I am currently working on a project using WinCC Unified v16 Upd6 (PC runtime) with an S7-1200 PLC. The communication between the PC and the PLC is functioning correctly, as evidenced by the proper display of values on my IO field and the functioning indication lights. However, I am encountering an issue with the buttons on my screen that are linked to PLC tags. The buttons responsible for screen navigation are working fine, indicating that the communication is not the problem. I have verified that the tags are correctly addressed and have double-checked this configuration. The button setup involves setting a bit in a specific tag when pressed, but despite changing the value as per the configuration, the buttons are still not functioning as intended. I am unsure of what I may be doing wrong in this case. For further assistance, I have included a screenshot of the button properties for reference.
What type of tag is the SetBitInTag function intended for - a boolean tag or an integer tag?
drbitboy inquired about the intended use of the SetBitInTag function for boolean tags or integer tags. The function is specifically designed for boolean tags linked to PLC memory bits. Unfortunately, none of the buttons are functioning as expected.
Utilize the 'SetBit' function from the Siemens help file, specifically the SetBitInTagDescription function, to set a bit in the designated tag to 1 (TRUE). Once the bit is modified, the system function automatically sends the entire tag back to the PLC without verifying if other bits have been altered. Both the operator and PLC can only view the tag in read-only mode until it is transmitted back to the PLC. Note that if the PLC supports BOOL tags, it is recommended to avoid using this function and opt for the "SetBit" system function instead.
What is the process for acquiring tags?
I successfully manipulated the "settagvalue" to 1 for "Press" and 0 for "Release." It's puzzling why the "setbitwhilekeypressed" feature is missing in WinCC Unified compared to WinCC Advanced, Basic, and Comfort.
Looking at your screenshot, your configurations seem well-set, my initial thought would be to check the visualization level on your buttons. Sometimes, the objects in a higher level can overlap those in lower ones, making the buttons non-responsive. You should also verify the logic on the PLC side to ensure the button press is actually making the desired changes. If the problem persists, it could be a software bug, in which case you might want to consider contacting Siemens support or try reinstalling your software.
It sounds like you’ve done a thorough job checking the basics! One possibility could be the execution order of the PLC logic—if the button press is supposed to trigger a certain action, but that action depends on another part of the logic that isn’t being executed properly, it might not update the tag as expected. Have you tried monitoring the specific tag in the PLC during a button press to see if it registers at all? Additionally, make sure there are no unwanted conditions or latch settings in your logic that might prevent the tag from updating after the button press. Sometimes it’s the little nuances in the code or configuration that can trip us up!
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Answer: 1. Why are the buttons linked to PLC tags not functioning properly in WinCC Unified v16 Upd6? - The buttons may not be working as intended despite proper communication between the PC and the PLC. Possible reasons could include incorrect tag addressing, configuration errors, or issues with the button setup.
Answer: - To troubleshoot button functionality issues, you can verify the tag addressing, double-check the configuration settings, and ensure that the button setup is correctly implemented as per the requirements.
Answer: - If the navigation buttons work correctly while others do not, it indicates that the communication between the PC and the PLC is functioning. In this case, focus on reviewing the button properties, checking the tag values, and ensuring that the button setup is configured accurately for the specific functionality.
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