Trying to learn about Creating Parametric PLC IO Modules.Is the "edit terminal option" the only way to assigned terminal information on the PLC module when creating it? How do you move the attridutes to the desired location if it is not a choice in the edit area? DJN
If you already tried PLC database editor tool in ACE, another method is to use the Spreadsheet to PLC I/O utility which you can find in Import/Export data tab.
Maybe you can work on that to see if that can helps you.
The parametric PLC modules are built dynamically from any of up to 200 blocks from the symbol library folder; 40 blocks for each of the 5 PLC style options you select in Drawing Properties. You can edit the attribute location in these blocks to make a permanent change to the text/attribute locations. For a one time change, you could use the Move/Show attribute tool to move any number of attributes all at once. This tool works like AutoCAD Move after you select the attributes you wish to move.
Assigning or changing the terminal values is as easy as selecting the row that corresponds to the I/O point you wish to edit and typing in the value you desire for TERM_ and TERMDESC_. (See attached)
Hint: Creating a new PLC module can be a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is a breeze. One of the most difficult concepts for newcomers to grasp relates to the "Show" column. You make choices in the Show column to allow the user the option to display any unused terminals or not. In my advanced course we create a new PLC from scratch, and it includes 4 unused screws at the top of the module. So we set those to a type of "Terminal Point Wire Left" and select "when showing unused" in the Show column. In case the top terminal is an unused terminal you must choose two options, one that shows module information with only a terminal point (when including unused) and one that shows module information with an actual I/O point (when excluding unused).
Clicking Done saves the new PLC in the list without inserting it. Clicking Done/Insert saves it and allows you to insert it at the same time.
The Move/Show Attribute command allows you to move attributes in blocks that are already inserted. To permanently relocate attributes you will want to edit the 200 blocks that are located in the library folder you pick symbols from. To save time, you could just edit the 40 symbols for the PLC style you use (i.e. style 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 as defined in your Drawing Settings). The files begin with HP1, HP2, HP3, HP4, HP5, VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, VP5. The numbers represent the PLC style, so there will be 40 for each style.
The PLC Editor saves the PLC configurations in the "ACE_PLC.MDB" database file. This file and path will be displayed in the upper left hand section of the PLC Editor and Selector.
As for the location of block files you will need to edit, check the paths in the following (ACADE 2012):
Project Manager -> Right-Mouse Click a Project -> Select Properties -> Project Settings Tab -> Expand Schematic Libraries
Backup these files after making edits and save for future. Also, always a good idea to make a backup of the original files before editiing.