARIABLE assigned to the device con-
nected.

Page

Relationship
between fields
and variables
PAGE of DEVICE
VIDEOTERMINAL

DYNAMIC field VARIABLE DATA area

STATIC field LABEL

The VARIABLE enables the user to assign a data in the device connected
to a field.

List of The following pages illustrate by means of a tree the relationship between
functions the principal objects, the elements associated with them respectively and
the properties of these elements. In addition there is a page reference to
where the reader can find the most useful explanation of their meaning.
 CHAPTER 2
2-2 Programming functions

Object Element Property Explanation

Page Number Page 4-1

Name Page 4-1

Refresh
Page 4-1
time

Help Page 4-1

Multi-language
Multi-language text Page 4-2
label

Numerical field Name Page 4-3

Source Page 4-3

Variable Page 4-3

Leading zeros Page 4-3

Visible digits Page 4-4

Truncated digits Page 4-4

Format Page 4-5

▼ ▼
 2-3

Object Element Property Explanation

▲ ▲

Preview Page 4-5

Field index Page 4-5

Continuous read Page 4-6

One-shot read Page 4-7

Modify field
Page 4-7
enabled

Bit-wise protection Page 4-7

Bit-wise protection
Page 4-7
Bit number

ASCII field Name Page 4-8

Source Page 4-9

Variable Page 4-9

Length Page 4-9

Format Page 4-9

▼ ▼
 CHAPTER 2
2-4 Programming functions

Object Element Property Explanation

▲ ▲

Preview Page 4-9

Field index Page 4-9

Continuous read Page 4-9

One-shot read Page 4-9

Modify field
Page 4-9
enabled

Bit-wise protection Page 4-10

Bit-wise protection
Page 4-10
Bit number

Dynamic text field Name Page 4-12

Source Page 4-12

Variable Page 4-12

Text lists Page 4-12

Single bit dynamic

Page 4-11
texts
▼ ▼
 2-5

Object Element Property Explanation

▲ ▲
Bit-group dynamic
Page 4-11
texts

Value-structured
Page 4-10
dynamic texts

Field index Page 4-12

Continuous read Page 4-12

One-shot read Page 4-13

Modify field
Page 4-13
enabled

Bit-wise protection Page 4-13

Bit-wise protection
Page 4-13
Bit number

Variables Name Page 4-14

Data area Page 4-14

Type Page 4-14

Length Page 4-15

▼
 CHAPTER 2
2-6 Programming functions

Object Element Property Explanation

▲

Signed Page 4-15

BCD Page 4-15

Address Page 4-15

Input limits Page 4-15

Linear scale Page 4-15

Screen sequences Number Page 4-18

Name Page 4-18

Start/Stop
Page 4-18
sequence

Start/Stop sequence
Start page Page 4-18

Start/Stop sequence
Stop page Page 4-18

Random sequence Page 4-18

Random sequence
Selected page Page 4-18
 2-7

Object Element Property Explanation

Information
Bit number Page 4-19
messages

Name Page 4-19

Message
Page 4-19
Message

Message
Page 4-19
Preview

Help message
Page 4-19
Help

Help message
Page 4-19
Preview

Direct commands Name Page 4-20

Variable Page 4-20

Bit command
Page 4-21
Bit number

Value-structured command
Page 4-21
Value

Text lists Name Page 4-21

Texts Page 4-21

▼
 CHAPTER 2
2-8 Programming functions

Object Element Property Explanation

▲
List of selected
Page 4-21
texts
 3-1

Chapter 3 TCWIN menus

List of menus The following schemata show how the TCWIN menus fit one into the other
and where the user can find the relevant explanations so as to interpret their
meaning more easily.

Menu Option Access to Explanation

File New Device Page 5-1

Open Page 5-1

Close Page 5-1

Save Page 5-2

Save as Page 5-2

Delete Page 5-2

Exit Page 5-2

Tools Print... Print setting Page 9-1

Pattern Page 9-1

Preview
Page 9-1
Check
▼ ▼
 CHAPTER 3
3-2 TCWIN menus

Menu Option Access to Explanation

▲ ▲
Preview
Page 9-2
View

Print
Name Page 9-2
Change

Optional sections
Page 9-2
Available

Optional sections
Page 9-2
Selected

Global settings
Page 9-2
Cover included

Global settings
Page 9-2
Index

Global settings
Page 9-3
Info-project

Global settings
Page 9-3
Comment sections

Page settings
Page 9-3
Margins

Page settings
Page 9-3
Setting

Page settings
Page 9-3
Footer

Page settings
Page 9-3
Page numbers
▼
 3-3

Menu Option Access to Explanation

▲

Project compilation Stop first error Page 8-1

No stop Page 8-1

Stop after N. errors Page 8-1

Display warnings Page 8-1

Outcome Page 8-1

Communication
Project transfer Page 8-2
ports

Baud rate Page 8-2

Fw update Page 8-2

Font definition Font Page 11-1

Dimension Page 11-1

Character
Page 11-1
overview

Character
Page 11-1
management
 CHAPTER 3
3-4 TCWIN menus

Menu Option Access to Explanation

Object None Page 6-3

Library Page 6-2

Fields Label Page 6-3

Numerical Page 6-3

Ascii Page 6-3

Dynamic Page 6-3

Edit Delete Page 6-2

Erase all Page 6-2

Cut Page 6-2

Copy Page 6-2

Paste Page 6-2

Duplicate Page 6-2

▼
 3-5

Menu Option Access to Explanation

▲

Undo Page 6-2

Redo Page 6-2

Create library Page 6-2

Zoom up Page 6-2

Zoom down Page 6-2

Settings Page 5-3

Multilanguage
Page 5-3
definition

Internal keys
Page Page 5-3
definition

Configuration Page data Order Page 5-4

Global internal
Keys summary Page 5-4
keys definition

Exchange area
Device Page 5-9
Term./Device

Settings
Page 5-9
Enabled
▼ ▼
 CHAPTER 3
3-6 TCWIN menus

Menu Option Access to Explanation

▲ ▲
Settings
Page 5-9
Name

Settings
Page 5-9
Area type

Settings
Start address Page 5-9

Settings
No. words Page 5-9

Settings
Page 5-10
Refresh time

Project information Created on Page 5-10

Edited on Page 5-10

Project name Page 5-10

Project version Page 5-10

Author Page 5-10

Company Page 5-10

Comment Page 5-10

▼ ▼
 3-7

Menu Option Access to Explanation

▲ ▲
Last date of
Page 5-10
compilation

Created with
Page 5-10
TCWIN version

Firmware version
Page 5-10
necessary

Project language List of languages Page 5-10

Choice of language Page 5-13

Font Page 5-13

Edit mode idle

Project set-up Page 5-13
timeout

Start-up sequence Page 5-13

Hardware List of VTs Page 5-13

List of ports Page 5-13

Name of device Page 5-13

Make Page 5-13

▼
 CHAPTER 3
3-8 TCWIN menus

Menu Option Access to Explanation

▲

Model Page 5-13

Communication
Page 5-13
parameters

Windows Tile horizontal Page 5-14

Tile vertical Page 5-14

Languages
TCWIN language Page 5-14
available

? Index Page 5-14

Search for help

Page 5-14
on...

Information on
System information Page 5-14
TCWIN

Check installation Page 5-14

 4-1

Chapter 4 The functions in detail

Page By Page we mean an ensemble of data and labels items that make up the
visual aspect of the screen as defined by the user and displayed on the TC.

Pages only allows the use of alphanumeric characters and symbols.

Each page has the following Attributes:

• Page number
A progressive number identifying a page in the list.
• Name of page
A name indicating the function of a page so that it can be easily recog-
nized.
• Refresh time
This is the time which elapses between one read of the information by
the device and the next.
• Page help
Supplementary information of help to the user and visible on the TC.

A list follows of the elements that can be inserted in a page:

• Multilanguage label
• Numeric field
• ASCII field
• Dynamic text field

These elements have been listed in the same order as they appear
in the TCWIN menu.

Multilanguage A Multilanguage label is a series of characters referred to as a String,

label whose definition together with the textual information contained in it is in
the language that has been selected.

A Multilanguage label field can be displayed in Reverse (With a back-

ground color different from the page background and character color differ-
ent from the rest of the characters).

