Live Monitoring using the Service Tool

The Service Tool allows monitoring and modifying variables in live mode using a CAN connection through the E-Com USB/CAN adapter cable. All that is needed is to include and install the .xml symbol table created in Codesys along with your application installation.

Once the symbol table is installed onto the controller, every time you connect to it thereafter with the service tool you will be able to monitor all the variables included in the symbol file. The end customer will not need access to any of the source files.

See full instructions on programming the uControl using the service tool.

Step 1 - Create the Symbol Tables

Add the Symbol Configuration Object to your Codesys project then check off each variable you wish to monitor.

Persistent and Retain Variables: The service tool does not have access to the memory space where these variables are stored. A copy of the persistent or retain variables needs to be created then updated programmatically which can then be accessed by the service tool.

 Build the project to generate the .xml symbol table.

Step 2 - Load the application First

This step is required on NEW units or units that have been Re-Flashed, to build the file system before the xml file is installed. After downloading the application, power cycle the unit then proceed to step 3.

Step 3 - Load the XML File

In this step you can load the XML file by itself or with the application on units that have already had the file system constructed in step 2.

Step 4 - Start Monitoring

As soon as the application and symbol table have been successfully loaded on the uControl the Service Tool will automatically go into live mode and display the current value of the variables. The controls allow you to start and stop monitoring. The variable names and their values will appear in the main window.

Close all off your tools down and restart the Service Tool and you will see the variables and their status appear on the main page, no file loading is needed.

Step 5 - Modify Variable Values

Variables can be modified in live mode by selecting the edit box   then entering the new values. Select the green check button to accept and activate the new value.