Displaying PLC Messages. Automation Direct EZTEXT-P-M

LEARNING THE FEATURES

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Interactive Messages

(With an embedded DATA 1 value, only).

An Interactive Message is commonly used for operator data entry. This type of message is used for changing values that are stored in the PLC registers

(READ/WRITE access). These values are typically; Setpoint, Upper and Lower

Limits, etc. Interactive Messages may be configured to enter data using the UP/

DOWN Arrow buttons.

Enter New Temp. = 300

Data value entered by operator

Passwords are used to protect DATA 1 values from being accessed by unauthorized users. When pressing the enter button to select a data value to change, the panel will perform a check to see if there is a password on the data value, and whether it is a locally defined password or defined by the

PLC. Locally defined passwords are set using the EZText Programming

Software. If there is a password on the data value, the operator will be prompted to enter a password. Once entered, the password allows the operator to edit the data value. If the password is not valid, the operator will receive an “Invalid

Password” message and then is prompted again to enter a password. You must program the value of the PLC Password into the register (defined in the

EZText Programming Software) manually, or with an Interactive Message programmed into the panel file structure.

Displaying PLC Messages

Static Message Operation

To display a Static PLC message, you simply put the message number (1–

256) in the appropriate PLC register. These messages are text only, no embedded data.

Dynamic Message Operation

Dynamic messages are text messages that include embedded data. These messages present the operator with important PLC data. You may program message numbers 1–256 to be used as dynamic messages. Dynamic messages may be displayed on either the top or bottom line. The maximum number of digits that may be displayed is five (if Binary data format or four if

BCD). Use the EZText Programming Software to configure Dynamic messages.

See Section 5 , Configuration for more information.

Interactive Message Operation

An interactive message is a text display that allows operator data entry. Use these messages to enter or change values that are stored in PLC registers.

When the interactive message is displayed, the operator can enter data. Check

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