The field Multilanguage Label can have assigned to it any of the fonts in
that language (see “Chapter 5 -> Project language“).

More simply, the Multilanguage label can be defined as a text that can be
displayed automatically in the language selected in the project.

When the F12 is pressed while in the edit phase a chart appears showing
 CHAPTER 4
4-2 The functions in detail

the characters belonging to the font in use.

Multilanguage All textual information contained in a project has, for each language config-
text ured (see “Chapter 5 -> Project language“) a string of characters that
defines how such information should be represented.
From now on all textual information of this type is called a Multilanguage
text, while the string of characters is called the Translation.

For each Multilanguage text you have to define a number of Translations

equal to the number of languages configured using the project. (Below we
show how to introduce these translations).

Example.

In a page dedicated to plant pressure control a multilanguage label has been

defined that says what the page deals with and which functions as the title
of the page.

In Italian this label corresponds to the text “PRESSIONE”, while in English

it corresponds to the text “PRESSURE”.

Project language
ITALIAN.

Project language
ENGLISH.

Numerical A Numerical Field is defined as one permitting the representation of a

field variable in a numerical format.

Numerical Fields are dynamic fields relating to a numerical variable.

 4-3

Numerical Fields can be represented in binary, decimal, hexadecimal and

floating point formats.

A Numerical Field can be displayed in Reverse (With a background color

different from the page background and character color different from the
rest of the characters).

Numerical fields have various parameters that have to be compiled; some

of these are obligatory (✤), while others depend on what the user needs to
have represented. The parameters are as follows:

Name:

Name defining the field. It is advisable to assign a name that helps

the programmer recognize it and its contents.

Comment:

A comment can be assigned. If possible it should be the full explana-

tion of the function of the field and its contents, but it can also be an
alphanumeric character sequence.

Source:

The origin can be determined of a variable on the device or a data

memory variable or another kind of variable. (See “Chapter 4 ->
Variables“).

Variable (✤):

This is the Leading zeros variable to which the field relates.

Leading zeros:

This parameter determines whether to display always the number of

digits defined or not to display the significant digits if their value is
equal to Example.zero.

Example.

Number of digits set = 6, value of data 100.

✔ Leading zeros Display format: 000100

Leading zeros Display format: 100
 CHAPTER 4
4-4 The functions in detail

Visible digits:

This is the number of digits to be displayed. Usually the number of

digits is chosen on the basis of the value that the variable can assume
the value.

Example.

If the variable reaches a value of up to 9999, just set the number of

digits visible at 4; if a lower number of characters (3) is set, the left-
most digit is not displayed.

Let us assume that the value is 2450; with the Visible digits parame-
ter set at 4, the number displayed will be 2450; if, on the other hand,
the Visible digits parameter is set at 3, the number displayed will be
450.

Numerical format:

You can determine whether to display the field in binary, decimal or

hexadecimal.
Example.

The value of the data in binary format is 100011. The screen will
show:

Binary -> 100011

Decimal -> 35
Hexadecimal -> 23

Truncated digits:

You can declare how many digits will not be displayed on the right
side of the field (less significant digits).

Example.

The value of the data in the device is 200. Depending on the number
of digits truncated, the screen will show:

0 truncated digits-> 200

1 truncated digit -> 20
2 truncated digits-> 2

In the case of write data the comprehensive value of the

truncated digits is sent to the device.
 4-5

truncated digits: 1
Value set in TC: 30
Value transferred to device: 300

Format:

This defines the way a field is represented. One or more separating

characters can be inserted between the digits; all characters are
accepted but only one type of character for any given format.

Example.

The value of the data is 25467; the value displayed is as follows:

Format Display
##### 25467
###.## 254.67
#:##:## 2:54:67

Preview:

Shows how the field will appear on the terminal.

Field Index:

For the sequence followed by the cursor positioning itself on the set-
table data. The positioning follows an ascending order, that is, from
the lowest index to the highest.

The key to the order is Index - Row - Column.

Example.

We enter 4 read/write data items from DATA 1 to DATA4, and

assign indices as follows:

Data Index
1 0
2 1
3 0
4 2
 CHAPTER 4
4-6 The functions in detail

Arrange data as in
figure.

The cursor positions will be in the following order:

Data 1-3 (Index 0)

Data 2 (Index 1)
Data 4 (Index 2)

Continuous read:

This parameter must be selected when you need to display the real
value of a given magnitude moment by moment.
When this option is chosen, the variable assigned to the field is con-
tinuously read and the field thereby continuously updated.

Remember that the continuous read mode means that the

TC is continuously engaged in sending requests to the
device attached.

The interval between one request and another depends on the value
set for the Refresh time (See Page 4-1) and is the same for all the
fields in the page.

Example.

You need to control a plant with magnitudes that vary continually:

temperature measurements, pressure measurements, numbers of
products, the position of a trolley etc. To have the information dis-
played correctly you need to select continuous read.

Instant Device Display TC

t0 123 123
t1 124 124
t2 125 125
 4-7

One-shot read:

This parameter must be chosen only when there is no need to show

the real value of a given measurement moment by moment.
When this option is chosen, the variable assigned to the field is read
only once; the read occurs when the page containing the field
assigned to this variable is displayed.

Example.

If a page contains fields that are not conditionable by the plant pro-
cess (see set-point settings, timer settings, etc.) the “One-shot read”
mode must be used.

Instant Device Display TC

t0 1123 1123
t1 2344 1123
t2 1266 1123

Where t0 is the moment the page is first displayed.

Modify field enabled:

This parameter determines whether the field should be read only or

read/write. With a read/write field a device variable can be set using
the TC.

Bit-wise protection:

This function is valid only for settable fields, that is, for read/write
fields. Using this parameter it can be established whether the field is
write-protected, that is, whether or not its value can be varied using
the TC. Usually this facility is used to protect important data in the
device connected from the risk of overwriting it with wrong values
introduced by unauthorized personnel, or to stop the value being
changed as a result of a particular situation within the production
process. The protection mechanism functions by setting the bit
assigned to the value 0 to make it possible to change the data and to
the value 1 if the data is to remain unmodifiable. It is the job of the
device connected to manage the protection bits using the command
area. (See “Chapter 5 -> Exchange area Terminal <-> Device“).

Bit number:

It is possible to decide which bit will function as field protection.

 CHAPTER 4
4-8 The functions in detail

Example.

Let us take 4 fields, for the sake of simplicity numbered from 1 to 4;

we assign protection bit number 0 to fields 1 and 2, bit number 1 to
field 3 and no protection to field 4.

Bit number Status of bit Field Setting First case:

Bit 0 1 1-2 not possible No field can be modi-
Bit 1 1 3 not possible fied
Bit n x x x

Bit number Status of bit Field Setting Second case:

Bit 0 0 1-2 possible Fields 1 and 2 can be
Bit 1 1 3 not possible modified, field 3 can-
not
Bit n x x x

Bit number Status of bit Field Setting Third case:

Bit 0 1 1-2 not possible Field 3 can be modi-
Bit 1 0 3 possible fied, fields 1 and 2
cannot
Bit n x x x

Field 4 is always modifiable as it is never subject to protection.

ASCII field An ASCII Field is defined as one permitting the representation of a vari-
able in alphanumeric format.

ASCII Fields are dynamic fields relating to a string variable.

ASCII Fields can be represented only in ASCII format.

An ASCII Field can be displayed in Reverse (With a background color dif-

ferent from the page background and character color different from the rest
of the characters).

The ASCII Field can have assigned to it any of the fonts in that language
(see “Chapter 5 -> Project language“).

ASCII Fields have various parameters that have to be compiled; some of

these are obligatory (✤), while others depend on the representation needs of
the user. The parameters are as follows.

Name:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

 4-9

Comment:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Source:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Variable (✤):

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Length:

The length of the string or, more simply, the number of characters in
the field can be determined.

Format:

The format corresponding to the Length is shown in characters.

Example.

Length Format
10 $$$$$$$$$$

Preview:

See Numerical Field Page 4-5.

Field Index:

See Numerical Field Page 4-5.

Continuous read:

See Numerical Field Page 4-6.

