How to use system tags to determine if a device is connected

EasyBuilder Pro Q&A Staff
1

Introduction:

This post demonstrates how to use system tags to verify the connection status of an external device.

Software Version:

EasyBuilder Pro 6.04.02.349+

Related Tutorials:

How to find and Reference “System Tags”

Instructions:

  1. Within the “Home” tab open the “System Parameters” to determine the “Device No.”:
    Note: The device no. of an external device can be read within the “Device” tab of the System Parameter Settings. Devices #1-3 will be assigned to COM port serial connections.

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  2. Double-click a device driver to open the “Device Settings” menu to determine the “station no.”:

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  3. After verifying the “Device no.” and “Station no.” select the “Address” icon within the “Project” tab to find status tags associated with the device no and station no. (SN):
    Note: Ensure that “System tags” is selected within the address dialog.

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  4. The local address of a system tag that corresponds with the “Device no.” and “Station no.” of a device within your project can be used within an object directly as in the following example:

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Demonstration

I have an HMI connected to a Modbus device and a remote HMI for this demonstration. The device status tags are mapped to Bit Lamps. The system tags used in this demonstration are:
Note: The HMI will not show when a device is disconnected if there are no tags read from the device.

  • LB-10100: device 4 status (ethernet), set on to retry connection

  1. Note: LB-10100 is being used because the system tag corresponds with the “Local Device” number within the project.

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  2. I’ve addressed several “Bit Lamp” objects using the “System tag” search option available within the “Address” drop-down list:

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  3. The following image depicts the “Bit Lamp” objects that I’ve placed for demonstration purposes:
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  • The device status system tags are FALSE when the device is disconnected:
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  • The device status system tags are TRUE when the device is connected:
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Keywords

system tags, status, tags, connection status, HMI device connect, verify link, system parameter, device status, HMI Modbus, bit lamp, monitor connections