Which is better to create a relay sequence program for Panasonic PLCs, FPWIN GR Or FPWIN PRO?

We recommend FPWIN GR to create relay sequence programs. It is compatible with the earlier software NPST-GR. FPWIN PRO is program editing tool software based on the IEC61131 European standard. It supports ST, a PASCAL like language, SFC, a language that can be structured, and other high-level languages. Therefore, this software is suitable for reusing programs by structuring them. However, it cannot read programs from FP0, and the source files must be managed. So, use FPWIN GR unless you need these FPWIN PRO functions. Note that the FPWIN GR and FPWIN PRO programs are not compatible.

When rewriting the program, all data in the data area are reset to zero. Therefore, I tried to hold the data by using "Hold PLC Device Value" function of GT series. However, the data still became zero. How can I successfully hold the data?

First of all, "Hold PLC Device Value" function of GT is intended to hold data in case of a power failure, and cannot be used for holding the data area. If you need to save the data in a specific area, use "Data Editor", which is software supplied with FPWIN GR. Go to Start of Windows > All Programs > Panasonic MEW Control > FPWIN GR2, and activate "Data Editor". With this software, you can easily read, save, and write any data area of PLC, including an IC card.

I need to connect three GV52 units and one GT11 unit to the PLC. Which model is recommended?

FP2SH is recommended. (Use CCU.) Up to four groups of communication ports can be used. (Connection to FP2 is possible. However, since it has only two groups of communication ports, simultaneous communications result in an error.)

Can I switch screens by using both the function switch and Programmable Controller?

You can switch the screens using the function switch by directly designating a screen number regardless of the controller status. You can also switch the screens from the controller by writing the screen number data in DT0. However, if you use both methods, there will be a difference between the screen switching data in DT0 and the currently displayed screen data in DT2, and screen switching by the controller may be impossible. In such cases, set the screen switching data in DT0, and then set and reset the forced screen switching flag (internal relay RE).

What's the difference between FL (file register) and DT (data register)?

Their purposes of use are the same, but the storage areas are different. The file registers(FL) are in the program area, and the part that is not used for programs can be allocated as data memory(DT). Therefore, the FL area changes depending on the program area size settings. On the other hand, the data registers use the operation memory area.

How do I sound the buzzers? Can I change the tone?

There is a buzzer relay in the basic communication area. When the word-unit internal relay is WR0, the bit-unit internal relay is RF. Turn ON this relay from the PLC. Since only one tone is available, it is recommended that you differentiate the sound by setting different flicker times using the flicker relays from R901A to R901D. (The highest possible ON/OFF frequency is 100 ms.)

Normally, up to 16 message patterns can be registered into a standard message parts. How can I register 20 patterns?

Select the custom message parts and set the replacement tag method to "Direct". You can register 50 patterns for GT10 and 256 for GT30. Each part must be created by using the drawing function.

Can I display or erase the switches on the Screen?

Use the custom switch parts. To turn off the display, don't create screen data(Transparent state) for the OFF mode, and set the valid condition so that the switch parts will not operate in OFF mode.

How can I create a parts library that can used in each program using GTWIN?

Your own parts library can be made in GTWIN. Follow the following steps:

1. Draw your part to be added to the library in the base screen.
2. Select from the top of the program Parts/Select Parts Library.
3. Select New then name your new library.
4. When you confirm the new library will be created. Select the part that will be added to the library and drag it into the library window (grouping the part together is a good idea so items can not be seperated by the programmer).

When using a long fiber, how does the sensing range change?

The light of sensor advances by repeating the total reflection in the fiber while attenuating gradually. The longer the length of the fiber becomes, the shorter the sensing range becomes.

What precautions should I take when handling a free-cut type fiber?

Please note that the sensing range of the free-cut type fiber may be reduced by 20% max. depending upon how the fiber is cut and inserted into an amplifier. Please allow yourself an appropriate distance when setting up.

Is the sensing range of infrared LED type FX-301H shorter than the one of red LED type FX-301?

In general, the sensing range of infrared type sensor is longer than the one of visual light type. However, regarding fiber sensors, infrared light is likely to be more attenuated in the plastic fibers than visible light. The attenuated rate of infrared light is more than the one of red light, and the sensing range is much shorter. In case of a short setting range, connection with glass fibers enables longer sensing range.

How can I check to see whether the sensor output is in normal operation or not?

Operation is confirmed by a tester and a resistor.

• When using a NPN open-collector transistor A resistor 4.7kO (around 1/2W) is connected between output and +V, and voltage between output and 0V is measured by a tester. If the transistor is ON and the voltage on the tester is LOW (about 1V or below), or if the transistor is OFF and the voltage on the tester is HI (close to the supply voltage value), the sensor's output is in normal operation.
• When using a PNP open-collector transistor A resistor 4.7kO (around 1/2W) is connected between output and 0V, and voltage between output and +V is measured by a tester. If the transistor is ON and the voltage on the tester is LOW (about 1V or below), or if the transistor is OFF and the voltage on the tester is HI (close to the supply voltage value), the sensor's output is in normal operation.

Is AND connection available with photoelectric sensors?

Since AND connection is a circuit to turn the power supply of one sensor ON or OFF, incoming current is occurred when the power is ON. In general, as sensors have an output short-circuit protection circuit, it forces the output to be turned OFF. Therefore, AND operation is not established. Please connect output line as OR connection for reverse logic, or use sensor controller (NPS-C7, etc) for AND connection.

How much is the real sensing range?

It is about 20 to 30% up from the value of the catalog. Regarding retroreflective sensor, it's about 10% up from the value of the catalog.

How can I select the 4 Setpoint values on my KT4H?

With the KT4H temperature controller you have the ability to set SV1-SV4 in the main setting mode. Using the SET VALUE LOCK SELECTION, you are able to select whether all Set values are changed or if they can not be changed. When the OFF setup mode, or when in MANU setup mode depending on the states of DI1( Terminals 17 & 18) and DI2(terminals 16 & 18) the SV changes. For example: DI1 & DI2 both open = SV1. DI1 open & DI2 closed = SV3. etc.