One-shot read:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

Modify field enabled:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

 CHAPTER 4
4-10 The functions in detail

Bitwise protection:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

Bit number:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

Dynamic Text A Dynamic Text field is that field which permits the representation of
Field binary data in a text format.

A Dynamic Text field is a dynamic field that relates to a numerical vari-

able.

Text is displayed by interpreting the value of a variable or the state of one

or more of its bits corresponding to a text list. (See Page 4-21).

The text list corresponding to the variable could contain more elements
than the variable itself can represent.

If the value of the variable corresponding to the text list does not identify a
valid text, a series of [ ! ] characters appears on the display.

A Dynamic Text field can be displayed in Reverse (With a background

color different from the page background and character color different from
the rest of the characters).

A Dynamic Text field can be linked to a list in three different ways:

• Assigned to the numerical value of a given variable

• Assigned to a single bit of a given variable
• Assigned to a group of bits of a given variable

Assigned to the numerical value of a given variable:

The value (in binary or BCD) of the variable assigned to the text list
is used to determine which text to display. The value 0 is inadmissi-
ble.

Example.

Take a list of 8 texts (from Text 1 to Text 8). If the value of the vari-
able assigned to the list is 5, then Text 5 will appear on the display; if
the variable has a value of 8, then Text 8 will appear, while if the
variable has a value over 8 the display will show [ !!!!!!! ]. In the
case of a read/write Dynamic Text field, then setting Text 3 would
 4-11

write the value 3 to the variable.

Assigned to a single bit of a given variable:

Only one bit of the variable assigned to the text list is used to deter-
mine which text to display. If the field is settable, updating the bit
within the variable modifies also changes the state of the bits not
involved.

It is advisable to use different variables for each dynamic

text within the same page.

Example.

Take a list of 8 texts (from Text 1 to Text 8) and relate to it bit 0 of

the assigned variable; when the state of the bit is 0 the display shows
Testo 1, when the state of the bit is 1 Text 2 is displayed. The texts
from Text 3 to Text 8 are not handled. In the case of a read/write
dynamic field, setting Text 1 would reset the bit assigned within the
variable; if Text 2 is set the bit assigned within the variable is set. All
the other non-involved bits are reset !!!

Assigned to the bit group of a given variable:

A group of bits of the variable assigned to the text is used to deter-

mine which text to display. The variable must have just one bit at 1
and all the others at 0 (with more than one bit at 1 the text assigned to
the highest bit is displayed; with all bits at 0 a series of characters [ !
] is displayed). With a settable dynamic field, the selection and suc-
cessive confirmation of a text causes the assigned bit to change from
status 0 to status 1 and the remaining bits of the variable to be auto-
matically reset. This type of dynamic field can be compared to a
rotating selector with a certain number of positions, where the num-
ber of positions is the number of bits selected.

Example.

Take a list of 8 texts (from Text 1 to Text 8) and assign to it the group
of bits from bit 4 to bit 11 of the variable assigned. When the status
of bit 4 is 1 Text 1 appears on the display, when the status of 5 is 1
Text 2 appears and so on for all the other bits of the group. If all the
bits are at 0 the display shows [ !!!!!!! ]. If, on the other hand, all the
bits are at 1, the text corresponding to the value of the highest bit
(Text 8) is displayed. In the case of a read/write dynamic field, the
selection of Text 1 causes bit 4 of the variable to pass to logical status
1, while the choice of Text 3 would cause bit 7 to be set. All other
bits not involved are set at 0 !!!
 CHAPTER 4
4-12 The functions in detail

A Dynamic Text field has assigned to it various parameters that have to be

compiled; some are mandatory (✤), others depend on the representation
needs of the user. The parameters are as follows.

Name:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Comment:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Source:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Variable:

See Numerical Field Page 4-3.

Text lists (✤):

It is possible to select which text list to assign to a variable.

Type:

It is possible to choose the mode of assigning a dynamic text.

First bit (✤):

Indicates the first bit assigned to the list of texts in Bit Group of Sin-
gle Bit mode.

Last bit:

Indicates the last bit assigned to the text list in Bit Group mode.
Within the variable, this bit must be more significant than the First
Bit.

Field Index:

See Numerical Field Page 4-5.

Continuous read:

See Numerical Field Page 4-6.

 4-13

One-shot read:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

Modify field enabled:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

bitwise protection:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

Bit number:

See Numerical Field Page 4-7.

Variables A Variable is an object allowing you to assign to a dynamic a data con-

tained in the device connected.

There are two types of variable: one a string variable (generally used for
exchanging textual information with the device) and a numerical variable
(that can be of the type “fixed point” or “floating point” and is used for
exchanging values).

String variables:

This type of variable allows the user to display a set of alphanumeri-

cal characters.

Remember that an Ascii character occupies 8 bits (1 Byte) of a regis-

ter, so it is necessary to bear in mind the number of registers neces-
sary to display the number of characters set.

Example.

A string variable of 8 characters is defined.

Given that each character is composed of 8 bits, 64 bits (8 bits x 8

characters) will be needed. If the register in the device connected is
formed of only 16 bits, 4 registers will be necessary; if, on the other
hand, the device contains 32 bit registers, 2 registers will be neces-
sary.

TCWIN will not check for overlaps of the addresses of the

devices used for defining the variables.
 CHAPTER 4
4-14 The functions in detail

Fixed Point or Entire Variables:

This type of variable, as its name implies, can be represented either

with the decimal point in a pre-fixed position or without a decimal
point, irrespective of the value displayed.

Example.

Let us suppose we want to insert a variable having the format of 2

digits before the decimal point and 2 digits after it: ##.##

The values are displayed as follows:

Value Displayed form

4567 45.67
23567 35.67
1000 10.00
53 00.53

Name:

Name that defines the variable. It is wise to assign a name that helps
the programmer recognize it and identify its contents.

Comment:

A comment can be assigned which, if possible, should be a complete

explanation of the function of the variable and its meaning, but it can
also be an alphanumerical character sequence.

The comment is not given in the duplication phase of the

variable.

Source:

This determines to which device to assign the variable.

Data Area:

This determines which area of the device is assigned to the variable

(e.g.: Input word, Output word Etc.). The list of data areas depends
on the type of device selected.
Type:

This selection determines the display mode of the data area:Byte,

Word, Dword. The display mode depends on the device selected.
 4-15

Length:

This defines the number of characters making up the string and thus
determines the number of bytes of the variable

TCWIN does not check for congruence between the Length

of the field and the Length of the string.

With sign:

This parameter defines whether a minus sign will be shown for nega-
tive values in the display or not. Plus signs are not shown.

Example.

Four-digit variable with sign (5 digits in total): for the value 1234 the
display will show 1234; for the value -1234 it will show -1234.

BCD:

Allows the content of the variable to be shown in BCD format.

Address (✤):

This field determines the address of the data chosen. The address
type depends on the type of device connected.

Example.

Data chosen -> Register

Address allowed by the device -> 0-100
Address chosen -> 25

Input limits:

Used to assign to the variable whether there will be an input limit or

not; in the affirmative case the value of the minimum and maximum
admissible limits must be defined.

Linear scaling:

Using this parameter a display value can be attributed that is different

from the value actually contained in the device.

Example.

Suppose we have a variable bearing the value of an analogical input

 CHAPTER 4
4-16 The functions in detail

connected to a pressure transducer: the value possible run from -2048

to 2047. It is awkward to display this value because in reality the
pressure read by the manometer runs from 0 to 10Bars, making it
impossible for the user to establish the correct value without carrying
out conversion calculations. To avoid these calculations, just set the
required parameters.

In the example used the following settings have been made:

Minimum on terminal (on display) = 0

Maximum on terminal (on display) = 10
Minimum in device = -2048
Maximum in device = 2047

If these parameters are inserted the terminal can calculate a linear

interpolation between the values registered by the device and those to
be displayed on the terminal.

Device -2048 0 2047

Terminal 0 5 10

It follows from the diagram above that the value 0 registered by the
device will be displayed on the terminal as 5.
Linear scaling will be active in two directions if the “Input Enabled”
parameter has been selected. To set the value 2 using the terminal
means writing the value 819 to the device.
In addition, Linear scaling functions as a result of extrapolation: in
the example in question the value 4095 read from the device will be
displayed as 20 by terminal.

