How to Resolve TwinCAT 3.1 Active Configuration Button Issues for PLC and Ladder Logic Simulation

Question:

Hello everyone, I'm currently working on a project using TwinCAT 3.1, and I've encountered an issue. After setting up the PLC within the Project Tree, I created several tags along with a basic Ladder Logic diagram to test functionality. However, I’m unable to click the "Active Configuration" button, which is preventing me from going online or simulating the program. I've already built and rebuilt the project, and I’ve also activated the "Activate Boot Project" option, yet the "Active Configuration" button continues to be grayed out. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can resolve this issue? I suspect the answer might be straightforward, but I'm struggling to find a way to utilize the "Active Configuration" feature to log in and effectively simulate the program. Thank you for any assistance you can provide!

Top Replies

Have you installed TwinCAT 3 with the runtime component, or did you opt for the engineering version only?

It seems that I only installed the engineering version of the software. When I attempt to install the "Simulation Manager" plugin, I receive a message indicating that TwinCAT is not installed on my computer, which is quite strange.

CommissioningMan inquired: "Did you install the complete TwinCAT 3 package, including runtime, or just the engineering version?" Click here to read more... I have just verified that I have installed the full version that includes the runtime! Can anyone provide a solution? Thank you for your response!

To effectively operate the system, it is essential to have a master device, such as a PC or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

What color does your TwinCAT icon display in the system tray near the clock?

It sounds like you’ve already tried some important steps, but sometimes it comes down to checking if the PLC is properly configured and loaded. Make sure that you’ve selected the correct plc configuration in your Project Tree and that all necessary dependencies are compiled. Sometimes also ensuring that your TwinCAT environment is running in the correct mode (e.g., TwinCAT Run Mode) can help enable that “Active Configuration” button. If everything seems right and it’s still grayed out, try restarting TwinCAT or your IDE; it might be a temporary glitch. Good luck, and I hope you get it up and running soon!

Hey there! It sounds like a frustrating issue. Have you checked if the PLC is in the correct mode? Sometimes, if it's set to a non-active configuration or if any settings are missing, the "Active Configuration" button remains disabled. Also, double-check your project settings to ensure that all required components are properly linked and that there aren’t any unresolved references. If that doesn't work, try restarting TwinCAT or even your PC, as odd software glitches can sometimes cause these kinds of problems. Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: If the "Active Configuration" button is not clickable, you can try the following steps:

Answer: 1. Ensure that your project is correctly set as the active project. 2. Check that all configurations are properly set within the Project Tree. 3. Rebuild the project to ensure there are no compilation errors. 4. Verify that you have activated the "Activate Boot Project" option. 5. Ensure that all necessary hardware is properly connected and recognized by TwinCAT.

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