Page Video pages in non-Touch Screen products must be input in a sequence to

sequences be able to be used.

If the pages are not input in the right sequence the display must be
managed by the device connected, using the command area.

A Page Sequence is defined as one or more interrelated pages. The

pages are grouped logically; the purpose of sequences is to be able to dis-
play topics distributed over different pages by means of change page.

For a project to make sense there needs to be at least one page sequence
defined as Start-up Sequence.
 4-17

There are three ways of calling up a sequence: by assigning the command

to a , by using a command from the device connected or, alternatively, as
a start-up sequence when the TC is switched on.

Page Sequences on video can be classified as Start/Stop and as Random

Sequences.

Start/Stop Sequences:

This type of sequence must have the Start and Stop Pages indicated.
The page number of the start page must be lower than that of the stop
page; not all the pages in the intervall between start and stop need to
be present, but at least one must be for this type of sequence to make
sense. Entering the sequence, the first page displayed is that identi-
fied as the Start page, then, when a Change Page request is made, the
page displayed is the one with the nearest page number. The display
order is cyclical, that is, when the last page is reached it starts from
the first again and vice versa.

Example.

Imagine a Start/Stop Sequence 1-7, with pages 1 3 4 7 defined, and

assuming the currently displayed page to be 4, when the Change
Page request is made in one direction (up) page 7 will be displayed,
in the orther direction (down) the page will be 3.

Random Sequences:

In this type of sequence pages can be put in any order. There must be
at least one page for this type of sequence to make sense. Entering
the sequence, the first page displayed is the first page in the list, irre-
spective of the value of the number. The page displayed when
Change Page is requested is the nearest in the page list. The display
order is cyclical, that is, when the last page is reached it starts from
the first again and vice versa.

Example.

Imagine a Random Sequence 9-1-5-7, and assuming the currently

displayed page to be 4, when the Page Up request is made page 5 will
be displayed; if the Page Dn request is made the page will be 9.

Sequence of Pages has assigned to it various parameters that must be

compiled; some are mandatory (✤), others depend on the representation
needs of the user. The parameters are listed below.
 CHAPTER 4
4-18 The functions in detail

Number:

This is the identifying number of the sequence.

Name:

Name that defines the sequence. It is wise to assign a name that

helps the programmer recognize it and identify its contents.

Comment:

A comment can be assigned which, if possible, should be a complete

explanation of the function of the sequence and its meaning, but it
can also be an alphanumerical character sequence.

Start/Stop Sequence:

Allows this type of sequence to be selected.

Random Sequence:

Allows this type of sequence to be selected.

Start Page (✤):

Active only if Start/Stop Sequence has been selected: allows the start
page of the sequence to be specified.

Stop Page (✤):

Active only if Start/Stop Sequence has been selected: allows the stop
page of the sequence to be specified.

Page Selected:

Active only if Random Sequence has been selected: allows the page
to be inserted in the sequence to be specified.

Information Information Messages are texts displayed when the device registers an
Messages event and communicates it to the TC using the message input area (See
“Chapter 5 -> Message area:“). The TC prepares a display context appropri-
ate for messages.

Information Messages can be displayed using any of the project fonts.

When required, the messages can be displayed in rotation automatically
(By using Command Area, see “Chapter 5 -> Command area:“), otherwise
 4-19

the scrolling requires the appropriate (See relevant Hardware Manual);

the display order of the messages is chronological, that is, in order of
arrival.

Information Messages have assigned to them various parameters that

must be compiled; some are mandatory (✤), others depend on the represen-
tation needs of the user. The parameters are listed below.

Bit number (✤):

Indicates the bit to which the informational message should be

related. (The message is activated when the bit specified is put at sta-
tus 1).
(See “Chapter 5 -> Exchange area Terminal <-> Device“).

Name:

Name defining the message. It is wise to assign a name that helps the
programmer recognize it and identify its contents.

Comment:

A comment can be assigned which, if possible, should be a complete

explanation of the function of the sequence and its meaning, but it
can also be an alphanumerical character sequence.

Message (✤):

The message to be displayed is edited.

Preview:

Shows what the message will look like on the display of the TC.

Help Message:

Use this to edit the text of the help page.

Preview:

Shows what the help page will look like on the display of the TC.

Direct Using a Direct Command the value of a variable can be changed the
Commands moment the assigned to the direct command is pressed. A project can
have any number Direct Commands configured and these can be ass-
signed to a button.
 CHAPTER 4
4-20 The functions in detail

A Direct Command is always assigned to a numerical variable.

Direct Commands are classifiable into Bit-structured Direct Commands
and Value-structured Direct Commands.

Bit-structured Direct Commands:

Bit-structured Direct Commands allow you to change a single bit of a

numerical variable.

Value-structured Direct Commands:

Value-structured commands allow you to change the value of a

numerical variable by means of forcing a constant. Value-structured
direct commands affect the entire value of the assigned numerical
variable.

Example.

Value of variable 120, value specified 45. After pressing the the
value 45 is transferred to the device.

Direct commands have assigned to them various parameters that must be

compiled; some are mandatory (✤), others depend on the representation
needs of the user. The parameters are listed below.

Name:

Name defining the direct command. It is wise to assign a name that

helps the programmer recognize it and identify its contents.

Comment:

A comment can be assigned which, if possible, should be a complete

explanation of the function of the direct command and its meaning,
but it can also be an alphanumerical character sequence.

Variable (✤):

This is the variable on which the direct command operates.

Bit:

If set, the direct command is bit-structured.

 4-21

Bit number (✤):

Determines the bit number of the numerical variable specified on

which the direct command operates.

Value:

If set, the direct command is value-structured.

Value:

The value of the operand is assigned.

Text Lists The Text Lists function is used in the project to make a symbolic text cor-
respond to the value of a numerical variable.

The text lists serve to construct the Dynamic Texts. (See Page 4-10)

Each text list contains status texts that, in general, are used to indicate the
operational status of a plant or a component of a plant.
A text list must contain at least two texts. A text may be composed of a
series of spaces. A text may appear in any project font.

Lists of Texts have assigned to them various parameters that must be com-
piled; some are mandatory (✤), others depend on the representation needs
of the user. The parameters are listed below.

Name:

Name defining the text list. It is wise to assign a name that helps the
programmer recognize it and identify its contents.

Comment:

A comment can be assigned which, if possible, should be a complete

explanation of the function of the text list and its meaning, but it can
also be an alphanumerical character sequence.

Texts:

Shows the texts contained in the list.

List of texts selected (✤):

Used to edit the texts to be put on the list.

 5-1

Chapter 5 The menus in detail

File New…

Use this to create a new project. By choosing this you automatically open
the following mask:

1) A list appears of all

the TCs that can be
programmed.
By clicking on TC to be
used you can activate 2
Edit. 1
Click on Edit to call
up the mask below.

3) You are shown the

device connected to
the TC terminal.

1) The name assigned

1
to the device
connected is
displayed.

2) All the devices that

can be connected to 2 3
the selected operator
terminal are listed.

3) A list appears of the

models of the selected
device.

Click on Ok.

Open…

Used to call up an existing project.

Close

Used to abandon the project currently displayed.

 CHAPTER 5
5-2 The menus in detail

Save

Used to save the currently displayed project on disk.

Save as…

Used to save under a different name the program currently being worked
on.

Delete…

Used to delete a given project from the archive.

The project is deleted DEFINITIVELY.

Exit

Used to abandon TCWIN.

Tools Print…

See “Chapter 9 -> Creating and printing documentation“

Compile project

See “Chapter 8 -> Compiling and transferring a project“

Download project

See “Chapter 8 -> Compiling and transferring a project“

Font editor

See “Chapter 11 -> Defining the fonts“

Object The content of this menu is explained on “Chapter 6 -> Meaning of menu
icons“, where the corresponding TCWIN icons are also shown.

Fields The content of this menu is explained on “Chapter 6 -> Meaning of menu
icons“, where the corresponding TCWIN icons are also shown.
 5-3

Edit Setting

Used to activate changes in the properties of a selected element.

Multi-language definition

Used to edit the translations of a selected multi-language label.

The other of this menu are explained on “Chapter 6 -> Meaning of

menu icons“, where the corresponding TCWIN icons are also shown.

Page Keys definition

Used to define the link between an F and a function, which is will be

valid only for the page being displayed. This association has priority over a
global reconfiguration. To define the function double-click on the desired
displayed in the list or else by clicking directly on the of the page of
TCWIN displayed in the foreground.

Functions assignable to F :

The following functions are not assignable to any device variable but
perform predefined tasks.

None:

No local function attributed, therefore use global configu-

ration.

Disable key:

Disables the .

Sequence:

Used to call up the assigned sequence.

Internal Command: Change language

Use this to change the current project language, substituting

one of those declared. The new language does not remain
active even after a new start-up.

Internal Command: Show project information

This displays the project information page.

 CHAPTER 5
5-4 The menus in detail

Internal Command: Show sequences directory

This displays a system page with a list of all the sequences

programmed. From this page can be selected the sequence to
be called up.

Internal Command: Quit project

Allows you to exit from project and then enter the program-
ming page.

Real time direct command:

Puts the bit at 1 as long as the is depressed.

Flip-flop direct command:

Inverts the status of a bit (from 1 -> 0 and vice versa) each
time the key is pressed.

Value-structured direct command:

Changes the value of a given variable.

Configure Pages data

Used to display the cross-reference between fields and pages. The type of
order can be chosen: by page or by data. While the first lists all the pages
and shows which variable is contained in them, the second lists all the vari-
ables and shows which page they are contained in.

Global keys definition

Used to define the association between F and function, that will be valid
for the entire project irrespective of the page being displayed. This corre-
spondence remains valid so long as the are not reconfigured locally
page by page, in which case the priority passes to the local reconfiguration.
To define the function double-click on the desired shown in the list. (See
also “Chapter 5 -> Keys definition“).

Exchange area Terminal <-> Device

The device exchanges information with the TC by means of variables used

separately in different pages or by using the Exchange Areas.

The Exchange areas are structures containing information relate to the

 5-5

device connected. These areas are exchanged periodically with the device.
Conceptually these areas can be divided into read areas and write areas. The
read areas are updated with the expiry of a time set by the programmer and
are divided into a Message Area and a Command Area. The write area
updates the device connected only when there is a change of status of vari-
ables in the TC; this area is called the Status Area and is divided into a
Terminal status area, an status area.

The detailed significance of the various words and commands

depend on the type of TC being used; thus for information not
given here, see relevant Hardware manual.

Message area:

This area is used by the TC to acquire events occurring in the plant

and detected by the device (e.g. a photocell has been intercepted, a
thermal protection device has intervened).
The message area can be assigned directly either to the device’s input
area or its data area.
It is the message area that defines the registers for controlling the
Information (See “Chapter 4 -> Information Messages“); the length
in words of the areas depends on the TC being used.

Command area:

This area is used by the device connected to make the TC carry out
certain functions and/or commands. This area is composed of 4 fixed
words (numbered from 0 to 3). Word 0 defines the command that the
TC has to carry out, words 1 to 3 serve as parameter words. The
functions and/or commands are contained in the TC and are identi-
fied by a numerical code and by parameters.

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 COMAND
1 PARAMETER 1
2 PARAMETER 2
3 PARAMETER 3

To make the TC carry out an action, the device must first prepare the
parameters related to the action by writing them in the appropriate
word, then write the code for the action in the corresponding word.

The parameter words must be written first to ensure that

there are no losses of information.

Seeing that the TC is aware of having to carry out an action when it

 CHAPTER 5
5-6 The menus in detail

finds a value other than 0 in word 0, writing the parameters after the
command you risk a situation where the TC reads the 4 words before
the device has read all the parameters. The consequence would be
that data is lost or a wrong action is carried out.

At this point, finding a value other than 0 in the command word, the
TC realizes that the device is making a request and so reads the 4
words, then it interprets the command, carries it out and sets the com-
mand word back to 0.
The device must interpret this resetting as meaning that another com-
mand can be sent.

The status area of the terminal is used to monitor what is happening

between the TC and the device.

An example.

You want to set the language in the TC as Italian (2). First of all you
need to determine the command to use on the basis of the list of com-
mands set out in the relevant Hardware Manual: this is command no.
07.

COMMAND “07”: SET CURRENT LANGUAGE

The command SET CURRENT LANGUAGE has 1 parameter

and produces an updating of the TC’s language in line with the
data sent by the device. The command does not need a
response. The format of the command sent by the device is as
follows:

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 Sets current language
1 Language identifier
2 Not used
3 Not used

Where:
Language identifier = The number of the new current language
(It depends on the way the project is set. See Page 5-10).
 5-7

First of all, the necessary parameters are set:

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 0
1 2
2 0
3 0

After entering the parameters we write the command code:

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 7
1 2
2 0
3 0

The TC reads the words, executes the command and puts the
command word back to 0 to indicate to the device that the
operation has been completed.

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

7 0
2 -> Execution -> 2
0 0
0 0

Status area:

This area is used by the TC to inform the device of any change that
has occurred in the operational status of the TC or in response to a
request command coming from the device connected. The TC writes
each area the moment there is any change in the information con-
tained in it.

Status area of terminal:

This area consists of 4 fixed words (numbered 0 to 3). Word 0 is

coded in binary and defines the status of the TC; word 1 is not used;
word 2 contains the page number that appears on the display if the
active context is that of Project pages; word 3 is in binary and con-
tains the active context of the TC in the event that Project pages is
not active.
 CHAPTER 5
5-8 The menus in detail

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 STATUS WORD
1 N.U.
2 PAGE IDENTIFICATION
3 FIELD IDENTIFIER

Example.

As in the previous case, the user wants to set the TC language as Ital-
ian (2). First of all, the user must determine which command to use:
this command is 07.

See “Chapter 5 -> COMMAND “07”: SET CURRENT LAN-

GUAGE“

Let us suppose that the device writes the wrong command code (for
example 70) in the command word.

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 70
1 2
2 0
3 0

The TC reads the words, realizes that the command code is wrong
and sets the corresponding words in the status area in the following
manner.

COMMAND AREA STATUS AREA

WORD NUMBER WORD NAME

70 0000000000010000
2 -> Execution -> N.U.
0 0
0 0000000000000001

Bit 4 of the STATUS WORD is put at 1 to indicate that the command

has not been carried out: the device, interpreting this diagnostic data,
must conclude that the previous command has not been successfully
executed and that the command must be repeated sending the correct
code.
 5-9

Status area for keys:

This area is composed of 1 words. This word is in binary code and

define the status of the pressed. The area is exchanged with the
device when a is pressed.

WORD NUMBER NAME OF WORD

0 OPERATIVE KEYS STATUS

Each Exchange area has associated to it several parameters that must be

compiled; some of them are mandatory, others depend on the user’s needs.
They are as follows:

Device:

Displays which device is connected.

Settings:

Displays the list of the exchange area registers and makes it possible
to edit and/or enter them.

Enabled:

Activates the data exchange. (Compiling the registers does not auto-
matically activate the data exchange).
Name:

The name is that which defines the area. It is advisable to assign a

name that makes it easier for the programmer to recognize and
understand its significance.

Type of data area:

Used to choose which area of the list is to be configured.

Start address:

Defines the address and the type of data area starting from which the
words to be exchanged are mapped. The types of data areas avail-
able, Registers, Inputs, Outputs etc. depend on the type of device
selected.

Word length:

Used to set the number of words to use for the areas to be configured.
(The words are 16 bits long, registers are 32 bits and use 2 Words.)
 CHAPTER 5
5-10 The menus in detail

With some areas you cannot modify the number of words which is
fixed at 4.

Refresh time:

This determines the time that must elapse between one update of the
exchange information and another.

Project information

Used to input project-related information that can be printed and/or dis-

played on screen.

• Created on
• Modified on
• Date of last compilation
• Created using TCWIN version
• Version of firmware necessary

The listed below can be set by the user:

• Name of project
• Version of project
• Author
• Company
• Comment

Project language

As already mentioned, TCWIN makes it possible to create multilanguage

projects. This means that with an appropriate command the display of a
given project on screen will change in accordance with the language cho-
sen. The language change occurs provided that the user has defined the lan-
guages into which the project must be translated.
The first language in the list is taken as the mother tongue (M.-t.), that is the
language in which things are normally displayed. If the project languages
are not set, the project is treated as monolingual and it will not be possible
to assign any translation and the display will always be in the mother
tongue (M.-t.).
The various languages can be displayed using different fonts, that is with
different graphical attributes from the characters themselves.
TCWIN, depending on the type of TC being used, creates a list of fonts
available with it. Up to 4 different fonts can be chosen that then become the
active project fonts to be used for editing texts in various languages. If no
font is selected, the font used is that set by the system.
 5-11

Example:

Let us suppose that our intention is to create a project in three languages

(Language 1 to Language 3) and that the TC in use allows you to use the 10
fonts listed in the table below (the fonts used in the example have no rela-
tion to those really in existence).

Table 5.1: Font.

Fonts available Display

System font ABCD abcd 1234

Font 1 ABCD abcd 1234

Font 2 ABCD abcd 1234

Font 3 ABCD abcd 1234

Font 4 ABCD abcd 1234
Font 5 ABCD abcd 1234
Font 6 ΑΒΧ∆ αβχδ 1234

Font 7 ABCD abcd 1234

Font 8 ABCD abcd 1234

Font 9 ΑΒ Χ ∆ α βχ
βχδδ 1234
Font 10 ABCD abcd 1234

We now assign 4 project fonts

Fonts available Project fonts

Font 1 -> Font 1
Font 2
Font 3
Font 4
Font 5
Font 6 -> Font 6
Font 7 -> Font 7
Font 8
Font 9
Font 10 -> Font 10
 CHAPTER 5
5-12 The menus in detail

We now assign project fonts to the various languages using a different

order each time:

Lang. 1 (M.-t.) Project font Language font

Font 1 Font 1
Font 6 -> Font 6
Font 7 Font 7
Font 10 Font 10

Language 2 Project font Language font

Font 1 Font 7
Font 6 -> Font 10
Font 7 Font 1
Font 10 Font 6

Language 3 Project font Language font

Font 1 Font 1
Font 6 -> Font 10
Font 7 Font 6
Font 10

Note that the order of the font varies with the language: this is very impor-
tant, because the association between the fonts and the various languages is
related to its position in the list.

1° Font Lang. 1 -> Font 1 Lang. 2 Lang. 3

ABCD abcd 1234 ABCD abcd 1234 ABCD abcd 1234

2° Font Lang. 1 -> Font 6 Lang. 2 Lang. 3

ΑΒΧ∆ αβχδ 1234 ABCD abcd 1234 ABCD abcd 1234

3° Font Lang. 1 -> Font 7 Lang. 2 Lang. 3

ABCD abcd 1234 ABCD abcd 1234 ΑΒΧ∆ αβχδ 1234

4° Font Lang. 1 -> Font 10 Lang. 2 Lang. 3

ABCD abcd 1234 ΑΒΧ∆ αβχδ 1234 ABCD abcd 1234 < System font
 5-13

The mother tongue can be changed at any time by moving one of the lan-
guages to the head of the list.

Lang. (M.-t.) <- Lang. 1

Lang. 2
Lang. 3

Lang. (M.-t.) <- Lang. 3

Lang. 2
Lang. 1

The languages have associated to them various parameters that must be

compiled; some are mandatory, others depend on the user’s needs. The
parameters are those listed below.

List of languages:

Displays the languages in which the project can be displayed. the

first on the list, as already mentioned, is considered to be the mother
tongue.

Language selection:

Used to insert a language in the list.

Font:

Used to assign the font to the language to be displayed.

Project settings

The general project settings listed below can be entered in this menu.

Edit-mode idle timeout:

This indicates the time the terminal will remain idle in edit-mode
before returning to display mode.

Start up sequence:

This indicates the first sequence to be displayed on switching on.

Device

Used to change the type of TC being used, any related parameters and the
type of device connected to the TC. This operation can be carried out at any
 CHAPTER 5
5-14 The menus in detail

stage of the project. (See “Chapter 5 -> New…“.)

Changing the type of TC or the type of device connected can lead

to a loss of data and graphical information.

Windows Horizontal arrangement

With this the active windows can be displayed horizontally.

Vertical arrangement

With this the active windows can be displayed vertically.

TCWIN Languages available

language
With this you see a mask containing the various languages in which
TCWIN can be displayed.

? Index

With this you can call up the index of all the topics dealt with in the Help on
Line.

Search for help on....

With this you can call up a mask for looking for a particular topic.

Information about TCWIN...

With this you can call up a mask where you can get System information e
Installation control, the former allowing you to have information on the
machine where TCWIN is installed, the second allowing you to get infor-
mation on TCWIN installation.
 6-1

Chapter 6 Using TCWIN

Terminology We offer below an explanation of the operational terms used in the docu-
used ment.

Click: Press a key of the mouse once and then release it.
(If not otherwise stated, this is the left key of the mouse.)

Double click: Press the left key of the mouse twice in rapid succession.
(If not otherwise stated, this is the left key of the mouse)

Select: Move the pointer of the mouse so that it is over an object

and click.

Drag: Select an object, press the left key of the mouse, keep it
pressed down and move the object to the point desired, then
release the key.

Forms The pointer of the mouse assumes various forms which depend on the oper-
assumed by ation being carried out.
the mouse
pointer

Normal form of the pointer.

Pointer on “hold”: operation still being carried out.

Operation in background: more than one operation going on at the

same time.

Meaning of The table shows all the menu icons together with their respective meanings.
menu icons
Some of the functions listed below only affect a field that has been selected.
 CHAPTER 6
6-2 Using TCWIN

Table 6.1: List of TCWIN icons, their respective menus and meanings (Part 1 of 2)
Tools Pulldown Selection
Action
Bar Menu Required

File > New Creates a new project. --

File > Open Opens an existing project. --

File > Save Saves a project on disk. --

Tools > Print… Prints the project. --

Saves a selection in the notes and

Edit > Cut deletes the object selected from the Yes
page.

Edit > Copy Saves a selection in the notes. Yes

Inserts a selection from the notes into

Edit > Paste the page .
No

Deletes the object selected from the

Edit > Delete page.
Yes

Edit > Erase all Deletes all the objects in the page. No

Edit > Duplicate Duplicates the object selected. Yes

Edit > Build library Saves a selection in a file on disk. Yes

Object > library Inserts a library in the page. No

Each keystroke undoes the last action

Edit > Undo performed.
No

Each keystroke restores the action

Edit > Redo undone.
No

Increases the degree of enlargement of

Edit > Zoom up the page displayed.
No

Decreases the degree of enlargement of

Edit > Zoom down the page displayed.
No

-- Option not valid for this menu

 6-3

Table 6.1: List of TCWIN icons, their respective menus and meanings (Part 2 of 2)
Tools Pulldown Selection
Action
Bar Menu Required

? > Contents Calls up the help on line. --

Activates the “search for help” function

? > Search for help on… of the help on line.
--

Object > None Puts the pointer in readiness mode. --

Allows the insertion of a multilanguage

Fields > Label label.
--

Fields > Numeric Allows the insertion of a numerical field. --

Fields > Ascii Allows the insertion of an ASCII field. --

Fields > Dynamic Allows the insertion of a dynamic field. --

-- Option not valid for this menu

 7-1

Chapter 7 Creating a project with TCWIN

Before seeing how to create a project, it is worth spending a few moments

to understand what creating a project means and what the necessary ele-
ments are.

The first thing is to understand which functions the TC puts at the disposal
of the user. At this point it is not necessary to know in depth how this
works: it is enough to know that these function exist.

It is extremely important is to exploit the potential of the panel to the

utmost, trying to avoid using the device to manage what the panel manages
automatically (messages, Start up sequence, etc.).

Although this seems obvious, often for a variety of reasons it is forgotten

and what happens is that the operation of the TC is adapted to the project to
be created, which is the worst thing that can happen.

A project must be structured and adapted to fit the TC.

This being clear, we can move on to creating the project. It is necessary to

establish the graphical structure of the project, by which we mean the look
of the pages and their contents, to know which variables to use and which
messages, which data exchange area to use (if necessary). It is necessary
too to have defined the sequences and, in general, to have thought of all the
elements to be included in the project.

Let is imagine that we wish to create a supervisory project for a wine pro-
ducer. Using the example of this plant, we will see how to control the tem-
perature of bottling plant. The plant will be monitored by means of
messages.
 CHAPTER 7
7-2 Creating a project with TCWIN

Creating the Click on File > New (See “Chapter 5 -> New…“)
project

Select TC50, select

PLC and click on Edit

Select the in the

ABB, CS31 list.

Click on Ok.

Set communication
parameters for serial
port of the TC.

These must be the

same as for the
device.

Click on Ok.
 7-3

Click on Ok.

The project has been opened.

 CHAPTER 7
7-4 Creating a project with TCWIN

Project Click on Configure > Project information (See “Chapter 5 -> Project infor-
information mation“)

Compile the
required.

Click on OK.
 7-5

Setting project Define the languages for displaying the project on the TC panel; in this case
languages the languages chosen are Italian (mother tongue) and English.

Click on Configure > Project languages (See “Chapter 5 -> Project lan-
guage“)

Select the box

Language, and insert
the mother tongue of
the project; digit Italian.

Click on Add.

Insert the language of

translation; digit
English.

Click on Add.

At this point the fonts of the languages are set.

Select English.

Click on Font...
 CHAPTER 7
7-6 Creating a project with TCWIN

Select
ESA(ESA5X7) in the
Fonts available list.

Click on Ok.

Repeat this procedure selecting ESA_1 (ESA5X7). Click on the Ok.

To activate the settings

for the language.

Click on Ok.

The project now contains information on the language. From now on all the
masks containing comments or editable texts will be requested in transla-
tion.
 7-7

Project setup Click on Configure > Project setup (See “Chapter 5 -> Project settings“)

Fix the Edit mode idle

timeout at 30 secs; the
Startup sequence will
be set at 1, but first it
must be generated, so
we will return later to
the subject of this box.

Compile as illustrated.

Click on Ok.

In this way all parts of the project is parametrized; now we can start to
insert the elements that make up the project.
 CHAPTER 7
7-8 Creating a project with TCWIN

Inserting You can proceed in two ways, inserting all the elements like variables,
variables direct commands etc. and then inserting them in the pages, or inserting the
pages and step by step creating whatever is needed.
We will choose a mixed procedure (See “Chapter 4 -> Variables“).

Select la Variables.

Click on Add.

Assign a name to the

variable so as to be
able to recognize it
easily in the list:
TEMP.A1 Add a
comment to the
variable by clicking on
Comment.

Click on OK, then

parametrize as
illustrated.

The comment should

be as exhaustive as
possible.

Click on Limits and

Linear correction.
 7-9

Fix the input limits

relating to the TC, set
the linear correction so
as to be able to display
the temperature
correctly, converting it
automatically from the
value actually read.

Click on Ok.

Repeat the operations described above to insert all the variables necessary
(See “Table A.1:, Appendix A -> Variables”).
 CHAPTER 7
7-10 Creating a project with TCWIN

Inserting Select the Screens (See “Chapter 4 -> Page“).

pages

Click on Add.

Assign the number and

name to the page, and
set the refresh delay.

Add a comment to the

page by clicking on
Comment.

Once the comment has

been edited click on
Ok. (A comment only in
the mother tongue is
envisaged).

Given the simplicity of the function on this page no Help page exists, so all
data is accepted by clicking on OK.
 7-11

A blank page appears:

The various elements can be inserted at this point.

 CHAPTER 7
7-12 Creating a project with TCWIN

PAGE 1 - Startup page

Multilanguage labels:
BOTTLING PLANT
F1:SETTING
F2:OPE

This page is seen when the TC is switched on and enables the user to call up
the functions indicated by the buttons.

To begin with we insert the multilanguage label (See “Chapter 4 -> Multi-
language label“). Click on and position the cursor on the page; edit the
text and confirm,

The text of the translations cannot be longer than the mother tongue text. If
the translation should require more characters the mother tongue can be
lengthened by adding spaces.

Inserting texts that need translation, this needs to be borne in mind.

Insert all text and click on Ok to confirm.

 7-13

PAGE 2 -> Setting parameter 1

Numerical data field (1):

Variable:
TEMPERATURE
SET POINT
dT
ALARM TEMPERATURE

Insert the numerical data. Click on , move the pointer onto the area of
the display where the data is to appear. Click.

Compile as illustrated;
there is no comment;
then browse the by
clicking on Mode..
 CHAPTER 7
7-14 Creating a project with TCWIN

Compile the fields as

illustrated to obtain a
continuous read data,
which is settable using
the TC.

Click on OK

Assign a Multilanguage label comment for SET-P.; repeat this procedure

for the other elements.

Insert the pages listed below.

 7-15

PAGE 3 -> Setting parameters 2

PAGE 4 -> Ope 1

PAGE 5 -> Ope 2

 CHAPTER 7
7-16 Creating a project with TCWIN

PAGE 6 -> Command

 7-17

Inserting Select the Screen sequences (See “Chapter 4 -> Page sequences“).
sequences

Click on Add.

Assign a name to
sequence.

Compile as illustrated.

Click on OK.

Inserting the rest of screens sequences (See “Table A.3:, Appendix A ->
Screen sequence” ).
 CHAPTER 7
7-18 Creating a project with TCWIN

Inserting Select the Direct commands (See “Chapter 4 -> Direct Commands“).
direct
commands

Click on Add.

Assign the name and

the variable as
illustrated.

Click on OK.

Insert all the Direct commands (See “Table A.5:, Appendix A -> Direct com-
mands”).
 7-19

Now, click on Page > Key definition (See “Chapter 5 -> Keys definition“).

Select as illustrated
and click on Edit.

Insert the definition of

the function.

Click on Ok.

Select as illustrated
and click on Edit.

Using the same procedure edit all the Key funcion.

 CHAPTER 7
7-20 Creating a project with TCWIN
7-21
 CHAPTER 7
7-22 Creating a project with TCWIN

Data exchange Given the need to define the information messages and the commands to be
area exchanged with the connected device, it is essential that this area be
defined. Click on
Configure > Area for terminal <---> device exchange (See “Chapter 5 ->
Exchange area Terminal <-> Device“).

Click on Add.
 7-23

Set the parameters as

illustrated.

Click on OK.

Click on Add.
 CHAPTER 7
7-24 Creating a project with TCWIN

Set the parameters as

illustrated.

Click on OK.

Click on OK to
confirm.
 7-25

Information Proceed to insert the information messages. (See “Chapter 4 -> Information
messages Messages“).

Select the desired.

Click on Add.
 CHAPTER 7
7-26 Creating a project with TCWIN

Insert the bit number to

which the message
must be assigned;
assign the name to the
message and edit the
text.

The comment is not

assigned, because
further information is
not needed to explain
the function of the
message

Then browse the by

clicking on Message
help.

Insert the help

message.

Click on to insert the translation. Insert the text and click on OK to

accept; you will return to the previous mask, click again on OK.

Using the same procedure insert all the messages (See “Table A.4:, Appen-
dix A -> Information messages”).

Now the project is complete and ready to be compiled and transferred. (See
“Chapter 8 -> Compiling and transferring a project“).
 8-1

Chapter 8 Compiling and transferring a project

Compiling a Compilation is a method of creating a file automatically in a format the TC

project panel can recognize.

During the compilation there is a control phase that makes it possible to

detect any errors introduced while the project was being built. If an error is
detected during compilation, it is highlighted by the text in the compilation
window being colored red and at the same time the errors being displayed.

To start compiling click on Tools > Project compilation.

Compilation can be configured as follows.

Stop at first error:

The compilation can be stopped at the first error encountered in the

project.

No stop:

Even if an error is encountered, compilation will not stop but proceed

possibly finding other errors.

Stop after N. errors:

The user can decide the number of errors to detect before stopping
the compilation.

Display warnings:

The user can decide whether to display warnings too during compila-
tion. The warnings are not considered errors, so compilation pro-
ceeds, but they advise the operator that a part of the project has
omitted and/or not completely compiled.

Output:

Shows how the compilation is proceeding. The information dis-

played can be saved in a file by pressing the Save output.
 CHAPTER 8
8-2 Compiling and transferring a project

Trasferring the Once the project has been correctly compiled it must be transferred to the
project operator terminal. To do this click on Tools > Project transfer. If the
project has not been compiled yet, the system automatically proposes the
compilation window with the above listed parameters; otherwise the trans-
fer window used for selecting the parameters for communication between
the PC and the TC comes up.

To prepare the TC for transferring the project see the relevant Hardware
Manual.

The parameters for transferring the project must be compiled; these are
listed below.

Communication port:

With this the communication port used by the PC can be chosen.

Baud rate:

With this the speed of data transfer can be selected.

Fw update:

With this you specify whether during the transfer the TC Firmware is
also to be transferred.

It is used to force the loading of the firmware. If TCWIN recognizes

that the firmware contained in the panel is an old version, that firm-
ware is automatically reloaded. Normally this is not activated
because, for one thing, the transfer times become much longer. It can
be activated in the event that there be doubts as to whether the TC is
functioning correctly.
 9-1

Chapter 9 Creating and printing documentation

Importance of The creation of documentation is an important phase in the development of

documenta- a project.
tion
It is possible at any time to consult, re-elaborate or simply re-check what
has been created. At the termination of a project this assumes an even
greater importance where problems are detected after a period of time; not
least, in the event of data being lost, it is possible to get back to what was
originally elaborated.

The type of documentation created is settable by the user and makes it pos-
sible to prepare print patterns that can be used as the needs of the moment
dictate.

Print the To print documentation the following steps must be followed. Click on
project Tools > Print...

The print program is activated with the following parameters to compile

and/or select.

Setting:

Name of printer:

The name of the printer used is shown.

Printer port:

Shows the port to which the printer is connected.

Pattern names:

Allows you to select which print pattern to use.

Pattern descriptions:

Shows what the pattern displayed and/or chosen permits you to print.

Preview:

Shows what the documentation will look like when printed.

 CHAPTER 9
9-2 Creating and printing documentation

Check:

This enables you to browse the print preview.

Overview:

This enables you to select the Layout (1 or 2 pages) for the preview
display.

Edit:

Activates the editing of a print pattern.

Name:

Name of the pattern being edited; the name too can be edited.

Optional sections:

This allows you to edit the type of information that you wish to print.
You can also edit the order in which this information is to be printed.
(The print order is the order in which the information is inserted in
the list).

Available sections:

This is a list of the information that can be printed.

Sections selected:

This is the list of the information chosen to be printed.

Global settings:

These permit the selection of print settings.

Include cover:

With this you can determine whether or not to have a cover. If you
choose to do so, you can choose from the list (assuming at least one
cover has been created.

Index:

Determines whether or not to have an index.

 9-3

Project information:

Determines whether or not to have the project information.

Comments in all sections:

Determines if there should be comments in all the sections.

Page settings:

Allows the user to determine the Layout of the page. (To be valid for
all the pages).

Margins:

Allows the user to define the margins of the page.

Header:

Makes it possible to write a header line and choose whether to print it

or not.

Footer:

Makes it possible to write a footer line and choose whether to print it

or not.

Page numbers:

Determines where to put the page number.

 10-1

Chapter 10 Creating a back-up of the project

Importance of This operation that only takes a few seconds protects the user from any
a Back-up accidental losses of data.

It is a good habit to create every so often for reasons of safety a back-up

copy of what you create and/or edit.

It is important to save the .MDB file; all the files necessary for the project
itself can be obtained from this file.

If you lose the source project (.MDB), the information contained

in it will be lost definitively; a possible recover from the TC panel
or the possession of the compiled files alone permit the project to be
transferred to another terminal comparable to the one for which the
project had been created, but it will not be possible to edit the project
in any way.

How to create To create a copy of the project, click on File > Save as... (see “Chapter 5 ->
a Back-up Save as…“). Use a support medium other than the hard disk and if possible
put it in a safe place.
 11-1

Chapter 11 Defining the fonts

TCWIN contains a program allowing the character fonts to be edited and/or

created.

In the case of text panels 7 characters (from 1 to 7) can be redefined. This is

because the display used contains a predefined non-modifiable set of char-
acters. Different fonts can be created, but for every font created there are
always 7 characters (from 1 to 7) that can be modified.

To call up the program click on Tools > Font definition. The main window
becomes activated.

1 2

1) Displays the fonts

currently operational.

2) Displays the
dimensions of the font
in operation.

3) Shows how the

character is displayed 3
in various
enlargements.

4) Shows the currently

active number of the
character in the table.
The image of the
mouse with the left
4
button is blue indicates
that the character is
editable.
 CHAPTER 11
11-2 Defining the fonts

Meaning of the The table shows all the icons of the menus together with their meanings.
icons used in
the menus
Table 11.1: List of icons used in TCWIN Font Editor, menu attribution and meaning.
Tool
Pulldown menu Action
Bar

File > New Creates a new font.

File > Open font Opens an already existing font.

File > Save font Save a font on disk.

Grid > Clear Deletes the content of the grid.

Inverts the content of the grid. (White becomes black

Grid > Invert and vice versa).

Language Allows the language of the program to be selected.

? Calls up the Font Help.

 11-3

Personalizing Below is an example of personalizing a project font by generating a new

a Font one, the font CUST5X7.fon.

Click on File > Open font

Select the font as

illustrated.

Click on OK.
 CHAPTER 11
11-4 Defining the fonts

Click on File > Save font

Assign a name as
illustrated.

Click on OK.

This operation saves the initial font which, in the event of some error, is not
ruined. After this operation the new font is automatically loaded.
 11-5

Set “Character
management”
arbitrarily on 3.

Select a pixel at a time and click till the character desired is obtained.

Once the character

has been completed,
click on File > Save
font.
 AA-1

Appendix A

The tables below show the contents of the DEMO project.

Table A.1: Variables

Memory Setting TC scale Device scale
Name Comment Flag Sign BCD
MW Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

ALARM TEMPERATURE -- 106,0 -- no no 0 100 -- -- -- --

DIRECT COMMAND -- 110,0 -- no no -- -- -- -- -- --

dT -- 104,0 -- no no 0 10 -- -- -- --

SET POINT -- 102,0 -- no no 0 400 -- -- -- --

TEMPERATURE -- 100,0 -- no no -- -- 0 50 0 1024

Table A.2: List of pages

Page Name Coment Refresh Help Help Text

1 Startup page First page with main menu 500mS no --

2 Setting parameters_1 -- 500mS no --

3 Setting parameters_2 -- 500mS no --

4 Ope_1 -- 500mS no --

5 Ope_2 -- 500mS no --

6 Command -- 500mS no --

Table A.3: Screen sequence

Sequences Name Comment Start/Stop Random Start Page Stop Page

1 MAIN -- yes no 1 1

2 SETTING -- yes no 2 3

3 OPE -- yes no 4 5

4 COMMAND -- yes no 6 6
 APPENDIX A
AA-2

Table A.4: Information messages

Name Message Bit N. Help Help Text

MESSAGE_1 Temperature too HIGH 0 yes CHECK SET POINT

MESSAGE_2 Motor failure Cooling 1 no --

MEGGASE_3 Motor failure Cooling 2 no --

Table A.5: Direct commands

Name Variable Type

AUTOMATC DIRECT COMMAND Bit

DIRECT COMMAND
OFF/ON Bit

Table A.6: Translations (Part 1 of 2)

English Italian

Alarm T: All. dT :

BOTTLING PLANT IMBOTTIGLIAMENTO

Check set point Controlla Set-P

Check set point Controllare set point

COMMAND COMANDI

F1:AUTO F1:AUTO

F1:MAIN MENU F1:MENU PRINCIPALE

F1:MAIN MENU F1:MENU PRINCIPALE

F1:MAIN MENU F1:PRINCIPALE

F1:SETTING F1:SETTING

F2:COMMAND F2:COMANDI

F2:OFF/ON F2:OFF/ON

F2:OPE F2:OPE

MAIN PRINCIPALE

Motor failure Cooling Termica Raffreddamento

Motor failure Heating Termica Riscaldamento

OPE OPE

Set-P. : Set-P. :
 AA-3

Table A.6: Translations (Part 2 of 2)

English Italian

SETTING SETTAGGI

T: dT:

TEMPERATURE CONTROL CONDIZIONAMENTO

Temperature too HIGH Temperatura elevata

Temperature °C : Temperatura °C :